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

Hi Anita, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

When I initially started my practice I didn’t want to take out any loans. I also wanted more autonomy and flexibility to have time with my family. I had the education and training to be a good nurse practitioner. I also, had the necessary leadership training from spending 30 years in the military. What I quickly learned was I didn’t have all the necessary business skills so that made things more difficult for me than necessary. This was a challenge. It also wasted time and resources because I had to work backwards to correct the deficiencies I lacked from the business perspective. After going into my sixth month of being in business I attended a conference put on by, “Black Nurse Entrepreneurs”. I met many leaders in the industry who had already broke the code to doing what I needed to do to be successful. I met my business coach there along with a mentor who helped me with business certifications, contracts, and grants. From that point on I started laying the pieces of the foundation that were missing from my initial implementation of the business and that were I started seeing change, growth, and started to scale. If I had to give advice to someone starting a practice I would tell them hire a business coach and mentor first to ensure they lay the foundation and ground work first so they don’t lose valuable time, money, and other resources. If there is anyone interested in have a discovery call with me they can book at https://calendly.com/dranitanpacademy

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The first part is my bio. Dr. Anita Gould, FNP-BC, is a beacon of knowledge and service in the healthcare sector, with a rich background that is both inspiring and impactful. Born and raised in the serene town of Ossining, NY, her faith and dedication have been the compass guiding her through life. As a proud Christian, she has lived a life of service. She spent an admirable 30-year journey in the U.S. Army. retiring with the honorable rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her military career is decorated with numerous awards, most notably the Legion of Merit, and an induction into the revered Office of Military Medical Merit.

Anita’s commitment to healthcare transcends her military service; she is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her experience covers the full gamut of leadership roles in healthcare, reflective of her profound understanding of patient care and medical education.

Her deployment to Iraq allowed her to contribute uniquely to the HBO documentary “Baghdad ER,” providing a raw, invaluable insight into the realities faced by military medical personnel. Following her return, she engaged deeply in the Training with Industry (TWI) Army program, at the Joint Commission, completing a fellowship that further honed her expertise in healthcare delivery.

Dr. Gould’s academic pursuits are as commendable as her service record. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Systems Leadership, a Master’s degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, a Master’s in Public Administration specializing in Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Anita’s voice has resonated at various distinguished events, including the Austin Veteran Fest and as a guest speaker at the San Antonio Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority scholarship fundraiser. Her insights have been sought after on platforms like the 2 comma club podcast and the morning infusion with Dr. V podcast. Her written work has been featured in the Beauji Brown Girl magazine, and Behind the Rank Vol 5. book. Her scholarly contributions, particularly in the study of High Reliability Organizations, are widely recognized, with publication in the prestigious Uniformed Physician journal.

An embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit, Anita has completed prestigious programs such as the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Milestone circle program and the Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell. As the Owner and Founder of Haute Wellness and Medispa in San Antonio, TX, a subsidiary of Concierge Care & Consulting PLLC, she has extended her commitment to holistic and accessible healthcare.

In the spring of 2024, she launched Haute Heavenly Healthcare and Hope, a non-profit organization with a vision to offer compassionate care. The upcoming summer marks another milestone, as she will welcome her first cohort of students in the online course at Dr. Anita NP Academy, where she aims to impart the business fundamentals of starting a clinic.

Connect with Dr. Anita Gould at [email protected], and explore opportunities to engage with a seasoned professional whose life’s work is a testament to her passion for patient care, education, and the advancement of healthcare practice.

End of bio.

I got in my business after retiring from the Army. I wanted to continue serving my community and thought what better way to make a difference than opening a primary care clinic. Aesthetics services were added to the practice later.

I help individuals who struggle with prioritizing self-care by assisting in goals, direction, guidance, services, products, medical and/or aesthetic care, and a listening ear to feel good from the inside out physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

What I believe sets me apart from others, is making each person feel heard, not judged, and showing them I’m invested in there health and self-care journey. I try to be easily accessible. The clinic also tries to work with individuals being pro-active in taking care of there healthcare needs. We also try to have a welcoming clinical environment and to have the clients not feel rushed at their appointments by overbooking. We also, offer programs for the un-insured.

I’m most proud of being a women, minority, and disabled veteran owned business that wants too and is willing to give back to the community. What I want clients to know about me is if it’s within my power to make a difference in your there life I will do everything possible to make this happen.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I believe you need to ensure your team feels valued and that they are part of the business and it’s not just mine. It’s important to have team building activities, structure, protocols, performance reviews. You praise in public and discipline in private. Include the team in your values, mission, vision, goals, and company well being. It’s important to make the person feel they are important and not just the work they do. I believe if you invest in your team they will take great pride and care of the patients, you, and the company.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Before I started my business I was made aware of another nurse practitioner who was selling her business because she was retiring. If I knew what I knew now I would have tried to buy her business instead of starting my own from scratch. The reason I say this is because the foundation was already in place, there was already a substantial client base, and finally the banks are more willing to provide a loan to a business that is already established than a business that is starting from the ground up. If you purchase an already viable business then you can tailor it to your needs and add your brand. This also goes back to business coaches and mentors. I learned from the “Black Nurse Entrepreneur (BNE)” community about the ease of purchasing an already made business over starting from scratch.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hautewellnessandmedispa.com
• Instagram: @hautewellnessandmedispa
• Facebook: Haute Wellness and Medispa
• Linkedin: Haute Wellness and Medispa
• Twitter: NA
• Youtube: @HauteDrGouldFNP
• Yelp: NA
• Soundcloud: NA
• Other: In addition to Haute Wellness and Medispa I also have Dr Anita NP Academy that works with coaching and consulting those trying to start a business and the first on-line course will be coming late this summer, early fall

Image Credits

logos-Sipiwe Mutunhu West