Episodes
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In this inspiring episode of The White Coat Entrepreneur, I chat with Dr. Dana Fender, the co-founder of Smile Doctors. From humble beginnings to a staggering $2.4 billion valuation across more than 450 locations, Dr. Fender's journey showcases the power of ambition and strategic partnerships.
He reflects on the importance of gratitude and humility, sharing lessons learned during his rapid growth alongside Thurston Group. Dr. Fender emphasizes pushing beyond limits, stating, “Anything that pushes you further than you thought you could go—at whatever level that is”—is essential for success. Smile Doctors had a mission and a vision and that has always been “loving other people first and straightening teeth second."
You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation and discover how challenges can lead to transformative outcomes. I feel grateful to call Dr. Fender a friend of mine. Don’t miss out!
For more information on Dr. Dana Fender: https://smiledoctors.com/about/
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"You can't expect success to happen, you have to be persistent, and want it."
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kian Karimi, MD, FACS, a renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and co-founder of the Los Angeles Multi-Specialty Cosmetic Academy. Dr. Karimi shares the motivational story of how he built his career from the ground up, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
The power of building genuine relationships is important. Dr. Karimi volunteered at a local hospital, which eventually sent him his very first facelift patient. His story is a testament to the importance of going the extra mile—small efforts can lead to big opportunities.
Three key takeaways: Don't believe everyone, have a game plan, and go for it.
Whether you're in the medical field or looking for inspiration, this episode provides insightful information on grit, and the road to building your empire.
For more information on Dr. Kian Karimi, click the link below.
https://www.drkian.com/profile
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Missing episodes?
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“I was one of the first non-doctor providers to step out and open my medical spa in Leesburg, Virginia. Some people doubted me, but I knew I could do it!”
In this episode, I interviewed one of my equity partners with Alpha, Sarah Safa MS, PA-C, a Certified Physician Assistant, Aesthetic Specialist, Founder of RefinedAesthetics, LLC, located in Leesburg, Virginia, and co-owner of Radiance Salon and Medical Spa in Lansdowne, Virginia.
She shared her expertise in the field and the inspiring story behind her rise to success, driven by her motivation and determination to make a positive impact in the industry. As an entrepreneur, it's normal to navigate through challenges. For someone who started their practice with minimal social media use, she knew her brand could only be built through word of mouth - “I learned by treating each patient at my office special, and intimately, they would refer their friends, but I had to make every single patient encounter count.”
As business owners, we both believe it’s important to not only treat your patients in this matter but also make them feel like they are in a safe space. More recently, pop-up med spas have started to rise and we need to keep the bar high and continue to follow industry standards.
Don't miss out on my upcoming episodes – click the subscribe button and join the community of listeners!
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Explore the day-to-day operations with our guest, Dr. Carin Litani, who is a board-certified seasoned dermatologist and fellowship-trained MOHS surgeon in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Her focus is on skin cancer prevention and advocacy for proactive, healthy aging, which has garnered attention from patients, journalists, and Instagram followers.
In this episode, she shares her experience with managing expectations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and transparency within her practice. Reflecting over her 15 years, she offers her wisdom on building and leading a successful medical practice. "Being a good doctor goes a long way, especially when it comes to your patients."
Furthermore, we discuss the rise of med spas and the pitfalls of pursuing quick-fix solutions. For example, attending a weekend course and saying you're highly trained. Both of us agree, that there needs to be continuous learning and dedication to excellence, especially when it comes to your face. Join us as we uncover the realities of dermatology and facial plastic surgery commitments.
To learn more information on Dr. Carin Litani:
https://dermatologypartnersinc.com/physicians/carin-litani-md/
To learn more information on Dr. Edwin Williams:
https://www.williamsfacialsurgery.com/our_team/dr-edwin-williams/
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“I know if I focus on our team and our people, they are going to treat our patients and clients the right way, which in turn makes our shareholders happy.”
