Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

Behind the Research: What 18,000 Physicians Can't Tell Us About Private Practice Burnout - A Special Snack Episode, EP 218

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In this candid snack episode, Miranda interviews Tracy about the research behind their white paper, "Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners." Tracy reveals a startling discovery: the largest burnout studies—including the AMA's 18,000-respondent survey—systematically exclude private practice owners, focusing exclusively on employed physicians in large systems. This two-year-old research remains urgently relevant as healthcare continues evolving post-COVID. Tracy shares surprising insights from provider interviews, explains why the distinction between working in versus on your practice matters, and offers realistic expectations for reclaiming your time through strategic business planning. 

Click here for full show notes 

Download the White Paper: “Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners” 

Episode Highlights 

  • The Missing Data: Why major burnout studies exclude independent practice owners and what this means for healthcare policy 
    • Lower Burnout Rates: Evidence that practice owners experience slightly lower burnout rates due to greater autonomy—but remain at significant risk 
      • COVID's Impact: How the pandemic intensified an already urgent workplace crisis that the WHO identified as early as 2019 
        • Refreshing Candor: The surprisingly honest conversations practice owners had about their biggest frustrations (insurance companies top the list) 
          • Working In vs. On: The critical difference between clinical tasks and strategic leadership—and why the 10,000-foot view matters 
            • The Long Game: Why meaningful time recapture takes 3-6 months of consistent effort and why it's worth the investment 
              • Healthcare Is Different: Why business principles apply to medical practices with crucial distinctions that generic business advice misses 

                • Memorable Quotes 

                "I don't believe to this day, even two years on, that the data is actually very clear about practice owners." 

                "The burnout rates are lower because practice owners have more autonomy, comma, and they're still at risk at pretty much the same rates." 

                "Practice owners are the redheaded stepchild of burnout research." 

                "What surprised me was how candid they were as soon as we could get them to talk." 

                "Business is business, comma, and it's just different in healthcare. And we get that because we work in it with you." 

                "Everything you're doing now, if it's going to be an adjustment, it's going to take time to come back, but it's so worth the investment of time and energy." 

                Closing 

                This conversation underscores why advocacy for independent practice ownership remains central to our mission. When research systematically overlooks a segment of healthcare providers, policies get shaped without their reality in view—and that's exactly when practice owners need the most support. Download the white paper to validate your experience and discover practical strategies for sustainable growth. 

                Download the White Paper: “Unlocking Potential: A Business Blueprint for Practice Owners” 

                Is your practice growth-ready? See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment 

                Miranda’s Bio: 

                Miranda Dorta, B.F.A. (she/her/hers) is the Manager of Operations and PR at Tracy Cherpeski International. A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with expertise in writing and creative storytelling, Miranda brings her skills in operations, public relations, and communication strategies to the Thriving Practice community. Based in the City of Oaks, she joined the team in 2021 and has been instrumental in streamlining operations while managing the company's public presence since 2022. 

                 Tracy’s Bio: 

                Tracy Cherpeski, MBA, MA, CPSC (she/her/hers) is the Founder of Tracy Cherpeski International and Thriving Practice Community. As a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Tracy helps healthcare practice owners scale their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Through strategic planning, leadership development, and mindset mastery, she empowers clients to reclaim their time and reach their potential. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Tracy serves clients worldwide and is the Executive Producer and Host of the Thriving Practice podcast. Her guiding philosophy: Survival is not enough; life is meant to be celebrated. 

                Connect With Us: 

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                Tracy’s LinkedIn 

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                Thriving Practice with Tracy CherpeskiBy Tracy Cherpeski
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