Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Derek Harpole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Derek thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?

Starting your own primary care practice can seem overwhelming and unattainable for so many providers, but I am proof that anyone can do it with the right mindset and goals. The first step is to know what you would like to provide to your patients and what are your passions as a provider. This will help you with you demographics and your motivation to stick with it on those long days. Obviously, the biggest hurdle for most is the upfront costs and supplementing income while the practice grows. I was lucky enough to have a virtual job that helped me have an income while we were building our patient panel. If you are a young professional looking to start a practice, I recommend that you have a strong background in the services you offer and talk with others who have done what you want to do. Starting your own practice is nothing new and there are so many resources available now. Don’t overcomplicate it, and seek help when you are stuck.

Derek , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner currently running and operating a primary care clinic in Arlington, TX. My background in the healthcare industry is as an RN for about 8-9 years prior to getting my Masters. I have worked in various hospitals across the country as a travel nurse prior to going to graduate school. My professional background includes mostly Emergency Department, Urgent Care, Cardiac Cath Lab, and most recently Primary Care. I feel that we differ from other practices for our small town feel and individualized care plans. We do not just treat your medical conditions, but focus on you as a person and come up with a plan together to optimize your health.

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

Once you have the training/knowledge down, I would say the most helpful resource is your compassion as a healthcare provider. I have always heard, if you pursue your dreams, the money will follow. I would not advise anyone to start their practice for the money. I am not naive, and understand that money is a driving force (for me too), but do not let that lead your decisions. If you care about the patients you have, they will refer their friends and family to you and there will be no shortage of money.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

There are a ton of ways to get funding for a startup, but especially for healthcare companies there are lenders that specialize in medical practices. I recommend avoiding debt if possible, but also don’t be afraid of debt if you have a good business plan in place. Debt can be a valuable tool if used correctly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pcparlington.com
• Instagram: primarycarewellnessofarlington
• Facebook: Primary Care and Wellness Clinic of Arlington
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-harpole-b1aa10186/

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