Entrepreneurs are resourceful, decisive, motivated, and forward-thinking being skilled at solving problems and making critical decisions when the occasion arises.
According to the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs, i.e., SOPE, an entrepreneur is someone in the ‘pursuit of opportunity with scarce, uncontrolled resources’. According to them, all entrepreneurs have a goal, i.e., using innovation to gain an end goal. Considering that physicians could be regarded as small to medium-sized business owners, they are also social entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and, finally, technopreneurs due to their constant use of new technologies. Because of the vast role fulfilled by doctors, many use their education to benefit the healthcare field.
How Doctors Can Use Their Training
Doctors can use their extensive yet intensive training outside a clinic situation in several ways. We will look at a few of these.
In Healthcare Technology
Doctors, due to their direct involvement in taking care of patients, make a good choice as startup leaders when the focus is on the development of healthcare technology. This is largely because they know and understand the products and services needed to meet the workflow needs of healthcare providers, as well as industry regulatory standards.
Interestingly, the American Medical Association, i.e., AMA, launched an online community connecting and matching doctors with companies in the digital healthcare field as well as entrepreneurs. the initiative, launched in 2017, is known as the Physician Innovative Network (IN). One of the industry’s main focuses is healthcare spending containment. Using new technology may help in this regard.
In Management Consulting
Doctors involved in tech and other healthcare initiatives can use their medical expertise and experience to analyze processes and strategies, and, often, make them better. An example of this is staffing budgets within a healthcare facility. They could recommend the best way of using resources already in place without having to spend more money. They could also look at safety and security guidelines and suggest ways to improve them to better secure a patient’s personal information. This would not only protect a patient’s personal information but help reduce an institution’s litigation risks in the process.
As Independent Medical Reviewers
As an independent medical reviewer, a doctor, by examining a patient’s chart, and employing evidence-based research, and taking industry guidelines into account, assesses whether another doctor is giving the patient the correct treatment. CPRO, for example, is one of the independent review organizations these independent medical reviewers belong to so as to execute this type of work.
Essentially, as a practicing physician reviewer ensures the integrity and credibility of the medical profession.
This review process, however, means that physicians should constantly ensure they are on track with the latest medical research and developments. This is important in not only their personal and review work but also to ensure that any claims appeals are dealt with fairly and objectively.
Employing Their Skills For The Better Good
Studying to become a doctor takes years of hard work. During this time, physicians not only hone their skills but utilize their knowledge to help others. Approximately a third of physicians have alternative income streams besides their practice. Whether they help in the invention of technology solutions or help identify potential problems in a patient’s treatment and suggest ways to rectify the situation, they have many options to use their knowledge outside of only seeing their own patients. By seeking other avenues of employment, a doctor can improve his skills, further his education, or even give medical training to others. The options are almost limitless.
CPRO offers physicians the opportunity to become independent medical reviewers. To apply to be an independent medical reviewer for CPRO, email your resume to manager@caribbeanpeerreview.com
