Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Stop bashing physician-entrepreneurs

Jillian Rigert, MD, DMD
Physician
July 17, 2022
333 Shares
Share
Tweet
Share

I see your comments on social media, and I wonder: Why are you upset? How do the negative comments towards physician colleagues serve you?

This is not an attack (that would be hypocritical). Rather, I invite you to genuinely ask yourself these questions as I sense something familiar — a projection of frustration and pain, perhaps? And I wonder how we may stop projecting and, instead, indeed start healing together?

While I’ll focus on physicians, I anticipate other communities may (or may not!) relate depending on their training and work culture. I am focusing on physician communities because the comments that triggered the “last straw” for me were comments criticizing physicians for “selling” to other physicians.

Granted, most of the comments I see on social media posts are generally positive. However, the naysayers’ comments triggered me deeply.

First, from my perspective, the comments were in reply to services created by incredibly generous physicians who also provide tons of free content.

I value the opportunity to support these physicians, knowing that the services created have the potential to save lives and provide support for unmet needs within medicine. They also can support life skills/services that may be taught/provided by non-physicians at a cost, albeit not in the same way because those individuals don’t understand the obstacles faced from the perspective of lived experience (i.e., training and working within the medical system).

When I read the naysayers’ comments, I did not see the value added by the negativity — I did see the potential harm. Who’s truly contributing to the problems here?

At face value, no one is forcing anyone to purchase anything. People get to choose to invest in offers or not and move on. Why the negativity? There must be more to the story.

There is certainly more to my story and why these comments are so triggering. Trying to dissect it all would fill a book, so for the sake of this article — let’s talk money.

The commenters were upset that physicians are “selling” something. Why should physician-entrepreneurs not charge money for their services? This was a big trigger for me as it relates to my recent experience of working half a year for no pay — very traumatic.

Regarding my experience: When I asked myself, “Why did I allow myself to work for free? Where did I learn that was appropriate?” I felt like working for free was more comfortable than advocating for money. Why? Likely for the same reason the naysayers think it’s wrong for the physician-entrepreneurs to charge money.

I think the flawed assumption that physicians should do anything for free is a reflection of our broken system. And sometimes, our harmful thought patterns and behaviors developed through being part of the broken system are not apparent until we step out to ask ourselves: Where did the accepted “norms” originate? Who do they actually serve? How are we perpetuating the problems?

There’s a term I learned along my journey trying to make sense of what was happening: “gaslighting.” I’ll leave it right there.

You may feel that physicians are supposed to work for free because you’ve fallen for it, too? Which begs the question: Why are you not celebrating the physicians who are paving the way for change?

Too often, we work for free at our own expense, and I feel that our flawed system of being overworked/underpaid perpetuates a challenging relationship with money.

I had no idea how to put my “worth” into a monetary amount, and thus I worked for no money. It was not a pleasant experience. While I work hard to not stew in the victim mindset, I felt that my people-pleasing tendencies and my inability to advocate for myself led me into a situation where people could choose to take advantage of me — or not. I no longer feel psychologically safe around the people who chose the former.

Interestingly, fast forward to today, my primary job is as a W-2 employee, and I still offer many options outside of my primary job for no cost!

What — still offering things for free? Didn’t I learn my lesson? Well, yes (learning). And just like many fellow physician-entrepreneurs, I offer services and resources at no-low cost in addition to working for compensation.

The sentiment is different when we know how to advocate for our value and have the opportunity to choose if and where to allocate free-lower cost options. It feels nice to be able to offer accessible resources. However, there must be a balance to make those efforts financially sustainable. Thus, for most people, income must be obtained from somewhere. I love that physician-entrepreneurs are finding ways to rock avenues that best suit them.

Additionally, non-traditional paths may save careers and lives. Feeling trapped or unpaid/underpaid does the opposite. Thus, where do the negative comments bashing colleagues fit in? Who do they serve?

(No one. Please stop.)

Rather than add negative comments to posts, I ask you to sit with the feeling. Where is the urge to knock the physician down coming from? Think about your actions. If I relate it to sports, the negative comments remind me of trying to injure a perceived competitor to win. That does not make you a winner. It makes you a cheater. And aren’t we on the same team?

I also appreciate the comments may be coming from a place of pain and insecurity, as I believe most bullying does. Thus, rather than point fingers and be upset, it’s time we all spread more compassion — to ourselves and others. Heal together.

As I work to heal from my period of no pay and understand my relationship with self and money, I am grateful for the physician-entrepreneurs who are showing us how to advocate for ourselves in many ways — including how to talk about money.

We are strong — and stronger together.

Jillian Rigert is an oral medicine specialist and radiation oncology research fellow.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Prev

Health care’s band of brothers and sisters

July 17, 2022 Kevin 0
…
Next

Malpractice may be negative, but its data can generate positive results [PODCAST]

July 17, 2022 Kevin 0
…

Tagged as: Practice Management

Post navigation

< Previous Post
Health care’s band of brothers and sisters
Next Post >
Malpractice may be negative, but its data can generate positive results [PODCAST]

More by Jillian Rigert, MD, DMD

  • Embracing life’s unexpected turns and finding contentment along the way

    Jillian Rigert, MD, DMD
  • Why allowing yourself to embrace discomfort is necessary for personal growth

    Jillian Rigert, MD, DMD
  • What was right with me when I developed severe depression?

