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Former independent physician goes back to becoming independent doctor

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Although the percentage of physicians in independent practices has fluctuated in recent years, at least one doctor has decided to return to her roots as an independent physician after practicing for 30 years. Erica Swegler, M.D., a member of the AAFP Board of Directors, explains in an article recently published by AAFP why she is returning to a solo practice, where she started her career as a physician just after her residency.

So why return to independent practice? It’s not all about the money, obviously. Dr. Swegler cites the lower rates of burnout among independent physicians as one positive aspect of working in an independent practice. In fact, a recent survey of 235 health care professionals in 174 small independent primary care practices in New York City found their burnout rate to be only 13.5 percent.

Dr. Swegler enjoys the autonomy in her practice, in particular the ability to focus on her patients’ needs and not the needs of the organization. As she says, “I have the satisfaction of taking care of my patients by placing their needs first…. I can practice to the highest level of my license and ensure that my patients have only the right, appropriate care they need.”