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Successful Strategies Consulting Firm Helps Physicians Optimize Business
Michal Waechter and Michelle DeStefano make up the team at Waechter Consulting Group committed to providing medical practices with customized strategies to grow patient volume. By Amy Morgan
C
oncerns about health have been foremost in our minds recently, and consumers have become more savvy about finding help. Today’s physician needs not just the most up-to-date medical skills but also the acumen to run the business aspects of a medical practice. Physicians are experts in their medical field, but do they have the time to develop and execute a business strategy? One hallmark of an extremely effective person is knowing when and what to delegate. Waechter Consulting Group is a consulting firm that helps physicians optimize business performance and grow patient volume. Waechter Consulting customizes a plan for each client that covers all aspects of business development including strategic planning, marketing, physician referrals, and consumer education. Waechter Consulting was created four years ago by Michal Waechter, MHA, FACHE. She worked as a healthcare administrator with the Baptist Health System for almost 10 years before being inspired to create her own business to address this growing need. Michal earned her Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University. She is joined by Director of Business Development Michelle DeStefano, RN, MPA, a registered nurse with a Master of Public Administration degree from Pennsylvania State University and a former Chief Nursing Officer.
“Michelle brings the clinical perspective from her experience as a nurse. We complement each other and are able to create comprehensive plans for our clients,” Michal said. “We are a resource for the physician, so they can put their time and energy back into caring for patients. They know they have a full-time advocate in the market they can trust to grow their business.” Building a base of referring physicians is one of the first steps to growing patient volume. Michelle’s passion is to “articulate our client’s niche in the market and help them differentiate their practice to potential referring physicians.” She highlights their expertise, their quality outcomes and their innovative patient care solutions to set them apart from their competitors.
Michal and Michelle visit with Dr. Nancy Duque about her dental practice in Stone Oak.
Michal and Michelle feel personally invested in the practices they represent, so much so they would recommend them to their own family members. “We become a member of the team,” she said. “Once that synergistic relationship is established, the sky’s the limit.” Their clients agree. An established gastroenterology practice realized hundreds of new referrals in six months and grew volume at their new office exponentially.
The ability to pivot quickly became vital last year when changing health policies kept medical offices on their toes. Waechter Consulting helped their clients tailor patient communication to explain new safety procedures and coordinate the quality care patients needed and expected. “We faced the unknown and came up with workable solutions,” she said. Some practices moved to telemedicine, others offered patient education online. Many enhanced their digital presence as consumers spent more time on the internet. “The digital space is hugely important, more so now after COVID,” Michal said. Michal predicts we’ll continue to see a hybrid of in-person and virtual activity going forward. “There are many instances where the convenience and efficiency of virtual is preferred,” she said.
“Engaging Waechter Consulting Group to manage our marketing activities has been a very smart move, their expertise and dedication are outstanding and the transparency and efficiency they run their business with are without par; to top it off each one of their staff members is a real pleasure to deal with. Our business has greatly benefited from our relationship with the Waechter Group,” said H. D. Allende, M.D., Medical Director of TDDC San Antonio. Waechter Consulting also encourages their clients to engage in the community — a practice they model. Michal has chaired the American Cancer Society’s Ranch Chic Fashion Show for the past six years. In 2019 the event raised over $75,000. Michal is passionate about the fight against cancer partially in honor of her mother, a cancer survivor, and her father, who died of the disease. “Giving back is really important, it’s not a marketing strategy. I encourage clients to connect with something they are passionate about,” Michal said. Find Waechter Consulting Group at https://www.waechterconsulting.com to schedule an initial consultation.
Healthcare Business Consulting Optimize Performance. Grow Volume. Waechter Consulting Group is committed to providing new and established medical practices with customized business development strategies which optimize business performance and grow patient volume.
