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Episode 60: Unplugged: Functional Medicine in an Entrepreneurial Model

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“The bare minimum is better than what conventional medicine has right now. Conventional medicine does not offer any functional medicine testing. So by picking two functional tests that really intrigue you and learning them well so that you can apply them strategically, you will help more patients than if you try to learn all the tests in a scattered fashion,” explains host Dr. Lara Salyer. Today, Dr. Lara shares what she would do differently if she were starting a functional medicine clinic in entrepreneur care with the knowledge she has now.

Dr. Lara suggests a three step process for starting as a functional medicine practitioner as an entrepreneur.

The first step is ‘select’ which refers to selecting your introductory offering and any team members you may need such as an accountant or a mentor. Keep the introductory offering to something simple like a 60 minute visit. It can be easy to get distracted by all of the exciting opportunities provided by functional medicine, so be sure to stay focused on the patient in front of you and your core values. Use your values to guide your decisions so that you do not end up overwhelmed. Next, begin to streamline and create a signature method to follow. This is where you can create educational materials so that your clients do not need to go to you with every little question. Finally, strategize and decide on your membership model. 

Being an entrepreneur as a functional medicine practitioner allows you the freedom to build your business your way. However, it can quickly become overwhelming if you do not narrow your focus. Get very clear on what your values are and use them to anchor you, so that you do not get off track.

About The Catalyst Host, Dr. Lara Salyer:

I worked as a family physician for 15 years until burnout changed the trajectory of my career. I realized I wanted to start a holistic functional medicine practice in my rural hometown and made it happen. In addition to practicing functional medicine, I now mentor practitioners who are looking to change their paths in healthcare by using what I refer to as the “Catalyst Roadmap”. I share each step of this framework with listeners so that they may apply it to their careers, relationships, personal goals, and projects. 

In This Episode I'm Talking About:

  • My 3 step process for starting as a functional medicine practitioner as an entrepreneur
  • Why you should get very clear on what your values are and use them to anchor you
  • How being an healthcare entrepreneur allows you the freedom to build your business your way

Quotes:

  • “The bare minimum is better than what conventional has right now. Conventional medicine does not offer any functional medicine testing. So when you learn how to do two things well, picking two functional tests that really intrigue you and learn them very well so that you can apply them strategically, you will help more patients than if you try to learn all the tests in a scattered fashion in a superficial way.” (6:08-6:35 | Dr. Lara)

 

  • “The more clear you are on your values, that anchors you deep into why you’re doing what you’re doing.” (9:06-9:12 | Dr. Lara)

 

  • “Stay with your blinders on and focus on the patient in front of you, focus on each case.” (19:57-20:02 | Dr. Lara)

 

  • “As a healthcare entrepreneur, I didn’t want to be a salesperson. I wanted to be a teacher, period.” (23:02-23:08 | Dr. Lara)

Links for this Episode:

Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:

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