I myself am a father and physician — a notoriously difficult combination. However, making time for my family became much easier when I joined Priority Physicians last summer as a concierge doctor.
The Strain of Traditional Practice
In my previous work as a physician at a traditional practice, schedules and demands were intense — a marked difference from what I have today at Priority Physicians.
- In traditional practices, each doctor’s average patient volume is high. On a typical day, I saw 16–20 patients suffering everything from runny noses to complex medical issues. Heavy patient loads make it difficult to give each patient the attention they deserve.
- Less time to interact with my patients meant less time to diagnose and treat them. It’s tough to be deliberate and efficient under tight time constraints.
- During most weeks, I worked extended hours. My day never ended at 5 p.m. or with the last patient. I’d often bring work home or stay late at the office to finish administrative tasks.
The Impact of Stressful Work
In my previous traditional practice, the long, unpredictable working hours and heavy patient load hurt my home life.
I had limited quality time with my wife and children — less time to focus on being a father and husband. Interactions with them were condensed and fraught with fatigue and stress.
Instead of being intentional and able to engage in simple, silly activities with my kids, my mind was preoccupied with patient charts and insurance paperwork.
Eventually, I couldn’t perform my best in my job, either. It was stressful to know I didn’t have adequate time with my patients — time to listen, become well acquainted, or make thoughtful diagnoses and treatment plans.
I felt inadequate in every area of my life. I couldn’t deliver the best care to my patients or my children.
Work-Life Balance at Priority Physicians
When I joined Priority Physicians last summer, concierge medicine opened up a new host of possibilities for me, my patients, and my family.
My Workday
At Priority Physicians, I enjoyed immediate benefits from a reduced patient volume. With a smaller patient panel, I no longer struggle to manage an overwhelming number of patients each day.
My colleagues and I are empowered to offer upper-echelon services, same-day appointments, and minimal wait times. I’m more attentive and spend more time getting to know every patient, which is satisfying for them and me.
My workdays have fewer administrative obligations, which reduces my cognitive burden. I stay sharp, both for my patients and for family time later.
My Home Life
Since I became a concierge physician, my working hours have been far more predictable, so I have a true work-life balance. I have more energy to be a great dad, husband, son, and grandson, to manage home responsibilities, and to explore my hobbies.
This better overall balance makes it easy for me to be more present for my loved ones — physically, emotionally, and cognitively.
And being a better person helps me to be a more effective physician.
Concierge Care and the Patient
Most physicians have equivalent qualifications and training. However, in a concierge practice, the benefit of more time helps physicians perform their jobs to the best of their ability.
Without excess burden and stress, a physician can:
- Be more present with patients
- Build a personal connection with patients that leads to more informed guidance of their well-being
- Stay up to date on leading medical techniques and advances
- Research, learn, think, ask questions, and confer with medical colleagues regarding the needs of patients with complex issues
Get the Time You Deserve With Your Doctor
At Priority Physicians, the “priority” is time. Our doctors achieve great work-life balance so we can give you the attention you deserve, forge a strong doctor-patient relationship, and provide a slate of meaningful services.
And at the end of our day, we head home to our families knowing we’ve delivered a caring and thoughtful plan for your lasting wellness.
Reach out. Let us give you the time your health deserves.
