A common question I am asked by many of my patients is ‘How/why did you become a Chiropractor?’ It certainly was not the most typical route that’s for sure.
So here it is, the tale of how I ended up where I am today…
When I was 22, I talked a friend into coming with me on a trip of a lifetime to Maui. We saved for over a year, booked our tickets and set off. No plans, just our backpacks, surfboards and youthful zeal. Over several months despite living on a tight budget, we managed to have the time of our lives and met some amazing people. Upon returning I knew Maui was where I wanted to live long term.
Unfortunately, there was one problem – I was not American, and I did not have a Visa.
I did my research. It appeared that if I could find a profession that met the requirements, my chance of getting a Visa would be much higher. So, I sat down one afternoon and flicked through the UCAS book until my eyes fell upon C – Chiropractor! I read with interest. Not only could this be my ticket to Maui but, even more appealing, it would enable me to work with people, to help relieve their pain and give them a better quality of life.
This was just the kind of job satisfaction I was looking for. I didn’t waste any time in sending off my application off to University.
Then it happened – I was accepted!
Little did I know then, exactly what I was in for. I had absolutely no idea just how intense and demanding the degree would be. I came face to face with some of the biggest challenges I have ever experienced in the 5 years it took to become a qualified Chiropractor.
The constant cramming and endless year-round exams set to ensure our competency in a very specialised skill set was a rollercoaster ride to say the least.
I very clearly remember the relief I felt when I passed my final year and graduated with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.
However, I now realise that this was only the beginning of the journey. Since qualifying, I have attended courses worldwide which not only has been an amazing bonus to help to satisfy my wanderlust, it has allowed me the opportunity of learning new skills from some incredible people.
Whilst keeping up to date with new research and techniques is crucial, the relationships that I have made and continue to make with my patients are extremely important to me.
It is an honour and privilege to have met and worked with so many people. I want my patients to feel at ease when they enter the clinic, to know that they can speak in confidence with me about their health concerns and that they will always receive the best care possible.
There are many high points about being a chiropractor, but one of the most rewarding is when a patient returns to clinic for a follow up appointment completely pain free, after months or even years of pain. Simple tasks like going for a walk, playing with grandchildren, and even putting socks on are possible again – I can’t tell you how excited people get about being able to put their socks on without pain! These successes are incredible.
They make me love each varied and challenging day
To conclude my tale, let’s get back to Maui and my tropical dream. Yes, I have been back to visit and stay with the lifelong friends I made all those years ago. Who knows if my dream of living in Maui will ever come true – we all need a dream right!
In the meantime, what I do know is that I am extremely happy to be where I am, doing what I do. Everything about the work I do makes me extremely grateful that I am a Chiropractor.
I can say without hesitation, that being involved in this profession has been the best decision I ever made. I have achieved more than I could have imagined and have helped hundreds of patients become pain free or better manage their conditions.
Yours in health,
Laura Nuttall, DC
MERN Chiropractic
+44 (0) 7469 205041
