Physicians Hanging a Shingle | Start a Private Medical Practice
Physicians Hanging a Shingle is a physician-hosted podcast that guides doctors through the process of launching a private medical practice. Hosted by board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Brittney Anderson, who opened her own practice three years ago, it shares hard-earned lessons and practical advice for moving from employee to entrepreneur. Episodes cover topics such as writing a business plan, securing financing, marketing, hiring staff, and building a patient base. The show is aimed at physicians who feel overwhelmed by the business side of starting their own medical office and want actionable strategies to take the leap.
Episodes
#76: 3 Decisions to Make Before Opening Your Private Practice
Before you sign a lease, hire staff, or start spending money, there are three important decisions you need to make about your future private practice.
In this episode, I'm walking you through those decisions and sharing practical steps you can take now to build a practice that aligns with your goals.
Whether you're just considering private practice or already preparing to open, having a solid busi
#75: What Are You NOT Going to Offer When You Open Your Private Practice?
When you’re planning your private practice, it’s easy to focus on everything you want to offer. But not everything has to happen on opening day.
In this episode, we’re talking about how to decide what belongs in your opening-day practice, what can come next, and what belongs on the “someday” list. You’ll also learn why every new service creates additional costs and workflows—and why being intentio
#74: The Morning Huddle: 15 Minutes a Day That Can Change Your Private Practice
A good clinic day starts before the first patient walks through the door.
This week, I’m sharing the morning huddle system we use every day at Anderson Family Care—and that I’m presenting on at MGMA. I’ll walk you through the five parts of our 15-minute huddle, how it helps us stay aligned, catch care gaps, reduce surprises, and build team culture.
Whether you’re planning your private practice or
#73: HIPAA in Private Practice: What You Actually Need to Have in Place
HIPAA compliance is about more than having a privacy form at the front desk. As a private practice owner, you’re responsible for building the systems that protect patient information every day.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the practical side of HIPAA in private practice. From employee onboarding and ongoing training to patient forms, everyday clinic workflows, vendors and Business Associate
#72: 5 Things Worth the Money When You're Opening a Private Practice
When you’re opening a private practice, it can feel like money is going out the door everywhere. So where is it actually worth spending?
In this episode, I’m sharing five things I believe are worth the investment when starting your practice—from getting the right professional help to knowing when your time is better spent letting someone else handle the job.
I’ll also share where you can DIY, wher
#71: How to Make Progress Toward Opening Your Private Practice, Even When You’re Busy
Opening a private practice can feel overwhelming when you look at everything that needs to get done. But you don’t need an entire free weekend, or even several hours, to make meaningful progress.
In this episode, I’m challenging you to focus on one question: What are you working on this week?
Whether you have a few hours or just 30 minutes, there’s something you can do to move your practice forwar
#70: Before You Talk to the Bank about Financing Your New Practice: 5 Things to Have Ready
Thinking about financing your private practice? Your first meeting with a bank shouldn't be the first time you've thought through the numbers.
In this episode, I’m sharing five things physicians should have ready before approaching a bank...from knowing your startup costs and having a business plan to preparing financial projections and understanding your timeline.
If you're ready to turn your pri
#69: 10 Things Patients See Before They Meet You
Your patient experience doesn't begin in the exam room; it begins long before you introduce yourself.
In this episode, I walk through 10 things every patient notices before they ever meet their physician, from your Google listing and website to your waiting room and staff. If you're planning a private practice, these small details can make a big impact on the trust and confidence your patients hav
#68: Remember the Doctor You Wanted to Be as a Medical Student
Why did you want to become a physician in the first place?
As I prepare to speak with medical students later this week, I'm reminded of the optimism they bring to medicine...and how easy it is to lose sight of that vision once we're in practice.
In this episode, I encourage physicians who are building or considering private practice to reconnect with the career they imagined when they first starte
#67: Legal Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Private Practice
In this episode, I'm joined by healthcare attorney Kim Cunningham of Cunningham Law to discuss the most common legal mistakes physicians make when starting a private practice, when to hire an attorney, and how to avoid costly compliance pitfalls.
As a bonus for Physicians Hanging a Shingle listeners, Kim is offering 10% off her legal services. Be sure to listen to the end of the episode for detail
#66: Why You Should Batch Your Social Media Before You Open
What if one hour today could save you hours of stress during launch?
