Marketing Tips for Doctors

Dr. Barbara Hales discusses overcoming burnout among physicians by addressing the barriers of time and money. She emphasizes that time is often mismanaged, citing examples of doctors like Dr. Emily and Dr. Njali who reclaimed their time through delegation and workflow redesign, leading to personal fulfillment. On the financial front, Hales argues that many physicians have a clarity problem rather than a money problem, as illustrated by Dr. Lisa, who, after optimizing her expenses and revenue, felt like a CEO. Hales encourages physicians to invest in coaching to achieve balance and thrive, not just survive.

Key Takeaway: 

Dr. Emily: An internist who felt she had no time for coaching due to her packed schedule. Through coaching, she identified tasks she could delegate to her staff and set more precise boundaries. As a result, she reclaimed personal time and was able to enjoy meaningful moments with her daughter—demonstrating that time can be created, not just found, by changing how responsibilities are managed

Connect with Barbara Hales: 

Twitter: @DrBarbaraHales

Books: 

YouTube: TheMedicalStrategist

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Dr. Barbara Hales  00:02 

Welcome to another episode of marketing tips for doctors. I’m your host, Dr Barbara Hales. Today, we are going to be helping physicians move from burnout to business brilliance. We are diving into two of the biggest reasons doctors hesitate to get support, time, and money. You’ve probably said or thought one of these yourself. I don’t have time for coaching. I can’t afford it right now, and that’s okay. They’re valid, real, and deeply human concerns. Today, I want to unpack those beliefs, not to convince you of anything, but to help you see what might be possible if we look at time and money through a different lens, because when you shift how you think about time and money, you open the door to more freedom, more balance, and more joy. You 

Dr. Barbara Hales  01:33 

let’s start with time, the most precious thing you have, if you’re a physician in private practice, your schedule probably looks like organized chaos. You see patients back-to-back, handle administrative work late into the night, and you’re probably convinced this is just how it is. But what if the real problem isn’t the amount of time you have? It’s the way your time is being consumed by things you shouldn’t have to carry alone.  

Dr. Barbara Hales  02:07 

 I want to tell you about Dr. Emily, a brilliant internist who told me flat out, “I don’t have time for coaching.” My days are packed from sunrise to bedtime. When we look more closely, we see she was spending half her week on tasks her staff could handle —approving every insurance claim, handling scheduling, and even restocking supplies. Together, we built simple systems, trained her team to take ownership, and set clear boundaries. Four weeks later, Emily sent me a text that said, I just went on a walk with my daughter on a Tuesday afternoon. She didn’t gain time. She created it in that one shift, learning to delegate and lead rather than do it all. Gave her life back. That’s the power of reclaiming your time. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing more of what matters.  

Dr. Barbara Hales  03:16 

Another physician I worked with, Dr njali, came to me in tears our first session, she said, I promised my son I’d be home for dinner tonight, and then I broke that promise again. It wasn’t just about dinner; it was about integrity, motherhood, and the deep ache of missing out on moments she could never get back. Within a few months, she redesigned her workflow, shortened her patient hours, and built a leadership team around her. The next time we talked, she said, I made it home for dinner three nights in a row. Coaching didn’t just give her time; it gave her presence.  

Dr. Barbara Hales  04:04 

So when you say, “I don’t have time for coaching,” remember you’re not buying time. You’re buying back your life, and that’s what makes it priceless. Let’s move to the second big barrier, the belief that you can’t afford to invest in yourself right now, I completely understand this one, because for many physicians, expenses feel endless, payroll, rent, insurance, taxes, it feels like every month starts from zero, but what I’ve learned over years of coaching is this, most doctors don’t have a money problem. They have a clarity problem. When you’re burnt out and overwhelmed, it’s easy to lose track of where your time and money go. They are leaking.  

Dr. Barbara Hales  05:02 

Dr Lisa ran a small women’s health practice. Her clinic was busy, but she still felt broke every month. She told me, I can’t afford coaching, not now. So we looked at her numbers together, and what we discovered shocked her. She was paying for three overlapping software subscriptions, undercharging for her most valuable services, and losing patience with scheduling delays. Within two months, she saved over $3,000 in wasted expenses and increased her monthly revenue by 7000, but what made her cry wasn’t the money. It was when she said, I finally feel like a real CEO, not just a tired Doctor trying to survive. That’s what investing in yourself does. It restores your confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  06:04 

 So if you’ve ever said, I can’t afford it right now, maybe the real question is, can I afford to stay stuck where I am because the cost of burnout, stress, and missed opportunities is far greater than the cost of getting the help you need?  

Dr. Barbara Hales  06:28 

So, whether it’s time, money, or both, I want you to know this: your hesitation is valid, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. Coaching isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about taking the heavy things off it. If you’re tired of missing dinner with your kids, if you’re tired of feeling like you’re always one crisis from collapse, then this is your invitation to step into something anew. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  07:06 

 You deserve balance. You deserve a practice that gives back as much as you give to it. So take the next step. Book your free strategy call using the link in the show notes, let’s build the structure clarity and freedom you deserve so you can love medicine again.  

Dr. Barbara Hales  07:31 

Thank you for listening, and remember, you’re not just a physician. You’re a leader, a visionary, and you deserve to thrive, not just survive. This has been another episode of marketing tips for doctors with your host, Dr Barbara Hales, until next time bye. 

In this episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Dr. Barbara Hales sits down with Dr. Safoora Zaka, founder and CEO of Medical Aesthetics and Laser, to explore how physicians can successfully reinvent their careers by blending medical expertise with entrepreneurship. 

Dr. Zaka shares her powerful journey of transitioning from hospital medicine to launching her own aesthetics practice—revealing the mindset shifts, branding strategies, and patient-centered approach that helped her thrive outside the hospital walls. 

She also talks about the role of personal branding, storytelling, and social media in building trust with patients, why ethics and safety come first, and how passion—not burnout—should drive career pivots. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to build something meaningful beyond traditional medical practice—or how to connect your clinical skills with a modern business mindset—this episode is your blueprint for reinvention. 

