greatest source of believability in the form of testimonials. They have con- crete financial plans that are designed to be win-win for them and their patients. They choose discipline over regret and thus offer a weekly health talk, so pa- tients can invite their guests into the wonderful world of chiropractic. Their weekly health talk also serves new pa- tients as they begin their journey with understanding and support. Chiropractic success is most measured in terms of who the chiropractor is, and is becoming. Each year successful DCs are more grounded in their understanding and astonishment of our great gift that transforms lives. They fall deeper in love with the opportunity to serve and to be served. Their habits are consistent with the fact that asking for referrals is an act of love and service. They open their arms and accept individuals for who they are, and where they are at, at the present mo- ment. Chiropractic success is about the abundant manifestation brought about by living an authentic life. The “who” in all of this is a person dedicated to the actions for success, not just the results. They are focused and on purpose. They fully embrace that suc- cess lies in the systems and the daily execution of these systems. This suc- cessful chiropractic business owner care deeply for his/her patients but does not carry his/her patients. This chiropractor is not taking on the responsibility of the patients’ health, but rather is walking alongside the patients on their journey. The life of this chiropractor is charac- terized by consistent habits for success, and he/she derives great joy and satisfac- tion in fulfilling his/her purpose through well-planned and directed days. WHAT THE GOAL-ATTAINING DC kNOWS The goal-attaining entrepreneur fully acknowledges that each “no” received is a step closer to a “yes” and also knows from experience that if you don’t ask, you will certainly never be given the opportunity to serve and to be served. Sure, asking could yield rejection; how- ever, the successful chiropractor knows that those who are successful have been rejected far more than those who aren’t. Rejection is temporary, and is simply an opportunity to recreate and jump back into the game with greater clarity, strength and determination. As you reflect on 2009, please ap- plaud yourself for what you did do, and seek to upgrade and leverage those activities by becoming the chiropractor who does the actions that yield the re- sults you seek. Your practice is a direct reflection of you, and you absolutely can exceed your loftiest goals and dreams. Act to make 2010 the year when your dreams are your reality. I rev my Screa- min’ Eagle engine and blast my Vance and Hines pipes – saluting you! • DCs AND CHAs GATHER IN TORONTO FOR OCA EVENT Pathways to Practice 2009, the Ontario Chiropractic Asso- ciation’s (OCA) professional development day, took place September 26 at the InterContinental Toronto Centre. This year’s event showcased dynamic speakers and several professional tradeshow exhibitors and provided excellent networking opportunities for members. The event surpassed attendance records of the previ- ous year, and the OCA would like to thank all members who joined us in downtown Toronto and helped make the event a remarkable experience. Speakers delivered presentations in three tracks, one for DCs, one for chiropractic health assistants (CHAs) and one combined. Among the highlights, Waterloo chiropractor Dr. Craig Bauman and special guest Dr. James Milligan, B.H.Sc.PT, M.D., provided a presentation on developing a collaborative model for delivering chiropractic care with- in a Family Health Team. Dr. Eleanor White and Dr. Rick Ruegg presented on the subject of developing a greater understanding of the Practice Guide for The Treatment of Whiplash-Associated Disorders in Adults and Dr. Andrew Miners discussed the evaluation and rehabilitation of the hip, knee and ankle. The event provided “a good combination of exposure to developing political and market trends, research and relevant clinical applications, as well as member business and strategic planning,” wrote one DC who attended the event. “Dr. Miners provided practical information we can use on Monday. He was excellent,” another DC wrote. Meanwhile, CHAs were treated to a presentation titled “Motor vehicle accidents — solutions to your issues, an- swers to your questions” by the OCA’s Paula Yaremko 38 • Canadian ChiropraCtor | dECEMBEr 2009 with special guest David Hayward, barrister and solicitor; a presentation on essentials for the chiropractic health as- sistant by PMP support representative and seasoned CHA Liz Pridham; and a seminar titled “The CHA’s Position is a Place of Influence”, which included practice marketing components by staffing consultant Susan Cooney. In addition, other sessions were offered related to OCA’s software programs. Delegates improved their technical knowledge and skills by implementing PMP Measurable Timesavers with Lauren James, and gained valuable insight on OCA’s newest software program, ChiroWrite. Another crowd-pleasing feature of the event was the intimate trade show, which this year hosted more than 25 exhibitors and concluded with a special reception for delegates that provided time for networking with peers. As well, several delegates took home prizes furnished by various sponsors and exhibitors at the event. The next professional development event will be held in autumn of 2011, with a program that will feature resourc- es, information, products and services to help you enhance your practice and meet the needs of your patients. More details will be made available in the months to come. www.canadianchiropractor.ca news