The Catalyst: Sparking Creative Transformation in Healthcare

5 Strategies to Save 10 Hours a Week

Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day? Jenna Piche, once a marketing executive and now a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, has dialed in the art of mastering her time and mindset. This week, Dr. Lara Salyer learns Jenna's game-changing strategies for a balanced and productive life and medical practice.
 
One of the key insights Jenna shares is the concept of the “positive no”. She explains that it's okay to say no and set boundaries, as long as it is done in a respectful and positive manner. By communicating your limitations and commitments, you can avoid overextending yourself and prioritize your own needs. 
To use their time to its maximum potential, Jenna encourages practitioners to delegate tasks that are not in their zone of genius, allowing them to focus on the work they are truly passionate about and only they can do. Another valuable tip Jenna offers is the importance of routines and rituals. By creating a workday startup and shutdown routine, practitioners can set themselves up for success and ensure they are working efficiently and effectively. These routines also allow for intentional planning and reflection, helping practitioners to optimize their time and energy.
 
This episode underscores a valuable message: success, both in a professional landscape and in personal realms, hinges on effective task prioritization, time and mindset management.
 
Quotes:
• "Just stop working from a to-do list, right? Work with a daily big three or a daily big one, whatever it is. And once you get the important things done, you'll feel like you're making progress and then you can move on to the busy work." (12:01 | Jenna Piche)
• "The idea of having routines and habits and rituals in place is that you focus on something once, you create a system to do that thing, and then you put that on autopilot." (18:02 | Jenna Piche) 
• “But the idea that when you have routines in place and you do it every day, then it just becomes who you are and you move farther faster. So I apply that to the operations mindset. How can we touch something once, create a system, and then work the system so we can free up our mental brainpower?” (19:17 | Jenna Piche) 
• "Leveraging these things and these systems and even the right frame of brain helps you accomplish more and less time so you can really enjoy the business that you've created." ( 36:10 | Jenna Piche)
• “Because nothing beautiful or wonderful can happen unless you honor yourself and your own inner-creativity and inner-vibrancy and invest in yourself enough to envision a better future. Having this blank canvas and designing a work-life masterpiece that is uniquely yours, that feels like home and it's personalized, and the biggest bottleneck, or I should say the tiniest bottleneck that we need to move through is time management. (36:20 | Lara Salyer)
 
Links
Connect with Jenna Piche:
Website: https://firstlighthealth.co/womens-health-and-focus-coaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennapiche/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstlightcoach/
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Beyond the Mental Health Label -- From Illness to Wellness

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, a naturopathic doctor and authority in the treatment of mental illness joins The Catalyst to speak about her own experience with depression, bulimia and suicidality, which, at one point, left her in a coma. Yet, in a stunning message of hope she reveals that it was this latter incident that set her on a trajectory of healing, a process she says is both individual and ongoing. As human beings we are divided into four quadrants: mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. Western medicine is limited, Dr. Christina explains, focusing only on the physical aspects of mental health. Naturopathy and pharmaceuticals can work together to better treat not only symptoms of mental illness but their root causes. 
 
To get to those root causes we must be willing to dig into our own pasts. What underlying fear is the brain, which is designed to keep us safe, protecting us from? Do our problems stem from nature versus nurture, from genetics, epigenetics and/or intergenerational trauma? We often wear masks in public to hide our suffering, such as the one Dr. Christina wore throughout her time in the corporate world. However, the body will whisper that something is wrong until it yells in the form of a crisis. 
 
Dr. Christina leads us through an exercise in which we have an honest conversation with our hearts. Join today’s discussion to learn more about how we can learn to check in on ourselves, starting in the smallest ways and the important difference between information and transformation. 
 
