In this episode of the I Love Neuro podcast, hosts Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean sat down with Katie Bouchillon, OTR, CBIST, MCMT, owner and CEO of Spero Rehab, a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic with 6 locations across Houston and Austin, Texas. Katie shared her journey into neuro rehabilitation and entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for other clinicians looking to start or grow their own practices including what NOT to do based on the big mistakes she made along the way.
- Katie was motivated to start her own clinic after becoming frustrated with the decreasing length of stays for neuro rehab patients at her previous employer. She saw a need in the community for more effective and sustainable rehabilitation options.
- Starting a brick-and-mortar clinic from scratch came with its challenges, including taking out a large loan and making mistakes in the early years. Katies emphasizes the importance of establishing core values and a clear vision before opening a practice. She explains what this looks like in practice.
- Building a strong network and community involvement are crucial to Katie’s success. She leveraged relationships with former colleagues, participated in local events, and used social media to attract patients and employees.
- Running a neuro-focused practice comes with unique financial and operational challenges. Katie discusses strategies like outsourcing services, partnering with nonprofits, and diversifying service offerings to maintain financial stability.
- Hiring the right team and delegating responsibilities were key to Katie’s ability to scale her business. She prioritizes finding passionate, adaptable employees who share her core values. She explains where to find “A players” and how long it could take to find the right people.
Overall, Katie’s story highlights the rewards and difficulties of entrepreneurship in the neurorehabilitation field. Her insights offer valuable lessons for clinicians looking to take the leap into private practice.
