Lessons in Medical Practice Management from the Buffalo Hunters

We are as of this writing on one of our infamous "working adventures," this time in the Dakotas, and after seeing the Badlands we had the most amazing experience at a tribal school's annual pow wow the following day.?

The young people, all the way from kindergarten age through late teens, are keeping the rich cultural heritage of the Lakota Sioux alive in the 21st century, and it was one of the most inspiring experiences in recent memory.

I got to thinking about what I have read in the past regarding the ruthless efficiency of the buffalo hunting tribes.?

Then my next thought was that there's a lesson in this that can benefit even the savviest medical private practitioner of today.

Indulge me on a flight of imagination for a few moments.?

Let's embark on a journey through time and fiscal responsibility that'll leave you wondering why you never considered modeling your practice after these masters of efficiency.

The Art of Gratitude and Utilization

Picture this: you're standing on the vast American prairie, wind whipping through your hair, the thunderous sound of a buffalo herd in the distance.

As a Native American hunter, you know that each kill is precious—a gift from nature that demands respect and complete utilization.

Now, fast forward to your medical practice. That shiny new Xray machine? It's your buffalo, and you're going to use it to its maximum potential.

Waste Not, Want Not: The Buffalo Hunter's Creed

The buffalo hunters of yore were the original "zero waste" advocates.

They didn't have the luxury of squandering resources, and neither do you in today's cutthroat healthcare landscape.

Consider some loose parallels - bear with me here:

Meat: Sustenance (Your services: the bread and butter of your practice)

Hide: Shelter and clothing (Your office space: essential, but not extravagant)

Bones: Tools and weapons (Your equipment: necessary for "hunting" those elusive diagnoses)

Sinew: Thread for sewing (Your staff: binding everything together)

Stomach: Water carrier (Your billing system: building equity and wealth from what you've earned)

Lean and Mean: The Modern Medicine Man

Just as the buffalo hunters couldn't afford to let a single scrap go to waste, you can't let your practice hemorrhage money through unnecessary expenses.

Think of it as channeling your inner medicine man, and running lean.

Trimming the Fat (But Not Too Much)

Remember, the goal isn't to starve your practice, but to nourish it efficiently. Here's how to apply the buffalo hunter's wisdom:

Assess Your Kill: Take stock of your current resources. What's essential? What's gathering dust?

Use Every Part: Maximize the utility of your space and equipment. That unused corner? Time to set up a cozy patient education nook.

Preserve for Lean Times: Build a financial buffer, but don't hoard resources unnecessarily.

Share the Bounty: Collaborate with other practices to share costly equipment or services.

The Circle of Life

Just as the buffalo sustained entire communities, your practice has the potential to nourish not just you, but your staff and patients as well.

By adopting the mindset of gratitude and efficiency exemplified by those early hunters, you're not just cutting costs — you're honoring the resources at your disposal.

The Hunt for Efficiency Continues

As you navigate the challenging terrain of modern healthcare, keep the spirit of the buffalo hunter close to your healing heart.

Every patient is a gift. Every piece of equipment is an opportunity.

Every staff member is an essential part of your tribe, or in more modern terms your human capital.

So, the next time you find yourself questioning the meaning of your financials, ask yourself: "What would a buffalo hunter do?"

The answer might just revolutionize your practice.

Remember, in the grand prairie of healthcare, it's not about chasing the biggest buffalo.

It's about using every part of the one you've got.

Let me leave you with a little food for thought: have you ever wanted to discuss an even more proactive approach to the business element of your practice??

Yes? So, have you ever thought about how having a non-equity financial partner guiding your practice can increase your wealth, reduce your taxes, and provide the peace of mind that will allow you to put 110% of yourself into your patient care goals?

We would like to talk to you about it.

We are still accepting one new business advisory client in the month of September.?

It’s not too early to talk about it right now.?

Use the link I’m providing below now to choose the time to talk that is most convenient for you.

Imagine having a financial coach and compliance expert by your side, so that you can focus your professional clinical time where it belongs: on patient care.

Does that sound good?

Then reach out to me, and let’s talk: Free Profit & Cash Flow Analysis