DoctorDemographics Podcast
257 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratingsThis is an audio podcast targeting doctors, medical and dental students as well as small business owners/consultants who want to consider where to put practices within the United States and how to promote them. We will discuss growth, demographic character, psychographic profiles, competition saturation, and economic development. Additionally, we will deal with the research indicating media, messages, promotions, and strategies to build and enhance a patient base.
The Podcast is hosted by Scott McDonald, the leading analyst of practice sites and professional practice marketing in the nation.
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Episodes
Practicing in Arizona
November 11, 2019 17:32 - 8.6 MBThere are several reasons why Arizona generally and Greater Phoenix specifically have taken off. Reasonable home prices, new jobs, inexpensive energy, reasonable tax rates and more are acting as a magnet to population. It doesn't hurt that you can play golf all year. Find out where to look!
"Yeah, but" Locations
November 04, 2019 16:53 - 7.2 MBSorry, no place is perfect. Sometimes what you really need to consider is what is really important about your practice location and what is not worth compromising over. In fact, we list five locations that are really wonderful for some doctors and practices and some that are just not so hot.
Practicing in Greater D.C.
October 28, 2019 14:39 - 7.43 MBIt is certain that this part of Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and the Federal District has been growing in population and affluence. But with this come certain challenges for practice, particularly for new practices, that exist in greater measure than in almost any other MSA. In short, it is a victim of its own success.
The Offer
October 22, 2019 17:59This is a raw audio file of Mike Green giving his outstanding seminar on how to develop "The Offer" or "The Message" about your practice as it relates to the Demographics and Psychographics. It is an outstanding cut by one of the smartest market researchers anywhere.
Practicing in Los Angeles
October 14, 2019 23:57 - 7.78 MBIt is true: Los Angeles is not growing. But that should not be taken as a sign that practice, even a start-up practice, is not possible This episode is all about finding potential practice sites that appeal to a new patient-base. I discuss how this has happened and is likely to happen in the near future. Stop sitting on your hand! Opportunity awaits you if you are diligent and a little creative.
Practicing in New York City
October 09, 2019 16:00 - 10.6 MBIt is easy for a demographer to slap together data and charts for most cities in America. That is not the case for New York City. This episode reviews where the parts of the City contrast with each other and show you what you need to consider to enter this market as a start-up or practice purchase.
Practicing in Chicagoland
October 07, 2019 16:59 - 7.2 MBThis episode is all about the Greater Chicago area. It is about the places that are showing promise and why the region is in trouble. At Doctor Demographics, we can tell you where to look and where to avoid.
Five Reasons to Practice In Seattle
September 23, 2019 17:13 - 7.65 MBThere are some outstanding reasons to practice in Greater Seattle. This episode goes through those reasons as well as the cautions such a vibrant but expensive place should cause as one studies the regions. One of the big take aways is to reduce one's commute as much as humanly possible.
Examples of Psychographics, 3rd of 3
September 16, 2019 17:10 - 6.95 MBIn this episode I discuss two examples of LifeModes and actual Psychographic Groups that are on the rise in the U.S. The idea is to show you what these groups sound like and how they apply to different professions (veterinary and dental). I am hoping that you can see how this information can make a big impact upon your practice promotion and location.
How Psychographics Can Help You Find a Great Practice Site
September 09, 2019 17:21 - 8.41 MBWhat is a LifeMode and what does it represent in finding the best patient base out there?
FORGET the Competition Ratio! Only Patient Type Matters
September 02, 2019 18:23 - 24.9 MBIf you want to know where to purchase a practice or to start-up on office, the psychographics are what matters. It is not a matter of competition ratio (regardless what your accountant or consultant are telling you). The problem is that they may be well-meaning in their recommendations but they don't know enough about the new social-science research to tell you what you need to know.
Practicing in the Deep South
August 26, 2019 15:45 - 8.58 MBFor this episode, I am ignoring Florida, Georgia, Texas, and the Carolinas in favor of some states that often get ignored by those seeking to figure out where to practice. These include Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. And I acknowledge that this may be my least listed to episode. But I would be wrong if I didn't tell you a little about them.
Rocky Mountain States, Potential for Practice
August 20, 2019 00:38 - 10.2 MBWe look at the six states that make up the Rocky Mountain States. Is there potential here? Well, yeah! They are among the fastest growing states and they have the Nation's highest birthrates. And did I mention that the cost of living has made them a magnet from those states that are suffering from high taxes and stagnant or negative growth.
