Estate planning is not just about preparing for the unexpected—it is about protecting what you have worked hard to build. In this episode, guest James Atwood, estate planning attorney and co-founder of Atwood McCall, shares how proactive estate planning can protect assets, minimize taxes, streamline probate, and align with business succession strategies. Tune in to learn why updating your estate plan every few years is essential to preserve your practice, your family, and your legacy for the future. Timestamps00:00 Intro04:19 Banter Ends05:47 Tell us about you and your background.07:19 Tell us about Atwood & McCall.09:53 A physician who keeps hearing that he needs a will or needs estate planning. He does not like thinking about his own mortality. He wants to know why he would need estate planning?14:00 Walk us through all the things that a person plans for in their estate planning?17:01 How do estate taxes work?24:35 How often should I update my estate plan? 26:45 Access+27:27 Legal Takeaways 29:10 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Raising money for your health care business can be exciting but complicated. In this episode, Aubrey Rankin, Managing Partner at First Place Pediatrics, shares what raising capital and partnering with investors really looks like. Learn which early decisions can impact your ownership, how to keep investors informed and aligned, and the key compliance and legal considerations unique to health care investments. Tune in for practical strategies for raising capital confidently, maintaining control, and setting your business up for success. Chapters00:00 Intro05:00 Banter ends07:03 Tell us about you and your background.08:44 Tell us about your current companies. 14:47 What is it like to raise money from investors?18:48 How did it work once you had all your investors?21:56 How often did you communicate to keep them updated?24:47 What are the biggest challenges a startup faces in raising money and then spending it wisely to run the business28:30 Access29:04 Legal Takeaways30:24 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Thinking about turning your successful med spa into a franchise, or just asking for a friend? In this episode, guests Ryan Rose and Ryan Rao, executives at VIO Med Spa, share how they turned a single-location med spa into a national brand. Tune in to learn what it really takes to build a successful franchise in the health care space. Whether you are considering expansion or curious about franchising, this episode offers key insights into the strategic, legal, and operational hurdles that come with scaling a brand. Chapters00:00 Intro00:54 Banter04:16 Ryan Rose and Ryan Rao Intro08:14 Tell us about your backgrounds that we did not discuss in the opening.13:34 Where does the name VIO come from? 15:26 This season our theme is asking for a friend. Our first question we will ask for a friend why should someone start a franchise?17:37 What are the biggest challenges franchisors face? 22:54 How does a franchise ensure brand consistency across many locations and states? 26:39 Access+ 27:26 Legal Takeaways 29:31 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Selling your practice is one of the biggest decisions in your career. In this episode, Guest Shawna Chrisman, founder of Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa, shares her firsthand experience selling her practice, from strategic and emotional challenges to lessons learned. Tune in to discover how to build a compliant and sellable practice, evaluate private equity opportunities, and know when the timing—and the partner—are right for you. Whether you are planning for the future or just “asking for a friend,” this episode offers an inside look at the experience of selling a practice. Chapters00:00 Intro01:00 Banter03:00 Shawna Chrisman intro06:00 Shawna Chrisman background. 07:54 What can you tell us about Destination Aesthetics and AMP? 11:30 Did you ever expand beyond injectables when you were in your first brick and mortar? 12:54 What was your vision when you decided to sell your practice? 26:12 What can you tell us about how you are currently working with AMP? 16:57 Why did you decide to sell your practice and partner with a private equity backed company?22:35 Was making the decision of who to sell to the biggest professional decision you have made?23:37 What challenges did you encounter while selling?25:57 How do you think the aesthetic industry is changing?27:45 Access+28:24 Legal Takeaways30:08 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
What happens when a patient complaint turns into a full-blown medical board investigation? In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael, and partner Jay Reyero, share the story of a plastic surgeon whose response to a patient demanding a refund nearly jeopardized his practice. Learn what to do when you receive a patient complaint, how to respond to a letter from the medical board, and steps you can take to protect your practice. Chapters00:00 Intro00:56 Banter 06:37 Story 23:58 Access+ 24:32 Legal Takeaways 29:55 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Ready to fill your med spa with loyal, happy patients? In this episode, Audrey Neff, Chief Marketing Officer of Aviva Aesthetics, breaks down how marketing, sales, and retention work together to attract new patients, convert leads, and keep them coming back. Tune in for actionable marketing strategies to grow your practice, especially if you are asking for a friend.Chapters00:00 Intro00:14 Banter04:30 Guest Intro06:00 Guest background07:29 Tell us about what you do at Aviva Aesthetics. 15:02 What does marketing even mean and how is it different than sales? 19:08 Are Google Ads and other pay per click advertising still a viable strategy? 22:32 What are the common marketing strategies used in aesthetics? 26:12 How is digital marketing affected by artificial intelligence? 27:49 Access+28:24 Legal Takeaways30:23 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Losing employees can leave any leader wondering what to do next. In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael kick off the “asking for a friend” season with a twist—the friend is actually them. They share ByrdAdatto’s journey through unexpected employee turnover and the realization that even a culture-rich workplace is not immune to losing team members. Tune in as they reflect on the emotional and practical challenges of retaining talent, the lessons they learned, and the strategies they considered to support their team. Discover what really works when it comes to staff retention—whether you are asking for yourself, or just asking for a friend.'Chapters00:00 Intro00:17 Banter08:00 Story22:18 Access+22:47 Legal Takeaways30:03 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We are bringing back a fan favorite episode from our Other People’s Problems season. Tune in as we unpack the Little River Hospital fraud scheme, where Management Services Organizations (MSOs) were misused to cover up fraudulent kickback arrangements. Learn how physician investment opportunities can go wrong, how properly structured MSOs work, and red flags to watch for.Chapters00:00 Intro0:45 Banter 09:31 Story 22:57 Access+ 23:42 Legal Takeaways 29:52 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael, along with series regular Jay Reyero, share the story of a primary care physician who signed on to a turnkey diagnostic service promising fast revenue with minimal effort. When insurance policy changes, poor contract protections, and vendor limitations created unexpected financial and operational risks, they learned that “turnkey” does not mean “risk-free.” Tune in for practical lessons on vetting vendors, reviewing contracts, ensuring billing compliance, and maintaining control over your practice when new opportunities arise.Chapters00:00 Intro0:39 Banter 06:17 Story 20:57 Access+ 21:31 Legal Takeaways 29:48 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael welcome guest Brian Lauten, a triple board-certified business and commercial trial attorney and founding partner of Brian Lauten P.C., to unpack the realities of commercial litigation. Brian shares the often-overlooked consequences of filing a lawsuit, from hidden costs to litigation fatigue and unexpected counterclaims. Tune in to learn why the best litigation strategy may be never needing one, and the proactive legal steps you can take to avoid the courtroom.Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:40 Banter 03:51 Guest Background 05:47 What drove you into becoming a trial attorney? 08:18 Will you tell us about Brian Lauten P.C.? 09:21 What are some unintended consequences you and clients have experienced with lawsuits? 12:30 What does a lawsuit look like from the point of filing to the day of trial? 16:05 How do you help clients decide whether to pursue a lawsuit? 19:41 What does it mean when a contract says the prevailing party gets attorney’s fees? 23:51 What is litigation fatigue? 27:14 Access+ 27:49 Legal Takeaways 29:40 OutroWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael are joined by Dr. Alan Durkin, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery and MedSpa Network. Dr. Durkin shares insights into his journey from reconstructive cancer surgery to building a destination plastic surgery center. Learn how rethinking med spas as health care delivery systems can drive surgical growth. Discover how blending insurance and aesthetic services can unlock innovation, improve outcomes, and fuel long-term business successWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael share the story of a group of Texas plastic surgeons who restructured their practice using multiple entities. While their goal was to protect themselves from liability while expanding operations, a seemingly small misstep led to a lawsuit putting their personal finances at risk. Tune in to learn how to properly structure entities like limited partnerships and LLCs, and the essential legal formalities needed to protect your business and assets.Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael share the story of a seasoned orthopedic surgeon running a family-owned practice. Eager to expand, he brought on a young surgeon with a generous compensation package and the promise of future partnership. But when it came time to formalize the partnership, a shift to a more complex “eat what you kill” compensation model created unexpected friction. Tune in to learn how misaligned financial expectations can derail even the best-intentioned partnerships. Understand how to create a compensation model that aligns with your practice’s goals, document terms clearly, and navigate disputes before they escalate.Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael share the story of a Texas plastic surgeon and med spa owner who implemented a commission-based pay structure to retain staff and boost performance. While the model initially increased revenue and morale, it quickly led to scope-of-practice violations, internal competition, and compliance concerns. Tune in to learn what to consider before introducing commission models in your practice, and how to design a compensation structure that rewards your team and protects your practice. Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael share the story of a physician starting her own wellness practice. While she took many important steps to launch her business, she overlooked a critical early step: conducting a trademark search. This led to a cease and desist letter that threatened her brand and practice just weeks before opening. Tune in to learn how to legally protect your brand, why picking a business name or website alone is not enough, and how proper trademark due diligence can protect your practice. Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael dive into the story of a successful plastic surgeon who used estate planning strategies to transfer wealth and ownership to his family. What was originally intended to protect his assets ultimately backfired when a personal scandal gave his family the power to remove him from his role as CEO. Tune in to learn the importance of proper business governance, corporate formalities, and the fiduciary duty in protecting your practice. Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael are joined by Dr. David Boudreault, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Illuminate Plastic Surgery. Dr. Boudreault shares the unintended consequences of growing his small family-run practice into a multi-location success. Tune in to learn about the importance of scaling with intention, building systems early, and the shift from hands-on leadership to strategic delegation to transform your practice and position it for sustainable growth.Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadattoStay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael share the story of a physician seeking funding for a promising medical innovation. When financing options fell through, he turned to a CPA for a quick loan only to become trapped in a costly, long-term financial arrangement. Tune in to learn how thorough legal and financial due diligence can protect physicians and business owners from costly loan traps, hidden liabilities, and long-term financial setbacks.Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael are joined by Arielle Schmeck a Partner at JTaylor. Drawing on her experience in health care consulting and valuations, Arielle shares the unintended consequences that arise when physicians assume a high valuation means a good deal. Tune in to understand the full scope of valuations, including the value of assets, minority interest discounts, private equity involvement, and the real cash flow implications for practice owners.Listen to the JTaylor Health Care Podcast for the latest health care industry trends: https://www.jtaylor.com/media/podcastsWatch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
In this episode, hosts Brad and Michael, along with series regular Jay Reyero, share the story of a cardiology practice that added a cash-based weight loss program to its traditional insurance-based model. The change led to unexpected legal challenges, patient confusion, and operational strain as the practice struggled to manage conflicting payment structures. Tune in to learn the legal obligations of in-network providers, the compliance risks of mixing payment models, and how to stay compliant when adding new services. Watch full episodes of our podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Stay connected for the latest business and health care legal updates:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn