teaching the webster technique
The other day, someone asked if all my traveling bothered me. The answer was a resounding no – I genuinely enjoy teaching! Her smart-alecky remark was, “I didn’t ask if you liked teaching, I asked if you liked traveling”… LOL. Well, in reality, yes, I don’t mind traveling, because I love the teaching! Sometimes, it can be tough due to long flights, airline crowds, time changes and so forth. However, I try to inject a bit of fun into my travels by arriving early on Fridays to explore the surroundings.
The majority of my travels involve instructing other chiropractors on The Webster Technique. It’s a comprehensive 13-hour seminar (9 hours on Saturday plus 4 hours on Sunday) covering “all things pregnancy.” Typically, there are between 75-150 doctors in each class, with the smallest being 32 in Barcelona, and the largest class boasting 200 attendees in Atlanta.
I teach fellow chiropractors about the spine and pelvis, discussing the intricacies of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. The seminar also delves into the myriad of options available to pregnant women, many of whom may not be aware of their choices. Of course, I teach not only how to perform The Webster Technique but also WHY it’s crucial. I address common fears surrounding birth, such as fear of pain, uncertainty about the birthing process, and concerns about hospital procedures. All of this information is condensed into a 12-hour timeframe, with the final hour dedicated to a practical test, ensuring that participants grasp the technique and apply correct contact points and corrections.
Over the past 3.5 years, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. While there are inevitably a few dissenters, the majority express gratitude for the class and the knowledge gained. It’s satisfying to know that I’ve made a difference, helping fellow chiropractors enhance their skills and, in turn, benefit their communities.
For the past 3.5 years, I’ve been the sole instructor. Recently, we’ve added two new chiropractors to teach alongside me. This development means I’ll be traveling slightly less, as we’ve expanded the number of classes per month with smaller class sizes. I have two more classes to teach in 2023, and a few are already scheduled for 2024. Toss in a couple of fun vacation weekends, and life gets busy.
But honestly, it’s all worth it. It is fulfilling to know I’ve made an impact by educating others about the choices related to pregnancy, childbirth and chiropractic care. Finding joy in teaching, whether its interns in the office, individuals seeking chiropractic care, or instructing fellow doctors and students, is both fulfilling and rewarding. I genuinely love sharing this knowledge and helping other chiropractors enhance their skills. And this makes the traveling a truly meaningful experience.