Key Takeaway: 

“People come to you for your name, but they keep coming back because of how you made them feel.” – Dr. Safoora Zaka 

Connect with Dr. Safoora Zaka: 

Website: drzaka.com

Connect with Barbara Hales: 

Books:  

TRANSCRIPTION (218)

Welcome and Introduction 

Dr. Barbara Hales (00:02)

She’s also a faculty member and trainer for Allergan Medical Institute, blending her medical expertise with entrepreneurial insight to help others build purpose-driven careers. Welcome to the show, Dr. Zaka! 

Dr. Safoora Zaka (00:55)

From Hospital Medicine to Aesthetics 

Dr. Barbara Hales (01:00)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (01:05)

Transitioning Mindsets 

Dr. Barbara Hales (03:05)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (03:20)

Finding Her Voice as a Founder 

Dr. Barbara Hales (04:28)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (04:46)

Branding and Patient Experience 

Dr. Barbara Hales (07:00)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (07:15)

Knowing When to Say No 

Dr. Barbara Hales (09:00)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (09:15)

Building Through Marketing and Social Media 

Dr. Barbara Hales (14:00)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (14:15)

Advice for Physicians Ready to Reinvent 

Dr. Barbara Hales (20:00)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (20:15)

Closing 

Dr. Barbara Hales (21:58)

Dr. Safoora Zaka (22:10)

Conclusion 

This has been another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors. I’m your host, Dr. Barbara Hales. Until next time—take care and keep sharing your story with the world. 

In this episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Dr. Barbara Hales sits down with Mickie Kennedy founder of eReleases, to uncover how doctors and medical practices can use public relations (PR) to build credibility, attract patients, and stand out in an increasingly noisy digital landscape. 

Mickey shares how earned media—being featured by journalists rather than paying for ads—can be the most powerful form of trust-building. He explains what makes a story newsworthy, how to craft press releases that journalists actually want to cover, and why a strategic approach beats spray-and-pray publicity every time. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your name in the news without spending a fortune—or how to tell your story in a way that patients and the press will care about—this episode is your PR masterclass. 

Key Takeaway:

Connect with Mickie Kennedy: 

Connect with Barbara Hales:  

Books:  

TRANSCRIPTION   (217)

Welcome and Introduction 

Dr. Barbara Hales (00:02)

Mickie Kennedy (00:55)

From Poetry to Public Relations 

Dr. Barbara Hales (00:57)

Mickie Kennedy (01:01)

The Turning Point: Discovering the Power of Storytelling 

Dr. Barbara Hales (03:05)

Mickie Kennedy (03:20)

Building eReleases and Early PR Lessons 

Dr. Barbara Hales (04:28)

Mickie Kennedy (04:46)

What Makes a Story Newsworthy for Doctors 

Dr. Barbara Hales (09:47)

Mickie Kennedy (09:55)

How to Turn Cases into Compelling PR Stories 

Dr. Barbara Hales (11:44)

Mickie Kennedy (11:52)

What Separates Ignored Press Releases from Viral Ones 

Dr. Barbara Hales (13:13)

Mickie Kennedy (13:24)

AI in PR: Tool or Threat? 

Dr. Barbara Hales (16:31)

Mickie Kennedy (16:44)

First Steps for Doctors Getting Started with PR 

Dr. Barbara Hales (19:06)

Mickie Kennedy (19:15)

Closing and Free Resources 

Dr. Barbara Hales (21:09)

Mickie Kennedy (21:21)

Dr. Barbara Hales (21:58)

Conclusion 

Dr. Barbara Hales (22:10)

Are you spending hours every night buried in patient charts long after the last appointment? You’re not alone. The average doctor now spends nearly 2 hours on documentation for every hour of patient care — fueling burnout, frustration, and even early retirements. 

But what if you could reclaim 2–3 hours every day without sacrificing patient care? What if technology could help you finish your notes before leaving the office — and let you be home for dinner again? 

In this episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Dr. Barbara Hales explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare documentation. Through real stories and case studies, she shows how physicians are reducing charting time by up to 70%, improving patient satisfaction, and rediscovering the joy of medicine. 

Whether you’re skeptical about AI or already curious about integrating it into your practice, this episode will give you practical steps to get started — and proof that AI won’t replace doctors… but doctors who use AI well will thrive. 

Key Takeaways:    

“AI won’t replace doctors — but doctors who use AI will reclaim time, reduce burnout, and reconnect with their purpose.” – Dr. Barbara Hales 

Connect with Barbara Hales:   

Books:  

 TRANSCRIPTION:    (216)

 [00:11] Opening: The documentation dilemma in medicine

[01:20] AI is transforming healthcare workflows

[02:05] Case study: Dr. Patel reclaims her evenings

[03:10] How AI works: Four key ways it saves time

[04:20] Case study: Dr. Rodriguez wins back family time

[05:20] Practice-wide results: A clinic transforms with AI

[06:33] Case study: Dr. Lee rediscovers the joy of medicine

[07:30] Five action steps to reclaim 2–3 hours a day

[08:31] Medicine without sacrifice: Why AI matters now

[09:14] How to get started: Choosing the right AI tools

In this episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Barbara sits down with Chris Pantel, co-founder of Linkify, a digital PR and link-building agency that specializes in helping health brands and clinicians secure editorial features in some of the world’s top publications. Chris went from running a family fish & chip shop to landing clients backlinks in outlets like Forbes, BBC, and New York Times. His unique journey, paired with his deep SEO and PR expertise, makes him the perfect guide for doctors who want to grow patient numbers while boosting credibility and search rankings. 

In today’s digital-first world, patients aren’t just searching for doctors—they’re searching for trust. How can medical professionals cut through the noise of AI search engines, online directories, and countless clinics competing for attention? How do you build authority online when your expertise isn’t always visible? 

If you’ve ever wondered how media mentions drive real patient growth, why being “featured in” major outlets is worth its weight in gold, and how to start pitching journalists effectively—this episode is packed with insights you can apply right away. 

