We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Virmarie Diaz Fernandez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Virmarie, thanks for joining 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.

I had just finished psychiatry residency and was working as a psychiatry attending, supervising residents during their outpatient training. After several months of working as this position I started experiencing microagressions (“commonplace verbal or behavioral indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicates hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults”) not only from colleagues but my supervisor. Experiencing this was hard, making me question aspects of my hispanic culture, my personality and even how I practiced psychiatry. Thankfully, I had the support of my family who have, not only, encouraged me to “ir mas alla” (go further) but embrace my personality and my abilities to be a hispanic psychiatrist. Their support provided me with the drive to change professional paths and start my own practice. Making the decision to start a practice was not easy but I was motivated to be my own boss. I met with other mental health providers who had started their own practice and reviewed different guidelines like the American Psychiatric Association tool kits /best practices. I met with colleagues and mentors on a regular basis to have accountability in the establishing of my practice. Soon after I built my website, found a simple EMR, got into marketing platforms and hired a virtual assistant through Virtual Latinos (who was vital in all this process).

Looking back I would not have done anything differently. I whole heartedly believe that the errors I made helped me become a better psychiatrist and be a better practice owner. For early career psychiatrist wanting to start their own practice I would recommend GO FOR IT! Having your own practice can seem intimidating at first but there are many resources to support you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico by a Cuban mother and a Puertorrican father. I completed an undergraduate degree in Cellular Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico. I Completed my medical school training as well as her first year of Psychiatry Residency at the University of Puerto Rico Medical School – San Juan, which is the largest Medical Center in Puerto Rico. After completion of my first year of residency I transferred to Gainesville, Florida to finish my psychiatry residency from the University of Central Florida/ HCA Consortium program.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I started my solo practice in Gainesville, Florida in 2021 and have multiple state licenses. I focus on the treatment of all psychiatric disorders primarily for adults with a special interest in the LGBTQ+ and Hispanic population.

I provide evidence-based psychiatric services for adults. Using a biopsychosocial approach, which means that psychological and environmental factors are as important as medical aspects when evaluating a condition. Believing in patient-centered treatment where the psychiatrist (myself) acts as an advisor/consultant to patients in deciding on what treatment modality to use rather than deciding for them. I collaborate with patients and other providers in the treatment team (therapist, social worker, among others). When the focus in treatment is on substance use, I practice the philosophy of harm reduction, the focus is not on the use of substances, rather on the dysfunction and harm that substances can bring to someone’s life.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, I am fascinated by the mind and the human connections. I thrive on helping others and seeing others succeed. I am passionate about helping minorities and providing care to those who will otherwise not be able to receive care.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Be yourself, be transparent and be genuine to your patients/clients. I provided patient-centered treatment where the psychiatrist (myself) acts as an advisor/consultant to patients in deciding on what treatment modality to use rather than deciding for them. I collaborate with patients in their care, allowing them to decide the best course of treatment for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://betterconnectionsfl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/better.connections/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virmarie-diaz-fernandez-1a9116204/