The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• The biggest threats to physician well-being aren’t individual weaknesses—they’re baked into how health care operates.

• The leaders people respect most are often the ones they initially like the least.

• Burnout may feel imposed on doctors, but a large part of it is self-inflicted.

• 2026 starts with new rules—and business owners who miss them may pay the price.

• For small businesses, unpredictable energy bills may be the silent profit killer of 2026.

• Combining artificial intelligence with physician review could be the secret to cutting clinical denials.

What If Wiping Out Was the Key to Rising Stronger in Medicine?

What if a life-altering accident on the beach redirected your entire career, and a mental health crisis became the catalyst for resilient leadership?

In this inspiring episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming welcomes Dr. Scott Ellner, as he shares his journey from witnessing a roadside trauma that sparked his path to medicine, to practicing in New England, facing burnout and suicidal thoughts, and pivoting to executive roles like leading Integris Health Medical Group. Drawing from surfing metaphors, he discusses mental health stigma, the addiction to identity, finding purpose beyond the OR, and practical tips for physicians navigating pivots, startups, and leadership in chaotic healthcare. Perfect for doctors feeling stuck or seeking nonclinical transitions, this conversation offers hope, transparency, and actionable insights on grit, resilience, and reaching out.

LOUNGE TALK

Physician well-being efforts often fail not because doctors lack resilience, but because health systems repeat the same structural mistakes. Younger physicians are frequently labeled “less committed,” when in reality they’re responding rationally to a system that demands more administrative work and offers less meaning. Institutions ask physicians to lead wellness initiatives without time, funding, or authority, turning well-being into unpaid emotional labor. At the same time, wellness programs are pressured to show immediate financial returns, unlike other long-term strategic investments. Rigid, all-or-nothing employment models push out physicians who want sustainable careers through part-time work or sabbaticals. Meanwhile, new technologies are rolled out rapidly without planning for the extra workload they create. The author argues that real progress requires institutional accountability, not just encouraging doctors to cope better.

Great leadership often requires making decisions that disappoint people in the short term but protect the organization in the long run. The article argues that leaders who chase approval dilute their decisions, delay necessary action, and ultimately lose trust. Popularity and trust are frequently confused, yet they are built on different foundations: popularity shifts with mood, while trust comes from consistency and integrity. Unpopular choices—such as restructuring teams or cutting projects—create discomfort but are often essential for sustainable success. The strongest leaders prioritize respect over being liked, understanding that credibility grows when decisions align with purpose. Clear communication, empathy, and confidence help teams process tough calls without eroding trust. In the end, a leader’s legacy is shaped not by easy wins, but by the courage to make hard decisions responsibly.

Physician burnout is widespread, but Dr. Cory Fawcett argues it’s not always caused solely by the job itself. Many doctors are high-achieving perfectionists whose workaholic tendencies quietly magnify stress and exhaustion. The key to recovery lies in identifying what’s within personal control, rather than blaming only systemic issues. Common warning signs include working during vacations, moonlighting on days off, lacking hobbies, and ignoring family feedback about overworking. Physicians often rationalize extra work for money, even when their income is already sufficient. True recovery requires redefining “enough” and prioritizing time over additional earnings. By protecting time off, eliminating unnecessary work, and reconnecting with family and hobbies, doctors can reclaim balance without waiting for retirement or financial independence.

Entrepreneurs are heading into 2026 facing a new wave of state-level laws after a turbulent regulatory year in 2025. A legal review by Fisher Phillips highlights four major areas business owners need to watch closely as new rules take effect on January 1. Nearly 20 states are increasing minimum wages, with several reaching or exceeding $15 per hour, adding complexity around tipped and non-tipped workers. Paid leave requirements are expanding in multiple states, filling gaps left by the absence of federal mandates. AI regulation is also emerging, with states like California and Illinois restricting how artificial intelligence can be used in employment decisions. At the same time, new consumer data protection laws and stricter workplace safety standards are rolling out across several states. The takeaway: compliance in 2026 will demand closer attention to where you operate, not just what business you run.

Rising and volatile energy prices are creating budgeting challenges for small businesses operating on thin margins. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, retail electricity prices have climbed since 2022 and are expected to keep rising through 2026 due to infrastructure upgrades and growing demand. Volatility tied to natural gas markets further complicates planning, making variable-rate tariffs risky. Fixed-price energy plans offer a solution by locking in a stable rate over a set period, helping businesses forecast costs more accurately. The best providers combine competitive pricing with flexibility, market access, and hands-on support tailored to smaller operations. Options range from direct suppliers to brokers and comparison marketplaces, each offering different levels of control and guidance. The key trade-off is certainty versus potential short-term savings, with many owners choosing predictability to protect cash flow.

Accuity, led by CEO Todd Van Meter, is using a hybrid approach to improve claims accuracy for healthcare providers. The company pairs AI technology with physician-led review to reduce clinical denials and ensure proper coding. AI scans and parses medical records to flag potential errors and inconsistencies quickly, while physicians validate complex or nuanced cases. This combination minimizes documentation mistakes that often lead to rejected claims and lost revenue. By leveraging AI for scale and humans for judgment, providers can achieve higher accuracy without overburdening staff. The approach balances efficiency with clinical expertise, ultimately improving workflow, reimbursement rates, and compliance. Accuity’s model highlights how technology and human oversight can work together rather than compete.

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QUICK BITES

• 3 lifetime AI tools for entrepreneurs wanting less stress in 2026.

• What actually works to change someone’s mind.

• 7 CEOs share their new year’s resolutions.

• Turning operational efficiency into brand equity.

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