by Jodene “Dene” Hager, L.M.P.
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s (NCCAOM) 2008 Job Training Analysis of NCCAOM Diplomats found that 88 percent of respondents to its survey were in solo private practice and that the average annual gross income for all respondents was between $41,000 to $60,000 per year; 70.1 percent grossed less than $61,000 a year and the average student loan debt was $40,000. Defaulted borrowers of all types of health care professions with HEAL loans–$125,649,795 total with 1,001 total number of borrowers in default (as of February 2011). With this information, we can surmise that clearly many health care practitioners are struggling financially.
In her new book, Building an Amazing Career: Lessons Learned and Marketing Strategies for Health Professionals (Aviva; $24.95, paperback), Jodene “Dene” Hager, L.M.P., explains so many of the needed topics left out in medical training schools about building a practice. Based upon researched principles surrounding generating word-of-mouth, this book promises to deliver information and ideas about marketing a health care practice where so many fall short. This book is specifically designed for doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, massage therapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists and other healers under the umbrella of medicine.
On June 29 at 6 p.m. at the Pink Ultra Lounge in the Pacific Place Mall in Downtown Seattle, Wasington, the Health Care Pros Sip and Socialize event is taking place where Hager will conduct her book release and book signing event. The event expects to host several hundred professionals. Sponsorships have been secured from major establishments such as Bastyr University, Massage Envy and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. The event is a fundraiser for the Massage Therapy Foundation with a $10 admission. To RSVP to this event, visit www.hcprn.org.
About the author
Jodene “Dene” Hager, L.M.P., (Bellevue, Washington) is a business consultant, author, instructor, speaker and mentor to health care professionals. For the last 10 years, she has been studying how to create successful practices and has a consistent track record of success. Her sincere desire to make others succeed around her shows in the honest reality checks in her book. Hager saw a need for health care providers to network and founded the networking group, Health Care Professionals Referral Networking, which is exploding with new members seeking out other health care providers to build referral relationships. HCPRN holds ongoing events to raise money for charities specializing in medical research.
Leading the way for health care practitioners to learn a proven path to success, Hager is a dynamic speaker with an inspirational drive that is infectious. At age 33, she has served as a consultant to major companies, such as Microsoft, T-Mobile, BP and Intel, as well as medical practices around the local King County area. She is highly involved in charity work for medical research.