From West Point to Wine: Success in Career & Retirement, with Dr. Pat St. Pierre
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
Release Date: 03/05/2025
From Academia to Innovation: Redefining Pain Medicine with Dr. Peter Staats (Part 1)
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In Part one of this two‑part conversation, Dr. Peter Staats shares the formative experiences that shaped his path into anesthesiology and pain medicine, beginning with his upbringing in Hawaii and the profound intellectual influence of his father, a pioneering academic psychologist. This early exposure to integrative thinking laid the groundwork for Dr. Staats’ approach to medicine, one that challenged traditional silos and emphasized the interconnectedness of behavior, psychology, and physiology. His medical training, initially aimed toward orthopedic surgery, ultimately shifted...
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Peer Review, Workplace Violence, and Protecting Your Career with Dr. David Koronkiewicz
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
Dr. David Koronkiewicz, a retired orthopedic surgeon and current leader in healthcare quality, safety, and risk management, joins the podcast to discuss two major issues affecting physicians today: the peer review system and workplace violence in healthcare. Drawing from more than 30 years in clinical practice and extensive experience in administrative leadership, he offers a rare, multidimensional perspective on how internal hospital processes can deeply impact a physician’s career, finances, and long‑term wellbeing. Koronkiewicz explains how peer review—originally intended to...
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Asset Protection Essentials for Physicians with Attorney Bo Loeffler
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
Attorney Bo Loeffler returns to the podcast to revisit with David the foundational principles of asset protection—what it is, why physicians need it, and how proper timing and structure make all the difference. The conversation begins with an overview of risk for physicians, from malpractice and employee claims to real estate liability and auto accidents and stresses the importance of addressing these risks before they arise. Bo and David emphasize the crucial concept that asset protection is only effective when implemented ahead of any foreseeable claim. The discussion then shifts to the...
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Ethical Entrepreneurship in Medicine: Building Smarter Practices with Dr. Paul Lynch
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In this episode, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Paul Lynch, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, entrepreneur, and business leader. Dr. Lynch shares his remarkable journey from aspiring psychiatrist to pain medicine innovator—a shift inspired by his mother-in-law’s battle with cancer and the discovery of interventional pain treatments that could transform patients’ lives. His early experiences at the Mayo Clinic shaped his belief in comprehensive, integrated care—a philosophy that became the foundation for his first practice, Arizona Pain, which...
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Thriving in a Changing Healthcare Landscape with Jerry Kelsheimer
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In this episode of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, David Mandell welcomes back Jerry Kelsheimer, President of Medic Management Group. With decades of experience in healthcare business management, Jerry discusses how the healthcare landscape has changed dramatically over the past five years, affecting physicians' financial performance and operational efficiency. He outlines the evolving challenges medical practices face—including reduced reimbursements, higher labor costs, and increasing patient demands and stresses the importance of disciplined, intentional business...
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The Journey from Pediatrics to Scrub Sisters with Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In this episode of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann, a pediatric hospitalist and founder of Scrub Sisters. Dr. Winkelmann shares her journey from growing up in Puerto Rico, being inspired by her uncle's compassion and dedication to medicine and eventually pursuing pediatrics as her calling. She discusses how financial foresight and a unique tuition waiver allowed her to graduate debt-free, enabling her to maintain a balanced career and family life as a part-time physician at the Children's Hospital of Orange County. Dr....
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Innovation, Industry, and Ancillaries: Lessons from Dr. Jack Bert (Part 2)
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In this second part of a two-part episode, host David Mandell continues his discussion with Dr. Jack Bert, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and former president of the Arthroscopy Association of North America. In this conversation, Jack emphasizes the importance of ancillaries in building a financially successful medical practice. He explains how orthopedists and other specialists can significantly increase revenue streams through owning or participating in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), imaging services, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. Dr. Bert stresses that...
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Innovation, Industry, and Ancillaries: Lessons from Dr. Jack Bert (Part 1)
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In this first part of a two-part episode, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Jack Bert, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and former president of the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Dr. Bert shares his background, including his training at Northwestern, Temple, and the Mayo Clinic, as well as his career—building one of the first outpatient ambulatory surgery centers in Minnesota. He highlights how his practice expanded from a solo effort into a large multi-location group, providing insight into the evolution of orthopedic practice models. Dr. Bert reflects on the influences that...
