This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 5 of The Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2026 Summer Rewind Series.

"I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!"

Episode 5.8 | Originally Released: December 25, 2024

Host David Mandell continues his conversation with dentist and coach Dr. Sue Keller.

Picking up where they left off at the end of Part I, David and Sue discuss the ongoing financial challenges of her specialty dental practice. Here, they tackle Sue's difficult decision to file bankruptcy for the practice after more than 20 years—and the legal, practical and emotional processes involved.

The discussion then turns to Sue's transition after closing her practice—from working part-time for another dentist, serving patients as part of a non-profit and her eventual interest in, and transition to, coaching.

David and Sue conclude the conversation chatting about Sue's role as a coach and how physicians and dentists could benefit from this type of advisor.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Bankruptcy does not necessarily mean failure, but it can be a step toward a more balanced life
2. Regular evaluation of business and life balance is vital
3. The importance of community and support in times of crisis

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting visiting the original episode page.

Check out other episodes from our 6 seasons by visiting, physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 5 of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2026 Summer Rewind Series. "I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!"

Episode 5.7 | Originally Released: December 11, 2026

Listen in or watch as host David Mandell interviews dentist and coach Dr. Sue Keller. David begins with questions he asks all doctor guests to the program—about their initial interest in becoming a doctor, early career journey and more. Sue relates her personal experiences that lead her to dentistry and a shift from an interest in orthodontics to general dentistry.

Sue explains her initial venture into private practice, purchasing an existing practice from a burned-out dentist, and her initial attempts to grow the practice. She and David discuss her challenges in growing the practice, the positives and negatives to developing a niche practice, to moving the physical location and the difficulties of keeping good staff.

For the remainder of this first part of a two-part episode, Sue tells David about the challenges of keeping the practice afloat financially. In part two, they discuss Sue's decision to file bankruptcy for the practice after more than 20 years and her career transition thereafter.

Key Insights:

• Sue shares her personal journey, mentioning her early interest in dentistry after having her first loose tooth at six years old.
• Sue had a positive childhood experience with her dentist, which fueled her desire to make dentistry comfortable for others.
• She discusses the transition in her career, starting her practice after a residency and eventually purchasing an existing practice from a burned-out dentist.
• In 1995, Sue took over a family practice and started building it up, noting challenges with old technology and financial constraints.
• She explains that her practice focused on treating anxious adult patients with oral sedation, creating a niche in an underserved area.
• She moved her practice in 2007, creating a comfortable environment in Northampton but encountered financial challenges in 2008 due to the financial crisis, including losing two-thirds of her patients after the move and facing difficulties hiring motivated staff, leading to constant turnover.
• Sue reflects on the decision to go fee-for-service and the financial pressures of taking insurance while striving to maintain high-quality care.
• Despite her advanced education, she struggled to implement complex treatments due to a lack of patients who could afford the care.
• Sue emphasizes the importance of utilizing specialists, even for bread-and-butter dentistry, to maintain quality and avoid complications.
• She outlines the ongoing financial struggles from 2008 to 2017, refinancing multiple times to stay afloat amid a tough market.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting visiting the original episode page.

Check out other episodes from our 6 seasons by visiting, physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 5 of The Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2026 Summer Rewind Series. "I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!"

Episode 5.6 | Originally Released: November 27, 2024

Listen in or watch as host David Mandell speaks with practice consultant Jessica Jones.

David begins asking about Jessica's career and how she ended up working with medical and dental practices. Jessica then shares with David the pain points doctors typically have when they contact her—how they want to see their practices—and lives—improved. J

essica then speaks to David about the importance of finding the doctor's passions and how to align the practice with those passions, along with patient needs—potentially with a cash-based revenue element outside of insurance reimbursement. She then digs into the details around service offerings, equipment purchases, the importance of delegation and other key success factors her experiences has discovered are valuable—in cash-based practices or traditional ones.

Finally, Jessica stresses the importance of brainstorming and getting out of the daily grind to have perspective on what is working and what could be improved.

Learn more by visiting the original episode page, here.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In this Season 6 executive summary episode of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, host David Mandell reflects on the major themes, conversations, and lessons shared throughout the season. David explains the structure of the podcast's academic calendar format and previews the upcoming Summer Rewind series, which revisits standout episodes from prior seasons. He then walks listeners through each episode of the season, highlighting important insights and lessons from all 20 episodes.

By summarizing each episode from the season, this episode serves as both a roadmap for listeners looking to revisit episodes they may have missed and a reminder of the practical strategies, red flags, and opportunities physicians should consider as they navigate modern medical careers.