Quotes
• “Anyone struggling with their mental health, suicidal ideations, depression - you're really the furthest from love for yourself that you can possibly be.” (7:21 | Dr. Christina)
• “Labels help to explain a constellation of symptoms, your experience, but they don't explain how you got there. And often, that explanation is rooted in some earlier experience that predates the diagnosis.” (10:31 | Dr. Christina) 
• “As a human, you're comprised of the physical level, mental, the emotional and the spiritual, and Western medicine is mostly focused on the physical level.” (13:35 | Dr. Christina) 
• “I subscribe to the theory, a little bit more of epigenetics, which is that genes load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.” (23:09 | Dr. Christina)
• “Whenever you say you want something - lose 20 pounds, want to leave a relationship, job, change, whatever you say you want something, but you never do it is because you've got an unconscious sub commitment, you're committed to something else. And that's something else is often being safe, keeping you safe.” (28:51 | Dr. Christina) 
• “That is what depression does to you. It really clouds your judgment. It's like you're in a dark cloud and you cannot see through that cloud. You're pretty much immersed in it. However, the sun is actually still shining behind that cloud.” (34:25 | Dr. Christina) 
 
Links
Connect with Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND:
Website: drchristinabjorndal.com
Facebook: Dr. Christina Bjorndal
Twitter: @drbjorndal
YouTube: Christina Bjorndal
Instagram: @drchrisbjorndal
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The Future of Family Medicine

Dual board-certified physician in family and integrative medicine, Dr. Jill Valerius has a valuable story to share on this continuation of our mini-series of successful practices. Her journey reflects a narrative familiar to many: beginning in a conventional medical setting, trying to cater to thousands, only to grapple with mounting frustration as her practice began to drift from her core purpose in medicine.
 
Dr. Valerius abandoned traditional family practice delivery models and transitioned to a membership-based approach. This move not only streamlined her patient list but also deeply enriched her patient relationships, elevating the overall quality of care. Our hosts, Dr. Salyer and Dr. Valerius, tackle the pressing questions that might be on the minds of physicians contemplating a similar leap. With candidness, Dr. Valerius chronicles her journey, emphasizing its transformative effects on patient interactions, care standards, and her personal sense of satisfaction. 
 
This episode is testament to the adaptability of healthcare providers and many ways that holistic family medicine can be delivered.
 
Quotes:
• “Conventional medicine is a patchwork. We treat symptoms, we pacify things, we make numbers look better. We don't necessarily make people's health better.” (7:41 | Dr. Valerius) 
• “We can change this. We can change the system. And honestly, we are so good in this country. When we need acute medical care, we are so good. But when it comes to everything else, we rank so poorly. And we have money in this country that other countries don't have, but we don't have foundational health that poor countries have.” (14:38 | Dr. Valerius) 
• “It's an exciting future of evolved family practice that you're saying I am going to talk about things that are not going to be typical and you're allowing, kind of curiosity and open mindedness to come together as you partner with patients.” (39:32 | Dr. Salyer)
 
Links:
Connect with Dr. Jill Valerius:
Website: www.nowhealthpalmer.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nowhealthpalmer
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jillvalerius
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

From Community Care to Functional Health: A Doctor’s Journey

20 years into practicing family medicine, Dr. Myrto Ashe completely reimagined the way she delivers healthcare. In this episode of our mini-series focusing on successful functional medicine clinics, you'll hear an inspiring and relatable story of one doctor’s journey to functional medicine. 
 
After witnessing the failure of conventional medicine to improve symptoms for a family member, Dr. Ashe began exploring alternatives to medications and began to try some of these practices on herself and her family. The near immediate improvement in everyone's health was so compelling, that in 2011 she decided to orient her consultation-based practice fully around functional medicine. She has since developed a unique micro practice model, inspired by her ex-husband's psychiatry practice, where she can spend more time with her patients and truly delve into their health concerns.
 
What sets Dr. Ashe apart is her passion for community health and her dedication to making functional medicine accessible to all. She recognizes the limitations of the traditional healthcare system and strives to provide a more personalized and integrative approach to healing. Her patients are not just numbers on a chart; they are individuals with unique stories and experiences.
 
This is also a story of a businesswoman exploring different models of delivering care. Dr. Ashe shares the pros and cons of structures she tried and how different models impacted the engagement of patients and the effectiveness of care, as well as her own satisfaction. It's an inspiring story that reminds us that there are many different approaches to healthcare, and the model of care impacts not just the quality of life and the well-being of the patient, but also the practitioner.
 