In this episode, I'm sharing one of the productivity habits I recommend to every physician I coach: content batching. Learn why creating your social media in advance can help you stay consistent, reduce decision fatigue, and free up your time when your practice finally opens. I also share a personal story about a post that unexpe
#65: Four Lessons From Four Years in Private Practice
Four years ago, I opened the doors to my private practice. And looking back, there are a few things I wish I could have told myself on day one.
In this episode, I'm sharing four lessons I've learned over the past four years that I believe every future practice owner should hear before opening their doors. If you're dreaming about private practice or are early in your journey, this episode is for y
#64: Building a Strong Practice Culture on Purpose
If you think practice culture starts after you hire your first employee, think again.
In this episode, I share why the culture of your practice begins long before opening day. We'll talk about hiring for character, choosing personalities that complement one another, creating clear expectations during onboarding, and building the kind of workplace where both your team and your patients thrive.
Whet
#63: How to Know If You’re Financially Ready to Leave Your Employed Job
How do you know if you’re financially ready to leave your employed job and start a private practice?
In this episode, I’m walking through the questions I think every physician should ask before making the leap.
We’ll talk about personal expenses, startup costs, runway, timeline, and what it really means to be financially prepared to leave employed medicine.
If private practice is on your mind but
#62: How to Take a Vacation as a Private Practice Owner
In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest myths about private practice: that you'll never be able to take a vacation.
I share how I've actually taken more time off as a practice owner than I did when I was employed, and discuss the planning, systems, and communication strategies that make it possible.
Whether you're building an insurance-based, membership, cash-pay, in-person, or telemedicine p
[Thursday Shift]: You Are Building More than a Practice
When you're deep in the paperwork, decisions, and day-to-day tasks of starting a private practice, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. In this week's Thursday Shift, I share a reminder that you're not just building a clinic—you're building a career, a lifestyle, and a future that reflects your values.
If you've been feeling buried in the details, this episode will help you zoom out and
#61: Create Your No-Show Policy Before You Open
In this episode, I discuss one of the most important office policies to establish before you open your practice: your no-show policy.
We cover what should count as a no-show, whether to charge fees, how to handle repeat offenders, rescheduling rules, and the importance of applying the policy consistently.
Whether you're building an in-person, telemedicine, insurance-based, or cash-pay prac
[Thursday Shift]: You Don't Need Everyone's Permission
If you're waiting for someone else to tell you it's okay to start your private practice, this episode is for you.
In this week's Thursday Shift, I talk about the difference between seeking advice and seeking permission and why ownership requires you to trust yourself before everyone else understands your vision.
Plus, I share a reminder that no one can build your dream practice for you.
ORDER MY N
#60: 5 Ways Organized Medicine Can Help You Build Your Private Practice
When physicians think about starting a private practice, they often overlook one of the most valuable resources they already have access to: organized medicine.
In this episode, I share 5 ways local, state, specialty, and national medical organizations can support your private practice journey—from vendor discounts and professional connections to referrals, mentorship, and even funding opp
#59: Designing Your Patient Experience
In this episode, I walk through one of the highest-yield exercises I do with coaching clients: designing the patient experience from beginning to end.
We cover everything from how patients find your practice and schedule appointments to check-in, triage, the visit itself, and after-visit follow-up...including important differences for telemedicine practices.
Small workflow decisions can complete
#58: How to Set Up Your Office Phones Without Creating Chaos
If patients can’t reach your office efficiently, it impacts everything... workflow, satisfaction, efficiency, and trust.
In this episode, I’m breaking down simple but important things to think through when creating your office phone system, from call routing and voicemail setup to setting expectations for callbacks and refill requests. Small systems make a big difference.
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: PRIV
[Thursday Shift]: But What If I Have to Fire Someone?
This week’s Thursday Shift is for the physicians quietly thinking:
“But what if I have to fire someone?”
In this episode, I talk about the reality of leadership in private practice, why difficult staffing decisions are sometimes unavoidable, and why keeping the wrong person too long can hurt your team, patients, and business more than letting them go.
You do not have to be a perfect leader to buil
#57: 7 Ways to Build a Practice You Actually Want to Own
In this episode, I’m walking through 7 ways to build a private practice on purpose — from defining your vision and designing your practice model to building systems, teams, visibility, and leadership during the early days.
