Is the Doctor Shortage a Hidden Lifeline?

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…

• Physicians have lost control over economic levers like billing and are now constrained by administrative systems and stagnant reimbursements.

• 172 stable companies matched market returns with 12% less volatility and lower risk of collapse.

• Treating GenAI as a transformational capability—not just a productivity patch—leads to greater innovation and performance.

• Emotional intelligence, not raw intellect, is the #1 differentiator among ultra-successful entrepreneurs.

• High incomes often come with high expenses, leaving little margin for emergencies.

• ur shows that brands can challenge industry norms and be embraced by insiders when trust is built.

LOUNGE TALK

In a healthcare system increasingly controlled by administrators, algorithms, and cost-cutting, physicians have lost much of their economic independence. Gone are the days when doctors could count on fee-for-service models and billing autonomy. Today, many physicians—especially new ones—enter the field deep in debt, without business training, and lured into salaried roles that appear stable but are subject to shifting market dynamics. The rise of EMRs and bureaucratic red tape further saps morale and time, reducing physicians to box-checkers in a compliance-heavy system. Ironically, the widely discussed physician shortage has become the last line of defense: a form of leverage that protects salaries, work-life balance, and some level of autonomy. If this shortage disappears, so too will the negotiating power of physicians, especially among the most vulnerable—young, indebted, and professionally inexperienced doctors. As the system prioritizes cost containment over care quality, physician scarcity may be the only thing keeping the profession from full commoditization. In short, the shortage isn’t just a supply issue—it’s a survival strategy.

In an increasingly uncertain world, growth isn’t the only route to creating shareholder value. A new study of 10,000 companies found that those with little to no revenue growth over two decades—termed “stable outperformers”—can match or even beat market returns with far less risk. These companies use four main strategies: shifting to asset-light services, enhancing premium offerings, vertically integrating to own more of the value chain, and delivering steady, bond-like dividends. Their returns come not from explosive expansion but from disciplined execution, improved margins, and long-term financial planning. Despite their success, low-growth firms face challenges in attracting talent and fostering innovation, but those that reframe career paths and emphasize continuous improvement can thrive. The key takeaway: Stability isn’t stagnation—it’s a strategic choice. But even the best low-growth strategies have limits and require leaders to remain adaptive.

Most companies are still rolling out generative AI like it’s just another software solution—but that mindset could be their biggest mistake. Instead, experts argue that GenAI should be treated like a new team member: onboarded, supported, and strategically integrated. The article highlights three major pitfalls companies fall into: obsessing over productivity, sidelining employee experience, and failing to reimagine workflows. Simply pushing GenAI to automate tasks risks disengagement and low adoption, especially when employees fear job loss. Companies that co-design AI rollouts with their teams not only see higher usage but also greater employee satisfaction. Leaders and managers play a crucial role—they must model how to work with GenAI. Ultimately, success depends on recognizing AI as a new kind of teammate that can reshape collaboration, boost innovation, and unlock team potential—if handled right.

Ultra-successful entrepreneurs aren’t just smarter or luckier—they’re wired differently. According to Oleg Boiko’s 30-year study, what sets billionaires apart is emotional intelligence, a relentless drive he dubs the “Inner Woodpecker,” and a strong stomach for risk. Unlike IQ, EQ can’t be outsourced or quickly acquired; it must be cultivated and practiced through real-world experience and mentorship. Billionaires succeed by persistently pecking away at goals, navigating tough relationships, and inspiring others, not just by being innovative or original. They’re not afraid of risk—on the contrary, they embrace it as a necessary ingredient of growth. And when setbacks hit (as they always do), their emotional resilience and patience help them stay calm and pivot instead of crumble. It’s not one big win that makes them—it’s consistency, self-awareness, and emotional mastery.

Physicians often assume their income is secure—but today’s medical landscape says otherwise. Between burnout, hospital buyouts, contract restructuring, and economic shifts, physician paychecks are more fragile than ever. Many doctors live on the edge of their high incomes, meaning a sudden loss of income—whether from layoffs, disability, or personal choice—can trigger financial chaos. While traditional savings offer some cushion, true financial security lies in developing passive income streams. Rental real estate, dividend-paying investments, and side businesses can offer the breathing room physicians need to weather uncertainty. The goal isn’t full replacement overnight—it’s building just enough recurring income to reduce pressure and increase flexibility. The key is starting small, knowing your “freedom number,” and taking action with a supportive community. Because in today’s world, having only one source of income is the real risk.

When Fur launched in 2016 to destigmatize body hair with premium care products, it didn’t expect beauty professionals to become its earliest superfans. But rather than stick to a direct-to-consumer model, founders Laura Schubert and Lillian Tung embraced that unexpected support and built a business around it. Today, Fur works with 20,000 salons—many of them small, women-owned businesses—which now contribute a quarter of its revenue. The company invests heavily in professional education, free webinars, certifications, and community building to support partners in retail sales and service growth. In turn, salon pros have provided Fur with invaluable product feedback, content support, and customer trust. By giving estheticians and dermatologists a prominent role, Fur has created a mutually beneficial ecosystem rooted in education, authenticity, and shared values. The result? A heritage brand in the making that listens, adapts, and leads with empathy.

WANT TO REACH THOUSANDS OF FORWARD-THINKING PHYSICIANS? CONSIDER SPONSORSHIP. CONTACT US FOR DETAILS.

QUICK BITES

• What automation leaves behind isn't a void — It's a creative revolution.

• Managing up, one conversation at a time.

• 3 ways I turned a viral moment into a $95 million business.

• Why this doctor hid her story for a decade.

Like the newsletter? Share it with someone you know! If you have any feedback or suggestions for future issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out!