Best IDOC Podcasts (2025)

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Independent Together: What Does IDOC's Rebrand Mean for ODs? - Dave Brown, CEO and President of IDOC 35:50

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7d ago35:50

35:50

IDOC, the largest independently owned alliance of independent optometrists in the United States. In this episode, I chat with Dave Brown who is the CEO & President of IDOC. Since joining IDOC in 2014 and becoming CEO shortly thereafter, Dave has led IDOC through transformative growth–expanding its offerings, deepening member value, and advancing th…

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Independent. Together. The Future of Independent Optometry with IDOC 42:58

3d ago42:58

42:58

Independent optometry flourishes when doctors have the freedom to practice on their own terms—without feeling like they’re doing it alone. That belief is at the core of IDOC’s brand refresh, “Independent. Together.” In a recent Defocus Media conversation, hosts Dr. Darryl Glover and Dr. Jenn Lyerly spoke with Dave Brown, CEO of IDOC (Independent Do…

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Episode 240 - Block TPT? And an Interview with Joey Wender, SHLB 50:44

4h ago50:44

50:44

On this episode of K12 Tech Talk, we cover a busy week in school tech: Linewize and Google outages, handling suspicious Google logins, parental pushes to tighten cell phone rules, and worries about AI being used to draft IEPs and 504 plans. We discuss reports of malware tied to Teachers Pay Teachers and discuss the question - Should schools block T…

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How Does GEN Z See Contact Lens Wear and Eye Care? - Contact Lens Institute Visionaries Panel at Vision Expo West 29:08

2d ago29:08

29:08

During Summer 2025, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) conducted an extensive survey among Canadian and U.S. residents that indicated substantial opportunity for increased contact lens adoption by Gen Z, as well as identifying purchase drivers that the eye care community can employ to encourage use. The data showed an eight percent difference in Gen …

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What I Learned from the World’s Top Minds 27:23

4d ago27:23

27:23

In this episode, you’ll discover how world-class thinkers approach leadership, communication, and growth—and how their lessons can transform your practice. What can an optometrist learn from the CEO of Disney, a best-selling author on sales, and a self-made billionaire who started a company with $5,000? As it turns out—everything. You’ll hear what …

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Episode 239 - Outages, AI Bills, and the Shutdown's Impact on Schools 34:01

7d ago34:01

34:01

Join Josh and Mark on this week’s K‑12 Tech Talk as they break down the real-world effects of the federal government shutdown on schools, walk through a new federal AI bill (the GARD Act) and discuss major service outages that disrupted classrooms — including Chromebook/Google login problems, recent AWS and Entra incidents, and how districts should…

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How AI Will Reshape Eye Care in 12–18 Months and How to Make Your Practice Ready 36:49

11d ago36:49

36:49

In this episode, you’ll discover why the next 12 to 18 months have the potential to redefine what it means to practice optometry AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. And while some doctors are still debating its relevance, others are quietly building practices ready to lead the next era of connected care. Dr. Rupe Hansra, VP of Professional Affairs…

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Izervay (Avacincaptad Pegol) for Geographic Atrophy: Uses & Action 35:50

6d ago35:50

35:50

Key Takeaways What is Izervay used for: Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) is FDA-approved to slow the progression of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, preserving vision for longer. Izervay mechanism of action: By inhibiting complement protein C5, Izervay helps reduce retinal cell death, offering patients a proactive way t…

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Episode 238 - How to Implement Student MFA 56:20

12d ago56:20

56:20

Holy MFA, Batman! This week, the guys discuss the sentencing of the individual behind the PowerSchool data breach, the recent AI weapons detection system that mistook a bag of chips for a gun and prompted police response, and Mark's Batman mask. Yes, it's Halloween time! The main segment is an interview with the tech team from Tahoe-Truckee Unified…

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Optometrists or Therapists? Navigating Patient Care with Empathy 29:03

7d ago29:03

29:03

Empathy in optometry goes far beyond polite conversation—it’s a clinical skill that builds trust, improves compliance, and defines the overall patient experience. In Episode 50 of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez, Dr. Jasdeep Singh, Dr. Nadia Afkhami, and Dr. Douglas Akidi dive into how empathy shapes patient care. They discuss how …

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RE-RELEASE: Becoming a Multi-Million Dollar Practice in 5 Years 42:43

18d ago42:43

42:43

What would it take to open a practice cold and within 5 years achieve a level of financial success that many practices never reach… becoming a multi-million-dollar practice? In this episode, Dr. Joel Tuite takes us through his 5-year journey, year-by-year. Some of the topics we cover are how he attracted patients in the lean years, the importance o…

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Optometry Student to New Grad: Mentorship, Mental Health, and Patient Connection with Dr. Svetlana Nunez 17:48

10d ago17:48

17:48

Optometry is as much about people as it is about eyes. In a conversation with Dr. Darryl Glover, new graduate Dr. Svetlana Nunez traced a path from early inspiration to her first steps as an optometrist—highlighting family support, the realities of training, and the habits that sustain mental well-being. This companion article distills her story in…

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First Class Eye Care: Building a Profitable Eye Care Practice with Dr. Adam Young 59:40

11d ago59:40

59:40

3 Key Takeaways Balancing Passion and Profit: A profitable eye care practice begins with purpose and consistency. Dr. Adam Young’s journey with First Class Eye Care shows that combining clinical excellence with an elevated patient experience leads to long-term loyalty and growth. Leadership Through Empowerment: Investing in team development and per…

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Optimizing Scope Is Protecting Patients and the Public 11:00

13d ago11:00

11:00

In an evolving healthcare landscape, conversations around scope modernization in optometry are more than professional discussions; they are about protecting patients and ensuring access to timely care. In this episode of The 2020 Podcast, host Dr. Harbir Sian sits down with Dr. Mark Eltis, President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario , to ex…

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Episode 237 - Drone Debrief, Google Inactive Accounts, and MOREnet 1:05:20

23d ago1:05:20

1:05:20

In this episode, we debrief last week’s Campus Guardian Angel interview, dig into Google’s new policy to delete inactive accounts after two years, and reflect on the recent AWS/DNS outage that impacted services. Then, K12TechPro's Hayden the New Guy brings multiple on‑site interviews from the MOREnet conference! Tech Department Salary Survey View t…

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Cost, Fees, and Metrics: The SECRET to Building a Successful Myopia Practice - Dr. Jennifer Lyerly 1:02:28

15d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

When we think of implementing a specialty in our clinics, we often think of equipment we need to purchase, whether we have the patient base, and perhaps what type of training is needed. What often gets overlooked is the cost of seeing the patients who fall into the particular specialty. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares some of the key me…

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Want to Retire Someday? Start Building Practice Value Today 29:38

25d ago29:38

29:38

In this episode, you’ll discover why the true value of your practice isn’t built when you sell—it’s built every day you show up to lead it. Nathan Hayes joins me to unpack the mindset and strategies of owners who play the long game—the ones who treat every decision as an investment in their future freedom. They don’t wait until retirement to think …

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Strengthening the Retina Referral: How Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Can Transform Geographic Atrophy Care 34:59

26d ago34:59

34:59

Key Takeaways Early detection of geographic atrophy symptoms and GA lesions is critical. Using OCT and fundus autofluorescence allows optometrists to identify changes early and refer patients before significant vision loss occurs. Strong partnerships between optometrists and ophthalmologists improve outcomes. A smooth referral process ensures that …

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Eye on Mindset: A Guide to Natural Vision Improvement 39:58

18d ago39:58

39:58

Patients are asking about natural vision improvement more than ever—often hoping to cut dependence on glasses or contacts without surgery. Conventional training says that lasting change hinges on optical correction or surgical intervention; yet some functional, habit-based strategies may meaningfully improve comfort, acuity fluctuations, and visual…

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Episode 236 - Can Drones Make Schools Safer? 1:11:47

27d ago1:11:47

1:11:47

On Episode 236 of K12 Tech Talk, we discuss California’s new law to protect students using AI chatbots and revisit Campus Guardian Angel, a startup building drone-based responses for active shooter scenarios. The episode features an in-depth interview with Justin Marston (CEO/co-founder) and Bill King (Chief Tactical Officer/co-founder) from Campus…

