Tips for Hiring and Retaining Chiropractic Associates

When it comes to building a thriving chiropractic practice, hiring the right associates can make all the difference. During a recent conference, Dr. Phil Dieter, the President of the California Chiropractic Association, shared valuable insights on navigating the process of finding and retaining top talent.

One of the key points Dr. Dieter emphasized was the importance of understanding the distinction between independent contractors and employees, especially in the state of California. "If you do not know the guidelines behind that, go home tonight and figure that out for yourself, very few real independent contractors, I will tell you, exist in the chiropractic profession the way California has the law set up."

Ensuring that new hires are properly classified as employees is crucial, as it comes with important benefits and protections. Dr. Dieter advised employers to consider offering competitive salaries, insurance, 401(k) plans, and even signing or relocation bonuses to attract and retain the best candidates.

Beyond compensation, Dr. Dieter stressed the value of having clear job descriptions and training plans in place. "You should literally have a training plan in place. New docs must figure out, how do I manage patients? How do I cultivate patients? All of those kind of things when you go into this relationship, maybe not necessarily as a preceptor, but eventually as an associate, you want to have a robust training system in place for that person to succeed."

Personality assessments can also be a valuable tool, as they can help employers understand how potential hires might respond under stress and whether their working style aligns with the practice's needs. Dr. Dieter recommended the DISC profile as a helpful resource in this regard.

By approaching the hiring process with intentionality and a focus on supporting new associates, chiropractic practices can build a strong, cohesive team that is poised for long-term success.