M.A. students is a great idea, especially if things are QUIET. There, I said the "Q" word, the one we were taught to NEVER say in the E.D. But I am hoping that my superstition will work in the intended manner....drum up more work for you. So you should go to work everyday and say, "Gee, it sure is quiet around here." Before you know it, you'll be turning new patients away.
I've used M.A. students, I don't like them because they take away from my staff whom are busy. Therefore that slows me down when staff can't tend to my every need. (Yes, Bert will tell you I'm a prima donna)
If you are having loans paid, then that's a huge piece of overhead you don't have to cover.
In 5 years of clinical medicine, I have found the most dramatic advertising is word of mouth. If a doctor dedicates him/herself to the patients and demonstrates caring, then patients will tell a FEW friends/family about the doc. However if the doc is rude or uncaring to them, they will tell EVERYONE not to go there.
Nearly all of my new patients have come as personal referrals from family or friends that are patients of mine. Rarely has someone every come in who said, "I'm here because you are on my insurance list."
Sfernandez, sounds like you are doing everything you can to attract new business. Keep up the hard work, and have faith that things will improve. Hang in long enough, and they will.
