When I was in acupuncture school, we learned about the three levels of doctor. At the time, it seemed like an interesting academic concept, but it’s stuck with me ever since. Why? Because it’s not just about patient care—it’s about the way we, as health and wellness practitioners, can take our expertise and turn it into something more… something that can help more people and grow our businesses in ways we didn’t always learn in school.
I know many of you—whether you’re acupuncturists, health coaches, or wellness practitioners—are passionate about helping others heal. But the truth is, there’s more to running a successful practice than just treating patients one-on-one. You’ve probably felt the frustration of being tied to your treatment room, realizing that your income is limited by how many patients you can see in a day. It’s not exactly the dream we had when we started our practices, right?
So let’s talk about the three levels of doctor and how they relate to the way you can expand your practice, not just in terms of your impact on patients, but also in the way you approach earning income.
The Three Levels of Doctor
The First Level: This doctor treats the symptoms of the disease. Patients love this because their immediate discomfort is gone. Think about conditions like insomnia, allergies, or digestive issues. The relief is real, and your patients are grateful—sometimes so grateful they’ll refer others to you! This is important work, and we should all be proud of the difference we make at this level.
The Second Level: This doctor digs deeper to treat the root cause of the disease. This is where you make a lasting impact by addressing the underlying issues, so the symptoms don’t keep coming back. Your patients are thrilled because now they don’t have to live in fear of their symptoms returning every allergy season or after every meal. At this level, you’re not just alleviating discomfort; you’re getting to the heart of the problem.
The Third Level: Here’s where things get really interesting. The third level of doctor teaches patients how to prevent the disease in the first place. You’re equipping them with the knowledge and tools to maintain their health, so they never have to deal with the issue in the first place. Now, I’ll admit, this one can feel a little thankless at times—patients aren’t always as excited about what they haven’t experienced—but the value is undeniable.
Why This Matters to Your Business
So, what does all this have to do with your business? Whether you’re consciously aware of it or not, you’ve got two sides to your practice. The first is what we all know and rely on—your hands-on work in the clinic. You’re trading time for money, one-on-one, with each patient. It’s fulfilling, but also limiting. There’s only so much time in the day, and there’s only one of you.
The second side of your business, though, is where the magic really starts to happen. It’s your knowledge, which can be shared with many people at once. That knowledge you’re already sharing with your patients—whether you’re explaining treatment plans, recommending supplements, or giving lifestyle advice—is something that can be packaged into digital products, classes, or other online resources.
This second side of your business doesn’t require you to be present in the clinic. Once you’ve packaged that knowledge, it can live online and be accessed by patients (or anyone!) day or night, expanding your reach far beyond the treatment room.
Building Two Synergistic Businesses
You see, your hands-on clinical work and your knowledge-based online business don’t have to be in competition with each other. In fact, they work synergistically. The more you build your online presence and share your expertise through ebooks, courses, or even YouTube videos, the more you’ll attract patients to your in-person practice. And at the same time, by creating digital products, you’re setting yourself up for an additional revenue stream that’s not tied to the number of hours in your day.
But here’s the catch—I get it. The idea of juggling these two sides of your business can feel overwhelming. Many practitioners think, “I don’t want to become a web designer or deal with complicated tech. I just want to treat patients!” I hear you, and I’m not asking you to become a tech expert. In fact, it’s easier than you think to get these systems in place, and the long-term payoff is worth it.
Expand Your Thinking, Expand Your Impact
Here’s the mindset shift: your clinic is your one-on-one business, and your digital offers are your one-to-many business. The two complement each other beautifully, allowing you to grow your income without feeling burnt out or tied to the treatment table.
Think about how much you’re already teaching your patients every day. You’re helping them understand their health, make lifestyle changes, and follow treatment plans. Now, imagine sharing that knowledge with more people, beyond your local community, and earning from it without being present in the room.
If this concept resonates with you, it’s time to explore what packaging your knowledge into digital content could look like for your practice. Whether it’s an ebook, an online course, or something else that fits your style, the possibilities are there—and I’m here to help you get started.
Next Steps: Simplify Your Tech and Boost Your Income
Ready to take your online business to the next level? If managing the tech side of your wellness business feels like a struggle, I’ve got the perfect resource for you.
In my video, "Maximize Your Clinic Website's Potential For Generating Extra Income," I walk you through the 5 essential automations every clinic website needs to attract new clients, streamline operations, and generate income while you sleep. Learn how to simplify your tech stack and get your business working for you 24/7.
👉 Watch & Read about it here: "Is Your Clinic Website Doing Enough for Your Practice?"
