We recently connected with Marion Dunham and have shared our conversation below.
Marion, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I decided to become an acupuncturist at the age of 34, and the thought of going back to school, and giving up on a career in entertainment, 10 years in the making, felt like a big risk. It felt like shedding skin, like a complete identity shift. I was cognizant of that fact that I would be going into a field that was completely new to me. Many of my cohort would have a background in massage therapy, or naturopathic medicine, some were medical doctors. I, on the other hand, had no medical background, having been an artist most of my life. I was unsure about making the transition into a field that stood so very far from the path that I had been on up to the present. There were also other concerns, financial concerns, the feasibility of being a full time student in a graduate degree program, returning to school a bit later in life, all of these things brought up feelings of doubt. Through it all though, I listened to a little voice that told me daily to keep going, to focus on the tasks of today. I didn’t really know where this voice came from, I had never heard it before, but if it weren’t for this voice I would have walked from a future so filled with uncertainty. I listened to this voice, and slowly found ways to prepare myself for a career in East Asian Medicine. I worked in the student clinic at Emperor’s College, checking people in, making herbal formulas, even eventually training other students how to make these formulations. I got a second job working for a veterinary acupuncture clinic called the Healing Touch, undoubtedly a fascinating place to learn, because here allopathic medicine and acupuncture were used in tandem. In time, I would begin to see the value of my artistic background as well, as I started interning in the clinic. Once in clinic, I saw the necessity of weaving together a treatment strategy for each patient, learning their story and providing informed care based on what they shared. It felt collaborative, and filled with creativity. I had in many ways arrived, I had followed that little voice through uncharted territory to a new way of life. I was able to translate my personal background into a strength as a practitioner. I was able to work and study simultaneously in a way that prepared me for my eventual career as an acupuncturist and herbalist. Sometimes a risk is really just an opportunity to change, and as a performer in a past life I knew that sometimes you have to take the leap for the net to appear, and I am glad everyday that I walked up to the that ledge.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started Water Point Wellness 3 years ago, and have built a practice based on empowering my clients to participate in their own health journey. Finding yourself in a pattern of pain, or chronic illness can be debilitating and leave you feeling helpless. Having experienced these feeling myself, I saw a need for self rehabilitation, injury prevention, and lifestyle choices for longevity. When I was a young girl growing up in San Francisco, Ca, which is located in the Ramaytush Ohlone territory known as Yelamu, I spent many afternoons with my great grandmother, a very special relationship to be able to enjoy. She took me swimming all the time and instilled in me my love for the ocean. I observed her daily routines, moving and stretching each joint upon waking, her ardent avoidance of any medication she didn’t absolutely need, always telling me that you wanted your body to be able to fix itself. When we went to the beach or the pool she always swam alongside me, even into her nineties. She definitely left an impression. She made me see the importance of movement, and not accepting physical limitations in whatever form they may arrive. It was in these little habits that she showed me in our days spent together, that I knew I wanted to be like her. I wanted to do the little things that would keep me moving, keep my eyes shining as brightly as hers did. So today, that is what I try to do, empower people to see what their bodies are capable of, to see their physical abilities as a gift to be preserved.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
It is so important to get comfortable in the business realm. It is important to do all the projections, to understand tax laws, and set up a business that will protect you and be profitable. It is also important to understand insurance and the healthcare system, even if you don’t take insurance, patients will benefit from your knowledge. I wish I had done more sooner in terms of setting up my business. It was all learn as you go, which works, but feels rushed and painful. If I could make just one recommendation, it would be to understand how setting up a corporation can benefit small business owners and prepare you for taxes and payroll so that you can get an accurate picture of what you need to make to keep your doors open. You can’t help people if you don’t first make sure you are on solid ground with your business. I also recommend knowing a little about insurance. Patients will come to you for treatment, and it is important to find ways to make it affordable even if you aren’t in network with their insurance. I talk to my patient’s about FSA’s and HSA’s all the time, try to help guide them to other practitioners if need be, and often they will return will when they can. Being a skilled practitioner is important, but it is also important to be well versed in the more mundane aspects of the business, your patients will thank you!
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Casting a wide net is important. I try to be available in many different settings, and work with a variety of practitioners. I have found that marketing to specific groups has also been helpful. I see a lot of folks who are working in the film industry, so updating myself on their insurance policies, and having transparent pricing available to them has been helpful. I also do a lot of cross referrals in my clinic, which is beneficial for everyone. I see my clients get better faster when they incorporate chiropractic or massage. Conversely, I am available to my colleagues patients who might feel stuck in their recovery process. I also host a monthly community style acupuncture & massage event called “Sanctuary Space”. It is an opportunity for those who are curious about acupuncture to try it with their friends. It is also a great low cost opportunity to receive monthly treatment that includes two modalities. Being available and well versed in how to work the various groups seeking treatment is an important tool for growing your clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: Waterpointwellness.com
- Instagram: @waterpointwellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Water-Point-Wellness/100086109690018/?mibextid=b06tZ0