Key Takeaway: 

“Being quoted in WebMD or Healthline is the digital equivalent of a Shark Tank badge—its instant trust for your patients.”– Chris Pantel 

Connect with Chris Pantel: 

Connect with Barbara Hales:  

Books:  

TRANSCRIPTION: (215)

Welcome and Introduction 

Dr. Barbara Hales (00:02) Welcome to another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors.

I’m your host, Dr. Barbara Hales, and today we have with us Chris Pantel, co-founder of Linkify, a digital PR and link-building agency that helps brands secure high-quality editorial backlinks. With a background in SEO and digital marketing, Chris has built a reputation for creating innovative campaigns that drive visibility and growth, while also exploring the role of AI in shaping the future of online marketing. Welcome to the show, Chris. 

Chris Pantel (00:33) Thank you, Barbara. It’s a pleasure to be here. 

From Fish & Chips to Forbes 

Dr. Barbara Hales (01:00): Your path into digital PR is quite unique. How did you get started? 

Chris Pantel (01:14) I actually started out running my family’s fish and chip shop. After reading about bloggers making money online, I launched a personal finance blog. That’s when I discovered backlinks and began pitching journalists through HARO. Soon, I was winning links from outlets like BBC, Forbes, and New York Times. When my now business partner saw what I was doing, Linkify was born organically from there. 

Why Doctors Have an Edge in PR 

Dr. Barbara Hales (03:03) What does digital PR mean for doctors, clinics, and health brands? 

Chris Pantel (03:21) Doctors and clinicians are in a wonderfully unique position. They’re credentialed experts, and journalists actively seek them out to add credibility to their articles. By responding to media requests with thoughtful commentary, doctors can land powerful backlinks, elevate their authority, and grow their patient base. 

The ROI of Media Mentions 

Dr. Barbara Hales (04:44) What’s the value of being featured in outlets like Healthline or WebMD? 

Chris Pantel (05:00) It’s twofold. First, you get the SEO benefit of quality backlinks. Second, you gain instant credibility with patients. Think of it like the “Shark Tank effect”—brands proudly display ‘As Featured In’ badges. For doctors, being quoted in WebMD or Healthline builds trust before patients even step into your office. 

How to Start Pitching Journalists 

Dr. Barbara Hales (06:37) HARO used to be the primary source. What’s the landscape now? 

Chris Pantel (07:01) HARO is still active and unrestricted, and so is SOS (Source of Sources). Both deliver journalist requests straight to your inbox three times a day. If you’re a qualified expert, you can pitch directly. The key is to provide precisely what they ask for—short, precise, and valuable answers. That’s how you get noticed. 

Inbound vs. Outbound PR 

Dr. Barbara Hales (07:30) Can doctors pitch their own story ideas, too? 

Chris Pantel (07:52) There are two types of digital PR: inbound and outbound. Inbound is when you respond to journalists’ requests—that’s the best place to start. Outbound is when you pitch your own ideas. But my advice is: nail inbound first, build relationships, and once you’ve gained trust, then you can pitch original stories. 

Journalists’ Needs and AI Search 

Dr. Barbara Hales (09:52) What do journalists really want from health experts? 

Chris Pantel (10:00) They’re usually not after groundbreaking discoveries. They want qualified experts to validate points or dispel myths. And with AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity, this has never been more important. Mentions in authoritative outlets are now trust signals that help both patients and algorithms decide who to recommend. 

Two Tips to Implement Right Away 

Dr. Barbara Hales (10:44) What practical advice can our listeners apply today? 

Chris Pantel (11:00) First, get PR ready—make sure your website clearly shows who you are, your qualifications, and why you’re credible. Second, don’t get discouraged. You won’t win every pitch, but persistence pays off. That first media feature is the hardest—after that, momentum builds. 

Closing Thoughts 

Dr. Barbara Hales (12:20), Chris, thank you for sharing these valuable insights. Where can our listeners connect with you? 

Chris Pantel (12:29) You can visit my website at www.linkify.agency or connect with me on LinkedIn. We share a ton of resources, frameworks, and practical tips to help doctors and health brands grow through digital PR. 

Dr. Barbara Hales (12:50) Fantastic. This has been another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors with our guest, Chris Pantel. Until next time—bye! 

In this episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Dr. Barbara Hales dives deep into the power of branding for chiropractors. With her trademark clarity and passion for helping practices grow, Barbara unpacks why branding matters, how to define your specialty, and how to use stories—not just services—to create a thriving and memorable practice. 

When most people hear “chiropractor,” they instantly think of back pain. But modern chiropractic care goes far beyond that—pediatrics, sports, fertility, neurology, geriatrics, even animal care. The problem? Without a clear brand, patients see you as just another option in a crowded field. 

If you’ve ever wondered: 

Key Takeaways:  

“Your brand is the promise you make. It’s the feeling patients get when they think about you.” – Dr. Barbara Hales 

Connect with Barbara Hales:  

Books:  

TRANSCRIPTION:  (213)

[00:11] Opening: The power of video for doctors

[01:20] Why video matters more than ever

[02:45] Case study: Dr. Sarah’s Mom Talk Mondays

[04:01] Six proven video formats for doctors

[06:10] What is community-driven content?

[07:45] Case study: Dr. Lin’s Skin School

[09:10] Case study: Dr. Ahmed’s family connection

[10:40] Overcoming common objections to video

[12:25] How to get started today

[13:20] Closing: Building trust with video

Are you tired of spending money on marketing that never seems to turn into patients? Many doctors and practice owners waste thousands of dollars chasing vanity metrics—like impressions, clicks, and reach—only to end up frustrated, broke, and no closer to filling their schedules. What if you could finally run ads that actually convert into appointments? 

In this episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Dr. Barbara Hales sits down with John Sanders, founder of RevKey, who has helped hundreds of medical professionals—from therapists to dentists—transform their marketing by focusing on conversions that count. Blunt, transparent, and refreshingly honest, John has spent over 7 years building systems that help doctors stop wasting money and start growing sustainable practices with Google Ads. 

If you’ve ever wondered why your ads aren’t working, how much you should really budget, or how to avoid Google’s costly “suggestions,” this episode will change how you look at digital advertising for your practice. 

