If you’re planning to open a private practice, one of the smartest things you can do is build a waiting list before your doors even open.
A physician I worked with had a dream: to leave her employed role and start her own private practice. But one fear held her back—“What if I leave and no one shows up?”
She wanted to open her doors with a full patient panel, but like many employed doctors, she was bound by a non-compete and couldn’t openly advertise. Sound familiar?
If you’re planning to transition into private practice but can’t market publicly yet, you’re not alone. The good news? You CAN start building demand now.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to build a waiting list—months before you submit your resignation.
The Challenge: When You Can’t Announce Your Practice Yet
Most physicians transitioning into private practice face a common challenge:
You want to start building your patient list in advance so you don’t start from zero.
But you can’t publicly advertise your practice until you officially resign.
Three months’ notice isn’t much time to grow a waitlist. If you only start after resigning, you may find yourself scrambling to fill your schedule.
So how do you create demand without breaking any rules? You need a strategic, behind-the-scenes approach.
Step 1: Build a Network That Sends Patients to You
One of the biggest mistakes doctors make when starting a private practice is relying only on their current patient base. Instead, focus on referral sources.
Here’s what you can start doing today (without raising any red flags):
- Strengthen relationships with specialists, therapists, and allied health professionals who could send you patients.
- Connect with community groups and organizations where your ideal patients spend time.
- Network with other physicians who don’t see your specialty but would gladly refer out.
When done right, your name will be top of mind when you’re finally ready to launch.
Step 2: Establish Your Online Authority Now
You may not be able to advertise your new practice, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build your personal brand.
- Start posting educational content related to your specialty.
- Join local Facebook groups and contribute (without soliciting).
- Begin writing blog posts, recording videos, or sharing insights on LinkedIn.
By consistently showing up as an expert, people will naturally seek YOU out when your doors open.
Step 3: Create a Simple “Interest List” Funnel
Even if you can’t market your practice yet, you can collect potential patients’ contact info.
How? Create a low-key interest list without directly promoting your new practice.
- Set up a landing page with a simple opt-in: “Want first access to my private practice when it opens? Join the waitlist here.”
- Offer valuable lead magnets (a free guide, checklist, or newsletter) so people stay connected.
- Get comfortable saying: “I can’t officially schedule patients yet, but I’d love to stay in touch—drop your email here!”
This builds an audience of ready-to-book patients before you even open.
Step 4: Make a Strategic Exit Plan
Since you’ll be giving three months’ notice, use that time wisely:
Ramp up your online presence even more.
Confirm logistics (EHR, billing, office space, staff).
Warm up your interest list with consistent emails or updates.
By the time you officially announce, you’ll have a built-in audience excited to book with you.
Stop Repeating the Same Year—Start Scaling With a Proven System
If you’re tired of running your business on autopilot, feeling stuck in the same cycle, and not seeing the growth you deserve—it’s time for a real change.
If you’re ready to scale your practice or business with a proven system, you don’t have to do it alone.
When you’re ready, here are 4 ways we can help you:
The EntreMD Business School –Join a thriving community of 100+ physicians and gain the business education medical school didn’t teach you. Apply today to take the next step.
The EntreMD Podcast – Weekly insights from top physician entrepreneurs.
The Profitable Private Practice Movement – Step-by-step strategies to scale your business.
The 5-minute Business Accelerator: Join 5,000+ subscribers to get weekly tips that will move you closer to your first or next 7-figures in revenue.
