In episode six of Podiatry Unfiltered, Michele McGowan discusses the challenges and misconceptions around starting and running an independent podiatry practice. She emphasizes the importance of taking action despite imperfections and argues against waiting for the perfect time or having everything perfectly organized. Drawing from her experiences at the FPMA SAM conference, Michele shares insights on the advantages independent podiatrists have in implementing regenerative medicine and other advanced treatments. She encourages practitioners to ignore the noise, avoid paralysis by analysis, and leverage their entrepreneurial superpowers to drive their practices forward.

In this episode of Podiatry Unfiltered, the Dr. McGowan discusses the benefits and implementation of regenerative medicine in podiatric practice, specifically focusing on fat pad restoration. The episode covers why regenerative medicine is a viable option for patients suffering from conditions like IPKs, metatarsal pain, and plantar fasciitis, emphasizing its effectiveness and patient satisfaction. The host addresses common concerns regarding the ethics and hype around regenerative treatments, highlighting that proper patient selection and education are crucial. The episode also explores the potential for regenerative medicine to improve practice efficiency and patient outcomes by reducing patient volume while allowing for more meaningful interactions. Practical advice for incorporating these treatments into practice, especially for young practitioners, is provided to ensure sustained growth and patient care quality.

In this episode of Podiatry Unfiltered, Michele McGowan opens up about personal challenges including a tragic family loss and the fast-paced events surrounding her sister's cancer diagnosis. Reflecting on these experiences, she emphasizes the importance of not delaying personal and professional goals. Michele discusses an unexpected offer from a private equity group to buy her practice and the subsequent decision to decline the offer. She shares insights on the resilience required in podiatry, the potential for independent practice even for new graduates, and practical tips for integrating 3D printing custom orthotics into a practice. Michele underscores the value of continuous education and adapting new methods to thrive in today's medical landscape. Join Michele as she provides candid advice to help fellow podiatrists navigate their careers.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

00:46 Dealing with Loss and Perspective

02:34 Unsolicited Offer from Private Equity

04:25 The Resilience of Podiatrists

06:12 Starting Your Own Practice

07:32 Incorporating 3D Printing in Podiatry

09:18 Conclusion and Future Plans

The primary focus of our discussion today centers on the implementation and advantages of Class 4 laser therapy within podiatric practice. I have received numerous correspondences from both younger and more seasoned podiatrists expressing feelings of disillusionment and uncertainty regarding their professional trajectories. It is imperative to acknowledge that we are not alone in grappling with these sentiments; indeed, many practitioners face similar challenges in their day-to-day experiences. This podcast serves as a platform for us to explore innovative treatment modalities, such as laser therapy, which can significantly enhance patient care and practice profitability. By sharing practical insights and personal experiences, I aim to illuminate pathways that not only elevate the standards of our practice but also rejuvenate our professional aspirations.

The current discourse within the realm of podiatry reveals a striking sentiment of disillusionment and apprehension among practitioners, particularly those navigating the initial years of their careers. Dr. Michelle McGowan articulates the pervasive feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion that have been echoed through the heartfelt correspondences from her audience, underscoring a collective yearning for validation and guidance. The podcast serves as a beacon of hope, assuring listeners that they are not isolated in their struggles, and that the profession possesses the potential for both fulfillment and prosperity. The emphasis on fostering a supportive community among podiatrists is paramount, as Dr. McGowan encourages open dialogue about the realities of practice, which often include the frustrations of inadequate reimbursements and the challenges of patient care. Through her experiences, she elucidates the importance of adapting to technological advancements, such as Class 4 laser therapy, which not only enhances patient outcomes but also enriches the practitioner's ability to provide comprehensive care, thus reinforcing the viability and attractiveness of the podiatric profession.

Takeaways:

• Podiatry Unfiltered addresses the struggles of both younger and older podiatrists, emphasizing that they are not alone in their profession.
• The podcast highlights the importance of providing patients with all their options rather than 'selling' treatments, fostering informed decision-making.
• Innovative treatments like Class 4 laser therapy can significantly enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction while also increasing practice revenue.
• The significance of continuous education and adaptation in the field of podiatry is stressed, as technology evolves rapidly.
• Dr. McGowan encourages podiatrists to implement new technologies that can improve patient care and practice profitability.
• The podcast invites podiatrists to engage in a community that shares valuable insights and treatment protocols for better practice management.

Welcome to Podiatry Unfiltered — the podcast for private practice podiatrists who are done with burnout, low reimbursements, and hamster-wheel medicine. 👋 I’m Dr. Michele McGowan… and today we’re ripping off the Band-Aid.

In this episode, I ask one uncomfortable—but necessary—question:

👉 What would happen to your practice if you stopped doing the lowest reimbursing services completely?

Yep. I said it.

Medicare nail care isn’t limb salvage. It’s a time and morale sinkhole.

You deserve a practice that rewards your expertise—not one that drowns you in volume.

We’ll dig into:

✨ Why “seeing more patients” is not the answer

🩺 How to shift toward profitable, outcome-driven services

💸 Why your revenue per visit is the #1 business metric to fix

🚀 How independent podiatrists CAN thrive without selling out

Because 10X growth doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from doing better. (Shoutout Dan Sullivan + “10x Is Easier Than 2x”)

If you’re ready to build a profitable podiatry practice that supports your life—not destroys it—hit Subscribe and follow the journey.

👣 Let’s Connect

Website → independentpodiatristsnetwork.com

Join my private podiatry group → coming soon

Business coaching inquiries → DM me on Instagram (@Dr._Michele_McGowan)

👀 Watch Next:

• How AI is replacing front-desk chaos in private practice

• Turning advanced modalities into real revenue

#PodiatryUnfiltered #PodiatryBusiness #PrivatePractice #RegenerativeMedicine #PodiatristLife #MedicalEntrepreneur #PracticeGrowth #PodiatryPodcast #FootAndAnkle

In this first episode of Podiatry Unfiltered, I’m opening the doors wide and letting you into the part of my career most doctors would never talk about — the messy middle.

No filters.

No polished success story.

Just the truth.

I’m sharing how I started my practice back in 2002 with more drive than experience… how we grew into three busy offices… how I had three kids while building a business… and then how everything came crashing down the day my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer.

In minutes, I went from thriving to survival mode.

I shut down two offices almost overnight.

I couldn’t make payroll.

And for the first time, I took a job working for someone else — and lasted exactly three months before realizing I am absolutely not built to be employed.

This episode is about failure, rebuilding, and the moment I decided to stop pretending everything was fine and start running my practice with intention, strategy, and honesty.

If you’re an independent podiatrist — or you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or like you’re barely keeping it together — this one’s for you.

Welcome to Podiatry Unfiltered.

This is the real story of how it almost fell apart… and how I rebuilt something stronger.

A quick preview of what's coming on Podiatry Unfiltered.

In this short trailer, Dr. Michele McGowan explains the mission of the show and why honesty matters now more than ever in independent podiatry.

Subscribe for conversations about private practice growth, innovation, AI, new treatments, leadership, and the real challenges podiatrists face every day.