It's Not Just You with Dr. Kara Pepper

How to build a practice in 4 days - free workshop October 13-16, 2025.  Crash course on how to build a practice - yes there will be a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? With Coach in My Pocket, you’ll have weekday access to me through Voxer—a walkie-talkie style app that lets you send voice or text messages anytime. No scheduling, no waiting. Just practical coaching, pep talks, and problem-solving right when you need it. Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine. You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts October 2025. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care. In this episode, we talk about private practice math - how to set your prices, addressing money mindset, and how to share your expertise with all patient without burning your out.  

 Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? With Coach in My Pocket, you’ll have weekday access to me through Voxer—a walkie-talkie style app that lets you send voice or text messages anytime. No scheduling, no waiting. Just practical coaching, pep talks, and problem-solving right when you need it. Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine. You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts October 2025. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care. In this episode of It’s Not Just You, I’m joined by Dr. Bradley Block, a private practice otolaryngologist, podcast host, and physician advocate who’s helping doctors find their voice in public spaces. Dr. Block is passionate about helping clinicians show up boldly and authentically outside the exam room. Our conversation covers the vulnerability and discomfort that can come with public visibility, especially for physicians who’ve long been told to “just stick to medicine.” We talk about how and why doctors should lean into storytelling, how imposter syndrome shows up when hitting publish, and the power of reclaiming your narrative. Join us as we discuss: What inspired Dr. Block to begin podcasting and why he believes every physician has a story to tell The challenges physicians face when stepping into public platforms Why he believes our credibility is built through honesty—not perfection How physicians can balance vulnerability with professionalism The community he’s building to support others doing this work Dr. Block brings humor, humility, and practical advice to this conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned physician or just starting to think about public engagement, you’ll walk away feeling seen, inspired, and maybe even ready to hit record. You can find Dr. Bradley Block at Physician Guide to Doctoring.  

Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? With Coach in My Pocket, you’ll have weekday access to me through Voxer—a walkie-talkie style app that lets you send voice or text messages anytime. No scheduling, no waiting. Just practical coaching, pep talks, and problem-solving right when you need it. Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine. You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts October 2025. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.   Thinking About Hiring a Virtual Team? Here’s What You Should Know Feeling overwhelmed by your inbox or stuck in task overload? In this episode, we break down what virtual assistants can really do—from inbox triage to advanced business support—and how to find the right one for your needs. You’ll learn what to delegate, how to spot a great VA, red flags to avoid, and how to set the relationship up for long-term success. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a busy clinician, this episode will help you hire smart and delegate with confidence.

Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? With Coach in My Pocket, you’ll have weekday access to me through Voxer—a walkie-talkie style app that lets you send voice or text messages anytime. No scheduling, no waiting. Just practical coaching, pep talks, and problem-solving right when you need it. Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine. You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts October 2025. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care. Dr. Megan Melo is a family and metabolic health physician, coach, mom, and advocate for physicians battling burnout. In this episode, she shares her deeply personal journey from feeling broken in a demanding healthcare system to building a career that honors both her values and well-being. Dr. Melo opens up about the pressures she faced in traditional practice—juggling perfectionism, people-pleasing, and unrealistic expectations—and how she carved a new path. She talks us through the steps she took to leave big-box medicine, the emotional preparation required, and how she found empowerment through coaching and independent practice. Tune in to hear how Dr. Melo reclaimed her joy in medicine, built a sustainable life on her own terms, and how she helps other physicians do the same. You can connect with Dr. Melo on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and at her website.

Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine. You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts October 2025. Dr. Tom Davis is a family physician, author, and pioneer in value-based care, but his path to success started in a tiny practice with a bold contract. In this episode, Tom shares how he and his partners embraced one of the first total risk Medicare Advantage contracts in the country and turned their small clinic into a $132 million success story. Tom also offers advice to physicians who feel stuck or burned out, reminding us that we don’t have to wait for permission to start doing meaningful work. Learn more about Dr. Tom Davis and the free Value-Based Care Success Community at tomdavisconsulting.com

Dr. Mark Shrime is a surgeon, coach, author, and decision science expert, but his career wasn’t always this aligned. In this episode, he shares how he went from burnout and uncertainty to building a life and practice that reflect his values. Dr. Shrime opens up about the 10-year journey between his first moment of doubt and finally stepping away from traditional medicine. He talks about the importance of small, consistent steps, and the freedom that comes from realizing most decisions aren’t permanent. He also explains why we’re often wrong about how a decision will make us feel, and how learning to trust yourself can be the first step toward meaningful change. Connect with Dr. Mark Shrime on markshrime.com or follow him on Instagram.