He highlights several common areas that often undermine marketing success for medical practices: 

Key Takeaway: 

“Even the best ads can’t fix a broken intake system. If calls aren’t answered, your marketing dollars are wasted.” – John Sanders 

Connect with John Sanders: 

Website: https://www.revkey.com/ 

Connect with Barbara Hales: 

Twitter:   @DrBarbaraHales

YouTube: TheMedicalStrategist

Books:

Welcome and Introduction 

Dr. Barbara Hales (00:02): Welcome to another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors. I’m your host, Dr. Barbara Hales, and today we have with us John Sanders. If you’re tired of agencies that talk metrics but don’t deliver patients, John can change that. As the founder of RevKey, he has helped hundreds of practice owners move beyond vanity metrics and focus on what matters most—conversions that count. Specializing in healthcare marketing, particularly for therapists, dentists, and chiropractors, John brings blunt transparency and proven systems to turn ad spend into real appointments. 

John Sanders (00:22): Thanks for having me, Barbara. 

Getting Started in Google Ads 

Dr. Barbara Hales (01:18): How did you get started in this?

Why Google Ads for Doctors? 

Dr. Barbara Hales (02:54): Why Google Ads over other ad types?

Common Mistakes in Google Ads 

Dr. Barbara Hales (03:47): What are common mistakes people make?

Budgeting for Results 

Dr. Barbara Hales (07:30): What should doctors expect to spend?

Measuring Conversions 

Dr. Barbara Hales (09:17): How do you measure results?

Importance of Onboarding 

Dr. Barbara Hales (10:34): How important is onboarding?

AI in Patient Communication 

Dr. Barbara Hales (12:59): Can AI help with intake gaps?

Rules for Medical Ads 

Dr. Barbara Hales (13:36): What special rules apply to healthcare ads?

Tips for New Practices 

Dr. Barbara Hales (15:00): What if a doctor is new in town?

Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads 

Dr. Barbara Hales (18:25): Are Google Ads more effective than Facebook Ads?

Closing Remarks 

Dr. Barbara Hales (19:34): Thank you for joining us today.

In this inspiring episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Dr. Barbara Hales explores how video and community-driven content are transforming the way physicians attract, engage, and retain patients. If you’ve ever felt invisible online, frustrated by cancellations, or worried that your practice blends into the crowd, this episode shows you how to stand out. 

You’ll hear three powerful case studies—including a small-town pediatrician who grew her patient volume by 38%, a dermatologist who built a three-month waitlist without paid ads, and a cardiologist whose content sparked lifestyle changes across generations. Along the way, Dr. Hales breaks down six proven video formats, strategies for creating authentic patient connections, and practical solutions to overcome objections like time, tech, and camera shyness. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether showing up on video as your authentic self could really make a difference for your practice, this episode is your guide. 

Key Takeaways: 

“Video is not about becoming a social media star—it’s about becoming the doctor your community trusts and recommends.” – Dr. Barbara Hales 

Connect with Barbara Hales: 

Books:

TRANSCRIPTION: (211)

[00:11] Dr. Barbara Hales (Opening)

Today’s topic is incredibly powerful and timely: video and community-driven content. We’ll explore how to build trust, grow visibility, and attract loyal patients using video. If you’ve ever wondered whether showing up on camera as your authentic self actually makes a difference, this episode is for you. 

[01:20] Why Video Matters

For doctors, this means patients want to see your face, hear your voice, and feel your empathy—not just your credentials. 

 [02:45] Case Study: Dr. Sarah’s Mom Talk Mondays

After six months, her patient volume grew by 38%. New moms came in saying, “I feel like I already know you.” More importantly, the tone of her visits changed—patients were calmer, more trusting, and more open. Dr. Sarah didn’t just attract patients; she created community. 

[04:01] Six Proven Video Formats for Doctors

Bonus tip: Hosting videos on your website also boosts SEO authority. 

[06:10] Community-Driven Content Explained

This builds what marketers call psychological proximity: patients feel close to you even if they’ve never met you. And when patients feel that closeness, they’re more likely to trust you, keep appointments, and recommend you to others. 

[07:45] Case Study: Dr. Lin’s “Skin School” Series

At the end of each video, she invited questions: “Got a question? Leave it in the comments. I’ll answer one every Friday.” 

Within a year, she gained over 15,000 Instagram followers, built a three-month waitlist, and even hired a part-time nurse practitioner—all without paid ads. 

[09:10] Case Study: Dr. Ahmed’s Community Story

That single video was shared over 3,000 times. It wasn’t just medical advice—it was family, community, and transformation in action. 

[10:40] Overcoming Common Objections

Done is always better than perfect. 

[12:25] Getting Started Today

Repeat weekly and you’ll start building trust and community with every post. 

[13:20] Dr. Barbara Hales (Closing)

Video and community-driven content aren’t about becoming a social media star. They’re about becoming the doctor your community knows, trusts, and recommends. 

Until next time—keep connecting, keep sharing, and keep showing the human side of healing. I’m Dr. Barbara Hales, and this has been Marketing Tips for Doctors. 

In this powerful episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors, host Dr. Barbara Hales explores how AI is transforming the healthcare landscape in practical, life-changing ways. From improving patient education and optimizing hospital operations to empowering small clinics with cost-effective tools, Barbara breaks down what AI can do for your practice today. 

You’ll hear two heartwarming stories and two real-world case studies—including Cleveland Clinic’s 30% organic traffic boost and Mayo Clinic’s dramatic scheduling improvement—plus actionable strategies for integrating AI responsibly. If you’ve ever wondered how to harness AI without losing the human touch, this episode is your guide 

Key Takeaways. 

Use AI to improve—not replace—human connection: Focus on tools that make content more patient-centered and processes more efficient. 