Quotes:
• "When I went gluten-free, dairy-free, my asthma disappeared, my joint pain disappeared, and I lost 15 pounds. It was unbelievable. And it's a shame that I hadn’t known this my entire medical career." (24:22 | Dr. Myrto Ashe) 
• “You forgive yourself for being just human. And then you realize that you still have a dream to help people with their health and their lives. And you can still do that.” (27:20 | Dr. Myrto Ashe)
• “One of my targets were my patients who were on chronic narcotics. I wanted to see if I could get them off of them and it was so fun to watch that happen.” (29:28 | Dr. Myrto Ashe)
• "I wanted to focus on functional medicine… I really feel that what I do is to teach." (31:59 | Dr. Myrto Ashe)
• “A friend of mine, who was someone I really looked up to a lot, tried to open a functional medicine clinic not far from here and signed up under Medicare. And he said it was horrible. He literally was paying to practice.” (41:44 | Dr. Myrto Ashe)
 
Links
Connect with Myrto Ashee:
Website: http://www.unconventionalmedicine.net
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Primal Play: Creativity in Movement

Movement is medicine, and play is the secret ingredient that makes it enjoyable and sustainable.  This is the message of Darryl Edwards, a movement coach and founder of the Primal Play Method.
 
In this episode, Darryl shares his personal journey of overcoming burnout and transforming his health through exercise. He discovered that traditional exercise programs didn't resonate with him and his clients, so he developed the Primal Play Method, which combines the science of evolutionary biology with exercise physiology and play psychology. The Primal Play Method focuses on three pillars: primal movement patterns, exercise science, and playfulness. Darryl believes that movement should be enjoyable and engaging, just as it was when we were children. By incorporating elements of play into our exercise routines, we can tap into our inner child and rediscover the joy of movement.
 
Darryl's approach is inclusive and diverse, with exercises suitable for all ages, abilities, and fitness levels, certainly including those who are managing or overcoming injury. He emphasizes the importance of finding activities that you truly enjoy, rather than forcing yourself to do something that feels like a chore. Through his work, Darryl aims to inspire individuals to transform their health and well-being by making physical activity fun and engaging. He believes that by embracing our natural human instincts for play, we can optimize our health and vitality.
 
This is your permission slip to break free from the monotony of traditional exercise and infuse your fitness routine with joy and playfulness. Get ready to color outside the lines and discover the transformative power of primal play.
 
Quotes:
• "Movement is medicine. It isn't just about getting into shape. It's also about improving my health." (08:51 | Darrell Edwards)
• "I went back to my childhood. It was when I was playing out all day, long summer days where literally food was just something you stuff down your face because you want to get back outside again. And it was only when the sun went down and your parents said you had to get back in that you went in. And those days were just absolutely incredible. So that was a sort of like I am living for the moment and all that matters is play." (18:09 | Darrell Edwards)
• "I don't just want to do one thing. I want to do a variety of things, one, because it increases enjoyment and longevity of performing that task, sustainability of having different things, variety being the spice of life. Right. So it does that. It also ensures that my body isn't overly stressed in one particular domain because I'm working at different intensities, using sometimes strength, sometimes cardio, sometimes balance, flexibility, all these all these different facets." (32:06 | Darrell Edwards)
• "My job is to help individuals embrace their inner child, accept that it's okay to have a longing for that, but learn how to recreate that now." (36:20 | Darrell Edwards)
• "As an adult, I don't want to be doing all the things that I did as a kid. I want to be cognizant of my adult capabilities, my adult abilities, but I want to maintain that mindset of that child." (37:32 | Darrell Edwards)
 
Links
Connect with Darryl Edwards:
Website: www.primalplay.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fitnessexplorer
 
Connect with Lara: 
Catalyst Compass: https://buff.ly/3ODQEsc
Premium Subscription Box: www.drlarasalyer.com/shop/#SubscriptionBox
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Unplugged: Putting the Me Back Into Metrics

When embarking on a new venture, it’s easy to compare ourselves negatively to our peers on social media, to try to be too much to our patients and forget what brings us joy. The more you define success on your own terms, based on your own values, the less you’re likely to feel imposter syndrome or burnout. Today, Dr. Lara will delve into the three categories that tend to cause medical entrepreneurs the most overwhelm and worry: social media, patients and their healing, and overall success. She’ll help you determine your own personal metrics to help you gauge whether your current situation is working for you, whether it’s time to make changes large or small, or if it’s time to go in a completely new direction. 
 
She’ll present the metrics by which she measures her own success and progress and provide examples from her own life. She also offers up thought-provoking questions which will help you hone in on yours. You’ll consider your needs based on your geographical location, your budget, what work/life balance means to you. How can you use social media as a source of inspiration, to recognize where your role as practitioner ends, and how you personally define success? 
 
