Medical Spa MD Report: How Many Years Have You Been Practicing Cosmetic Medicine?

/

How many years have you been practicing cosmetic medicine full time?

From Medical Spa MD Physician Report Volume 1

The majority of physicians responding to the survey have more than 7 years of experience practicing cosmetic medicine.

For purposes of our survey, it is positive to see that just over 60% of our respondents have been practicing cosmetic medicine for more than 7 years.

This skew towards more experienced physicians may be due to concerns by younger, newer, or more inexperienced physicians that they may be helping a competitor in some way. We expect that this result will flatten as more physicians take part in the survey.

Become a Member to receive the Medical Spa MD Physician Report. You can find the report and more freebies here.

Want to contribute to the next report? Learn more >

Have thoughts on this graph? Leave a comment and let's hug it out.

Medical Spa MD Report: What Is The Total Income Of Your Clinic?

/

What is the total income of your laser clinic or medical spa per month?

From the Medical Spa MD Physician Report Volume 1According to the respondents to the first Medical Spa MD Physician Report, the largest number of medical spas is making somewhere between $25k and $100k per month.

Another positive note regarding our sample population; there is a nice variety of business sizes, again offering a wide range of perspectives with the highest percentage of the group falling between $10,000 and $100,000 in revenues per month. This, along with the clinic size (next question) appears to indicate that most of the clinics surveyed are operating with a single physician.

What's also interesting is that we have some very large clinics responding with 6% indicating that they're grossing more than half a million dollars a month. These clinics are probably the same ones that have a staff size of 20+.

Become a Member to receive the Medical Spa MD Physician Report. You can find the report and more freebies here.

Want to contribute to the next report? Learn more >

Have thoughts on this graph? Leave a comment and let's hug it out.

Warning: THE Aesthetic Report Is Stealing Our Content And Publishing It As Their Own

/

Quite a number of readers alerted me to the fact that THE Aesthetic Report is blatantly stealing content from Medical Spa MD and other sites and publishing it as their own.

I've never had any real contact with THE Aesthetic Show or THE Aesthetic Report (both are owned by Medical Insight Inc.) but this is quite obviously theft of content from our site and presumably others as well since NONE of the articles in the email were written by them. They were all taken from someone else.

To add insult to injury, these guys post the content that they steal  as '© 2012 Medical Insight, Inc. | All rights reserved'. Nice.

 

Here's the email that I received linking to the Medical Spa MD article that they posted on their site.

The Aesthetic Report

The Aesthetic Report

 

Here's the stolen article they posted on their own site.

The Aesthetic Report_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

 

So why am I pissed since they put a 'Source: Medical Spa MD' at the bottom of the article?

Look, these guys are stealing content from others in order to entice you to sign up to their email list. They don't add any value or offer anything in exchange. They don't ask. They just steal it and then they put a link back to to the original content right at the end with a sucky little 'here' link. It's sleazy. It's plagiarism. It's illegal. AND it's insulting.

In this one email, they've also posted entire stories from: The [UK] Telegraph, New Life Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and Marketwatch. I don't now about New Life but I can clearly see that both the [UK] Telegraph and Marketwatch explicitly forbid copying entire articles in their terms, as do we. (I'm going to have one of our staff go back and contact all of the original article sources to see if they've ever given permission for their content to be hijacked.)

What would have been acceptable is if they would have asked nicely first, or just posted a single paragraph with a keyword link wich is certainly acceptable, but of course they didn't do that because they want everyone to think that they have permission and that this is their content.

Of course THE Aesthetic Report is doing this so that they can send out their marketing emails under the guise of actually offering something of value. Too bad that they had to steal it rather than just ask.

Purchasing Used Cosmetic Lasers

/

used cosmetic laser

Looking for a used cosmetic laser or IPL?

