We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Hoehn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Starting my journey into fertility acupuncture was deeply personal, stemming from my own health challenges and the glaring gaps I encountered in reproductive health education and support. What began as a mess turned into my magic, igniting a passion to empower others with knowledge and choices for healthier lives. Establishing Mighty River Wellness was not just about providing acupuncture treatments; it was about creating a nurturing community. Here, individuals and couples find hope, resilience, and empowerment. My core belief is that everyone who dreams of being a parent deserves that chance. At Mighty River Wellness, we focus on more than just making babies – we are about making families.

Recognizing the Gaps in Education and Healthcare Access
Understanding the local market, identifying community needs, and planning our services was crucial. The realization that education and empowerment around reproductive health are sorely lacking drove us to prioritize these aspects in our practice. We aimed to fill this void by providing comprehensive support and alternative healthcare options that are often overlooked. This mission was born from the belief that informed choices lead to better health outcomes and that everyone deserves access to holistic healthcare solutions.

Creating a Thriving Community Culture
Establishing a supportive and transformative community was at the heart of Mighty River Wellness. We wanted to create a space where individuals and couples could find not just treatment, but also hope and resilience. This thriving community culture is embedded in every aspect of our practice, fostering an environment of mutual support and shared journeys. By offering workshops, support groups, and educational resources, we empower our clients to take charge of their fertility journey with confidence and hope.

Transformational Healthcare Changes
The journey of setting up our practice was as much about embracing transformational healthcare changes as it was about offering treatments. We integrated the latest advancements in fertility acupuncture with a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Our commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research ensures that we provide the most effective and compassionate care possible. This approach not only enhances our clients’ chances of success but also transforms their overall well-being.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust
Balancing the initial costs of setting up the practice with the need for high-quality equipment and resources was a significant challenge. Building trust within the community and establishing a reliable client base took time and perseverance. We focused on creating a nurturing and welcoming environment where clients felt supported and valued. This dedication to building trust has been instrumental in establishing our reputation and fostering long-term relationships with our clients.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Reflecting on the journey, I would have placed greater emphasis on networking and seeking mentorship earlier on. Connecting with other professionals in the field provided invaluable insights and support. Additionally, investing in robust practice management software sooner would have streamlined our operations and improved client service from the start. As we look to the future, our commitment to education, empowerment, and community support remains unwavering, guiding every step of our growth and evolution.

Starting Mighty River Wellness was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and profound fulfillment. Today, we are proud to offer a space where dreams of parenthood become realities, and where every client feels seen, heard, and supported. Our story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the transformative impact of holistic healthcare.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Building Mighty River Wellness was a third career for me by way of underwater photography and the film industry. I am excited to be adding new roles to my own experience as I am mentoring reproductive acupuncturists across the US and now involved in improving clinical training techniques.
What sets us apart from other acupuncture businesses is the way we support patients. Conventional medicine provides about 8 minutes to refer and prescribe. My practice strives to add value to every person’s life, and foundationally works to instill small improvements in a person’s life that will serve them for years to come.
I am most proud of our success rates! This year we have seen the highest amount of Mighty Babies being born of all time! It is great to watch people build the families they only ever dreamed of.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team effectively hinges on creating a strong foundation of systems and operations that allow the business to run smoothly, even in your absence. By empowering your team to make decisions and take ownership of their roles, you not only build trust but also foster a sense of responsibility and investment in the success of the practice. It’s essential to maintain a positive attitude—positivity is contagious and sets the tone for the entire workplace. No one wants to work in a tense environment, so leading with kindness and approachability ensures that your team feels supported and motivated to perform their best.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, exposure to diverse coworkers and work environments is invaluable for success in this field. Each unique experience broadens your perspective, allowing you to adapt and grow in ways that formal education alone can’t provide. Also, I grew up on an island and I find this cultivates a deep sense of ingenuity and a profound appreciation for nature—what we refer to in TCM as the space between heaven and earth. This connection to the natural world fosters a holistic understanding of health and wellness. Additionally, cultivating emotional intelligence is key. Understanding your patients’ needs and emotions, as well as your own, helps build trust and creates a more compassionate and effective practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mightyriverwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckhoehn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbeckhoehn/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drbeckhoehn
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mighty-river-wellness-burbank-4?osq=Mighty+River+Wellness

Image Credits

Jeanne Vienne