    Jillian Rigert, MD, DMD

Related Posts

  • A physician’s addiction to social media

    Amanda Xi, MD
  • How a physician keynote can highlight your conference

    Kevin Pho, MD
  • Chasing numbers contributes to physician burnout

    DrizzleMD
  • The black physician’s burden

    Naomi Tweyo Nkinsi
  • Why this physician supports Medicare for all

    Thad Salmon, MD
  • Embrace the teamwork involved in becoming a physician

    Nathaniel Fleming

More in Physician

  • Challenging the diagnosis: dehydration or bias?

    Sydney Lou Bonnick, MD
  • Practicing medicine with conviction

    Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA
  • The power of memory in shaping human identity

    Emily F. Peters and Sandeep Jauhar, MD, PhD
  • Physicians have no autonomy. Here’s how to change that.

    Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH
  • The erosion of patient care

    Laura de la Torre, MD
  • Navigating adulthood in the digital age

    Eleanor Menzin, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The erosion of patient care

      Laura de la Torre, MD | Physician
    • Challenging the diagnosis: dehydration or bias?

      Sydney Lou Bonnick, MD | Physician
    • COVID-19 unleashed an ongoing crisis of delirium in hospitals

      Christina Reppas-Rindlisbacher, MD, Nathan Stall, MD, and Paula Rochon, MD | Conditions
    • A teenager’s perspective: the pressing need for mental health days in schools

      Ruhi Saldanha | Conditions
    • Utilizing AI may reduce maternal and infant mortality

      Matt Eakins, MD | Tech
    • Physician autonomy and patient interactions in corporate health care

      Michele Luckenbaugh | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • Medical gaslighting: a growing challenge in today’s medical landscape

      Tami Burdick | Conditions
    • I want to be a doctor who can provide care for women: What states must I rule out for my medical education?

      Nandini Erodula | Education
    • Balancing opioid medication in chronic pain

      L. Joseph Parker, MD | Conditions
    • The erosion of patient care

      Laura de la Torre, MD | Physician
    • Reigniting after burnout: 3 physician stories

      Kim Downey, PT | Physician
    • Mourning the silent epidemic: the physician suicide crisis and suggestions for change

      Amna Shabbir, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • Utilizing AI may reduce maternal and infant mortality

      Matt Eakins, MD | Tech
    • Unraveling the complex enigma of obesity [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Second chances and simple beauty in thrift stores

      Debbie Moore-Black, RN | Conditions
    • How to facilitate caregiver learning and support to improve clinical care outcomes

      Kerri Milyko, PhD | Tech
    • Air quality alert: Reducing our carbon footprint in health care

      Shreya Aggarwal, MD | Conditions
    • Exploring HIV care and advocacy [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

CME Spotlights

From MedPage Today

Latest News

  • What Percent of Kids Had Long COVID?
  • Primary Care Visits With NPs, PAs on the Rise; C. Diff in the Intensive Care Unit
  • Are Obesity Drugs for Adolescents Cost-Effective?
  • Lab Tests That Escape FDA Oversight May Come Under Agency Review
  • Fezolinetant Benefits Women Not Suited for Hormone Therapy

Meeting Coverage

  • Fezolinetant Benefits Women Not Suited for Hormone Therapy
  • Plant-Based Estrogen Improves Lipids in Postmenopausal Women
  • New Schizophrenia Treatments Are Coming: Don't Panic
  • Loneliness Needs to Be Treated Like Any Other Health Condition, Researcher Suggests
  • Stopping Medical Misinformation Requires Early Detection
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The erosion of patient care

      Laura de la Torre, MD | Physician
    • Challenging the diagnosis: dehydration or bias?

      Sydney Lou Bonnick, MD | Physician
    • COVID-19 unleashed an ongoing crisis of delirium in hospitals

      Christina Reppas-Rindlisbacher, MD, Nathan Stall, MD, and Paula Rochon, MD | Conditions
    • A teenager’s perspective: the pressing need for mental health days in schools

      Ruhi Saldanha | Conditions
    • Utilizing AI may reduce maternal and infant mortality

      Matt Eakins, MD | Tech
    • Physician autonomy and patient interactions in corporate health care

      Michele Luckenbaugh | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • Medical gaslighting: a growing challenge in today’s medical landscape

      Tami Burdick | Conditions
    • I want to be a doctor who can provide care for women: What states must I rule out for my medical education?

      Nandini Erodula | Education
    • Balancing opioid medication in chronic pain

      L. Joseph Parker, MD | Conditions
    • The erosion of patient care

      Laura de la Torre, MD | Physician
    • Reigniting after burnout: 3 physician stories

      Kim Downey, PT | Physician
    • Mourning the silent epidemic: the physician suicide crisis and suggestions for change

      Amna Shabbir, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • Utilizing AI may reduce maternal and infant mortality

      Matt Eakins, MD | Tech
    • Unraveling the complex enigma of obesity [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Second chances and simple beauty in thrift stores

      Debbie Moore-Black, RN | Conditions
    • How to facilitate caregiver learning and support to improve clinical care outcomes

      Kerri Milyko, PhD | Tech
    • Air quality alert: Reducing our carbon footprint in health care

      Shreya Aggarwal, MD | Conditions
    • Exploring HIV care and advocacy [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...