By Mickey A. Couvertier, CBET, CLRT

Starting or expanding a private medical or cosmetic practice can be a complicated experience. Location is of the utmost importance, followed by branding, and marketing. Staffing, clinical needs, pricing, advertising- all of these things can be an added headache to the whole process… not to mention acquiring quality equipment, and the follow up service.

While all the other parameters mentioned can be worked, and reworked, the one aspect that can make or break your entire practice is purchasing and servicing used medical lasers. There are hundreds of wholesalers, distributors, and other second source vendors offering as wide a variety of aftermarket options as there are options for new equipment, and even more. OEM’s are also in the market, and while basic supply and demand dictates that so many options should be a benefit to the consumer, the process of choosing which devices to purchase is amongst the most discussed, asked about, debated, and argued about amongst clinicians, salesmen, and repair companies alike. I have written this short guide with the hopes of assisting anyone in the market for a used medical laser in making the right decision.

Read More

Physicians + Lifestyle Design

/
Physicians + Lifestyle Design

By Greg Bledsoe MD MPH

Over on Freelance MD, I've posted a couple of articles about taking responsibility for yourself and "building your own ship" , and we've also gone through a few common reasons why physicians aren't the best at career modification.

In this post, I'd like to spend a little time introducing you to the idea of "lifestyle design," something that has become a bit of a buzz-phrase in the business world but as far as I can tell hasn't penetrated the world of medicine just yet (for a lot of reasons).

I'll begin with a personal story...

When I jumped off the academic track in 2006, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do as a career but I knew I wanted something unique.  My idea was to design a career that was flexible, fun, adventurous, and meaningful, all the while paying my bills and being a responsible spouse and parent.  Simple, huh?

I spent months thinking about how to do this as a physician.  I searched websites and blogs.  I spoke with mentors and colleagues.  I read the literature, all to no avail.  There seemed to be no conversation about a career like this in medicine.  I mean, there were a few articles about volunteer opportunities or non-traditional careers, but nothing really like what I was trying to create.

Read More

Investing In Yourself

/

The difference between people who invest in themselves... and people who just whine.

Believe me when I say this; there's an endless list of doctors who "say" they want to make more money, improve their website rankings, revise their staff training or improve their customer service... but never actually DO ANYTHING to get there?

Here's a simple litmus test: If you say you want something but haven't done any systematic work to achieve your goal in the last 14 days, you're deluding yourself. Really.

If you want to get something done your choice is actually very simple; (1) start taking action or (2) acknowledge that your goal really isn't that important to you, and give up.

Of course both of these options are perfectly viable choices. There's nothing wrong with making a coherent decision to give up on something that you decide is actually not that important or that the opportunity cost is too high. For example, I used to kill myself to try and answer my phone or return phone calls immediately (or within an hour) — that was my goal. After a while,  I was just unable to keep up with that schedule and it became more of a distraction. So I gave up on it. If someone calls me now it will almost certainly go to voice mail and I'll get back when I can. It's a huge weight off of my shoulders and removes a constant distraction. (In fact, my voice mail says to leave a message only 'if it's important". That one change makes everyone who calls me self-censor and has cut my vm messages by 90%. But I digress...)

The point? Give up on whatever you're not going to

Read More

Christmas Video For Docs: Do They Know It's Christmas Time?

/

My buddy ZDogg MD put out his newest video this morning; Feed The Wards (Do They Know It's Christmas Time?)

From ZDogg MD:

There comes a time... whend we heed a certain call... when the world must come together as one.

This is NOT one of those times.

But it is the Holidays, so we should probably take a moment to think of those less fortunate than ourselves. People who go hungry while others feast. People without a single shred of hope remaining. I’m talking about healthcare workers taking call during the Holidays.

It’s not enough to give lip service to their sacrifice. That’s why Dr. Harry challenged me to put my mouth where my mouth is and DO SOMETHING this year.

