When starting your own medical practice, selecting a name for your practice office is an important step. Others will have an opinion on the names you consider and the one you choose. How do you handle the suggestions and advice? Here are a few ideas other physicians have found worth considering.

Posted in Risk Management on Wednesday, December 24, 2014

What's in a name? A great deal, actually. Choosing a name for your physician practice is a major decision. It's central to your overall branding strategy. It helps patients identify your practice and is what/how the community sees your practice. It deserves thoughtful consideration.

Somewhere after board exams, extensive demographic studies, sleepless nights and the big decision of where you're going to go, you have to think about what you're going to name your office.

As I'm sure you can imagine, everyone has their own opinion on this topic. Here are a few things to consider, because this decision is a highly personal one.

• Are you returning to your hometown? Did you have a good reputation while there? (Honestly?) This might be a great time to capitalize on your good name.
• Do you dream of satellite offices and associates? This would be a time not to use your name. Being employed by Sunshine Medical Practice is much more appealing to the new hire than working for Dr. Johnson's office.
• Do you plan to change your name, or have you recently changed your name? This is the where many doctors get "lost." You are building your reputation and identity, and you only want to do it once.
• Do you have a common name? One that is particularly difficult to spell or pronounce? Both of these factors can determine how often you might be confused with another doctor.
• Do you plan to offer other services or rent space to other practitioners? Or, do you plan to work as a sole proprietor until the eventual day of your retirement?

The name of your practice sets the mood for what goes on inside, so make this decision carefully. Most importantly, remember that it's "your place," so there is no right or wrong answer to this question.