Visionary Practice Solutions Podcast

Yellow Brick Road vs. The Garden: Reinventing Neurology Outside Insurance

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What happens when the traditional healthcare model no longer aligns with the physician you want to be? In this episode, Dr. Sarah sits down with Dr. Ashanti Gajaweera to discuss her transition from a successful insurance-based neurology practice to launching Healthspan Neurology, a direct-pay practice focused on dementia prevention and cognitive longevity. Together, they explore physician burnout, the challenges of leaving established referral networks, the importance of creating a mission-driven practice, and the lessons learned from building a business outside the traditional healthcare system. Whether you're considering a practice transition or looking to create a career that better reflects your values, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom.

About Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera

Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera is a board-certified neurologist and the founder and CEO of Healthspan Neurology, a direct-pay practice dedicated to helping patients take control of their dementia risk through advanced diagnostics, preventive strategies, and personalized care. With more than 25 years of clinical experience and 15 years as a managing partner in private practice, she has developed a passion for preventive medicine, cognitive longevity, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health. Through Healthspan Neurology, Dr. Gajaweera is redefining neurological care by combining evidence-based medicine with a proactive approach to brain health and aging.

Connect with Dr. Ashanthi Gajaweera

Instagram: @dr.gajaweera

Website: www.healthspanneurology.com

From High Income to True Wealth: The Financial Shifts Every Physician Needs to Make

Dr. Sarah — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Is being debt-free enough to achieve financial freedom? In this episode, Dr. Sarah sits down with Dr. Latifat Akintade to discuss the mindset shifts physicians need to move beyond simply earning a high income and start building lasting wealth. Together, they explore productive versus unhelpful debt, why high achievers often struggle with wealth building, the importance of taking action before you feel ready, and how physicians can achieve financial freedom through intentional asset building and smart financial decisions. Whether you're paying off debt, growing a private practice, or looking to take control of your financial future, this conversation offers practical insights to help you build wealth with confidence.

About Dr. Latifat Akintade

Dr. Latifat Akintade is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of MoneyFitMD and The Money Coaching School for Women Physicians. She is the host of the MoneyFitMD Podcast and the author of the Amazon best-selling books Done With Broke and The Power to Choose. Combining her expertise in medicine, personal finance, and life coaching, Dr. Latifat helps women physicians build wealth, eliminate financial stress, and create lives aligned with their goals and values. She is an internationally sought-after speaker known for making complex financial concepts approachable, actionable, and shame-free.

Connect with Dr. Latifat Akintade

Website: https://moneyfitmd.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneyfitmd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyfitmd

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moneyfitmd-podcast/id1513734266

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoneyFitMD

The Future of Private Practice: Independence, Innovation, and Diversification

Dr. Sarah — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 23:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Sarah sits down with Dr. Nicole Graf Freels to discuss the realities of modern private practice ownership, innovative approaches to practice growth, physician entrepreneurship, and strategies for building a sustainable healthcare business in today's changing landscape.

About the Guest:

Dr. Nicole Graf Freels, DPM, FACPM, CPRM, C.Ped, is the Founder and CEO of Lexington Podiatry, Foot & Ankle Specialists. She is a quadruple board-certified podiatrist, Global Director of Podiatry at MedBridge Global, Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky, founder of Modern Podiatrist, and co-founder of ToeTactics, an MSO and consulting platform that helps independent practices improve operations, diversify revenue, and reduce physician burnout.

More Than Medicine: How One OB-GYN Turned Expertise into a Platform and Brand

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000

What does it really look like to rebuild your career in medicine after failure and create a practice that actually aligns with your life? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Neitzel sits down with Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, a board-certified OB-GYN and founder of Femme Vie Health, to explore her journey from traditional employment to private practice, and how she practices today. From closing her first clinic to launching a concierge model focused on menopause and sexual health, this conversation highlights the realities of pivoting in medicine. Dr. Lodhi also shares how she has expanded her impact beyond patient care through her podcast and TEDx talk, using her voice to educate on topics often overlooked in healthcare.

About the Guest:
Dr. Sadaf Lodhi, DO is a board-certified OB-GYN and Founder of Femme Vie Health, a concierge gynecology practice in New York, with telehealth services in Michigan. She specializes in menopause, sexual health, and intimacy coaching, and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and ISSWSH Fellow. Beyond clinical care, she is the host of The Muslim Sex Podcast, a TEDx speaker, and an advocate for women’s midlife health and education.

