Practice ownership comes with a unique paradox: the autonomy you fought for also means carrying the full weight of clinical work, business management, and leadership. In this episode, Tracy breaks down the World Health Organization's three-phase burnout framework and reveals why nearly half of all physicians are experiencing burnout symptoms—and what makes practice owner burnout distinctly different and dangerous.
Read MoreIn this candid snack episode, Tracy sits in the interview seat as Miranda explores the practical reality of AI for private practices. Following Tracy's conversation with David Herman about AI in dental marketing, this episode addresses what practice owners are really asking about AI implementation, where these tools genuinely help, and the critical questions to ask before investing time and resources. Tracy shares insights from a recent burnout workshop with Silicon Valley physicians and offers a framework for thinking strategically about technology that supports—rather than replaces—human connection in healthcare.
Read MoreDiscover why waiting for legal emergencies costs more, how financial modeling removes fear from reimbursement cuts, and what time blocking can do for practice owners juggling patient care and business management. Sarah Covington brings healthcare law expertise and practical guidance for building thriving independent practices.
Read MoreFinancial planning expert Anjali Jariwala joins Tracy to discuss the unique financial challenges physician practice owners face and why comprehensive planning requires both personal wealth management and business strategy. With her background in tax and financial planning plus personal ties to the physician community, Anjali offers insider perspective on navigating the complex transition from residency to high earnings, building sustainable businesses, and creating alignment between personal values and professional goals.
Read MoreIn this candid snack episode, Miranda interviews Tracy about the research behind their white paper, "Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners." Tracy reveals a startling discovery: the largest burnout studies—including the AMA's 18,000-respondent survey—systematically exclude private practice owners, focusing exclusively on employed physicians in large systems. This two-year-old research remains urgently relevant as healthcare continues evolving post-COVID. Tracy shares surprising insights from provider interviews, explains why the distinction between working in versus on your practice matters, and offers realistic expectations for reclaiming your time through strategic business planning.
Read MoreIndependent healthcare practices are at a critical crossroads. Based on original research from Tracy Cherpeski International's white paper "Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners," this episode reveals the time crisis threatening independent practice ownership—and the surprising wave of change on the horizon. Tracy shares data showing that practice owners spend up to 35% of their time on administrative tasks, while 80% dream of a future with more strategic freedom. But there's hope: with proven time leadership strategies, practice owners are reclaiming 5-10 hours weekly and building sustainable practices that support both exceptional patient care and quality of life.
Read MoreIn this raw and honest solo episode, Tracy Cherpeski shares what happened when the burnout prevention expert found herself sliding into Stage 4 burnout. During one of the busiest seasons of her career - launching Thriving Practice Community, facilitating a CME-accredited wellness retreat, and developing new programs - Tracy experienced firsthand the insidious nature of burnout she teaches others to prevent. But this isn't just a story about struggle. It's about what actually works: the difference between near-burnout and full burnout, why clarity is 50% of prevention, and why community isn't optional but essential infrastructure for sustainable practice. Through stories from a powerful San Jose gathering and TPC's inaugural Community of Practice session, Tracy reveals what healthcare leaders are truly hungry for and what most of us are trying to survive without.
Read MoreIn this episode, Tracy sits down with Debra Phairas, a physician practice management consultant with over 40 years of experience working with more than 2,300 medical practices. They discuss the often-overlooked topics of buy-ins, buyouts, and exit strategies for private practices. Debra shares hard-earned wisdom from four decades in the field, including real stories that illustrate why planning ahead isn't optional—it's essential.
Read MoreEach quarter brings predictable patterns in patient behavior and practice operations, yet many healthcare providers find themselves constantly reacting instead of planning. In this snack episode, Tracy Cherpeski shares her insights on how practice owners can leverage quarterly shifts to build sustainable growth and avoid burnout. From Q1's deductible reset surge to Q4's strategic planning opportunities, Tracy offers a roadmap for thriving year-round.
