Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Schifanelli
Hi Jeffrey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016, I set out to create a nonprofit to make acupuncture more accessible, hence the name, Savannah Community Acupuncture (SCA). I was driven by the cultural barriers regarding acupuncture and healthcare disparities.
Many had no idea of the uses for acupuncture and even if they did, most couldn’t afford what acupuncturists charge. Even the few whose insurance covered it could only get a small number of visits per year which was unrealistic when it came to getting a positive clinical outcome.
Since nothing like this existed in Savannah, it was new territory for me, requiring persistence and adaptability. Over the years, SCA has made a lot of ground in sharing the ways acupuncture can help while offering a service more people could fit into their healthcare budget.
Many years later, SCA has expanded beyond its original mission. The nonprofit now offers other aspects of Chinese Medicine like herbal formulas for many common conditions. Furthermore, SCA patients have access to professional grade supplements. It’s a service designed to make them more affordable and provide guidance so people aren’t wasting their money.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Operating a community acupuncture clinic hasn’t been smooth all the time but it certainly could have been worse. Upon opening, Savannah was very welcoming and to this day, the people I’ve met have been supportive beyond my imagination. I’ve had the blessing of making some enduring relationships while running SCA.
My patients have witnessed SCA’s achievements and struggles. Some patients, who still come regularly, used to get treatments when I first started in a 170 square foot room. Just to provide context, the clinic now encompasses an entire building.
Covid, of course, truly sucked, but that probably goes without saying. It was a learn as you go type of situation. How to run a community clinic in a pandemic wasn’t something that was taught in Chinese Medicine school. The clinic survived though and provided support during an exceptionally rough time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Savannah Community Acupuncture is a 501(c)(3) that provides affordable alternative healthcare services. We strive to make acupuncture, Chinese herbs and professional grade supplements useful and financially realistic for Savannah and its surrounding areas.
One of the things about SCA’s brand that I am proud of is how we use technology to create better clinical outcomes. Our electronic health records system helps patients with ease of scheduling, measuring clinical results and keeping track of what they’re taking.
Anyone who has been practicing for some time realizes that they have to be continually learning. That’s why they call it a practice. To support my existing clinical knowledge, I’ve been using AI to make sure our treatment protocols are based on the most up to date information. I’ve also been learning Spanish for over a year now. Although I’m not fluent, my ability is to a point where I can help a wider demographic of our community than I previously could.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t consider myself a risk taker and don’t have much to say on this subject. Everything I do is quite planned out and I make every attempt to assume only manageable risk.
I prefer routine, predictability and measured responses to the challenges I face. Life, of course, isn’t always on board with that. So there is a point where I just have to let go and cross my fingers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savannahacupuncture.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savannahacupuncture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savannahcallc