Connect with Jeff Greenfields: 

Website: https://provalytics.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/provalytics/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/provalytics/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@provalytics   

Twitter: https://x.com/provalytics  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/provalytics  

Connect with Barbara Hales: 

Twitter:   @DrBarbaraHales

YouTube: TheMedicalStrategist

Books:

Timestamps & Detailed Talking Points 

[00:02] Why AI in healthcare isn’t about replacing people—but partnering with them:

[01:01] Three major ways AI is changing healthcare:

In this episode, we’ll look at three areas: 

Along the way, I’ll share two heartwarming stories and two real-world case studies that bring this transformation to life. So, let’s jump in. 

[01:31] How AI is transforming content creation:

In the past, content creation in healthcare was slow, manual, and often didn’t match what patients were actually searching for. A writer would draft an article, a doctor would approve it, a marketer would polish it—and by the time it went live, the topic might already be outdated. 

With AI, that’s changing. AI can generate first drafts in seconds, suggest SEO-friendly keywords patients are already typing into Google, personalize messages for different patient segments, and even translate into multiple languages instantly. Think about that for a second—AI isn’t just making content faster, it’s making it smarter and more human-centered. 

[02:40] Cleveland Clinic case study: Improving patient trust through AI-driven content:

One great example is the Cleveland Clinic. They realized patients were Googling symptoms and health information long before setting foot in the hospital. However, their educational materials weren’t appearing in searches because they didn’t align with how people actually asked questions. 

So they turned to AI-driven content optimization. The system analyzed what patients were searching for—phrases like “Why am I so tired?” or “How to tell if chest pain is serious?” Then their writers used those insights to create content that answered those exact questions. 

Within a year, the Cleveland Clinic saw a 30% increase in organic traffic to its health library pages. But more importantly, patients began to say:

This is where AI shines—it’s not about replacing medical expertise. It’s about making that expertise accessible and discoverable to the people who need it most. 

[04:12] Heartwarming story: A grandmother, her diabetic grandson, and AI-powered education:

Here’s a story that shows just how personal AI-driven content can be. A small clinic in rural Tennessee didn’t have big budgets or large staff—just three providers and a few nurses serving their community. 

One of their patients, Maria, was a grandmother raising her 10-year-old grandson. He had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Maria cared deeply for him, but she admitted to the doctor:

The clinic had just adopted an AI-powered patient education tool. Instead of handing her a dense pamphlet full of medical jargon, they used AI to instantly create a clear, easy-to-read plan in both English and Spanish. It included pictures of simple meals—foods her family actually cooked at home. 

Two months later, Maria returned with her grandson, smiling. She said:

AI didn’t feel like technology to her—it felt like someone finally listened. It turned medical instructions into something she could act on with love. 

[06:04] How AI is reshaping teamwork and breaking silos:

Traditionally, healthcare teams were siloed—marketing in one corner, clinicians in another, operations in yet another. Coordination was slow and often frustrating. AI is changing that. 

With shared dashboards, predictive analytics, and automated workflows, AI gives everyone access to the same insights. Marketers and analysts can collaborate on patient engagement campaigns. Physicians and educators can co-create patient materials with AI support. Managers can see staffing needs in real time and adjust accordingly. 

Instead of teams fighting over resources or duplicating work, AI provides a neutral data source that everyone can trust. 

[07:14] Mayo Clinic case study: How AI revolutionized scheduling and reduced stress:

Take Mayo Clinic as an example. Their scheduling system used to be a nightmare—overbooking cardiology, under-booking dermatology, and patients waited weeks for appointments. 

They introduced an AI-powered operations platform that unified their teams. The AI predicted patient flow, flagged bottlenecks, and suggested staff adjustments. The results were dramatic: 

Perhaps most importantly, AI gave teams a shared language of truth. Instead of debating who was right, they could look at the data together and make decisions faster. That’s a cultural shift AI made possible.

[08:40] The acne story: How a small practice used AI to change a teenager’s life:

Now let’s talk about a small dermatology practice in Florida. They didn’t have a budget for a big marketing team, so they turned to an AI social media assistant. One of the first posts it suggested was a friendly carousel: “5 Myths About Teen Acne.” 

A few weeks later, a mother brought her 15-year-old daughter to the clinic. She quietly told the receptionist:

The dermatologist treated her, and within months, her skin improved dramatically. At her follow-up visit, the girl smiled and said:

Think about that—a simple AI-generated post changed not just her skin, but her confidence, her social life, and her self-esteem. 

[10:00] AI-powered decision-making: Turning guesswork into clarity:

In the past, decisions were often based on gut instinct or outdated reports. AI is rewriting the playbook. Leaders can now: 

This doesn’t mean leaders stop using their judgment. It means they can combine experience with AI-powered foresight. Decisions become clearer, faster, and less risky. And when teams trust the data, it reduces conflict and builds alignment. 

[11:20] The limitations: Why AI still needs human oversight:

Of course, AI isn’t a magic wand. There are challenges: 

That’s why AI must always be paired with human oversight and compassion. 

Recap: Making Healthcare More Human

As we’ve heard in these stories and case studies, AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them. It’s about a grandmother who finally understood how to care for her grandson, a teenager who gained confidence, a hospital that reached more patients, a clinic that scheduled care more efficiently. 

When done right, AI makes healthcare more human, not less. 

Closing Thoughts

I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Reach out to me—I may feature your experience in a future episode. Put it in the comments, and remember this:

Thank you for tuning in to Marketing Tips for Doctors. Until next time—stay visible, stay connected, and keep putting the human touch at the center of everything you do. 

In this episode, Dr. Barbara Hales and Jessica Jones discuss:

Key Takeaways: 

“For medical practices to achieve sustainable growth, practitioners should focus on high-level strategic issues rather than getting bogged down in daily minutiae, diversify their revenue streams, and consistently evaluate both internal operations and external opportunities. Making time to step outside the business and observe broader trends is crucial for long-term success.” – Jessica Jones

Website: www.buildyourcashmedicalpractice.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Barbara Hales: 

Twitter:   @DrBarbaraHales

YouTube: TheMedicalStrategist

Books:

TRANSCRIPTION: (209)

Dr. Barbara Hales  00:02 

Welcome to another episode of marketing tips for doctors.