Michal Waechter, MHA, FACHE Founder and CEO Michal@WaechterConsulting.com www.WaechterConsulting.com
We take care of our physicians so they can take care of their patients. Call to request an initial consultation (210) 913-4871
www.waechterconsulting.com
SENIOR MOMENT
SA Auto Mechanic Teacher Shares Skills With Grandson Remembers a Much Smaller City By Amy Morgan
S
an Antonio native James Crawford remembers the city very differently from the sprawling metropolis it’s become today. James was born at Santa Rosa – the downtown hospital’s sole campus in 1933. He and his five siblings lived off West Avenue in the St. Ann/St. Mary Magdalene Parish on the near north side, with his father’s Red & White grocery store just down the street. At age 15, his family sent him to help relatives on their Castroville farm. The year there became portentous. James never forgot the friends he made or Sheila, who sat next to him in band class. James enlisted in the U.S. Army to train to become a mechanic. In 1953, before he was ordered to ship off to Japan, he asked Sheila to marry him. He was 18 days shy of being 21 years old, so James had to secure permission from his commanding officer before they could wed and she could join him overseas, he reported. James repaired equipment across the mainland with the 94th Engineers, First Cavalry field crew. Sheila was busy raising their first child, Jimmy. James’ skill as a mechanic served him well when their growing family returned to Texas. He repaired machinery with Holt Caterpillar and International Harvester, eventually being promoted to shop foreman and service manager. He also worked for Medina Base, a storage area for dismantled atomic weapons. He’d deposit material into underground storage igloos designed to implode if contents should explode. He remembers when one igloo DID implode, a blast that rocked the city, breaking windows across town. Eventually James joined Lee High School’s faculty, where he taught auto mechanics for 18 years. After retirement, the Crawfords moved to Medina Lake, where they enjoyed many happy years boating on the water. James and his grandson, Jason, together restored a 1970 Skylark that they dubbed the “Sky-vette,” as they replaced the rusted engine with one salvaged from a Corvette. His grandson ended up taking 1st place in high school auto mechanic competition (BICA) and has since become the highest qualified national technician at a local dealership. After Sheila passed, James’s daughter-in-law, Carolyn Crawford, the Lifestyle Coordinator at Independence Hill Retirement Community, knew he’d enjoy the camaraderie on campus. Because she works at Independence Hill, the family was able to continue to stay closely connected even when Covid reduced visitors. James looks forward to the Wine Tasting events and Bingo on Fridays. He also attends mass just across the street at Holy Trinity. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the great lifestyle that the residents are enjoying at Independence Hill, call Sherrill or Laura at (210) 764-5260, or go to www.independencehill.com.
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PET TIP
Pest Prevention
Protect Your Pup from Ticks and Fleas alcohol. Don’t crush the tick with your fingers. If it is alive, drop it in alcohol, seal it in a bag or container, wrap it tightly in tape or flush it down the toilet. Contact your vet if you suspect your pup has been bitten and monitor him for changes in behavior or appetite. Symptoms of tick-borne disease may not become apparent for weeks.
By Camp Bow Wow
W
e’ve spent the past year bonding with our pups, enjoying our backyards and patios. Despite our best efforts to keep the grass groomed, ticks and fleas can find their way onto your pet and into your home. Not only are they a nuisance, ticks carry some nasty diseases dangerous both to you and your furry family members. The CDC recommends you check your dogs daily if they spend time outdoors. See the chart below to make sure not to miss spots creepy critters commonly hide. Don’t forget to look between Fido’s toes! The best way to protect your pup is to treat him with a prevention product – ask your veterinarian what they think is best for your particular pooch. If you find a tick on your pup, remove it immediately. The CDC recommends using a pair of fine-tip tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull with a steady pressure. You want to try not to break off the tick’s jaws inside your pup’s skin. If that should happen, attempt to get the pieces out. After the tick has been removed, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make your yard a less attractive place for pests by treating with an appropriate product to keep critters at bay. Simple landscaping techniques from the CDC can also help reduce tick populations: • Remove leaf litter. • Clear tall grasses and brush • Mow the lawn frequently. • Stack wood neatly and in a dry area • Remove old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yard that may give ticks a place to hide. Take a little time to make sure Fido remains pest free and the outside stays out.
Watch Buddy’s adventure at Camp Bow Wow!
