Proffessional Jealousy, by Dr. Ogi

Saturday, March 7th 2009

Warm hellos to everyone!!!

I have to talk about an issue which is largely ignored by the profession 
but it is one which really gets all of us off purpose and off focus - professional jealousy.

I really hate this topic because it is so unnecessary, but nevertheless,
it is very real.

No one speaks of this, but the reality is that you are in direct competition
with the other DC down the street from you. I agree...it shouldn't be like
this, but it is.

Every patient you see, doesn't see him. See my point?

Here is what happens:
You apply the PEP procedures and new communication skills and your community
begins to see you as the best in your city. That is terrific!

Place yourself in the shoes of the fellow DC down the street, or a local medic, 
who started his practice 10 years ahead of you. He feels that he is the best
because he has been in practice longer, has more experience, knows more
"stuff," has a bigger office, more status in the community, is more involved
with the local city politics, etc....you get the point.

The problem is that no one talks about him like they talk about you!
And here you are, relatively green at this practice "thing" and yet everyone is
talking about you....not him. People talk behind your back (no pun intended)
everywhere, your picture is always in the local newspaper, people begin to
come see you from miles around.....and your practice begins to soar. And
your office is smaller than his.
And your fees are higher. And you are busier. And that is the problem: the
fellowdown the street begins to think that if you are busier than he is, then
you must be doing something illegal, immoral, or fattening! Right!

This thinking leads to jealousy - how can it not - he has been in practice much
longer than you. Ergo, he feels he should be busier.

Here is the thing: To quash your rising popularity, these doctors often find
something that they can use as a complain against you. Or they entice a
former patient of yours to lodge a complaint against you with your State or
Provincial Regulatory Board, or Health Board, or some other government body.
Most often the complaint is anonymous - the act of a coward. Governing boards
and health departments are requiredby law to investigate all complaints - you
receive a letter of complaint.
And here is the real problem - you are crushed! How can this be? You are doing
your best!
You are helping tons of people. You need a dose of reality here. This is NOT
about you helping tons of people. This is about you helping "too many" people!
Get my drift?
So you begin to shrink down inside, you begin to withdraw, your practice growth
begins to slow down, and soon you settle on simply becoming average,
or even below.
And no more complaints!
What a tragedy!
Get a life!
If this should ever happen to you, (and it will) please call me. I'll help you deal
with these situations. I have tons of experience. And real cool ways of handling
these scenarios.

But the first thing you need to realize is that you are NOT wrong. No!
The second thing you need to know is that you only get kicked from behind when
you're in front! Cool thought!

Seriously though, there are a number of steps that you need to take in order
to shut these types of complaints down permanently. Why?
Who needs the hassle? These problems take you off your purpose and your
mission and that is their goal. So don't lower your standards - I've always felt
that the best thing to do in these situations is to simply explode your practice
in spite of the other doctor's complaint - nothing will give you more personal
satisfaction - and a glint in your eye and a spring in your step! 

You are very welcome to call me personally - a number of doctors already have.

Warmest wishes,
Dr. Ogi Ressel