What are the best ways to maximize your experience as a physician consultant?

It's very important as a consultant to be super excellent in your field and if possible to micro-excel at a particular subspecialty

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." as Bruce Lee says. We as physicians, have a ton of different skills that we can use to help others. However, by niching down we can be first person that comes to mind for whatever it is that we want to help with. For example, I help physicians who love medicine switch to a more sustainable part-time schedule while still living the life they want. As much as it shows people I enjoy working with, it tells others (like those who are ready to stop medicine altogether) that I'm not for them.

In the journey to becoming a thriving physician consultant, pinpointing your niche is paramount. Your niche represents your expertise, experience, and fervor within the realm of healthcare. Whether it's a specialized field, a particular service, a demographic, or a prevalent issue, identifying your niche is foundational. It enables you to establish yourself as an authority, draw in suitable clientele, and consistently deliver excellence.

Para maximizar la experiencia como consultor médico, es necesario que el profesional conozcan cuáles son sus habilidades y sus defectos en cuanto a comunicación con pacientes y colegas. La gran ventaja de ello será buscar herramientas que mejoren y optimicen el discurso, asegurando una comprensión clara de las necesidades y expectativas de los pacientes. Además, la práctica de la empatía y el mantenerse actualizado con las últimas investigaciones y avances en medicina garantiza una práctica basada en evidencia.

Effectively navigating the realm of physician consulting hinges on setting unambiguous expectations. This entails transparently outlining the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, fees, and feedback mechanisms to clients. Such clarity mitigates misunderstandings, conflicts, and letdowns while fostering trust, credibility, and professionalism. Establishing these parameters from the outset is paramount for a mutually beneficial consultant-client relationship.

Improve patient satisfaction (boring and squishy). Decrease overnight blood draws so patients can get better sleep (better and tangible). Even if you accomplish the first one, it will be hard to prove it. Having a clear idea of exactly what you will do and a way to measure it will be better for you and whomever you are working for.

Continual learning is paramount for physician consultants. In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, staying abreast of the latest advancements is non-negotiable. Engage with cutting-edge research through journal readings and conferences. Invest in continuous education, whether through courses or mentorship. Active participation in professional networks fosters collaboration and idea exchange. By embracing lifelong learning, physician consultants fortify their expertise, ensuring optimal patient care and professional fulfillment.

Learn outside your comfort zone. Physicians don't have to be told to be life long learners. It's baked into our profession. However, the biggest gains come from learning something outside of what we feel comfortable with. By learning from sources outside of medicine, we can bring in knowledge and skills from other industries to help make medicine better. For example, the Disney experience brought to ER wait rooms.

I've been working closely with physicians for over 5 years, and let me tell you – to maximize your experience as a physician consultant, it's all about diversifying your portfolio. Expand Your Expertise: Don't stick to one specialty. Broaden your skills and knowledge. Network Strategically: Connect with other consultants, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and industry insights. Effective Communication: Master the art of explaining complex medical jargon to different stakeholders. Client Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships; it's not just about transactions, it's about connections.

In 2017, my whole hospitalist group was kicked out of our hospital. The reason? Someone bought it. We had only 90 days to find another job, and credentialing at a new hospital often takes that long. I promised myself that I would never be in that position again. I do the same for my consulting clients. No one client will be more than 25% of either my time or income. Otherwise, you'll be too reliant on that one client and have to bend the rest of your life and career around them.

Talk to the patients. Physicians essentially work for patients. BUT physicians rarely (if ever) have conversations with patients about their CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. When I had the opportunity to talk to them, my patients have given me invaluable insights into issues with the staffing, bookings, billings and communication. I am constantly amazed how rarely we tap into this resource.