Episode 11 - From Anesthesia to Entrepreneurship: Providing Holistic Ketamine Therapy with Dr. Sara Herman

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews Dr. Sara Herman, founder of Soft Reboot Wellness, about her journey from anesthesiology to operating a successful ketamine therapy clinic. You’ll learn about the challenges of starting a clinic during the pandemic, the unique aspects of ketamine therapy, and the impact of treatments like stellate ganglion blocks on patients with complex conditions. Dr. Herman shares her background in medicine, the switch to ketamine therapy, and highlights the essential role of setting, music, and intention in patient care. Through her compelling patient stories, you’ll discover the profound effects of ketamine therapy on individuals struggling with severe mental health issues and chronic pain. You’ll also learn about the business side of running a clinic, including dealing with insurance and scalability, emphasizing the personalized nature of ketamine therapy. We hope you enjoy!What you’ll learn in this episode:• The motivations and challenges faced while transitioning from a traditional medical career in anesthesiology to pioneering a private practice• Insights into managing the non-medical aspects of running a ketamine clinic, such as handling overhead, marketing, and navigating business decisions without a formal business education.• The importance of set and setting in ketamine therapy and how Dr. Herman integrates mindfulness and intentionality into her treatment plans to enhance patient outcomes.Episode show notes:00:00 Introduction00:15 Meet Dr. Sara Herman: From Anesthesiologist to Ketamine Therapy Practitioner01:43 Dr. Herman's Journey: From Anesthesia to Ketamine Clinic Owner03:41 The Personal and Professional Shift to Ketamine Therapy09:48 Setting the Scene: The Importance of Environment in Ketamine Therapy18:49 The Business Side of Running a Ketamine Clinic27:25 Navigating Insurance and Financial Aspects of Ketamine Therapy32:02 Navigating the Complexities of Ketamine Clinics33:00 Personal Success Stories from the Clinic36:23 The Importance of Patient Monitoring in Ketamine Therapy40:12 Exploring Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGBs) for Treatment47:05 Challenges and Learnings in Ketamine Therapy Practice53:26 Wrapping Up: Insights and ReflectionsThanks for listeningConnect with Dr. Herman at:Soft Reboot Wellness websiteSoft Reboot Wellness InstagramSoft Reboot Wellness FacebookDr. Herman’s LinkedIn✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.