I agree with Rick's answer and would add that if the person is in an area served by any non-profit organizations that provide health-related services, the person should volunteer or otherwise engage with that organization. Then, as that non-profit gets to know the person and their skills, perhaps the person could be included in projects for which the non-profit seeks growth or development funds via grant applications or donor solicitations. The person could also get to know the non-profit's grantwriting and funding development personnel and practices, perhaps to leverage these for the person's own future efforts. Working with one or more relevant local non-profits gives the person chances to gain the valuable experience Rick mentions, as well as potentially useful knowledge and contacts, and enhancements to any future job or funding applications.

One more point to elaborate on Rick's final recommendation. The AARP Bulletin recently reported that while some 25 percent of the US population lives in rural areas, only 10 percent of the country's doctors live and work in those areas. These disturbing numbers may offer significant opportunity to your acquaintance. Please keep us apprised of their progress, and thanks for the thought-provoking question!

Rick Kadet

Vice President, Senior CFO Consultant, The Brenner Group, Inc.

Posted on July 1, 2010

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mathan mothan

I am assuming from this brief question that the person is in the US and has a medical degree and has completed all requirements to become licensed in some state. If this is not true, the advice may not be worth much.

A physician should not practice alone with no money; makes no sense. He/she cannot buy insurance for malpractice or obtain the ordinary things needed to set up a practice as well as hire a nurse and learn how to navigate for insurance reimbursements.

I urge this person to obtain work in a physician's practice, hospital or other place where he/she can learn the ropes and save some money to boot. This can last several years. People being treated at whatever place can become paying patients down the road. When there are resources as well as knowledge needed to run a practice, then an individual practice can be considered.

I would recommend that once experience is obtained, for the physician to consider starting the practice in a small rural area where there may be subsidies from local governments to help set up practice. Living costs will also be lower.