Resources:
Website: www.femmeviehealth.com
Podcast: The Muslim Sex Podcast
Instagram & TikTok: @drsadafobgyn

Growing Your Path in Academic Medicine

Dr. Sarah — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000

What does it really look like to build a career in academic medicine and how do you know if it’s the right path for you? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Neitzel sits down with Dr. Stacey Ishman, a triple board-certified otolaryngologist and sleep medicine physician, to explore the realities of academic medicine. From career transitions and leadership challenges to coaching and personal alignment, this conversation offers a practical look at how physicians can grow with intention. Dr. Ishman shares her journey from academic medicine to coaching, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she now helps physicians and departments improve performance, leadership, and career satisfaction.

About the Guest:

Stacey Ishman, MD, MPH is an academic career coach and Founder of Academic Medicine Strategy Group. She helps physicians and departments improve time management, promotion strategy, and leadership development.

She is a triple board-certified otolaryngologist and sleep medicine physician, former Full Professor at the University of Cincinnati, and currently serves as Market Chief Medical Officer for AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio. She has authored 225+ research papers and 20 book chapters.

Resources:

Academic Medicine Strategy Group: www.amedsg.com

Leveraging Community: The Genius Strategy for a 700+ Share Practice Launch

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Ready to leave burnout behind and build a medical career on your own terms? Join us as we interview Dr. Brittany Anderson, a board-certified Family Medicine physician and multi-business owner and the founder of Anderson Family Care in rural Alabama, a successful practice she launched in 2022, after planning her entire practice blueprint during a pivotal retreat her first act of ownership; in this episode, you will learn her CEO Shift, which guides your mindset from employee to CEO to create dedicated time to work on your business, and her Instant Patient Panel, a genius, community-focused marketing strategy that filled her books from day one.

Connect with Dr. Anderson:
Podcast: Physicians Hanging a Shingle | Website: hangingashingle.com
Podcast: Headed to Healthier | Website: headedtohealthier.com 2026
Planner: healthierplanner.com

Reclaiming Medicine: One Surgeon’s Leap from the System to Direct Care

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sarah Neitzel sits down with Dr. Demetrio Aguila III, MD, MA, FACS, a world-renowned peripheral nerve surgeon and founder of the groundbreaking M25 Program. Dr. Aguila shares his remarkable journey from the constraints of traditional healthcare to building a faith-driven, transparent, and patient-centered direct care model. Discover how his innovative approach is transforming access to specialty care, restoring physician autonomy, and redefining what it means to practice medicine with purpose.

About Dr. Demetrio J. Aguila III, MD, MA, FACS Dr. Aguila is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, specializing in peripheral nerve surgery, chronic pain management, and reconstructive microsurgery. He serves as CEO and President of Healing Hands of Nebraska and is the founder of Healing Hands of America, the nonprofit behind the revolutionary M25 Program, which helps patients access care without medical debt, a mission recently featured on CNN’s Champions for Change. A founding member of the International Surgical Society for Nerve-Induced Pain, Dr. Aguila is also active in several medical and professional associations, including the American Society for Peripheral Nerve, American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, and the Catholic Medical Association.

Leaving the Insurance Grind: A Surgeon’s Shift to Hybrid Concierge Practice

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Helene Nguyen—board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Feet ‘N Beyond of New Jersey—discusses her transition from an insurance-heavy practice to a hybrid concierge model. She shares how the traditional model led to burnout, emotional strain, and compromised patient care, and how shifting to a more intentional, patient-focused approach allowed her to regain control of her time, finances, and professional fulfillment.

Dr. Nguyen offers practical advice for physicians considering a similar transition, including how to navigate the fear of losing patients, improve cash flow, and deliver higher-value care. From overcoming initial challenges to embracing a mindset focused on quality over quantity, her story is both inspiring and informative for those looking to build a sustainable and impactful private practice.

You’ll walk away with real, actionable insights to help you figure out which practice model actually works best for your goals, your vibe, and the way you want to live and work.

To connect with Dr. Helene Nguyen, you may reach her via email at drhelene@footdocnj.com or send a direct message through her professional Instagram account: @drhtn188

Fixing Cash Flow Chaos: How to Reduce Billing Errors in Your Office

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Visionary Practice Solutions Podcast, we tackle common challenges that private practice owners face with billing, cash flow disruptions, and collections. I’m sharing actionable steps to simplify billing processes, reduce errors, and empower your team with clear procedures and the right tools. You’ll learn practical strategies for using technology, training your staff, and addressing insurance challenges. Tune in to strengthen your practice's financial foundation and focus on delivering exceptional patient care.

Level Up Your Practice: Smart Scaling Strategies for Success

Dr. Sarah — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This episode of the Visionary Practice Solutions Podcast focuses on strategies to scale private practices effectively while maintaining high-quality patient care and avoiding staff burnout. Key topics include recognizing when your practice is ready to grow, streamlining operations, leveraging virtual assistants and technology, optimizing staff roles, and using the 12-Week Year framework to create a phased growth plan. Packed with actionable insights, the episode equips practice owners with practical advice to boost revenue, enhance patient flow, and embrace innovation for sustainable success.