Practicing in New England
August 13, 2019 16:00 - 9.65 MBWhile it has the lowest birth rate in the nation, the six states in New England are not a lost cause. This session discusses the states that make up this area and frankly comments on which of them has the most potential. Hint: It isn't Rhode Island.
Practicing in the Midwest
August 05, 2019 15:12 - 5.69 MBNope. Sexy, it is not. Crazy high growth isn't happening either. Still for the states like North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri, there is a steady increase in value and a much lower "risk factor" in purchasing and starting-up a practice. That is because the cost-of-living and the quality-of-life are doing very well. It a place to invest your time and money if you have realistic expectations and do your research.
199. War On Housing
July 29, 2019 17:49 - 17.3 MBThe policy of a community on housing, particularly single-family dwellings and home purchases, may be one of the most important metrics on where you want to practice. It is far more important that the competition ratio, income distribution, and other demographic factors with the possible exception of growth. This episode explains why.
Practice Doldrums
July 22, 2019 17:29 - 6.69 MBUsing the analogy of "The Doldrums" (which many doctors are feeling at this time), we discuss what the 5 "factors" are that describe this cyclical phenomenon and discuss strategies to deal with their impact upon your bottom line (and future).
Gentrification and Practice Locations
July 15, 2019 19:25 - 7.28 MBMany locations are going through the sometimes process of "gentrification." This session deals with whether this is a good thing for a practice or a bad thing. What does Gentrification really mean to an area? Is it going to help or hurt a community? These are the issues that this session reveals as well as some specific ideas on our approach for practices.
Which State Is Right For You
July 12, 2019 16:00 - 7.92 MBIf you are considering where to practice (where to put a practice, where to purchase a practice, and even where to take a job), these are the four factors you need to keep in mind.
Political Debate and Where to Practice
July 01, 2019 18:16 - 5.04 MBDemographers are hotly debating the meaning of research and social media to illustrate where to put a practice. The "facts" and the commonly accepted "wisdom" have never been more in conflict that right now. This episode discusses the issue and even makes some practical recommendations.
Your City is Killing Your Practice
June 24, 2019 17:35 - 9.11 MBThis session is on the topic of how cities are changing the accessibility to practices (and small businesses) through a theory and practice called "Road Diets." It is one of those changes that are "under the radar" because they do not require any hearings and, after all, they will help save the planet. Maybe. I also list a discount we are offering for the next week.
Hidden Hints to Success: Renters v. Owners
June 21, 2019 16:00 - 7.41 MBWhile it is not considered as important and the competition ratio, the percentage and nature of dwelling ownership versus renting is potentially vital. This session discusses in what way this is important and how it can influence you decisions on where to move and how to promote your practice. Renters and Owners may be quite different and want different things from a practice.
"What should I be looking for in a community density"
June 14, 2019 16:00 - 7.66 MBThis session is about finding the density of a city that will serve your practice needs best. There is a lie that everyone is heading for the cities. Sorry. Not true! Where people are heading where they can own their residence and can get from their home to a professional office conveniently. City Planners (and the Political Class) hate this with a passion. California's SB50 was their last trick and, fortunately, it failed. In short, it would have killed private practice where it w...
Senior Citizens and Practice
June 07, 2019 16:00 - 7.25 MBWhen we consider the predictions recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau, it becomes plain that the future may rest with those over 65 years of age. This session discusses where to find these potential patients and how to attract them.
Woes of the Single Doctor
May 31, 2019 16:00 - 7.21 MBI have been consulting doctors on where to practice for more than 30 years and I have learned a few things that you may want to know: 1. Your marital status will influence where you want to practice. 2. Your likelihood of wanting to marry another doctor, regardless of their practice type or profession, is going to matter, 3. Finding someone is getting harder than ever. This episode takes briefly about these issues and what to do about your situation.
Decline in Birthrate and Professional Practice
May 24, 2019 16:00 - 7.99 MBPediatric Practices are not the only ones put at risk by a declining birthrate. Through direct and non-direct means, all practices and businesses can be hurt when there are declining rates of birth. This episode talks a little about why this is happening and hints are where the most impact will be felt.
