On this episode of Chiropractical, Jon Kec talks with Dr. Abigail Riutta, a recent chiropractic graduate who bravely opened her own practice in Northern New York.  Dr. Riutta shares her heartfelt journey, from navigating student uncertainty to stepping confidently into her role as a new doctor, along with the real-world lessons she learned along the way. Learn about those critical first steps in building a practice, the power of community connections, and why having the right support system can make all the difference. Dr. Riutta offers advice for new grads on setting up policies, procedures, and essential business insights while balancing patient care. This episode is a must-listen for chiropractic students and new grads looking to carve out their own successful career path. 00:00 - The Reality of Small Business Survival 01:29 - Setting Up for Success: Community Engagement 04:10 - Overcoming Community Fear and Building Trust 08:49 - The Decision to Open a Practice 11:05 - Navigating Business Challenges 17:00 - Balancing Practitioner and Business Roles 24:55 -  Advice for Students   If you have questions for Chiropractical, reach out at [email protected]. Watch the video version of this episode on the NCMIC YouTube Channel.  Episode Release Date: February 3, 2026 About Dr. Abigail Riutta: Dr. Abigail Riutta is a chiropractor and owner of Riutta Chiropractic in Gouverneur, NY. She attended SUNY Cortland, where she earned a Bachelor's in Biology and then proceeded to hear her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northeast College of Health Sciences, graduating with honors in March 2025. Additionally, Dr. Riutta furthered her education by receiving her Webster Technique certification, so that she can better serve her prenatal patients, and has recently enrolled in the ACA Pediatric Diplomatic program. Connect with us:  https://www.facebook.com/ncmic https://www.instagram.com/ncmicinsurance/ https://www.ncmic.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.