Interview with NatrevMD: Billing Secrets Every Practice Owner Needs to Know

Dr. Sarah — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Signorelli from NatRev MD, who shares transformative billing strategies for private practice owners aiming to speed up cash flow and boost profitability. Together, we dive into practical ways to streamline your billing processes, improve AR collections, and reduce chart sign-out bottlenecks—all with the goal of keeping more revenue in your practice. Listen in to discover how optimized billing can pave the way for a more efficient, profitable practice!

Entrepreneurship, Motherhood, and Medicine: Dr. Una’s Formula for Success in building and scaling Private Practice

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the VPBS Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, also known as Dr. Una, founder of EntreMD and a highly successful pediatrician-turned-entrepreneur. Dr. Una shares her incredible journey of transforming her private pediatric practice into a 7-figure business with multiple physicians. She opens up about the challenges she faced along the way, including balancing the demands of running a Fortune 5000 company while homeschooling her children. Dr. Una's story offers valuable insights for private practice owners on overcoming "mom guilt," scaling a medical business, and thriving as a physician-entrepreneur. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for taking your practice to the next level!

The Road to Private Practice: Space-Sharing, Specialization, and Side Hustles

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we explore Dr. Lauren Zimski's journey into private practice, from navigating challenging space-sharing arrangements to developing niche services in ophthalmology. She shares her decision to go solo, overcoming obstacles like financial overhead and the fear of taking risks. We also discuss how she expanded her practice by offering cash-based dry eye treatments and the importance of marketing and patient education. Additionally, she touches on the benefits of diversifying income through medical-legal work as a side gig. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to grow and thrive in private practice.

Beyond Traditional Medicine: Journey to Holistic Healing with Dr. Quinn

Dr. Sarah — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Jordanna Quinn shares her journey from traditional pain management to creating a successful holistic practice in Golden, Colorado. Inspired to explore new methods, she embraced Regenerative, Anti-Aging, and Psychedelic Medicine, using therapies like Bufo and ketamine to help her patients heal. Dr. Quinn discusses the importance of staying true to her values and the rewards of running her own practice. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about holistic health, entrepreneurship, and the power of following your passion.

Adding Service Lines to Private Practice

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Sarah explores the essentials of adding new service lines to your private practice. Learn how to align new services with your practice's objectives, evaluate options using decision-making tools, and assess market factors such as competition and pricing. Gain insights into managing costs, understanding financial implications, and effectively implementing and promoting new services. Tune in for actionable strategies to expand your practice and enhance your offerings.

Safely Dropping Low-Paying Insurances in Private Practice

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Dr. Sarah tackles how private practice owners can switch to better insurance plans and attract more self-pay patients. She explains a two-step approach: researching new insurance options and analyzing current patient reimbursements. Key points include identifying valuable patient groups, auditing billing, and gradually adding cash services. Dr. Sarah also covers patient communication, marketing, and managing cash flow during the transition, and stresses the benefits of coaching and support in this process.

The Evolution of Employed Physician to Direct Care Private Practice Owner

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:35:00 +0000

Dr. Tea Nguyen, CEO and owner of Pacific Point Podiatry in Santa Cruz, CA, founder of Coaching with Dr. Tea, and host of the podcast "The Direct Care Way," joins us on this episode of the VPS podcast. Dr. Tea shares her journey from being an employed physician to owning an insurance-based practice and, finally, transitioning to a direct care model. We delve into the struggles and rewards of private practice and emphasize the importance of conducting business in a way that aligns with your authentic self and personal needs.

Mastering Money Mindset and Investing Beyond Medicine

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Join us as we talk with Dr. Elisa Chiang, an ophthalmologist, oculoplastic surgeon, and certified life coach from GrowYourWealthyMindset.com. Discover how she became a coach, her journey into financial independence, and her strategies for achieving a strong financial mindset. Dr. Jiang shares her experiences in investing, real estate, and overcoming burnout, offering valuable insights for physicians looking to build their wealth and achieve financial freedom. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on living a fulfilling, financially independent life.

Rule of 1 Change Your Systems

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Visionary Practice Solutions podcast, Dr. Sarah, your host, guides us through the process of optimizing office systems. She introduces the "rule of one," suggesting making one improvement to office systems weekly. Dr. Sarah emphasizes the importance of prioritizing improvements by categorizing systems and processes. Through examples like billing and new patient paperwork, she illustrates how to identify inefficiencies and implement changes systematically. By breaking down tasks, assigning responsibilities, and setting deadlines, Dr. Sarah advocates for a methodical approach to enhance practice efficiency and reduce stress.

