Today’s Notable Young Professional is Toronto-based chiropractor Dr. Alexander Yu, who follows a three-step MO to provide real value for his community through his work…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a chiropractor who believes in going beyond appointments; I provide real value for my community in three key ways:
1. Obviously, providing excellent musculoskeletal care; I put my patients’ needs first and give them the best care possible. I practice out of two clinics in downtown Toronto: Royal Care Rehab (College & Spadina) and Platinum Health & Wellness (Trinity Bellwoods).
2. I empower my patients by giving them the tools they need to take charge of their bodies, like exercises, posture changes and personalized ergonomic solutions.
3. Community outreach efforts like interactive educational talks and providing informative consumable media online. I founded TheChiroJunkie.com to give a fresh and relatable voice to healthcare that actually gets people excited about healthy living!
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I always knew that I wanted to be in health care. I started my post secondary career in a nursing program and ended up changing career paths mid-way through because I wanted to be able to help tackle health issues at the root, so that people’s lives are enriched for the better.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I’m very lucky to be in a profession where I get to see how what I do has a direct impact on people’s lives because I get to see major improvement with every visit. Because chiropractic and acupuncture care aren’t covered by OHIP, my challenge is to inspire people take steps to invest in their health.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Everyone knows that success is directly related to hard work, and working seven days a week is a sure indication that I’m married to the job!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years’ time I’d like to run a clinic of my own and really focus on complete patient management. The patient experience isn’t confined to the treatment room, it’s a journey that starts well before they choose to walk in the door and continues long after they’ve gone home.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the major challenges that I would say all chiropractors face is trying to develop a presence in the community in which they work. It’s really about asking the right questions, finding resources and being proactive to promote yourself.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
To me, success isn’t defined by dollar signs. I find that the most successful people out there are the ones who are never satisfied with the status quo.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In 2011, I cycled across Canada to promote health and wellness to youth groups at Boys and Girls clubs and YMCA day camps. I’ll never forget it!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
“When there’s a will, there’s a way.” You’re not going to build a career if you’re depending on people to walk in your door; you’ve got to work at it. Only when you show people the value you’re offering them will they believe in you.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
It’s hard to pick just one, but Ciao Wine Bar (Toronto) is a sure favourite. Great atmosphere, pasta, wine… what’s not to love?
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I try to be as active and as healthy as I can. I find my zen by hitting the gym or getting a good sweat at hot yoga. I also love cooking, and I experiment a lot with the fusion of Asian, Italian and Mexican cuisines – and I’ve got the cooking videos to prove it!
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Sayulita, Mexico. A buddy of mine asked if I wanted to do something spontaneous. I said yes, and off we went to go surfing in Mexico. Hands down one of the best experiences of my life.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Eye of the Tiger. If it was good enough for Rocky Balboa, then it’s good enough for me… but don’t ask me to drink raw eggs.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I’d be surfing the ocean every day. Is there a way to make a living as a beach bum?
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Of course! Giving back is incredibly important to me. I’ve supported a lot of charitable efforts, from spending time volunteering with orphaned children and teaching English in the Dominican Republic to providing on-site treatment to cyclists in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
What to you is notable?
Striving not just to work, but to make improvements to your craft for the better of others.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I was once your friendly neighbourhood Apple tech, so you can safely assume which phone I will pick.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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