We were lucky to catch up with Jen Maecker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My vision for establishing an acupuncture clinic focuses on delivering a warm and patient-centered treatment experience right from the moment individuals step through the door. It is crucial that every patient feels genuinely heard and validated throughout their entire visit. Allowing patients to share their experiences is essential to the healing process. This understanding was crucial for me when starting my business. I have been a patient in both Eastern and Western Medicine, and I appreciate when healthcare providers take the time to listen to my needs. Unfortunately, I have also had experiences where doctors or other Acupuncturists did not value my time or my knowledge and experience of my illnesses—instances when my doctor was late for my appointment, ran over time without informing me, or did not allow me to explain my symptoms or share my concerns over my health needs.

My business model is simple: patient-centered care. Upon arrival, patients will be greeted and offered refreshments, such as herbal tea or water, to help them relax and feel at home. I prioritize prompt attention, ensuring that no one has to wait unnecessarily, which can often lead to anxiety and added stress. Additionally, I have created a clean, professional, and inviting office and treatment space that feels warm and welcoming, rather than the traditional medical offices that feel cold and sterile.

As patients transition to the treatment room to discuss their symptoms, I want to create an environment where they feel truly listened to. This means allowing ample time for patients to express all their concerns and ask questions without feeling rushed. I recognize that this personalized approach is often missing in many allopathic and holistic medical practices, and it is essential to me that my clinic provides this level of attentive care and compassion.

Patients coming in for acupuncture may be experiencing pain, dealing with chronic illnesses, suffering from anxiety or depression, or seeking to maintain their health proactively. Regardless of their reasons for visiting, all patients want to be heard. They need a space to express their symptoms, describe the quality of their pain, share their fears and worries, and explain what is happening in their bodies. If we do not provide them with this opportunity, we, as healthcare providers, ultimately impede the healing process.

I have confidence in my patients’ understanding of their bodies and their health experiences. Unlike many healthcare providers who may overlook this, I recognize the value of my patients’ insights. Time and again, I hear from patients who have felt dismissed by other doctors regarding their aches and pains. I firmly believe that my patients know their bodies better than anyone else, and this conviction is a foundational element of my practice as an acupuncturist and what may set my business model apart from other healthcare providers.

Jen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Dr. Jen Maecker, Licensed and Board-Certified Acupuncture Physician and Herbalist in Sarasota Fl. with a Doctorate in Chinese Medicine. My education in Acupuncture has a unique component as I was fortunate to study Classical Chinese Medicine through the teachings of Jeffrey Yuen, 88th Generation Daoist Priest and world-renowned Classical Chinese Medicine Practitioner. My education has not only prepared me to be a strong practitioner, but has given me tools beyond the Traditional Chinese Medicine curriculum. For this, I am so grateful.

Before returning to school for Acupuncture, I was a professional modern dancer, teacher, and choreographer. After decades in a demanding career that left me with numerous injuries and my body significantly out of balance, I decided to pursue holistic healing for my needs. After experiencing the profound benefits of acupuncture, I felt inspired to consider it as a career. When I toured my local acupuncture college and stepped into the herbal room filled with jars of raw herbs, I knew this was the right path for me. I have always been an advocate and believer in holistic medicine and food and plants as therapy. I also acknowledged a connection between the worlds of dance and art as forms of healing, and the practices of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Both can be seamlessly intertwined, as there is an art to being a thorough practitioner. It involves using intuition, sensory perception, and kinesiology to diagnose and treat patients effectively. I felt my 30+ years in dance training and performance gave me a strong foundation in the art of healing and the demands of a career in Acupuncture.

Now, I am the owner of an Acupuncture clinic in Sarasota, FL where I specialize in pain management, autoimmune/chronic illness, and mental health concerns. My youngest patient has been 18 months, and my oldest patient, 85. I feel so fortunate to provide for my community and offer a natural approach to healthcare.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Being honest and upfront about patient care and treatment plans has led to word-of-mouth growth in my Acupuncture business. I am sincere and upfront about whether or not I can help a patient. We develop a treatment plan and timeline. If we both feel that progress is not being made, we adjust the treatment strategy, or I refer the patient to another specialist. Being upfront with my patients builds trust, and they don’t feel like they are just being carried along a never-ending treatment cycle that they cannot hop off of. They are in control of their health progress, and I ensure they understand this.

Another effective strategy is to provide therapy ideas beyond the acupuncture treatment room. If a patient has a pain-related complaint, I provide at-home instructions that may include applying heat packs to the injury or performing stretches and exercises to facilitate healing. I may also include dietary and lifestyle guidelines to strengthen the treatment plan. Acupuncture is a holistic medicine, so what the patient does outside the treatment room is just as important as that one-hour visit once or twice per week. I empower my patients to take control of their health, which has ultimately led to the growth of my clientele. I end up treating entire families because of the trust that has been established.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

One of the most important aspects of being an Acupuncturist and Holistic Healthcare provider is staying connected to my patients from a place of genuine concern for their well-being, rather than pressuring them to come in for treatment. I want my patients to feel comfortable asking me questions outside of the clinic and to know that I care about them, even after their treatment is complete and they are feeling better. Trust, transparency, and authenticity are essential to my clients’ health and well-being. In return, they know they can reach out to me if they need assistance, and most of the time, they do.

Another vital connection for my patients is education. I offer a blog on my website with evidence-based holistic health topics to further empower my patients and community. If I provide my patients with information on specific foods to eat or lifestyle guidelines, I back it up with research. My patients and community come to rely on a trusted source, especially in the age of social media and information overload. It has become increasingly difficult to sift through all the information “noise.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jenmaeckeracu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenacupuncture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjenacupuncture

Image Credits

Dan Perales