We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica McCartin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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.

The journey to founding Elite Primary Care and Wellness started with a deep-rooted passion for providing quality, personalized healthcare. For years, I worked within larger healthcare systems and noticed how the patient experience could often be impersonal, especially as healthcare became increasingly corporatized. I knew that if I could create a space where patients felt truly cared for and seen as individuals, I could make a real impact.

There were several pivotal moments that motivated me to launch my practice when I did. In my previous role, I found that patient care often took a backseat to administrative demands and financial considerations. The environment became increasingly micromanaged, and it felt as though the focus was shifting away from delivering quality care to patients. This shift left me feeling disheartened and ready for change. I knew that I wanted to create a practice where patient care was the primary focus. With that determination, I took the leap and established my own practice, fully committed to the vision of providing personalized, patient-centered care. I moved forward with confidence and never looked back.

I had a vision of the practice; my next step was researching and planning. It was essential to align the vision with a clear business plan, which included financial planning, location, marketing strategy, and operational systems. Once I had a solid business plan, I executed.

One main challenge was advertising. I focused on my social media platforms and made content myself. It was not consistent or on brand. Once I started to make a profit, I was able to hire someone to run my marketing, which has been a game changer for me. It has allowed me to focus on the core of my practice, the patients. Managing the business and administrative tasks, along with seeing patients has recently been a challenge. I look at this as a wonderful thing, because my practice is continuing to grow.

My advice to young professionals or those looking to open your own practice would be…
1. Clear Business Plan
2. Know your finances and have a plan- I recommend renting shared space when starting to save on overhead.
3. Be prepared to work hard and invest time into your business and for personal growth
4. Find a mentor that you can lean on for support
5. Always keep your core values and vision at the forefront

The journey won’t be smooth, and there will be setbacks. What matters is staying resilient, learning from the challenges, and continuing to improve. Learn from your mistakes and stay focused.

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?

My name is Jessica McCartin and I am the founder of Elite Primary Care and Wellness, a practice built on the belief that healthcare should be personalized, accessible, and focused on the overall well-being of each individual. I started my journey in healthcare because I’ve always been passionate about helping people achieve optimal health and live fulfilling lives. Early in my career, I realized that many healthcare environments, especially large corporate systems, often prioritize administrative tasks and financial metrics over the actual needs and care of patients. This became a defining moment for me—a moment when I knew I needed to create a space where patients were truly at the center of care.

Having worked in a variety of healthcare settings, I gained invaluable experience that shaped my understanding of patient needs, the importance of effective communication, and the critical role that trust plays in the provider-patient relationship. This ultimately led me to establish Elite Primary Care and Wellness, where I could offer a more tailored, patient-focused approach to care, with a focus on the physical, mental, and emotional health of my patients.

I offer a wide variety of services to my patients including comprehensive primary care services, encompassing preventive care, chronic disease management, wellness check-ups, and acute care. However, what truly sets me apart is my commitment to building lasting relationships with my patients. I take the time to listen, understand their needs, and develop customized care plans that are aligned with their health goals. My services are designed not only to treat illness but also to empower patients to take control of their health through education, support, and accessible resources. I pride myself on taking a holistic approach to overall wellbeing and preventative care.

I am particularly proud of the atmosphere I’ve cultivated within my practice—one that is warm, welcoming, and focused on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I believe that the best patient outcomes are achieved when patients feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

The problems I solve for my clients are both personal and practical. I help individuals navigate the complexities of their health by providing clear, compassionate guidance and care. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension, providing preventive screenings to catch issues early, or offering advice on lifestyle changes, I focus on finding sustainable solutions for my patients. The goal is to help people not just survive, but thrive! Again, taking holistic wellness into consideration.

I also understand the frustrations that come with navigating a system that doesn’t always prioritize patient relationships, so I make it a point to be accessible and responsive to my patients’ needs. By offering timely appointments, follow-up care, and health coaching, I ensure that my patients receive the ongoing support they deserve.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my patients and the impact I’ve had on their lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals take charge of their health and make meaningful changes because of the care and guidance I provide. I’ve created a space where people feel not just cared for, but understood. The relationships I’ve formed with my patients are the foundation of my practice, and I consider it a privilege to be part of their healthcare journey.

For potential clients or those who are learning about me for the first time, I want you to know that my practice is rooted in a strong commitment to your health and well-being. At Elite Primary Care and Wellness, you will always be treated as an individual, not just a patient. I am dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in an environment where you feel supported and empowered. Whether you’re here for routine care or managing a complex health issue, I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

If you are looking for a healthcare provider who truly cares about you and your health journey, I invite you to experience the difference at Elite Primary Care and Wellness.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

One of the most essential skills for success in healthcare is the ability to truly listen to patients and understand their concerns. Empathy allows you to connect with patients on a deeper level, making them feel heard and supported. This creates an environment where patients are more likely to follow care plans, ask important questions, and engage in their health journey. Building trust through genuine care fosters long-term patient relationships. Active listening is crucial to having successful and meaningful relationships. This segues into communication skills.

Clear, effective communication is crucial, both with patients and colleagues. It’s important to communicate complex medical information in ways that are easy to understand. This helps ensure that patients feel informed and confident in the decisions they make about their care.

Learning about time management and how to prioritize tasks is also a necessity. Being able to manage time effectively is essential, especially in primary care, where multiple tasks need to be balanced. From seeing patients to reviewing medical records, handling follow-ups, and managing administrative duties, staying organized and prioritizing tasks ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. Strong time management skills help prevent burnout and ensure that each patient receives the attention they deserve.

Finally, the healthcare landscape is always changing. Being open to continuous learning, whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-study, is crucial for staying current and offering the best care. Embracing a mindset of self-improvement allows you to refine your skills, adapt to new challenges, and remain at the forefront of patient care.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

From the beginning, I made it a priority to ensure that every patient received care tailored to their individual needs. By fostering an environment where patients felt heard, respected, and valued, word began to spread that this was a place where people were treated as more than just their medical conditions or another number. This level of personalized care has been a cornerstone in building trust and loyalty, which naturally leads to a strong reputation.

I believe that clear, honest communication creates strong relationships and establishes credibility.

Maintaining professionalism in all aspects of the practice- from patient interactions to the way I run the business, has helped build a strong, reliable reputation.

Ultimately, delivering results for my patients has been one of the most important aspects of building a solid reputation. Whether it’s improving a patient’s chronic health condition, helping them achieve their wellness goals, or preventing serious illness through preventive care, positive outcomes speak for themselves. When patients see tangible improvements in their health, they are more likely to refer others and leave positive reviews.

In today’s digital age, an online presence is essential to reputation building. I made sure to build a strong online presence through an informative website and active engagement on social media, where I share health tips, success stories, and helpful resources. I make it a priority to partner with other local, reputable businesses that have the same outlook and focus on holistic wellness and longevity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eliteprimarycareandwellnessclinic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_elitenp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eliteprimarycareandwellness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mccartin-fnp-c-473947b8/

Image Credits

Angie D photography
https://www.angiedphotography.com/