Being a Strong Partner in Group Practice | S5 Ep27

Group practice can offer support, scale and shared responsibility, but it only works when partners know how to build trust and make decisions together. Joining a group means stepping into an existing culture, business structure and set of relationships. The questions surgeons ask before signing on, and the expectations partners clarify from the start, can shape whether the arrangement becomes a durable professional home. Dr. Ash Patel discusses group practice with Debra Johnson, MD, a clinical professor at UC Davis, director of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and past president of ASPS. Drawing from more than 30 years with the same Sacramento-based group, Dr. Johnson shares how surgeons can evaluate a practice before joining, what groups should consider when adding a new partner, and why transparency around responsibilities, compensation, buy-ins, buy-outs and long-term expectations matters from the beginning. Topics Discussed Evaluating whether a group practice is the right fit Building trust and collegiality among partners The advantages of shared expenses, facilities and equipment How groups decide when to add a new surgeon Balancing individual goals with group decision-making Handling disagreement, compromise and majority-rule decisions Addressing unprofessional or inappropriate partner behavior Qualities to look for in a future partner Work ethic, productivity and expectations for new associates Contract terms, benefits and partnership pathways Buy-ins, buy-outs and ownership of practice assets W-2 versus 1099 employment considerations ASPS, PRS and practice management education resources Key Takeaway A successful group practice depends on shared trust, clear expectations and a willingness to put the health of the group alongside individual priorities. Surgeons entering or building a partnership should ask careful questions, understand the contract, clarify the path to partnership and make sure the culture supports open communication, fairness and long-term professional growth. Bonus Resources ASPS Education Network The Business of Plastic Surgery: Navigating a Successful Career The Business of Plastic Surgery: Employment Contracts About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.