How to Build a Thriving Practice Without Burning Out One of my favorite parts of hosting the Root Cause Medicine Podcast is introducing you to practitioners who are making a real difference—not only in the lives of their patients, but in the lives of other clinicians. Today's guest is Lesli Bitel, a registered dietitian whose career has taken a path that many practitioners may recognize pieces of. She began in clinical practice, spent years in leadership roles across the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries, and eventually found her way back to patient care with an entirely new perspective. Today, she helps practitioners build businesses that allow them to do their best work without burning themselves out along the way. Because the reality is, most of us were trained to care for patients. Very few of us were taught how to build a practice that can sustainably support both our patients and ourselves. In this conversation, Lesli shares how her experience in business transformed the way she thought about practice ownership. We talk about why marketing doesn't have to feel uncomfortable, how thoughtful systems can create more time for patient care, and why building a successful practice isn't about doing more—it's about building one that's aligned with your values. Whether you're just starting your practice or looking for a more sustainable way to grow, I think you'll come away from this conversation with practical ideas—and maybe a little reassurance—that it's possible to build a thriving practice without losing sight of why you became a clinician in the first place. In This Conversation Lesli's journey from aspiring clinician to healthcare executive and back to patient care What years in corporate healthcare taught her about running a successful practice Why so many practitioners feel confident clinically but overwhelmed by the business side of medicine How marketing can become an authentic extension of patient education Simple systems that create more time, less stress, and better patient experiences The connection between practice design, boundaries, and practitioner well-being Building a practice that reflects your strengths, values, and vision for your career A Few Takeaways I'll Be Thinking About Authentic marketing starts with clarity, not self-promotion. Good systems free you to spend more time doing what only you can do. Sustainable growth should support your life, not just your business. Who Should Listen? This episode is for any clinician who has ever wondered: How do I build a practice that actually feels sustainable? How can I grow without sacrificing patient care? Is there a way to market my practice that still feels authentic? What does long-term success really look like? Whether you're starting your first practice or reimagining an established one, I think you'll find something valuable in Lesli's story. Episode Timeline 00:00 — Welcome and introduction 02:30 — Lesli's journey into healthcare 05:00 — Lessons from corporate healthcare 10:00 — Why clinicians struggle with practice ownership 18:00 — Rethinking marketing 28:00 — Systems that support sustainable growth 39:00 — Burnout, boundaries, and practice design 48:00 — Building a practice around your values 55:00 — Final reflections Want to elevate your practice? This episode is sponsored by Fullscript , a comprehensive care delivery platform designed to support whole-person, integrative healthcare. Fullscript allows clinicians to streamline supplement dispensing, lab ordering, and patient education in one free, centralized system—helping reduce administrative burden while supporting clinical decision-making. For practitioners, Fullscript offers access to professional-grade supplements, evidence-informed protocols, and lab integrations that can support more efficient planning and follow-up. For patients, it provides a clear, organized way to receive recommendations, manage refills, and stay engaged in their care. The goal is not to replace clinical judgment, but to make it easier for clinicians to focus on what matters most: thoughtful, individualized patient care. Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and don’t necessarily reflect those of Fullscript or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. For your safety, always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.