Dr. Donald Littlejohn Chiropractic Practice
For the past 34 years, Dr. Donald Littlejohn has served the community of Chester, New York as a chiropractor. Dr. Littlejohn works with his patients to help treat various forms of pain; most commonly neck and lower back pain.
After earning his Doctor of Chiropractic from the New York Chiropractic College in 1985, Dr. Donald Littlejohn began the Chester Chiropractic Office where he has worked there since. A former board member of the New York State Chiropractic Association, he has been a very active member of the New York chiropractic community throughout his career.
In addition to his work as a chiropractor, Dr. Donald Littlejohn has been a board member of multiple community organizations, including the Chester Kiwanis Club and the Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church.
What gave you the idea for your Chiropractic Practice? How did it start?
When I was in school, we were introduced to many different approaches to chiropractic care; there are many variations available. It was important that we learned about the different techniques available because individuals respond best to different practices. While I was at school, I became interested in a technique called the ‘Sacro Occipital Technique’, which I had the opportunity to learn from the creator of the technique, Dr. DeJarnette. It was from working with him that drove my passion for helping people and was one of the main influences for starting my own Chiropractic Practice. Over time, I found that I had found the technique that I enjoyed and then I customized it to fit my own goals and my patient’s needs.
What’s your favorite thing about your chosen profession?
My favorite thing about my profession is the ability to work with people every day. I have a wide range of patients spanning four generations from children to my oldest patient who is 103 years old. Because of my style of chiropractic work, there is a repetitive quality like physical or occupational therapy. Since recovery takes time and repetition, I have had the opportunity to get to know my patients very well as I have been their chiropractor for most, or even all, of their life. Working with such a variety of people, I have come to realize that we are all pretty much the same. Regardless of culture or background, people are people. If you treat them with respect, you will typically be treated with respect as well.
What keys to being productive can you share with us?
You must have goals and the goals must be clearly defined. Having goals allows you to always be able to look and see if you have achieved what you set out to do. For myself, goals push my productivity because I know that everything I do is working towards those goals of mine and that my goals are mine and mine alone. I am a very structured individual. I find that I work best when I work my way down a list. My wife teases me all the time for how structured my daily life is. Having a list of long-term and short-term goals has allowed me to always be able to know that my work is just one step on the path towards achieving those goals.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
One of my long-term goals was to become financially independent. I wanted to be able to decide whether I wanted to continue to work or not based on if I was enjoying myself rather than because I needed to. I still work now because I enjoy my job and working with people, rather than due to financial needs and there is a wondrous sense of empowerment and freedom in that.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
The most valuable lesson I have learnt in my career is the listen. No one can know everything, and you can learn a great deal by having an open mind during a conversation.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
I would tell them that there are multiple things that they can be doing both while in school and once they are starting their own practice. In school I would tell them to research to find the right location to start their practice. Furthermore, I would recommend finding a mentor to help give you guidance. Most chiropractors would be happy to spend some time talking to a student who shows an interest in their field.
Once starting their career, I would recommend attempting to start with as low an overhead as you can. Don’t burden yourself with the need to earn even more money. The other important thing is to network. Become part of professional organizations such as the New York State Chiropractic Association, get engaged in your community and go out and meet people. Putting yourself out there and meeting others is the best way to grow your office.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
During the summer months, I enjoy hiking and backpacking with my family and dog. During the winter, I love to ski. I always enjoy spending time with my family. Last, but certainly not least, I am a passionate Eagles fan.
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
One of the most influential books I have read is Freakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner. Personally, I am an avid reader of history and enjoy listening to podcasts about both historic and current topics.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell younger Donald Littlejohn to lighten up! I have always been a driven person. As a child, my family was not affluent. They were coal miners who clawed their way out of poverty. Being the oldest child, I have always felt a responsibility to be successful and forge a career for myself as I was able to go to college. Looking back, I wish that younger Donald Littlejohn had taken some time to be able to enjoy the moment more.
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