As a long-time supporter of private practice eye care, PECAA is committed to helping member doctors thrive throughout their career. In keeping with this mission, we recently announced the launch of PECAA Propel™ , a no-cost membership for optometry students and first-year graduates that supports their journey to private practice leadership or ownership.
“Today’s business environment is leading many students and young professionals to feel that a career in private practice is beyond reach,” said PECAA President Jonathan Worrall. “Our goal is for PECAA Propel to change that mindset, so the next generation is empowered to pursue a career in private practice. The program is a natural extension of the business support that PECAA provides to independent eye care professionals.”
Now open for enrollment, PECAA Propel offers free membership and comprehensive business training that bridges the gap between the clinical education provided by optometry schools and the business acumen crucial for practice success.
“Most new optometrists graduate confident in their clinical knowledge and skills but underequipped with the business know-how needed to lead a practice,” said PECAA’s Chief Member Experience Officer, Justin Manning, OD, MPH, FAAO. “I am excited to welcome today’s students and early career professionals into this new program that will act as a handoff from their clinical training and build on the practice management education they received in optometry school. PECAA Propel is their partner for business insights, leadership skills and confidence to excel within the independent eye care landscape and attain ownership if that’s their goal.”
PECAA Propel members have access to invaluable business resources that will help them join and run a small business, address challenges and achieve goals. Most importantly, they will benefit from the support of the vibrant PECAA community!
(Dr. Anderson photo pending) “PECAA was founded with the goals to bring doctors together and protect private practice eye care. This new membership exemplifies that,” said PECAA Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Lance Anderson, OD. “Propel provides a valuable support system to young doctors who, in turn, help sustain the private practice model and its unique role in the greater community.”
“I interact daily with students and young professionals who aspire to work in private practice and are eager for guidance on making that goal a reality,” stated Timothy D. Fries, OD, MBA, MPH, FAAO, who is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and serves as the advisor to the university’s Private Practice Club. “Optometry schools appropriately have a commitment to clinical excellence as their number one priority and offer varying levels of practice management education. Even those students who are fortunate to participate in a robust business curriculum can benefit from access to resources pertaining to day-to-day practice operations to prepare them for embarking on their chosen career path.”
Propel Benefits:
PECAA Propel offers numerous benefits designed to inspire and empower the road to private practice! Click here for a comprehensive list of Propel benefits.
- Practice management, education, and industry resources
- Connection to the PECAA community
- Career development assistance
- Ongoing support, including the resources and community backing needed to successfully transition into private practice
Want to Help?
The PECAA team appreciates the support of our members in spreading the word about this exciting new program. Know an optometry student? Encourage them to enroll in PECAA Propel today! Interested in contributing toward the future success of young professionals? Contact PECAA Propel Program Manager Alicia Crider at alicia.crider@pecaa.com to let us know how you want to get involved.