Taking the leap into independent practice can be both exciting and daunting. These successful independent pediatricians reflect on their early days in practice, shed light on what’s at the heart of their practice of medicine, and share advice they’d give to their younger selves in those early days of independent practice.
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Hear from pediatricians and industry experts in their words.
Dr. Robert Trimble gives insight into his practice, what brought him to medicine, and his philosophy on independent pediatrics.
Each year, millions of Americans are faced with a cancer diagnosis and all of the pain and uncertainty that comes with it. In this article, join independent pediatrician Dr. Seth Kaplan as he shares his journey from first symptoms to diagnosis and beyond. Through Kaplan’s first-hand account, discover what his diagnosis meant to Kaplan personally and professionally, and how he learned to prioritize self-care and mindful living through his harrowing experience.
America is experiencing a severe nursing shortage. Due to high demand, those who are able to meet the challenge of obtaining a nursing degree have many employment paths to choose from. Those looking to make the right career path choice might consider what setting is best for working parents, or the benefits of independent practices from an operational or clinical standpoint. Here are the stories of three nurses who share why choosing to work for an independent pediatric practice was right for them.
Staying Strong in the Face of Unfair Policy: How to Fight and Win with Dr. Kathy Cain
Topeka PediatricsTopeka, KS
When Dr. Kathy Cain saw an unfair insurance policy was reducing payment for her services in her home state of Kansas, she did not take it lying down. Instead, with the help of her physician networks, Cain was able to change the policy over years after a long search for her voice to be heard. This article provides a quick primer on medical coding and its potential manipulation, as well as a brief background of one of the major market leaders in the healthcare insurance industry and how one woman took them on—and won.
Even before the pandemic, the U.S. was in the throes of a healthcare staffing crisis. The events of the last two years have escalated this crisis to a true emergency, especially for independent practitioners. Dr. Hiral Lavania discusses the impact of the staffing shortage during this time and what she expects for the future of her practice.
Dr. Seth Kaplan: A Warrior for Children’s Mental Healthcare in Texas and Beyond
TLC Pediatrics of FriscoFrisco, TX
In the face of a declared national mental health emergency for children, Dr. Seth Kaplan outlines what independent pediatricians can do to support the fight for better mental health care. Kaplan outlines some of the unique challenges to this mission in the state of Texas while highlighting solutions the Texas Pediatric Society (TPS) has implemented in the last 18 months to address those challenges. Finally, Kaplan provides actionable steps pediatricians can take right now to better treat the whole child and support better mental health for all children.
Investing in Community to Nourish Within: A Conversation with PMI Founder Paul Vanchiere
Pediatric Management Institute
The foundation of independent pediatricians is built on fundamental connections between providers and their communities, patients, families, and staff. This interview with Paul Vanchiere, founder of the Pediatric Management Institute, explores the importance of strong bonds for the well-being of the provider and the success of the practice.
Proper nutrition and food security are essential to the healthy development of a child—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Dr. Steven Abrams, Chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition, discusses the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic on how the U.S. is failing food insecure families, and how we can do better.
The impacts of digital media use on children, both positive and negative, are increasingly visible as Generation Z comes of age. How do different types of media affect childhood brain development, and what can pediatricians do to help kids build healthy relationships with their screens?
Education, Relationships, and Expert Care: Dr. Nneka Unachukwu’s Approach to Independent Pediatrics
Ivy League PediatricsLawrenceville, GA
From the University of Nigeria to her independent practice in Georgia, Dr. Nneka Una shares important lessons from a rich career in medicine. She offers her approach to independent practice management, whole-child care, and professional coaching—an approach that is grounded in strong relationships and education.
Russell C. Libby, MD, FAAP, of Fairfax, Virginia answers some candid questions about his practice and life philosophy as part of The Independent Pediatrician’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.
Why fight for Medicaid? Pediatrician Christoph Diasio, M.D. makes a compelling case. He offers his perspective on Medicaid’s foundational role in our health care system, and proposes a vision for the future.
In an effort to find balance, Dr. Jill Garripoli opened her own practice in Nutley, NJ. As a result, she's found happiness, satisfaction, and time to pursue her personal goals. She shares her wisdom for pediatricians - and everyone - here.
Chip Hart explains why the best way to discover what your practice is doing well — and where it needs improvement — is to get out of your office.
To help share your stories and personalities, The Independent Pediatrician created our own version of the Proust Questionnaire. We hope you enjoy this small window into one another's personal and professional challenges and aspirations.
Chip Hart introduces the new Independent Pediatrician online and explores why pediatricians across the country are renovating their offices and their businesses as payment models and measures of clinical success shift.
Pediatric Practice Consultant Chip Hart says he loves working with practices whose vision, ambition, and high expectations for themselves and others set the bar for our future leaders in pediatrics.
Dr. Mark E. Helm, MD, MBA, FAAP, of Oregon, answers some candid questions about his practice and life philosophy as part of The Independent Pediatrician’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.
The Independent Pediatrician borrows on a personality test resurrected from the Victorian era to find out what makes North Carolina pediatrician Dr. Christoph Diasio tick.
The evidence that physicians can be as successful at business as they are at care-giving continues to mount, suggests Pediatric Practice Consultant Chip Hart, who cites independent pediatricians who have capitalized on business acumen and an inner drive to thrive financially.
Dr. Patricia Edwards was fresh out of residency when she joined a two-doctor practice in Concord, NH that embodied the spirit of small town, personalized medicine. Twenty-eight years later, Dr. Edwards continues to watch her practice grow and thrive in keeping with the values of independent medicine.
Chip Hart explains why independence remains vital, especially as the healthcare industry shifts toward hospital-based care, and shares the feedback he received about our inaugural issue of The Independent Pediatrician.
Budd Shenkin, a San Francisco Bay Area pediatrician who built his solo practice into what is now the region’s largest primary care independent group, suggests that pediatricians, like gardeners, use the inherent landscape and their creativity to grow their practices in a variety of ways.
Pediatric Practice Consultant Chip Hart questions whether the hype surrounding the so-called demise of the small practice is causing pediatricians to undersell their value to everyone, including themselves.
Brought to you by PCC
The Independent Pediatrician is brought to you by PCC, which provides tools and services to help pediatricians remain independent and in control of their practices.
PCC itself is a fiercely independent business. As a Benefit Corporation, it puts the interests of its clients, community, and employees on an equal footing with those of its shareholders.
To learn more about successful independent pediatric practices, read PCC’s Client Success Stories.
