Is that Deductible? Embracing Act 2: Our Annual Planning Retreat in Maui

As a physician and entrepreneur, finding the right balance between personal and professional growth is crucial. This year, my wife and I decided to combine our annual planning retreat with a celebration of my transition into “Act 2” of my professional journey. Our destination? The beautiful island of Maui, where we rented our Marriott property to serve as the perfect backdrop for reflection, relaxation, and strategic planning.

Why Maui?

Maui isn’t just a vacation spot; it's an ideal setting for undistracted focus and inspiration. Surrounded by the island’s serene beauty, we could step back from the daily grind and think deeply about our goals for the remainder of 2024 as I enter into the 2nd Act of my career. The calming waves, lush landscapes, and stunning sunsets provided the perfect environment for creativity and strategic thinking. Maui holds a special place in our hearts, having visited over 10 times during our marriage. Each trip has added to our collection of cherished experiences and memories, making it the perfect setting for this pivotal moment in our lives.

Reflecting on the Past 15 Years

Fifteen years ago, we first bought our property in Maui, marking the beginning of a journey filled with remarkable changes and growth. This island has been witness to our transformation from early career challenges to achieving financial independence (FI) and professional autonomy. The foundation of this flourishing life was laid with the formation of my own professional micro-corporation. This pivotal decision translated into an employment-lite contract and the purchase of my medical office building, both of which propelled us to FI much faster than expected. These milestones not only granted me greater professional autonomy but also empowered us with powerful personal autonomy. Reflecting on these years, we see how strategic decisions and perseverance have shaped a fulfilling and prosperous life.

Timing the Retreat with My Retirement

Traditionally, we conduct our annual planning retreat in the first quarter of the year. However, this year we delayed it to coincide with my retirement, marking a significant milestone in my career. This timing allowed us to celebrate the past, reflect on the lessons learned, and plan for a future filled with new opportunities and challenges.

Reflecting on the Past Year: Highs and Lows

During our retreat, we dedicated time to discuss the highs and lows of the past year. Reflecting on successes and challenges helped us identify what worked well and what needed adjustment. A significant highlight was the successful execution of our two-year publicly declared runway to retirement. We embraced the freedom that came with going a full year without doing deliveries at our hospital, liberating us from the constraints of OB call and allowing us to venture beyond the 30-minute radius that had defined our lives for so long.

A poignant moment was the cherished "goodbyes" to my patients in Plymouth after 27 years of dedicated service. The heartfelt farewells from my patients underscored the deep connections and impact I’ve made over the years. However, it was also a time of stark realization. Not a single hospital administrator expressed any form of acknowledgment, gratitude, or well-wishes. The silence from the hospital's leadership reaffirmed my decision to leave and highlighted a painful truth: there is no corporate love for us as doctors. To them, we are just another piece of equipment.

Acknowledging these experiences and emotions was crucial. It reinforced the importance of autonomy and self-respect in our professional lives and further validated our commitment to the path we’ve chosen. Recognizing both the achievements and the obstacles is essential to creating a comprehensive plan for the future.

Crafting Our Business Plans for 2025

Our agenda was packed with strategic discussions and planning sessions. Some of the key areas we focused on included:

FM-OB Maternity Care in Rural Areas

One of our major initiatives for 2025 is expanding our work in family medicine and obstetrics to rural areas across America. The need for quality maternity care in these communities is critical, and I aim to make a significant impact by providing comprehensive care where it's needed most. The healthcare inequality for rural mothers and babies in safely receiving care is an area where I can apply our professional skills to make a meaningful difference.

The starfish story comes to mind with this:

One day an old man was walking along the beach in the early morning and noticed the tide had washed thousands of starfish up onto the shore. Ahead, he spotted a boy gathering up the starfish, then one by one tossing them back into the ocean. He approached the boy and asked why he spent so much energy doing what seemed to be a waste of time. The boy replied, “The starfish cannot live if they are left out in the sun.”

Then the old man gazed out as far as he could see and responded, “But there must be thousands of miles of beaches and countless starfish. You can’t possibly rescue all of them. What difference is throwing back a few going to make anyway?” The boy bent down picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled, and said, “It made a difference to that one!”

The old man leaned over, picked up a starfish and joined the boy throwing starfish into the water.

Growing SimpliMD

SimpliMD continues to be a passion project of mine, and I have exciting plans for its growth this year. This includes developing new products and creating courses that will empower you to thrive as a micro-busines. My vision is to inspire every US physician to embrace entrepreneurship and succeed in the marketplace.

Launching ChatRx

Another significant focus is the development and launch of my new chat-based healthtech business, ChatRx. This innovative platform will revolutionize how patients can access acute illness care inexpensively while helping to resolve health inequity. This startup will provide a scalable way for me to deliver care to the masses and will be a game-changer in the healthtech space. Ultimately, this represents a forward-thinking way to reinvent myself and continue to do good for others. More on this will follow as I await approval from the FDA on my patented medical device.

The Importance of an Undistracted Location

Being in an undistracted location like Maui allowed us to immerse ourselves fully in the planning process. The lack of daily distractions enabled us to focus on our discussions and think creatively about the future. It’s essential to step away from routine environments to gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Investing in Our Most Important Relationship

While business planning was a significant part of our retreat, we also prioritized our relationship. Investing in our marriage is crucial for both personal and professional success. We balanced our days with relaxation, exploring the island, and enjoying quality time together. This holistic approach ensures that our relationship remains strong and supportive as we embark on new ventures.

Reading and Holistic Growth

To further enrich our retreat, I brought along a selection of over 10 books that align with my holistic future. Reading these books provided valuable insights and sparked new ideas that we incorporated into our plans. Continuous learning and personal development are vital components of our growth strategy.

A Week Packed with Purpose

Our seven-day retreat was meticulously planned, with activities and experiences that nurtured both our professional ambitions and personal well-being. While certain aspects like flights, lodging, and food were covered as business expenses, we also indulged in activities that were purely for enjoyment and relaxation. This balance ensured that we returned home rejuvenated and motivated.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward through 2024, the plans and strategies developed during our Maui retreat will guide us. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare marketplace. Embracing “Act 2” with renewed energy and purpose, my wife and I are ready to tackle new challenges and achieve our goals.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with SimpliMD. Together, we will continue to inspire, support, and empower physicians to thrive as entrepreneurs and healers.

Create Your Own Professional Micro-Corporation

Ready to take your professional journey to the next level? SimpliMD offers comprehensive business guide services to help you create and launch your own micro-corporation. Leverage your business meetings in beautiful travel locations, just as we did in Maui, and experience the benefits of combining strategic planning with relaxation and inspiration.

This retreat was more than just a planning session; it was a celebration of transitions, a time for reflection, and a step towards an exciting future. Here’s to a successful 2024 and beyond!