Is It Better To Start A General Or Specialist Private Practice?

So you’ve decided to go into private practice.

There are so many questions to answer, and a big one is what type of practice you want to start.

Do you want to be a generalist, or a specialist?

The difference between following one route or another depends on your interests and field of study, and how you want to brand your practice, set up your fees, and choose your target market.

At Symbiosis we’ll help you with starting your own private practice in a medical coworking space.

RELATED: What Is A Medical Coworking Space?

After deciding on your area of clinical interest, we’ll work with you to manage your practice and get you to profitability, regardless of which option you choose.

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of starting a general or specialist practice.

Being A Specialist Means More Training…

Becoming a healthcare specialist means that you went through additional and more in depth study and training.

You’re also more likely, and expected, to attend events and conferences to be up to date with any innovations in your field.

Overall specialists need to pursue the highest level of training and expertise in their chosen scope of practice.

This will take additional time and effort but it does afford some benefits.

…But Being A Specialist Is More Marketable

As part of your marketing strategy, our private practice healthcare digital marketing team can push your expertise in your specific field.

That’s effective for a general practitioner as well, but when you’re a specialist, your ideal patients will be coming to you for your expertise in your specific field.

As a specialist you don’t appeal to a broad patient base.

By providing specific care, patients will be referred to you and seek you out for their particular set of health concerns.

Specialists will typically advertise and market their specific credentials, expertise, and skill set.

This can make patients more willing to trust a practitioner and pay more to receive specialized care.

Because of their required qualifications and specific healthcare focus, specialists also have less competition in their industry.

Being A General Practitioner Means More Options…

Being a general practitioner, or GP, means that you’re able to treat patients for a broad range of healthcare problems.

As a GP, you have a wide range of skills and knowledge that make you adaptable to any situation.

As a GP you’re also the entry point for many medical services.

Meaning that you’re more open to treat various health related issues and advertise to a wider public market.

This gives you options in regards to being more versatile and flexible in establishing your clinic and services.

Overall, you’re not limited by your clinical interest and can be more fluid in your career and attract a higher volume of people.

But Being A GP Also Means More Competition

While you do have more options in your practice, there is also more competition in the healthcare industry for GP’s.

There are more doctors in general practice than in specialist practices.

So if you’re in a highly populated area, it might take some extra work to make yourself stand out and grow your practice.

General Practice Vs Specialist – How To Choose?

We’ve looked at some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a general or specialist practitioner, but how to choose?

There are a number of factors that go into the choice of what kind of healthcare services you provide and the type of clinic you start.

Of course you have to be aware of required training, marketability, options, and industry competition.

But it’s important to also consider your own professional goals and interests when opening a private practice.

1. Consider What Interests You

It’s important to practice the type of healthcare you want to practice to avoid healthcare burnout.

If you have specific types of services that you’re passionate about and enjoy, then it’s not a bad idea to focus on that.

You’re able to perform your best as a clinician when you’re excited about the work you do.

Another thing to consider is the type of population you’re interested in serving.

You can cater to demographics like pediatrics, the LGBTQIA+ community, or elderly people based on your interest.

Whether you become a general or specialist practitioner, your career satisfaction and proficiency comes from practicing what you enjoy.

2. Consider How Dedicated You Are

Practicing in the clinical scope that interests you also benefits your patients with your dedication and knowledge.

Consider that becoming a specialist requires more training, adaptability, and a willingness to push your field forward.

Think about the demographics you’ll be serving and the level of care each group requires.

It’s important to also consider your expected compensation and the competition in your industry.

Consider the drawbacks and advantages of either choice.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to pursue your interest and the extent that you dedicate yourself to be successful and satisfied in that field.

3. Consider The Career Path You Want To Follow

Taking all things discussed into account, it’s important to think about your career path over an extended period.

If you want to work in a variety of healthcare disciplines and communicate with a broad range of patients, consider being a GP.

If you’re passionate about a specific field of study and care, you may consider becoming a specialist.

Think about the kind of clinic you want to establish and what would give you job satisfaction and can maintain your passion.

How Can Symbiosis Help?

Regardless of which path you choose to follow, Symbiosis can help.

Your interest as a healthcare provider is to build a life for yourself that’s largely independent.

One where you’re free to make the decisions in the best interest of your patients’ quality of care, rather than a corporate shareholder’s pocketbook.

One where you can build a healthy work life balance, and even where you can enjoy your healthcare practice.

After all, if that wasn’t the case, you’d just get a corporate healthcare job.

But when it comes to starting and growing a healthcare private practice, Symbiosis is here to help.

We’ll provide all the infrastructure you need to start – and grow – your practice.

Through avoiding an expensive commercial lease, and providing healthcare support staff, we can help you drastically decrease your startup costs.

Our private practice healthcare billing team is here to make sure you’re paid what you’re worth by insurance companies.

And our expert digital marketing team knows the best practices for marketing a healthcare clinic – they can help you attract the patients you’re looking for – whether generalist or specialist.

However you want to practice medicine, we’re here to help.

Contact Symbiosis To Start Your Own Private Practice Today

Whether you’re a general or specialist practitioner, starting your own private practice can be a huge task.

As a medical coworking space, we at Symbiosis can help.

We’ll work with you to manage your practice’s finances and help you start your practice.

Contact Symbiosis, and take your first step toward starting your own private practice today.