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

Rick , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your field completely flip-flop or change course on something?

Having been in medicine for over 36 years, scientific advances have given us earlier diagnosis and advanced treatment techniques with increased survival in many instances. However, at the same time the practice of medicine has become more automated and less personal. We decided to make a change.

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?

Becoming a physician came naturally; there is a history of physicians in my family all the back to the late 1700’s as best I can determine…on both sides of the family! My wife Meredith is the COO of our new venture and has her Doctorate in Vocal Performance and Music literature from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Naturally, the arts are a big part of what we appreciate in our life together. This common interest and the desire to continue to help people is the foundation of our medical venture together.

In March of 2022 we began planning this very different way to provide healthcare in a unique setting. I am not sure of the exact moment I came upon the idea, we just started planning.
Medicine On Location or MED-LOC, is a physician staffed 24/7 mobile unit designed to provide comprehensive healthcare for production companies filming away from traditional medical resources. Treating cast and crew for feature films, limited television series and documentary films productions, our mobile medical unit is a solar powered Airstream Basecamp 20x, outfitted for about any adverse situation that might occur.
Working with cast and crew in out of the way places comes naturally. Both of us spent quality time outside in nature while growing up and into adulthood. Meredith has fond memories of camping with her grandparents and as a camp counselor in the Hill Country of Texas. I spent five weeks in the wilderness of Wyoming years ago and spent all of my summers outdoors in northern Michigan working outside, This past summer we attended a Wilderness Medicine conference in Big Sky, MT. What a great conference with great people. With additional training I became an Advanced Wilderness and Expedition Provider…a fabulous experience. I realized how much I miss the magnificent beauty of the mountains.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The entertainment business can be a difficult nut to crack, so-to-speak. For those already in the business it can still be very challenging. A case in point is the very talented writer, producer and director Taylor Sheridan. He spent 15 years paying his dues as an actor, grinding it out. He had faith in his talent, wasn’t afraid to change directions and was persistent.

In our case, we’re not trying to sell a script nor auditioning as an actor but our medical practice is untried and a niche medical concept. Putting yourself out there, meeting people and establishing relationships is not only important but can be tremendously fulfilling. Life long friendships are a treasure.

After describing the practice concept to those who ask, I’ve had many who replied “brilliant !”. It will be “brilliant” when we have contracts signed, executed and they are pleased with our service. Faith in your concept and persistence are the key to success.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

In our situation, there is no blueprint or book of “expert advice” to establish a plan of action. In my opinion, the blueprint is your life experience, judgement and the willingness to do the work necessary in order to ethically achieve your goal . If an avenue of progress is blocked, you go another direction. Don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t possible, because with faith and persistence, all things are possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: MedicinonLocation.com
• Instagram: medlocrickschillingmd
• Linkedin: Rick Schilling MD ABFM AWEP