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Sniff & Seek Enrichment with the purchase of (2) enrichment services.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Football Fanatic Reagan Rattlers Resume Play
By Amy Morgan
"A
re You Ready for Some Football?” Fans have been waiting to hear that anthem for months, whether the contest be professional, college or the local high school team. The first game can’t come soon enough for Ronald Reagan senior student Zenin Rudnick, who holds the line (literally and figuratively) for the Varsity Rattler offense. Another popular motto: Faith, Family, Football, rings true for the Rudnicks. Zenin’s father, now an assistant principal at NEISD’s ACE High School, coached football, basketball and track at numerous schools including MacArthur for more than 15 years. He also played football at College of DuPage. Zenin’s mother, Tracey, an athlete in her own right, played basketball at the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse before coaching at several schools including Lee for more than a decade. She currently teaches health at Ed White and Nimitz Middle Schools. Before them, Zenin’s grandfather played football with the venerable University of Wisconsin Badgers and coached high school for 29 years. He’s looking at a D1 scholarship from the University of San Diego, but the 6’4”, 340-pounder is keeping Zenin hopes to follow the family footsteps and play his options open. He’s weighing the academic and the football in college with the goal of a coaching career. athletic opportunities of any selection. “The University of San Diego needs a good running offensive lineman, and I destroy people in the run game,” he said. Zenin’s strength (he benches 400 pounds) and speed (a 5.3/40) make him an attractive recruit. This summer’s schedule of morning practice leading to August two-a-days has returned to pre-Covid normal, to Zenin’s great relief. No masks, no distance, just plenty of sweat and team camaraderie. He’s looking forward to the first match up against challenging opponent Brennan August 27, with Steele to follow. Zenin’s working to repeat Reagan’s 2020 District title with eyes always on the state championship prize. Zenin also advanced to Area in track’s shot put event. His 16-year-old sister, Wrigley, also attends Reagan, where she participates in Special Olympics sports. The two share a close relationship. Zenin has continued watching Community Bible Church’s services online with her until her special needs class resumes. The season is just around the corner. Get ready to play ball!
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8:00 a.m. – noon in the Reagan gym www.rattlersports.com
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MEDICAL MINUTE
Charismatic Character 7to7 Dental Staffer Organizes Office Sports Teams By Amy Morgan
I
t takes a special person to dress up in a Deadpool costume to coax kids into a dental office on Superhero Saturday. That is just one of the morale boosting projects Nicholas Sibrian, Hygiene Assistant at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics, has found himself involved in during his two years with the practice. He’s climbed onto a fire truck, posed with the Cibolo High School mascot and even built upon his love of games to recruit fellow staff members to participate in recreational sports together. Nick partners with his girlfriend, Ashley, a fellow 7to7 Dental Assistant, on the practice’s volleyball, basketball and softball teams. He proudly proclaims himself 7to7’s dodge ball champion.
Nick’s zest for life and positive attitude bubble over. While he enjoys the clinical aspects of his position, his greatest pleasure is connecting with patients on a personal level. He makes it his mission to change any preconceived notions about a visit to the dentist so patients leave with a smile on their face. And as Nick points out, since masks are coming off, everyone wants to have a great smile. “I like to make people laugh, take away some of the uncomfortable feelings about going to the dentist. No two days are alike. Ashley and I always have stories to share. People come in and say they don’t like going to the dentist. Next thing you know I’ve changed their mind, and they love coming back.” While he started at the office located at the corner of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road, Nick helped open the location at Bulverde and 1604, before returning to Stone Oak this year. Nick was happy to be back in his familiar neighborhood. He attended Tejeda Middle School and graduated from Johnson High School in 2011. He spent several years perfecting his customer relations skills as a manager at the local McDonald’s until a motorcycle accident in 2017 caused him to follow his mom’s advice and reevaluate his life trajectory. He earned his RDA certificate from San Antonio Dental Assistant School in 2019. He’ll take advantage of 7to7 Dental’s flexible work schedule and mentoring to reach his goal to become a dental hygienist. Nick still rides his sports bike with a motorcycle group, more carefully now, and enjoys playing with his dogs, Kobe and Meatball. 7to7 Dental is a local business, grown in 13 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff, which now employs 240 San Antonio community members. Co-Owners Dr. Tiffany Winburn and Justin Coke live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.
Few things boost your confidence more than having a bright smile. Schedule your appointment today to start the school year off bright!
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Stone Oak Location
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210-495-2000
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DENTAL
Facebook: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics Instagram: @7to7Dental 7to7 Dental is accepting new school supply Call or book online with ease donations at all locations now through August 16th.
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