Starting a private medical practice can be daunting, especially for those in the early stages of their careers.
From managing finances to finding the right work-life balance, medical professionals face a unique set of challenges.
In a recent episode of The Healthy Practice podcast from WriteUpp, we spoke to Jo Aldred, a registered and accredited psychotherapist and EMDR therapist.
Jo offers valuable advice for navigating the common problems faced by medical practitioners. You can listen to the whole conversation here:
Investing in Yourself: Time, Energy, and Money
When establishing a successful medical practice, Jo emphasises the importance of investing in yourself in terms of time, energy, and money.
Regarding money, she highlights the significance of understanding your mindset around finances and identifying any blocks or limiting beliefs.
Investing in a professional headshot can significantly enhance your online presence and help potential clients connect before they meet you.
Jo suggests investing time in understanding Google and its analytics, as it plays a crucial role in today’s digital landscape. Learning about search engine optimisation (SEO) and streamlining business processes can help save time and maximise efficiency.
Furthermore, she emphasises the value of investing in a mentor or supervisor who can guide and support your journey.
Harnessing Energy and Building a Community
Energy management is another vital aspect of running a successful medical practice. Jo advises medical professionals to find a mentor or supervisor who aligns with their values and can help them navigate the complexities of the profession.
She also encourages utilising resources such as YouTube and podcasts to learn new skills and stay updated on industry trends.
Building a supportive community is crucial for professional growth and learning. Jo highlights the power of online and offline networking by reaching out to individuals for coffee or connecting with professionals in the same field.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who focus on authenticity and sustainability can provide valuable insights and encouragement during challenging times.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When starting a medical practice, it’s essential to avoid falling into common pitfalls.
Jo shares her experiences and cautions against blindly following unsolicited advice or conforming to predetermined notions of success. For instance, she shares how she initially focused on building a social media presence due to external pressure, only to realise that it needed to be aligned with her preferences and strengths.
Instead, Jo recommends reflecting on your ideal client’s journey and investing in elements that resonate with them, such as an authentic and inviting website.
Jo also advises against limiting beliefs surrounding financial success in the medical field. Despite common assumptions, earning a living as a therapist is possible. By getting creative and finding cost-effective solutions, such as renting office space by the hour, professionals can build their practices without incurring high upfront costs.
So What Would Jo Tell Her Start-Up Self?
Starting a medical practice requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Jo Aldred’s insights shed light on the critical focus areas: time, energy, and money.
Medical professionals can navigate the challenges of establishing a successful private practice by investing in themselves, harnessing energy wisely, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Remember to stay patient, embrace learning opportunities, and build a supportive community.
You can build a thriving medical practice that aligns with your professional goals and values with dedication and the right mindset.
Jo is a registered and accredited psychotherapist and an EMDR Therapist based in Brighton.
You can learn more about Jo at https://kemptowncounselling.co.uk/ and she also runs https://www.emdrtherapybrighton.co.uk/.
Listen to The Healthy Practice Podcast
The Healthy Practice guides you through the common problems of starting your own practice.
We aim to help you take control of other aspects of practice management – including work-life balance, marketing, finances, & more – by offering insights & tips from practitioners who have mastered the early stages of private practice.
Listen here:
Or search for The Healthy Practice wherever you get your podcasts!
