Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ed MacMillan, Practice Manager of Atma Clinic, located in Lawrence, KS, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Atma Clinic is one of the very few truly Integrative Medicine clinics in the country. We tackle hard-to-cure chronic illnesses, as well as provide holistic primary care for the whole family, holistic mental health, and functional nutritional counseling.
Tell us about yourself
I'm the Practice Manager here at the clinic. From its inception, the clinic has strived to be first in class by providing the highest quality care for our patients and the best work environment for our providers and staff. My job is to ensure this takes place and that the clinic stays viable. With this in mind, we have come up with innovative programs that both keep the price affordable and provide the best service to our patients. We made the decision early on not to accept insurance with all the constrictions health insurance companies put on providers, so I, as the business manager, had to come up with ways of funding that were non-traditional. We instituted a membership program just over two years ago, which is going well. My job also includes hiring, and over the last two years, we have doubled our staff. Another responsibility is marketing. We are growing quickly and are in the midst of a total relaunch with a new website, marketing materials, and programs designed to appeal to the general public and small businesses in the local area. I'm also the money manager and take care of all the accounts, payroll, AR, AP, etc. We also constantly evaluate products and services we think might improve patient care and outcomes. So, all in all, I'm busy most of the time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment to date is becoming known as the place in the greater KC area to send insoluble cases. Our reputation is second to none, and that will only continue to grow as we expand and bring on more providers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The unpredictability of the economy is by far the greatest challenge. COVID was a real test for us. from the 2nd quarter of 2020 to the 3rd quarter of 2021; we struggled to break even and only survived thanks to the government money we took advantage of. In all that tie, we made every payroll and laid off none of our staff.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have a good business plan.
- Be well funded.
- Expect the unexpected.
- Know your competition.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have been managing businesses or divisions for 30 years, and I have to admit this business climate is the least predictable I have come across. Healthcare is at its lowest point I have ever seen. More and more people are leaving the profession, and burnout is endemic. On top of this, we see rapacious business practices from some Insurance providers and drug companies. Atma Clinic is trying to show an alternative model for the industry, and my guess is you will see more and more independent doctors' practices doing what we do in the future.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.atmaclinic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atmaclinic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atma-clinic/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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