Lessons from Dentistry That Apply to Podiatry
In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I sat down with Dr Jae Grymes, a dual board-certified dental anaesthesiologist and paediatric dentist from Delaware. While her clinical world is dentistry, the parallels to podiatry are undeniable.
We spoke about achievement, burnout, debt, corporate healthcare, comparison, and the hidden pressure that many clinicians carry but rarely discuss openly.
Everything Is Hard Until It’s Easy
One of Jae’s lines that stood out to me was, “Everything is hard until it’s easy.”
As podiatrists, we know this firsthand. Nail surgery feels slow when you first start. Biomechanics can feel overwhelming, and patient communication can feel awkward at first.
Then years later, you’re doing in 15 minutes what once took one hour. Over time, your skill, experience and confidence compound.
The problem is we often forget that growth takes time.
Stop Apologising for Your Fees
You should feel confident charging what you do as a well-trained health professional. Patients may only see the 15 minutes you’re with them; they don’t see the years of study, the sacrifices, the ongoing continuing education and the day-to-day stress you must deal with.
You deserve to charge what you’re worth. And yes, we can be compassionate and flexible at times. But we cannot build sustainable businesses if we constantly discount ourselves.
Comparison Is Dangerous
This was a big part of our conversation. It’s easy to look at another podiatrist and assume they’ve got it all sorted.
They may have a beautiful house, a car, a big clinic, and multiple associates, but you don’t know what’s happening behind closed doors.
You don’t know their debt, their daily stress levels, possible relationship challenges and the number of sleepless nights they have had.
Comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel on social media is a losing strategy.
Happiness and Achievement Are Independent Variables
You can achieve and make a lot of money and still feel empty and anxious. You can even “win” in business and lose in health or relationships. Happiness is not automatically unlocked by financial success.
Yes, making money is important and is required for some simple pleasures in life, but true happiness requires intention.
The Ferris Bueller Principle
Ferris Bueller, in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, summed it up perfectly, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Too many people delay their happiness.
- “I’ll relax after the loan is paid off.”
- “I’ll travel once the clinic is stable.”
- “I’ll slow down when…”
The problem is that the goalposts keep moving. Just when you think the time is right, it never is. At some point, you have to ask: What would a healthy version of me do right now?
Key Takeaways
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Everything is hard until it becomes easy.
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Skill takes time, so don’t rush the process.
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Charge for expertise, not time alone.
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Don’t let one negative patient define you.
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Comparison is rarely accurate.
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Success on the outside doesn’t guarantee peace on the inside.
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Corporate healthcare is shifting the profession; be aware.
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Community conversations reduce isolation.
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Happiness and achievement are separate decisions.
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Build a clinic that supports your life, not one that consumes it.
If your business is profitable but not fulfilling…
If you’re working hard but not enjoying it…
If you’re unsure whether you’re building freedom or building pressure…
Let’s have a conversation. Head to www.tysonfranklin.com and schedule a call with me. I love working with ambitious podiatrists who are ready to make a change.
Your clinic should enhance your life, not replace it.