Hence the genesis of a grand telethon to benefit these poor needy souls. The main draw: a collection of pop music’s finest stars, gathered together as Band-Aged to belt out a stirring tribute to the selfless heroes of medicine. Sure, the pop stars all look vaguely like me. And sure, British amalgamation Band-Aid did something vaguely reminiscent in the 80′s. But everyone knows that no one speaks British anymore. It’s time for a remake. It’s time to feed the wards

Break Your Ideas In Half

/

This video isn't about medical spas or even medicine, but it's right on target with it's message about cutting all of your ideas in half and getting the basics of your business running well.

Jason Fried is the founder and CEO of a company called 37 Signals that makes business software for things like project management and customer relationships. They've had a lot of success and have a large following among techies.

2nd.MD Select Partner Code For Members

/

2nd MDMedical Spa MD Members only pricing with code DOC1166

Use technology to consult online and set your own consultation rate, without any paperwork! 2nd MD is now a Select Partner of Medical Spa MD and is offering our Members special pricing. Watch the video below to learn more.

Creating an account is free and without obligation. You can set your own schedule, set your own fees, and set yourself at the forefront of medical technology.

(You must be a board certified US specialist to accept this offer.)

2nd MD Special Offer

 

Physician Testimonials

Who are the specialists are using 2nd MD right now?

  • 5% of 2nd MD physicians have either studied, trained, or currently work at one of US News & World Report's top hospitals or specialty programs.
  • 20% of 2nd MD doctors are chiefs or directors of their departments or hospital programs.


"You don't have to establish a chart. You don't have to establish billing. You can make contact and answer some questions without having to make a formal doctor-patient relationship."

Richard Andrassy, MD
Chairman, Department of Surgery
UTHealth Medical School &
Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center

 


"2nd MD gives me a chance to practice exactly the way I want to practice."

Stanley Fisher, MD
Board Certified Neurologist

Read More

Sciton Loves The Medical Spa MD Physician Report

/

It appears that Sciton is happy where they ranked in the first Medical Spa MD Physician Report

Download the Medical Spa MD Physicians Report #1 here.

I received a copy of a press release that Sciton sent out a few days ago that details their placement in the report. Here's the release:

Physicians Rank Scition #1 In Cosmetic Lasers

PALO ALTO, Calif., November 18, 2011 – Sciton, Inc. was ranked First in Class among aesthetic laser manufacturers in a survey of Medical Spa MD’s 5000-member physician community of plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatologists, medical spas, and laser clinics.

In its first “Physician Report” (http://medicalspamd.com), Medical Spa MD asked physicians which technology they would recommend and respondents overwhelmingly selected Sciton, ranking it highest among the 16 manufacturers represented in the report. Physicians also identified five Sciton systems as their top choice for aesthetic medical applications in their clinics, including the JOULE, SkinTyte, ProFractional-XC, BBL, and Profile, in a demonstration of “remarkable brand loyalty,” and awareness. The Sciton systems identified are used for skin resurfacing, skin firming and tightening, laser hair removal, treatment of vascular and other skin conditions, body shaping, among other procedures.

Sciton is the leading manufacturer of high quality, modular, multi-application medical laser and light systems for the aesthetic market that can be tailored to a practice’s specific requirements. Additional confirmation of the quality, reliability and robustness of these laser- and light-based devices lies in the fact that over 95% of all the lasers ever manufactured by Sciton during its 14 year history are still in use. Dan Negus, President of Sciton, commented, “While we take great pride and care to design and manufacture outstanding and long lasting laser devices, it is extremely gratifying to see this recognition of our products’ quality and value by the clinicians in the Med Spa MD survey. We are elated that such a prestigious group of physicians has validated Sciton’s longstanding commitment to the quality and utility of its products.”

Medical Spa MD operates a premier online resource for providers of cosmetic medicine. This is the first year the organization has published its Physician Report, highlighting Sciton as the most utilized and recommended laser device manufacturer.

The survey also showed that treatments and applications made possible by the company’s technology are among the most profitable that cosmetic physicians offer, a circumstance promoted by Sciton’s commitment to well-built, high-quality products that pay for themselves over time without requiring an ongoing investment in consumables.

