Radio Front Desk
Radio Front Desk is a podcast that talks to real people in real clinics about what it takes to build a health and wellness business.
Host Denzil Ford, Editor-in-Chief of Front Desk magazine, digs into the inspiring stories of folks building their practices from the ground up — including what works, what hasn’t, and everything in between.
Created by the team at Jane App, this podcast is your source for discovering fresh ideas and proven strategies for clinic life. Join us on this journey of building a practice you love.
Radio Front Desk
How do you make your clinic fun?
This week on the podcast, we’re talking about how a little fun can go a long way in creating meaningful connections with your patients.
Inspired by her chat with Dr. Kellen Scantlebury of Fit Club NY, Denzil dives into the art of making your clinic a place patients actually want to return to. She shares ideas for hiring a team that brings the right vibe, building connection outside the actual care itself, and even what her own dream clinic would feel like.
Have you tried anything to make your clinic more fun or inviting? We’d love to hear about it! Send us an email and join the conversation.
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Let's be real. Patients aren't walking out of your clinic saying, whoa, let me tell you about that mobilization technique my physiotherapist used. But they will say that place was actually pretty fun and, honestly, doesn't that sound like healing to you? I picked this up from my friend, dr Kellen Scantlebury, when he came back for a second episode of Radio Front Desk. He's someone who's all about rebooking strategies and his take is simple the best way to get people to return is to make a strong first impression. Make them laugh, get them talking. Even better, get them talking to each other. Even better, get them talking to each other.
Speaker 1:If you're heading to a clinic, chances are you're in some pain, stressed out or just plain tired. Now imagine walking into a space that's full of jokes and good energy. It's like a breath of fresh air you didn't even realize you needed. A lot of practitioners can deliver solid care and sometimes that's enough. But according to Kellen, there's a difference between someone who moves on after their issue's resolved and someone who keeps coming back. It's the connection they feel with your clinic outside of the treatment itself. So here are a few ideas for how you can make your clinic a little more fun. All right, first, hire people who match your energy. Creating a vibe in your clinic starts with the people you hire. So look for folks whose energy matches the kind of atmosphere you're trying to build. Now. This could be laid back. It could be higher energy or even a little quirky, and then, when you've found the right people, encourage them to just be themselves. But you're also going to want to help them click. When your team feels comfortable around each other, everyone else can feel that energy too, patience included. So take your crew out for lunch, plan a team building activity or do something that helps them connect and have a little fun together.
Speaker 1:Another idea is play some games. I know this won't work for every clinic, but this is just coming from a place of. Anyone can look up exercises online, but have you ever thought about adding a little playful competition into the mix? Try setting up small challenges or games for your patients. It could be a step count challenge trivia based on their treatment plan or something fun like the most creative stretch that you did this week, and if you're feeling up for it, throw in a small reward, maybe some clinic merch or even a free follow-up session. Patients will love it and it's a great way to keep them engaged in their care and rebooking their sessions.
Speaker 1:And if you're still stuck, try a mood board. If none of these ideas really feel like you, try this instead. Start by imagining how you want your clinic to feel. Think about things like your favorite music or artists, the sights and smells that make you feel good, hobbies or interests that you'd love to showcase. Then take it a step further. Talk to your staff, or even your patients, and ask what feels engaging or comforting to them. Now gather all of that your ideas, their input and throw it onto a clinic mood board.
Speaker 1:I know it sounds silly, but try it. You never know. Seeing it all in one place might just spark ideas that you hadn't even thought of before. In the end, just try to have a little fun In a world where clinics are often reduced to just fixing pain. Kellen taught me that clinics don't just heal with their care plans, they heal with the connections that they make. I'd love to hear the fun things that you've tried in your clinic. Shoot me an email at frontdesk at janeapp with some ideas. That's all for me. Thanks for listening and have fun. You got this.