2025: A Year of Growth and Connection at Thriving Practice

As we step into 2025, I'm filled with gratitude reflecting on our journey together. 2025 marks my 15th year since taking the leap into entrepreneurship, and what a journey it's been.

The Journey Here

My coaching journey began in 2010, sparked by recurring suggestions from friends and colleagues that I should consider becoming a coach. As a newly single mom balancing career aspirations with raising two young children, I took a strategic approach - first hiring a professional coach myself to clarify my path forward. 

When my first client hired me, I knew I'd made the right choice. Alongside coaching and consulting, I've facilitated leadership workshops for diverse organizations, from one of the largest school districts in the country to legal and tech firms, honing the skills that now benefit our practice owner community.

While I've worked with various highly credentialed business owners throughout my career, healthcare providers have always resonated deeply with our mission. Their unique challenges – balancing clinical excellence with business leadership – aligned perfectly with my background in operations and growth strategy. In early 2022, we made the pivotal decision to focus exclusively on independent practice owners, and later that year, rebranded our podcast to create what Thriving Practice Community has become.

What's New in 2025 

Building on the momentum of our community's success, this year brings exciting changes to our podcast. January and February kick off with the "Overachievers Intensive" - twice-weekly episodes diving deep into essential topics from legal considerations to revenue cycle management. Starting March, we'll return to our weekly rhythm while adding bi-monthly "snack" episodes - unscripted conversations with our Operations Manager, Miranda Dorta, offering behind-the-scenes insights into how we help clients achieve 10-20X ROI within 18 months.

This year's content strategy responds directly to community feedback:

• Weekly 30-minute episodes fitting busy schedules

• The Overachievers Intensive matching your new year momentum

• More peer stories translating theory into actionable strategies

• Unscripted episodes surfacing valuable practical insights

As we enter our fifth year, our mission remains unchanged: guiding practices toward sustainable growth that energizes rather than depletes. Because survival isn't enough - life is meant to be celebrated.

Join Our Global Community of Practice

The Thriving Practice Community is built on years of listening and learning. Through extensive surveys with independent practice owners and continuous feedback from our podcast listeners and clients, we've identified the key challenges that keep talented providers from reaching their full potential: isolation in decision-making, lack of business operations expertise, and the struggle to balance clinical excellence with business leadership.

In response, we've created an ecosystem that addresses these specific pain points. Our community combines:

• Expert business consulting tailored to healthcare practices

• Interactive workshops that transform theory into action

• Executive coaching to support your leadership journey

• Peer connections that combat the isolation of practice ownership

• A comprehensive resource library built from real-world success stories

We've connected with practice owners across 30+ countries, from the United States to Australia, each bringing unique perspectives while sharing common challenges. This diversity enriches our community's knowledge base, while our structured approach ensures every member receives the individual attention they need to thrive.

Founding member doors are open until February 14th, offering access to our resource library, live sessions, and collaborative platform. We're thoughtfully structuring quarterly enrollment to maintain our commitment to white-glove support for each member.

The Dream Team Making It Happen

Bringing ambitious visions to life requires an exceptional team, and I'm incredibly fortunate to work alongside these talented individuals who make everything possible:

Miranda Dorta, our Operations and PR Manager, is the driving force behind our seamless execution and white-glove service to our clients, members, and podcast guests. Her expertise in streamlining complex processes while maintaining the human touch in our relationships has been instrumental in our growth.

Ciara Fabian brings our content to life as our Research Assistant and creative tech genius. She not only conducts deep analysis of practice trends but also elevates our podcast with compelling graphics, perfectly timed audio clips, and an expert eye for highlighting the most valuable insights for our audience.

Aaron Gold, our CFO, brings the perfect balance of strategic vision and financial acumen. His expertise in healthcare finance helps our clients make confident decisions while ensuring our own ambitious growth plans remain sustainable.

Together, our dream team brings diverse expertise and shared commitment to our mission of liberating practice owners from the exhausting cycle of working in their business rather than on it. Their dedication enables our clients and members to step confidently into their CEO role, creating space for strategic growth while reclaiming their time and energy.

Your Practice's Future Starts Here

What sets thriving practices apart isn't just their revenue growth – it's their foundation of operational excellence, team stability, and strategic vision. Our community members consistently achieve:

• Sustainable business growth without sacrificing work-life balance

• A high-performing, loyal team that shares their vision

• Systems that create peace of mind and predictable outcomes

• A legacy-worthy practice that serves their community and holds real value

Here, you'll find peers who understand your challenges, celebrate your wins, and share insights that can save you years of trial and error. From solo practitioners to multi-location practices, every member contributes to and benefits from our collective wisdom.

As we enter our fifteenth year in operation and fifth year in podcasting, our mission remains clear: guiding practices toward sustainable growth that energizes rather than depletes. Because building a thriving practice isn't just about survival – it's about creating something meaningful that serves your community while supporting the life you envision.

If you’re ready to join a community of peers achieving sustainable growth, visit ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com to schedule a call before founding member enrollment closes on February 14th.

