M "V /: Kathleen D. Baumgardner, this year's AC A Sports M W Council Chiropractor of the Year, received her BS de--^-^ gree from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, and is a 19S6 graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic. She maintains her practice. Health Goals Chiropractic Center, in Marlton, NJ, where she combines her extensive experience in athletics and fitness training to offer one of the state's leading chiropractic rehabilitation programs. Besides running her practice. Dr. Baumgardner is also a popular national speaker, lecturing on a wide range of topics, from gender differences and issues of the female patient to children and allergies. In an intennew with The American Chiropractor (TAC), Dr. Kathleen D. Baumgarder answers TACi questions about her family-based practice, where eveiy patient is treated like an athlete. TAC: Dr. Baumgardner, what influenced you to become a chiropractor? Baumgardner: Many situations in my formative years influenced me to be a chiropractor. I was first introduced to chiropractic when I was around 14 years old, when my mother was very ill with debilitating migraines, numbness in her amis, neck and back pain. After many medical doctors and testing, the best treatment she could find was Valium—for the rest of her life. With three small children to raise, she declined. Then, a dentist noticed the clicking in her jaw and recommended she see this new chiropractor in town. I remember listening to the conversation she and my father had, and I know that they were concerned to have her see the "quack". But then, what did she have to lose? She reluctantly tried chiropractic, was adjusted for a TMJ condition and was educated in nutrition and exercise. To this day, when you ask her what chiropractic has done for her, my mother's answer is, "It saved my life." My mother became the office manager for this chiropractor; my aunt became his chiropractic assistant; and the chiropractor (Dr. David Chectham), ultimately, became my uncle. Chiropractic became a way of life for my family. My personal experience with chiropractic began my senior year in high school athletics. After vaulting on a gymnastics vaulting board, I experienced severe foot pain, so my parents took me to the best orthopedists at the University of Pennsylvania. After a cursory evaluation, the doctor turned to his intern and instructed him to "shoot it with cortisone". That injection lead to tissue breakdown, a ganglionic cyst, severe pain and what I thought was the end of my athletic career. At that time, 1 met another chiropractor. Dr. Robert Monokian, who was working in our local high school with the sports teams. He adjusted my foot, lower leg, knee, and spine and taught me athletic taping. I played four more years of lacrosse at Bucknell. Upon graduating from chiropractic college, 1 returned to Dr. Monokian's office as an associate for six years, became his partner in practice for five years and, when he decided to pursue chiropractic and golf in the Virgin Islands; I purchased the other half of the office from him. We both were winners with that decision. TAC: What type of practice do you have? Baumgardner: Health Goals Chiropractic is a practice based on creating an environment of wellness for the patient. And, as our name implies, we are dedicated to helping our patients set and achieve health and wellness goals. Most of our patients enter the office with some type of condition. They undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment program. They are given a report of findings, which answers the questions: What is wrong? Is this a chiropractic case? How long will it take to "get better" and what will it cost? This report is given by the doctor, and they also receive a written report. Every ten-to-twelve visits, or depending on the level of progress, the patient is given a re-examination with another progressive report of findings. At key points of improvement, the patient is given an exercise program to enhance their progress. Our philosophy is that every patient is an athlete. Flexibility, posture and core strength arc essential in achieving wellness. We also discuss nutrition and proper dietary habits. Massage therapy, exercise and rehabilitation, and personal training are services that are also provided at Health Goals Chiropractic. ' We arc a family based practice with special interest in sports injuries, women's health, pediatrics and general heath and wellness issues. We participate in many insurance programs, that comprise ap- proximately 60% of the income, 35% cash, and the remaining 5% personal injury and workers comp. I choose to look at the insurance industry with a positive view. As much as we don't like it, when a patient is referred to a doctor, one of the first questions will be, "Does she participate with my insurance?" We explain to the patient that most insurance will cover the initial phase of acute care. Though, as the patient improves, there will come a time when insurance will no longer provide payment, and the patient will be responsible for the office visit payments. If I have done my job correctly, the patients will have experienced the benefits of chiropractic care, have been educated in health and wellness, and will recognize the importance of maintaining their chiropractic adjust- ments, exercise