On February 14, 2022 I launched a virtual medical consultation and patient advocacy business, myMDadvocate. One year later, I have a lot to celebrate!
Before I get to the celebration part, let me first reflect on how grateful I am.
I’m aware that many startups fail in the first 1-3 years, and often may not even become profitable until at least 2-3 years have passed.
I am happy to report that my business broke even after the first seven months, and I couldn’t be more pleased.
For that I am grateful.
Here are a few statistics from my first year:
Although it is too early to be exuberantly confident – and, frankly, that is not my style – I remain optimistic and hopeful that what I have created has lasting value.
Even more importantly, this business has created value for:
- Former patients – I’m delighted to continue to be there for you
- New patients – it’s been a pleasure to meet you and help you
- My colleagues – primary care and specialty physicians & surgeons
- My medical community – local and regional medical groups & organizations
- The medical field – collaboration with many different disciplines
- Like-minded entrepreneurs – national and international networking continues
Connecting with these people and groups, collaborating with so many, and seeing everyone benefit really makes my heart sing.
For that I am truly grateful.
Here are the top 10 ways I have enjoyed being of service in myMDadvocate:
- Acting as a sounding board for patient medical and health concerns
- Medical coaching for patients regarding a variety of issues
- Connecting patients to specialists, institutions, and health care systems
- Supporting primary care colleagues who are overworked & understaffed
- Guiding early decision-making in the face of new diagnoses
- Adding to health care team options
- Partnering for caregiver support
- Advising on weight management and chronic illness treatment paths
- Tapping into resources for improved medical system navigation
- Educating about test results, medications, treatments, and diagnoses
I am so very grateful that this list is actually much longer.
2023 also marks the 30 year anniversary of my becoming a physician. Wow, how time flies!
I remain dedicated to working on this wonderful business journey.
I am honored to continue being of service as a physician.
I am proud to always collaborate, not compete.
And, yes, I am grateful.
Please reach out and let me know how I can be of help to you, your patients, your friends, your loved ones, and your community.
Now it is time to celebrate!
For more information on Dr. Baumgaertel’s business, please visit myMDadvocate. At this time, she is only able to work with patients in Washington state. She remains available for podcasts, livestreams, lectures, blogs, interviews and other events anywhere, and can be reached at her professional email susan@mymdadvocate.com.