In this episode, I interview my business partner John Wheeler, who currently leads as the CEO of Alpha Aesthetics Partners. He is an esteemed professional whose career spans multiple areas, showcasing his commitment to culture building and scaling up in various industries - transitioning from the pastoral realm of seven years to the entertainment industry of five years, and then moving into the aesthetics space, he’s built incredible success in creating a nationwide team for Alpha with top level professionals.
We discuss the significance of entrepreneurship and team building. Both John and I agree that fostering a strong team begins with establishing the right culture. By offering comprehensive training, team members feel valued. Partnering with Alpha was the best decision for a multitude of reasons, and I'm excited to collaborate on building our team. As John emphasizes, “It’s important to have a strong training arm, if we are going to level up in the industry and with private equity support, it is possible.” While some physicians may be hesitant about partnerships, it's essential to conduct thorough research as it's not a decision to be made lightly. For more information, listen to our episode.
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In this podcast episode, I emphasize the importance of investing time in managing the business side of medicine, not just the day-to-day operations. Statistically, "90% of businesses fail within the first five years, while only 4% make it to a revenue of 10 million dollars."
Drawing on my 30 years as a surgeon and entrepreneur, I share valuable insights into the common pitfalls people encounter when trying to scale up their aesthetic practices. More often than not, people try to scale up on a poor foundation. Scaling up is never easy, but committing to the necessary time and taking calculated risks can lead to success. Tune in to this episode as I go over my journey including systems, policies, and procedures that have helped my practice grow.
Additionally, if you're intrigued by this episode, I have an upcoming mastermind program starting in April. Check out the link below for more details
https://www.dredwinwilliams.com/program-3
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In this episode, I interview Matt Phelps, the visionary behind the successful strength-training gym Metabolic. Matt's entrepreneurial journey began while training student-athletes at Lasalle, where he transformed a simple idea into a comprehensive business plan. His vision was clear – to offer unparalleled strength training workouts for members and to build a community-like family. Today, Metabolic has fourteen locations across the Capital Region, including Syracuse and Rochester.
Entrepreneurship demands optimism, regardless of the industry. Reflecting on my own experience building a facility three decades ago, I recall the daunting nature of the process. Looking back, I realize that without taking risks, it's impossible to determine if an endeavor will succeed. In our conversation, Matt emphasizes the importance of refining his business model through various tries until he finds the most effective approach.
Running a business involves facing uncertainties, and I always say, "You can only grow a business as fast as you can attract, train, and hire." In this episode, we dive into the challenges of scaling a business and the perseverance required to overcome obstacles.
Furthermore, we explore the symbiotic relationship between plastic surgery and fitness, highlighting the importance of healthy eating. The fusion of these elements contributes not only to physical well-being but also to the overall confidence and vitality of individuals.
Join us on the episode to hear all the great things from dreaming big to turning those dreams into reality.
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Embarking on the journey of establishing a practice from scratch can be an incredibly daunting task. I vividly recall dedicating two years to countless phone calls, meticulously planning for this exhilarating yet intimidating phase of my life. I did not come from family money, and I found myself in a town where I had no connections. Little did I know, I was met with fierce competition, determined to hinder my entry into the operating room and drive me out of town.
In this podcast episode, I not only recount the challenges I faced in initiating my practice but also outline a time-tested approach that has proven successful for individuals venturing into the realm of small business. Presently, my practice thrives within a vast 22,500-square-foot facility, boasting a team of multiple doctors, nurses, and providers on-site. Our financial achievements have earned us a position in the top 1% of aesthetic practices nationwide.
I hope that you find value in this podcast and the shared insights as you navigate the path to launching your practice or work towards enhancing your reputation within an existing one.
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I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Grace Lee Peng, a notable figure in the field of facial plastics from Beverly Hills. With an impressive eight-year career, she has achieved tremendous success, so much so that her journey has taken an exciting turn. Six months ago, she decided to open her private practice.
For some, the transition to private practice can be challenging, but Dr. Peng saw it as the perfect moment to pursue her dream of owning her practice. She shares her experiences and valuable lessons she has learned thus far. Her enthusiasm for future growth and success certainly shines through in this episode.