programs and healthy lifestyles. TAC: How many hours a week do you work? Baumgardner: The office is open 6'/2 days a week, from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.. Monday through Friday, and 9 A.M.to 1 P.M. on Saturday. I, personally, have scheduled patient hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. and Thursday from 3 to 7. Tuesday is dedicated to paperwork, consulting, meetings, and networking. Depending on what is scheduled. I am in the office for 4-6 hours, then off to network. That is my day to work "on the practice, not in the practice." TAC: What marketing strategies do you use to attract new patients and to keep current patients? Baumgardner: Our practice is strictly refcnal based. Patients are referred in by other patients or other health professionals. We have a great relationship with many primary care physicians and obstetricians. Our internal marketing begins with the examination, report of findings, follow-up re-examinations. The patients recognize thoroughness, solid procedures, consistency and teamwork. We provide health care classes on spinal care and various health issues, sports and kids, backpack safety, menopause, stress management, exercise and health. The greatest compliment is when patients bring in their families and friends. Our external marketing is community based. Our goal is to be the health and wellness information center for the community. We provide workshops for anyone that will listen to me. I speak to women's groups, individual health professionals, PTA's, volunteer coaches, students, and classrooms, from kindergarten to senior citizen groups. Our big projects include Kids Day America, drawing the community together for a health, safety and environmental awareness day, and our office sponsored golf tournament. TAC: What adjuncts do you use in your practice and how did you select the ones you use? Baumgardner: 1 am on a constant search to find products, procedures, and techniques that will enhance the experience of the patient. 1 look for ways to provide more comprehensive evaluation. Orthotics is an integral part of my practice. Working with athletes, especially female athletes, has led me to see that the use of orthotics greatly enhances the stabilization of the patient. The FAS Scan is the most recent innovation, from Foot Lev-elers, providing a high tech, efficient method of scanning for orthotics as well as providing a great patient education tool, by producing easy-to-read reports. Patients love to see their feet on the computer screen! The Chiropractic Leadership Alliance Subluxation Station was one of the most dramatic changes I added to the office last year. By incorporating the Thermal Scan and the Static EMG into my examination process, I have been able to quantitatively monitor progress and show that progress to the patients. The patients GET IT, when they see their printouts and progress. Now they get excited for their re-examinations. We also utilize various physical therapy modalities. Attached to our office is a re- habitation center. That is our facility for providing exercise instruction, rehab— mostly core stability and flexibility, and personal training. We have cardiovascular equipment, treadmill, upper body crgonomotor, Stainnaster, and stationary bikes. Exercise equipment includes TriFIex Theraciser, leg curl and extension, lat pull clown, free weights and Swiss balls. TAC: How did you get started speaking at national seminars? Baumgardner: ■"Women's Health Concerns" began as a series of lay lectures that I developed to educate my female base of patients. I recognized a vast void in the information women had about their bodies, and health issues. Our patient base is over 50-60% female. Women were demanding this information and I wanted to provide it. Kent Greenwalt, of Foot Levelers, expressed interest in the program and has been the major sponsor for over five years. This program begins with the biomechani-cal and physiological differences between the female body and male body. Yes. there are differences! Then, we go through the life span of the female and discuss possible conditions and situations that may arise: The adolescent female, psychoso-cial issues, athletic participation, potential injuries that are more prevalent in the female patient, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy—the biomechanical changes and physiological changes, conditions that may occur with each trimester, the female athlete triad—eating disorders, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, perimenopause and menopause—symptoms, lifestyle changes, osteoporosis prevention, and pros and cons of hormone replacement. My speaking currently averages out to about one seminar per month, usually Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) or sport programs, state conventions and Foot Leveler programs. TAC: Do you enjoy your work? Baumgardner: I consider myself one of the most fortunate people in the world. I knew that chiropractic was "right" when I was first adjusted in high school. I don"t just love my work, I am passionate about being a chiropractor; I have done well with my work, and it has allowed me to live an exciting and fulfilling life. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life but enhancing the health and well-being of my family, friends and community through chiropractic care and education. TAC: Is there someone to whom you attribute your success? Or, do you have any mentors? Baumgardner: Over the years, there have been many chiropractic icons that I've watched, listened to, and taken something from, to develop into the person I wanted to be. Dr. Guy Riekman refers to his group of mentors as his Board of Directors. 1 am honored to have known and had the influence of what 1 consider my Board of Directors: Dr. David Cheetham; Dr. Robert Monokian; Dr. Bert Hanickc, a professor at Logan College; Dr. Phil Santiago and Dr. John Danchik, who have helped me develop my desire to continue with providing seminars; and Dr. Beatrice Hagen, a pioneer for women chiropractors. These are all leaders in the chiropractic community, who have inspired me in various ways. Also, two years ago, when 1 found myself alone in practice, I realized 1 needed assistance in deciding where I wanted to take my practice. And I was a little tired of being the only cheerleader in the practice and keeping everyone happy. Being an athlete, I have always recognized the value of having a coach. I needed a coach. 1 became a member of The Masters Circle, which provides identity-based practice management consulting for my associates, staff and myself. As a result, I was able to evaluate the weaknesses in my practice, create solid principles and procedures, do scripting, and establish policies, which have enabled us to develop a stronger dynamic practice. I also joined The Winners Circle; a program within The Masters Circle which provides an environment for like-minded chiropractors to come together to mastermind and learn to create and achieve the bigger picture. It is an exhilarating experience to delve into intensive personal growth programs and leadership training. Dr. Larry Markson, as my coach, has provided an environment encouraging me to challenge myself to grow personally and professionally, set goals and step out of my comfort zone to achieve those goals. Through the Masters Circle and Winners Circle programs I have learned what being a leader involves on a day to day basis, the hard parts and the fun, and how to Kathleen Baumgardner's PROFILE PERSONAL: Single; no children—just great family and friends. Recreation and Leisure: Golf, rollerblading, running, biking, anything having to do with fitness and sun! Also, reading, weaving, and spinning wool! Jersey beaches for R & R. Professional Affiliations: NJ Chiropractic Society, NJ Sports Council, ACA, ACA Sports Council, Logan College Alumni Assoc, Board of Directors of Garden State Games. Hobbies and Community involvement includes working with volunteer coaches and youth, and high school athletic programs. PRACTICE PARTICULARS Clinic: 3100 sq. ft. office in a professional center; 1000 sq. ft. rehab facility Practice Hours: Practices 4 days (28 hours) a week; 4-6 hours/week CEO activities (meetings and paperwork); Thursday afternoon: Networking! Techniques: Diversified, Applied Ki-nesiology. Flexion/Distraction Staff: Dr. Baumgardner's office employs 1 Associate DC, 1 Office Manager, 1 Insurance Assistant, 2 therapy CA's, 2 Front desk CA's, 1 LMT, 1 Lifestyle Coach/personal trainer. use those techniques and skills to develop the practice of my dreams. TAC: Tell us more about your family. Baumgardner: I come from a very close family, with very strong values, morals and ethics. Without the support of my family, especially my parents, who arc not just my parents but also my closest friends, I don't think I would have been able to accomplish so much. I have two younger brothers, both of whom have faced many serious health challenges in their lives. They never let that get in the way of becoming great individuals. They are my inspiration and heroes. And I have two nephews who are the apples of my eye. As I create more balance in my life, I look forward to being able to have my own family and children some day. TAC: Any final words for our readers? Baumgardner: I feel my greatest discovery in practice has been that to be a great chiropractor begins with being a great person. When I am excited with life, happy with who I am and what I am doing, my practice soars. Conversely, if I get bogged down in the small stuff... this insurance company cut this patient off, the computers break down, staff quits.. .my practice will reflect that, also. I have learned that it is much more fun and profitable to be positive, excited and loving life. Therefore, I choose to only surround myself with positive people, build a strong, positive staff that is committed to growing personally and professionally, attract ideal weilness oriented patients, and be with chiropractors who want to become, to quote Dr. Guy Reikeman, "Advanced Citizens" contributing back to and staying involved with the chiropractic profession, whether through participating politically, providing education or on a financial level. I recognize that who I am inside my mind and heart determines how well what 1 do as a person and a chiropractor will work for my family, my patients and my profession. Be the person that creates the practice of your dreams. | You may contact Dr. Kathleen D. Baumgardner at Health Goals Chiropractic Center. 151 Greentree Road. Marlton. NJ 08053, phone 856-983-5422. E-mail HealthGoalsiafaol.com