These are the same foundational themes behind Private Practice, On Purpose and the framework I believe helps physicians build more sustainable practices.
ORDER THE BOOK: PRIVATE
#56: Creating a Profitable Private Practice (with Dr. Una)
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Una to talk about what it really takes to build a profitable private practice.
We break down the difference between revenue and profit, why more patients isn’t always the answer, and how to think about your practice like a business.
If you’ve been wondering how to make your practice financially sustainable, this conversation will give you a clearer way to think
[Thursday Shift]: Why This Feels Harder Than You Thought
If building your practice feels harder than you expected… you’re not alone.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why this process feels so uncomfortable, and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
📌 Resources:
Take the Private Practice Readiness Quiz!
This quiz will help you identify where you fall on the readiness spectrum—and what your next best step should be.
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If you want step-by-step
#55: How to Create a Realistic Timeline to Open Your Private Practice
If you’ve been thinking about starting a private practice, you’ve probably told yourself, “I’ll open in about 12 months.”
In this episode, I break down why that timeline often doesn’t work—and how to build one that actually does.
I share what my timeline looked like (January → April → July) and how I structured my time while still working full-time.
We’ll talk about tying your timeline to real dec
[Thursday Shift]: I Thought I'd Be Further By Now
“I thought I’d be further along by now.”
If that thought has crossed your mind, this episode is for you.
I’m sharing why progress doesn’t always look the way you expect—and how to recognize the momentum you’re actually building.
If you want help getting unstuck and moving forward, join me for a 90-minute private practice strategy intensive.
📌 Resources:
Take the Private Practice Readiness Quiz!
Th
#54: Where the Money Goes in Private Practice (And How to Plan for It)
Where does the money actually go in private practice?
In this episode, I break down the 5 major expense buckets every physician needs to understand before starting a practice and how to think about them clearly.
If you’re ready to map this out for your own practice, the Private Practice Strategy Intensive is where we do it together.
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Check out my new book, Private Practice, On Purpose! It's a
[Thursday Shift]: Stop Second-Guessing Every Decision
If you’ve been questioning every decision you make in this process… you’re not alone.
In this episode, I’m talking about why there is no perfect decision—and how to move forward with confidence anyway.
If you need help making aligned decisions in your practice, we can walk through them with you in one of my 1:1 coaching packages.
📌 Resources:
Take the Private Practice Readiness Quiz!
This quiz wi
#53: The Biggest Mistake Physicians Make When Starting a Private Practice
I just released my book, Private Practice, On Purpose. And this episode is pulled straight from its core message.
If you’re thinking about starting a private practice, this is one of the biggest mistakes I see physicians make… and how to avoid it.
In this episode:
Why starting with “how” can lead you in the wrong direction
What it actually means to build a practice on purpose
The key decisions th
[Thursday Shift]: Building While Still Working Is Exhausting
Building a private practice while working full-time is a lot.
In this episode, I’m acknowledging the reality of this season—and reminding you why it’s temporary and meaningful.
If you need support navigating this phase without burning out, let’s work together in a 90-minute private practice strategy intensive.
📌 Resources:
Take the Private Practice Readiness Quiz!
This quiz will help you identify
#52: 10 Questions Every Physician Should Ask Before Starting a Private Practice
If you’re thinking about starting a private practice, start here.
In this episode, I walk through 10 essential questions to help you gain clarity on your vision, model, and next steps.
If you’re ready to take it further, book a 90-minute Private Practice Strategy Intensive and start building your plan.
📌 Resources:
Wondering if Private Practice is right for you?
Take the Private Practice Readiness
[Thursday Shift]: The Messy Middle Is Where Most People Quit
The beginning is exciting. The end is rewarding. But the middle? That’s where things feel slow, unclear, and frustrating.
In this episode, I’m talking about why the messy middle is actually where the real work happens, and why staying here is what sets you apart.
If you’re in the middle and feeling stuck, let’s map it out together in a 90-minute private practice strategy intensive.
📌 Resources:
Ta
#51: The Secret to a Smooth-Running Private Practice: Your Workflow
If you want your clinic to run smoothly, it starts with your workflow. In this episode, I walk through how to design your patient flow, define team roles, and avoid the bottlenecks that lead to chaos and burnout.
If you’re ready to map out your practice with clarity, I’d love to work with you inside the Private Practice Strategy Intensive.