In addition, we dive into the intriguing topic of private equity in facial plastic surgery. As the private equity industry continues to expand it's important to understand the workings of this business model.
Tune in to this episode for a deeper understanding of these exciting topics.
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Are you in aesthetic medicine, striving to build a thriving practice, or facing challenges in scaling up your team effectively? If you're seeking valuable guidance, look no further.
In this episode, I dive into an insightful conversation with Brian Hayes, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in the aesthetic medical industry. As a former corporate leader who transitioned to become the founder of Orion Strategic Consulting, Brian has dedicated his career to providing leadership coaching and strategic business consulting to aesthetic surgeons and physicians.
Brian highlights stories from the past where he has witnessed leadership, poor strategies, and limited awareness of servant leadership principles affect teams in the aesthetic medicine space. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Brian to enhance my practice, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. His expertise and guidance have propelled my practice to new heights.
If you would like to contact him, see below for his contact information.
https://www.thehunterorion.com/
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In this episode, I discuss my personal experience and reflections drawn from my time dating private equity. As an entrepreneur and passionate facial plastic surgeon, my journey of exploring the business side of aesthetic medicine led me to discover the world of private equity. Over the past four years, I have learned immensely about this side of the business. I have always enjoyed scaling up my skills and knowledge to reach new horizons.
If you're intrigued by the interplay between private equity and aesthetic medicine, this episode serves as a valuable resource to gain a deeper understanding of the field.
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I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Lauren Umstattd, a renowned and Board Certified physician specializing in Facial Plastic Surgery. In this episode, Dr. Umstattd opens up about her dream of establishing her practice and turning it into a reality. Despite being open for less than a year, she has already made a significant impact in the field, with a steady stream of patients seeking her expertise.
From the very beginning of her journey, Dr. Umstattd embraced the principle of "going slow and steady." She recognized the importance of carefully building her practice to ensure its success. In our conversation, she emphasizes the potential risks associated with growing too fast and how it can lead to an overwhelming situation. Her thoughtful approach to team-building is also highlighted, emphasizing the significance of learning from past experiences to create a cohesive and successful team.
With a passion for connecting with her audience and providing valuable educational content, she curates her own social media posts daily. Through TikTok, Dr. Umstattd educates individuals about facial plastic surgery, offering unique insights and responding to questions. Her dedication to staying active on social media allows her to reach a wider audience and build trust with potential patients.
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing my past fellow Dr. Tim Minton, a fellowship-trained, double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the greater Savannah area. If you're looking to climb the ladder to open up your practice - this is the episode for you. He goes into detail about his transition to building his cosmetic practice.
Dr. Minton joined a multi-specialty group and then eight years ago relocated to Savannah, Georgia. He made a pivotal decision in his career to embark on the path of opening up his practice and taking on the risk. In this interview, he said, “Operating on your own and doing stuff on your own is a whole different world.” If you don’t take the chance, how will you know if it will work out?
Now, he has built his patient base to a larger scale by employing effective strategies and patient-focused approaches. Driven by his passion for excellence, he is currently working on building his surgery center.
To learn more about Dr. Minton, click the link below.
https://www.savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com/dr-minton/savannah-facial-plastic-surgery-dr-minton
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Last month, I interviewed Dr. Peter Vila, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, on this podcast. Discover his insights from our discussion and learn how he took a risk in his career by moving into private practice instead of academics. For younger surgeons, this can be overwhelming to decide right after fellowship.
Dr. Vila shares his thoughts on taking risks early on in your career. Furthermore, he emphasizes staying connected within his network.
A piece of wisdom from this podcast is to realize, "The pearl behind this experience is the substance that is there, and those who you are working with." It's best to keep your head up during the process and join someone that you can trust.
