Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Fallon Patel, an optometrist with a thriving multi-location practice in Canada. Dr. Patel shares her journey from being an immigrant child to becoming a successful optometrist, discussing her educational background, early career challenges, and the transition from Sears Optical to Lenscrafters. She emphasizes the importance of leadership, team development, and innovative practices in myopia management. Dr. Patel also highlights the need for better business education in optometry schools and her commitment to giving back to the profession.

Books referenced

• Who Not How
• 10x Is Easier than 2x

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Fallon Patel

02:32 Dr. Patel's Background and Heritage

07:56 Pathway to Optometry: Influences and Decisions

10:59 Experience at Waterloo and Early Career

14:31 Differences in Training: Canada vs. U.S.

18:55 Transitioning to Practice: Early Challenges

21:26 Overcoming Setbacks: The Sears Closure Experience

23:28 Transitioning from Sears to Lenscrafters

26:46 The Value of Being Part of a Bigger Network

29:03 Learning and Growing Through Challenges

31:51 Hiring the Right People for Growth

34:08 Leveraging Technology for Business Success

40:41 Championing Myopia Management

44:52 Leadership and Giving Back to the Community

Takeaways

• Dr. Fallon Patel's journey reflects resilience and determination.
• The importance of family support in overcoming challenges.
• Optometry education should include business acumen training.
• Leadership is about empowering the right people in your team.
• Myopia management requires a variety of treatment options.
• Transitioning from corporate to private practice can be challenging.
• Building a multi-location practice involves continuous learning.
• Networking and mentorship are crucial for professional growth.
• AI and technology can enhance practice management and patient care.
• Sharing knowledge within the optometry community is essential for growth.

In a conversation with Ankit Patel on the Optometrists Building Empires podcast, Dr. Ryan Corte shares his journey in optometry, emphasizing the importance of patience, flexibility, and resilience in building a successful practice. He discusses the challenges of managing staff, the significance of recruitment, and the impact of technological advancements in the field. Dr. Corte reflects on formative experiences that shaped his career and offers advice to aspiring optometrists, highlighting the need for preparation and a positive mindset. The discussion also touches on the future of optometry and the role of primary eye care providers in healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 Building an Optometry Empire

04:40 The Importance of Patience and Flexibility

09:37 Navigating Staffing Challenges

14:49 Scaling Practices and Managing Growth

19:45 The Future of Optometry and Technology

24:55 Personal Growth and Life Lessons

29:36 Finding Balance and Enjoying Life

34:48 New Chapter

Takeaways

• Patience is crucial in the journey of building a practice.
• Flexibility and resilience are necessary to navigate challenges.
• Opportunities often arise when you are prepared and patient.
• Understanding the business side of optometry is essential for success.
• Managing staff requires a balance of patience and decisiveness.
• Centralizing operations can improve efficiency and patient care.
• Recruitment is an ongoing challenge in the optometry field.
• Technological advancements are transforming patient care in optometry.
• Formative experiences can shape your approach to leadership and management.
• Maintaining a positive mindset is key to overcoming obstacles.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Corte interviews Dr. Kriti Bhagat, who shares her journey into optometry, the cultural expectations she faced, and her passion for specialty contact lenses. Dr. Bhagat discusses her experiences in residency, the transition from academia to clinical practice, and the challenges of opening her own private practice. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, navigating work-life balance, and the rewarding aspects of patient care. Dr. Bhagat encourages future optometrists to explore the diverse opportunities within the profession and to prioritize their well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kriti Bhagat

01:57 Journey into Optometry

05:10 Cultural Expectations and Career Choices

09:28 The Decision to Pursue Residency

11:15 Experiences During Residency

14:36 Transitioning from Academia to Clinical Practice

18:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Career Moves

22:58 Establishing a Private Practice

23:25 Building a Specialty Practice

24:31 The Decision to Open a Practice

26:24 Navigating the Challenges of Starting Up

27:48 Finding Support and Mentorship

30:01 The Rewards of Autonomy in Practice

31:41 Understanding Legislative Impacts on Optometry

34:53 Transformative Patient Encounters

37:41 Balancing Multiple Roles in Optometry

39:38 Navigating Burnout and Work-Life Balance

44:00 The Endless Possibilities in Optometry

Takeaways

• Dr. Kriti Bhagat emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her journey.
• Cultural expectations can shape career choices in healthcare professions.
• Residency can open many doors and provide valuable experiences.
• The transition from academia to clinical practice can be challenging yet rewarding.
• Opening a private practice allows for greater autonomy in patient care.
• Networking and community support are crucial when starting a new practice.
• Work-life balance is essential to prevent burnout in healthcare professionals.
• Reading and continuous learning can help manage stress and improve skills.
• Optometry offers diverse career paths beyond traditional roles.
• Patients appreciate personalized care and attention in their treatment.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Will To, he shares his experiences navigating chaos in his optometry practice, including a robbery and subsequent challenges like a fire and flooding. He emphasizes the importance of mental health support for his staff and the role of tele-optometry in providing care to underserved communities. Dr. To reflects on defining moments in his practice that highlight the importance of patient care over business decisions, ultimately advocating for a compassionate approach in the healthcare profession.

Chapters

00:00 Networking in Optometry

01:18 Navigating Chaos: The Robbery Incident

13:49 Dealing with Multiple Challenges

19:50 Navigating Challenges in Practice Ownership

26:22 Telehealth: Bridging Gaps in Optometry

32:41 Inspiration and Future Goals

Takeaways

• Navigating chaos requires quick thinking and decisive action.
• Safety and mental well-being are paramount in the workplace.
• Telehealth can bridge gaps in healthcare access, especially in rural areas.
• Defining moments shape who we are as practitioners and individuals.
• Compassionate care should always take precedence over business profits.
• Community support is crucial in overcoming challenges.
• It's important to address the emotional aftermath of traumatic events.
• Building a resilient team involves open communication and support.
• Optometry can play a vital role in underserved communities through telehealth.
• Paying it forward is essential in the healthcare profession.

