Ask the Expert Archives - Fit City Magazine

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, many physicians and wellness practitioners are seeking innovative strategies to grow their practices while maintaining quality patient care. Two industry experts, Dr. Brian Hughes, owner of Curis Edmond, and Jamie Spann, founder of Business Savvy Physician, share their insights on overcoming the unique challenges of expanding a medical or wellness practice in today’s market.

Changing Healthcare Landscape

“The healthcare landscape has changed significantly in recent years,” says Dr. Brian Hughes. “Telehealth, AI, EHR, and wearable medical devices like rings and CGMs [continuous glucose monitors] have placed a wealth of information at both practitioners’ and patients’ fingertips. This has created incredible opportunities for growth, but only for those who can bridge the gap between information and practical application.”

Hughes emphasizes that the future of healthcare lies in wellness care and preventative medicine. “The more knowledge people have, the clearer they are about taking control of their own health. Medical practices that embrace this shift toward wellness care, while guiding patients effectively through the noise of information, will be the ones to thrive.”

Jamie Spann echoes this sentiment, noting that more physicians are leaving hospital employment and returning to private practice. “Physicians are realizing they don’t want to be constrained by the limitations of hospital systems. At Business Savvy Physician, we’ve helped many doctors establish their own practices where they can increase their revenue, offer more personalized care, and regain control over their schedules.”

Top Challenges in Growing a Practice

When it comes to expanding a practice, both Hughes and Spann agree that growth can often come with overwhelming challenges. Hughes explains, “One of the biggest issues I see is advancing too quickly—adding new services or technologies before mastering the foundations. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends, but a practice grows best when built on solid, efficient systems.”

Spann identifies rapid growth as a major concern for her clients as well. “As practices grow, the systems that worked for a smaller team become inefficient. You have to pivot and scale your processes—whether it’s in HR, patient management, or workflow optimization—or you risk overwhelming yourself and your staff,” she says.

Top Challenges in Growing a Practice

Role of Technology

Technology has become a key player in practice growth, both in terms of business operations and clinical advancements. Spann highlights the use of AI as a game-changer for streamlining patient communication and managing administrative tasks.

“We use AI to automate responses and assist with patient inquiries, freeing up physicians’ time to focus on patient care. It’s amazing how much more efficient a practice can be with the right technology in place.”

Hughes adds, “Technology in medical and wellness businesses is revolutionizing how we track patient progress and communicate in real time. Whether it’s through EHR systems, lab results, or imaging, the ability to measure outcomes accurately and efficiently has changed the game for practitioners.”

Advice for Physicians Hiring Business Coaches

For physicians considering hiring a business coach, Spann stresses the importance of finding someone who understands the intricacies of healthcare. “Healthcare is a specialized industry, and a generic business approach won’t cut it. Look for a coach who understands both the clinical and business sides of running a practice. We focus on helping physicians implement systems that allow them to prioritize patient care without sacrificing profitability.”

Hughes’ advice is to stay clear on your mission. “The clarity of your outcome will drive your actions. Early on, I was more reactive—just trying to keep up with everything. But clarity allows you to respond to the right opportunities and focus on what will truly grow your practice.”

Building a Positive Workplace Culture

Both experts agree that maintaining a strong team and a positive workplace culture is essential for sustainable growth. “Leadership is key,” says Hughes. “Your job as a leader is to empower others to achieve their role in the mission. When you have the right people in the right roles and they’re aligned with your vision, the complexities of growth become just part of the process.”

Spann adds, “Clear communication is critical. As your practice grows, you need to keep your staff informed and make them feel valued. When your team is happy and engaged, they will work hard for you and contribute to the success of your practice.”

Looking to transform your medical practice with expert guidance? Dr. Brian Hughes at Curis Edmond and Jamie Spann from Business Savvy Physician offer the expertise to enhance patient care, streamline operations and guide your practice toward sustainable growth.