For those of you who have kept up with The Atlas of Life for the previous 18 months of its existence will know that I’ve done a number of interviews. I think the number is around 55 at this point. In all instances, I make it a point to come up with good quality questions that will elicit good quality answers. Today’s interview is quite different. In fact, today’s interview made me realize that most of us overthink everything, when in fact, the answer is the old KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method. That definitely includes me.
Dr. James Sigafoose is a legend in the chiropractic profession. For years he has been teaching chiropractors about the philosophy behind chiropractic and why it is so vital to a successful practice. During that time, he has changed the thought process of so many chiropractors into the principled ChiropracTORs that this profession needs.
I was very honored by Dr. Sigafoose’s willingness to do an interview. I was surprised by the shortness of the answers at first. But as I said above, I think this interview is a good lesson for all of us to just keep it simple. And Chiropractic is simple. No need to get complicated or overthink it. As you can see by the interview, it looks like I was getting complicated and overthinking it by the questions I asked of this legend.
Thanks again to Dr. Sigafoose for his time. Enjoy!
Dr. Harshe: How were you introduced to chiropractic?
Dr. Sigafoose: Father.
Dr. Harshe: What chiropractic college did you attend?
Dr. Sigafoose: National.
Dr. Harshe: I’ve heard you mention how you struggled in practice at the beginning of your career. How did that change?
Dr. Sigafoose: Philosophy.
Dr. Harshe: What is it that separates the chiropractors who see hundreds each week, maybe even a thousand or two, and the ones that struggle and/or fail in practice?
Dr. Sigafoose: Passion, philosophy.
Dr. Harshe: What is the most memorable experience you can remember in practice?
Dr. Sigafoose: All of them.
Dr. Harshe: You’ve held numerous seminars called The Gathering over the years. How did that start? When is the next one? What can people expect when they go?
Dr. Sigafoose: Desire. September. Change.
(Editor’s note: The next Gathering will be September 23-25 in Palm Beach, FL. Click here for more information.)
Dr. Harshe: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer students and recently graduated chiropractors?
Dr. Sigafoose: Forget what they learned in school, and learn chiropractic.
Dr. Harshe: Where do you see the chiropractic profession going in the future?
Dr. Sigafoose: Unless chiropractic is revived, it will be osteopathy.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Gotta love Sig! Short, to the point and ALL true.
This has been one of my favorite interviews. His last two answers are perfect.
…and the truth shall set you free…
Thanks Brandon for posting this interview.
I love it! Its as simple as that!
Awesome!
Sigafoose has been a legend for longer than some practicing DC’s have been alive (and that is not a stretch). He doesn’t need me to explain him. That would be most improper given the respect I have for him. I would just like to add he is a real treasure and I am so thankful I crossed his path 20 years ago. I would likely not be an Upper Cervical Chiropractor today had I not. THANKS SIG!
I know for a fact he’s been practicing longer than I’ve been alive, that’s for sure. Definitely an amazing example.
truth + brevity = inspiration
I was working as an Sales Engineer at the time on business down in Atlanta, GA. One of my closest childhood friends was in Atlanta as well attending a DE Seminar and so we decided to meet for lunch. I met him at the hotel where he was staying (same as DE hotel) and he wanted to see one last speaker before going to lunch. Convincing me to join him in the big room, i prepared to be bored out of my mind. However, within 30 seconds of listening I was transfixed to the speaker, as if there was only him and i in that big room. Three months later, I was at Palmer to begin my destiny. That man, that speaker, that chiropractor that granted me my epiphany was Jim Sigafoose. Thank you.
Now that is an awesome story Dr. Andy. Wow!