09/15/2025
My Medical Minute- Taking a minute to say thank you!
September marks the first anniversary of opening my own concierge medical practice, so I’m sharing this personal reflection today. There were moments I wasn’t sure I’d get here….
Why would I ever open my own concierge practice? Simply put, I wanted more time with my patients to direct care in the ways we see as best, as a team. I truly believe I didn’t change…medicine did. Healthcare is too rushed and transactional now. The average yearly physical in the US is 7 minutes, and that needs to change. My patient panel at my previous job was well over 3000 patients, far too many patients to provide good care to anyone. My goal patient panel of 250-300 patients means I have appointments available quickly and time to advocate for my patients' health.
I want to thank 3 special groups of people who have helped me along this journey.
First, I’d like to thank my “client” supporters, all the patients who took this leap of faith with me, both my prior patients and my newbies. Getting your care outside of corporate medicine feels good once you are there. Let’s keep working together to make your health the best it can be. And if you haven’t jumped on board yet, the time is now!
Second, thanks to all my business and practice supporters. Doctors are not trained in business, so this transition has been really challenging. I’ve learned a lot about grit, resilience, flexibility, and excel. From my informal consigliere/ business consultant/ AI guru and friend Mira (a successful pediatric dental practice owner in my town) to my partners who encouraged me to break free, I’ve had a lot of help. My lawyer, accountant, bankers, marketing team…the list goes on. Special thanks to the owners of Initium Infusion for subleasing space for my west suburban site. My incredible staff in the city deserves huge thanks! Thanks Hilario, Rebecca, Marilyn, Jayne, Tanisha, Mae, Tajuana, and Eloy! They’ve picked me up on my down days and been there to answer all my questions, or find someone who could.
Last but not least, thanks to my emotional supporters. My friends, in-laws, sister, and yes, even my priest! Anyone who been there with kind words of encouragement to simply remind me I’m a good doctor, and people will always need good doctors. Thanks to my dog Lulu; you’ll never know how much petting you on the front porch lowers my cortisol. Thanks to my 3 kids who are my motivation everyday…but often raise my cortisol. I’m so proud of the young adults you are becoming. Finally, I’m most thankful for my beautiful, smart, patient, funny, and deceptively good-business-sensed wife Anne. Thanks for letting me try this and being there to support me on this part of our journey. I love you!
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