📌 Resources:
Wondering if Private Practice is right for y
[Thursday Shift]: You're Not Behind
You’re not behind, and you didn’t miss your chance to build a private practice.
In this episode, I’m reminding you that there is no perfect timeline for starting. Whether you’re just beginning to think about it or have been sitting on the idea for years, your path is still valid. And your opportunity is still here.
Take the pressure off. You’re right on time.
📌 Resources:
Take the Private Practice
#50: The 3 Private Practice Models Every Physician Should Understand Before Starting
Most physicians start thinking about how to open a private practice before they’ve decided what kind of practice they actually want to build.
And that decision?
It shapes everything.
In this episode, I break down the three main private practice models. Insurance-based, cash-based, and hybrid. So you can start identifying which one aligns with your goals, your lifestyle, and the way you want to pra
[Thursday Shift]: What If I Leave My Job and Regret It?
What if I leave my job… and regret it?
It’s a fear that keeps many physicians stuck. In this week’s Thursday Shift, I share a different perspective: what if you never try? And what if going back is always an option?
If you’ve been thinking about private practice but feel held back by fear of regret, this episode will help you reframe the decision.
Ready for more support?
If you want personalized s
#49: Branding Your Private Practice: Logos, Identity, and First Impressions
When physicians think about starting a private practice, they often focus on the logistics: the lease, the EHR, credentialing, and staffing.
But one of the first things patients see is your branding.
In this episode, I’m joined by Nadene Taylor, founder of Hope and Sage Design House and the designer behind my Golden Ivy Co logo, to talk about branding and logo design for physicians starting a priv
[Thursday Shift]: Will Owning a Practice Take Over My Life?
Will owning a practice take over my life?
It’s a question many physicians ask when they start thinking about private practice. In this week’s Thursday Shift, I share why ownership doesn’t have to consume your life—and how building the right systems and workflows can actually give you more control over your time.
If you’ve been wondering whether private practice will take over your life, this episo
#48: The Simple Math Behind Private Practice Revenue
How much revenue can a private practice actually generate?
In this episode, I break down the simple equation behind private practice revenue and show how the math works in both insurance-based and cash-pay practices.
We’ll talk about how revenue ultimately comes down to two numbers:
the number of patients you see and the revenue you generate per patient.
Once you understand that formula, it become
[Thursday Shift]: Am I Too Old to Start a Private Practice
Today’s episode is a little special — it’s my birthday. 🎉
And in honor of that, we’re talking about something I hear all the time from physicians considering private practice: “I’m too old to start now.”
Maybe you’re 40.
Maybe you’re 48.
Maybe you’re 55.
You feel like you missed your window. Like it would’ve been easier 10 years ago. Like starting over now just doesn’t make sense.
In this short Th
#47: Buying Medical Supplies for Your Private Practice
Opening a private practice? Don’t overlook your medical supply strategy.
In this episode, I walk through how to create a master medical supply list before you open, how to evaluate and find a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), why you shouldn’t over-order inventory in the beginning, and how to track usage from day one.
One of the best pieces of advice I received when starting my own practice was
[Thursday Shift]: Why Is It So Hard for Me to Ask for Referrals?
Asking other physicians to refer to your private practice can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. In this Thursday Shift episode, I explore the mindset behind that hesitation — and why asking for referrals isn’t self-promotion, but leadership. If visibility feels awkward or you’ve been quietly hoping patients will “just find you,” this episode will help you reframe the discomfort and take small, cour
#46: Tracking Your Metrics and Hiring a Biller with Dr. Signorelli
In this episode, I sit down with Heather Signorelli of NatRevMD to talk about why knowing your metrics matters — no matter your practice model. Whether you take insurance, run hybrid, or are fully cash pay, understanding your numbers and your workflow is key to building a sustainable, profitable practice.
We discuss the core metrics every physician-owner should track, common workflow gaps that qui
[Thursday Shift]: I Can't Do This By Myself
If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t do this by myself,” when it comes to starting your private practice — this episode is for you.
Building a practice can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out legal structures, billing, marketing, EHRs, and operations on your own. But here’s the truth: you were never meant to build this in isolation.
In this 5-minute mindset shift, I’ll help
#45: Choosing an EHR? Don’t Ignore These Red Flags
Choosing an EHR is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when building your private practice — and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed during demos and sales calls.
