What Are Your Professional Resolutions In 2022?

Another year has begun. As we enter our now third calendar year of living in a pandemic, the resultant changes in our lives, businesses, and careers are clearly evident. Although none of us can know what 2022 will bring, I believe we all hope for a brighter future. Entering this new year, one may choose to make some personal resolutions. But, what about professional resolutions? Although possibly not much different from already-considered business or practice goals, the new year gives us the perfect opportunity to create or renew these resolutions. Even though the global pandemic still permeates our lives, the ideas for professional resolutions I suggest below are truly applicable at any time.

Try To Incorporate Telehealth. Indeed, we have a very hands-on profession, but patients appreciate efforts to limit exposure or shorten appointment waits in this day and age. I feel that telehealth will continue to grow in its coverage and level of patient preference. Not every visit lends itself to this format, but it is a consideration in instances such as MRI follow-up (especially in programs where you can screen share the imaging), lab results, checking antifungal efficacy without need for care, or any other visual observation.

Increase Your Advice On Prevention. Although we likely already do so to some degree, we could probably do even better when it comes to advocating for prevention. If I look honestly at my practice, there are times where I could share just a bit more or engage the patient further as far as how to prevent complications or injuries. Do not get caught up in just fixing the problems!

Create Or Update Your Online Marketing

These days, print brochures and ads are not enough. We live in a digital world. Do not be afraid to dip your toes into this world, or wade even deeper, as the case may be.

Publish Blogs. This is a great way to connect with current and potential patients. Topics are endless, and could include information on podiatry, life as a doctor, community issues, or common conditions. Again, this is a potentially valuable way to put one’s name and expertise out there!

Publish A Monthly Or Quarterly Email Or Newsletter. Constant Contact, in my experience, is a simple, easy-to-use platform to create and send emails or newsletters. Once populating patient emails into the system, it does not take more than a few minutes to send out an update. It also creates a visually appealing and easy-to-read product.

Videos Or Posts On Social Media. Doctors active on these platforms can share as much or as little as they like, even easily catering to current or desired patient populations. If one wants to spend more time on sports medicine, pediatrics, or biomechanics, sharing a series of posts, can show why you are the best doc for these potential patients!

Invest In Your Practice

Update Or Refresh The Waiting Room. We have all been there. Sometimes there is a stain on the waiting room chair where Betty dropped her coffee years ago, and it never quite came out. Alternatively, those two-year-old magazines aren’t so relevant anymore. Maybe the walls could use a fresh coat of paint or a more modern color. This does not need to be a significant investment, but freshening up can make such a difference in the environment you provide your patients (and yourself!).

Update Your Technology. This can include your waiting room television, computers or tablets, technology like portable ultrasound, EPAT, or more. Depending on the practice, in my experience, these features could potentially improve workflow, add revenue streams or otherwise enhance operations.

Improve Documentation. It is easy to fall into mindless habits. Be cautious when getting into habits with charting, though. Details may be time-consuming, but they may make all the difference in coding and billing, or, unfortunately, if you ever need to defend your care. Charting may indeed make the difference. If you are using an electronic health record (EHR), install available updates. Or, look around and make sure that your EHR is still the one that best suits your needs. Speak with friends, colleagues or representatives from the different companies to learn which program is best for you and your practice.

It All Comes Back To Self-Care

This is the third time I have touched on this topic in these forum columns. I try not to repeat myself, but this is such an important topic. I am sure I am not the only source from which you have heard this, especially in the last 22 months. We all suffer COVID fatigue to at least some degree at this point. Physician suicide continues to rise. This is not the time to hear “self-care” and brush it off. Resolve to take care of YOU. You are there for your patients, your partner, your family, and your friends every day. Be there for yourself. No matter how large or small the self-care habit is, resolve this year to make it essential in your daily life. 

Dr. Hook is a Trustee of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, Chair of the NYSPMA Public Education and Information Committee, and a sub-Chair of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine Membership Committee in the Crisis Communication and Audit division. She is Second Vice President of the American Association for Women Podiatrists and is in private practice at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists in Syracuse, N.Y.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Podiatry Today or HMP Global, their employees and affiliates. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, association, organization, company, individual, anyone or anything.