Insights Covered in Season 6:

• Private practice compensation models are evolving to better align with the priorities of younger physicians entering medicine.
• Entrepreneurship in healthcare can create significant opportunities, but it also introduces operational, financial, and emotional risks.
• Asset protection planning requires ongoing maintenance and discipline rather than a one-time legal setup.
• Artificial intelligence is already improving workflow efficiency and reducing administrative burden in clinical practice.
• Physician burnout often requires both operational changes and personal reinvention strategies to address effectively.
• Healthcare mergers, acquisitions, and private equity activity continue to reshape the physician practice landscape.
• Financial literacy and business education can dramatically improve a physician's ability to make informed career decisions.
• Peer review processes and workplace conflicts can have major professional and financial consequences if handled improperly.
• Real estate investments can be beneficial for physicians, but leverage and market timing carry meaningful risks.
• Strong mentorship, networking, and community support remain essential throughout every stage of a physician's career.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

Dr. Kirk Campbell shares his journey from aspiring physician to orthopedic surgeon and academic leader, highlighting how early experiences shaped his passion for medicine. He reflects on the rigorous training physicians undergo and the significant gap in financial education during that time. Despite entering high-income roles, many physicians lack the knowledge to manage their finances effectively, often facing high debt and limited exposure to wealth-building strategies beyond traditional investments.

The conversation explores how the shift from private practice to employed physician models has reduced access to traditional wealth-building opportunities, such as ownership in practices and ancillary revenue streams. Dr. Campbell explains how he discovered real estate syndications as a way to recreate these benefits, generating passive income and leveraging tax advantages. Through disciplined self-education and experience, he developed a strategy that aligns with physicians' analytical skill sets, emphasizing due diligence and risk assessment.

Dr. Campbell also provides practical insights for physicians interested in alternative investments, including how to evaluate deals, identify red flags, and build relationships with trusted sponsors. He stresses the importance of financial education, diversification, and creating income streams that are not tied to clinical work. Ultimately, the episode underscores the need for physicians to take an active role in their financial lives to gain flexibility, reduce risk, and build long-term wealth.

3 Key Takeaways

• Physicians often lack financial education despite earning high incomes.
• Real estate and alternative investments can help recreate lost private practice benefits.
• Education and due diligence are critical before entering private investment opportunities.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

Episode 6.19 features franchise consultant Matt Stevens, who joins David Mandell to unpack the fundamentals of franchising and why it can be an attractive wealth-building strategy for physicians. Stevens explains that franchising is less about buying a brand and more about gaining access to a proven system, support structure, and community. With thousands of franchise opportunities across dozens of industries, physicians have a wide range of options, many of which can be tailored to their time constraints and financial goals.

A core theme of the conversation is the concept of 'buying down the learning curve.' Instead of spending years making costly mistakes building a business from scratch, franchisees leverage established playbooks, training systems, and peer networks. This is particularly appealing to busy professionals like physicians who may lack the time to build and test systems independently. The discussion also highlights how franchise ownership can be structured around passive or semi-passive involvement, often through hiring operators or partnering with family members.

The episode also explores due diligence, risk factors, and long-term exit strategies. Stevens emphasizes the importance of reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), especially Item 20, and speaking with existing franchisees to validate the opportunity. Success ultimately comes down to engagement—following the system, leveraging support, and committing to the model. With the right approach, franchising can provide not only income but also scalable growth and a meaningful exit, making it a compelling addition to a physician's overall wealth strategy.

• Franchising accelerates business success by providing a proven system and reducing the learning curve.
• Physicians can participate in franchising even with limited time through structured, semi-passive ownership models.
• Thorough due diligence—especially speaking with existing franchisees—is critical to identifying the right opportunity.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

Dr. Steven Siepser shares a compelling journey from his early fascination with medicine to becoming a highly skilled ophthalmologist and entrepreneur. His career path was shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to pursue opportunity, from studying abroad to pivoting specialties into ophthalmology. He ultimately built a thriving solo practice by leveraging early expertise in emerging technologies like intraocular lenses and LASIK, positioning himself ahead of many peers. The conversation highlights both the rewards and risks of entrepreneurship in medicine, particularly through Dr. Siepser's experience with practice ownership and commercial real estate. While his clinical success led to expansion and investment in a large medical facility, external factors such as 9/11, economic downturns, and rising interest rates significantly impacted his financial outcomes. His story serves as a cautionary tale about leverage, market timing, and the unpredictability of macroeconomic forces. Dr. Siepser's latest venture, VisionLock (now SightAssure), represents an innovative approach to patient confidence and physician differentiation through outcome-based insurance. By identifying top-tier surgeons and insuring their results, the model enhances trust while creating a premium positioning for providers. Although initial scaling challenges and undercapitalization slowed progress, he is relaunching the concept with a more robust financial and structural strategy, emphasizing the importance of execution, funding, and timing in entrepreneurial success.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Clinical excellence can create entrepreneurial opportunity, but business success requires different skills and risk management.
2. Real estate investments in medical practices carry risk, especially when tied to economic cycles and interest rate changes.
3. Innovative business models—like outcome insurance—can differentiate physicians and improve patient trust but require strong capitalization and scalability planning.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

Episode 6.17 features Todd Jason, a reinvention coach and podcast host, who joins David Mandell to explore physician burnout, career transitions, and the evolving nature of work. Drawing on his experience working with organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Todd highlights the growing prevalence of burnout among physicians, driven by overwhelming workloads, administrative burdens, and lack of support systems. He emphasizes that burnout is not a personal failure but a systemic issue affecting many professionals, particularly those in high-stakes, service-oriented careers like medicine.

