Thinking about buying or starting a practice? Here’s what it really takes to step into ownership, lead with confidence, and scale without burning out.

In this episode, Todd Cameron sits down with Dr Brodie Carlon, a newly minted GP who took the bold leap into Practice Ownership just 18 months after fellowship. From inheriting a decades-old family practice in Tasmania to leading it through modernisation and recruitment challenges, Brodie’s story is one of courage, clarity, and community.

You’ll hear how he navigated a generational handover with his father-in-law, what he learned about managing time and finances as a first-time owner, and how he’s creating a thriving workplace that balances patient care, team culture, and sustainability.

This conversation is a must-listen for any Clinic Owner who’s ever wondered, “Am I really ready for ownership?” or felt the weight of juggling multiple hats — doctor, leader, mentor, and parent. Brodie’s reflections are refreshingly real, reminding us that leadership in healthcare isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about learning, evolving, and staying true to your values while building a clinic that lasts.

Every great clinic starts with intention. With the right structure and support, you can build a business that thrives without burning you out.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• Recognising when you’re ready to go from GP to business leader (00:53)
• How to transition a clinic without losing momentum (03:55)
• Mastering time, focus & delegation as a Clinic Owner (11:20)
• Balancing multiple hats without burning out (19:45)
• How to attract great doctors, modernise your practice, and protect the independence and community feel that make small clinics thrive (27:20)

Dr Brodie Carlon MBBS, FRACGP, is a Specialist General Practitioner and the owner of Bellerive Doctors in Tasmania, a locally owned clinic known for its high-quality, community-focused care.

Brodie is passionate about building a supportive environment where GPs and healthcare professionals can thrive, grow their careers, and deliver outstanding patient care. His approach combines strong clinical leadership with a deep commitment to serving the local community.

You can learn more or book an appointment at Bellerive Doctors.

• Website: https://brodiecarlon.com.au/
• Website: https://www.bellerivedoctors.com.au/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579230205728

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here: https://smc.expert/Personalised-Practice-Audit-PC

Missed the previous Episode?

Listen to Episode 79 here: Amidst All the Chaos, Here’s What GP Owners Can Still Rely On

In a world obsessed with change, this episode gives you a new perspective. Dr Todd Cameron and Dr Sachin Patel explore what stays the same in General Practice — the timeless fundamentals that every Clinic Owner must protect if they want to build a thriving, future-proof business.

Have a question about this episode?

Ask Todd, Sachin, and over a thousand Owners directly in the SGPO Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSuccessfulGeneralPracticeOwner

From the unshakable “Four A’s” of patient expectations to the irreplaceable value of human connection in care, Dr Todd and Dr Sachin break down what truly endures, no matter how fast technology, politics, or funding shifts around us.

This conversation is equal parts grounding and empowering, a must-listen for Practice Owners who want to cut through the noise, refocus on what matters, and lead with confidence in the decade ahead.

This episode feels like a deep exhale, reminding Clinic Owners that while the industry evolves, the heart of General Practice doesn’t. It’s honest, practical, and quietly motivational, perfect for overwhelmed owners who crave clarity and stability.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• Four factors that define patient loyalty (02:02)
• How to strengthen your diagnostic instincts and protect the patient–doctor bond when automation takes over the basics (14:31)
• How to build clinics that patients and teams never want to leave (28:06)
• Staying commercially smart amid the larger forces reshaping healthcare (48:47)
• What real alignment looks like and how to create a culture that’s ready for both disruption and growth (59:14)

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here: https://smc.expert/Personalised-Practice-Audit-PC

Missed the previous Episode?

Listen to Episode 78 here: Six Hours of Reception Work Done in Thirty Minutes: The AI Fix for GP Admin Overload with Melvin Chen

This episode pulls back the curtain on what’s fast becoming one of the biggest shifts in General Practice: the rise of AI automation in the clinic back office.

Have a question about this episode?

Ask Todd, Sachin, and over a thousand Owners directly in the SGPO Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSuccessfulGeneralPracticeOwner

Dr. Sachin Patel sits down with Melvin Chen, founder of Care GP and creator of Samantha — an AI-powered document allocation assistant that’s helping clinics reclaim hours lost to admin chaos.

From the lessons of failed startups to the discipline of solving real-world clinic problems, Melvin shares how his team built one of the first safe, practical AI tools for GPs. You’ll hear how he shadowed receptionists, mapped their workflows, and turned frustration into innovation, and why solving the right problem, not just building the right product, is what defines real success in healthcare tech.

This conversation goes far beyond software. It’s about the future of General Practice, freeing humans to do the work only humans can do, and building scalable systems that protect both revenue and wellbeing.

If you’re a Clinic Owner or Practice Manager wondering how to actually use AI to lighten your load without losing control, this episode will show you what’s possible (and what’s already happening).

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• How AI is already transforming the admin backbone of General Practice (00:00)
• Why you should first find the painful problem worth solving before building the product (06:30)
• How neglected paperwork can cost clinics far more than they realise (11:50)
• Inside ‘Samantha,’ the AI that’s changing General Practice forever (14:20)
• How AI and humans work together in healthcare (26:44)

ABOUT MELVIN CHEN

Melvin Chen is the CEO and Founder of Care GP, a Sydney-based company on a mission to enable the first generation of Superintelligent healthcare clinics. Care GP helps GP clinics grow their business without growing their admin team, using AI-driven solutions that boost efficiency and profitability. Since launching 6 months ago, Care GP has achieved 140% average monthly usage growth, serves over 150 GP clinics, and reached profitability with zero customer churn.