Running a Successful Private Practice with Dr. Sarah Neitzel (Part 2)

Dr. Sarah — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hosted by: Tatyana Reznik, MD, FACP This podcast delves into the successful operation of a private practice, with a particular emphasis on strategies tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in this field.

Running a Successful Private Practice with Dr. Sarah Neitzel (Part 1)

Dr. Sarah — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hosted by: Tatyana Reznik, MD, FACP

This podcast delves into the successful operation of a private practice, with a particular emphasis on strategies tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in this field.

Amazing Office Culture

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, the show that celebrates the essence of a positive and thriving workplace culture. I'm your host, Sarah Neitzel, and in today's episode, we're diving into the world of amazing office culture.

What makes an office culture amazing? We'll explore the foundational elements that create a positive and inclusive work environment, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging among team members.

Changing Healthcare Landscapes

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and its impact on private practices. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode, we'll delve into the changing healthcare dynamics and how it's reshaping the landscape for private practitioners.

The healthcare industry is experiencing rapid transformations, from technological advancements to shifts in patient expectations. In this episode, we'll discuss the key factors contributing to these changes and their implications for private practices.

Do I Have The Right Team?

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, where we dive deep into the world of hiring, talent acquisition, and building successful teams. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and today's episode is all about the essential aspects of employee hiring.

In today's episode, we'll be exploring the key considerations and strategies involved in the employee hiring process. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional, a hiring manager, or someone looking to join a new team, this episode has valuable insights for everyone.

Build Patient Rapport

Dr. Sarah — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, your go-to source for insights into the world of healthcare and patient care. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode, we're exploring a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery – building meaningful patient rapport.

Patient rapport is more than just a courteous interaction; it's a cornerstone of effective healthcare. In this episode, we'll discuss why establishing a strong connection with patients is vital for their well-being, trust, and overall satisfaction with healthcare services.

Staff Meetings

Dr. Sarah — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions Podcast, where I dissect the ins and outs of the modern workplace. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode I will discuss a crucial aspect of office life – meetings.

Host: Dr. Sarah, renowned workplace expert, dives into the nuances of office meetings, shedding light on their impact on productivity, team dynamics, and overall work satisfaction.

Employee Retention

Dr. Sarah — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, where we explore the critical factors that contribute to a thriving workplace. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode, we're delving into a topic that's paramount for organizational success – employee retention.

Employee retention is more than just a human resources metric; it's a key driver of organizational success. In this episode, we'll discuss why retaining talent is crucial, the impact it has on company culture, and how it contributes to long-term business goals.

Investing in your Private Practice with Dr. Sarah Neitzel

Dr. Sarah — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

On this week's episode of the Grow Your Wealthy Mindset Podcast, Dr. Elisa Chiang sits down with Dr. Sarah Neitzel, a podiatrist, practice owner, and founder of a successful medspa. Together, they discuss what it really means to invest in your own clinical practice, the questions Dr. Neitzel asks before making a purchase, and how she evaluates whether an investment will support long term growth and success.

Value of Referral

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, where we unravel the intricacies of healthcare and its impact on our well-being. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode, we're delving into a topic that shapes the healthcare landscape – the value of referrals.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah tackles Marketing, one of the biggest challenges for private practice docs. From key marketing strategies you can do yourself to how to choose a marketing company to work with, this will be an episode worth revisiting time and time again

5 Ways to Max Profits

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, where we explore strategies to boost success in business and maximize profits. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode, we're breaking down five effective ways to maximize profits in your ventures.

In this episode Dr. Sarah gives 5 big ways to assess your budget and maximize your profits for your private practice. She also addresses the question of "How much can I expect to make in Private Practice?"

4 Ways to Decrease Workload

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, the show that brings you practical insights to streamline your work life. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode, we're tackling a common challenge – decreasing workload. Let's explore four effective ways to lighten the professional load.

Work smarter not harder. Let's talk about how to decrease the workload so you can focus on what really matters.

Beat the Overwhelm

Dr. Sarah — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Using Practice Metrics to help you grow

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Visionary Practice Solutions, where we unravel the power of practice metrics in driving growth for your business. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah, and in today's episode, we're exploring how leveraging practice metrics can be a game-changer in propelling your business forward.

Practice metrics are more than just numbers; they're valuable insights that can inform your business strategy. In this episode, we'll discuss how understanding and utilizing practice metrics can contribute to smarter decision-making, improved efficiency, and ultimately, business growth.

Welcome Podcast- Why Private Practice ISNT Dead!

Dr. Sarah — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this welcome episode, I give some important insights into the misconception that "private practice is dead" (or dying out).