The most important thing to remember is that there is no one way to measure your metrics or determine your values. And the more you define your values and measures of success, the closer you’ll get to putting the “me” back in metrics!
 
Quotes
• “Just because you're grieving the absence of certain things in your life now does not mean you can’t hold space and honor that that served a great purpose during those chapters in your life, but it no longer fit the overall equation of happiness and peace.” (3:27 | Dr. Lara)
• “How do we measure our metrics?...There is no one right direction towards health, there is no one right way to run a business.” (7:43 | Dr. Lara) 
• “Look at your own values, look, and filter your emotions through your mission and values. If you're still feeling envious, and jealous, then that might mean you want to move in that direction of that domain or value. And that's okay.” (10:39 | Dr. Lara)
• “Emotions are messengers.” (10:55 | Dr. Lara)
• “We don't need more data, more information, we need smart use of data and information in small strategic ways.” (17:41 | Dr. Lara) 
• “We apply to medical school as a well-rounded human and suddenly now we're just doctors or nurses or PAs we forget what made us unique and self-expressive.” (22:59 | Dr. Laura)
• “Our human condition is naturally gravitating towards change. And when it becomes stagnant, sometimes we need to, you know, kind of spice things up a bit.” (24:39 | Dr. Lara)
Links
Connect with Lara: 
BRAINSTORM SESSION: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Holistic Hub FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthinnatemembers
Join our newsletter list and win prizes: https://drlarasalyer.com/win/
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Are You Talking About Me? -- How to Make Feedback Your Friend

“We need to understand that feedback is part of our growth” Dr. Lara says on this solo episode of The Catalyst. Feedback–including and perhaps especially negative feedback–is vital not only to providing the best value to your community, but in allowing to shape your company and its services. It’s a metric which helps to ensure you’re fulfilling your set mission and goals and even lets you know what services are worth letting go of to save time and money. Dr. Lara shares three impactful questions that you can model to glean impactful insights from your community. The subtle nuances of each question are enough to encourage more fruitful answers. She’ll also share her secret to timing the release of a survey so that the recipient is more likely to answer rather than ignore because they feel pressured or nagged. 
 
She also shares feedback she has received from members of her Catalyst Studio Mentorship program where she helps other clinicians optimize their own practices. She explains in detail what each comment means to her, what questions it prompts her to ask about her business practices and how it impacts her decisions going forward. Listen as she shares her insights about how to address her members’ feelings of overwhelm, lack of user friendliness and geographically-specific issues. Clients tend to be reticent about sharing less-than-glowing reviews, and she’ll share how to make them feel safe enough to be truthful. 
 
While no one can take in every last bit of input from clients, using it constructively is one of the best ways to optimize your business. Hear Dr. Lara share the best way to make use of trends and her two go-to survey platforms.
Quotes
• “This is also a disclaimer not to take into account every single piece of feedback, because you have to filter it through your mission, your values and the trajectory of what you're trying to do in your business.” (5:23 | Dr. Lara)
• “For my patients, I include extra details like, ‘I grow more from the difficult feedback, from the hard feedback. So please know that I welcome that feedback if not more than the glowing feedback.’” (8:02 | Dr. Lara) 
• “People are still holding their cards to their chest, because that is what feedback does. People want to glow, and they're a little bit more reticent to tell you something disappointing.” (15:49 | Dr. Lara)
• “Maybe that shows that I need to be more obvious about stating that and more encouraging of my Catalyst mentees to explore…what worked for my community won't work in LA or New York or Canada.” (16:25 | Dr. Lara)
• “I love this feedback. This helps me create better systems…So that's how I grow from feedback.” (21:50 | Dr. Lara)
 
Links
Connect with Lara: 
Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery
Compass: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/r0OoKwkS
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Special Edition: IPM Congress Unpacked!

"Listen, Lara, you are preaching to the converted there because that is one element that helped me with my recovery," shares Helen Perks, a registered nutritional therapist, during her captivating conversation with Lara Salyer on the Catalyst Podcast. The duo delves into their experiences at the International Precision Medicine (IPM) Congress in London, which brought together diverse thought leaders in the field of functional medicine. In this exciting three-part episode, the co-hosts unravel fascinating anecdotes, inspiring talks, and the value of connecting with like-minded professionals to explore cutting-edge knowledge in nutrition, breathwork, and holistic health.
 
