From Survival to Success: Healthcare Practices That Thrive

Private practice can be one of the most rewarding journeys a healthcare provider takes—but it can also be one of the most isolating. In a recent conversation with consultant and coach Tracy Cherpeski, we dug into what it takes to move from survival mode to truly thriving as a practice owner. Tracy is the founder of the Thriving Practice Community, a global network designed to support providers who are ready to grow without burning out.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from our discussion:

1. Community is essential.
Owning a private practice means wearing a lot of hats—provider, business owner, manager, and more. Without a support system, it’s easy to feel like you’re carrying it all alone. A community of peers helps reduce burnout and provides practical solutions you can actually implement.

2. Younger providers are embracing independence.
Tracy has observed more and more new doctors and residents pursuing private practice. While statistics don’t fully reflect this shift yet, it’s happening in real time. These providers want more freedom in how they serve their patients, and they’re motivated to build practices that reflect their values. That’s a hopeful sign for the future of healthcare.

3. Support systems free you to focus.
The fastest way to ease the burden of practice ownership is to delegate. Administrative support, medical virtual assistants, and fractional practice management can make a world of difference. Tracy even mentioned how organizations like state medical associations are creating shared resources for providers—helping small practices access tools once reserved for larger systems.

4. Thriving requires letting go.
As Tracy said so well, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Many practice owners hesitate to hand off tasks, but holding onto everything creates bottlenecks. Delegating empowers you to focus on what only you can do—delivering excellent patient care and setting the vision for your practice.

The Thriving Practice Community is Tracy’s answer to this need. It’s more than a place to network; it’s a space for education, collaboration, and coaching. Providers not only gain strategies to strengthen their practices but also connect with peers across the country—and eventually around the world. That kind of collective wisdom and support helps lower the risk of burnout and sparks innovation.

If you’re a private practice owner, take heart: thriving is possible. You don’t have to choose between excellent patient care and personal well-being. With intentional systems, strong support, and a community to lean on, you can build a practice that grows sustainably while giving you back the time and energy you deserve.