Dr. TJ Ahn: My Fellow DPMs: Stop Running Your Practice Like

Wiki Article

In the demanding world of podiatric medicine, many DPMs (Doctors of Podiatric Medicine) find themselves trapped in an endless cycle: managing patient care, administrative tasks, insurance headaches, and running a business—all at once. Dr. TJ Ahn, a respected figure in the field, has candidly shared his own journey of missteps and hard-earned lessons in managing a podiatry practice. His message is clear: Stop running your practice the way I did.

So, what does Dr. Ahn mean by this? Let’s unpack the key takeaways from his experiences and understand how they can help transform your practice.

1. Don’t Be a Slave to Insurance

One of the biggest traps Dr. Ahn fell into early in his career was relying too heavily on insurance reimbursements. Like many DPMs, he believed volume was the answer—see more patients, bill more insurance, and eventually, profits will follow.

But the reality? Insurance companies kept slashing reimbursements, adding layers of bureaucracy, and delaying payments. Dr. Ahn realized that this model was unsustainable. His advice: diversify your revenue streams. Consider integrating cash-based services like regenerative medicine, aesthetic treatments, or advanced procedures not covered by insurance but highly valued by patients.

2. Understand That Clinical Skills Alone Aren’t Enough

Dr. Ahn openly admits that while he had excellent clinical training, he lacked business acumen. Medical school prepared him to diagnose and treat conditions, but it didn’t prepare him to run a profitable and efficient practice.

He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning—not just in podiatry, but in business management, marketing, leadership, and patient communication. Whether it’s through online courses, mentorship, or masterminds, investing in your entrepreneurial education can be a game-changer.

3. Stop Doing Everything Yourself

Like many independent practitioners, Dr. Ahn wore every hat in his practice: clinician, receptionist, marketer, biller—you name it. This led to burnout and inefficiencies.

His solution? Build a reliable team and delegate effectively. Surround yourself with professionals who complement your skill set. Outsource tasks that are not the best use of your time, and focus on high-impact activities that drive growth and patient satisfaction.

4. Adopt Systems and Automation

Running a modern practice without systems is like navigating a ship without a compass. Dr. Ahn learned this the hard way.

Implementing systems and automation—whether it’s for appointment scheduling, patient follow-ups, billing, or marketing campaigns—streamlines operations and reduces errors. It also frees up your time to focus on what matters most: patient care and practice growth.

5. Shift Your Mindset From "Doctor" to "CEO"

Perhaps the most profound lesson from Dr. Ahn’s journey is the mindset shift. He urges DPMs to see themselves not just as healthcare providers, but as CEOs of their practice.

This means thinking strategically, setting clear goals, analyzing data, and making informed decisions for long-term success. It’s about taking ownership of your practice’s future rather than letting external forces dictate your path.

Conclusion: Learn From Dr. Ahn’s Journey

Dr. TJ Ahn’s honesty about his early mistakes is refreshing and inspiring. He turned his practice around by embracing a new way of thinking and operating. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and a roadmap for other DPMs looking to escape the grind and build a thriving, patient-centered, and profitable practice.

If you’re a podiatrist feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day chaos, take a step back and assess your practice. Are you running it like Dr. Ahn once did? If so, now is the perfect time to pivot. Embrace the lessons, invest in your growth, and lead your practice with the confidence and clarity of a true CEO.

Your patients deserve it. Your team deserves it. And most importantly, you deserve it.