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In Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Peter Staats, the discussion expands beyond clinical medicine into leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and the business realities shaping modern healthcare. Dr. Staats reflects on his extensive involvement in professional medical societies, explaining how each organization served a different mission—from physician advocacy and scientific advancement to global education and charitable efforts aimed at improving standards of pain care worldwide. The episode also explores Dr. Staats' entrepreneurial journey, including the founding of electroCore and his work in non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. He candidly describes the challenges of bringing innovation to market, particularly the long and often frustrating path from FDA approval to insurance reimbursement. His experience highlights the significant risks, persistence, and strategic partnerships required to translate medical innovation into widely accessible patient care. Finally, Dr. Staats shares lessons from building and scaling large physician practices, navigating mergers and private equity, and balancing clinical integrity with executive decision-making. He concludes with guidance for younger physicians, emphasizing that long-term success comes from maintaining patient-centered values, protecting one's integrity, and approaching business opportunities thoughtfully rather than chasing short-term financial gain. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In Part one of this two‑part conversation, Dr. Peter Staats shares the formative experiences that shaped his path into anesthesiology and pain medicine, beginning with his upbringing in Hawaii and the profound intellectual influence of his father, a pioneering academic psychologist. This early exposure to integrative thinking laid the groundwork for Dr. Staats' approach to medicine, one that challenged traditional silos and emphasized the interconnectedness of behavior, psychology, and physiology. His medical training, initially aimed toward orthopedic surgery, ultimately shifted toward anesthesiology after a transformative clinical experience that revealed the power of precision, innovation, and patient‑centered care. Dr. Staats reflects on his academic career at Johns Hopkins University, where he became the youngest division chief and helped define the early landscape of modern pain medicine. He describes the opportunities that academic medicine provided, including time for research, access to world‑class collaborators, and a platform to develop and publish groundbreaking work such as new pain treatment modalities and clinical trials. At the same time, he candidly addresses the financial realities of academic medicine and the operational challenges that pushed him to pursue business education, ultimately earning an MBA out of necessity rather than intention. The episode also explores Dr. Staats' eventual transition from academia to private practice, highlighting the stark differences in mindset, efficiency, and incentives between academic institutions and entrepreneurial medical practices. He discusses the importance of ethics, operational discipline, and financial literacy in building sustainable practices, as well as the risks physicians face when evaluating partnership opportunities without fully understanding compliance, billing, and incentive structures. Part 1 sets the stage for deeper discussions in Part 2 around leadership, industry involvement, and large‑scale impact beyond clinical care. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

Dr. David Koronkiewicz, a retired orthopedic surgeon and current leader in healthcare quality, safety, and risk management, joins the podcast to discuss two major issues affecting physicians today: the peer review system and workplace violence in healthcare. Drawing from more than 30 years in clinical practice and extensive experience in administrative leadership, he offers a rare, multidimensional perspective on how internal hospital processes can deeply impact a physician's career, finances, and long‑term wellbeing. Koronkiewicz explains how peer review—originally intended to ensure quality care—can be weaponized for political or competitive reasons. Sham peer review cases can lead to devastating outcomes including damaged reputations, loss of privileges, reporting to the National Practitioner Data Bank, and severe financial fallout. He highlights the importance of understanding hospital bylaws, due process, legal protections, and obtaining proper insurance coverage to safeguard against these risks. The conversation then shifts to violence and bullying in healthcare environments. Koronkiewicz shares eye‑opening statistics about the rise in aggression toward healthcare workers, particularly post‑COVID. He emphasizes how hierarchical culture, burnout, sexual harassment, and lateral bullying all contribute to worsening morale, poorer patient outcomes, and increased turnover. He concludes by offering practical advice for early‑career physicians: stay informed, protect yourself, document everything, uphold professionalism, and never assume the system alone will keep you safe. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

Attorney Bo Loeffler returns to the podcast to revisit with David the foundational principles of asset protection—what it is, why physicians need it, and how proper timing and structure make all the difference. The conversation begins with an overview of risk for physicians, from malpractice and employee claims to real estate liability and auto accidents and stresses the importance of addressing these risks before they arise. Bo and David emphasize the crucial concept that asset protection is only effective when implemented ahead of any foreseeable claim. The discussion then shifts to the three legs of the asset protection stool: proper insurance coverage, state-specific exempt assets, and legal tools such as LLCs and irrevocable trusts. Bo highlights how differences between state laws—especially Ohio's robust statutes—can dramatically impact the success of an asset protection plan. They also explain how tools such as LLCs and Domestic Asset Protection Trusts can be structured to protect against creditors through features like charging orders, sole-remedy statutes, and sate-specific limitations on creditor remedies. Finally, the episode examines real legal cases—including one in Colorado involving LLC misuse and one in Delaware validating long-standing asset protection trust structures—to illustrate what works and what fails in the real world. David concludes by drawing a parallel to medicine: asset protection requires both "surgery" (establishing tools) and "rehab" (proper, ongoing maintenance). With Bo's deep experience drafting state statutes and litigating these issues, the episode provides a practical, high-level roadmap for physicians looking to protect their personal and professional assets. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In this episode, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Paul Lynch, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, entrepreneur, and business leader. Dr. Lynch shares his remarkable journey from aspiring psychiatrist to pain medicine innovator—a shift inspired by his mother-in-law's battle with cancer and the discovery of interventional pain treatments that could transform patients' lives. His early experiences at the Mayo Clinic shaped his belief in comprehensive, integrated care—a philosophy that became the foundation for his first practice, Arizona Pain, which quickly became one of the nation's leading pain management centers. Dr. Lynch details how entrepreneurial thinking, coupled with strategic use of digital tools, drove his success. His story of launching a medical website during fellowship—eventually ranking number one on Google before opening his doors—illustrates how physicians can use education-based marketing to reach patients and grow responsibly. As his career evolved, Dr. Lynch founded U.S. Pain Care, intentionally designed to avoid the mistakes of his first venture. Through introspection and what he calls his "Manifesto of 53 Errors," he now builds companies around lessons learned, focusing on empowering other physicians with ownership, autonomy, and ethical profitability. The discussion also delves into real estate, private equity, and long-term business strategy in medicine. Dr. Lynch explains how owning medical real estate can be one of the most impactful and ethical ways for physicians to build wealth—separate from clinical care—highlighting the benefits of property ownership, long-term leasing, and physician-owned REITs. He closes with advice to doctors: never make fortunes "on the backs of patients." Instead, focus on providing excellent care while building wealth through smart business decisions, integrity, and surrounding yourself with expert advisors in law, finance, and real estate. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In this episode of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, David Mandell welcomes back Jerry Kelsheimer, President of Medic Management Group. With decades of experience in healthcare business management, Jerry discusses how the healthcare landscape has changed dramatically over the past five years, affecting physicians' financial performance and operational efficiency. He outlines the evolving challenges medical practices face—including reduced reimbursements, higher labor costs, and increasing patient demands and stresses the importance of disciplined, intentional business management. Throughout the conversation, Jerry highlights common areas where practices can improve performance and financial outcomes. He identifies five operational areas ripe for improvement: front desk execution, administrative role clarity, revenue cycle management, compensation structures, and market development. By focusing on these, he explains, practices can identify hidden inefficiencies and regain profitability. Finally, Jerry and David explore the emotional and leadership aspects of running a medical practice. Jerry shares his 'Four Cs' framework—conscience, competency, capacity, and courage—as a way for physicians to address burnout and lead meaningful change. He also predicts a future shift toward more collaborative hospital-physician models, with hospitals moving away from full employment toward partnership-based structures. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In this episode of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann, a pediatric hospitalist and founder of Scrub Sisters. Dr. Winkelmann shares her journey from growing up in Puerto Rico, being inspired by her uncle's compassion and dedication to medicine and eventually pursuing pediatrics as her calling. She discusses how financial foresight and a unique tuition waiver allowed her to graduate debt-free, enabling her to maintain a balanced career and family life as a part-time physician at the Children's Hospital of Orange County. Dr. Winkelmann describes her transition from clinical practice to non-clinical roles in the healthcare industry. Through opportunities that arose organically, she became a consultant and medical advisor for pediatric and consumer health companies, eventually serving as Chief Medical Officer for a baby monitor company. She reflects on the differences between clinical and corporate medicine, emphasizing the need for physicians entering industry to understand the profit-driven mindset of business and to address burnout before pursuing such transitions. Her story highlights the challenges, rewards, and ethical dilemmas physicians may face when moving from patient care to product innovation. Finally, Dr. Winkelmann discusses her nonprofit organization, Scrub Sisters, a 501(c)(3) community dedicated to supporting and empowering female physicians at all stages of their careers. The group provides mentorship, fosters real-life discussions about work-life balance, and addresses challenges such as mental health, parenting, and financial stress. With chapters in multiple states and countries, Scrub Sisters is rapidly expanding its reach and aims to create scholarship opportunities to help women overcome the financial barriers of medical school applications. The episode concludes with Dr. Winkelmann's vision for growing this supportive, mission-driven community of women in medicine. