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Professional News Articles : : ON PRACTICE MANAGEMENT by Janyce Hamilton : Do something unique each year

Do something unique each year

January 03, 2007

Daniel Bobrow of Chicago is a childhood friend of my big brother, James. Because I'll always think of Danny as a bespeckled, skinny teenager visiting our house in Glenview, and he'll probably always think of me as a snarly haired, bratty sister of his buddy, Jim, he's unusually frank with me now that we are “grown-ups.”

I've talked with him before, but for this column, he told all: he shared his personal 2007 resolutions. He also talked at length about his passion—why he thinks everyone reading this should consider hiking up a mountain this year.

Since he also happens to be president of Chicago-based American Dental Company, a practice marketing company specializing in helping dentists reach their goals, our chat (below) ended up being an interesting mesh of friendly and professional advice. Keep in mind he has mediator-arbitrator credentials, international and University of Chicago masters degrees in business and finance, and his bachelor's in economics from the University of Illinois.

Janyce Hamilton (JH): Let's hear your ‘new year's resolutions' for 2007.

Daniel Bobrow (DB): My 2007 resolutions:

• Focus on climbing: take ‘Climb for a Cause' to a higher level in terms of the impact it makes on all who participate (sponsors, hikers, beneficiaries, volunteers, etc.), including establishing Cambodia & Guatemala Dental Projects;
• Show others what a powerful tool cause-related event marketing is for growing one's practice while leveraging their philanthropic efforts (or, as Danny puts it, how to do well while doing good).

JH: Dentists reading this are invited to climb Oregon's tallest peak—Mt. Hood—July 12-16, 2007, to raise money for Cambodian as well as Guatemalan children too poor to get dental healthcare. All that's required is the dentist depositing $1,000 toward the $2,500 goal, and getting pledges to raise the balance?

DB: The fundraising commitment varies depending whether this is their first climb or they are an alumnus, as well as whether they are a spouse coming along, a dental student or a staff member, in which case it is an even lesser amount.

JH: Why the heck would a doctor on a tight schedule, needed to meet payroll and other bills, take time away from the practice to do this?

DB: That is a perfectly valid question. Dentists are kind-hearted and generous, but those traits can, of course, manifest in ways that involve less of a commitment. Dentists' Climb for a Cause (DCFAC) is a unique way for dentists to “do well while doing good.” Specifically, unless the dentist simply writes a check for their commitment (many do), the process of securing support represents a huge opportunity to gain goodwill and thereby build ones practice. It also represents a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It's the opportunity to get (back) into the best shape of one's life, and to grow through broadening one's physical, spiritual and philanthropic horizons.

JH: Taking time to work out after a long day at a stressful and physically demanding job doesn't happen for most dentists. They are exhausted and need to visit the chiropractor more than visiting some gym's faux climbing wall to prepare to climb some mountain. Why would they want to tackle such a physical challenge and risk the humiliation of quitting if their muscles give out?   

DB: First, as DCFAC events are more accurately characterized as hikes rather than climbs, training in a climbing gym is not necessary. Nietzsche said, “Anything that does not kill you makes you stronger.” Seriously, without challenge, there is no growth. Each dentist has endured the challenge of dental school, so every single one -- subject to a clean bill of health from their physician -- is physically capable of this. Honestly, given the proper “inducement” right now (for some it might be a gun to the head), they could do it right now. It's the mental aspect that is most challenging. The key is to “commit to get fit.” The sooner they commit, the easier it is. All participants receive a training regimen from us, as well as regular calls to gauge progress.

JH: Okay, tell me, are you organizing Chicago or suburban training teams, or at least providing suggested endurance and strength training regimens for dentists so they can prepare for this?

DB: Yes. We've even done training with people from Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky. We tend to keep our trainings local, but that includes training at Indiana Dunes State Park.

JH: 2007 is the tenth anniversary of Dentists' Climb For A Cause. Is this even suitable for dentists not interested in the risks associated with technical mountaineering?  I see too that participants receive CE credit for this.

DB: This event is proven to be just what the doctor ordered because dentists' lives have literally changed by agreeing to commit to get (and remain) fit.  I'm also happy to share names of dentists who have completed the hike.  Of course, I'm happy to speak with any interested parties as well.

No one complains that it's tax-deductible, either.

JH: You are a family friend, but can I insult you for a moment to ask you if these “causes” and “events” are just stunts to get dentists hooked up with you for your practice marketing services?

DB: There is no question that these events generate some good will for me, as they can all participants. Frankly, if self-enrichment is your primary goal, people will quickly see through that. It's the same for me. I receive no direct compensation of any kind through my involvement (nor do participants). The benefit to me derives in those instances where someone decides to utilize our practice marketing or patient communications tools. I'm certainly not bashful about telling people what I do if asked. If not, I keep my mouth shut about my work, and just hike with them for the shear joy in helping others achieve their goals. I do it because I love it.

DB: My emphasis is on low-impact exercise including Versa climber, Stairmaster, Concept II Rower, Nordic Track, stairwell climbing, stretching and activity-specific weight training as well as, of course, hiking outdoors whenever possible.

DB: I do not hold myself out as a paragon of virtue in this regard. I do watch what I eat, but not all I eat and drink is great for me.  Yet I do consume in moderation. I will say that an advantage of training hard is an ability to eat certain foods with a smaller helping of guilt.

JH: You certainly are no longer string-bean skinny or bespeckled. You are muscle-defined and either had that ophthalmic surgery or wear contacts! This is something all will notice when they are around with you for these events. Meanwhile, I'm the same brat but weigh more. Maybe I should be one of those who hikes a few miles for smiles this year?

Seriously, do you have any final thoughts so dentists can pursue more information about Climb for a Cause without that nagging feeling that this is some ‘wacky adventure' that seems ego- more than charity-driven?

DB:  The premise of this question, Janyce, if it were accurate, would seem to say “this is selfish.” Dentistry is philanthropic in its own right as it's a profession to help people restore and keep health. These efforts demonstrate the generosity and charity that make dentists so trustworthy in the public eye! I've had a number of dentists bring part of, or their entire family, on one of our events. While summiting a mountain peak is something we aspire to, our overriding goal must first and always be, taking care of yourself while doing good for others.

Also, it's a terrific way to meet and mingle with like-minded people, get some exercise, do something new for a change.  Next time someone says, “What's new?” you sure won't say “Same old, same old.”

Danny wants me to reassure all that to keep everyone safe on these arduous hiking events, he retains the services of a professional, accredited guide service. He takes every precaution, including canceling or changing the event if the weather conditions dictate.

“In the past 14 years, I've staged close to 20 events, involving hundreds of participants, without a single serious injury. That's a record we intend to maintain.”

Perhaps your goal still isn't climbing a mountain, but to be insurance-free, or to work smarter not harder?

I e-mailed my brother, Jimmy, about this year's climb with his boyhood pal. With bait on the hook, I threw him that Nietzsche quote “What doesn't kill us ….”

Said Dan, “Good. I hope he bites.”

Meanwhile, I challenge the entire membership of the Chicago Dental Society to consider the Tenth Annual Dentists' Climb For A Cause.

What do you say?

To reach Mr. Bobrow, contact Climb for a Cause, www.climbforacause.org, (312)455-9498.  All inquiries will get a prompt response, including those who just want to meet for coffee to learn more!

Janyce Hamilton is a Chicagoland freelance dental writer and editor. Send suggestions for topics to be covered, or any comments on this column, to review@cds.org.

Copyright 2007, Chicago Dental Society