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

Sonia, 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.

Opening the Doors to a Medical Practice: A Journey of Dedication and Overcoming Challenges

As a Night Register Nurse at the county hospital and a student finishing my Master’s degree, I was simultaneously searching for a location to open my own medical practice. The desire for independence as a business owner was something I had aspired to from a young age. One of my primary goals was to establish a practice that could serve a community in need, specifically focusing on low-income and Hispanic populations, offering services in their native language.

Growing up in a humble background, I could relate to the healthcare barriers and challenges my family, particularly my parents, faced within the medical system. This personal experience drove my commitment to ensure that others facing similar struggles would have access to quality healthcare.

Before opening my practice, I thoroughly researched and carefully evaluated several critical areas. These included financial considerations such as budgeting and marketing strategies, identifying the target population, determining the types of services to offer, applying for government programs, and ensuring the acquisition of proper equipment and qualified staff. Equally important was finding the right location and securing a building that could meet the needs of the practice.

One of the biggest hurdles I faced in opening my practice was overcoming my own fears—particularly about how patients would perceive me. At just 25 years old, I was a young Hispanic female Family Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. I was concerned that my age and appearance, which often made me look younger than I was, might impact the trust and comfort level of my patients. Additionally, establishing partnerships with vendors and third-party affiliates proved to be challenging, as I often encountered discrimination as a young Hispanic woman trying to build a business from the ground up.

Despite these obstacles, my meticulous, organized, and structured approach allowed me to successfully navigate the process of opening my practice. I invested significant time and effort into researching and following each necessary step, which ultimately led to the success of my business.

Looking back, after more than 25 years as a business owner, I now recognize that there are areas where I could have made different decisions. In particular, I would have chosen to invest in purchasing my own building rather than renting. This could have provided more financial stability and long-term growth for my practice.

For young professionals aspiring to open their own business, my advice would be to focus on investing in the growth of the business. Take the time to understand financial management, accounting, and operational aspects of running a practice. Enrolling in courses or seeking mentorship in these areas can greatly simplify the process of establishing and sustaining a successful business.

Sonia, 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?

My name is Sonia Y. Tovar, and I’ve always been driven by a passion for healthcare and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to California when I was 13. It was here that I found my calling in the medical field. After graduating from high school, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Loma Linda University, where I was proud to graduate in the top 5% of my class. I then continued my education with a Master’s in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach, and specialized as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Harbor-UCLA. Later, I earned my Board Certification in Family Practice, which allowed me to broaden my scope of care and work with patients of all ages.

But my journey didn’t stop there. I sought to deepen my understanding of holistic health, which led me to become a certified Functional Medicine Provider. This opened the door to a new way of practicing medicine, one that focuses on treating the whole person and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Over the years, I also specialized in Preventive, Anti-Aging, and Regenerative Medicine, as well as Aesthetic Medicine. A particular area of focus for me has been cervical cancer prevention, screening, testing, and treatment—a field that I’m deeply passionate about.

Much of my inspiration comes from my mother, a dedicated nurse whose example has always guided me. Growing up, I would often visit her at work and see the difference she made in her patients’ lives. Her dedication and compassion shaped my understanding of healthcare as more than just a profession—it’s a way to profoundly impact people’s lives and well-being.

Today, I’m fortunate to be able to offer my patients a comprehensive approach to healthcare that combines both conventional and holistic methods. I believe in providing personalized care that addresses not only the physical aspects of health but also the emotional and mental well-being of each individual. I’m proud to be able to communicate with my patients in Spanish and Portuguese, which helps me build trust and ensure that language or cultural differences never stand in the way of their care.

My mission is to empower my patients by helping them take control of their health through education and guidance. I want to inspire them to embrace a healthy lifestyle, be proactive about their wellness, and make informed decisions that positively impact their lives. It’s truly rewarding to know that I’m contributing to not only improving my patients’ health but also helping them achieve a better quality of life.

I welcome walk-ins and am always available to my patients—whether in person, by phone, or via text. My goal is to ensure that every patient feels confident, informed, and supported. Through education and compassionate care, I aim to ease any concerns and help my patients take the steps they need toward a healthier, happier life.

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

To truly stand out in any field, one must possess a deep passion and love for what they do. It is essential to find purpose and meaning in our work, as this is what allows us to genuinely serve others and deliver services that reflect our core values. By aligning our actions with a greater sense of purpose, we can create meaningful impact and convey what we believe is most important through our work. And belief in what you do.

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

To build a strong reputation within your business, it is crucial to be actively involved in your community. Engage with your community, demonstrating honesty, authenticity, and loyalty. Strive to serve on a larger scale by participating in volunteer work and providing educational content about your services through various marketing channels and social media platforms.

To establish an excellent reputation, prioritize integrity and transparency, consistently deliver high-quality work, and maintain professionalism in all aspects of your business. Being reliable and consistent will foster positive relationships. Additionally, seeking honest feedback from customers will help you continuously improve and maintain a trusted presence in your community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clinicsaludfamilia.com
• Instagram: @healthclinicsaludfamilia
• Facebook: Sonia Tovar
• Linkedin: soniaytovar
• Yelp: Health Clinic Salud & Familia
• Other: tik tok; Sonia Y Tovar