To learn more about Dr. Peter Vila, follow this link https://www.drmichaelkim.com/about/meet-dr-peter-vila/
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In this episode, I interview Dr. Theda Kontis, a renowned international leader in Facial Plastic Surgery based in Maryland. Dr. Kontis has had exceptional success in her career and serves as an inspiration to women looking to get involved in the AAFPRS organization. Recently, she was chosen as president of the academy in October of 2022.
During our conversation, Dr. Kontis shares her insights on the key ingredients to consider when joining a senior partner. For younger surgeons, this is a crucial decision in the field. She emphasizes the importance of choosing wisely and taking into account where the senior partner's position stands in their career. Dr. Kontis herself joined Dr. Ira Palpel in 1994 and has since flourished in their practice at The Aesthetic Center at Woodholme.
Some words of wisdom from this podcast from both of us are to "be yourself, and be a good doctor."
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In this podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jonathon Sykes, who is a renowned surgeon from Beverly Hills, California. During this interview, he shared insightful information on his successful 35-year career.
While many contemplate retirement when they can, Dr. Sykes chose to continue to keep going and sign a lease for another 12 years. As he mentioned in this interview, he firmly believes it's never too late to pursue one's passions.
Dr. Sykes and I share similar approaches to natural facelift results and teaching. We both have trained many fellows throughout our careers and served on the AAFPRS organization. Teaching to us means finding motivation and fulfillment through sharing knowledge.
This is a great episode to listen to. If you are interested in finding more information on Dr. Sykes background, follow this link.
https://drjonathansykes.com/about/
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In this episode, I interview Dr. Robert Rhodes who was a fellow of mine from June 2020 to June 2021. He is a native of Oklahoma City and currently working at W Facial Aesthetics. Dr. Rhodes is exclusively dedicated to reconstructive and cosmetic procedures of the face and neck.
With being almost two years out from fellowship, him and I discuss the importance of communication and building relationships. I always say to younger surgeons in the field: "work on being a good doctor and surgeon, and the cosmetic stuff will come."
Dr. Rhodes brought up a good point during our conversation about mentorship, and that is,"to look for something you can either bring to the practice or look at yourself as the newer person and facilitate with the culture."
As always, thank you for taking the time to listen.
If you would like to learn more about his background, click the link:
https://wfacialaesthetics.com/doctor-rhodes-oklahomacity-ok/
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This month, I interviewed Dr. Patrick Byrne, who wears more hats successfully than one.
He is a renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in complex reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck, microsurgical reconstruction, and facial aesthetic surgery.
Before joining the Cleveland Clinic's Head & Neck Institute, he was a Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and held many leadership roles while at Johns Hopkins. He was also involved in humanitarian work worldwide. Along with this, Dr. Byrne pursued his MBA in Business Administration from the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Byrne and I discussed the evolution of his career. He goes into detail on what advice he would give to younger facial plastic surgeons. When it comes to choosing between private practice or academics, as this sometimes poses a challenge.
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Last month, I interviewed Dr. Grace Lee Peng who has been successful in her career, working with some of the most prominent plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills: Dr. Paul Nassif, Babak Azizzadeh, and Guy Massry.
Now, with almost eight years of experience working in the same practice as Dr. Nassif, she is taking the opportunity to go for a change and open up her practice. Dr. Peng talks about her pearls and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Not only is she involved with the non-profit organization, The Sheila Kar Health Foundation, but she also serves as one of the co-directors for the AAFRPS. In this episode, we discuss how the organization does a great job with inclusion and bringing younger surgeons to the podium to educate others on their experiences in the field.
Stay tuned for a Part 2 episode in August!
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On this episode, I interviewed Dr. Daniel Ward, who is a double-board certified plastic surgeon. He completed his five-year residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery followed by the completion of his Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship.
He discussed his transition from leaving the University and going out on his own. Dr. Ward mentioned on this podcast that his years working at the University gave him the confidence to open his practice. Despite the challenges he faced, he is grateful for the lessons learned.
As always, thank you for listening to my podcast. Feel free to give Dr. Ward and I a follow on Instagram.
@dredwinwilliamsmd
@wardmd
Website: https://www.dredwinwilliams.com/
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