Private Practice Success: A Doctor’s Business Journey

Stepping into private practice is an exciting and empowering move, however it’s also a major shift that requires more than just clinical expertise. Whether you’re looking to escape NHS burnout, build a more flexible career, or create something truly your own, making the transition from doctor to businessperson demands clarity, planning, and the right support. 

Here Dr Lavan Baskaran, highly respected private GP and one of the Director’s of Cinnamon Healthcare, known for his holistic approach to patient care and commitment to innovation in healthcare delivery, shares an overview of his journey from NHS clinician to private practice leader. 

Lessons from Lavan’s Private Practice Journey

Key insights:

• It’s important to embrace both NHS and private practice roles; show that it’s possible to do both with balance and impact
• Build a values-led group practice with close colleagues and friends, prioritising trust, collaboration, and a non-toxic environment
• Learn through experience – openly share mistakes and growth moments to support others starting out
• Advocate for building a fulfilling career with multiple income streams and a strong support network

Why Move into Private Practice?

• • Greater control over patient care and workload
    
  • Escape from NHS bureaucracy
    
  • Potential for meaningful impact and increased job satisfaction
    
  • Create a personal brand or niche within healthcare
  • Opportunity to innovate and build a team culture on your own terms

Vision, Structure and Set-Up Move 

• Define long-term goals (e.g. number of clinics, ideal work-life balance)
  
• Clarify value proposition: what makes your clinic unique in the market?
  
• Conduct competitor analysis
  
• Understand financial foundations: revenue, overheads, cost of delivery

CQC Registration and Regulatory Pathways

• • Understand the CQC registration process and timelines
  • Alternative route: practising privileges
  • Importance of documentation, interviews, and policy development
  • Being well-prepared to save time and reduce stress

Clinic Growth and Daily Operations

Transitioning from solo practitioner to team-based care:

• • Considerations for staffing: employee vs. freelance/contractor
    
  • Managing clinical, commercial, and compliance responsibilities
  • Role of support staff: Medical PAs, admin, accountants, marketing

Key Takeaways

• Start with a clear vision and long-term goals
  
• Invest in planning and preparation, especially around CQC
  
• Define your unique value in a competitive market
  
• Build a strong support team early on
  
• Private practice offers flexibility, fulfilment, and long-term potential if approached strategically

Dr Lavan Baskaran’s path into private practice offers a first-hand insight into the realities of building a business as a clinician. From navigating the challenges of setting up a group practice to balancing NHS commitments with private work, his journey highlights the importance of vision, partnership, and adaptability.

The team at Designated Medical is proud to have supported Dr Baskaran and his fellow directors at Cinnamon Healthcare on their private practice journey. We value our ongoing collaboration and look forward to contributing to their continued success in the future.

Ready to get started?

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.
• Next webinar: ‘Planning Your Exit – Retirement Strategies for UK Doctors’ on Thursday 18th September 2025 at 6:30pm.