Transitioning From Academia to Private Practice

YoungMD Connect recently hosted an “Ask Me Anything” mentorship session with Tina Bhutani, MD, MAS, FAAD, during which she discussed her shift in career trajectory from academia to private practice and the insights she gained along the way.

EARLY ACADEMIC CAREER

Dr. Bhutani completed her residency at the University of California-San Francisco and joined the faculty immediately thereafter, spending 8 years balancing clinical work, research, clinical trials, and mentoring. While she valued the academic environment, she cited limited control over patient scheduling and the inability to provide the level of care she envisioned as catalysts for exploring new opportunities.

THE LEAP INTO PRACTICE OWNERSHIP

Owning a practice was not initially part of Dr. Bhutani’s career plan, but a serendipitous encounter at a major dermatology conference led to the opportunity to purchase a practice that aligned closely with her preferences. Despite initial hesitation, Dr. Bhutani embraced the challenge, crediting strong mentorship and resources for helping her succeed in business ownership.

INSIGHTS ON BUILDING A NICHE

Residency is the ideal time to explore subspecialties, even though schedules are demanding, Dr. Bhutani said. The early years in one’s career provide the opportunity to refine and expand one’s clinical or research niche.

Mentorship is crucial at every career stage, she added, emphasizing cultivating multiple mentors—clinical, research, and personal—to guide diverse aspects of professional development.

PRACTICE MODEL AND OPERATIONS

Dr. Bhutani described her practice as a “small but mighty” medical dermatology clinic with phototherapy services and a clinical trials unit. While cosmetics are a minimal component, she selectively offers neurotoxin injections to patients and plans to gradually expand skincare offerings.

Dr. Bhutani listed several operational resources that she said have been key for her, including:

• A strong practice manager and experienced billing support
• Specialty pharmacy partnerships to ease prior authorization burdens
• A peer network of local dermatologists for advice and collaboration
• Engagement in local societies and practice management courses at meetings

BALANCING RESEARCH, INDUSTRY, AND CLINICAL WORK

Dr. Bhutani’s long-standing relationships with industry partners—built during a clinical trials fellowship—have supported her research endeavors and advisory roles. She said industry collaboration can be mutually beneficial when approached ethically and when aligning with one’s clinical values.

While academia can be good early on for those interested in research, complex medical dermatology, or inpatient care due to access to mentorship and resources, Dr. Bhutani noted that private practice offers autonomy, flexibility, and growth potential—though it also demands business acumen and infrastructure.

Dr. Bhutani described her approach as a work–life juggle, adjusting weekly priorities between work and family. Support systems—including a reliable partner, childcare resources, and peer collaboration—are essential, she said. Early-career physicians, she added, must manage expectations and avoid guilt over shifting focus between personal and professional demands.