DPC Myth #15: Doctors are not good businesspeople

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Doctors are not good businesspeople. When I hear that statement, my blood boils. Nothing could be further from the truth.  

Before we claim TRUE OR FALSE, let us define a “good business person.” 

  • A good business person has a clear VISION. 
  • A good business person is committed to the work required.  
  • They are HARDWORKING, DISCIPLINED, RESILIENT, and ADAPTABLE 
  • A good business person can LEAD & COMMUNICATE. 
  • A good business person keeps their checkbook in the BLACK.

Well, that description pretty much DEFINES a physician. 

VISION              

We got it.  Most of us had a vision of our future when we were kids.  

COMMITTED 

  • Hell, yes.  
  • Started this journey years ago and stuck to it.  
  • Studied, took the weed-‘em-out classes, crushed the MCAT (well, not really “crushed” but did well enough), accepted the delayed gratification, put life on hold until after residency. 

LEAD & COMMUNICATE.      

  • Check that box. 
  •   We do this with every patient encounter.  
  •   We explain complicated diagnoses and lead patients to better health.  
  •   Physicians lead care teams and hospital committees (well, we used to before the growth of administrators). 

And finally, the CHECKBOOK.   

  •  This is the one “skill” doctors may need to brush up on a bit to be a good business person.  
  • But it’s simple:  Have a budget. Spend less than you make. Keep it in the black.  
  • Doctors can learn this! We are smart people.  
  • Hell, If we’re able to learn the Krebs’ cycle, to constantly learn new medicines and guidelines,  then we can surely learn how to use QuickBooks.  

Doctors have all the skills they need to be good businesspeople. 100%. 

VISION, WORK, ETHIC, LEADERSHIP, and some common-sense financial planning.  

  • With those skills, you are all set to run your DPC practice.  
  • You can create a great medical practice.  
  • You can make the decisions. 
  • You can balance your business checkbook.  

Physicians can run a DPC practice without administrators, managers, and accountants telling us what to do and how to do it.  

This DPC Mythbuster Series aims to debunk the most common fears, misconceptions, and half-truths that deter doctors from embracing Direct Primary Care. These opinions are from each individual blogger. You may or may not agree with them, but either way, leave a comment with your thoughts. 


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About Amy Walsh, MD

Family always comes first: I am married to Whitey and can't imagine life without him. I have 4 great kids who screw up from time to time; but they are still pretty damn cool. Dog mom to 2 yellow labs who are exhausting and messy, but we love them. Happy DPC doctor since 2015 as the system wore me down and made me miserable. Luckily I found DPC. I found “my people” and never looked back. DPC was my best career decision without a doubt. Former varsity gymnast at the University of Michigan: I refer to those years as my “first life.” I learned about hard work, goal setting, and most importantly the value of true friendship. Hey, did you know UM gymnastics won NCAA Natty in 2021. Such a proud moment.Go Blue! Have been accused of being Type A, OCD, perfectionist, competitive. I may agree with most of those, but prefer words like focused, determined and committed. See? I have learned to use those all to my advantage.