In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, achieving a proper work-life balance often seems elusive for many eye care professionals. Dr. Justin Bazan offers a compelling example of how balance, freedom, and a patient-centered practice can coexist, from building a practice and caring for patients to embracing personal adventures. This article delves into the lessons from Dr. Bazan’s career and his remarkable 2,000-mile journey on the Appalachian Trail, offering actionable insights for optometrists and other healthcare providers who want to create fulfilling, sustainable careers.

Dr. Justin Bazan, Optometrist

What’s Covered:Crafting a Unique Practice ModelThe Importance of Work-Life Balance in Eye CareBuilding a Loyal TeamLife Lessons from a 2,000-Mile JourneyApplying Trail Wisdom to Patient CareTips for Healthcare Professionals Seeking Work-Life BalanceA Lasting Legacy

Crafting a Unique Practice Model

Dr. Bazan’s journey into eye care began with a strong desire to create a work-life balance while providing exceptional patient care. Graduating from SUNY College of Optometry, Dr. Bazan initially worked in a high-paced, corporate environment. This experience, however, showed him the limitations of such a model, leading him to establish a practice that prioritized both patient satisfaction and flexibility for the staff.

“From day one, I knew I wanted my practice to run without me physically being there,” says Dr. Bazan. “It’s about the experience patients have with the practice, not just with the doctor.”

By structuring his practice to focus on patient-centric experiences rather than a single doctor’s availability, Dr. Bazan freed himself from constant in-office demands. He chose a name for his clinic that represented the entire team, Park Slope Eye, so that patients would trust the consistency of the service rather than one individual. This approach allows him to manage his professional and personal life on his terms, setting a precedent for other healthcare providers seeking balance.

The Importance of Work-Life Balance in Eye Care

Dr. Bazan’s approach speaks directly to the value of work-life balance in healthcare. Recent studies highlight that work-life balance is critical for healthcare providers, directly impacting job satisfaction and patient care outcomes. Research from the Mayo Clinic found that professionals with higher job satisfaction report lower levels of burnout and are more likely to provide better patient care.

For eye care professionals, prioritizing a work-life balance doesn’t just help avoid burnout; it enhances the quality of patient service. Dr. Bazan shares how the early years of establishing his practice were work-intensive. Still, he laid the groundwork for a sustainable model that now allows him the flexibility to spend time on personal pursuits.

Building a Loyal Team

A dedicated team is one of Dr. Bazan’s keys to maintaining his practice’s reputation and efficiency. By focusing on creating a supportive environment, he has retained his staff long-term, which is essential in a patient-centered model.

“Finding the right people and keeping them happy is vital,” Dr. Bazan explains. “It’s not just about salary; it’s about respect, autonomy, and listening to their needs.”

Dr. Bazan shares that he continually engages with his team, ensuring they are supported and valued. He celebrates successes and promotes a culture where everyone can learn and grow. For example, he organizes team-building activities and encourages his team members to take time off to prevent burnout, emphasizing a holistic approach to work-life balance within his clinic.

Life Lessons from a 2,000-Mile Journey

In 2023, Dr. Bazan embarked on a journey of a different kind—hiking the Appalachian Trail, which spans over 2,000 miles. This adventure provided him with more than an escape; it was an opportunity to reflect on his career, life balance, and goals. He took time off from his practice to hike the trail, using this space as an introspective journey to reset, grow, and embrace new perspectives.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail had its challenges, but it also taught Dr. Bazan valuable lessons that are surprisingly applicable to eye care.

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2. Adaptability is Key: Just as on the trail, where conditions are unpredictable, running a practice requires adaptability. Dr. Bazan shares that this journey helped him become more comfortable with changes and the unknown—an invaluable trait for any healthcare provider navigating an evolving industry.
   
   
3. The Importance of Mindfulness and Space: The solitude of the trail allowed Dr. Bazan to practice mindfulness, giving him a clear focus on his goals. By stepping away from his practice, he gained clarity on enhancing patient experiences and making his business more resilient.
   
   
4. Building Resilience: Hiking the trail tested his mental and physical limits, reinforcing the importance of resilience—a quality crucial for all healthcare providers. “There’s something about being in nature that teaches you about endurance and embracing the journey, even when things don’t go as planned,” Dr. Bazan reflects.
   

Applying Trail Wisdom to Patient Care

Upon returning to his practice, Dr. Bazan found that his trail experience significantly influenced how he interacted with patients. He brought back the same patience, mindfulness, and adaptability he cultivated on the trail to his exam room. His experience led him to understand his patients’ needs more holistically, recognizing that sometimes, taking a step back can help practitioners connect more deeply and authentically with their patients.

For instance, rather than rushing through consultations, Dr. Bazan now focuses on creating a space where patients feel heard and cared for—a reflection of the mindfulness he practiced on the trail. This level of care improves patient satisfaction and contributes to a more rewarding career for the provider.

Tips for Healthcare Professionals Seeking Work-Life Balance

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2. Start with a Patient-Centric Model: Building a practice that prioritizes the patient experience over any single individual in the office can create a sustainable work environment. Consider structuring your practice so that team members feel valued and supported.
   
   
3. Invest in a Strong Team: A supportive, loyal team is essential for maintaining a consistent patient experience. Engage regularly with your staff, provide development opportunities, and acknowledge their contributions.
   
   
4. Create Space for Growth and Learning: Just as Dr. Bazan took time away to grow and gain new insights, healthcare professionals can benefit from creating space to learn and reflect, whether through professional development, conferences, or even taking personal time.
   
   
5. Embrace Adaptability and Resilience: Things often don’t go as planned in eye care and life. Learning to adapt and remain resilient will help providers manage the inevitable challenges of a busy practice.
   
   
6. Take Time for Yourself: Sometimes, the best way to improve patient care is to take a step back and focus on self-care. Finding opportunities to disconnect and recharge, like Dr. Bazan did, can ultimately help you become a better practitioner.
   

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. Bazan’s response reflects his humility when asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind: “I don’t want to be known for anything specific. I’ll leave that up to the people I’ve helped.” His words underscore the importance of focusing on impact over recognition, resonating with any healthcare professional dedicated to patient care.

Dr. Bazan’s story provides a powerful reminder for eye care professionals seeking inspiration: pursuing a fulfilling life inside and outside the clinic is possible. By fostering strong teams, valuing patient experiences, and making space for personal growth, you, too, can create a legacy of lasting impact in the field of eye care.