Buy-Ins, Buyouts, and Why Your Practice Needs a Plan B, Featuring Debra Phairas, EP 215
In 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.
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Episode Highlights
The Buy-In Advantage: Why buying into an established practice can be smarter than starting from scratch, and what to look for in a shareholder agreement
Show You're Partner-Worthy: How young doctors can demonstrate value through marketing activities and relationship-building with referring physicians
The Uncomfortable Necessities: Why every practice owner needs a will, living trust, buy-sell agreement, and key person insurance—illustrated with real stories of practices that didn't plan ahead
Transparency is Everything: How open communication between senior and junior partners prevents dissatisfaction and builds lasting trust
The Exit Strategy: Planning 2-5 years ahead for retirement or sale, and why waiting until you're 80 is too late
The Private Practice Renaissance: Why more young doctors are choosing private practice ownership post-COVID
Memorable Quotes
"Transparency is really the key to good working relationships. The more that you know about the practice when you're coming in, the better decisions you can make."
"You put a dollar sign in front of math and you all freak out. You did way harder math to get into medical school. This is really easy—it's just simple math."
"The courage to communicate, confront, and compromise are my watchwords that I give all my doctors."
"At least when you buy in, you will have something when you leave. If you're just an employee, you get nothing."
"I've been so encouraged this year. I have done more new startup practice meetings than I did for the last three years. So many young doctors are saying they're ready to start their own practice—and that's something to celebrate."
Debra Phairas reminds us that running a private practice doesn't have to be as daunting as it seems. With proper planning, transparent communication, and the right guidance, physicians can build sustainable practices that provide both professional satisfaction and financial security. Whether you're just starting out or planning your exit, the key is to start those conversations now—not when it's too late.
Guest Bio:
Debra Phairas is President of Practice & Liability Consultants, LLC, a nationally recognized firm specializing in practice management and malpractice prevention. With over 40 years of experience, she has consulted with more than 2,300 medical practices across all specialties. Her expertise includes practice startups, financial analysis, practice valuations, buy-ins and buyouts, strategic planning, and partnership agreements. Debra holds a BS from Michigan State University and completed graduate work in Health Services Administration at Golden Gate University. She is a sought-after speaker who has presented seminars nationwide for medical associations and specialty societies, and is certified as an Expert Witness in California, Arizona, and Washington.
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