Embracing The Journey of Purpose, Identity, and Legacy
Jul 20, 2024![](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147566962/images/bb55f24-1705-e067-723-2bdf14bbdbb0_20_july_Embracing_The_Journey_of_Purpose_Identity_and_Legacy.png)
Transitioning to the next phase of my semi-retired life is a profound and multifaceted experience. As I find myself navigating this new chapter, I view it through the lenses of three pivotal categories: finances, identity, and family. Each of these aspects has played a significant role in shaping my decision to shift from a traditional "lunch pail" daily work mentality to a mission-driven approach focused on doing good and helping the vulnerable.
As I coach and consult with doctors every week, I see these themes emerge regularly, so I thought it would be beneficial to discuss them through the lens of my own experiences.
Financial Considerations: Freedom Through Financial Independence
One of the foremost questions on my mind was how this transition would impact my finances. Thankfully, I have reached a state of financial independence (FI), meaning my current and future lifestyle is covered, and I no longer require my time and work to be monetized to support my lifestyle. This financial freedom has liberated me from the constraints of earning a living and has empowered me to pursue my mission of doing good for others without the pressure of financial necessity.
This newfound freedom allows me to use my time, resources, and professional skills to create impactful change. One such endeavor is the creation of SimpliMD, an online business education platform for doctors. The core mission of our community is to help you thrive in the marketplace by providing you with the tools and knowledge to form micro-corporations and succeed as both healers and entrepreneurs.
As I state in my conversations with doctors every week, the joy I receive from helping you thrive is the greatest part of this work and supersedes any business considerations.The bottom line is that I don’t depend on SimpliMD to take care of my me and my family.
Reflecting on my professional journey, I find that my passion for maternity care remains strong, yet I've come to appreciate a more balanced approach. Rather than immersing myself in continuous months of service, I've discovered the value in shorter, more focused periods of care. This shift has allowed me to channel my energy and expertise where it's needed most: supporting vulnerable women and babies in rural America.
This realization aligns deeply with my broader mission to address the health inequities that persist in our country's rural areas. By concentrating on these underserved communities, I'm able to contribute meaningfully to a pressing issue that often goes overlooked. It's a path that not only fulfills me professionally but also resonates with my personal values and desire to make a lasting impact.
In contemplating this approach, I recognize the delicate balance between providing critical care and maintaining my own well-being. This thoughtful strategy allows me to bring my best self to each interaction, ensuring that the women and babies I serve receive the highest quality of care possible.
This mindset also informs my entry into the health tech space with my start up that I hope makes acute infection treatment affordable and accessible for all in the US by bypassing 3rd party controls. Once approved by the FDA, my online/app-based device ChatRx will be both impactful and financially sustainable, without the necessity of supporting my lifestyle.
Leveraging Business Architecture for Tax Efficiency
An essential aspect of this transition has been leveraging my business architecture to ensure the transition is professionally and financially efficient. By structuring my ventures, such as ChatRx and SimpliMD, within a comprehensive business framework, I can expense out various aspects of this transition. This approach not only supports my professional goals but also makes the transition tax efficient.
Utilizing the principles of tax efficiency, I can allocate business expenses in a way that optimizes tax benefits. This includes costs associated with research and development, marketing, operational expenses, and professional development. By doing so, I ensure that my financial resources are used effectively, supporting both my mission and my financial well-being.
For those considering a similar transition, understanding the importance of a well-structured business architecture is crucial. It not only provides the foundation for sustainable growth but also ensures that financial resources are optimized to support long-term goals.If you are looking for some tips with this, reach out to me to schedule a business consultation today.
Redefining Identity: From Physician to Multifaceted Leader
For many years, my identity has been intertwined with my role as a physician. The journey to becoming a doctor was long and arduous, filled with sacrifices and dedication. Stepping back from that role raised questions about my sense of self. What would I become if I was no longer practicing medicine? Would I feel as though I had lost a part of myself? How would I respond when asked about my profession?
Embracing this transition meant redefining my identity. It was essential to recognize that my worth is not solely tied to the title of "doctor." Instead, it is rooted in my ability to leverage my skills and experiences to effect meaningful change. My identity is now evolving into a multifaceted one: I am an entrepreneur, writer, influencer, health-tech startup CEO, semi-retired doctor, and grandfather. This shift has allowed me to retain the essence of who I am while expanding the impact of my work beyond the confines of a traditional medical practice.
By focusing on my mission to provide equitable healthcare through ChatRx and locum work, I am not losing my identity; I am evolving it. I am becoming a purpose-driven leader, committed to addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for those who need it most. This transition has given me the opportunity to embrace a more holistic and fulfilling professional life, where my various roles complement and enhance each other.
Family and Legacy: Modeling a Holistic Life for My Children
Throughout my life, my dedication to my career has been driven not only by personal ambition but also by a desire to make my family proud. As I embarked on this new path, the impact and influence on my five adult children became a significant consideration. I wanted to model for them what a content and fulfilling life looks like, emphasizing that their lives and identities do not have to be defined purely by their jobs and careers, but more holistically by their overall well-being.
This new chapter is an opportunity for me to invest deeply in my relationships with my children and their children—my future beloved grandchildren. I want to demonstrate that a successful and meaningful life is one that balances professional achievements with personal fulfillment and strong family connections. By embracing a mission-driven approach in Act 2 of my life, I am showing my children that it is possible to pursue one's passions, make a difference in the world, and still prioritize family and personal happiness.
In this context, it was crucial to communicate my vision and the reasons behind my choice. I wanted my children to understand that this transition was not about abandoning my role as a rural physician but about expanding my capacity to serve and create a lasting legacy. By focusing on health equity and providing critical care to underserved populations, I am honoring the values instilled in me by my family while carving out a new path that aligns with my passions and convictions.
Ultimately, this transition is about embracing Act 2 of my life with courage and conviction. It is about recognizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning one's professional pursuits with a greater purpose. By addressing financial stability, redefining my identity, and honoring my family's legacy, I am embarking on a journey that promises to be both challenging and profoundly rewarding.
As I move forward, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The mission of my professional work and my commitment to health equity inspire me to wake up each day with a renewed sense of purpose. This new chapter is not just a continuation of my story; it is an evolution that allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. And in doing so, I am confident that I am fulfilling not only my professional aspirations but also my personal dreams of living a life rich in purpose, connection, and impact.
Join the Journey with SimpliMD
If you are a physician looking looking to thrive in a fulfilling and purpose-driven career, I invite you to join the SimpliMD community as a member today, as it will unlock over $2500 in business products on my site. At SimpliMD, I offer business consulting and micro-business guide services to help you thrive in the marketplace. My mission is to empower you to flourish through micro-business competency, enabling you to thrive as both healer and entrepreneur.
Whether you are seeking guidance on forming your own micro-corporation, looking to optimize your business architecture for tax efficiency, or simply wanting to connect with like-minded professionals, SimpliMD is here to support you. Together, we can create a movement of self-employed physicians dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.
Schedule a consult with SimpliMD to learn more about our services and become a part of our growing community. Let's embrace this journey together and redefine what it means to be a physician in today's world.