Now, the press release is carefully worded but I can't fault Sciton for putting their best face on with this. For example, the last paragraph says that, "treatments and applications made possible by the company’s technology are among the most profitable that cosmetic physicians offer", but those are the same treatments that are made possible by other techonology companies. Still, it reads well and is factual.

We're working on the next report now and I hope to have it out shortly.

I have no idea where anyone will rank in the new report since the questions are all different.

Free Webinar: "How To Add $100,000 To Your Medical Spa With Evidence-Based Nutritional Supplements"

/

Thinking of adding evidence based nutritional supplements to your medical spa?

Dr. Dean Raffelock has been teaching physicians how to benefit from evidence based nutritional supplements for years.

Register for this webinar here

In this webinar, Dr. Dean Raffelock will teach you how you can add an extra $50,000 - $100,000 in profits to your existing medical practice each year.

What you'll learn:

  • How to get started with NO cost and NO additional overhead!
  • Why this is both completely ethical AND legal!
  • Exactly what the clinical research says, and learn where to find it!
  • ALL of the benefits of adding this to your practice right now!

Dr. Dean Raffelock has been practicing evidence based nutritional medicine for 35 years and he's going to hold your hand and get you started. If you're in solo or group clinical practice and you want to take greater control of your business and your career, this is a webinar that you won't want to miss. Register right now!

Register for this webinar here

Medfusion: The Nonclinical Medical Conference

/

Julie Silver MDJulie Silver MD at Medfusion 2011

I went to Medfusion last year and was really impressed. This year I was blown away.

I got back from the Medical Fusion Conference last night and I wanted to set down my thoughts while they're still fresh in my mind, so here are some of my take-aways kind of as a stream of consciousness.

  • The Aria is a nice hotel for conferences and the Sky Suites are sweet. From the time that I parked the car (I drove down) I didn't step foot outside of the hotel until I left on Sunday. (I've been to Vegas a lot so no need to dawdle.)
  • The conference always surprises me with how savvy the physicians are who attend. If you're looking to keep you head down and love to toil in obscurity, this is not the conference for you.
Read More

Medical Spa Classified Ads: Thermage NXT, Cutera Titan...

/

If you're looking for a used IPL, Thermage NXT or cosmetic laser, check out the cosmetic lasers classified ads section.

Current listings include:

  • Thermage NXT
  • Cutera Titan Solera
  • AeroLase LightPod Laser
  • Hoya Medlite c6

If you want to read about or discuss any of these cosmetic lasers you can do so in the Cosmetic Laser & IPL Reviews forum.

Other cosmetic lasers and IPL forums:

Medical Spa Physicians Report For October

/

We just sent out the physician survey link to all of the clinicians that have signed up to contribute.

If you're a physician and would like to contribute to the survey, you can sign up to contribute to the physicians survey right here and we'll get you on the list.

We're asking all of the responding doctors to take the survey in the next 72 hours or so and then it will take a few days to compile the results and get the report out and send it to all of our Members.

Time Is Running Out: Section 179 Tax Deduction For New Equipment Purchases Installed This Year

/

Just a reminder for our Members, you have a chance this year to deduct the full purchase price of a new laser or pulsed light platform — saving up to 35% of the purchase cost.

The 2011 Section 179 federal tax deduction for new equipment purchases provides you an opportunity to writed off a new IPL or laser purchase. (Systems installed before December 31, 2011 may qualify for the 2011 deduction.)

*Please contact your own advisors for specific guidance regarding the impact of Section 179 for your practice.

'Value' Is Different From 'Price'

/

Woe unto you if you decide everything based on price. Even more woe unto you if you compete solely on price. Price is not all that matters—what is important, at least to some people, is value. And value takes into account training, support, and the intrinsic joy of using the best tool that’s made. It’s pretty safe to say that no one buys Apple products because of their low price.

What I learned from Steve Jobs, Guy Kawasaki