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Would you like some support? At Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community, we're committed to supporting independent healthcare practice owners in achieving extraordinary success without sacrificing well-being. Whether through educational resources like this blog, community support, or personalized guidance, we're here to help you on your journey to a more balanced, fulfilling career in healthcare practice ownership. Let’s talk! Click here to schedule your complimentary practice assessment strategy session.

About the Author

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is a business consultant, executive coach, and leadership development expert. Her mission is to unlock the potential for success in every individual and organization she works with. With a background in operations and a passion for driving growth, she approaches each engagement with professionalism and a keen eye for optimizing structures, processes, and productivity to boost profitability.

Tracy's coaching, consulting, and training programs are designed to provide a holistic experience, integrating leadership development, executive coaching, and mindset mastery. Her expertise has been sought after by small business owners, industry groups, networking organizations, government agencies, and corporations alike.

Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy now calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her home. Wherever she goes, her commitment to helping people and organizations reach their full potential remains unwavering.

Photo by Alphacolor on Unsplash

Addressing BIPOC Mental Health: A Call to Action for Healthcare Providers

July isn't just about beach trips and barbecues. It's a pivotal month that shines awareness on a critical issue: BIPOC Mental Health. As healthcare providers and private practitioners, you’re called to action. It's time to peel back the layers, challenge the assumptions, and revolutionize your approach to mental health care for BIPOC populations. Are you truly seeing and hearing everyone who needs your help? Let's dive into the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities and emerge with innovative solutions that could transform lives.

The Reality of BIPOC Mental Health

Recent statistics clearly show that BIPOC groups face significant inequalities in mental health outcomes:

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) [1], in 2019, only 33.9% of Black and Hispanic adults with mental illness received treatment, compared to 50.3% of white adults.

In 2019, 9.7% of Hispanic adults received mental health services in the past year, compared to 19.8% of non-Hispanic white adults. [2]

58.0% of Hispanic adults with past year major depressive episodes, received treatment for depression, compared to 70.2% of non-Hispanic white adults. [3]

A 2021 report by the American Psychological Association found that only 5% of psychologists in the U.S. workforce identified as Asian, 5% as Hispanic, 4% as Black, and 1% as multiracial. [4]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that suicide rates among American Indian/Alaska Native populations are 3.5 times higher than those among racial/ethnic groups with the lowest rates. [5]

These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and improved care strategies for BIPOC populations within their local, neighborhood practices.

Challenges in BIPOC Mental Health Care

Several factors contribute to the disparities in mental health care for minorities:

1. Cultural stigma surrounding mental health issues

2. Language barriers

3. Lack of culturally competent care providers

4. Socioeconomic factors affecting access to care

5. Historical mistrust of healthcare systems

Taking Action in Your Practice

As healthcare providers, you have the power and responsibility to address these challenges. Here are some actionable steps to improve BIPOC mental health care in your practice:

1. Enhance Cultural Competence: Invest in ongoing cultural competency training for yourself and your staff. This will help you better understand and address the unique needs of diverse patient populations.

2. Diversify Your Team: Actively work to increase diversity in your hiring practices. A diverse staff can provide more culturally sensitive care and help patients feel more comfortable.

3. Offer Language Services: Provide interpreters or multilingual staff to overcome language barriers that may prevent minorities from seeking or receiving care.

4. Community Outreach: Engage with local BIPOC communities to build trust, raise awareness about mental health, and reduce stigma.

5. Implement Culturally Adapted Treatments: Research and incorporate evidence-based treatments that have been adapted for specific cultural groups.

6. Address Social Determinants of Health: Recognize and address socioeconomic factors that may impact your patients' mental health and access to care.

7. Collaborate with Community Organizations: Partner with local organizations that serve BIPOC populations to improve access to mental health resources.

8. Regularly Assess Your Practice: Conduct periodic assessments of your practice's cultural competence and patient satisfaction, particularly among BIPOC patients.

The Impact of Culturally Competent Care

Research demonstrates the positive impact of culturally competent care:

- A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that culturally adapted mental health interventions were four times more effective than traditional treatments for BIPOC populations. [6]

- The National Institutes of Health reports that patients who receive care from providers of the same racial or ethnic background often report higher satisfaction and better health outcomes. [7]

By implementing these strategies, we can work towards closing the gap in mental health care inequalities and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, receive the quality care they deserve.

As we observe BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month throughout July, let's commit to making lasting changes in our practices. By enhancing cultural competence, diversifying teams, and actively addressing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC populations, we can play a crucial role in improving mental health outcomes for all.

Resources: The Thriving Practice Podcast 

In our previous June blog, the Thriving Practice Podcast featured enlightening conversations with three pioneering mental health professionals:

1. Jessica Martin, episode 124: In her episode, Jessica shared how she's revolutionized her practice by incorporating mindfulness, breathwork, and sensory techniques. She discussed how these methods not only enhance trauma-informed care but also significantly improve patient outcomes. Jessica emphasized the importance of practitioner self-care, demonstrating how it directly correlates with sustained excellence in patient care.

