Transparency, Trust, and Thriving in Rural Medicine: Lessons from My Conversation on The Rural American Surgeon Podcast

Why Rural Medicine Needs Trust and Transparency

If you’ve ever practiced in a small town, you know that trust isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything. Your patients aren’t just names on a chart; they’re your neighbors, your kids’ teachers, and the people you see at the grocery store. When I sat down with Dr. Randy Lehman on The Rural American Surgeon podcast, we had a heartwarming discussion about the unique challenges and rewards of rural medicine.

Randy is a friend and a cherished member of our SimpliMD community! He's not only an amazing entrepreneur but also a dedicated rural surgeon with a passion for flying—zipping off to locum jobs in his helicopter is just one of his many adventures. You absolutely have to subscribe to his podcast; it's bound to captivate and inspire you!

In our conversation, we tackled everything from the growing crisis of rural maternity unit closures to my concept of “Employment Lite”, a model that gives you the best of both traditional employment and private practice. Most importantly, we explored how financial independence can be your ticket to staying in control of your professional life while still serving your community.

If you’re a rural surgeon or family physician, this episode might just save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years! Let’s dive into some key takeaways.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here: Big Impact in Small Town Family Medicine with Dr. Tod Stillson

📺 Watch the YouTube video here: Big Impact in Small Town Family Medicine

The Crisis of Rural Maternity Unit Closures

One of the most pressing issues in rural healthcare is the closure of maternity units in small hospitals. Over the years, I’ve watched this happen in my own community, and it’s devastating. The impact goes far beyond expecting mothers—when an obstetrics unit closes, it disrupts the entire healthcare ecosystem. It affects emergency care, forces patients to travel further for deliveries, and discourages young physicians from choosing rural practice.

What does this mean for you as a rural surgeon or physician?

• You may see more high-risk deliveries in the ER, increasing liability and stress.

• The loss of OB services often foreshadows further hospital cuts, making your job less secure.

• Fewer young doctors are willing to work in rural areas without OB services, leading to workforce shortages.

These closures aren’t just statistics—they’re real problems that impact the well-being of entire communities. If you’re in a hospital that still has an obstetrics unit, fight to keep it. And if yours has already closed, think about how you can advocate for better maternal care solutions.

Achieving Financial Independence as a Rural Physician

One of the biggest mistakes I see rural doctors make is relying too much on their employer for financial security. The reality is that rural hospitals are often in financial distress, and your job might not be as stable as you think.

I shared my personal journey toward financial independence with Dr. Lehman because I believe every rural physician should have a plan to take control of their future. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Start Thinking Like a Business Owner

Even if you’re employed, you should see yourself as a business within the marketplace. Understand your worth, track your revenue generation, and make sure your contract reflects it. If you’re not getting paid what you bring in, it’s time to renegotiate—or consider a different model.

2. Reduce Financial Dependency on Your Employer

You don’t have to quit your job to be financially independent, but you should structure your finances so that you’re not reliant on a single paycheck. This means:

• Living below your means (yes, even as a physician!)

• Investing in income-generating assets, like real estate or a micro-business

• Avoiding lifestyle creep—it’s easy to inflate your spending, but staying lean gives you freedom

3. Consider “Employment Lite”

This is a model I’ve used to blend the best of traditional employment with the autonomy of private practice. With Employment Lite, you negotiate becoming a long term independent contractor with your employer, rather than a W-2 employee. This will support the layering in of independent revenue streams, such as a side practice, telemedicine, or consulting. This setup lets you enjoy some benefits of employment (like malpractice coverage) while keeping your options open. Some people call this job stacking and you can read about it more here.

If you’re looking for a way to stay in rural medicine without feeling trapped, Employment Lite is a game-changer. I wrote a best selling book about my experience converting to employment lite and you can get a copy here.

Resources for the Busy Doctor

During the podcast, we also discussed some practical resources to help you manage your career and financial health more effectively. Here are a few that I recommend:

1. SimpliMD Business Coaching ($2,000)

Receive 1:1 holistic coaching tailored to small business growth, with flexible monthly or quarterly programs to fit your needs. Whether you’re transitioning into private practice or looking to maximize your income, this coaching will give you the guidance you need.

2. Creating A Practice Without Walls Course ($199)

Discover how to launch your own virtual professional micro-corporation and thrive in the expanding marketplace with this comprehensive course. If you’re considering telemedicine or independent contracting, this is your roadmap.

3. 1:1 Micro-Business Consultation ($99)

Work directly with me to evaluate your professional life and explore how a micro-corporation can elevate your career. If you’re unsure how to transition away from full-time employment, this is the perfect starting point.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Future

Rural medicine is an incredible career path, but it comes with unique challenges. The key to long-term success is staying adaptable, financially independent, and proactive about your career choices.

If you haven’t listened to my full conversation on The Rural American Surgeon podcast yet, I encourage you to check it out. I truly believe the insights we shared could save you years of frustration—and maybe even a small fortune.

If you’re ready to take the next step in designing your ideal career, let’s connect through SimpliMD. Whether you need coaching, a course, or a one-on-one consultation, I’m here to help you build a career that works for you, not just your employer.