The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” was passed by both houses of congress and signed into law by the president on July 4th, 2025. This bill will have a sweeping impact on the already declining healthcare landscape in America. Physicians who view reform not as a threat, but as a catalyst for reinvention, will be best positioned. Those clinging to the old model risk being commoditized; those who adapt, innovate, and lead will reclaim autonomy. This week, Dr. Pepper reviews seven things every physician needs to be doing in the aftermath of this bill.  You are not powerless.  What will you do this week to prepare and safeguard your career? Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Join us. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here are the basic steps to get you started.  Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.

Before paying for google ads or any other marketing, you must be able to articulate a clear message. Caroline Harbin of COR Marketing met with the Micropractice Mastemind and provided a clear framework for digital advertising.  Whether you are starting a private practice, or you want to tailor your current practice, understanding these principles will save you time and money.  Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Join us. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here are the basic steps to get you started.  Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.  

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Brittney Anderson, a board-certified family physician and founder of a thriving private practice in Alabama. Dr. Anderson shares the deeply personal and incredibly practical journey that led her from burnout in academic medicine to building a mission-driven, insurance-based solo practice that now has a waitlist of patients. Dr. Anderson didn’t just hang a shingle. She reverse engineered her success with strategy, intention, and heart. She shares the five key moves that helped her build a successful practice from the ground up, and offers encouragement for other physicians who dream of practicing medicine on their own terms. Join us as we discuss: What made Brittney leave academic medicine and take the leap into solo practice The productive solo trip to Hawaii that changed everything Her five keys to a successful launch (including a genius marketing tip involving her dog) How she got over 700 shares on her first clinic announcement without spending a dime The power of building community with other physicians and local businesses Why done is better than perfect (especially when it comes to websites) If you're wondering whether starting a private practice is possible—or profitable—this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Anderson's story proves that with a plan, a little faith, and a lot of intention, physicians can reclaim autonomy and joy in their careers. Listen to Dr. Anderson's podcast, Physicians Hanging a Shingle, anywhere you get your podcasts.Get her weekly email for pragmatic, supportive tips on starting your own practice.

Today I share seven ways to burnout-proof entrepreneurship - especially for physicians building medical practices.     1. Start with a Lean Model 2. Prioritize Revenue-Generating Activities 3. Work in 90-Day Cycles 4. Theme Your Days to Reduce Decision Fatigue 5. Set “Enough” Metrics 6. Automate + Delegate Early 7. Schedule White Space - on Purpose     Takeaway: You can build a medical practice that feels peaceful and sustainable.   Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Join us. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here are the basic steps to get you started.  Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.  

When the excitement of launching a practice wears off and the messy middle begins, many new entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed with what feels like an insurmountable journey ahead.  I talk about how to break this large task in to smaller achievable actions, and the short list of must-do items in building a practice.   Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Join us. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here are the basic steps to get you started.  Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.   In this episode of It’s Not Just You, I’m joined by Dr. Jen Williams, an OB/GYN who is stepping away from a successful 24-year practice to launch a micropractice focused on perimenopause and menopause care. Dr. Williams is a Micropractice Mastermind participant in the messy middle of leaving her practice and launching a practice for the care of menopausal women.  Dr. Williams' story is one of deep integrity, clarity, and rebellion against a system that no longer aligns with how she wants to show up for her patients or herself. We talk about the challenges of doing things differently, the pushback from well-meaning people, and what it looks like to trust your gut even when the path forward isn’t fully mapped out. Join us as we discuss: How she knew it was time to make a major career pivot The moment a corporate training exercise became her “no more” breaking point Why she’s choosing to slow down and intentionally wait before launching The mental load and emotional labor of building something new while still practicing medicine The importance of having a supportive community that believes in this kind of change Dr. Williams brings wisdom, humor, and honesty to this conversation. Her passion for helping women navigate midlife is exactly what the world needs more of. You can find her on her website and Instagram. 

The number one questions I am asked about how to build a practice, is "How much is this going to cost?" In cliff notes from the Mastermind, we review the top five items to consider when financially planning for a practice and growing your practice.   Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Join us. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here are the basic steps to get you started.  Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.   Our guest this week is Dr. Maria Guzman - a sleep and obesity medicine specialist. Her vision for patient care goes far beyond prescriptions and protocols. In this episode, she shares how burnout pushed her to build something different—her own private practice rooted in lifestyle medicine, mindfulness, and compassion. After recognizing the limits of insurance-based care just six months into her first job, Dr. Guzman began the journey of creating Dream Life Medicine and Wellness. From considering telemedicine to securing a physical office, her approach has evolved to align with her values and her community. She talks openly about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of community and accountability, and the joy of staying curious as she weaves in new areas like menopause and mind-body medicine. Connect with Dr. Maria Guzman at dreamlifemedical.com and on Instagram.

I had no idea what I was doing and no community for support when I launched my medical practice.  It was scary and overwhelming.  Today, I walk through the naive mistakes I made when I launched my medical practice - so you don't have to make them.  Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Join us. Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here are the basic steps to get you started.  Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.

