Q: Dear Dr. M, I have a question for you. I have been told that to become bullet-proof, I should acquire some type of sub-specialty such as rehab, sports injury, pediatric, nutrition etc. I have thought about nutrition and have found that I can either get my diplomate status (DACBN) or there's an online "Masters in Nutrition" program available through the Univ. of Bridgeport which I can get concurrently. Any of these sub-specialties are a big commitment and I wanted to be as sure as possible that, it would serve me in my chiropractic practice. ( To be frank, I had decided to pursue the MS in Nutrition at Bridgeport next month but, family and friends are trying to talk me out of it - they think it may not do me much good and they don't like the vitamin pushing chiropractor scenario) What is your feeling on this? Is acupuncture or nutrition etc , viewed as a little "hokey" by the public? Can a Dr. make any money running a nutritionally based practice, for example? Are there other specialties that you feel are more chiro friendly? I want to separate myself from the field by further education but am not sure which way to go. If you do not feel qualified to answer these questions, can you suggest someone who may? A: Thanks for your e-mail and question. Be practical .. knowledge is great and the more you have the better. If the end result of this knowledge is to both assist a patient and be reimbursed for the time and training then practicality dictates that we first should decide if it is cost effective. As a professional you should offer sound advice with an understanding that there is depth within your opinion. Rehab .. nutrition .. whatever .. training is important to get the message to the patient and deserve the income generated. Now .. do you need a certificate to give advice concerning rehab or nutrition. Here in Georgia the answer is no .. I doubt if it is yes anywhere else. Will the insurance company pay you more or at all with a certificate of training .. well ..if they do not cover nutrition the answer is no .. no matter what classes you took. Will you better serve and administer advice to your patients and possibly sound more educated with a certificate .. well that depends on you. An idiot with a good presence can sell the Brooklyn Bridge. So my answer is this .. get as much education as you feel you need to be qualified to render an opinion and advice. Nutritional companies normally charge doctors 50% of the retail price. You can have a lucrative practice with or without nutrition. Better yet .. consider an alliance with a local health food store. Send your patients there for a 10% reduction of what you mention they get and he in turn sends people to you for a complimentary examination. After the payment of an x-ray and care .. it'll far out way the money made on a vitamin. Give this some thought.