When One Doctor Is Out: The Hidden Strain on a Small Podiatry Practice
READ TIME – 2 MINUTES
Hey guys,
I want to vent a little today—but also share something important if you’re a young associate or thinking about ownership.
Right now, one of our four doctors is out on paternity leave. Totally understandable. Family comes first. But in a small private practice, it creates a real pinch.
To make it more interesting, we also had another doctor out sick for a few days. That means I’m seeing my full schedule… plus their follow-ups. For probably the first time ever, I’m running behind—even with a scribe helping me.
The Good
Having a scribe is a game-changer.
It allows me to stay present with patients, maintain quality care, and keep documentation flowing. If you’re getting busy, this is one of the best upgrades you can make.
The Bad
The pressure builds fast when you absorb someone else’s schedule.
I typically run 20-minute appointments, with a mix of new patients and follow-ups. But when we start squeezing in extra 10-minute slots to accommodate overflow, it changes the feel of the day.
Add to that:
- Covering another doctor’s routine nail care day
- Supporting a colleague who no longer does nail care
- Juggling online bookings that still need managing
Even when Marjorie handles much of the routine care, it disrupts the rhythm. And rhythm matters.
When you’re rushed, you feel it. And patients feel it too.
The Ownership Reality
Here’s the part that’s harder to say out loud.
There was a day when another doctor was sick and we really could have used the doctor who’s out on leave. We asked. He said coming in would break his medical leave. I understand that.
But from an ownership mindset? It’s tough.
Each doctor in our practice typically generates around $4,000–$5,000 per day. When someone is out, that revenue—and the continuity of care—doesn’t just disappear. It shifts to someone else.
And in a small group, that “someone else” feels it.
Something to Think About (Especially If You're a Young Associate)
If you’re early in your career, and you’re thinking about partnership or ownership someday, this matters.
Yes—you have the right to sick days and leave.
But when evaluating associates for ownership, practice leaders absolutely notice:
- How often you call out
- How flexible you are in a pinch
- Whether you think like an employee… or like an owner
I remember early on, before I was a partner, my flight got canceled while visiting family in Minnesota. I could’ve stayed another day—it would’ve been easier. Instead, I rerouted, rented a car, and made it back to only miss half a day of patients.
One of the partners gave me an Apple gift card as a thank-you.
Why? Because showing up mattered.
The Personal Tug-of-War
February is coming up, and I’m taking a week off with my kids. And I’ll be honest—I’m second-guessing it.
I’m still going. But when you carry ownership responsibility, time away feels different.
That’s just the reality.
Key Takeaways:
- In a small private practice, one doctor being out creates real operational and financial strain.
- A scribe helps maintain quality, but schedule overload still affects care and stress levels.
- If you want partnership someday, start thinking like an owner now. Reliability matters.
- Ownership comes with both financial upside—and emotional weight.