Dr. Joe Rodriguez, co-founder of Guide Anesthesia (managing over 150 providers) and a respected voice in the CRNA community, joins the podcast for a candid discussion on CRNA entrepreneurship, advocacy, and the true meaning of career success. Joe shares the origin story of his company, built from a single negative experience, and offers important lessons learned from operating in the complex healthcare market.

This special episode covers what most CRNAs miss about building and securing a long-term career.

Brett and Joe discuss:

• The experience that led to the creation of his 150-provider anesthesia group.
• The financial realities of starting your own business: why you must be prepared to fail and why there is "no work-life balance."
• The unique advantages of the 1099 model for autonomous CRNAs and the importance of hiring financial professionals.
• Why current regulatory advocacy is asking the "wrong questions" and how control should be handled at the local level.
• The two most important financial and career decisions a CRNA should make today.
• How to find long-term personal and professional purpose.

If this episode helps you rethink your career, please leave a review and share it with a colleague who is considering entrepreneurship or a leadership role.

Key Timestamps:

(0:45) Welcome & Meet Dr. Joe Rodriguez

(1:35) Why I Started Guide Anesthesia

(8:25) The Anesthesia Group Business Model

(14:35) Building CRNA Ownership and Long-Termism

(16:20) Future Goals: Operating in the Mid-Cap Lane

(20:05) Financial Realities of Starting Your Own Group

(24:17) Regulatory Advocacy: Asking the "Wrong Questions"

(28:08) 1099 vs. W2: Key Financial Factors

(31:03) Leadership: The Power of Communication

(43:03) The Most Important Financial Decision You Can Make

#CRNAs #CRNAEntrepreneur #1099CRNA #AnesthesiaBusiness #Advocacy

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.