In November 2020, I wrote and passed the national licensing exams. I registered with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta and finally received my official license to practice acupuncture in Alberta at the end of January 2021. Hosta Lane Acupuncture’s website went live and I proudly started advertising my new business on social media and via my friends and family.
My husband and I transformed our unfinished basement into a cozy, functional clinic space. A walkout allowed for a separate entry to the basement. A set of French doors and some floor to ceiling curtains allowed for a distinction between work and home and a partition that gives privacy during treatment.
I love working from home but I also wanted to be in a formal clinic space with other practitioners. This allows for exchange of ideas, problem-solving, and camaraderie. I was fortunate to find exactly this with Dr. Charles Vantanajal at In Balance Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre in Nisku, AB. In March 2021, I joined the team of In Balance.
Dr. Vantanajal has been a wonderful colleague and teacher. I have learned so much about being in practice, the human body, and running a business that just isn’t taught in school. Our discussions about case studies engage my curiosity to learn more about the human body and expand my knowledge. I am most thankful for his encouragement and support on the days when business is a little too slow.
I want to also mention Dr. Charles Vantanajal is an awesome chiropractor and loves all things golf. His passion for golf and body mechanics have led him to create Balance is King. He is your go-to guy to improve your body and your golf game. His globally recognized training and expertise is a smart investment if you want to be a King or Queen at the tee box this summer.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous – and excited – about starting to treat patients. I tried very hard to maintain a calm demeanor and not get overly flustered when things weren’t working right. It was usually the business end of the treatment where issues could be found. Learning how to use a point of sale machine, linking it to the appointments, and figuring out the systems behind direct billing of insurance companies all had a bit of a learning curve to it. Perseverance and patience got me through it.
What an amazing year thanks all to you, my clients. Everyone helped me grow and develop as an acupuncturist. Some people only saw me once and didn’t rebook, and I respect your decision. I recognize that acupuncture cannot help every person nor every condition. There are those who followed a recommended treatment plan or have come for treatment as part of their own personal preferences, and I thank you for trusting me. I am honored to be a part of your journey to improved health and am happy to help.