The 7 Secret Job Titles of a Practice Owner
Running your own practice? Congratulations, you already have seven jobs and probably haven’t taken lunch.
Let’s be honest: being a practice owner means you’re constantly switching hats. One minute you’re solving a billing issue, the next you’re coaching a staff member, and later that day you’re trying to decode your accountant’s spreadsheet (while wondering if you’re being punked).
Know Your Hats
Here’s a fun look at the senior leadership roles you’re already playing (whether you know it or not) and why embracing them can help you lead your practice more confidently and effectively.
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Chief Vision Wrangler (a.k.a. CEO)
You’re the dreamer and the driver.
You decide where the practice is headed, whether it’s expansion, upgrading equipment, or finally getting the team to actually follow the schedule. Vision doesn’t just happen … it gets wrangled.
Your job as CEO: Keep your eyes on the horizon while steering through the daily fog.
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Opportunity Scout (New Business Manager)
Growth doesn’t come knocking, you have to go looking.
Whether it’s networking, creating referral programs, or launching a new service, you’re the one opening doors to new business.
Your job: Spot new revenue opportunities before your competitors do.
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Voice of Opportunity (Telephone Sales Rep)
Yes, you delegate phone calls, but when a key new patient or partner needs a personal touch? That’s your voice on the line.
Your job: Build trust and make meaningful connections, one call at a time.
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Practice Growth Strategist (Consultant)
You know where things are stuck.
Sometimes you solve the problem. Sometimes you bring in help (we like those owners best!). But you’re always analyzing, planning, and adjusting.
Your job: Keep evolving the practice instead of repeating last year on loop.
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Director of Getting Things Done (VP Admin)
You keep operations running.
From hiring to policies to dealing with a leaky ceiling, you’re the hub that holds it all together.
Your job: Ensure your systems support success, not sabotage it.
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Money Maestro (Finance Person)
Like it or not, you’re the CFO too.
Even with a bookkeeper, you decide how the money moves, what to invest in, when to cut back, and how to make the numbers sing.
Your job: Lead with numbers, not just gut feelings.
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Organizer of All Things (Admin Assistant)
You might have an assistant, but chances are you still handle a chunk of the organizing, reminding, and remembering.
Your job: Keep the wheels greased and the chaos tamed – on your calendar, and everyone else’s.
So What Now?
Recognizing the roles you’re already playing is the first step toward doing them more intentionally. It’s also the wake-up call that:
- You don’t have to do it all alone.
If your hats are starting to feel heavy, it may be time to offload, delegate, or get guidance (consultants are great at that – just saying). - Each hat deserves respect.
You’re not “just” a practice owner. You’re a multi-skilled, multi-title leader. Give yourself some credit and some structure to match.
Final Thought
You don’t need to go out and print new business cards with all these fancy titles. But knowing which hat you’re wearing (and when to take one off) can help you avoid burnout, make better decisions, and lead a more prosperous, peaceful practice.
And if your closet of hats is overflowing, we’ve got a pretty good Practice Whisperer!