Dr. Abby Hanson is undeniably passionate about being a chiropractor. In May 2018, she opened her practice, The Chiropractic Element, in Lawrence, Kan. to share that passion with others. It has been a whirlwind ride during her first year-and-half of operation, as she has endured the ups and downs of business ownership. She has learned a lot, and she knows the success she seeks will not be handed to her, it must be earned each day.
To do that, she remains true to herself and maintains a strong commitment to her profession. She knows that chiropractic can make a difference in the lives of others, and she is building a practice team that shares her desire to bring better health to those she treats each day. Hanson is proud of what she and her team have accomplished so far, and she looks forward to an even brighter future.
Q. Many people can trace their professional path back to a specific time or experience in their life. Was there a certain time or event that started you down the path to a career in chiropractic?
A. I wanted to go to physician assistant school after working in a hospital for a year. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I worked in a hospital for a year and realized that I did not want to be in the medical field. I answered an ad for a doctor’s office and it happened to be a chiropractor. I started working there and he explained what chiropractic was. I went to Focus OKC (a chiropractic seminar in Oklahoma City) and eight months later I was in chiropractic school!
Q. What was the reaction of those close to you when you told them you were going to become a chiropractor?
A. Everyone was so supportive. Every step of the way through school and owning my own business, they have motivated me and have been so proud of me!
Q. What reaction do you get from others when you share that you are a doctor of chiropractic?
A. I get a variety of reactions. I occasionally get the individual who is “not a fan” or “does not believe” in the healing of chiropractic. I love educating those people that come to me and help to open their minds. I mostly see people who love to hear how the healing works and the education behind chiropractic, which is one of my favorite parts of healing – knowing how your body heals!
Q. What is your philosophy on the benefits of chiropractic care?
A. Chiropractic can change lives. We see it every day in the office. Patients come in and they are so grumpy, and they seem miserable about life. When they get a few adjustments, they start coming in with smiles on their faces and open up to us. It is truly incredible to see!
Q. What personal characteristics have been helpful to you in your profession?
A. Being honest and confident with everything I do in and out of the office. I take so much pride in being my genuine self and want other people to see my passion.
Q. It’s early in your career, but so far, of what are you most proud? Why?
A. The community we have built here in the office and the loyal patients we have. I also love how much we have grown as a team. I am proud because we get compliments all the time about how great our team works together, and that we are always a smiling face for them. Those compliments will never get old!
Q. What have been the greatest challenges for you professionally so far, and how do you combat them?
A. Finding a good team who loves chiropractic as much as I do. Learning how to run a business has been a great challenge, but from that, I have learned what works and what doesn’t in the professional setting of a practice.
Q. What does it mean to you to see chiropractic gaining the respect of others in the healthcare community?
A. Our healthcare is going toward integrative treatment, and the general population is realizing how important mobility is for overall health. Taking a pill doesn’t always fix things. Instead, it can cover the symptoms that chiropractic care can help.
Q. In hindsight, how would you have prepared differently?
A. I would have researched more on Electronic Health Record (EHR) programs. The first one we started with was really slow, but it was a fast decision. Take your time before deciding on one!
Q. What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your career footsteps?
A. Go after your dream! The answer will always be no until you ask!
Watch the 3-minute interview with Dr. Abby Hanson below for more in her own words and follow #CUKCinsight on social media!
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