Todd shares practical strategies to manage burnout, focusing on small, intentional actions that can be integrated into daily routines. These include taking mindful breaks, spending time outdoors, journaling, and using tools like AI to reduce cognitive load. He also stresses the importance of setting boundaries outside of work and delegating tasks where possible to reduce overwhelm. By reframing how physicians approach their workday and personal time, Todd suggests that even incremental changes can significantly improve mental and emotional well-being.

The conversation then shifts to the concept of reinvention—particularly for mid-career professionals. Todd defines reinvention as a proactive, mindset-driven approach to aligning one's career with personal fulfillment, rather than simply reacting to burnout or external changes. Through exercises like writing one's own eulogy, he encourages individuals to reflect on what truly matters and explore new opportunities, income streams, and career paths. Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and intentional decision-making in navigating both burnout and long-term career satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Burnout is systemic, not personal: Physicians are facing increasing complexity and workload, making burnout a widespread and legitimate challenge.
2. Small, intentional habits matter: Simple daily practices (breaks, movement, journaling, AI tools) can significantly reduce stress over time.
3. Reinvention is a mindset shift: Mid-career professionals should proactively explore what fulfillment looks like and align their work accordingly.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In Part Two of this two-part conversation, Stephanie Pearson shares how personal hardship ultimately led her to build a mission-driven business dedicated to protecting physicians. What began as a deeply personal recovery journey evolved into an education-first approach to disability and life insurance. Rather than setting out with a business plan, Stephanie initially focused on helping other physicians avoid the mistakes and gaps that impacted her own experience. Through organic growth, word-of-mouth referrals, and a partnership that developed naturally, she built a firm centered on advocacy, transparency, and informed decision-making.

Stephanie discusses the challenges of transitioning from surgeon to entrepreneur, including the discomfort many physicians feel around sales. She reframes the role not as selling a product, but as educating clients about complex insurance contracts and advocating for their best interests. The conversation explores the critical differences between group and private disability policies, the nuances of policy language, and why specialty-specific definitions of disability are essential for physicians. Her philosophy emphasizes managing expectations, pre-underwriting, and eliminating surprises—treating insurance planning with the same rigor as informed consent in medicine.

Beyond insurance mechanics, Stephanie reflects on broader themes relevant to physicians: burnout, identity shifts, entrepreneurship, and the importance of mentorship and community. She encourages physicians considering business ventures to seek mentors, surround themselves with experts, and remain authentic to their mission. For those facing burnout, she stresses the importance of therapy, boundaries, hobbies, and building a support system. Ultimately, her story illustrates how adversity can be transformed into purpose—creating both financial protection for others and personal fulfillment.

3 Key Takeaways

• Education Over Sales: Disability and life insurance planning for physicians should center on education, transparency, and advocacy—not product pushing.
• Definitions Matter: The specific language in disability policies (especially specialty-specific definitions) can significantly impact outcomes in the event of a claim.
• Burnout Requires Intention: Transitioning careers or starting a business is not automatically a cure for burnout; personal work, boundaries, and mentorship are critical.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Dr. Stephanie Pearson shares her powerful journey from practicing OB/GYN to becoming a nationally-recognized advocate for physician disability insurance and financial protection. Nearly ten years into practice, a traumatic shoulder injury sustained during an emergency delivery permanently ended her ability to operate and perform obstetrics.. What initially felt like a temporary setback quickly became a life-altering pivot point—complicated further by contract language, disability policy limitations, and systemic barriers that left her financially and emotionally vulnerable.

Stephanie details the harsh realities she encountered after her injury, including being terminated when her FMLA expired, denied disability coverage due to policy fine print, and fighting a lengthy workers' compensation battle. She candidly discusses the mental toll of the experience, including a period of severe emotional distress, and emphasizes how little physicians are taught about contracts, disability insurance, and financial risk management. Her story underscores the importance of reviewing employment agreements and understanding both employer-sponsored and private disability coverage.

Out of this adversity, Stephanie co-founded PearsonRavitz, an insurance brokerage dedicated to helping physicians secure appropriate disability and life insurance protection. Now part of the broader Earned Wealth platform alongside OJM Group, she is committed to improving financial literacy among physicians. This episode sets the stage for Part Two by highlighting not only the risks physicians face but also the importance of proactive planning, proper policy design, and advocating for oneself long before a crisis occurs.

Learn more, including additional show notes, links, and detailed key takeaways, by visiting physicianswealthpodcast.com.

Click here to get your FREE copy of our latest book, Wealth Strategies for Today's Physician!