I am Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits.
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Why Most Physiatrists Stay Stuck From Fear—And How to Break Free
You went to medical school to change lives, restore function, and make a difference. But when it comes to stepping out of the hospital system and into private practice, suddenly, the fear kicks in.
“What if I fail?”
“What if I don’t know enough about business?”
“What if I lose everything?”
That fear of change is what keeps so many talented physiatrists stuck in unfulfilling, underpaid, and overworked positions.
But what if I told you that the only way to real success is through change?
If you don’t control change, change will control you. The truth is, you already have everything you need to build a thriving physiatry practice—you just have to overcome the fear that’s holding you back.
Step 1: Understand That Fear Is Not Reality—It’s Just an Emotion
Fear makes everything feel more dangerous than it actually is.
You might think, “I don’t know how to run a business.” But the reality? You’ve learned harder things before. You mastered the complexities of medicine—you can master the business side too.
You might worry, “What if I can’t attract patients?” But the reality? Patients are already looking for specialists like you—they just don’t know you exist yet.
You might think, “I’ll lose the stability of a hospital job.” But the reality? Is it really stability if you’re underpaid, overworked, and replaceable?
Your fear is just an emotional response. It’s not fact.
Instead of letting it paralyze you, let it motivate you. Move forward from fear and toward the practice you deserve.
Step 2: Become the Observer—Question the Fear Holding You Back
Most physicians make decisions based on emotion, not logic. But what if you stepped back and looked at your situation objectively?
Ask yourself:
- What am I actually afraid of? Failure? Uncertainty? Financial risk?
- Is this fear based on facts or assumptions?
- What’s the worst that could happen—and what’s the best?
When you break it down, most of your fears aren’t based in reality.
Now, flip the script:
- What happens if you don’t make a change?
- How much longer will you settle for burnout, low pay, and zero control over your career?
- What’s possible if you push past the fear?
Your future practice is not some impossible dream. It’s completely achievable—if you take control of the change instead of operating from fear.
Step 3: Take Small, Strategic Actions to Move Forward From Fear
You don’t have to leap overnight. But you do have to move.
Here’s how to start TODAY:
- Learn the business basics. Start with simple financial literacy, billing, and marketing. No need to become an MBA—just understand what makes a practice profitable.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Stop taking business advice from doctors who are too scared to build their own practice. Find mentors, coaches, and a community of practice owners.
- Take one small, tangible step. Register your business name. Research office spaces. Find an EMR system. Just do something.
Each small action reduces fear and builds confidence.
Change Is Inevitable—Success Is Optional
Here’s the truth: Nothing in life stays the same.
You can either:
- Stay in the same job, working under someone else’s rules, living with regret
OR
- Embrace change, take control, and build a business that gives you financial freedom, autonomy, and fulfillment.
Fear is real—but so is success. And the only way to get there? You have to move through the fear.
What’s ONE step you can take today toward your dream practice? Drop it in the comments!
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Once you’ve decided that you want to leave your current job to start your practice, you need an exit plan. Check out our blog post here for tips on developing an exit plan and starting your new independent practice.
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I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits. Please go to businessofrehab.com/contractnegotiations to pick up the free guide to help you negotiate the contract of your dreams.
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Attention, Physiatrists! Stop leaving money on the table. Sign up for the free video series: How To Build A Profitable Practice in 90 Days or Less: http://www.sixtytosuccess.com
