Physician Independence as Preventive Medicine—for Doctors

Physician Independence as Preventive Medicine—for Doctors

We counsel patients on prevention every day but how often do we apply that advice to ourselves?

As physicians, we understand the power of early intervention: catching illness before it escalates, addressing risk factors before they turn into diagnoses. And yet, when it comes to our own health, we often ignore the very principles we teach.

That has to change.And for many, the solution starts with independence.

The Hidden Epidemic of Physician Neglect

In traditional, system-based practice, doctors routinely delay or skip:

• Annual checkups

• Mental health care

• Fitness, nutrition, and sleep routines

Why? Because their schedules are maxed out, their autonomy is stripped away, and their energy is depleted.

Burnout, hypertension, insomnia, depression all are more common among physicians than the general population.

Independence as a Clinical Intervention

Physician independence isn’t just about career satisfaction, it’s a form of preventive care.

When you control your practice, you regain time and space for:

• Scheduling your own health appointments

• Cooking meals and exercising regularly

• Reconnecting with family and friends

• Engaging in mindfulness, therapy, or spiritual care

In short: you protect the healer, not just the patients.

Healthier Doctors, Healthier Care

Studies show that physicians who prioritize their own health:

• Have better clinical judgment

• Model wellness more effectively

• Experience fewer medical errors

• Stay in practice longer—and enjoy it

This isn’t selfish. It’s sustainable.And it’s the future of medicine—for those bold enough to choose it.

“Leaving the system wasn’t an escape—it was an act of self-preservation.”— Dr. R., Direct Primary Care Physician

✅ Time to Put Yourself First

Prevention isn’t just for patients—it’s for physicians too. And autonomy is the key to making that possible.

Lets's talk! Reach out to John Hayes Jr., MD to learn more

Let’s explore how independent practice can protect your long-term health and help you practice what you preach.