Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, commonly known as Dr. Una, has dedicated the past fourteen years to running her private practice, Ivy League Pediatrics, while simultaneously developing EntreMD, a company committed to transforming physicians’ careers through business education. Based just outside Atlanta, Dr. Una is a board-certified pediatrician whose influence extends far beyond her practice. As the founder of EntreMD, she is committed to empowering 100,000 physicians to build profitable businesses, thus enabling them to live life and practice medicine on their own terms.
EntreMD addresses a significant gap in the medical field, where traditional education often overlooks the essential business skills required for running a successful practice. The centerpiece of EntreMD’s offerings is the EntreMD Business School, the only institution specifically designed for physician entrepreneurs. This school provides specialized training and mentorship, equipping doctors with the tools they need to establish and grow successful businesses without compromising their personal well-being or family life.
In addition to the business school, the EntreMD podcast has become an invaluable resource for physicians nationwide, reaching thousands of listeners and providing valuable insights and actionable advice on navigating the world of entrepreneurship in medicine. The success of EntreMD is further underscored by Dr. Una’s best-selling book series, which now includes four volumes that continue to inspire and educate physicians on how to build and sustain their businesses. These resources reflect EntreMD’s commitment to reshaping the landscape of physician-led businesses, fostering an environment where doctors can thrive both personally and professionally.
The mission of EntreMD is particularly timely and critical, given the current challenges facing the healthcare industry. In 2021 alone, approximately 11,000 private practices either closed or were sold to private equity firms, highlighting the difficulties doctors face in maintaining independent practices. The recent closure of 51 Walmart clinics, which could potentially leave tens of thousands of patients without access to care, underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Dr. Una and her team at EntreMD are at the forefront of this issue, advocating for the importance of private practice as a cornerstone of effective patient care and community health.
The decline of private practices has far-reaching implications, not only for the healthcare system but for society as a whole. The reduction in private practices limits patient access to care, often leading to longer wait times and less personalized attention, which can result in deteriorating health outcomes across the nation. Dr. Una believes that empowering physicians with business acumen is a vital step in reversing this trend. By providing doctors with the necessary skills and strategies to build and maintain successful practices, EntreMD not only preserves physician autonomy but also ensures that patients continue to receive high-quality, personalized care.
What sets EntreMD apart is its emphasis on balance and holistic success. Unlike traditional business education programs that may focus solely on profit, EntreMD teaches physicians how to grow their businesses sustainably. This approach helps doctors avoid burnout and maintain their health, peace of mind, and family life while achieving entrepreneurial success. This balanced perspective has made EntreMD a trusted ally for physicians seeking to navigate the complexities of business ownership in the healthcare industry.
Under Dr. Una’s leadership, EntreMD has also established National Private Practice Physician Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the resilience and dedication of physicians who continue to maintain private practices despite challenging circumstances. This day emphasizes the essential role that private practice physicians play in the healthcare ecosystem and serves as a call to action for greater support and recognition of their contributions.
Dr. Una’s work extends beyond individual achievements; it represents a broader vision of transforming the healthcare industry by empowering physicians. By building a community of physician entrepreneurs, EntreMD aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit the entire healthcare system. The EntreMD Business School, podcast, and book series are integral components of a strategy to change the narrative around medical practice, giving doctors the tools to reclaim their careers and make meaningful contributions to society.
Dr. Una’s insights have been featured by prominent media outlets, including Forbes, highlighting her expertise as a thought leader and speaker on physician entrepreneurship. These contributions underscore her role as a thought leader in physician entrepreneurship and her commitment to providing practical solutions that benefit both doctors and their patients. Dr. Una’s dedication to improving the lives of physicians and patients alike has been a driving force behind EntreMD’s success and its growing impact on the healthcare industry.
As EntreMD continues to expand, Dr. Una remains steadfast in her mission to support 100,000 physicians in building thriving businesses. Her innovative approach serves as a blueprint for the future, where physicians can practice medicine with autonomy, deliver exceptional patient care, and lead fulfilling lives. By advocating for the sustainability of private practice and providing practical solutions, EntreMD is making a lasting contribution to the health and well-being of communities across America.
Photo Courtesy: Nneka Unachukwu
For more information about EntreMD and its initiatives, please visit EntreMD’s website. Follow Dr. Una on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on her work and insights into physician entrepreneurship.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
