The Informed Chiropractor Podcast Dr. Don MacDonald

In this fun episode of The Informed Chiropractor, Dr. Don MacDonald joins forces with the esteemed Dr. Damien O'Dwyer to explore the fascinating intersection of Chiropractic Neuroscience and their shared experiences as dyslexic chiropractors.
With 19 years under his belt, Dr. O'Dwyer brings a wealth of knowledge from his upbringing in Australia, his PhD studies, and his chiropractic education at the AECC in Bournemouth, UK.
The duo delves into case studies and the latest research, shedding light on how neuroscience is revolutionizing chiropractic techniques and enhancing patient outcomes.
This enlightening discussion not only offers valuable insights for elevating chiropractic practices but also serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming personal challenges within the profession.
 
Show Notes:
00:00:00 - Discussion on shared dyslexia
00:04:45 - Dr. O'Dwyer's journey from medical research to chiropractic
00:05:11 - Background on growing up in a large, health-focused family in Australia
00:09:04 - Transition from high school to medical research
00:12:16 - Achieving goals and the realization towards becoming a health practitioner
00:14:18 - Encounter with Lindsay Rowe and decision to study chiropractic
00:23:33 - Understanding dyslexia and its impact on learning and professional life
00:29:03 - Realizations from teaching and adapting to dyslexia
00:38:52 - Introduction to the vitality shift and the alignment of chiropractic practice
00:48:32 - Insights from Polyvagal Theory and its practical use in chiropractic
00:52:05 - The importance of sustained ease in chiropractic practice and patient care
 
To discover more about our events and connect with like-minded professionals:
✅ Official Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
 
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In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, host Dr. Don Macdonald flies over to Germany (virtually) for an insightful interview with Dr. Aileen Hurkett, a passionate and dedicated chiropractor based in the picturesque town of Spire in the Southwest of Germany. Dr. Hurkett, an AECC grad from Bournemouth, UK, in 2015, has been a long standing member of The Informed Chiropractor group and an active participant in several of Dr. Macdonald’s seminars. 
Throughout the episode, she shares her unique journey into the chiropractic field, the evolution of her practice from a musculoskeletal to a neurologically focused approach, and the transformative impact of incorporating polyvagal theory into her life and practice. Dr. Hurkett also opens up about a recent personal trauma and how she's used her skills to navigate through it, providing valuable insights and inspiration for chiropractors everywhere.
 
Show Notes:
00:00 - The making of Dr. Aileen Hurkett05:20 - Chiropractic landscape in Germany07:15 - Transitioning to Vitalistic Chiropractic Care10:40 - Opening a practice in her hometown14:50 - The role of Polyvagal Theory in practice18:00 - Handling recent personal trauma21:00 - Evolution of her chiropractic techniques23:50 - Incorporating neurology and pediatrics into Practice29:10 - Managing a practice and family life32:00 - Advice for chiropractors35:00 - Resilience, growth, and the future of chiropractic
 
To discover more about our events and connect with like-minded professionals:
✅ Official Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
 
📲 Let’s Connect!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor, host Dr. Don McDonald interviews Dr. Whitney Wihlidal, a seasoned chiropractor with over 24 years of experience practicing in Orillia, Ontario. Dr. Willedahl shares an in-depth look at his career, starting from his initial encounter with chiropractic during his university years, his decision to pursue a chiropractic career, and the subsequent steps that led to him owning a successful practice. Throughout the interview, Dr. Wihlidal emphasizes the importance of community involvement, investing in personal and professional development, and the significant role that applying the polyvagal theory has played in enhancing his chiropractic techniques and patient communication. He also reflects on the learnings from diversifying into property and the strategic decisions that have fueled continuous growth in his practice, ultimately offering valuable insights for both emerging and established chiropractors.

02:46 Dr. Whitney's Journey into Chiropractic
05:53 The Impact of Chiropractic on Health
07:08 Transition to Chiropractic School
10:59 Starting a Chiropractic Practice
14:14 Transitioning to a New Practice Location
16:53 Growing a Chiropractic Practice
17:42 The Power of Community in Chiropractic Practice
17:53 The Importance of Involvement in Local Sports
18:10 The Role of Chiropractic in Family Health
18:19 The Impact of Community Engagement on Patient Acquisition
18:45 The Power of Personal Connection in Chiropractic
19:41 The Value of Face-to-Face Interaction in Chiropractic
20:05 The Evolution of Business Cards in Chiropractic
21:11 The Integration of Polyvagal Theory in Chiropractic
21:28 The Journey of Understanding the Polyvagal Theory
23:32 The Power of Polyvagal Theory in Patient Communication
29:02 The Lessons from Business Ventures Outside Chiropractic
29:30 The Importance of Investing in Yourself as a Chiropractor
35:02 The Power of Chiropractic in Health and Healing
36:15 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
 
