Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Raven Bradley
Hi Dr. Raven, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always known I would be in healthcare, dating back to Season 1, Episode 1 of Grey’s Anatomy.As I grew older, my interest narrowed specifically to orthopedic surgery. However, during my junior year of undergraduate studies, a low back injury changed my path. The surgeon I was shadowing at the time suggested I visit a chiropractor—a surprising recommendation given the discord between the medical community and holistic care alternatives.
I completed a four-visit treatment plan as suggested by the chiropractor and became fascinated with the profession. By the end of my senior year, I decided to pursue this interest further and applied to Texas Chiropractic College, known for its evidence-based curriculum. This marked the beginning of my journey to becoming a chiropractor.
After graduating in 2019, my plan was to work as an associate for a few years before opening my own practice. However, the opportunity to start my private practice came much faster than anticipated. On July 1, 2020, Artisan Chiropractic opened its doors to serve the greater Houston community.
Believing strongly in traditional Western medicine, I made it a priority to work closely with hospitals and clinics in Houston. This collaboration aimed to provide comprehensive care and alleviate any fears patients had about advocating for their health.
Now, with five years of practice under my belt and extensive collaboration with various healthcare professionals—ranging from medical doctors to dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists—I have witnessed the struggles faced by both patients and providers, particularly those in marginalized communities. This experience has fueled my efforts to provide resources and mentorship to the next generation of healthcare professionals, fostering a more collaborative system to improve patient experiences and outcomes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the journey of business ownership while practicing as a doctor has been far from easy, but it has been an immensely rewarding experience. Creating a safe space where patients can heal and feel empowered about their health has always been my primary goal.
In our training, schools focus on molding us into excellent healthcare professionals, but they often neglect to teach us the essential skills of entrepreneurship and systemic business principles. This gap in knowledge has led to many sleepless nights where I found myself grappling with accounting and marketing concepts. There have been numerous days of frustration, where the thought of working for another practice crossed my mind because juggling ownership responsibilities and treating patients became exhausting. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome have also been constant companions as I continue to a successful business.
Despite these challenges, I am incredibly grateful for my amazing support system. They have been my rock, providing me with the knowledge, resources, and encouragement needed to persevere. Their unwavering support has made this journey worthwhile, and I am thankful for every lesson learned along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my practice, I focus on treating musculoskeletal injuries and pain using a variety of modalities. As an active person who loves strength training, running, Pilates, and tennis, I understand firsthand the aches and pains that come with these activities. My goal is to keep my patients mobile and performing optimally, whether that means engaging in physical activities, comfortably performing household chores, chasing after children, grandchildren, or even fur children, or maintaining the mental stamina needed for their job duties. Pain undeniably affects mental health, and I strive to alleviate that burden for my patients.
One of my most sought-after treatments is Dry Needling, a technique using acupuncture needles for trigger point therapy. This treatment consistently delivers great results, providing pain relief and optimizing athletic performance.
I am especially proud of creating a space within my office where students can learn and engage. This environment helps build their confidence as they observe and participate in the practical application of skills I use daily in my career.
What sets me apart is my empathy and transparency. When you come to my office as a patient, we begin working as a team on your overall health. Contrary to the common belief that you need to see a chiropractor forever once you start going, I often tell my patients that this is not the case, nor is it my goal. I encourage my patients to take ownership of their health, empowering them to maintain their well-being independently.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe that discipline is the key characteristic that drives my success. While motivation and inspiration can be fleeting, it’s the mindset of doing the work even when you don’t feel like it that has brought me to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artisanchiropractic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenjbradley
- Other: https://www.bshafoundation.org
Image Credits
Jessica Dao
Alex Harris