2. Julie Ann Otis, episode 125: Julie Ann's episode was a deep dive into the intersection of quantum physics and mental health. She explained how her exploration of energy healing principles has transformed her ability to create impactful client experiences and achieve rapid results. Julie Ann's unique approach offers listeners a fresh perspective on expanding their practice beyond traditional methods.

3. Maureen Clancy, episode 126: As a trauma therapist and group practice owner, Maureen's episode focused on the importance of embracing alternative healing methods. She challenged listeners to examine their own biases and fears around non-traditional approaches, highlighting how integrating these methods can lead to improved client trust, practice differentiation, and new revenue streams.

Each of these episodes offers valuable insights for mental health professionals looking to innovate and expand their practices. Take a listen and gain practical strategies for incorporating holistic approaches, improving patient outcomes, and staying competitive in an evolving field while prioritizing patient care. 

Resources: Unlocking Potential White Paper

Many independent practice owners tell us they walk the tightrope of exceptional patient care and entrepreneurial leadership. A full 80% of our survey respondents told us they wished they had more time to spend on business strategy. 

This research-backed White Paper exposes the distinct challenges faced by independent practice owners:

• Lack of business training

• Operational inefficiencies 

• Risk of burnout

But it also reveals the path forward with tailored solutions like customized curricula, support communities, smart tech, and outsourcing.

• Reclaim your time

• Optimize operations

• Reignite your passion

• Cement your legacy

Unlock your full potential as a healthcare entrepreneur and leader. Acquire your copy of the full White Paper here. 

Take the Next Step

If you're a provider-owner seeking to build a thriving, sustainable practice without sacrificing your wellbeing, I invite you to explore working with us. As a healthcare business consultant and executive coach, I partner with innovative provider-owners to optimize operations, prevent burnout, and implement strategies that elevate profitability and market leadership while nurturing personal growth. Schedule a consultation so we can co-create your inspired next steps.

About the Author

Residing in the City of Oaks, Miranda Dorta is a creative storyteller and operations guru. Miranda graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2020 with a B.F.A in Writing and concentrations in Creative Writing and Fashion Journalism. Miranda has a skilled history working in public relations, publishing, retail management, operations, and social strategy.

At Tracy Cherpeski International, Miranda joined the company as an Administrative Assistant in 2021 and now is currently serving as the Manager of Operations and PR as of November of 2022. Miranda has developed a strong expertise in managing the operational aspects while effectively handling public relations and communication strategies.

Citations:

[1] https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-hispanics 

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt35324/2021NSDUHMHChartbook102221B.pdf

[2] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/MHServicesUseAmongAdults/MHServicesUseAmongAdults.pdf 

[3] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/ 

[4] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-detailed-tables 

[5] https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/disparities/index.html#:~:text=Suicide%20rates%20vary%20by%20race,death%20among%20AI%2FAN%20people.

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314356/#:~:text=In%20particular%2C%20mental%20health%20interventions,racial%20or%20ethnic%20group%2C%20and 

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1124573/ 

Other sources: 

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/02/datapoint 

Prioritizing Provider Wellness: A Pathway to a Healthy, Profitable Practice

As a business consultant and executive coach for healthcare practice owners, I've witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of burnout and compassion fatigue. Too often, provider-owners get so consumed by the never-ending demands of leading a practice that they neglect their own mental and emotional wellbeing. This self-neglect inhibits not only their ability to provide top-notch patient care, but also to effectively lead their team and grow a sustainable, profitable business.

The past few years have been a wake-up call that this fundamental issue can no longer be ignored. With the healthcare industry facing major staffing shortages and workplace culture challenges, a new approach is critical. 

At the core of this much-needed shift is a powerful truth: healed people heal people. 

To build a thriving, rewarding practice, provider-owners must first embark on their own inner work and healing journeys. This unlocks immense potential - enhancing emotional resilience, deepening patient rapport, catalyzing leadership skills, and preventing costly burnout and turnover. Just as you cannot pour from an empty cup, you cannot nurture a successful business without nurturing yourself first.

Trailblazing healthcare entrepreneurs are paving the way by thoughtfully integrating complementary healing modalities into their services, fostering whole-person wellness for their clients and staff alike. 

Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., and we featured podcast interviews with three mental wellness innovators, Jessica Martin, Julie Ann Otis and Maureen Clancy. Key themes emerged that savvy healthcare business owners would be wise to embrace:

The immense value of combining medical and business acumen with personal growth work. Julie Ann found that exploring principles of quantum physics and energy healing transformed her ability to create profoundly impactful client experiences and rapid results - a clear competitive edge.

For Jessica, integrating mindfulness, breathwork and sensory techniques into her practice model enhanced trauma-informed care and boosted key metrics like patient satisfaction, reviews and referrals. Prioritizing her own self-care through these modalities was essential to sustaining excellence.

Maureen, a trauma therapist and group practice owner, encourages providers to examine any fears around adopting alternative healing methods. "We have to think beyond the conventional clinical norms we've boxed ourselves into," she says. With more clients seeking integrative care, ethical and legal incorporation of effective modalities can foster trust, differentiation and new revenue streams.

