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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The Real Reason Your Practice is Draining You (And How to Fix It)

You didn’t go through over a decade of medical training to feel exhausted, underpaid, and overworked in your own practice. Yet here you are—drowning in administrative chaos, dealing with unreasonable patient demands, and feeling like you’re constantly giving more than you’re getting in return.

At the end of the day, your energy is gone. Your passion is fading. And the dream of a profitable, fulfilling physiatry practice? That seems farther away than ever. But here’s the truth no one tells you: the key to success in your practice isn’t just about working harder—it’s about protecting your energy. And it starts with a simple two-letter word: NO.

Why Protecting Your Energy is the Secret to a Profitable Physiatry Practice

As physiatrists, we’re wired to help people. It’s in our DNA. But that altruism can become our downfall when we let everyone—patients, staff, insurance companies—dictate how we spend our time and energy.

Think about it:

  • How many unnecessary meetings have you sat through?
  • How often have you taken on patients who drain you emotionally and financially?
  • How many times have you bent over backward for an insurance company that barely reimburses you?

Every time you say yes to something that depletes you, you’re saying no to something that could grow your business, improve patient care, or bring you joy.

The most successful physiatrists aren’t just clinically excellent—they’re masters at protecting their energy.

The Power of No: Your New Business Strategy

The document “Protecting Your Energy in Social Situations” lays out a truth that applies just as much to your personal life as it does to your practice: you do not owe everyone your time, energy, or explanations.

Let’s break this down into three rules for building a profitable physiatry practice:

  1. Stop Justifying Your ‘No’

You don’t need to explain why you’re declining an insurance contract that underpays you. You don’t need to apologize for enforcing your cancellation policy. And you certainly don’t need to feel guilty for not taking on every complex, time-consuming case that walks through your door.

If something doesn’t align with your vision for your practice, simply say: “This is not the right fit for my business.” End of discussion.

  1. Check Your Energy Levels Before Committing

You wouldn’t run a marathon without checking if you have the endurance, right? So why commit to things in your practice without assessing whether you have the bandwidth?

Before saying yes to another insurance plan, a new patient, or an extra clinic day, ask yourself:

  • Does this align with my business goals?
  • Will this energize or drain me?
  • Will this help me achieve financial independence?

If the answer isn’t a clear yes, then it’s a firm no.

  1. Prioritize Your Needs First (Because No One Else Will)

If you don’t protect your energy, no one else will. Your staff will always have requests. Your patients will always need something. But you cannot give your best to others if you’re running on empty.

So set boundaries. Delegate. Say no. And watch how quickly your practice transforms.

The Power of No: Set Boundaries to Take Back Control

When you embrace the power of ‘No,’ you set a precedent. You demonstrate to everyone around you—including your patients, your staff, and your partners—that your time and energy are valuable. You are in control of how you allocate both, and you won’t be pushed into decisions that drain you.

The Bottom Line: You Are in Control

The reason so many physiatrists struggle isn’t because they aren’t skilled or hardworking—it’s because they let everything and everyone else dictate how they run their practice.

But the most successful ones? They make conscious choices that prioritize their energy, their time, and their financial goals. Your practice should be a reflection of your values—not a treadmill of exhaustion. And it all starts with understanding the power of NO.

Now It’s Your Turn

Drop a comment below: What’s one thing in your practice you know you need to say “no” to—but haven’t yet? Let’s start holding each other accountable.

And if you’re ready to reclaim your time, energy, and profitability, let’s talk. I’ve helped countless physiatrists build practices that thrive—without burning out. Your future practice—the one you actually love—is waiting. It’s time to say no to what’s draining you… and yes to success.

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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

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