To know more about our upcoming events:
✅ Visit our official website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
 
📲 Let’s Connect! 
Follow us on 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor
Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
 

In this episode of the The Informed Chiropractor podcast, host Dr. Don McDonald speaks with Dr. Tanya Chambers, a chiropractor from Ontario. Dr. Chambers discusses her journey into chiropractic, sharing that she was nudged toward the discipline after initially considering pediatrics. She emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable with one's chiropractor for effective care. She also discusses how she applies the principles of Polyvagal theory to her practice, stressing the vital role of making patients feel safe and comfortable. Dr. Chambers also shares advice for students and chiropractors, suggesting they visit other practitioners' offices to learn and always be themselves, prioritizing self-care and maintaining their passion for their work.
02:50 Dr. Tanya Chambers' Journey into Chiropractic
05:29 Exploring Other Career Paths
07:42 Discovering Chiropractic and Starting Practice
13:27 The Importance of Community Engagement in Practice
17:10 Expanding the Practice and Teamwork
18:26 Working as a Husband-Wife Team in Chiropractic
19:46 Balancing Business and Personal Relationships
20:14 The Challenges of Separating Work and Personal Life
20:50 The Intersection of Passion and Work
21:40 Introduction to the Polyvagal Theory
22:53 Applying the Polyvagal Theory in Practice
23:29 The Art, Science, and Philosophy of Chiropractic
26:46 The Importance of Communication in Chiropractic
31:01 Advice for Chiropractic Students
33:41 Reflections and Advice for Younger Self
35:52 The Importance of Self-Care for Chiropractors
39:28 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice
To know more about our upcoming events:
✅ Visit our official website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
 
📲 Let’s Connect! 
Follow us on 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor
Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
 

After a hiatus, Dr. Don is relaunching the podcast today with a brand new name.In this solo episode, Dr. Don discusses rebranding from Vitality Shift Podcast for Chiropractors to The Informed Chiropractor and how the principles of chiropractic care can blend with the revolutionary insights of the Polyvagal Theory. He describes how implementing the Polyvagal Theory with chiropractic principles can more profoundly impact patients' nervous systems. He also talks about neuroception and interoception and how they are critical in detecting danger and self-awareness. He explains how chiropractic adjustments and using the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol can optimize patient care by aiming to achieve a ventral vagal state where the body heals optimally. 

01:20 Rebranding and Evolution of The Informed Chiropractor
01:48 The Vitality Shift and Objective Testing
03:52 Implementing the Polyvagal Theory in Chiropractic
05:41 Understanding the States of the Nervous System
06:59 The Role of Neuroception and Interoception in Chiropractic
08:56 The McDonald Safety Corridor and the Importance of Chiropractic Adjustment
15:33 The Polyvagal Shift and MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol
17:53 Conclusion and Future Plans for The Informed Chiropractor
 
To know more about our upcoming events:
✅ Visit our official website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com
 
📲 Let’s Connect! 
Follow us on 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevitalityshift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheInformedChiropractor
Website: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com

After a short summer hiatus from the podcast, we’re back with a new episode. Today, we’re talking about the polyvagal theory, the two branches of the vagus nerve, the hierarchy of the nervous system, and how increased knowledge on these topics improves the quality of care for practice members.
 
Our nervous system greatly influences the way we interact with the world, especially socially. As a chiropractor, you can use the polyvagal theory to signal cues of safety and enhance the adjustment experience by quickly helping the body become more regulated—and bringing your client out of a tense, chronic, fight-or-flight state.
 
Key Takeaways:
An update on what Dr. Don has been up to since the last episode. [0:42]
How the polyvagal theory relates to chiropractic work. [1:46]
Why it’s important to understand the two distinct branches of the vagus nerve. [3:10]
Understanding the hierarchy of the nervous system in social mammals. [4:40]
What neuroception is and how it works. [7:18]
Why the state of one’s nervous system isn’t black and white. [9:09]
What happens to your social engagement system when you are in fight or flight. [10:08]
How greater knowledge of nervous system function may alter adjustments. [12:31]
How a regulated nervous state promotes healthy posture. [14:20]
Why teaching someone a skill you know innately is actually beneficial to you. [15:18]
Opportunities to learn more about this that are coming up soon. [16:40]
How better care can help bring practice members out of a protective, tense state. [18:46]
Why matching communication style to client needs matters. [19:52]
What to expect in upcoming episodes and who this information is perfect for. [21:47]