"We have to think beyond the conventional clinical norms we've boxed ourselves into," Maureen says.

The Business Case for Integrative Healing

Beyond the powerful personal and clinical benefits, there is also a compelling business case for provider-owners to thoughtfully integrate complementary healing modalities into their practice offerings. This can open up exciting new revenue streams while supporting patients' robust healing journeys:

Referral Revenues

By developing relationships with vetted, high-quality alternative healers like Reiki practitioners, energy workers, or meditation teachers, providers can offer referrals for these services. This added-value can deepen patient loyalty and referral sources for the core practice itself.

In-House Healing Professionals

Another model is hiring such healing professionals to work onsite, allowing for integrative treatment plans that blend conventional care with energy work, sound healing, or other modalities. This creates a seamless, one-stop experience for patients and an additional revenue center.

Provider Certification 

Entrepreneurial providers can also choose to get certified in specialties like breathwork, aromatherapy or visualization techniques themselves. You can enhance your service menu with new adjunctive offerings, packages or membership programs - diversifying income while delivering holistic, patient-centered care.

No matter the specific approach, integrating complementary modalities allows your practice to stand out in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape. It enables you to attract more of the "conscious consumer" market segment prizing preventative self-care and personalized wellness solutions.  

Most importantly, it empowers you to fully address root causes - not just symptoms - and tap into often-overlooked emotional/spiritual dimensions of human health. For savvy entrepreneurial practices, prioritizing this level of comprehensive patient care and staff wellness can fuel exponential business growth.

The writing is on the wall: to build a profitable, impactful 21st century healthcare business, providers can no longer separate personal mastery from professional mastery. An investment in your own multidimensional healing journey - be it through therapy, mindfulness, energy work or another modality - is an investment in the exponential growth of your practice.  

Those who boldly expand their vision from "treating symptoms" to "facilitating whole-person transformation" will be the leaders ushering healthcare into a more conscious, holistic and human-centered era. 

In this new paradigm, healed people heal people and practices, and sustainable profitability becomes the natural result.

If you're a provider-owner seeking to build a thriving, sustainable practice without sacrificing your wellbeing, I invite you to explore working with us. As a healthcare business consultant and executive coach, I partner with innovative provider-owners to optimize operations, prevent burnout, and implement strategies that elevate profitability and market leadership while nurturing personal growth. Schedule a consultation so we can co-create your inspired next steps.

About the Author

Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC, is an executive coach and leadership development expert. Her mission is to unlock the potential for success in every individual and organization she works with. With a background in operations and a passion for driving growth, she approaches each engagement with professionalism and a keen eye for optimizing structures, processes, and productivity to boost profitability.

Tracy's coaching, consulting, and training programs are designed to provide a holistic experience, integrating leadership development, executive coaching, and mindset mastery. Her expertise has been sought after by small business owners, industry groups, networking organizations, government agencies, and corporations alike.

Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy now calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her home. Wherever she goes, her commitment to helping people and organizations reach their full potential remains unwavering.

The Overlooked Crisis Facing Independent Healthcare Providers

For decades, the dream of owning one's own independent healthcare practice has been a driving force for many physicians and providers. Being your own boss, crafting an exceptional patient experience, and building an entrepreneurial legacy - what could be more rewarding?

However, a harsh reality has begun settling in for these enterprising medical professionals. A new research study reveals independent practice owners are facing a perfect storm of challenges that threaten to extinguish that noble dream.

The Declining Sphere of Physician Ownership

Data shows the landscape of physician practice ownership is steadily shifting away from the independent model. Over the last decade, the rate of physicians owning their practices has plummeted 13%, from 60.1% to just 46.7%. 

Even more concerning, the pipeline of new owner-physicians is drying up. In 2012, 44.3% of doctors under 45 were practice owners. By 2022, that figure dropped to 31.7% as younger generations eschew the risks and responsibilities of entrepreneurial ownership.

As tenured physician-owners retire, they are largely being replaced by employed providers at hospitals and health systems rather than a new breed of plucky practice entrepreneurs.

The Struggles of Bridging Clinical and Business Excellence

For the remaining independent practice owners, their experience is often one of drowning in overwhelming currents of duties. 

Our qualitative research uncovered eye-opening realities, including:

• Administrative burdens consuming 10-35% of their time - a largely unnecessarily high ratio

• Constant tension between delivering patient care and managing operations/strategy

• Little bandwidth to properly plan, innovate and lead their businesses with entrepreneurial zeal

• Lack of formal business training for everything from financial management, to leadership, to marketing

Perhaps most concerning was that 80% of the practice owners we surveyed expressed a desire for more for strategic planning, professional development and even personal pursuits. Many feel trapped in bare-minimum survival mode rather than thriving, duplicatable, sustainable growth. 

The Head-in-Hands Moments of Entrepreneurial Isolation

At the core of these challenges is the fact that independent practice owners straddle two vastly different worlds - the clinical realm where they are experts, and the entrepreneurial business operations side where most lack proper training and support.