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From Ophthalmologist To Optometrist To AI Founder, The Necessity Of Evolution - Dr. Henry Reis 43:11

22d ago43:11

43:11

You know those people who seem to master every chapter of their career evolution — effortlessly moving from launching a tech startup to leading a multi-location optometry empire? Dr. Henry Reis is one of them. But don’t be fooled by the accolades — his path was anything but effortless. In this deep-dive interview, we pull back the curtain on Dr. Re…

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You’re Always on Stage: How to Speak So Patients Say Yes 19:30

1M ago19:30

19:30

In this episode, you’ll discover why the most powerful tool in your practice isn’t your OCT or your EHR—it’s your voice. Dr. Steve Vargo shares a personal story of the time he bombed his first big presentation. Months of preparation, flawless slides, and bullet-point perfection… and yet, the audience checked out. That failure became the turning poi…

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Top 5 Optical Sales Tips Every Optician Should Master 12:05

26d ago12:05

12:05

Key Takeaways Set expectations early by capturing patients from their very first interaction, positioning eyewear as an essential part of their care experience. Create an experience, not a sale: Guide patients through a curated optical journey focused on personalization and confidence, not just products. Lead by example: Collaboration between docto…

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Reel Eyes Podcast: Bring Her Back – Horror, Humanity, and Vision Loss 58:49

29d ago58:49

58:49

When horror meets humanity, and eye care meets empathy, you get something special. In this Reel Eyes Podcast episode, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson explore the haunting Australian film Bring Her Back, directed by twins Dani and Michael Philippou. Known for their breakout hit Talk to Me, the Philippou brothers craft another deeply unsettli…

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Episode 235 - Middle Schoolers are the Best! 50:16

1M ago50:16

50:16

In this episode, Josh and Chris discuss the impact of personal device bans, noting increased Google Docs traffic and the creative ways students attempt to access unblocked games. Chris shares insights into managing content filtering and the ongoing battle with unwanted websites. Finally, Chris interviews Brian Edwards, Director of Educational Strea…

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How To Elevate Every Step Of The Patient Journey (Even The One You Haven't Thought About) - Dr. Wes McCann 35:06

1M ago35:06

35:06

Elevating the patient journey is about more than just good care — it’s about crafting a seamless experience from the first online search to post-visit follow-up. Dr. Wes McCann, owner of Doctors Vision Group, shares practical strategies for optimizing every touchpoint in an optometry practice, from streamlining intake and cross-training staff to re…

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Stop Guessing: How ODs Can Plan Smarter Marketing for 2026 31:05

1M ago31:05

31:05

By IDOC

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Episode 234 - What happens when a student account is compromised? 40:54

1M ago40:54

40:54

This episode covers significant developments including the confirmed merger of Chrome and Android, the FCC's proposed changes to the E-rate program affecting school bus Wi-Fi and hotspots, and a critical discussion on controlling student account spamming and its associated risks like internal spam, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. Refer…

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Live Discussion: How To Find Your Way Into Specialty Eyecare - Dr. Ying Zhao and Dr. Janice Luk 35:51

1M ago35:51

35:51

Specialty eyecare is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in optometry — and two trailblazers are showing how to make it your own. In this live interview, Dr. Ying Zhao shares how she turned a personal passion for myopia management into a thriving specialty practice, while Dr. Janice Luk reveals how she built expertise in dry eye and beauty-rel…

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What Top ODs Revealed About Contact Lens Success—and What’s Holding Them Back 33:44

2M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode, you’ll hear what happens when a group of forward-thinking ODs come together, not just to share clinical tips, but to challenge the way we think about contact lenses. We didn’t sit around talking about products. We dug into something bigger—the opportunities hiding in plain sight. The moments when patients walk out the door because …

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Episode 233 - Teenagers Using AI Companions? 1:07:59

