It's Not Just You with Dr. Kara Pepper

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 January 2026. How to build a practice in 4 days - free crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.    In this episode, I reflect on four years of building a solo, values-aligned medical practice and share why regulation, identity change, and capacity expansion matter just as much as strategy and systems. The most under-rated skill in entrepreneurship is nervous system regulation.  I walk through the neuroscience and mindset shifts that allowed me to grow a sustainable, profitable practice without sacrificing autonomy or well-being, and why doing this work in community changes everything. This episode is for physicians who are still employed and quietly planning, as well as those who have already launched and want to build the next phase without burning out.

Thank you for nominating "It's Not Just You" as the Best Career Transformation Podcast in the 2026 Doctor Podcast Awards. I’m deeply honored. If you’ve listened to the podcast and found it helpful, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to vote. Here’s the voting form  When you open it, please scroll to the second nomination and select “It’s Not Just You.”   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 January 2026. How to build a practice in 4 days - free crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.  Today's podcast:Many physicians expect burnout to resolve once the stressor is gone. New job. Private practice. Time off. In this episode, we explore why exhaustion persists after major changes and how to design entrepreneurship that actually supports recovery. Stress cycle completion cannot be an afterthought. If work is scheduled first, recovery disappears. Entrepreneurship only heals burnout if it is designed around:• Non negotiable recovery time• Rhythms instead of constant push• Reduced unnecessary stressors• Built in connection• Regulation as a leadership skill• Business models aligned with human capacity• Maintenance as a valid and valuable phase Entrepreneurship does not automatically heal burnout, It simply gives you the power to design differently. When recovery is structural, not optional, careers last longer and feel better. Listen to the full episode to learn how to build work that supports your nervous system instead of draining 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 January 2026. Thinking about starting your own practice but feeling overwhelmed by everything involved? In this episode, Kara shares a practical framework to help doctors move forward when starting a private practice feels too big to tackle. You will learn how to decide what tasks actually require your expertise, what can be delegated or outsourced, and when hiring help is a strategic decision rather than a luxury. Kara also explains how to break down the process of starting your own practice into manageable steps, regulate overwhelm, and create a realistic plan that fits your life. If you are a physician considering private practice, navigating a career change, or looking for real-world guidance beyond surface-level business advice, this episode of the doctor podcast will give you clarity, momentum, and next steps you can use immediately. Resources:  How to build a practice in 4 days - free crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.   

What got you here (hard work, managing every detail, longer hours, and self sacrifice) is not whawt will make you a successful entrepreneur.  Discerning which tasks truly require your time and energy will move your business forward effectively.   The decision matrix of Do/Decide/Delegate/Delete will filter your never ending to-do list into manageable goal-driven action items that will not leave you depleted.  Here is the graphic mentioned in today's podcast.   How to build a practice in 4 days - free crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.  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 January 2026.

Most physicians starting a private practice ask the wrong question first. They want to know how much to charge, which model to use, or whether they should offer memberships, packages, or fee for service. Those are not the right starting points. In this episode, I explain the real questions you must answer before you choose a business model for your private practice. You will learn how to identify the specific person you serve, clarify the problem you solve, understand the timeline of transformation, and choose a model that aligns with both your patient’s needs and your own life. If you want a practice that is profitable, sustainable, and emotionally manageable, this episode will help you build it from the foundation up. How to build a practice in 4 days - free crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.  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 January 2026.    

I hired a new physician for the practice who walked into a full schedule.  How did I do that?  I explain eight ways to fill your panel in today's episode.    How to build a practice in 4 days - free crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.  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 January 2026.

Resentment is a compass that points you towards exactly what you need.  It can be a powerful tool to direct you in entrepreneurship.  I discuss today how we can live in reciprocity with the energy we put into our practice and not burnout.    How to build a practice in 4 days - free crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.  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 January 2026. 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.

I am hiring a physician to join my solo practice, and this year has been a lot of work in preparation for her arrival in November.  How did I know I was ready?  I go through five key elements of this decision today.    How to build a practice in 4 days - free workshop October 13-16, 2025.  Crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.  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. Scott Korotkin shares how his company AutonomyMD is disrupting the malpractice insurance industry, making it more affordable for private practice doctors to launch solo practices.  Dr. Korotkin is a Family Medicine physician, and you can contact him through his website.  How to build a practice in 4 days - free workshop October 13-16, 2025.  Crash course on how to build a practice - yes there is a checklist!.   Need real-time support as you build or grow your practice? Individualized expert coaching is available for physicians.  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.  

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 five ways to successfully navigate your first week in solo practice - real lessons from Micropractice Masterminders as they launched their practices this week. 

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.