Interviewing Recent Alumna, Dr. Randi Blackmon Likely

Dr. Randi Blackmon Likely graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in April of 2022. She answered a few questions about life after graduation and what it is like to have her own practice, Backed by Blackmon.

 

Starting Chiropractic School, did you know that you wanted to eventually have your own practice?
Yes, in Trimester 1 my parents had a whiteboard on their fridge, and I wrote the name of my practice and a mock logo. I kept the name of the practice but not the logo!

 

How did you start the process of having your own practice?
It really started in November after my externship in Trimester 9. That’s when I realized I could totally do this. January of Trimester 10 is when I really started the process. Thankfully, I was saving money from each trimester and I was able to use that towards the start up costs of my practice. I lined out my budget, and then got my LLC. After I finalized my budget I started talking to a real estate agent to find office spaces around Clear Lake. While going through the process of finding the perfect office space, I began working on other things for my office: website, social media/branding, and lining out all of the equipment I wanted when I opened.

 

What did you do that helped you prepare for post-graduation life?
One of the biggest things I did was write out my budget, even adding in student loans and things like that; this helped me to prepare for my practice, loan payments, and other expenses. I did this so that I wouldn’t be so blindsided once I was working. 

 

What is some advice you would give to students still in school?
Save as much money as you can. If you can save $1,000 a trimester, or even $500, you can put that towards your start up costs for your practice or even use it if you are planning to move right after school. Saving each trimester can also be beneficial if you do not have that perfect job lined up after school. In school, find out what you are passionate about within chiropractic. Decide what you want your niche to be, and see offices that function in your niche so you can pick up more tools and advice to help lead and equip you.

 

What advice would you give to students who are about to graduate?
If you’re about to start your practice, speak to someone who just did it versus someone who did it a while ago. Talk to someone in the trenches right now, and you will get a more accurate representation. If you are not wanting to start a practice, but are applying to work at another office, then perform working interviews wherever you are applying to work. Even if the job doesn’t offer this, ask if you can do one. I would suggest at least 3 days if you can. 

 

What was the process of opening your practice?
The first day I opened was May 9th, 2022, and we had a ribbon-cutting ceremony! The next day I started seeing patients. Ever since that start, I’ve gradually increased my number of patients. I even hit my goal for the first year within the first 5 months!  

 

What is your favorite thing about owning your practice?
My absolute favorite thing is just being my own boss and getting to set a schedule for what works for me. I really enjoy the flexibility and independence. I also love that these patients are my own patients. I get to build a deep connection and get to know them. 

 

What is the most challenging part?
The hardest thing is that your practice pays the bills. So if your practice isn’t thriving or you have a down week, that affects you at home. Having employees is also challenging because you are managing people.  Chiropractic is physical; you wear every hat when you own the practice, so I didn’t expect to be so tired or exhausted! Now I schedule massages once a week or every two weeks because I quickly realized that I had to invest in my body to provide myself with proper self care time to rejuvenate. 

 

Schedule an Appointment at Backed by Blackmon!
Backed by Blackmon is open Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 713.321.0506 or go to www.backedbyblackmon.com