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

Raheleh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

When I decided to start my own practice, I knew it was my goal near the end of my residency. As I began working in the hospital, the desire to focus on health, beauty, and wellness in my own practice grew stronger. Creating a vision for my journey was the first step, and although I encountered ups and downs, it has been an impressive journey to get to where I am today.

1. Choosing the Practice Area: The first step I took was determining my niche within the medical field. I asked myself questions like, “What makes me happiest?” and “What am I best at treating?” This helped me identify the area of medicine I wanted to specialize in, which, in my case, was integrative aesthetics. It’s crucial to have a clear focus and passion for your chosen practice area.

2. Finding the Right Location: Initially, I began my practice in a shared office space in Santa Monica, California, to test the waters and make sure this path was right for me. However, I quickly realized that Beverly Hills was a more suitable location for my practice. Beverly Hills offered several advantages, including its central location, high visibility, and ease of access for patients. The city’s infrastructure made it convenient for people to park and navigate, enhancing the overall experience for patients. Additionally, Beverly Hills is known for its safety, which was an important factor in my decision to relocate my practice to this area. This move proved to be a strategic decision that contributed to the success of my practice.

3. Networking: Networking played a significant role in my journey. Building relationships with other healthcare professionals not only expanded my exposure but also provided learning opportunities. I initiated conversations, showed genuine interest in others’ work, and looked for ways to collaborate or solve problems together. Networking helps you establish a presence in the medical community and can lead to referrals.

4. Developing Marketing Skills: Marketing is essential for growing your practice. I embraced social media as a cost-effective way to reach a broad audience. Consistent posting and creating engaging content, particularly videos, helped me connect with potential patients. If you’re not confident in your marketing skills, consider hiring someone with expertise in this area or taking courses to enhance your skills.

5. Protecting Yourself: All businesses, including medical practices, need insurance for protection. Malpractice insurance is fundamental, but there are other forms of insurance to consider as well. Consulting with an insurance broker can help you choose the right plans to safeguard both you and your practice.

6. Branding Yourself: As a private practitioner, you are your brand. It’s important to embody the values and principles of your practice. Demonstrating a commitment to health and wellness sets a positive example for your patients. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there through social media, networking, and other avenues to establish yourself as an authority in your field.

Challenges and Advice: Starting my own practice was not without its challenges. Some of the key obstacles I encountered included financial uncertainties, the need to build a patient base from scratch, and the demands of running a business while maintaining high-quality patient care.

Looking back, I would advise any young professional considering starting their own practice to:

– Plan meticulously: Develop a detailed business plan that covers financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational processes.
– Seek mentorship: Connect with experienced practitioners or business people who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of private practice.
– Stay adaptable: Be prepared for unexpected obstacles and changes in the healthcare landscape. Flexibility is key to success.
– Invest in education: Continuously update your medical knowledge and business skills to stay competitive and deliver the best care to your patients.
– Prioritize patient care:Always put the well-being of your patients first. Building trust and providing excellent care will help your practice thrive.

Starting a private medical practice is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. With determination, careful planning, and a commitment to your vision, you can build a successful practice that makes a positive impact on your patients and community. The strategic decision to relocate my practice to Beverly Hills further enhanced its success by capitalizing on the central location, visibility, accessibility, and safety that the city offers.

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.

I’m an Integrative Aesthetics medical doctor who has a passion for blending medical expertise with aesthetics. I have a diverse background and a unique set of life experiences that have shaped my approach to healthcare.

Currently, I’m establishing an Integrative Wellness Center right in the heart of Beverly Hills, on the renowned Rodeo Drive. What sets me apart is my commitment to offering a holistic approach to healthcare, with a focus on wellness, regeneration, and aesthetics.

In my practice, I work closely with a team of medical doctors, registered nurses, aestheticians, acupuncturists, and experts in lymphatic drainage. We also provide an array of supplements and skincare products carefully curated to enhance our patients’ well-being.

My specialty lies in creating personalized, long-term wellness plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. I’m equally skilled and passionate about performing intricate aesthetic procedures that can greatly enhance both health and appearance.

As an Integrative Aesthetics specialist, I’m dedicated to providing a holistic approach to healthcare, blending medical expertise with aesthetics to help my patients look and feel their best. Our Integrative Wellness Center on Rodeo Drive is the embodiment of this commitment, offering a wide range of services to promote overall well-being and aesthetic enhancement.

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

– Building a strong professional network.
– Attentively listening to your patients’ needs and feedback.
– Continuously acquiring new life experiences and skills to aid personal growth.
– Demonstrating adaptability and flexibility in your approach to challenges in your field.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight is a captivating book that has left a significant impact. It’s inspiring to see how Mr. Knight’s journey, despite our differing backgrounds, resonated with me. From his initial idea to the various transformations, including those influenced by political factors, that shaped Nike’s development, it’s a book that offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship and management.

Additionally, any book by Louise Hay is always a great way to start the day, providing positive affirmations and a holistic perspective on personal growth and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.doctorrahi.com
• Instagram: @doctorrahimd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=homepage-basic_sign-in-submit

Image Credits
@lindylinphoto