Dr. Will To shares his journey in optometry, from his early days as an optician to becoming a successful practice owner. He emphasizes the importance of experience in various roles within the field, the impact of AI on optometry, and the significance of networking and mentorship. Dr. To also discusses his unique approach to practice ownership, focusing on creating a concierge experience for patients and the importance of team dynamics in a successful practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Will To

07:01 The Importance of Diverse Experience in Optometry

12:29 The Role of AI in Optometry

20:30 Transitioning from Traveling to Practice Ownership

26:49 Networking in Optometry

Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh shares his journey in optometry, from his early interest in the field to his current role as Dean of Student Affairs at the Illinois College of Optometry. He discusses the unique opportunities at ICO, the transition from student to resident, and the responsibilities of being in academia. Erik reflects on the challenges facing the optometry profession, including the applicant pool and the role of the NBEO, while also sharing valuable lessons learned from mentors. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and making informed decisions in one's career.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Eric Mothersbaugh

03:01 The Journey to Optometry: Discovering Passion

06:46 Choosing ICO: A Unique Educational Experience

10:23 Transitioning from Student to Resident

14:10 Entering Academia: The Path to Faculty

16:48 Life in Academia: Expectations and Responsibilities

19:18 Climbing the Ranks: Becoming Dean of Student Affairs

22:42 Lessons Learned: Advice from Mentorship

24:28 Navigating the Applicant Pool Challenges

31:28 Reflections on the NBEO and Its Impact

36:09 Future Aspirations and Goals

38:03 Memorable Moments from Residency

39:26 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Dr. Mothersbaugh

Takeaways

• Erik's journey to optometry was fueled by a desire to serve humans.
• He found ICO's unique opportunities for clinical education compelling.
• The experience of serving an underserved community was rewarding.
• Transitioning from residency to academia was a significant step for Erik.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in Erik's career development.
• The optometry applicant pool is becoming increasingly competitive.
• Erik advocates for more outreach to attract future optometrists.
• The NBEO faces challenges in maintaining accountability and transparency.
• Erik emphasizes the importance of curiosity in professional growth.
• He aims to improve the student experience at ICO for future generations.

Dr. Ryan Corte, Dr. Nadia Afkhami, Dr. Jasdeep Soni, Dr. Doug Akidi, and the newly minted Dr. Svetlana Nunez discuss the challenges and experiences of transitioning from students to practicing doctors. They share insights on navigating the unknowns of early career stages, understanding contracts and compensation, managing financial stress from student loans, and the importance of community support. The discussion also touches on the journey to owning a practice and the role of podcasts in sharing knowledge and experiences within the optometry field.

Check out The Depth Perception podcast here!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

03:14 Transitioning from Student to Doctor

06:03 Navigating the Unknown as a New Graduate

09:02 Understanding Contracts and Compensation Structures

12:04 Financial Stress and Student Loans

23:14 Balancing Life as a New Grad

27:31 Managing Student Loans and Financial Planning

30:30 The Importance of Financial Awareness in Early Career

32:53 Navigating Private Practice Ownership

39:18 Balancing Career and Family Life

44:57 Defining Moments in Professional Growth

48:45 The Purpose of Podcasting in Optometry

53:36 New Chapter

Takeaways

• The transition from student to doctor can be both exciting and daunting.
• New graduates often feel unprepared for real-world challenges in optometry.
• Building a supportive community is crucial for new ODs.
• Understanding contracts and compensation structures is essential for career success.
• Financial stress from student loans is a common concern among new graduates.
• Balancing personal life and career is a significant challenge for many professionals.
• Owning a practice requires careful planning and understanding of the business.
• Podcasts can serve as valuable resources for sharing knowledge and experiences in optometry.
• Embracing discomfort is part of the growth process in any career.

• Knowing your worth and advocating for yourself is vital in negotiations.

Dr. Ryan Corte talks with Dr. Katie Chu who shares her inspiring journey from being the first generation born in the U.S. in her immigrant family to becoming a dedicated optometrist serving her community. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life, including her decision to pursue optometry, the influence of her family, and her spiritual awakening that transformed her approach to patient care. Dr. Chu also talks about her plans for a part-time life in Hawaii, her recent transition to joining Vision Source, and her commitment to leaving a legacy in her community. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self and living boldly with faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Katie Chu's Journey

03:29 Cultural Heritage and Family Legacy

06:16 Following the Heart: A Career Shift

09:19 The Impact of Family and Spirituality

13:28 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

16:12 Transitioning to a New Phase of Career

19:21 Vision for a Part-Time Life in Hawaii

21:38 Joining Vision Source: New Opportunities

25:08 Legacy and Community Impact

28:13 The Future of Independent Optometry

31:15 Living Through Faith and Spirituality

Takeaways

• Dr. Katie Chu is the first generation born in the U.S. in her family.
• She initially wanted to be a biology teacher but followed her heart into optometry.
• Her personal life experiences, including marriage and motherhood, shaped her journey.
• A spiritual awakening led her to realize the importance of patient care.

• Joining Vision Source has provided her with resources for her career transition.
• She emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy for her community.
• Independent optometry continues to flourish despite challenges from corporate entities.
• Dr. Chu encourages others to embrace their true selves and live boldly.
• Her faith plays a significant role in her personal and professional life.