Stephen A. Dickens, JD, MAEd, FACMPE, vice president of medical practice services at State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company (SVMIC), joins the show to talk strategic planning and why it's so important for practices to stay prepared in times of uncertainty.

Be sure to check out Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know.

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Introduction to Strategic Planning (00:00:22)

Austin introduces the podcast and discusses the importance of strategic planning in healthcare.

Stephen shares insights on the current economic uncertainty due to President Trump's tariffs and its implications.

Stephen discusses the evolving nature of strategic planning and the importance of focusing on patient care.

Discussion on how tariffs may negatively affect independent practices and patient care.

Advice on immediate actions practices can take to prepare for potential cost increases.

Exploration of how tariffs may affect daily operations and patient care in practices.

Stephen explains how to make strategic planning feel real and actionable for practices.

Indicators that a practice's strategy may need to be reassessed or reset.

Discussion on the importance of prioritizing long-term planning amidst daily administrative burdens.

Stephen shares a story illustrating how strategic planning positively impacted a medical practice.

Potential Changes in the Labor Market (00:19:24)

Discussion on the possibility of shifts in the labor market due to economic factors and staffing issues.