I’m your host, Dr Barbara Hales, and today we have with us Jessica Jones. Jessica has assisted her clients open medical clinics and reach millionaire status using her unique ability to analyze challenges and consult on methods needed to start and scale a cash medical practice, this includes help to add revenue streams, scale back to grow, do a better job of converting calls to appointments and sales and review organizational structure and overall systems for the function of the practice.

Jessica knows what it takes to open successful practices achieve your financial and growth goals, all while enjoying the ever meaningful work life balance her award winning work in advertising sales, as an advertising agency owner, medical clinic owner, and as the primary bread winner for her family, has prepared Jessica to be the greatest guide and accountability partner you could have Jessica to be, to be one with you, and as you leave frustrated and move towards a clinic, You can feel passionate about Jessica has more than 25 years of experience as both an entrepreneur and in the corporate world, leading teams of hundreds, and a master’s degree in communications With a focus on organizational development and conflict management. Welcome to the show, Jessica. 

Jessica Jones  02:04 

Thank you so much for having me. Wow, that’s quite an introduction. Thank you. I’m delighted to be here. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  02:13 

When you started in business, it was in organizational development and conflict management. How did you or why did you transition over to medical practices? 

Jessica Jones  02:26 

Sure. So actually, in my very young days, I worked in a large national marketing corporation where we represented media outlets, broadcast outlets, and by the time I was 24, I was their youngest executive vice president. They saw an entrepreneurial spirit, and when they when the owner, I was very lucky, when the owner of comp, the company, saw that in in an employee that he valued, he built ways to retain the employee. So I actually got that master’s degree while I was working in that area, conflict management, and organizational development. I was already by 24, I was leading the largest firm under an umbrella of seven, and then shortly thereafter, I became the manager over all of the seven divisions in the region. And so we were a company, it’s hard to understand, but we were a team, but we also competed with one another, so conflict management seemed reasonable, and organizational development is also imperative for really a number of reasons, but that’s why that focus was there, and it’s helped me throughout my life, and then later at that same organization, I was so lucky. They sent me to a program at the University of North Carolina with Dr Gerald Bell, and he’s a leadership expert, and he teaches leadership, and I attended a master’s round table with him, which was going every month for a year. And while I was there, the owner of Radio Flyer was in the mastermind, debating moving manufacturing to China and his family and everything else. And that’s a generational company.

The owner of the Biltmore was there trying to figure out how to get school districts in North Carolina to focus on serving food raised and grown in the state, to help the farmers, and also the health of the communities, and all of these other things. So it was a very diverse group of people, and also an education that, unfortunately, most people never get in their lives, and I was lucky to have it at that time in my life, because when people do get that leadership training, it’s usually, you know, you’re to get into the program you need to be a C level executive. So most people aren’t getting that education until they’re in their late 40s or early 50s. So I got it when I was 2829, so it was really special. And how. I am in all facets of my life, but that’s why that degree and then, you know, living in Philadelphia, I was working with pharmaceutical companies to help them fill clinical studies.

The company I was working with went chapter seven, as many companies did in 2008, so I was there from 94 to 2008, and so when it went chapter seven, I was very lucky, because I had no problems. And so the I continued working for the pharmaceutical companies to fill these studies, but I was working directly with the clinical study sites, and it wasn’t just a lead generator I was hired for, like, to get patients into the study, but I was working with the study sites to determine, well, what is the issue? Because I could see the leads coming in. So then I started digging into why the leads aren’t enrolling. Like, what’s happening with these patients? And then I would start to solve problems within the practice that were outside of the role that I was playing doctors, started referring me to doctors, and I built a very strong business of helping struggling practices turn into a successful practice and scale. And so then in 2012, one of the physicians that I had helped grow from, again, he had a struggling practice, and grew to, you know, 15 locations, and he was starting a new venture, and he said, You’re the business side of things. I’m the medical side of things. I know I need you. Why don’t you be my partner in this next thing? So we grew our own chain of clinics. And so from 2012 to 2015, we built our own 15 locations across the country, and we sold those. And then after we sold those, I started six of my own practices. And in 2017, I said I never wanted to own practices, not you know, I’ve always wanted to help practitioners, and so I sold my practices and went back to consulting, and have been doing that ever since. Thank thankfully. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  07:10 

Do you have any medical experience or background at all?  

Jessica Jones  07:16 

I don’t.  Of course, you know, as part of what I do, I need to have some level of expertise and knowledge in what the bulk of my clients are interested in. So I do do a lot of training, but I don’t have a medical degree, and I always defer to the practitioner, but I have been able to help. You know, from 2017 to 2020, it was, you know, diabetes reversal, weight loss, men’s sexual health, female sexual health wasn’t really yet the focus, IV therapy had just started. Then 2020 hit, and I helped practices that weren’t considered essential. Switch from brick and mortar to virtual and build virtual programs. And once things started freeing up, of course, in late 2020, is when I started working with GLP one practitioners, and I have helped many, many people implement GLP ones into their practice. And then also, you know, I’d say in 2021 late 2021, mobile wound care became a high focus. So I’ve studied that and have a significant expertise in helping people work within the mobile wound care space. And so what I do, like, for example, I attend weekly compliance calls with a compliance expert to talk about what’s changing in compliance.

I get all of the puzzle pieces together that a practice would need so that I can introduce them to all the facets that they’ll need to add something to the practice, and then how to implement it, and I’ll work with the entire staff. And then, of course, how to market it, which varies based on what the offer is. But in addition to, you know, mobile wound care, the other thing is, you know, for example, for you know, I consistently get a lot of like chiropractors or mental health practitioners, and I’m willing I have the connection base at this point so that if, like, a mental health provider says to me, I want to add something, I take insurance, but I want to add something that can be cash pay, and I’ll, I’ll find The right revenue stream for them to add that fits their passion. One of the things I say to all of my clients is, if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, it’s never going to work, because people will see that you don’t believe in what you’re trying to offer them. So you’ve I’ve got to always put people together with what they’re really going to you. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  10:01 

What type of secondary incomes do the mental health physicians typically add to the practice?