Wearing the hats of medical professional and business leader can quickly become overwhelming, and medical curricula don't adequately prepare providers for financial management, growth strategies, personnel leadership, delegation mastery and so many other crucial entrepreneurial skillsets.

This acute business acumen gap means providers are left to find their own way through trial-and-error. Our research found a distinct lack of targeted research and resources tailored to the provider-owner. We jokingly call our clients the “red-headed step children” of the healthcare world. Sadly, this lack of targeted research and support perpetuates a vicious cycle of operational inefficiencies, financial instability and higher burnout risks.

Tracy Cherpeski International Deep-Dive White Paper: The Path Illuminated

Thankfully, all is not lost for the spirited medical entrepreneur. Our groundbreaking new white paper "Unlocking the Potential of Healthcare Practices: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners" shines a light on the path forward.

Through comprehensive analysis, proven strategies, and tangible solutions, the white paper equips independent practice owners to harmonize clinical and business leadership. 

Practice owners will discover how to:

• Get access to specialized training to bridge the business skills gap

• Leverage powerful peer communities for insights and support

• Learn strategies for intelligently implementing tech solutions and outsourced services  

• Uncover pathways to unlocking new revenue streams without overextending

• Gain insights on developing leadership abilities like personnel management

• Ultimately find the elusive work-life balance and reignite their passion

The white paper's insights are a wake-up call for practice owners - but also a rallying cry to embrace their identity as entrepreneurial leaders in healthcare's new frontier.

By downloading this vital resource, provider-owners can take the first step in reclaiming their idealized vision: A thriving, sustainable practice that seamlessly fuses exceptional patient care with prosperous entrepreneurship and enriched quality of life.

The future of independent practice healthcare will be built by those who lead the way. Download the white paper today to secure your legacy.

If this blog post resonated with you and the struggles independent practice owners face, don't go it alone. Schedule a complimentary strategy call with Tracy Cherpeski, our founder and an expert business consultant & executive coach for healthcare providers.

On this call, Tracy will dig into the unique challenges holding your practice back and map out tailored solutions. Together, you'll start developing a plan to reclaim your time, streamline operations, build your entrepreneurial leadership skills, and unlock sustainable business growth. Capitalize on this opportunity to partner with Tracy and make the first move toward becoming an unstoppable medical entrepreneur.

The Confidence Trap: Trading Ego for Exponential Impact: Jamey’s Story

In the world of entrepreneurship, the mindset of "I'm the only one who can do it right" is as seductive as it is dangerous.

This ego-driven mentality feels empowering in the moment, fueling your ambition and sense of being indispensable. But it inevitably becomes a blinding mind trap, causing you to shut out other perspectives and discount the strengths of your team.

Escaping the heroic individual contributor mindset requires discomfort - relinquishing total control and redefining your self-worth beyond being the star performer. 

The Wakeup Call

Jamey was a burned-out physical therapist working 60+ hour weeks. No matter how hard he hustled, it never felt like enough. Until one day, a personal crisis became his wake-up call. 

Suddenly, the harsh reality hits: Going it entirely alone is unsustainable, and no person can be "the best" in every business aspect. His nonstop hustle was keeping him small, blind to the strengths and potential of his team around him. 

Becoming a Force Multiplier

A leader's true superpower is not being the expert at any one task, but bringing out the best in their team, aligning efforts, and unlocking insights and abilities greater than the sum of individuals. 

It takes humility and confidence to let go and trust others to take the lead in their areas of expertise. But in doing so, collective creativity and capacity emerge that could never be tapped single-handedly.

As Jamey says, "You cannot implement strategies successfully until you've looked inward. We don't see the world as it is, we see it as we are." Success ultimately stems from the leader's inner work and evolution, not just outward strategies and hustle. 

The Uncomfortable Path to Exponential Impact

The path requires the death of ego and arrogance. It's uncomfortable. You may wonder "If I'm not the star anymore, what is my value?" 

The hardest part of escaping the "I'm the best" mindset is getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

But those willing to make this journey are rewarded with exponential impact. They lead not as heroic individuals but as humble architects - designing the conditions for their entire team to become superhuman.

For Jamey, this shift didn't just prevent professional burnout. It allowed him to grow his practice by 20% while only working 4 hours per week - by communicating his vision with clarity and trusting his team to execute. 

Step Into Your Highest Role

So if you're ready to escape the unsustainable hustle of doing everything yourself, book a consultation with us. We'll guide you to the tools that allow you to grow without sacrifice by stepping into your highest role - the force multiplier empowering your team's collective genius. 

No more heroic individual contributor weighing you down. No more blind spots causing you to leave an impact on the table.  

It's time to experience the exponential effects of getting out of your own way, so you can elevate everyone around you to their highest potential.

Book a consultation and allow us to guide you into this next evolution of conscious leadership. Your team and business are ready to soar.

The Importance of Clear Communication in a Healthcare Practice

In a healthcare practice, clear communication is not just a nicety, but a necessity. As a business consultant, I have witnessed firsthand the significant impact that effective communication can have on the overall operations and success of a healthcare practice. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of clear communication in a healthcare setting and provide practical insights for provider-owners to enhance communication with their teams.

