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 

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.

Empowering Wellness Through Nutrition and Self-Care

A profound shift is underway in healthcare, one that focuses on the transformative power of nutrition and self-care. This shift is not just a trend but an important movement toward holistic, patient-focused care. Medical providers stand at the forefront of this shift, playing a vital role in guiding patients toward a path of wellness through nutrition and self-care. By incorporating nutritional or health coaching services, not only can you enhance your patients' well-being, but you can also create a profitable income source for your practice.

Throughout March, Thriving Practice podcast is focusing on the important role nutrition plays in patient well-being. Our host, Tracy, welcomes guests Hally Brooke, Founder & CEO of Live Nourished Coaching, and Jillian Greaves, a Functional Dietitian and women's health specialist. 

Nutrition, though often underestimated in its impact, is a foundation of health. By embracing the concept of food as medicine, you can empower your patients to take control of their well-being. Encouraging a diet rich in whole foods, abundant in nutrients, and tailored to individual needs fosters not only physical health but also mental clarity and emotional balance.

Self-care goes beyond pampering; it is an act of self-love and care. By advocating for practices that nurture the body, mind, and spirit, you can equip your patients with the tools to thrive through life's challenges. 

In her interview with Tracy, Hally shares her journey of battling Shingles and exploring functional medicine to address gut health issues. Her story highlights the power of lifestyle changes in achieving holistic wellness and emphasizes the significance of mental health in treating chronic illnesses.

Jillian talks with Tracy about her journey from working in a busy hospital system serving patients in endocrinology, and how she moved away from the traditional hospital model to starting her practice. Within her practice, she practices as a Functional Dietitian who helps women reclaim their health through hormone balancing, lifestyle changes, and nutrition. 

Both guests bring a great deal of knowledge, wisdom, and compelling stories from similar niches; though, offering unique experiences and perspectives from personal experiences. 

Similarly, both episodes discuss strategies for professionals looking to transition to private pay models, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's worth, educating patients on the benefits of personalized care, mastering marketing techniques to stand out in a competitive market, and providing flexible payment options to ensure accessibility to services.

By incorporating these insights into your practice, you can enhance patient care, drive business growth, and help create a system that's more connected and aware of patient needs.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, embracing personalized nutrition, emotional well-being, and innovative business models is key to transforming patient care and practitioner success.

To learn how to begin incorporating these insights into your healthcare practice, schedule a consultation with our founder, Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, CPSC. Experience the transformative power of clear, empathetic communication for collective growth and success.

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Are you a healthcare provider facing the challenges of managing your practice while aiming to deliver exceptional care? Do you aspire to expand your practice sustainably without succumbing to burnout? You are not alone. 

Join Thriving Practice Community, designed for practice leaders. Together, we break barriers and unlock your practice's potential. Engage in discussions, learn from experts, and connect with peers who share your drive for success. Access coaching, consulting, and master classes to grow your practice without sacrificing your well-being. Join us in a collaborative community that nurtures ambitions and equips you to overcome obstacles: ThrivingPracticeCommunity.com

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.

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). 

Boldly Going...Where you want to go

“Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful.” – William Shakespeare

I like to live my life the way I like my coffee: bold, strong, multi-faceted and somewhat sweet, with a touch of indulgent, creamy goodness. The above quote really caught me because as I look back over the last few years, I see that through some difficult times and struggles, I have found my rhythm, I am living my life with intention, and I have become bolder. I still have goals I want to reach, and aspirations that need attention. I am a work in progress and have experienced a few blips on the radar screen, but as I observe where I am, I see that I have reached down inside of myself and accessed my strength, even, or maybe especially, in my more fragile moments.

If you really know what you want from life, and you are secure in who you are, you will live your life according to your own principles, and you will get your needs met. Make no mistake, diplomacy is key in most situations, and in no way do I mean to say that you should conduct “in-your-face” confrontations to get what you want from life. The boldness I speak of is derived from internal strength, virtue and goodness that cannot be easily shaken, and possesses a beautiful, warm subtlety.

A friend recently observed that some people’s confidence comes from within and some externalize their confidence to cover up what they are lacking in strength. I understand that one must derive boldness from an internal source in order to go anywhere, let alone to the unknown. In-your-face feels abrasive and uncomfortable, and does not represent true strength or courage; in fact, that kind of behavior usually masks insecurities and fear.

I am very fond of quiet strength. I believe that in knowing who we are, solidly grounded in our own foundation, we can be bold. In my youth, I had what I call “fake strength” that presented as cockiness, and a little bit as steam roller. It was a feeble attempt to protect myself from getting hurt, to build a tough exterior and prevent anyone from getting close to me. However, with life experience and maturity, I have learned to be quietly bold, and to let down that barrier and just be myself. To me, boldness sometimes means planting a seed, sometimes I “just do it” in spite of my fears; yet other times, it means standing tall in the face of something that seems threatening or scary.

Have you discovered your bold self? Are you ready to make some progress and move forward? If so, then keep reading. If you want to boldly take yourself where you have never been before, to where you really want to be, try this on for size.

“If you want something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” - Dr. Shaun Marler

1. Listen to Your Inner Voice. It is not always easy to know which way to move or where to place your foot in order to take the next step. It may take some time to figure that out. Take a few minutes to listen to your inner voice, and really listen to what it is telling you.

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” – Dr. Benjamin Spock

Pay attention to your feelings, what your inner voice, or “gut” is telling you. When you listen to your internal voice, the part of you that really knows what you need, you can then allow yourself to expand beyond the farthest reaches of what your life has been so far.

