As I mentioned last week,
I have surveyed a large audience of practicing podiatrists - some recent
graduates and some seasoned practitioners. I received some great responses when
I asked this panel to contribute their genuine thoughts on the question of
pearls that they wish they had found out before opening their doors for
practice.
We all know that most
residencies prepare us well for the clinical environment, but few prepare us
sufficiently for the business and logistics that make or break the practice
environment. Even when joining a group practice or a multi-specialty group,
there are many barriers to success if the task is not approached from the right
perspective. Take a look at these 10 suggestions from currently practicing
members of the profession:
10.
Remember that you can never be too nice to the office staff. They really do make
or break you.
9.
Realize from day 1 that you will likely be sued and your records will likely be
questioned.
8.
Understand that it can take 6-8 months to get a state license, insurance
numbers, and hospital staff privileges.
7.
Pursue incorporating as a LLC or PA or PC prior to completing any business loan
applications, etc.
6.
Many hospitals in geographically underserved areas still are interested in
"sponsoring" a new practitioner that may want to join their community. Contact
local hospital CEO's in the area you are thinking to practice in and investigate
this option.
5.
Keep detailed surgical logs to facilitate completion of your Board Certification
applications.
4.
There is no ONE good treatment for anything.
Rather, there are many good treatments for many things.
3.
Never tell a patient you can cure something or make it normal. Rather, tell them
you hope to improve something significantly.
2.
Suggest to complex, difficult, and confrontational patients that you require
them to seek a second opinion prior to performing an elective surgical
procedure. The opinion will usually agree with your plan and will help diffuse
litigation before it even starts.
1.
Learn WHEN and on WHOM to 'Just Say No' to surgery. Listen to your instinct and
to your office staff when you have a patient that you think might not be a good
candidate for surgery...