Risk, Sweat Equity, and Finding Good Locations
May 17, 2019 16:00 - 7.97 MBI know that there are some serious advocates for you becoming an "employee doctor." I suppose that works for some. But if you want to make "serious money" you are going to haver to consider being an owner and you have to consider what makes a "reasonable risk" in terms of location. That is what we are here to tell you. I am sorry to say but the marketplace is dividing. Some places look better and better while others are looking worse and worse.
Places with Promise, 2019
May 10, 2019 16:00 - 11.4 MBEvery year about this time I produce a list of locations that are showing the best potential sites for a start-up practice in the U.S. I have tried to get less specific this year than in the beginning. When I first started, there was a rush of folks trying to get to these sites first. Now, I am describing locations that are broad enough to support several offices being created at one time. These locations are widely distributed as well. Enjoy!
Kiss of Death Locations. 2019
May 03, 2019 16:00Every year we publish a podcast on places with the Kiss of Death. These are locations that you will not necessarily be doomed by considering. Nevertheless, you will be hitting some headwinds to growing and thriving. Some are old friends. Some are new to the list. Next week we will discuss the Places With Potential for those who want to get an idea of sites that are lower risk situations that are thriving.
Iatrogenic Dentistry and Journalism
April 26, 2019 16:00 - 8.63 MBIn the May 2019 issue of "Health Magazine" an article appears under the title "Truth About Dentistry." It accuses the profession of shoddy and incompetent, even criminal standards of over diagnosing and over-charging patients. This is my response. You probably know I am a professor of Communications (among other things) and I have some things to say to journalists who use this technique to undermine worthy professionals particularly dentists.
The Perfect Place to Live
April 19, 2019 16:00 - 7.2 MBEvery Spring publications like U.S. News and World Report come out with their recommendations on the top cities in the U.S. that you should consider to live. But they have some methodology issues that come be deceptive for doctors. In this episode, we look at their recommendations and share places we think shouldn't be on their list and add those we think should be.
Locating the Well-Educated Patient (& Destroying the Myths)
April 12, 2019 16:00 - 8.18 MBSome demographic factors seems to be valued much more highly that they should. Among these is the competition ratio. When there are few Practices in an area, you have to ask yourself "Why?" Often doctors will look for places with many rich people. Hey, Money is not a bad thing. But it can also be a negative when it comes to your bottom line. What DOES matter? Well, Educational-Attainment matters. This episode deals with why and where these folks can be found.
Socialism, Practice Sites, and Dentistry
April 05, 2019 16:00This session starts with the simple premise: Not every part of the U.S. wants socialized medicine and dentistry. Not everyone where is wanting to eliminate insurance. Not all places are as hostile to doctors. I just thought you would want to know.
SALT and Practice Locations
March 29, 2019 16:00 - 6.63 MBDemographers are contemplating the impact of the reduction of write-offs on State and Local Taxes for where to put a professional practice, government representation, and growth (and population loss). This is an important session you don't want to miss!
Legacy Practices: Parents and Children Transitions
March 22, 2019 16:00 - 7.55 MBThere are some wonderful accountants, consultants, and financial planners that deal with the process of parent-child practice transitions. I won't deal with those issues. Rather, let's talk a little about the implications of a practice that will continue far longer than most, the issues of keeping a practice image or brand over a long period, and some deep thoughts on competing with such a practice.
All the Good Places Are Gone!
March 15, 2019 16:00 - 6.06 MBBased upon a conversation with a bright but panicked young doctor, I am offering this observation of what to do when there appear to be no convenient alternatives to practice. This is really an extension of last week's session on Micropolitan Areas and Small Towns. Don't give up! Get Creative! This session is all about finding the answers when the easy path seems unavailable.
Micropolitan Areas and Start-Up Locations
March 08, 2019 17:00 - 7.35 MBI recognize that if I speak about locations that have fabulous potential but a smaller size, those who listen to this podcast and wait around will be disappointed. These locations are NOT going to last long. Remember, they are as small as 15,000 residents and go up to 50,000. But there is a caveat: these are places in which the doctors will want to live close to the office. That is both good and bad, depending on your needs. But call us about finding other, similar locations and more abo...