I walk through the fundamentals of starting your own private practice, from the basic information needed to get started, malpractice insurance, business plans, startup costs, community support, and much more.   Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts May 4, 2025.  Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here are the basic steps to get you started.  ​AMA's Private Practice Playbook Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.

As we graduate the first cohort of the Micropractice Mastermind, I review four things you must do before leaving your practice.     Our Mastermind guest today, Dr. Leanne Wu, shares her story of opening an insurance-based pediatric practice to serve the Taiwanese community in Portland, Oregon.  You can Find Dr. Wu and LIttle Island Pediatrics on her website and Instagram.    Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts May 2025.  Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.

In this episode of It’s Not Just You, we are honored to welcome Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, a leading expert in the field of eating disorder treatment. She has built nationally recognized treatment centers and continues to evolve her career.  Dr. Oliver-Pyatt shares her recovery cycle between clinical entrepreneurial ventures and how that has fostered her creative and clinical energies.  Join us as we discuss: The intersection of coaching and clinical practice in behavioral health How to identify outdated behaviors that keep us stuck The importance of finding your "why" to create lasting change Dr. Oliver-Pyatt’s journey in the eating disorder treatment space Actionable insights on how to break free from patterns that no longer serve you Dr. Oliver-Pyatt’s wisdom and compassionate approach offer hope for those seeking relief and a new path forward. You can connect with Dr. Oliver-Pyatt on her website, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.   Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts April 2025.  Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.

Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts April 2025.  Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.   Dr. Erica Bove is a fertility specialist, coach, mom, runner, and yogi, but her path wasn’t always this fulfilling. In this episode, she shares her personal transformation from feeling trapped in medicine and a toxic marriage to reclaiming her life on her own terms. Dr. Bove takes us through the moment she realized her career and personal life weren’t what she envisioned, and how she courageously took steps to rebuild. From navigating the pressures of medicine to finding her own joy and purpose, she offers an inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery. Tune in to hear how she reshaped her life, built a career aligned with her values, and found happiness along the way. You can connect with Dr. Erica Bove on her website, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

In cliff-notes from the Micropractice Mastermind, we talk about the power of community, where to find it, and why it is critical transformation and entrepreneurship. Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts April 2025.  Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.   Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, affectionately known as Dr. Una, is a pediatrician turned serial entrepreneur, business coach, and founder of the EntreMD Business School.  She shares her incredible transformation from a new attending with doubts to a leader in physician entrepreneurship. In this episode, Dr. Una walks us through the pivotal moments of her journey, BEFORE she became a serial entrepreneurial leader. She started a private practice fresh out of residency, overcame self-doubt as an introvert, and learned the business skills necessary to thrive. She candidly shares the fears, failures, and lessons that shaped her path, proving that all business skills are learnable and that physicians are capable of so much more than they’ve been led to believe. Tune in to hear how she went from answering her own phones to building a thriving multi-physician practice, founding a business school for doctors, and empowering thousands of physicians to create profitable businesses. You can connect with Dr. Una on her podcast, website, LinkedIn, Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Before founding The Russell Center, Dr. Jon Russell was the Director of the Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery at Johns Hopkins and led the Thyroid Tumor Center. As the busiest thyroid surgeon at Johns Hopkins for the past decade, he not only performed more thyroid and parathyroid surgeries than nearly anyone in the country but also trained the next generation of surgeons.   But despite these accomplishments, Dr. Russell faced a critical moment of reckoning—realizing that institutional limitations were holding back innovation and patient care. In this episode, we dive into the turning point that led him to step away from one of the most prestigious institutions in the world to build something new—on his own terms.   Hear how he built a one of a kind surgical practice, leading the way for surgical innovations, his colleagues, and patients.    You can find Dr. Russell on his website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.    In cliff-notes from the Micropractice Mastermind, we talk about how to say goodbye to yoru medical practice.  Deciding to leave your medical practice is not just a career transition—it’s an emotional, logistical, and deeply personal journey. For many physicians, this process is filled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and fear of the unknown. But it can also be a transformative step toward freedom, autonomy, and a practice that aligns with your values and well-being.    Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts April 2025.  Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails for weekly support in launching your own practice and improving your delivery of care.

Today, we talk about how to make your job easier - how to convert your hard earned expertise into marketing materials, build patient trust, and improve work flow in your practice.  Build your ideal practice and improve your patients' experience with these times saving tips.   Micropractice Mastermind - a vetted, expert roadmap to start your own practice. Join this physician community as we change the future of medicine.  You can actually enjoy practicing medicine. Next cohort starts April 2025.  Checklist to launch a micropractice​ - for those of us who love to check off a to-do list, here is a rough approximation of what we are completing in the Micropractice Mastermi​nd. Sign up for emails that make your life easier.