We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Porteus. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.

Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.

The training and schooling we receive as chiropractors is often underestimated by the general public. I’ve been asked, on multiple occasions, if it’s an associates degree program when it is in fact a doctorate program! Most chiropractic schools offer 4 year programs which are sometimes condensed into 10 trimesters (3 years 4 months). A majority of qualified applicants either have a Bachelor’s degree and have taken a specified list of pre-requisites or they have taken enough credit hours and prerequisites to complete a bachelor’s alongside the doctorate. The first year or so of chiropractic school looks very similar to medical school. We are studying subjects like microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, neurology etc. From there we start to focus on more technique and career specific topics such as adjusting techniques, nutrition, physical therapy, and neurological/orthopedic examination.
Between heavy course loads, more exams and quizzes than I can count, additional courses in prenatal/pediatric care, clinic requirements, and 4 national board exams, it is by far the most difficult thing I’ve done in my life! But it has lead to a career that is more rewarding than I every could have imagined.

Nikki, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a family wellness chiropractor and owner of Renew & Restore Wellness. I specialize in prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric care but can be found treating the whole family on a regular basis! I decided to become a chiropractor after having my quality of life greatly impacted by chiropractic care. In my early 20’s I began experiencing debilitating migraines in which I was having to take multiple medications with numerous side effects. Tired of calling into work or toughing out headaches and side effects of drugs, I decided to go see a chiropractor. With chiropractic care and lifestyle changes, my migraines completely went away and I knew that I wanted to help others have the same experience I had! Some of the different issues I help patients with include pregnancy aches/pains, breech presentation of babies during pregnancy, back pain, headaches, neck pain, plagiocephaly (flat spot on baby head), problems latching with breastfeeding, colic, reflux, and general postpartum recovery.
I am most proud of the relationship I have with my patients. When someone walks in my door, they aren’t just a number, they are a person who deeply matters to me. I consider my self blessed to walk alongside people as they experience some of the biggest events of their lives!

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Nurturing relationships has been the most helpful factor in succeeding in my field. Whether it’s my relationship with a patient or a relationship with another professional who works with the same population I do, I have found it imperative that it’s a priority. When people can sense that you’re authentic and generally want the best for them, it creates a solid foundation to build and operate from.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

While it’s probably not the most profound answer, I truly think that time and consistency have helped me build my reputation within my market. Consistently providing excellent care over an extended period of time has naturally built up my reputation and presence within the holistic prenatal/pediatric arena. One thing I’ve learned about moms is that they talk to other moms! The longer I’ve been in the industry, the more I’ve naturally been promoted amongst moms and mom groups.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.renewandrestorewellness.com
• Instagram: renewandrestorewellness.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renewandrestorewellnessTX

Image Credits
Palm & Pine Photography