The three-day IPM Congress in London turned out to be a captivating experience for Helen and Lara. From heartwarming anecdotes about navigating the London Tube system with suitcases to attending thought-provoking talks by distinguished speakers, the event left a lasting impression on both hosts. The second day featured sessions about cultivating resilience, managing stress, and exploring the art of storytelling in medical practice. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's keynote on the "Wellness Prescription for the 21st Century" resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicine and empowering patients to take charge of their health.
 
The final day of the IPM Congress focused on "Food on Prescription," highlighting the connection between real food and overall health. Dr. Venetia Patel, a pediatrician, emphasized the significance of a whole-child approach to health, while Dr. Ouma Naidu discussed the impact of food on mood. Throughout the event, Helen and Lara emphasized the power of breathwork in supporting health and well-being. They both expressed their passion for sharing knowledge and collaborating with professionals worldwide, underscoring the importance of attending the IPM Congress for networking, learning, and reigniting one's passion for functional medicine.
 
Here are the "Awards" for all the people mentioned:
MOST FOMO: IPM Congress: https://www.ipmcongress.com/ 
MOST INTERESTING: TreeTop Man: https://www.youtube.com/@treetopmanfit6314 
MOST RELEVANT TO AGING: Animal Moves: (Primal Play) https://www.primalplay.com/books 
MOST FOMO: IPM Congress: https://www.ipmcongress.com/ 
MOST RELEVANT TO WISCONSIN, USA: Armin Labs: https://arminlabs.com/en 
MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Sentia Spirits: https://sentiaspirits.com/ 
MOST FRIENDLY AND EMBRACING: British College of FxMed: https://www.bc-fm.org/home 
MOST LIKELY TO TRAIN WITH: Metabolic Terrain Institute for Health (cancer): https://mtih.org/ 
MOST FLAVORFUL: Pukka Tea: https://www.pukkaherbs.com/uk/en/ 
MOST LIKELY TO HELP BURNOUT: Dr. Reena Kotcheka's work: https://drreenakotecha.com/mindful-in-healthcare-course/ 
MOST ENDEARING: Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas "getting over yourself is key to happiness" https://www.drmiguelmateas.com/ 
MOST GLOBALLY IMPACTFUL: Food for Mood by Dr. Uma Naidoo 
MOST REALISTIC: Dr. Ayan Panja's Integrative Approach in a Standard GP Consultation http://www.drayan.co.uk/ 
MOST GREEN: Dr. Lucy Loveday's Green Prescription with Nature immersion https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/working-life/working-life/an-immersion-in-nature/ 
MOST GROUNDED: Sophie Trew's breathwork break https://www.sophietrew.com/ 
MOST AUTHENTIC: Dr. Cristina Bjorndal https://drchristinabjorndal.com/ 
MOST BUSY: Kirkland Newman's MindHealth360 https://www.mindhealth360.com/
Quotes
• "The IPM Congress was a fantastic experience. I got to meet like-minded professionals from around the globe, and the energy of curiosity and playfulness was palpable throughout the event." (04:12 | Lara Salyer)
• "Being at the IPM Congress really helped me reignite my passion for functional medicine and stay up to date with the latest trends and research." (07:12 | Helen Perks)
• "For me, the first step towards good health is taking responsibility for our health, which forms part of my respect model of health and wellbeing." (1:02:50 | Helen Perks)
• "It's just incredible to see that all of these topics, no matter what day they centered on, there's elements of similarity that food and nutrition is paramount." (1:03:15 | Lara Salyer)
• "I felt like if I had planned better, I could have organized my time better. I felt very much like I wanted to go here, but then what about this one, and so my organized brain would have liked a clear pathway." (1:06:20 | Lara Salyer)
Links
Connect with Helen Perks:
Website: www.helenperks.com
Instagram: @helenperks.bsc
Facebook: Helen Perks BSc.
Threads: helenperks.bsc
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

FlashCast: When You’re Struggling to Fill Your Group Visits

In this episode, we explore five essential tips to maximize attendance in group visits, addressing the challenges faced by many healthcare professionals. The significance of group visits becomes evident when we recognize the limitations of scaling one-on-one patient care. Dr. Lara Salyer, your host, shares valuable insights on how to make these visits more effective and impactful.
 