When we talk about why effective communication is so important in a healthcare practice, it’s always helpful to look at some communication faux pas that leaders make (and hopefully learn from). I am pretty certain you’ll see yourself in some of these, and you'll see how you’re doing better now. I’ve certainly made many-a-blunder over the years from my corporate career, to parenting, to leading the team in my own company. 

The good news is that as fallible human beings, if we’re willing to embrace our mistakes and learn from them, we can master effective communication with some practice.

Read on to learn more, starting with some communication mistakes:

Lack of clarity. When instructions or information are unclear, it can lead to confusion and mistakes. If you give vague directions for completing a task, your employees may struggle to understand your expectations of them.

Listening to respond, rather than to learn. When team members don't actively listen to each other, important information can be missed or misunderstood. If a colleague shares feedback and others are distracted or interject before the speaker is finished, it can hinder collaboration and problem-solving.

Withholding information. When the provider fails to share important information with the team, it can create a culture of secrecy and mistrust, even if withholding isn’t the intention. Let’s say the provider-owner neglects to communicate updates about strategic planning to their admin team. It can lead to delays in implementation and impede growth and progress. Lack of transparency can compromise business growth and hinder the team's ability to take action. 

Negative tone or attitude. Communication delivered in a disrespectful, or confrontational manner can create tension and undermine teamwork. Sometimes in a busy practice, communication is rushed and can be perceived as curt or disrespectful. If not addressed, it can erode morale and damage relationships.

Lack of feedback. When feedback is not provided regularly or constructively, it can hinder personal and professional growth. If an employee's performance issues are not addressed in a timely manner, they may continue to repeat mistakes without realizing the need for improvement. This is a common issue we see with our clients, who are often juggling the multiple jobs of being a practitioner and CEO.

Now that we have an idea of where communication can go astray, what do we do about it?

In rowing, the coxswain (captain/leader) is responsible for providing the strength of command, and effective leadership will ensure that all team members are aligned with the end goal. In this case, the goal is to move at an identical pace and synchronize movements to propel the boat forward and cross the finish line ahead of other teams. 

A rower’s attentiveness, focus and non-verbal cues for pace change can be likened to the need for active listening, concentration and awareness of non-verbal communication in your practice. It’s essential for healthcare teams to work in harmony towards a common goal. 

Recognizing the challenges we've identified, we can now explore practical steps to cultivate clear, empathetic, and efficient communication among healthcare professionals and their teams.

We hear from our clients that they’re under-resourced as business leaders, juggling clinical responsibilities with the demands of running a successful practice. This unique position can lead to communication challenges within the team, impacting everything from patient care to operational efficiency. 

It's imperative that we acknowledge the difficulties provider-owners face and work collaboratively to devise a comprehensive plan of action. Rather than overwhelming our clients with sweeping transformations, we emphasize the importance of incremental changes, each one contributing to a more cohesive and effective communication framework within their healthcare practice.

Practical Strategies for Enhancing Communication

1. Establishing Clear Protocols. Implementing standardized communication protocols for both clinical and administrative tasks can reduce errors and misunderstandings. This could look like the creation of the front office and clinical area “Bibles” (operations and procedural manuals), with regular reviews and revisions. 

2. Encouraging Feedback. Creating an environment where all team members feel comfortable providing feedback and sharing ideas is essential for continuous improvement. For the practice leader, this means you might try the Jeff Bezos approach to feedback and input in meetings: invite the most junior team member to speak first (and fully hear them out). You might be surprised by what you learn. 

3. Utilizing Technology. Leveraging communication tools such as secure messaging platforms can facilitate quick and efficient information exchange among the team.

4. Regular Team Huddles. Scheduling brief but regular team huddles can ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding patient care, operational updates, and any potential issues. We recommend our clients have two daily huddles - one to preview the day and address any potential challenges (e.g., a patient who requires a particular type of care that may require team support), and the second to review what went well, what didn’t go well, and how they can improve going forward. 

Clear communication is vital for the success of a healthcare practice. There are many ways to go about improving your communication with your team. Our recommendation is to try one or two methods and stick to it for a few weeks. Watch how your team responds to you, and invite their feedback and input. This is an opportunity to share vulnerably that you’re testing different ways to communicate in an effort to improve office communications. 

By prioritizing and investing in clear communication strategies, you can overcome many of the challenges you face and pave the way for a thriving and successful healthcare practice.

To unlock the benefits of improved communication and cultivate sustainable growth in your healthcare practice, schedule a consultation with our founder, Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC. Experience the transformative power of clear, empathetic communication for collective growth and success.

Navigating Winter Blues as a Provider Owner

Protect yourself from winter burnout.

The significance of time management for practice owners during this season, alongside the importance of self-care, is crucial to ensure a healthy and balanced professional and personal life all the while enjoying the joys of the season.