Read MoreIn this powerful conclusion to our three-part time leadership series, Tracy tackles one of the most repeated—and least helpful—pieces of productivity advice: "work smarter, not harder." Through the compelling story of Dr. David, an ER physician turned regenerative medicine practice owner, you'll discover why this platitude fails and what to do instead. Tracy introduces a concrete methodology for strategic work allocation that helped Dr. David redirect 15 hours per week from low-value interruptions to high-value work that only he could perform. The result? Substantial revenue growth, improved patient flow, and a more confident, self-sufficient team—all while working the same number of hours.
Read MoreIn this episode of Thriving Practice, Tracy Cherpeski tackles one of the biggest challenges healthcare practice owners face: protecting strategic thinking time in an environment where everything feels urgent. Through the compelling story of Dr. David—an ER physician who opened a regenerative medicine practice—you'll discover why your blocked strategic planning time keeps getting hijacked, and learn the exact framework for distinguishing between genuine urgency and habitual urgency. This is part two of the time leadership series, and it's essential listening for any practice owner who's ever wondered why their "do not disturb" time never actually happens.
Read MoreIn this candid snack episode, Miranda and Tracy explore the critical importance of building intentional professional community as a practice owner. Drawing from Tracy's recently updated blog post "Choosing Your Village" (originally written in 2011), they discuss why independent healthcare providers need more than clinical expertise—they need a village of people who understand the unique challenges of practice ownership.
Read MoreIn this first episode of our three-part Time Leadership series, Tracy Cherpeski tackles why traditional productivity systems fail healthcare practice owners. If you've tried every time management technique only to feel more overwhelmed, this episode reveals the real problem: you've been applying employee productivity frameworks to a practice owner's reality. Tracy introduces the concept of time leadership—a strategic approach designed specifically for healthcare professionals balancing clinical excellence with business sustainability.
Read MoreIn this episode, Brad Pitzele shares his journey from chronic illness survivor to EWOT advocate and business owner. Facing autoimmune issues and Lyme disease that left him struggling with brain fog, pain, and 50+ symptoms, Brad discovered Exercise with Oxygen Therapy when traditional treatments failed. After building his own system and experiencing dramatic improvements, he founded 1000 Roads to make EWOT more accessible. The conversation explores the science behind EWOT, its applications for chronic illness and athletic recovery, and the business case for healthcare providers looking to integrate this therapy into their practices.
Read MoreHealthcare providers excel at caring for others but often struggle with self-care. In this honest conversation, Tracy Cherpeski shares why the 'always on' mindset is actually counterproductive and reveals practical strategies for breaking free from energy-draining habits.
Read MoreDavid Herman from Web Marketing for Dentists joins us to discuss how dental practices can leverage modern marketing strategies while maintaining the human touch that builds lasting patient relationships. With over 20 years in the industry, David shares insights on why traditional marketing principles still work, how AI is enhancing rather than replacing human connections, and why understanding your specific practice goals is crucial for marketing success.
Read MoreIn this candid snack episode, Tracy Cherpeski shares insights on developing an entrepreneurial mindset while maintaining clinical excellence. She introduces the concept of "hat switching" between clinical and business roles, explores the gardener's approach to practice growth, and provides practical strategies for expanding revenue without extending work hours.
Read MoreIn this final episode of the mindful leadership series, Tracy Cherpeski explores how internal work creates expanding ripples of success. Following up with Dr. Sarah and Dr. Marcus years after their initial work, we see how their practices have become magnetic centers that naturally attract resources, talent, and opportunities. This episode reveals the five ripple zones that create sustainable competitive advantage and shows how mindful leadership becomes a powerful business strategy.
Read MoreThis episode introduces the concept of Success Architecture—the intentional framework that allows healthcare practices to grow predictably and profitably without requiring constant reactive management. Through the compelling case study of Dr. Marcus, Tracy demonstrates how the right foundation can transform a practice from survival mode to sustainable growth, achieving remarkable results in just 90 days.
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