We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Saran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.

Heather, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

I decided to open my own practice when I realized the bureaucracy of insurance was interfering with my ability to best care for my patients. Once I stepped out of the box into a direct care model, I felt liberated and my patients can feel that too. There is a huge learning curve when it comes to starting your own practice. In the beginning I joked that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. One piece of advice I would give to someone wanting to start their own practice is to not be afraid to ask for help. The other doctors I have worked with for the betterment of mutual patients are now the ones who are cheering me on and offering guidance in establishing my own practice.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Most people don’t realize that being a doctor was plan B for me. I got my bachelors in nutrition with the intent to become a dietitian but then realized I wanted more of a direct role in patients care. Still, nutrition is critical in medicine and especially endocrinology and diabetes. This background gives me a unique understanding of how important our diet is.

Exercise and physical activity is also crucial to our wellbeing. I was a ballerina growing up and continued taking classes into adulthood. Practicing yoga has also been something I’ve found rewarding as an adult. I even keep a yoga mat in my office.

I am very proud to have been featured in Phoenix Magazine as a 2024 Top Doctor as well as Paradise Valley City Lifestyle. These awards are voted only by doctors so it’s humbling that my peers chose me.

I started the first concierge endocrine practice in the Valley because I wanted better for my patients. Without restraints of an insurance system I offer personalized medical care and spend more time with each patient. I’ll make you a cup of coffee while we chat about weekend plans in my office.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Not to sound like I’m lecturing my kids, but listening is vital. All the medical knowledge in the world means nothing if people aren’t ready to change. I’ve learned that although sometimes it feels like I’m doing nothing but really I’m building trust in a patient relationship and that paves the way for future change.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I finished medical training I was really excited to join a private practice that had the opportunity to become a partner. I was so excited when I was finally offered partnership but in a post-Covid era it wasn’t financially sustainable for my family. I made the difficult decision to walk away from what I had worked so hard for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.brightendocrinology.com
• Instagram: Dr.HeatherSaran
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/V4aeMXFpN5dFeQ1J/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-saran-18a173303?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Kate Levine
Steve Craft