As we find ourselves amid the winter season, many find themselves caught in the aftermath exhausted from the previous month of festivities, family gatherings, and the hustle and bustle. Not to mention, the looming task of crafting New Year’s resolutions to kickstart the “new year, new you” mentality. However, for practice owners and those managing private practices, the winter season can bring about particular challenges that contribute to what is commonly known as the "winter blues." 

The significance of time management for practice owners during this season, alongside the importance of self-care, is crucial to ensure a healthy and balanced professional and personal life all the while enjoying the joys of the season.

The Seasonal Blues in Healthcare:

Private practitioners often face increased demands during the winter season. Patients may be dealing with heightened stress coming off the holidays, battling Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or seeking help for new concerns. As a result, practice owners may work longer hours to accommodate the influx of appointments and urgent cases. This surge in activity can contribute to burnout, fatigue, and an overall sense of overwhelm, giving rise to the seasonal blues. Especially with those who struggle with time management.

Time Management in Private Healthcare Practices:

Effective time management is a cornerstone of maintaining a successful and sustainable healthcare practice. Even more so throughout the winter season. Furthermore, at time of publication, we are experiencing a surge of Covid-19 around the US. In the last 14-days, there has been a 20% increase in cases, specifically in the ages 70 plus. 

Here are some strategies to help practice owners navigate their schedules:

Prioritize Patient Appointments:

• Identify urgent cases and prioritize appointments accordingly.

• Consider extending clinic hours or hiring additional staff to aid the additional demand.

Set Realistic Boundaries:

• Communicate clearly with patients about new hours and availability.

• Establish boundaries for responding to non-urgent inquiries to avoid unnecessary stress.

Utilize Technology:

• Implement telehealth services for routine follow-ups and non-emergency consultations.

• Leverage scheduling software to streamline appointment bookings and reminders.

Delegate Responsibilities:

• Delegate administrative tasks to support staff to free up valuable time.

• Collaborate with colleagues to share the workload and ensure comprehensive patient care.

Self-Care Throughout the Winter Season:

Throughout the demands of a healthcare practice during the winter season, practice owners must prioritize their well-being. Here are some self-care strategies to foster a healthy work-life balance:

Schedule Breaks:

• Block out time for short breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent burnout.

• Use breaks to engage in mindfulness exercises or take a short walk to clear the mind.

Celebrate Achievements:

• Reflect on professional accomplishments and personal growth throughout the year.

• Share success stories with colleagues to foster a positive and supportive work environment.

Connect with Peers:

• Attend industry events or virtual meet-ups to connect with other healthcare professionals.

• Share experiences and insights to gain new perspectives and support.

Plan Personal Time:

• Block out time for personal activities, celebrations, and relaxation.

• Prioritize family and personal commitments to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The winter season can be a challenging time for practice owners, but with effective time management and a commitment to self-care, it is possible to navigate this period successfully. By prioritizing patient needs, setting realistic boundaries, and embracing self-care practices, practice owners can provide exceptional care to their patients and ensure their well-being during this season. 

If you are a practice owner looking for support to lower your stress levels and fall (back) in love with your practice in the New Year, schedule a strategy call to see how we can help you take back your time, grow your practice, and elevate your leadership.  

A Path to Equitable Patient Care

When the healer's hand unknowingly carries the weight of bias, the very essence of medicine is at stake. 

Healthcare is a realm where science and compassion ought to be the norm. However, healthcare providers are not immune to the subtle, yet impactful presence of bias. This blogpost will illuminate the hidden facets of implicit bias in medical care and explore potential paths to a more just and equitable patient experience.

The purpose of this blog is to raise awareness, share data, and support providers in finding the right resources to continue the inner work of identifying and dismantling implicit bias. Doing this confronting and sometimes uncomfortable work is hugely rewarding for your patients, team, community, and for your own humanity.

“Of all forms of inequity, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhuman.”

— Martin Luther King, JR., National Convention of the Medical committee for Human Rights, Chicago, 1966

The National Institutes of Health define implicit biases as, “...unconscious mental processes that lead to associations and reactions that are automatic and without intention; actors have no awareness of the associations with a stimulus maintain that social status is relational and people unconsciously hold more negative attitudes or feelings about membership of an outgroup (people with whom they do not share identities) than about membership of an ingroup (people with whom they share identities).” 

The American Psychological Association describes implicit bias as such, “...people may hold negative unconscious or automatic feelings and beliefs about others that can differ from their conscious attitudes.”

Implicit bias develops early in life from repeated reinforcement of social stereotypes. Implicit pro-white bias occurs among children as young as 3-5 years of age. 

Between 1998 and 2006, more than 4.5 million Implicit Association Tests were completed, and the results showed the following:

• Implicit bias is pervasive

• People are often unaware of their implicit biases

• Implicit biases predict behavior

• People differ in levels of implicit bias

The impact of implicit bias in healthcare is glaring. Non-white patients receive fewer interventions, Black women face higher mortality rates after breast cancer diagnosis, and patients of color are less likely to be prescribed pain medications. This bias even extends to more invasive treatments, such as Black men being less likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation for prostate cancer and more likely to undergo testicle removal. 