Intangibles of Success
March 01, 2019 17:00 - 6.07 MBI have had some pretty deep discussions with young people who have called us recently regarding what it really takes to succeed in practice. A good location, reasonable competition, and the like are important. But there are attributes of your attitude, sense of joy, and a bit of humor are vital to overcoming trials, and all manner of difficulties. You need to develop your "intangibles."
Where Did They Go?
February 22, 2019 17:00 - 5.39 MBThere has not been so much movement in and out of different parts of the nation in many decades. People are on the move! If you are professional trying to determine where to consider practice, this session explains not only where people are move from and moving to but WHY.
How Far is Too Far, Part 3
February 15, 2019 17:00 - 9.69 MBPlease understand: I am not trying to promote these locations as sites that will be the best for a dentist to move. Rather, I am providing them because these cities have aspects of their layout and "commute culture" in common. So, if you want to find a place that has good potential based upon travel-time, these are your models. I hope you will find them as interesting as I did.
173. How Far is Too Far, Part 2
February 08, 2019 17:00 - 7.24 MBIn Part 1 I reviewed the concept of the "Dentist Commute." In this Part, we will discuss the key trends and implications of the commute. Yeah, I get a little "politically incorrect" dealing with gender and the commute. But I think you will understand why I bring this issue up in discussion the relationship of where you live and where you practice.
What Was I Thinking? Choosing a Partner
February 07, 2019 16:06 - 6.7 MBI was called in again this week to help a wonderful practice deal with the thorny issue of resolving a serious misunderstanding of their relationship. I have been thinking of the five simple things they could have done short of threats, yelling, and using a sharp blade. I even invoke how Alexander the Great resolved these issues. It is meant to be light, useful, and a little entertaining.
How Far is Too Far, Part 1
February 02, 2019 22:37 - 5.59 MBThe commute times in the U.S. are increasing and so are the commutes for dentists. But the challenge for doctors is that their travel time is becoming a greater liability to their productivity, quality of life, and sanity. In short, we have to start dealing with how far you can reasonably travel to a dental office from home.
Bribes & Promises: Choosing a City & State for a Practice
January 11, 2019 23:55 - 5.24 MBHave you ever wondered about the many inducements cities and states are offering for new businesses? The real question is, "How well are these inducements working?" This session is about that topic.
What Were You Thinking!
January 03, 2019 17:00In this episode, I report on a consultation I had with a doctor who was trying to find the least expensive office site possible to reduce her risks of practice failure. She was smart and pretty gifted but the site of the office was a big disadvantage. While I am all for thrift, this location (not its demographics!) was a serious threat to the success of the practice. What was she thinking?! You probably know.
Practicing in Pennsylvania
December 19, 2018 17:00Pennsylvania is not unusual really. It is large, moderately affluent but not really growing. Does that mean the state is a "dead end?" Not at all! But it is going to require the help of a demographic analyst. And that is where we come in. We created the Practice Viability Report expressly for this situation.
Practicing in Florida
December 13, 2018 17:00 - 5.98 MBI have been trying to get back to featuring the locations that show the most promise. Florida is definitely one of the places to consider. It have divided the best places between those that are best to start-up and those that are most promising for purchase. Our books are now on Amazon.com and DentalSiteSelection.com!
Practicing in Colorado & North Carolina
December 07, 2018 19:25We get lots of requests to look at Colorado and North Carolina because they are growing, have favorable weather (for the most part) and seem to have very strong economies. Many dentists with a spouse in another profession are expressing interest here. So, we tall you where to look (and some places to avoid) in each state. Don't forget our book which is available on Amazon and at DentistSiteSelection.com.
Winter Road Trip
December 01, 2018 17:48This is a new thing for me so if it doesn't work, please be patient. So many young professionals want to know locations for start-up and purchase so I have created 10 tours to take. The episode lists them but to get details and some special offers (I mean BIG deals) go to www.DentalDemographics.com. This is a new web site. We are not dropping DoctorDemographics.com, by the way! We have added DentistSiteSelection.com to get you the book for free (after shipping and handling). But you ca...
Revised Telephone Consultation Format
November 23, 2018 20:47 - 6.85 MBI know this may sound like hyperbole but it is true: I have been really working to make sure that the good folks who order our telephone consultations can get serious value out of it. That is why I am introducing a free video conference option. It allows you to see data and maps. And we are now accepting data from YOUR sources to make sure your research value is great. And don't forget the BOOK! Visit www.DentalSiteSelection to get it free.