Thriving Together: Overcoming Professional Isolation in Physician-Owned Practices
Behind many successful physician-owners lies a silent struggle: a deeply-felt sense of professional isolation.
Physician-owned practices have a profound community impact by fostering personalized patient care, promoting local economic growth, and preserving a sense of familiarity and trust within their community. Unlike a hospital or larger practice where social contact and networking is practically built-in, owning a practice, or any business, can feel quite isolating. As a physician-owner, your team is likely made up of just you, possibly a small handful of other providers, and your clinical support and administrative teams.
If you’ve been following our blog, listening to our Podcast or have attended our roundtables, you won’t be surprised to learn: isolation and loneliness are major contributors to physician burnout. Over 70% of physicians who attempt suicide are solo providers. We know it’s not healthy to live in isolation. This data seems to support our thesis that there is an urgent need for providers, particularly physician-owners, to actively seek and nurture relationships to help avoid feelings of isolation, and to feel supported professionally.*
It’s important to choose the kinds of social and professional relationships in which you want to invest your most precious resources - your time and energy. This blogpost will explore different ways to expand your professional support network.
First things first: Get clear about the amount of time and energy that you are willing to invest in building relationships. Also ask yourself what kind of relationships and support you would like. Getting clear about what you want and need most will help you find the right kind of support, and it’ll save you a ton of energy in your search. Once you’ve established what will serve your needs, then you can consider what contribution you’ll make.
Do you prefer individualized support, or group networking opportunities? Be honest, and do your best not to censor or judge yourself. If you’re currently lacking in “extra” time and energy, make sure you honor that.
If you’d like to broaden your options and be part of a networking or professional group, how much time and energy are you willing to invest in integrating, building and nurturing those relationships? There’s no wrong answer, and that can change over time.
Next, identify what is missing and what you’d like most from a professional network.
Do you crave the guidance of an experienced mentor who can share their experience so you can learn faster than on your own?
Are you looking to expand your network and connect with other providers in your speciality?
Do you prefer the convenience of an online community that provides flexibility and direct access to peers?
Are you interested in serving on an advisory board or committee?
Whatever you choose, make sure you’re crystal clear about what would serve you best, and if you’re joining a community or a board, make note of what you bring to the table. The key here is to be clear about your needs first. Yes, I’m recommending that you take the “WIFM” (What’s In It For Me?) approach to expanding your network.
Building relationships is like constructing a bridge to professional fulfillment. Without bridges, vast chasms stand between us and our goals, leaving us stranded on one side, longing for progress. Similarly, by actively seeking and nurturing relationships, we build bridges that connect us to opportunities, resources, and a supportive community. These bridges enable us to cross over from isolation to fulfillment, ultimately reaching our professional aspirations.
There are various avenues to network with other physician-owners. Networking can offer opportunities for collaboration, sharing best practices, and building professional relationships.
Below are some ways you can network with your peers:
Medical conferences and seminars: Attend medical conferences, seminars, and workshops focused on your speciality or healthcare management. These events provide opportunities to meet other physician-owners, participate in panel discussions, and engage in networking sessions.
Professional organizations and associations: Join professional organizations and associations that cater to physician-owners.
Online communities and forums: Participate in online communities and forums designed for physician-owners.
Local networking events: Attend local networking events, such as medical meetups, physician roundtables, or business networking groups. These gatherings may be organized by medical societies, healthcare institutions, or physician-led organizations.
Referrals and introductions: Leverage your existing network to seek referrals and introductions to other physician-owners. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or medical school alumni who may be aware of potential networking opportunities.
Physician-led organizations: Explore joining or collaborating with physician-led organizations or groups that focus on healthcare management, practice ownership, or business development. These organizations often provide platforms for physician-owners to connect and collaborate on various initiatives.
Social media and online platforms: Engage in social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to connect with other physician-owners. Participate in relevant discussions, follow influential individuals or organizations, and share insights to establish connections.
Mentorship programs: Seek out mentorship programs tailored for physician-owners. These programs pair experienced physician-owners with those seeking guidance, providing an opportunity for networking and exchange of knowledge.
Advisory boards and committees: Serve on advisory boards or committees related to healthcare organizations, medical startups, or industry initiatives. These roles can connect you with other physician-owners who are passionate about shaping the future of healthcare.
Building meaningful relationships takes time and effort, but the benefits of a strong physician-owner network can be invaluable for minimizing isolation and maximizing your professional growth and success.
No matter what route you choose, it’s important to be very clear about the resources you’re willing to invest in building your professional network. Get clear about what you need most, then decide whether you’re looking for individualized support or an opportunity to expand your network in a group setting. From there, determine your best fit, and ultimately grow your professional network in a way that provides the right kind of support you need as a provider-owner.
Practice ownership and solo-provider practices are an incredible resource for our communities, and your patients and community need you to be at your best. Make sure you prioritize and support your wellbeing in a robust way by building your bridges and nurturing your professional relationships.
We support provider-owners in decreasing overwhelm, taking back their time and growing their practices without sacrificing. If you would like support from a trusted professional and access to an international community of peers, schedule a strategy call with us to see if working together is a fit for you.
*If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact your local emergency medical facility, or call or text your local suicide prevention number (US and Canada: Call/SMS 9-8-8).