Patients of color are often unfairly blamed for being passive about their healthcare. Additionally, patients who perceive bias from their providers have more difficulty remembering what their physicians told them, have less confidence in their treatment plans, and believe it would be more difficult to follow recommended treatments. 

It’s important to note that while many implicit bias studies in healthcare have been conducted with Black patients and non-black providers, other researchers are studying implicit bias in relation to other ethnic groups, people with obesity, sexual and gender minorities, people with mental health and substance use disorders, older adults, and people with various health conditions.

To combat implicit bias, healthcare providers must adopt skills and strategies to break their thought patterns and habits. These include perspective-taking, emotional regulation, and partnership-building. Empathy, in particular, plays a crucial role in patient satisfaction, self-efficacy, and overall health outcomes. When providers view themselves as part of a larger group, it becomes easier to empathize with others, thereby reducing bias.

At the organizational level, healthcare facilities can play a significant role in addressing implicit bias. To create an equitable environment, organizations should evaluate the racial climate, investigate and address discrimination reports, and establish monitoring systems to track disparities in care. Promoting racial diversity at all levels of the organization hierarchy can help reduce bias, and organizations should implement training to equip clinicians with the knowledge and skills to prevent racial biases from affecting patient care.

Additionally, healthcare organizations can implement work policies and clinical procedures that protect clinicians from high cognitive load and promote positive emotions. When clinicians’ cognitive capacity is low or overtaxed, memory is biased toward information that is consistent with stereotypes. High cognitive load can be created by productivity pressures, time pressure, high noise levels, inadequate staffing, poor feedback, inadequate supervision, inadequate training, high communication load, and overcrowding.

Healthcare providers must also take proactive steps to combat implicit bias. This includes gaining an understanding of the various cultures their patients come from, avoiding stereotyping, recognizing the impact of unconscious bias, and following National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services*. Techniques like "teach-back" and practicing evidence-based medicine can also help reduce bias in patient care.

Studies have shown that implicit bias is deeply ingrained in the healthcare system, causing devastating health inequities. The only intervention found to reduce implicit bias involved a prejudice-habit-breaking approach, which was effective for undergraduate students. 

The learning and training environments for healthcare professionals are crucial in addressing implicit bias. Formal diversity training in medical school has little or no effect on students’ levels of implicit bias over time. Implementing and psychological methods to address psychological problems of bias have proven effective over the longer term. 

Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) can help disrupt existing paradigms by challenging assumptions and promoting critical reflection. Increasing interaction with underrepresented groups, faculty, and patients, along with the perceived quality of that contact, can reduce bias and encourage healthcare professionals to actively address their biases.

Prejudice habit-breaking intervention, based on theory developed by Patricia G. Devine, PhD, and William T.L. Cox, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin–Madison adopts the premise that bias, whether implicit or explicit, is a habit that can be overcome with motivation, awareness and effort, includes experiential, educational and training components. Michelle van Ryn’s company, Diversity Science - helps organizations apply the best findings and interventions on implicit bias to creative inclusive cultures. 

Other suggestions include seeing the patient as an individual rather than a stereotyped member of a group and Individualizing patients to encourage medical students to question stereotypes about a patient's ethnic group. This can help patients become more engaged with their treatment and fostering patients' sense of being “on the same team” as their provider. Ultimately, it’s about how to improve your skills as a doctor or nurse. It requires commitment and practice. 

Implicit bias remains a persistent challenge in healthcare, perpetuating disparities in patient care. To create a more equitable healthcare system, raising awareness about implicit bias is vital. Healthcare organizations and providers must actively work to address these biases through training, awareness, and policy changes. By doing so, we can take significant steps towards ensuring that every patient receives the equitable care they deserve.

If you are a practice owner looking for support to lower your stress levels and fall (back) in love with your practice, schedule a strategy call to see how we can help you take back your time, grow your practice and elevate your leadership.

Sources:

Tackling Implicit Bias in Healthcare NEJM 2022 

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2201180

Eliminating explicit and implicit biases in health care: evidence and research needs

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9172268/

Quick Safety 23: Implicit Bias in Healthcare

https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/news-and-multimedia/newsletters/newsletters/quick-safety/quick-safety-issue-23-implicit-bias-in-health-care/implicit-bias-in-health-care/

How does implicit bias affect patients’ healthcare? APA 

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/03/ce-corner

Implicit Bias and Racial Disparities in healthcare ABA

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/the-state-of-healthcare-in-the-united-states/racial-disparities-in-health-care/

With implicit bias hurting patients, some states train doctors

https://stateline.org/2022/04/21/with-implicit-bias-hurting-patients-some-states-train-doctors/

Additional Resources:

Anti-Oppression Leadership Academy https://nadifantastic.com/

Black Women’s Maternal Health

https://nationalpartnership.org/report/black-womens-maternal-health/

Mandated Implicit Bias Training for Health Professionals—A Step Toward Equity in Health Care

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2795358

National Institutes of Health Implicit Bias Training

Diversity Science

Teach-Back Method

https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage/interventions/teachback.html

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).