When I entered medical school, my vision was clear: I wanted to be a physician.

However, a new path opened up that would allow me to blend my medical training with entrepreneurship.

To support myself through school, I worked as a call center agent, processing prior authorizations and insurance verifications. This role gave me an in-depth understanding of the complexities of healthcare administration—knowledge that would prove invaluable later on.

Then, I transitioned to being a virtual assistant, which allowed me to see firsthand the demands and challenges faced by healthcare providers, particularly orthopedic surgeons. Managing administrative tasks remotely while pursuing my medical education was no small feat, but it taught me the importance of efficiency, time management, and adaptability.

Identifying the Gap

Through my work, I noticed a significant gap in the healthcare system: orthopedic surgeons, some of the busiest specialists, were burdened with administrative tasks that took them away from patient care. This realization planted the seed for my virtual assistant agency, specifically tailored to meet the needs of orthopedic surgeons.

Bridging Medicine and Technology

With a unique blend of medical knowledge and hands-on experience in healthcare administration, I was in an ideal position to create a service that truly understood and addressed the needs of orthopedic surgeons. However, I knew that understanding medicine wasn’t enough; I needed to delve into the business and technological aspects to build a successful agency.

I expanded my skill set by taking online courses in business management and digital marketing, and I learned the basics of software development. I wanted to ensure that my agency was not just functional but also innovative, providing seamless, secure, and efficient services to our clients.

Building the Team

One of the most challenging aspects of establishing the agency was finding the right people. I knew that in order to provide high-quality service, I needed a team that understood the specific needs of orthopedic surgeons. I recruited individuals with backgrounds in healthcare, including medical students, nursing graduates, and healthcare administrators. Each team member underwent rigorous training, ensuring they were equipped to handle the unique demands of an orthopedic practice.

Launching the Agency

With the team in place and the necessary systems established, I launched the agency. The initial response was overwhelmingly positive, and the agency quickly gained traction. Surgeons appreciated the specialized knowledge our assistants brought to their practices, allowing them to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork.

Balancing School and Business

Running a business while in medical school was challenging, especially as I approached my clinical years. However, I was determined to excel in both arenas. My hard work paid off when I was recognized as the Most Outstanding Clinical Clerk in Orthopedics. Balancing the demands of my clinical rotations with managing the agency taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, time management, and prioritization.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was convincing surgeons to trust a virtual assistant with their practice’s administrative tasks. To overcome this, I focused on providing detailed onboarding processes, personalized training, and 24/7 support to ensure a smooth transition. Another challenge was maintaining compliance with medical regulations, particularly regarding data security and patient confidentiality. I worked closely with legal experts to ensure that our systems were fully HIPAA-compliant, and implemented stringent protocols to protect sensitive information.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, building this virtual assistant agency has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. What began as a side job to support myself during medical school has grown into a thriving business that makes a real difference in the lives of orthopedic surgeons and their patients. The journey has reinforced my belief that innovation in healthcare doesn’t have to be limited to new treatments or technologies—it can also come from rethinking how we support the professionals who deliver care.

Establishing a virtual assistant agency for orthopedic surgeons has allowed me to merge my medical knowledge with my passion for entrepreneurship. It has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey that has taught me the importance of adaptability, leadership, and a customer-centric approach. As I look to the future, my goal is to continue expanding the agency, incorporating new technologies to provide even more value to our clients, while also advancing my medical career.