Jessica Jones  10:11 

So it depends on the practice and where they are, but you can generate, you know, anywhere from an additional $8,000 a month to 10s of 1000s. It just depends on you, right? You know the truth? The truth is, you know, practitioners often really struggle with asking for money. It’s, I and I understand, and I think it’s great, but that’s one of the things we work on, which is really pricing and building packages and feeling good about your solving a big problem that isn’t being solved elsewhere in our insurance-based or healthcare universe in this country. So this is something that’s very much needed and very much desired, and can draw from a radius because it’s not available. It’s not widely available.

There’s one device that’s very low, low cost that I really have found has been something that a lot of practitioners have found great success with. It’s called ISS micro, current neurofeedback. It’s different than than neurofeedback in that it requires fewer sessions to achieve success and things like that, but it’s a low cost of entry and a high value to patients, because most patients notice a difference in 1233 treatments. So it’s an immediate benefit that the patients notice, and it helps depression, ASD, and anxiety. It’s a brain-based system, so it really helps any issue that starts in the brain, such as insomnia, depression, PTSD, or suicidal ideation. So it’s a great it’s a great device. So if you’ve got patient revenues, if you’ve got a patient base, of course, you know who your patients are, and you know how to reach out to those patients to either reactivate them or explain what you now have available and why it would benefit them and have them come in for an offer. But, you know, sometimes I’m working with a practice that’s just brand new and just getting started, and in that case, you do need to do, you know, certainly some you know, pay per click so that people see you in searches.

You need to do some, you know, other types of marketing. And it really, again, it depends on where you are. Certainly, social media is an important piece of the puzzle for most practices today. But don’t discount a lot of people just either forget about or they don’t like the boots on the ground, type of things where they’re out reaching to other practitioners that might have a patient who would benefit from the protocol, or other thing, you know, other types of boots on the ground outreach, like there’s a chiropractor that I work with, and they’re going out to golf, golf outings and pickleball courts and running stores and doing, you know, presentations, and, you know, I also recommended high schools, because it’s a great it’s a great way to reach out. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  13:39 

Well, that’s very good. When converting practices to a concierge model, are you primarily working with new practices or those that have not been operational for long? 

Jessica Jones  13:57 

It really, it really does vary. I genuinely have practices. I’m working with a practice right now that’s been around 35 years, and they’re implementing a new revenue stream, and that’s an insurance, but I know it. I know my company is called Build Your Crash Medical Practice, but it started as Practice Builder, and that term was patented. So, my name grew over time. But I also help insurance-based systems. So that practice is implementing wound care, which is, of course, a Medicare and insurance-based program, but it’ve been around for 35 years.

I have a chiropractor I’m working with who has been around for several decades. And I have many, many startups. I also have, for example, a solo practitioner I’m working with who specializes in vein care. He’s been around for a long time, and I’m helping him learn how to add some of the additional wound care. Are protocols in his practice. So it does vary. And then, of course, you know, I also there’s another consultant that I work with, and we’re teaming up to do a med spa makeover, because so many nurse practitioners and functional medicine practitioners really brought in GLP ones, and unfortunately, they made it their sole focus, or they brought in these very high ticket devices six figures that they’re now like struggling to sell a package on Groupon. We’re hosting a med spa makeover event to help these practices see, as many are giving up and saying, “I don’t know what to do.” I can’t survive, and so we’re doing an event that’s virtual or in person for them to say, We can rebrand you and help you thrive. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  15:52 

Why do medical professionals struggle with business growth? 

Jessica Jones  15:57 

I think a lot of the reason they struggle with business growth, some of the common mistakes I made, say, say, we have them doing marketing in either pay per click or social media, they don’t see immediate results, and they abandon ship and go to another company, and then they go to another company, and then they Go to another company. Well, these things take time to grow.

There are algorithms involved they and it takes time for the systems to trust you as an advertiser and trust that you’re real, because there are actually fake advertisers out there. So there are algorithms that take time. So every time you’re switching, you’re really harming your potential, because you’ve got to give something at least three months, in my opinion, as it pertains to pay-per-click and social media. But it’s on the ground, same thing. I see a lot of people say, Oh, well, I went and dropped off business cards, and I dropped off one sheet, and nothing’s happening. I said, Well, did you follow up? Have you called them? Just like advertising to the consumer? You know, it can take eight times, 10 times, or 12 times for someone to hear your message and respond. Just because you knocked on the door and dropped off some pamphlets doesn’t mean that you’ll suddenly get a call and all these referrals from that business. So excuse me, you’ve got to be tenacious, and you’ve got to stick with what you’re doing for a bit. Excuse me, I’m sorry. And then, of course, we can develop specific ways to evaluate if something’s working and when to abandon it.

Certainly, there are ROI calculations with everything you’re doing based on what the cost-benefit is, and when we genuinely don’t see progress. The other thing is, we know statistically that when somebody reaches out to your practice, if you don’t answer the the call, respond to the text right away, get in contact with them, and even, like, less than five minutes, you’re, like, very unlikely to reach that person, because they’ve kind of like everybody wants immediate response these days, right? So certainly, automation and AI have come so far, and a lot of practices are using this and thriving. But depending on what you’re doing, it’s still very important to have that personal communication and touch to connect with people. There are definitely virtual programs that are making it, but I see a lot of high-touch one-on-one practices that offer that connection, having patients come over to them because, at the end of the day, when it comes to your health, people want to know they’re in good hands. They’re in the hands of somebody who cares about them, is listening to them, and can help them. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  19:10 

Yes, absolutely. What are some marketing mistakes that you see medical practices making? 

Jessica Jones  19:17 

Sure, so I re-took on switching, switching marketing every month is a big one, not following up on the leads. And also, I see a lot of people doing too much, if that makes sense. They’re trying to be everywhere. They’re doing these videos and these stories and these TikToks and Facebook and Instagram, and they’re spending so much time doing all the things that they’re not focusing on the work of building the patient list and working with the patients; they’re too busy doing all the things. So I strongly recommend that when somebody’s doing. Doing too much. I call it scaling back to grow. You can do less. Focus on what’s working best, get a handle on it, master that, and then expand. Ideally, this expansion happens when you’re ready to hire a trusted team to support you. Because the other, I mean, this isn’t so this is and is not marketing. So many practices are built on one person, like everybody wants to see the doctor, everybody wants to see the practitioner, everybody wants to see the chiropractor. That you can’t expand because you are the business, and you are everything. So you’re running the business, you’re seeing all the patients. So you’ve gotta build a practice that’s not solely based around you in order to be able to scale 

Dr. Barbara Hales  20:52 

What is it that you wish practices knew about that would help grow their practice? 

