Why I Work with Physicians
Someone recently asked me a question I did not have a great answer for at first. It seemed simple, but it caught me off guard:
“Why do you cater to physicians?”
After thinking about it for a bit, I realized the answer actually says a lot about how my practice evolved and about the kind of work I enjoy most.
The Short Version
- Physicians are comfortable delegating.
- They value focusing on the big picture.
- They appreciate transparent fees.
- And most importantly, they follow through and get things done.
The Background
When I started in this industry years ago at Merrill Lynch, one of the first things our trainers told us was: “Physicians make really tough clients.”
I’ll be honest and admit that it stuck with me for a long time and probably influenced how I viewed working with them. My own physician once asked if I would take him on as a client years ago. Instead of considering the opportunity, I brushed him off without giving it much thought.
I also do not come from a family of doctors. The closest I get is that my wife is a DNP and nursing professor, although she insists I have the least medical knowledge of anyone she has ever met. Hurtful, but fair. Even so, I’ve always admired the structure and discipline that define the medical world. I have seen every episode of MASH* at least five times, so that has to count for something.
The Evolution
My early training focused on gathering assets, managing investments, and charging fees. At first, I took pride in mastering the technical side of finances. Over time, something about that traditional model started to feel incomplete. I found myself spending more time asking clients questions about their goals, their challenges, and their vision for their future. These conversations were supposed to be a small part of the process, but they quickly became the part that mattered most.
Today, my focus is what I call Real Financial Planning. It involves helping clients define a Statement of Financial Purpose, build a vision for their ideal future, and understand the difference between worth and money.
There is a healthy dose of tax planning involved, but the true focus is alignment. Aligning life with finances and aligning values with goals, not just optimizing spreadsheets.
Why Physicians
This is where everything finally clicked for me.
Physicians are incredibly skilled and incredibly busy. They understand the value of their time and are completely comfortable bringing in an expert to handle something outside their lane. I do the same thing in my own business, so we share that mindset of delegation.
When we talk about “the big picture,” we’re not just discussing portfolios. We’re talking about what truly matters: How do you spend your time? How do you design a life that’s sustainable and fulfilling, not just financially successful?
Physicians also see firsthand how short life can be. Many of my clients are not trying to retire early. They simply want to live better today. That is why I completed advanced training focused on helping physicians enjoy life while their health, wealth, and time are at their peak, long before retirement becomes the main conversation.
There is also the elephant in the room. The financial industry can be confusing, complex, and in many cases predatory. It is especially challenging for physicians, who often become targets as their income rises. That was one of the main reasons I launched my own firm. I wanted a transparent, flat-fee model based on knowledge, service, and a clear process. My annual fee is $12,000, and that covers everything: planning, investing, tax coordination, the works.
No commissions. No hidden agendas. Just straight answers and advice that is built to serve.
Finally, my physician clients simply get things done. Whether it is sending over a tax return or reviewing benefits from a new role, they tend to follow through. That follow through makes for a genuinely productive working relationship.
The Current State
So that is the real reason I cater to physicians.
At this stage, my practice is intentionally focused. I primarily work with physicians, and if someone outside of medicine wants to become a client, they need to be referred by an existing one. Life is too short for my clients and for me to engage in work that is not aligned with our shared expectations and values.
If this resonates with you, or if you know a physician who could benefit from a partnership like this, I would be honored if you passed it along.