Meet Natalie Wong

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Wong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

In the early stages of my career as a chiropractic practitioner, I struggled significantly with imposter syndrome, questioning my skills, experience, and the adequacy of my training. I often doubted whether I was truly equipped for the challenges of the field.

To address these feelings, I recognized that every professional journey involves a steep learning curve. I actively sought opportunities to shadow experienced practitioners, which provided valuable insights into different office management styles and treatment approaches. This exposure was instrumental in refining my techniques and adapting my strategies to a diverse patient demographic, from pediatrics to geriatrics.

One crucial realization from my experiences was that imposter syndrome is a common challenge among chiropractors, regardless of their years in practice. There’s always someone who excels in different areas, whether it’s patient interactions or business acumen. This insight helped me understand that while I may never be the best at everything, I can always strive to put my best foot forward and continuously improve.

Reflecting on my growth, I can see how my approach and practice have evolved. Though I still experience imposter syndrome from time to time, I’ve learned that staying committed to my professional development and embracing a mindset of continuous learning are key to overcoming these challenges and advancing in my career.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a Seattle-based chiropractor, I am dedicated to enhancing chiropractic care with a focus on gentle techniques and soft tissue therapies. My approach centers on delivering personalized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the highest quality care. My mission is to shift the perception of chiropractic care from a one-size-fits-all model to a more individualized approach.

My goal for care is to empower patients with a deep understanding of their bodies, enabling them to recognize when their body isn’t functioning optimally and to actively engage in their wellness journey. By fostering a collaborative partnership, I guide patients with the principle of “less is more,” employing gentle techniques to support the body’s natural healing processes.

I am particularly passionate about supporting women through prenatal and postpartum care and enhancing the well-being of children through pediatric chiropractic care.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities have been particularly impactful: staying true to my core beliefs and philosophies, remaining open to learning from others, and being willing to take risks on oneself. These traits have shaped my path and contributed to my growth in meaningful ways.

For those who are early in their journey, here’s some advice on how to develop and enhance these qualities:

Stay True to Your Beliefs and Philosophies: It’s essential to remain grounded in your values and principles. If you find that a job or situation no longer aligns with your core beliefs, don’t be afraid to make a change. Pursue work that brings you satisfaction and aligns with your purpose. In the chiropractic field, for instance, the fulfillment of helping people alleviate pain and improve their mobility is a central motivator. If you ever feel disconnected from this core purpose, consider exploring other opportunities where you can find renewed passion and alignment.

Be Open to Learning from Others: Embrace every opportunity to learn from peers and mentors within your field. Networking and engaging with others can reveal new approaches to running a practice or treating patients. The healthcare profession is diverse, and there are various methods and philosophies to explore. By being open-minded and willing to experiment with different techniques, you can discover what resonates most with you and refine your practice accordingly.

Take Risks on Yourself: Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t shy away from taking calculated risks and pursuing opportunities that challenge you. Embrace change and be willing to put yourself in situations that may be uncomfortable but offer potential for significant personal and professional development. The willingness to take these risks can lead to transformative experiences and substantial progress in your career.

By nurturing these qualities and applying this advice, you can navigate your journey with confidence and purpose. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and staying true to yourself while remaining adaptable will serve you well in your professional endeavors.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

In the fall of 2023, after two years of building a patient base, I decided to leave my associate position. I was experiencing burnout and felt that my growth had plateaued. Despite the strong patient base I had developed, I realized that staying in the role would only lead to further dissatisfaction and a compromise in the quality of care I could provide. It was clear that I had outgrown the position and faced a crucial decision: remain for the sake of stability or pursue a new direction.

By March 2024, I made the pivotal decision and opened my own practice. This move allowed me to provide care that aligns with my ethical standards, spend additional time with patients without constraints, and avoid endorsing treatment plans that didn’t align with my genuine beliefs. Running my own clinic has given me the flexibility to work efficiently and on my own terms.

I understood that taking this risk was crucial for my professional development. Although the journey has been filled with challenges, I wouldn’t have it any other way. As I continue to evolve in my dual role as both a business owner and chiropractor, I find myself more fulfilled and satisfied with my work than ever before.

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