1M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Episode 233 discusses the newest tensions between AI and schools: teenagers using AI companions and alarming incidents tied to platforms like Character.ai that have drawn federal attention. Josh talks about his student MFA pilot using Clever, how onboarding works (and how MFA can be network-aware to reduce classroom friction), and using student-led…

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Live Discussion: The Path To Business Ownership - Dr. Michelle Mann And Dr. Sara Kirby 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

Business ownership in optometry can feel like a leap of faith—but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths a new graduate can take. In this live event, Dr. Michelle Mann and Dr. Sara Kirby share their contrasting journeys—one building a cold-start practice from the ground up, the other buying into an established clinic—and reveal the real-world le…

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Innovation, AI, and the Patient Experience: A Conversation with Newton’s CEO 21:06

2M ago21:06

21:06

In this episode, you’ll discover what reinvention really looks like when innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset. Davis Corley, CEO of Newton (formerly Neurolens), didn’t just announce a rebrand. He revealed a bold new vision for the future of eyecare—one that challenges us to rethink how we lead, how we innovate, and how we meet the expect…

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Episode 232 - Killer Drones, Google Outages & AI Whack‑A‑Mole 49:00

2M ago49:00

49:00

On Episode 222, we unpack a busy week in school tech: a nationwide Google outage that disrupted Chromebook logins, new Sophos data showing improving ransomware recovery and falling ransom payments, and CETA’s annual report putting AI at the top of state priorities. The conversation dives into the controversial campus drone pilot approved in Florida…

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The Myopia Growth Engine: How Two ODs Turned a Niche into a Practice Driver 35:43

2M ago35:43

35:43

In this episode, you step into the exam room with two ODs who turned “maybe someday” into a thriving myopia management program—without waiting to have it all figured out. Dr. Alecia Barnes and Dr. Jenn Lyerly share how they moved from dabbling to discipline: simple scripts that spark parent buy-in, a clean consult flow that saves time, pricing buil…

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Episode 231 - Our Top 5 Trending Back-to-School Topics 56:03

2M ago56:03

56:03

On this episode, Josh, Chris, and Mark unpack their top five back-to-school trends shaping K-12 technology in 2025. Topics include shifting budgets and funding pressures, rising costs for materials and software, widespread school cell phone policies and bell-to-bell enforcement, the rapid expansion of AI tools in classrooms (including Notebook LM a…

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Scope Optimization = Protecting the Patient and the Public - Dr. Mark Eltis, President of the Ontario College of Optometrists 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

In the latest episode in the Scope Optimization series on The 20/20 Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Mark Eltis who is the President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a Director of the ABO, and well-renowned speaker/educator in the industry. In the episode, Dr. Mark Eltis touches on variety of topics related scope moderniza…

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Reimagining Eyecare: The Impact of AI on Optometry’s Next Decade 52:11

2M ago52:11

52:11

In this episode, you step into a future that’s already knocking on your door—and learn how to meet it with confidence. Dr. Scot Morris doesn’t talk about artificial intelligence; he tells the story of a profession on the edge of reinvention. If you’ve ever felt buried by admin, boxed in by EHRs, or frustrated by 3rd-party red tape, this conversatio…

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Episode 230 - Office 365 or Google Workspace or BOTH? 44:49

2M ago44:49

44:49

On this episode, the guys are back together with Mark sharing a story about a tech emergency during his recent Alaskan cruise vacation. This episode covers current events, including a potential cut in federal Title 1 funding and the elimination of all Title 2, 3, and 4 funding in a proposed House of Representatives budget. Chris, Josh, and Mark cel…

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Creating New Pathways in the Brain for Concussion Patients Using Prism and Tinted Lenses - Dr. Vi Tu Banh 1:10:10

2M ago1:10:10

1:10:10

From escaping Vietnam as a child to changing patients lives in his clinic, Dr. Vi Tu Banh has had some of the most unique life and work experiences you could imagine. In this episode, Dr. Banh shares the stories of how his family was rescued from a deserted island in the Pacific by a few generous citizens in Canada and how that has shaped his missi…

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From Amazon to Eye Exams: Preparing Your Practice for Tomorrow’s Patients 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