2. Be Open to the Unknown. If you give yourself permission to expand, you will inevitably open yourself to all the possibilities, including the wide-open unknown. Meditate, write in a journal, take a class, or find another way to provide yourself the creative freedom to broaden your horizons. As you open yourself up, you will learn to listen to yourself more closely. When you have begun to really listen and trust yourself, you will step forward without fear, because beneath fear and uncertainty lies the inner knowledge that always tells you which step you need to take next. So, open yourself up, dig a little deeper, brace yourself in your core, and move forward.

3. Take a Step. When you know what you want, and you hear the inner voice say it is time to make a change, you will put one foot forward, take just one step, and you will know you are safe to continue. You will only get to where you want to be, however, if you make it happen. You must be the one to put one foot in front of the other and walk.

I once shared part of a recent struggle on Facebook, and when asked if everything was OK, I said, “Oh yes, all is well. Just processing, growing, opening the next chapter and pushing, pulling, crawling, leaping, shoving myself to the next level.”

We all struggle and have moments when we are lacking in confidence, for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reasons, know you are not alone, and keep on going. Move yourself forward, learn from your mistakes, and trudge ahead. Take the first step toward your bold self, learn to be quietly bold, and get yourself where you need to be.

Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and keep your intention clear. When you are confident in who you are, your boldness will be natural, and you will take the first step effortlessly. May you be virtuous and good, bold and fearless in your life journey.

Blessings. Gratitude. Love.

Courage Without Strength: will you carry on?

Lately I have been hearing about a lot about courage and strength. A friend who is going through a difficult time recently said to me, “I just have to be strong and carry on,” which got me thinking: do we really have to be strong to keep going? I would argue that it does not always require strength to keep going. I am reminded of a woman I worked with a number of years ago who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. At one point, she was very ill from the chemo drugs, and in a moment of frustration and extreme fatigue, she told her husband she felt like she wouldn’t be able to carry on, to which he replied, ‘You have to; we need you.’ She said she experienced a renewed sense of courage to face this disease head-on and to carry on, even in the absence of strength. She was physically and emotionally depleted, and yet she gathered up her might and continued forward. The last I heard, more than 10 years post-treatment, she has been cancer-free and living a very happy, healthy life.

• Have you ever asked for help when you felt you didn’t have the strength to carry on?
• Have you not asked for help when you didn’t have the strength to carry on?
• What kind of outcome did you experience?
• Did you learn?
• Did you grow? 

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don’t have strength.”         - Napoleon Bonaparte

Even in the worst of times, we can gather our courage and carry on without strength. I would even argue that one of the most courageous acts we could undertake would be to ask for help when we feel we do not have the strength to face or manage something on our own. We are encouraged to be independent, even fiercely so, and yet, by nature we are interdependent. We need one another at times, and there is much opportunity for growth and learning when we ask for help.

I invite you to consider asking for a helping hand here and there to get comfortable with the idea of receiving. One day, you might truly need someone’s assistance, and you will be primed to accept and receive without resistance. If you are not so sure about this, consider times when you’ve helped a friend or loved one in need. Chances are, you did it willingly and without judgment. Remember the compassion you felt for that person, and offer it to your own self. Be open. Be willing. Ask. Receive.

Give it a try, and remember this question: How can it get any better?

Blessings. Gratitude. Love.

Do YOU Experience Growing Pains? How Do You Know?

How do you know when you are experiencing growing pains? Young children often experience pain in their legs, the cause of which is difficult to pinpoint. Because growing pains is not actually a medical condition, doctors call it a “diagnosis of exclusion”. Excluding other potential maladies or injuries is the first order of business, and by exclusion, many parents find that their child is experiencing the general muscular discomfort referred to as “growing pains”. Consensus in the medical community is that bone growth does not cause pain. However, many children experience more growing pains during the rapid growth stages, into early adolescence. It is understood is that many children experience these pains after a very physically active day, and often for several days and nights in a row. Most doctors agree that the treatment for growing pains is a warm compress, massage and cuddling - a little TLC, if you will (insert winky smile at clever reference to my initials.)

If we piggy-back on a child’s experience of growing pains and the doctor’s diagnosis of exclusion, we may apply this to our own experience as adults. Have you ever gone through a difficult time, and yet all other variables seem to be in place? I certainly have. There have been times when I’ve felt stressed, afraid and overwhelmed, and yet so much good stuff was happening in my life. By process of elimination (or exclusion), I often find that during these times, I am experiencing growing pains - a general discomfort associated with a sustained high level of activity.

Think about it. We grow and stretch, and stretch a little more, and leap and stretch, and duck and dodge bullets, and deftly maneuver around roadblocks every day. When you experience an unexplained sense of discomfort, or possibly pain, which could manifest in the forms of sadness, anger, frustration or apathy (however fleetingly temporary), it is helpful to run through your personal checklist of needs, unmet needs and possible adverse health conditions if you have any. If you turn up empty handed, give a nod to the idea of growing pains. Perhaps you have been so active that your whole being needs to rest and recuperate.

The doctor’s diagnosis of growing pains, and the parent’s remedy is simple: rest, warm compress, massage and cuddling - a little TLC. We often barge ahead in life, rapidly barreling forward, without taking a moment to address some of our basic needs. We all need TLC, love, a massage and the equivalent of a warm compress. Reach out to those who are close to you. Ask for some extra support in the form of kind words, a listening ear, a hug or thoughts/prayer. At the same time, be kind and compassionate with yourself. Make sure you have attended to your needs. Pushing through the pain is sometimes recommended, and sometimes rest and recuperation are just what the doctor ordered. Know yourself well enough to distinguish what you really need.

If you want to learn more about establishing the mindset for growing thru your growing pains and achieving blissful success, schedule your COMPLIMENTARY 30 minute consult.

I am here by your side on your journey, cheering you on, applying the warm compress, and offering a lot of TLC. Know that you are fully supported in your dreams, and you WILL manifest them!

Blessings. Gratitude. Love.