Independent medicine is not for the faint of heart.
It requires physicians to balance patient care with operational decisions, technology, staffing challenges and the realities of running a business. Yet for Dr. Alecia Hutsler of Cranberry Health Partners and Dr. Brian Lieb of Lieb Family Practice, independence offered something they felt was worth pursuing: the freedom to practice medicine the way they believe it should be practiced.
In the latest episode of medent minutes, the two physicians reflected on their journeys to independent practice, the challenges they encountered along the way and why trusted partners like medent and FocusMD have played an important role in their success.
Before we hit record, however, they offered a few additional insights that perfectly frame the discussion.
Although they’re at different stages of their independent medicine journeys, Dr. Hutsler, who joined Cranberry Health Partners three years ago, and Dr. Lieb, who founded Lieb Family Practice more than seven years ago, share a common philosophy: independence creates opportunities to deliver care on their own terms.
“We’re here to take care of the patients,” Dr. Hutsler said, reflecting on the freedom that comes with practicing outside a large healthcare system.
For Dr. Lieb, leaving a corporate healthcare environment after more than two decades meant creating a practice where decisions could be made with patients, not policies, in mind.
That commitment to independence is one reason both physicians value technology partners that adapt to their workflows instead of forcing practices to adapt to software.
Also available on Spotify.
One of the most memorable moments never actually made it into the recording.
Dr. Lieb compared an independent practice to the intricate workings of a watch.
Every gear has a purpose. If one component isn’t functioning properly, the entire mechanism is affected.
Independent practices operate much the same way. Clinical care, front office operations, billing, technology, consultants and support all have to work together. When one area creates friction, everyone feels it. When each piece works in harmony, physicians and staff can stay focused on caring for patients.
That philosophy extends to selecting an electronic health record.
Rather than viewing an EHR as simply software, both physicians described the importance of having a partner that evolves with their practice, responds when they need help and supports long-term growth.
“If I have a problem, I can call [medent or FocusMD] and immediately get it addressed,” Dr. Lieb said.
When asked what helps independent practices succeed, neither physician pointed to a single product or strategy.
Instead, they talked about surrounding yourself with the right people.
Dr. Lieb referred to it as the “secret sauce.”
That includes trusted advisors, experienced consultants, knowledgeable staff and technology partners who understand the realities of independent medicine.
Throughout the podcast, both physicians discuss how those relationships have helped their practices grow while allowing them to remain focused on delivering exceptional patient care.
For medent, that’s exactly what partnership is about: providing technology backed by responsive people who are invested in the long-term success of independent practices.
This article only scratches the surface.
In the latest episode of medent minutes, Dr. Alecia Hutsler and Dr. Brian Lieb discuss:
Whether you’re already practicing independently or considering making the transition, their conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful perspective from two physicians who have experienced the journey firsthand.
Listen to the full episode of medent minutes.
