Why Practice Was Never Meant to Be a Solo Journey

Recorded at FCA The National in Orlando, FL, Jon Kec sits down with Dr. Glenn Jaffe and Marc Abla for a powerful conversation of connection, involvement, and community within the chiropractic profession.

Posted in Podcasts on Wednesday, September 9, 2026

What separates thriving chiropractors from those who struggle to gain traction? At FCA The National in Orlando, host Jon Kec was joined by Dr. Glenn Jaffe and Illinois Chiropractic Society Executive Director Marc Abla for a compelling conversation about one key ingredient: community.

The message is simple, yet powerful ... success in chiropractic is built through connection and involvement. 

Chiropractic Is Better Together

Many DCs enter practice with an independent mindset but going alone can limit both personal and professional growth. 

Benefits of mentorship include:

• Learning lessons from those with real-world experience
• Avoiding common mistakes that can slow professional growth
• Gaining fresh perspectives on challenges and opportunities
• Building confidence through trusted guidance and support
• Accelerating career development through shared knowledge and insight.

The most successful professionals understand that growth doesn't happen in isolation. Learning from those who have already traveled the path can make the journey smoother, faster, and far more rewarding. 

The Value of Finding Your Community 

Strong professional relationships can do more than expand your contact list. They can challenge your thinking, spark new opportunities, and provide support throughout your career. A strong network helps you learn faster and accomplish more than you could on your own.

Creating a strong professional network can accelerate your growth by providing:

• Access to a wealth of shared knowledge and real-world experience
• Fresh ideas and proves strategies
• Encouragement and accountability from trusted peers
• Opportunities for collaboration and leadership
• Stronger connections that help advance the profession as a whole

When chiropractors invest in one another's success ... everyone benefits.

Why Association Membership Matters

While many providers associate membership organizations with continuing education, their impact goes much deeper, including:

• Advocating for chiropractic at the legislative level
• Protecting the interest of practitioners
• Monitoring policy changes that affect patient care
• Providing resources and support for members

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in protecting and advancing the profession.

Strengthening the Future of Chiropractic

Healthcare is changing rapidly, and chiropractors are well positioned to play a larger role in shaping its future. By stepping into leadership opportunities, participating in professional organizations, attending industry events, and fostering relationships across healthcare disciplines, practitioners can increase their visibility and influence while helping advance the profession.

Every conversation and contribution helps strengthen chiropractic's presence in the healthcare community. The more engaged chiropractors are, the stronger the profession's voice becomes, creating new opportunities to enhance recognition and demonstrate the value chiropractic care brings to patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

More Than a Career ... A Community

Every chiropractor has something valuable to contribute, whether you're just starting out or have decades of experience.

When you invest in your community, you're not just advancing your own growth, you're helping shape the future of chiropractic.

It all begins with a simple decisions: step in, connect, and get involved.

If you have questions or topic ideas for us, reach out at Askncmic@ncmic.com.

This episode of Chiropractical was recorded August 13, 2026 at the NCMIC Booth at FCA The National in Orlando, Florida.

About Dr. Glenn Jaffe

Dr. Glenn Jaffe has spent 24 years as both a practicing chiropractor and a leader within the profession. He owns Jaffe Chiropractic in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is a past president and current Legislative Chair of the North Carolina Chiropractic Association. Nationally, he serves as District 3 Director for ChiroCongress, Chair of BAC-PAC, chiropractic’s federal political action committee, and a member of the Leadership Committee for the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan.

His work spans clinical practice, advocacy, organizational strategy, and the development of better systems for the profession. He also writes and speaks about the cultural, political, and professional forces shaping chiropractic’s place in healthcare through his publication, Chiropractic, Culture and the Climb.  

About Marc Abla

Marc Abla, CAE is Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Chiropractic Society (ICS), where he has served the chiropractic profession for more than two decades. A Certified Association Executive, Marc is a frequent speaker on leadership, strategic planning, healthcare compliance, artificial intelligence, reimbursement, and legal and regulatory issues affecting healthcare organizations.

He also facilitates strategic planning initiatives for professional organizations and serves nationally as Executive Director at Large for the ChiroCongress Board of Directors and Chair of the Reimbursement Workgroup for the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan.