Private practice for the colon and rectal surgeon

Autonomy and independence as a surgeon represent the pinnacle of our training model, and private practice offers the trainee in colon and rectal surgery an opportunity to realize such goals as both a clinical surgeon and a business owner. Personalized care of patients and the immense gratification from providing such expert surgical care continue to be the ultimate reward for us as surgeons. However, private practice ultimately involves responsibilities of functioning as a small business owner. The health care environment in which we find ourselves provides great challenges to the viability and financial success of the private practitioner. Rising overhead expenses, malpractice, reduced reimbursement, and others factors confront the private practitioner as business owner. A career in private practice mandates acquisition of business acumen to preserve the privilege to practice our profession in this very challenging and changing economic environment. The opportunities for such a career vary considerably according to the scope of practice, hospital sophistication, geographic locale, and size of practice.