In this episode, you’ll step into the shoes of tomorrow’s patient—and see how their expectations are already reshaping the way you need to run your practice today. The healthcare world isn’t changing slowly anymore. It’s being redefined by the same forces that transformed shopping, travel, and entertainment. Amazon taught us convenience. Netflix ta…

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Episode 229 - MagicSchool, Esports, and Update Issues 59:26

2M ago59:26

59:26

Josh and Chris recap the hectic second week of school, covering Chromebook rollouts, Clever headaches, cell‑phone bans, and a recent ChromeOS update rollback. They also ask the question "Is Esports a sport?" The episode highlight? A candid interview with Adeel Khan, founder and CEO of MagicSchool. Adeel shares MagicSchool's origin story, how MagicS…

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Putting In Your '10,000 HOURS' To Become An Expert - Dr. Julian Prosia 37:50

2M ago37:50

37:50

To fully master your craft, you have to put the work in – and there is no such thing as overnight success. Harbir Sian chats with Dr. Julian Prosia, dry eye specialist and CEO/co-founder of Ophthalogix Canada, who emphasizes the need to spend “10,000 hours” to truly become a trusted expert in the medical field. He stresses the importance of continu…

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Proven Strategies from the Top 5 Downloaded Episodes 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

To celebrate 100 episodes, we're bringing you the best insights from our top 5 most downloaded shows. From team building and leadership to optical strategy and staff training, this episode pulls the key takeaways that have helped practices scale fast and smart. You'll hear highlights from: Sharon Carter on leadership development and executing what …

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Episode 228 - The First Week Back 47:12

3M ago47:12

47:12

Josh and Chris talk about the first week back to school - Smartboard repairs, missing classroom printers, tech tickets, moving equipment, and more. They also share anecdotes about Mark’s Alaska trip (send pics for prizes). They also discuss vendor DPAs, the fallout from bell‑to‑bell cell phone bans, and creative MFA options. -------------------- Li…

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Understanding the Canadian Association of Optometrists - Dr. Martin Spiro and Dr. Allison Scott 18:04

3M ago18:04

18:04

During the recent Canadian Association of Optometrists Congress in Halifax, I had the opportunity to speak with outgoing President Dr. Martin Spiro and incoming President Dr. Allison Scott about how the CAO supports its members across the country. From organizing meetings such as the Optometric Leaders Forum, to leading the charge to develop a nati…

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The Secret to Sales—Just Shut Up! 27:33

3M ago27:33

27:33

In this episode, you’ll discover why the most powerful thing you can say to a patient might be nothing at all. It started with one piece of advice from a seasoned VP of sales: “Ask a question, and then just shut up.” Simple, but transformational. We explore how this counterintuitive approach can change everything—from the way patients perceive your…

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Episode 227 - State‑Mandated AI, Back‑to‑School Mayhem & the Birth of "Grumpy Josh" 46:23

3M ago46:23

46:23

Josh, Chris and Mark dive into the chaos of the back‑to‑school rush and the latest K‑12 tech headlines. Topics include Ohio’s new requirement that districts adopt AI policies, the pros and cons of writing evergreen AI regulations, and how that mandate could interact with existing tech agreements. The trio also covers recent news like ChatGPT‑5’s la…

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Patching is BAD, Pencil Pushups Are GOOD (And Other Things You Don't Want to Believe) - Dr. Bryce Appelbaum 1:05:04

3M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

the human brain. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, founder and CEO of VisionFirst, explains how focusing on the eye-brain connection can lead to innovative vision and eyesight treatments and improvements. Joining Harbir Sian, he explains which vision therapies and training programs offer positive results – and which ones are actually doing more harm than good t…

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Small Changes, Big Growth: How Dr. Smith Built a Thriving Practice One Step at a Time 39:16

3M ago39:16

39:16

In this episode, you’ll discover how small, steady changes can quietly transform a practice—and your future. Dr. Mariah Smith didn’t make one big leap. Over the past decade, she built a thriving, six-times-more-profitable practice by making intentional improvements—one at a time. No shortcuts. No flash. Just smart systems, better leadership, and th…