We have such an amazing episode packed FULL of great advice. Our guest, Dr. Kaylee Garrett Simmerman, creator of FEMMEmpowerment and Advocacy, touches on a number of important topics such as:
Improving patient interactions and outcomes
Managing the athlete that's dying to get back to their sport
How to reduce patient drop off
Her personal story and realizing the traditional setting was not for her
The importance of mentors in breaking through walls
Making a smooth transition from being an employee to a business owner
How to have the career without losing your loved ones
We can learn a lot about better patient interactions by listening to pelvic health therapists like Kaylee. Listening and being a good decision maker with patients was something she struggled with early on but is now a strength of hers. "I appreciate the fails and the things I've learned more than the success."
Kaylee gives some incredible advice for managing high level patients who are returning from an injury. "You have to sell them on the plan of care, and you do that by standing firm and being confident in what you preach." She explains what will happen if they follow the plan or not, so no matter the outcome, she's positioned herself as the expert. You have to be confident and set up your plan of care exactly for what that person needs. Since Kaylee has started doing that, she has not had anyone drop off their plan of care.
This advice was so good it made one of our co hosts check themselves on the spot!
Kaylee shares her 10 year journey of dealing with pelvic pain and how she became obsessed with helping others with their pain. She was frustrated in the traditional setting due to time limits, insurance companies denying claims, and she was burning herself out trying to serve everyone she saw. She now spends 90 minutes with patients which has improved her compliance rates and she's able to make better decisions.
The lack of business education in PT school lead her to finding a mentor and business coach. She would not have left her PRN jobs without mentors, nor would she be having the success she has now without them. Her mentors helped her break through the walls and push her to another level.
She also describes the process of transitioning from her full time outpatient job to her now full time business. She never quit everything and just started her business without some additional income. She gives great advice for those who want to pursue their own business but are afraid of making a radical career shift.
She also tells us how to make time for your significant other. You have to go through some failures, but you have to schedule time together. Your loved one may not care about your business but it's important to communicate that you're doing it for both of you.
