028 - Craig Schooth The Definition of Success In Podiatry

When it comes to being a success podiatrist, we all have different ideas on what real success looks like, and I think my guest Craig Schooth from Sunnybank Hills Podiatry, Brisbane has got it pretty well worked out. 

Family, work, health and fitness, and time off for holidays and socialising with friends are all important, but what's more important is to find the right balance that works best for you, not what someone else tells you it should be.

On this episode we discuss: 

• Being a mature aged student and studying while married with children. 
• His competitive Triathlete days and how this lead to his first exposure to podiatry, via the QUT Podiatry Clinic.
• Phillip Pearlman took him for a run along Brisbane River as part of his initial biomechanical assessment.
• This exposure got Craig interested in the MSK aspect of podiatry.
• Studying and working

"When you put yourself in that situation, you must make it work."

• Never wait for that perfect time; it will probably never arrive.
• Taking on a QLD Rural Scholarship took the pressure off of finding a job upon graduation.
• Living in Roma, 500km west of Brisbane. It's not all negative as we sometimes shear. 
• Moving back to Brisbane didn't exactly go to plan, and it was a soul destroying moment having three children and no job.
• The best part about podiatry is there's no shortage of work if you want it. 
• Buying Sunnybank Hills Podiatry in 2011 and what he learnt working for himself. 

"The best thing about being a solo practitioner is working on your terms and getting all the fruits of your efforts."

Pivoting The Focus of His Business

Craig recently made a conscious decision to get back to why he wanted to be a podiatrist in the first place and is slowly turning his general practice into a more MSK style clinic.

The key is doing it slowly and also helpful to have some one-on-one coaching to help change the focus. 

You can continue to see 80 or 100+ general patients every week without having to do anything, but if it's not fulfilling, it's become a job. 

Make Realistic Changes

You must be realistic about the changes you want to make in your patient profile and balance between MSK patients and general patients. What is the correct balance for you? There is no right or wrong answer. 

First, you need to know who you want to attract. Who is my ideal patient or patient avatar?  

What Is Success?

There is no definition of a successful person in podiatry. Is not money or the toys you can afford. Your quality of life is more important than money, and it's spending time with people you care about and creating memories. 

If you have any questions about this podcast episode, please email me at [email protected], or you can connect with Craig Schooth via his website. 

If you enjoyed this episode you might also enjoy:

Ep 010: Dr Andrew Schneider Running A Successful Solo-Practice

One-On-One Coaching & Mentoring

The fastest and most efficient way to grow your podiatry business is by using a business coach or mentor. There are many coaching programs currently available, but in my opinion, most are very beige and non-specific.

Please email me. I'd love to be able to help you where I can.  

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