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In this second part of a two-part episode, host David Mandell continues his discussion with Dr. Jack Bert, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and former president of the Arthroscopy Association of North America. In this conversation, Jack emphasizes the importance of ancillaries in building a financially successful medical practice. He explains how orthopedists and other specialists can significantly increase revenue streams through owning or participating in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), imaging services, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. Dr. Bert stresses that physicians should strive for ownership and control rather than settling for minority stakes in ventures that disproportionately benefit outside management companies. The discussion transitions to contract negotiations, where Dr. Bert highlights common pitfalls and best practices for physicians. He explains how employers often use national databases like MGMA to undervalue physicians and why local market comparisons are far more accurate benchmarks. He also warns against restrictive clauses—such as intellectual property ownership—and underscores the importance of seeking professional review of employment agreements. Dr. Bert strongly advocates for negotiation, pointing out that physicians only get the deals they negotiate, not the ones they are simply offered. In the final portion, Dr. Bert shares advice on long-term financial planning and retirement. He stresses the importance of consistent saving—at least 25% of income—early in one's career, aiming for at least $10 million in retirement assets. He also discusses his transition into retirement, finding fulfillment through part-time independent medical evaluations, entrepreneurial ventures like MD Direct (which bypasses insurers to reduce costs), and leadership in orthopedic conferences. He concludes by underscoring the importance of not only saving wisely but also having meaningful pursuits in retirement. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In this first part of a two-part episode, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Jack Bert, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and former president of the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Dr. Bert shares his background, including his training at Northwestern, Temple, and the Mayo Clinic, as well as his career—building one of the first outpatient ambulatory surgery centers in Minnesota. He highlights how his practice expanded from a solo effort into a large multi-location group, providing insight into the evolution of orthopedic practice models. Dr. Bert reflects on the influences that led him to orthopedics, including his brother, a spine surgeon, and his time training with John Lachman. He emphasizes the role of innovation in orthopedic surgery, from pioneering arthroscopic procedures to developing surgical tools and implants. His experiences underscore the importance of adapting to insurance reimbursement models and industry dynamics that affect medical practice and physician compensation. Beyond his clinical and entrepreneurial achievements, Dr. Bert discusses his involvement with industry partners and his tenure on the board of the Retired NFL Players Association, where he saw firsthand the long-term toll professional football takes on players. He also stresses the importance of ancillary services and delegation for physicians to achieve financial success, drawing parallels between leveraging physician extenders in medicine and delegating financial management to professionals. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In this episode, host David Mandell welcomes back attorney Jason Greis for his third appearance. Jason, a healthcare business attorney with extensive experience advising physician practices, discusses one of the most pressing issues for independent groups today: physician compensation models and partnership structures. With generational shifts and economic realities reshaping the field, many practices are rethinking what it means to become a partner and how to fairly compensate both younger and senior physicians. Jason explains how compensation models have evolved from the 1980s and 1990s to today. Younger physicians increasingly favor employment arrangements with health systems over partnership tracks, which creates challenges for groups that need to recruit. To compete, practices must clearly articulate the benefits of partnership—including higher long-term compensation, decision-making authority, and ancillary investment opportunities—while balancing the responsibilities and risks that come with ownership. He outlines the growing popularity of three-tiered structures (associate, non-equity partner, equity partner) as a way to create flexibility and manage risk tolerance. The conversation also explores buy-in and buy-out models, the shift away from high dollar amounts, and the trend toward productivity-based ("eat what you kill") compensation rather than common pot models. Jason highlights potential red flags, including outdated "founder's models" that rely on new doctors funding senior physicians' retirements, which often result in disputes. He emphasizes the need for practices to proactively revisit their structures—ideally years in advance of retirements or potential sales—to remain competitive, avoid pitfalls, and position themselves for long-term success. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In the Season 6 premiere of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Cynthia Matossian, an accomplished ophthalmologist, entrepreneur, and industry leader. Dr. Matossian shares her unique journey into medicine, starting from an initial interest in political science and international relations before ultimately discovering her passion for ophthalmology. She discusses the early challenges she faced in starting her own practice in 1987, particularly as a woman seeking financial backing in a male-dominated field, and the resilience and determination that fueled her success. Dr. Matossian reflects on the growth of her solo practice into a thriving multi-location enterprise with 14 physicians and over 90 employees. She emphasizes the importance of delegation, transparency, and staff empowerment in building an efficient, patient-focused practice. Her insights into practice management include implementing scribes to reduce physician burnout, investing in proper business education, and hiring skilled managers to bring structure and professionalism to the organization. She also highlights her personal approach to financial planning, beginning with small investments guided by a trusted advisor, which laid the foundation for long-term financial success. The conversation also explores Dr. Matossian's involvement in industry innovation, her leadership in clinical trials, and her founding of GPOptho, a group purchasing organization designed to help practices lower costs through collective buying power. She shares valuable advice for physicians considering private equity transactions, stressing the importance of preparing years in advance and selecting the right advisors. Ultimately, Dr. Matossian underscores the critical need for physicians to educate themselves on the business of medicine early in their careers, pairing clinical excellence with sound financial and practice management strategies. Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com. Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 3 and 4 of The Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2025 Summer Rewind Series. "I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!" Episode 4.1 | Originally Released: September 21, 2023 To kick off Season 4 of the podcast, David welcomes a very special guest – his father, radiologist Dr. Charles Mandell.  David begins by asking Charlie, as he does with all physician guests, where he is from and what led him to become a physician in general and a radiologist in particular. Charlie shares a bit about his first job out of training and his move to become chairman of a group radiology practice after a few years, including what he learned about the business of medicine. David and Charlie discuss Charlie's various entrepreneurial business ventures during this phase of his career, including real estate development and alternative energy. Charlie then talks about the second phase of his career – a locums practice that has allowed him to travel around the U.S. and maintain an ideal work-life balance for him and his wife. He relates some advice to other physicians who may consider this option. Charlie also discusses the telemedicine-medical software firm he co-founded, which continues to operate and grow today. The episode concludes with Charlie sharing some insights from 50 years in practice, why he still works and enjoys it, and what younger physicians should ponder when they consider their future retirement.  Learn more and listent to this and past episodes by visiting www.physicianswealthpodcast.com.

This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 3 and 4 of The Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2025 Summer Rewind Series. "I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!" Episode 3.13 | Originally Released: March 9, 2023 In this episode, Dr. Shaminder (Shammi) Gupta joins David to discuss his career path, the impact of Hurricane Katrina on that path, and what he is learning from being a business executive as well as a clinician. Shammi begins with his background – where he grew up, what got him interested in medicine why he gravitated to internal medicine & nephrology. He explains why his first job out of training was not a fit for him and how hurricane Katrina changed his path completely – as it did for many living in New Orleans at the time – opening up a career path he would not have considered otherwise. Shammi also covers how he built a significant dialysis practice in a smaller town setting, became president of the Kidney Foundation, and built a reputation throughout the state.  This led to his practice being acquired by Monogram Health, where he works today as an executive and clinician. Shammi then shares what he is learning from the "business side" of medicine, as he builds out a multi-state medical platform for kidney health, and describes the value CEOs see in physicians who can communicate well and know their field of medicine intimately.  Next, David gets Shammi's insights on wealth management, including building the right advisor team and why to potentially change advisors as you grow, and Shammi concludes with his three pieces of advice for fellow physicians, especially those starting out. Learn more about our guest, including additional show notes and more, by visiting www.physicianswealthpodcast.com.

This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 3 of The Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2025 Summer Rewind Series. "I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!" Episode 3.11 | Originally Released: February 9, 2023 In this episode, plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Bartlett joins David to discuss his career, academic and private practice, financial decisions and more. Richard begins with his background—where he grew up, what got him interested in medicine and surgery in particular—and his lack of interest in finances as he went through medical and surgical training.   Richard explains the process for choosing his first job, including the benefit of learning to "balance the books" even in an academic setting. He and David then cover his 15 years as an academic surgeon, what he learned financially in creating a plastics foundation from scratch, as well as his decision to create a private practice and the value of "being a good citizen" in making that transition easier. Richard then spends a few minutes relating the types of financial advice he gives to fellows at Harvard and the advice he would give to all doctors. Learn more about our guest, including additional show notes and more, by visiting www.physicianswealthpodcast.com.

This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 3 of The Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2025 Summer Rewind Series. "I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!" Episode 3.5 | Originally Released: November 3, 2022 In this episode, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Scott Sigman joins David to discuss his career path, business and entrepreneurial endeavours, marketing, podcasts, and more. Scott begins with his background – where he grew up, what got him interested in medicine and orthopaedics.  He explains how both of his parents were entrepreneurs and how he realized early on the need for leveraging the expertise of others.  David and Scott then discuss the important factors Scott considered when choosing his first job out of training and Scott's view on the importance of branding and marketing, especially for younger physicians looking to build their practices.   Scott then relates the value he sees in finding great advisors and the importance of changing to new people if needed.   David and Scott then delve into Scott's various entrepreneurial activities, from lasers in orthopaedic surgery, an orthopaedic mutual fund, the Ortho Show podcast, his #followthefro social media hashtag and more. Finally, Scott gives David two important pieces of business advice for fellow physicians, especially younger doctors. You can find show notes and more information by visiting www.physicianswealthpodcast.com.