In this episode, I walk you through five EHR red flags to watch for before signing a contract, including:
Clunky workflows that drain efficiency
Unclear or hidden costs
Limited reporting capabilities
Rigid contracts
Weak support systems
[Thursday Shift]: Staying Feels Easier Than Starting
When you’re already tired, staying where you are can feel easier than starting something new. But easier doesn’t always mean lighter.
In this Thursday Mindset Shift, we unpack the hidden cost of staying comfortable — and how to tell the difference between what’s familiar and what’s aligned.
📌 Resources:
Take the Private Practice Readiness Quiz!
This quiz will help you identify where you fall on th
#44: How to Use Social Media to Market Your Practice
Social media doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — and it definitely doesn’t have to wait until your practice doors are open.
In this episode, I’m talking directly to physicians who are building or preparing to launch their own practice and know they need to start marketing, but aren’t sure how to use social media strategically without burning out.
Instead of chasing trends or trying to be everywher
[Thursday Shift]: “I Don’t Trust Myself to Figure It Out”
Have you ever thought, “I don’t trust myself to figure this out” when it comes to private practice?
In this short mindset shift, I’m talking directly to that fear—and gently dismantling it.
In this episode, we cover:
Why you don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward
The myth that successful private practice owners did it all on their own
Why private practice isn’t something to rus
#43: How to Decide What Services to Offer
What services should you offer in private practice—and what can you leave out?
In this episode, I break down how to decide your service offerings intentionally, whether you’re building an insurance-based or cash-pay practice. You don’t have to offer everything you were trained to do, and starting focused doesn’t limit your future—it protects it.
We cover why clarity matters, how to avoid recreatin
#42: Building Admin Time Into Your Clinic Schedule
Admin time is one of the most misunderstood parts of running a private practice.
In this episode, I walk through what admin time is actually for — and why it shouldn’t be used to catch up on notes, inbox messages, or other unpaid clinical work.
This is the same framework I use with my 1:1 coaching clients when we’re building out their clinic schedules. We’re not just deciding how many patients the
[Thursday Shift]: Stop Looking for Evidence That You’ll Fail
Physicians are trained to look for red flags — and that skill saves lives. But when it comes to career decisions, that same instinct can quietly keep you stuck.
In this short mindset shift, we talk about how fear can disguise itself as logic, why collecting worst-case scenarios doesn’t equal responsibility, and how changing the question you’re asking can open the door to clarity instead of paralys
#41: Opening Your Practice...Don’t Skip the Celebration
We spend so much time planning the dream that when it finally happens, we rush right past it.
In this episode, I share a moment from a recent ribbon cutting for one of my 1:1 coaching clients—and a realization that stopped me in my tracks. As physicians, we’re wired to plan, execute, and move on to the next thing… but skipping the celebration comes at a cost.
You’ll hear:
Why big milestones often
[Thursday Shift]: I’m Already Exhausted… How Can I Add This?
Feeling exhausted and wondering how you could possibly add starting a private practice to your life? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t mean private practice isn’t for you.
In this short mindset shift, I reframe exhaustion, explain why private practice doesn’t have to be built on top of burnout, and share how clarity and intentional planning can actually create more control and energy.
If private pra
#40: When a Practice Idea Works on Paper — But Not in Real Life
A great private practice idea isn’t enough if it doesn’t work in real life.
In this episode, we discuss why some practice models look perfect on paper but struggle once launched — and how to build a private practice that’s both inspiring and realistic.
We talk about:
Running conservative, practical numbers
Avoiding overspending early
Preventing burnout in a physician-owned practice
Hiring at the
[Thursday Shift]: I’m a Good Doctor, But I Don’t Think I’d Be a Good Business Owner
Many physicians believe that being a good doctor and being a good business owner are opposites. In this short mindset shift, we unpack where that belief comes from — and why it’s often the most thoughtful, patient-centered doctors who struggle with it the most.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you have the “personality” to own a practice, this episode will help you reframe what business ownership a
#39: How to Decide if Private Practice is Right for You (Right Now)
If you’ve been thinking about private practice—but aren’t sure whether now is the right time—this episode is for you.
In this 20-minute solo episode, Dr. Anderson walks through the exact framework she uses to help physicians assess their readiness for private practice without pressure, hype, or false urgency.
You’ll learn:
Why “Am I ready?” is the wrong question
The four key areas that determine
#38: 6 Reasons to Start a Private Practice in 2026
This is the final episode of 2025, and we’re ending the year with a practical look at why 2026 may be the right time to start a private medical practice.
In this episode, I share six real-world reasons physicians are choosing private practice—not for hype, but for sustainability, autonomy, and better patient care.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why patients are actively seeking a medical home out
#37: Setting Up Payroll in Your Private Practice
Payroll is one of those things physicians are never taught — but getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and stress.
In this episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle, I walk through what physicians need to know about setting up payroll in private practice, including when you need it, common mistakes to avoid, and key decisions to make before you ever run payroll.
I also share the payroll service
[Thursday Shift]: You Don’t “See How Next Year Goes” — You Decide It
If you’re thinking about opening a private practice next year but keep telling yourself you’ll “see how things go,” this episode is for you.
In this Mindset Shift, I talk about why private practice doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by intention. We explore the difference between thinking like an employed physician and thinking like a practice owner, and why the doctors who open practices are
#36: Hiring Front Office Staff: The Skills That Make or Break Your Practice
When I talk with physicians about staffing, one role comes up again and again: the front office. And too often, it’s underestimated.
Your front office is not just answering phones. They are the first voice your patients hear, the gatekeepers of your schedule, and often the ones protecting—or quietly draining—your revenue.
In this episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle, I walk through the key skil
[Thursday Shift]: I Don't Think I Have the Personality to Run a Business
If you’ve ever thought, “I want my own practice, but I don’t have the personality to run a business,” this episode will shift everything.
In this Thursday Shift, we’re breaking down where that belief comes from, why it’s completely false, and what actually makes someone a strong practice owner. (Hint: it’s not being extroverted, loud, or “naturally business-minded.”)
You’ll learn why business ow
#35: 10 Things to Consider When Interviewing Someone for Your New Practice
Hiring for your medical office is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and one of the hardest, because no one ever taught us how to do it.
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 questions and considerations that go far beyond checking a resume. We’ll talk about how to evaluate mindset, communication, culture fit, and emotional intelligence — the things that truly determine whether someone wi
[Thursday Shift]: I Don’t Have Anyone in My Life Who Gets This
If you feel alone in your dream of starting a private practice, this episode is for you.
In this Thursday Shift, I’m talking about what it’s like to be the first in your family or your circle to pursue something big. I share my own experience as a first-generation college graduate and the first physician in my family — and what it felt like to make decisions that no one around me fully understood.
#34: 5 Things to Do on Your Private Practice Planning Retreat
In this episode, I’m sharing the five things I did on my own planning retreat this past weekend — the same steps I recommend for any physician who’s building a private practice.
I talk about the very first retreat I ever took to dream up my clinic (in Honolulu!) and why you don’t need an airplane or a beach to get clarity. You just need space to think.
I break down exactly what to do during your r
[Thursday Shift]: The Business Plan Isn’t Busywork
In this Thursday Shift, we’re tackling a mindset block almost every physician has when they start thinking about private practice:
“I’ll figure out the business plan later.”
Today, I’m walking you through why this belief keeps you stuck — and why your business plan isn’t just paperwork. It’s clarity. It’s protection. It’s your first real act of ownership.
Inside the episode, we cover:
What You’ll
#33: How to Engage Your Future Patients...Before You Even Announce Your New Practice
One of the biggest mistakes new practice owners make is believing that marketing starts on opening day. It doesn’t.
It starts long before you ever turn in your resignation.
In this episode, I’m sharing how to ethically and legally build a warm audience before you open your clinic — even if you’re still employed and under a non-compete.
You’ll learn why creating a social media presence early is the
[Thursday Shift]: I Don't Want to Be Responsible for Everything
If the thought of running a practice makes you think, “I don’t want to be responsible for everything,” you’re not alone.
In this Thursday Shift, we’re reframing what responsibility actually means in private practice — and why ownership doesn’t equal doing every task yourself.
You’ll learn how to shift from “I have to carry it all” to “I get to design the system,” plus three practical ways to light
#32: Money Mindset for New Practice Owners with Dr. Latifat Akintade
Today on Physicians Hanging a Shingle, I’m joined by Dr. Latifat Akintade—gastroenterologist, founder of MoneyFitMD, and host of the MoneyFitMD podcast. Dr. Latifat has helped many physicians create healthier relationships with money, build wealth with intention, and step into financial confidence… and she brings that wisdom straight to us in this episode.