Jessica Jones  20:59 

So what do I wish practices knew about? Oh, that’s a really good one. 

Jessica Jones  21:11 

I would say I wish practices knew how to get into it. Number one, you cannot build a strong practice around the latest greatest thing, and not have multiple offerings for patients in the path to the wellness that you’re trying to build. You’ve gotta have a lot of things in your bag, so to speak. So I see a lot of practices that build a business on just one thing, another thing I wish practices knew, and I work with really strongly, is that you should have at least six months of cash flow available, because you’re going to have ups and downs. And a lot of practices fail to thrive because they just don’t have the funding to get through in the startup period, lot of medical practices, unlike other businesses, can be profitable almost immediately, but you’ve gotta have the money to put into the practice to build it, and you’ve gotta have a comfort level so that you’re not afraid to spend money on marketing and hiring and learning. I’ll always be learning, going to conferences, what’s new, what’s happening. Hire a consultant to help you.

Hire a consultant that you click with, who you can work well with, as you know, I also talk to a lot of practices that start working with me. They’re like, Oh, I was working with this other consultant for years. I hated them. I never did anything they told me to do, because they only did it one way. So find the consultant that matches your personality and what you want for your practice, and somebody that you can listen to and work with. Well, that’s important. And then the other thing I wish they knew is before you buy a very high-priced machine, because there’s always going to be people knocking on your door saying, Oh, look, you can buy this. And with just two patients a month, you’ll pay for the mortgage. That is this device. I want you to really evaluate how many people are offering it in your area. What’s the likelihood that you’ll be able to sell packages at the price you’re being quoted, and go to Groupon? Are people selling it cheaply on Groupon? Probably not what you want to be buying a six figure device if people are trying to bargain it out, right? That’s a big one. I see so many practices that were thriving, and they come to me because they’ve hit a turmoil, because they’ve brought in this device, and it’s sucking, sucking all the profit out of their business. And so then I’m helping them to offload a device. And another thing is, if you see people selling the device on eBay, I would say, Run, you know. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  23:59 

It’s a surprise to hear this. I have never heard of doctors selling equipment on eBay. Oh boy!

Jessica Jones  24:05 

My gosh, yes, they do. Just look up used whatever, and you’ll see it’s there are medical device reselling sites. But if you know, people do sell these things on eBay, it’s kind of interesting. But if you see that, I would say run. If you’re really set on having that device, consider buying a used one, but ensure it’s in full working condition and that you have access to all necessary features. But, you know, yeah, I recommend run. But some people are really set, and in that instance, I say, don’t, don’t, don’t pay the full price for it, because look at all of these red flags. And then the other thing you know I really talk to people about is they’ll bring in this device that they’re excited about without considering, how does this affect my space? How. Does it affect my how does it affect my workflow?

Right? So like, now you’ve got a GOP one clinic that’s humming along like this, and you bring in this sculpting device, or red light therapy, or whatever it is, that’s now a 60 minute thing where you’re going in, you’re setting it up, you’re getting the patient set up, then you’re coming out, then you’re going back in, and you’re cleaning it for the next patient. And there’s a lot of time deficit involved, in addition to the space that’s taking up, where you are no longer able to see, see patients, or have somebody waiting in the room. And so that’s, you know, that’s a big that’s a big thing that a lot of people just don’t think about before they take the leap. And so yeah, 

Dr. Barbara Hales  25:48 

At this point, what I would like to ask is, what is one tip that you could give our listeners that they could implement right away? 

Jessica Jones  25:57 

So I’m going to say my tip, and actually, you and I discussed this, that every single person has 100 problems a day, and so when you own a business, it is designed to keep you down in the minutia. And I want to encourage everybody to look at everything that’s happening and evaluate it. Is this a high-level problem that I’ve got to focus on right now that’s going to help my business grow, or is this something that’s not a problem at all? I can let the staff handle it. I can let this deal handle itself, so I can focus on the bigger things that will help my patients grow my practice and give me more time in my schedule. So when you look at it that way, and you start to think about, you know, even my family jokes around with me, they’re like, you know, if I’m usually saying to them, is that really going to be one of your 100 problems? So I love it when they turn it around on me, when I’m talking about something silly, and they’re like, Mom, is that one of your 100 problems today? I’m like, You’re right. It’s not a good point. Thank you for straightening me out, you know. But it really does.

When you start to reframe the way you look at everything happening around you and realize, like, this is really just me being caught up in the day-to-day. You want to get out of that and get into the big picture. And I also know this is two things, but I strongly recommend you make an appointment to be outside of your business and just be away from it and spend some time focusing on it when you’re not in the actual space. And the reason I say that is because, again, getting caught up in the minutia, but also, when you’re only in your business, there’s a lot of external things that impact your business that you might be missing, not just regulatory, things happening with foot traffic, things being built around you, changes to retail spaces and other things in your area, changes to things coming in and leaving the area. And a lot of times, I find practitioners being so caught up in their business, they haven’t stepped outside and seen Oh, whoa. This is something I could take advantage of. This is somebody I could go to and we could do like an open house together that would merge our patients and benefit one another. Those types of things get missed if you’re not looking around outside of the business.

Dr. Barbara Hales  28:28 

Well, you have brought about some very interesting ideas, and I’m sure that it’s food for thought for a lot of people that have been listening today. Thank you so much for being with us on our show today. 

Jessica Jones  28:43 

Thank You so much for having me. It’s really been an honor and a pleasure. I appreciate it. 

Dr. Barbara Hales  28:47 

This has been another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors with your host, Dr Barbara Hales. Have a great day.  Til’ next time!