First, set realistic expectations, emphasizing the significance of group visits as part of the treatment plan. Secondly, utilize reminders with specific topics to increase attendance and create a safe environment for participants. Thirdly, gather valuable feedback by polling patients and the community to understand their needs and preferences. Fourthly, mind your language and use inviting terms to describe group visits. Finally, consider open or closed enrollment options, offering flexibility or fostering a sense of community. By implementing these tips, healthcare professionals can enhance group visit effectiveness and promote better patient outcomes and community engagement.
 
By implementing these five tips, healthcare professionals can enhance attendance and effectiveness in group visits, thereby fostering better patient outcomes and community engagement. Remember, group visits offer valuable opportunities for patients to connect, learn from one another, and receive support throughout their healing journey.
 
Quotes
• "Functional, holistic, integrative medicine is simply not scalable. The math does not work. You can't serve your patients or population one-on-one. We don't have enough physicians, providers, practitioners. We need to be clever and innovative with growing this kind of education and lifestyle support." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 01:30)
• "Group visits are a key part of this. Group visits help patients see they're not alone. They help patients learn from other patients. They also help promote your services because as you have newer people in the fold, you might have people that have been through your methods or systems that reassure and tell those newer people, Hey, I've been there too." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 03:20)
• "Reminding your patients with a topic can really help increase that attendance and help them get used to what is going on." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 05:47)
• "Tip one was set expectations. Tip two, remind them. Tip three, pull your members. Tip four, look at the words you're using when you're describing these groups." (Dr. Lara Salyer | 10:22)
 
Links
Connect with Lara: 
Symposium: https://drlarasalyer.com/symposium/
Catalyst Compass: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/r0OoKwkS?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Unplugged: Tips for an Extraordinary 60 Minute Patient Visit

“The true medicine that we give our patients as a functional medicine practitioner is the medicine of trust, the medicine of empowerment, that they know their bodies are going to be okay,” shares host and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Lara Salyer. The world of functional medicine is vast and it can be a challenge to not get lost in the weeds during patient visits. Today, Dr. Lara explains her tips for a flow channeled experience that enables her to keep her patient visits to 60 minutes or less. Take a peek behind the desk at Dr. Lara’s process and see what this efficiency looks like from the patient’s point of view as she guides listeners through a pretend visit.
 
Even though you have a lot of information at your disposal, it is important to keep in mind that patients might not be as excited as you are to dive into the deep end. Keep it simple and dial it back so that you do not overwhelm your patients with too much information. Dr. Lara spends 80% of her time just doing prep work so that everything is as streamlined and convenient as possible for the patient. When the patients fill out her intake survey, she makes sure to highlight the key areas that need further investigation and begins strategizing three to five anchor goals that will become the main focus of treatment. A good portion of the initial visit is spent determining the anchor goals and then doing a physical exam. By the end of the visit, the patient walks away with a welcome bag full of useful items, a short visit summary with highlights and supplemental resources, some very basic educational material on functional medicine, and a list of easily achievable next steps. 
 
Instead of allowing yourself to get lost in the weeds, possibly overwhelming not only yourself but also your patients, do everything you can do in advance to make the patient visit process flow smoothly. Sometimes less really is more. Give patients the educational resources and allow them to decide for themselves how deep into it they want to go. 
Quotes
• “Prep is about 80% of my time.” (8:29 | Dr. Lara)
• “The summary is divided into two sections, the highlight section, which is the bare minimum of five steps that she has to do, and then there's a line. And underneath that it says supplemental information and resources, because not all of us are as excited to learn about medicine as we are.” (18:14 | Dr. Lara)
• “We don't have to have all the answers figured out, but we can trust that our body is working with us.” (20:19 | Dr. Lara)
• “The true medicine that we give our patients as a functional medicine practitioner is the medicine of trust, the medicine of empowerment, that they know their bodies are going to be okay.” (21:05 | Dr. Lara)
• “The future of functional medicine is empowering one patient at a time that will influence their whole family unit.” (22:49 | Dr. Lara) 
• “My advice to patients is, step into that role of advocacy for yourself.” (24:33 | Dr. Lara)
 
Links
Connect with Lara: 
Catalyst Compass: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/r0OoKwkS
Catalyst Symposium: https://drlarasalyer.com/symposium/
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
Instagram: @drlarasalyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer
TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm