I have barely been out of residency for six months and still have flashbacks. I am sure to a certain extent every physician does. Even physicians I’ve talked with in practice for many years still remember everything from complexity of classes, board examinations, memorizations required let alone presenting very complex cases to an attending.

 Thinking back to life as a medical student and resident, all those years studying relentlessly, and learning about the complexity of virtually everything that makes up the human body, let alone our healthcare system, there really is nothing about this entire process that is simple.

Alas, near the end of residency you’re introduced to complex contracts, the multitude of duties required in these contracts, not the least of which is relatively extensive knowledge of requirements, documentation, daily components that need to be met both for corporate and reimbursement requirements. If you choose to participate in any of these the levels of complexity abound at every twist and turn. 

This past year while starting my own DPC practice I found myself falling into the trap of complexity once again. Hiring, firing, finances, trying to perfect the layout of our practice and space, office systems and before I knew it things got out of hand very quickly.

 For me, the original design plans I had for my new practice while in residency not only for my office space but everything else including staffing, what services I’ll provide my patients, business systems etcetera we’re turning into that business nightmare I have always despised.

After taking some downtime on a beach I once again fully appreciated the most wonderful thing about being fully independent in DPC, and indeed any area of life and business is we get the call all the shots.

Now, I had hired my own consultant just prior to finishing residency and in retrospect found him so often reminding me of the last couple months of the very same things I had taught for years. Somehow my own stubbornness got in the way. 

 So, in short order, I went back to using the very same processes and platforms I teach and advocate.
I simplified everything. Utilization and build out of space, staffing, telephone, enrollment, and marketing. Not surprisingly, patients noticed, and immediately were happier and had no problem saying so! And this is the absolute best reminder to everybody reading this today. 

The most important thing we get to do is to take a step back, take a hard look, ask for help from an outside source, and do not be afraid to redesign our lives and practice. Delaying this process can be devastating if not caught early. 

 I will now be doing this as I did prior to med school and residency every 90 days.
 

Move quickly, do not hesitate. Ask for help! You and your patients will both be far happier and healthier.