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How Practices Can Build the Right Physician Comp Models Today and Beyond with Attorney Jason Greis
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In this episode, host David Mandell welcomes back attorney Jason Greis for his third appearance. Jason, a healthcare business attorney with extensive experience advising physician practices, discusses one of the most pressing issues for independent groups today: physician compensation models and partnership structures. With generational shifts and economic realities reshaping the field, many practices are rethinking what it means to become a partner and how to fairly compensate both younger and senior physicians. Jason explains how compensation models have evolved from the 1980s and 1990s to...
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The Journey from Solo Practice to Industry Leader with Dr. Cynthia Matossian
Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician
In the Season 6 premiere of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, host David Mandell welcomes Dr. Cynthia Matossian, an accomplished ophthalmologist, entrepreneur, and industry leader. Dr. Matossian shares her unique journey into medicine, starting from an initial interest in political science and international relations before ultimately discovering her passion for ophthalmology. She discusses the early challenges she faced in starting her own practice in 1987, particularly as a woman seeking financial backing in a male-dominated field, and the resilience and determination...
info_outlineListen in as host David Mandell welcomes orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick St. Pierre. Pat begins by sharing his background in the military, where he served in the infantry and as an airborne ranger pathfinder and eventually transitioned to medical school and a path in orthopedics. He then tells David about his decisions around the first job he took outside of the military on the east coast and his eventual move to Palm Desert, CA to a growing orthopedic practice there.
The conversation then shifts to Pat’s involvement with industry, including work on a Mako orthopedic robot for shoulder surgeries. He comments on the importance of physicians working with industry and gives advice to those thinking about doing so.
David and Pat then discuss Pat’s plan for retirement, which he has given a lot of thought to over the last decade after seeing colleagues struggle with life post-medical career. Pat is passionate about retiring TO something, not just FROM medicine. Pat explains his TO – is wine – and give insights on what he has been doing for some years to train and become certified as a master sommelier.
The episode concludes with Pat giving some specific advice for colleagues on approaching retirement beyond medicine.
KEY POINTS
Dr. Pat St. Pierre's Background: A West Point graduate, he also completed his medical education at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and has an extensive military medical career, including residencies and fellowships in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.
Military Experience: Dr. St. Pierre initially served in the infantry, where he undertook demanding roles such as airborne ranger and pathfinder, before transitioning to medicine in the military.
Motivation for Medicine: Inspired by personal experiences, including his mother's battle with heart disease, Dr. St. Pierre initially considered cardiology before shifting to orthopedics.
Choosing Orthopedic Surgery: He found his passion for orthopedics and sports medicine through impactful rotations and mentorship during medical school.
Transition to Civilian Practice: After 24 years of military service, his first civilian role in Virginia was driven by family considerations and proximity to his wife’s ailing parents.
Palm Desert Practice: Dr. St. Pierre joined Eisenhower Desert Orthopedic Center and has been practicing there for 17 years, playing a pivotal role in the growth of the practice.
Sports Medicine Leadership: He became the lead physician for major sports events, including the BNP Paribas Tennis Open, and worked with junior colleges, high schools, and a professional hockey team.
Financial Lessons for Young Physicians: He emphasized the importance of mentors, contract review, and considering regional factors like managed care and ancillary revenue streams when choosing a practice.
Overhead Management: Dr. St. Pierre’s group reduced their overhead by transitioning into a hospital-affiliated model, which improved financial efficiency.
Industry Collaboration: He values physician involvement in medical device development and has contributed to innovations like the BioWick rotator cuff anchor and the Mako robotic shoulder replacement.
Mako Robotic Shoulder Surgery: Dr. St. Pierre is part of a global team developing this cutting-edge technology, with FDA approval recently granted, signaling a transformative advance in shoulder surgery.
Planning for Retirement: He advocates for retiring to something meaningful rather than simply retiring from medicine, sharing his personal journey of preparing for life after surgery.
Passion for Wine: Dr. St. Pierre pursued a Master of Wine certification, a rigorous program blending science, viticulture, and business, becoming one of a select few in the world to achieve this level.
Future Endeavors: He plans to continue contributing to wine education and management while staying engaged with the medical industry, ensuring a fulfilling post-retirement phase.
Lifelong Learning: Dr. St. Pierre underscores the importance of challenging oneself with new pursuits, such as studying wine or learning an instrument, to keep the mind active and engaged.
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