In this episode of Chiropractical, Host Jon Kec is joined by Dr. Abigail Riutta, who shares her journey from chiropractic student to new practice owner. She opens up about facing challenges head-on, growing her confidence, and learning the business side of care, offering real tips for anyone getting ready to take that next step.
Posted in Podcasts on Thursday, February 5, 2026
Opening your first practice can be daunting. In fact, nearly one in five small businesses don't survive past their first year, including chiropractic offices. For every inspiring success story, there's a cautionary tale of struggle.
Dr. Abigail Riutta graduated in May and has taken the next step of opening her own practice. Discover what challenges she faced, how she overcame them, and what worked well as she went through the process.
Finding Your Footing
The first steps toward success as a new chiropractor involve visualizing the kind of practitioner you want to be and putting yourself out in the community. Dr. Riutta emphasized the importance of community involvement through presentations and local engagements, something she started months before opening her doors.
This early preparation allowed her to connect with potential patients and set the groundwork for a flourishing practice.
Lessons in Business
Launching a practice isn't just about medical expertise; it's about business acumen. Dr. Riutta shares the significance of having a detailed policies and procedures manual and navigating the complex world of business licenses and accounting.
Her father's mentorship and the support of a business coach played pivotal roles in her journey, highlighting the importance of guidance and support in building a sustainable business model.
Overcoming Fears and Building Confidence
Dr. Riutta also discusses the realities of balancing patient care with practice ownership, including navigating financial conversations and establishing clear boundaries between clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Advice for Aspiring Chiropractors
Dr. Riutta's story is a testament to the fact that you don't need to have everything figured out from the start. Her advice to students is clear: Engage with the community, embrace mentorship, and take proactive steps towards your goals. Confidence comes with time and experience, as each decision, adjustment, and day adds to your growth as a chiropractor.
As Dr. Riutta exemplifies, you're more prepared than you think.
Here's to your journey and the impact you'll make in the world of chiropractic.
If you have questions or topic ideas for us, reach out at askncmic@ncmic.com.
This episode of Chiropractical was released on February 5, 2026.
About Dr. Abigail Riutta:
![Dr. Abigail Riutta]()
Dr. Abigail Riutta is a chiropractor and owner of Riutta Chiropractic in Gouverneur, NY. She attended SUNY Cortland, where she earned a Bachelor's in Biology and then proceeded to hear her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northeast College of Health Sciences, graduating with honors in March 2025. Additionally, Dr. Riutta furthered her education by receiving her Webster Technique certification, so that she can better serve her prenatal patients, and has recently enrolled in the ACA Pediatric Diplomatic program.