Home›Articles›From Burnout to Balance: The Power of Virtual and Medical PA Support in Private Practice

From Burnout to Balance: The Power of Virtual and Medical PA Support in Private Practice

As the demands on healthcare professionals continue to rise, doctors – particularly those balancing NHS responsibilities with the pressures of building a private practice – often find themselves stretched thin. 

Here Designated Medical’s expert, Dionne Simons, Head of Medical Operations with more than 20 years’ experience in private healthcare management, shares how Medical and Virtual Personal Assistants (PAs) can play a crucial role in easing the burden and helping doctors regain valuable time and focus.

The Rising Challenge of Being a Doctor in 2025

With rising patient numbers, longer NHS waitlists, and the added responsibility of managing a private practice, today’s doctors are under immense pressure. Many report working late nights, facing decision fatigue, and sacrificing personal time, which are classic warning signs of burnout.

Signs You Might Need Support

If you often feel:

  • Overwhelmed and stressed
  • Stuck working evenings and weekends
  • Disconnected from family or patients
  • Struggling to sleep or stay organised

…it may be time to reassess your workload and consider bringing in a PA.

Medical PA vs Virtual PA – What’s the Difference?

Both roles offer vital support, but cater to different needs:

Medical PA

Ideal for clinical environments, they assist with:

  • Preparing patient notes and consultation follow-ups
  • Managing referrals, test results, and discharge summaries
  • Ensuring documentation is accurate and compliant
  • Freeing up time for research or complex cases

Virtual PA

Focused on administrative and lifestyle tasks, such as:

  • Diary and email management
  • Booking travel and events
  • Handling expenses and personal errands
  • Supporting work-life balance and even digital presence

The Added Value of a Practice Manager

As your clinic grows, so do your operational needs. A Practice Manager can oversee:

  • Finances and KPIs
  • Team and supplier coordination
  • IT and communication systems
  • Marketing strategies and CQC compliance

Where to Start: Audit and Delegate

Getting help starts with awareness. Spend an hour reviewing your weekly and monthly tasks. What can you delegate? Whether it’s booking appointments, managing your inbox, or clinical documentation, support is out there.

Designated Medical’s Solution

We offer expert guidance to help you build a successful private practice. Our services include:

  • Medical and Virtual PA resourcing
  • Practice setup and CQC registration
  • Financial planning and billing
  • Marketing and brand development

Ready to Reclaim Your Time?

Burnout isn’t inevitable. With the right support, doctors can refocus on patient care and enjoy a healthier work-life balance. 

Next steps…

  • Speak to the Designated Medical Team – take advantage of our free 45-min consultation with our experts, who have a proven track record in private practice management, and will be able to provide you with practical help and guidance on building a successful private practice quickly and effectively, to book your session please email info@designatedmedical.com
  • Join our community of practitioners on WhatsApp who are moving into private practice and share ideas and knowledge.
  • Register for our ‘Building a Successful Private Practice’ series of free webinars.