Briefly describe your practice (business model):
I am an independent acupuncturist and herbalist in a group practice focusing
on women’s health, fertility, musculoskeletal disorders and internal
medicine. A good portion of the patient load is assisted fertility; patients
undergoing in vitro fertilization cycles, intra-uterine insemination cycles
or medicated cycles.
How is natural medicine accepted in your region?
Acupuncture is generally well accepted in the Western Washington region
in both the allopathic medical and healthcare consumer communities. There
are some challenges with insurance billing for certain conditions however,
as well as communication with certain disagreeable pockets within the
allopathic medicine community. The biggest challenge, specifically in
the western medicine contingent, is acceptance of Chinese herbs.
What do you find to be the most interesting aspect
of practicing?
It has been continually surprising how well acupuncture is accepted for
assisted fertility (i.e. increasing pregnancy rates), yet how cool the
reception of acupuncture is during pregnancy (the exception being an overdue
mom) or near complete rejection of Chinese herbal therapy for any particular
aspect of the fertility or pregnancy process.
What are your overall marketing strategies?
This is my second year in practice. The most onerous task has been actually
getting started! I had a great opportunity to substitute for someone while
she was on maternity leave. It allowed me to not only practice (a lot!),
but introduced me to a community with which I had little experience. Currently,
I am trying discount coupons for current patients to encourage them to
refer their friends. Also, I am trying a mailing to prospective reproductive
endocrinology/ fertility doctors within the metro Seattle/Bellevue areas.
What keeps you motivated to practice?
I honestly love being an acupuncturist. I think the patients keep me motivated
as well. Obviously, I learn things just by practicing, but I truly enjoy
my patients. They always teach me things. It’s an honest and great
exchange. I also try to make each patient’s visit fun, not a chore.
What’s “next” for you? Where would
you like to place your energies?
At the moment, the next continues in the now. My energy is focused on
practicing for a few years, getting a wide variety of experiences and
discovering my strengths, as well as weaknesses. Eventually, I would love
to go back to China and study more gynecology and internal medicine for
an extended period of time. (maybe the doctorate in 7 or so years?)
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of
healing?
Hobbies and interests: music, art appreciation, lefty politics, eco pre-fab
architecture, swimming, karaoke, Buddhist philosophy. Some friends are
making an independent movie about making karaoke videos (www.thinklab.com/unsung).
They are gracious enough to let me a part of it.
Lee Hullender, MS ('01)