If you’re a physician preparing to open y
[Thursday Shift]: Won’t I Just Burn Out Again in Private Practice?
If you’ve ever thought, “What if I leave my job, start my own practice… and just burn out all over again?” — you’re not alone.
In this Thursday Shift, we’re talking about why that fear is completely valid — and why this time can be different.
You’ll learn what really causes burnout, how private practice gives you control over the system you work in, and three practical ways to protect your time an
#31: SOPs: The Secret to a Smooth-Running Practice
If your clinic feels like organized chaos, this episode is for you.
In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down SOPs — Standard Operating Procedures — what they are, why every practice needs them, and how they can save you time, stress, and confusion as your clinic grows.
You’ll learn what happens when you don’t have them, the different ways to structure them (checklists, flowcharts, and more), and
[Thursday Shift]: Everyone Around Me Says It’s a Bad Idea
When you tell people you’re thinking about starting your own practice, everyone suddenly has an opinion — and most of them aren’t encouraging.
In this Thursday Shift, I’m talking about how to move forward when the people around you don’t understand your vision. You’ll learn how to filter out the noise, stay grounded in your “why,” and surround yourself with voices that remind you what’s possible.
[Thursday Shift]: I’m Just Not Confident Enough to Lead a Business
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to start my own practice, but I’m just not confident enough to run a business,” this episode is for you.
In this Thursday Shift, I’m sharing why confidence doesn’t come first — action does. You’ll learn how to build confidence as you go, how to use your existing leadership skills in a new way, and how to stop waiting to “feel ready.”
You don’t need more confidence
#30: Design Your Days: Building a Patient Schedule That Works for You
You built this practice — so you get to design your days. In this episode, I break down how to create a clinic schedule that works for you, your patients, and your bottom line.
Whether you’re insurance-based or cash-pay, your schedule shapes everything about your practice — from your energy to your income. I share my process for “making the math math,” a concept from the Plan to Practice digital c
#29: Essential Hardware Needed for Your New Medical Practice
Before you buy your first printer or laptop, let’s talk about the hardware that actually matters when you’re setting up your clinic.
In this episode, I’m walking through the tech essentials that keep your practice running smoothly — from front desk computers to secure Wi-Fi and backup systems — and how to plan for these costs in your business plan.
Because the right setup isn’t just convenience…it
[Thursday Shift]: I’m Scared to Leave a Guaranteed Paycheck
Leaving an employed position to start your own practice sounds exciting… until the fear of losing that guaranteed paycheck kicks in.
In this short but powerful episode, I break down the truth about financial “security” in medicine — and help you reframe fear into freedom. You’ll learn why your paycheck isn’t as guaranteed as it seems, how to rebuild confidence in your own ability to generate incom
#28: What Your Practice Website Should Include
Your website is your digital front door — and it should make patients feel like they already know you before they ever step inside.
In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what every private practice website needs — from the essentials like contact info, services, and team bios to the nice-to-haves that help your site connect with patients and build trust.
I’ll tell the story of how I built my very f
[Thursday Shift]: What if it Works? Fear of Success.
Most physicians talk about fear of failure — but few admit to the other side of it: fear of success.
That quiet, unsettling thought:
“What if this actually works? What if I can’t keep up? What if I let people down?”
In this Thursday Shift, I’m unpacking where that fear really comes from — and how to reframe it so success feels safe. You’ll learn why physicians often expect things to fall apart (ev
#27: Uniforms in Private Practice: Small Detail, Big Impact
Uniforms might seem like a small detail, but they can shape your entire clinic culture. In this episode, I share how I handle uniforms in my own practice — from deciding if you even need them, to who pays, to what they should look like.
What You’ll Learn:
How uniforms impact team culture and patient perception
When it’s appropriate for the practice to cover the cost
Practical tips for ordering,
#26: Creating Your Employee Handbook
An employee handbook might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you can create for your clinic. It sets expectations, protects you as an employer, and communicates the culture you want to build with your team.
In this episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle, we discuss:
Why an employee handbook is essential from day one
When to go over it with staff and how often to review