The company’s first AI agent, Samantha, automates medical document workflows - saving clinics 4.3 hours of admin time daily and reducing errors. Its second AI agent, Veronica, acts as a voice-based receptionist, managing bookings and patient inquiries.

Care GP reports an 85% pilot-to-customer conversion rate and aims to onboard 1,500 new customers by December 2026. Backed by Blackbird Ventures, one of Australia’s top VC firms, Care GP is scaling its Agentic AI technology nationwide. With over 15 years of global business-building experience - including a $1.5B NASDAQ IPO exit, he brings deep expertise in AI, healthcare, and high-impact leadership. Melvin has been listed on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list and is determined to revolutionise healthcare through technology, customer obsession, and intentional innovation.

• Website: https://www.caregp.com.au/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvinchen/

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here:

General practice is under pressure — and unless you act now, ‘free’ could cost you everything.”

In this episode, Dr Sachin Patel unpacks the real story behind the November 1st Medicare changes — and what they mean for the future of your practice. With government funding lagging, rebates shrinking, and costs rising faster than ever, Clinic Owners across Australia are facing one question: How do I stay viable without burning out?

Have a question about this episode?

Ask Todd, Sachin, and over a thousand Owners directly in the SGPO Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSuccessfulGeneralPracticeOwner

Dr Sachin reveals why “free” is never truly free — and how bulk billing incentives, MyMedicare registration, and rebate reductions could quietly erode your clinic’s autonomy if you’re not strategic. More importantly, he lays out the three principles every Clinic Owner must master right now: mitigating risk, designing smarter clinical days, and making deliberate trade-offs that protect your financial future.

This isn’t theory. It’s a grounded, practical roadmap built on real-world experience from hundreds of private Clinic Owners across Australia who’ve transformed their practices through Scale My Clinic. If you’ve been worrying about viability, struggling with costs, or wondering how to plan for these changes, this episode is your playbook for scaling smarter.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• The harsh truth about funding and viability, how General Practice is being systematically underfunded, and what that means for Practice Owners (00:49)
• What the November 1st Medicare changes really mean for you and how they’ll reshape General Practice economics (05:38)
• How clinic owners evolve from doing everything themselves to building a business that runs profitably without them (and how to identify where you sit right now) (10:00)
• Why “free” can destroy value in healthcare (15:00)
• How to future-proof your practice by planning smarter, reducing dependence on rebates, and protecting your income without compromising care (22:02)

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here: https://smc.expert/Personalised-Practice-Audit-PC

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll sort out the legal stuff later,” this conversation is your wake-up call.

Have a question about this episode?

Ask Todd, Sachin, and over a thousand Owners directly in the SGPO Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSuccessfulGeneralPracticeOwner

In this episode, Dr Todd Cameron sits down with Sarah Bartholomeusz, founder of You Legal, to unpack what every Practice Owner must have in place to safeguard their clinic (and their sanity).

From privacy policies and practitioner agreements to payroll tax pitfalls and partnership planning, Sarah breaks down the real-world legal essentials that protect your business, your reputation, and your future.

This isn’t just about avoiding trouble. It’s about creating a strong, scalable foundation so you can grow your practice confidently. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing to exit, you’ll walk away with practical steps to future-proof your clinic and lead like a pro.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• How to build a legally protected practice that puts patients first (00:57)
• 5 essential legal documents every clinic must have (03:52)
• Why copy-paste contracts could put your business at legal risk (10:14)
• Spotting the warning signs that turn contractors into employees in the eyes of the law (16:02)
• How to future-proof your clinic with regular legal check-ups (25:54)
• Legal strategies for growth, succession, and exit (28:32)
• How to design a business that fits your life and build the solid legal foundations that support sustainable growth and balance (45:22)

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here: https://smc.expert/Personalised-Practice-Audit-PC

Missed the previous Episode?

Listen to Episode 75 here: The Hidden Price of Resilience: How Adversity Shapes GP Owners

ABOUT SARAH BARTHOLOMEUSZ

Sarah Bartholomeusz is the Founder of You Legal, a modern law firm that helps healthcare business leaders protect their practices so they can focus on their impact. With over 20 years of experience, she specialises in corporate and commercial law, workplace relations, privacy, and M&A. Sarah’s legal career began in top-tier litigation before moving into governance roles with major ASX-listed companies. In 2013, she launched You Legal to deliver expert legal services in a more accessible and flexible way. She’s a Telstra Business Women’s Award winner, TEDx speaker, and author of Growing a Medical Practice. Sarah also serves as Governance Chair for the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (APAC) and chairs the Catalyst Foundation board.

• You Legal website: https://youlegal.com.au/
• Sarah’s biography: https://youlegal.com.au/our-team/sarah-bartholomeusz
• Elevated governance website: https://www.elevatedgovernance.com.au

Clinic ownership can feel like an uphill climb: financial strain, staff challenges, uncertainty, burnout. This conversation invites you to see those pressures differently - as catalysts for growth, empathy, and clarity.

Have a question about this episode?

Ask Todd, Sachin, and over a thousand Owners directly in the SGPO Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSuccessfulGeneralPracticeOwner

In this episode, Dr Sachin Patel and Dr Todd Cameron unpack the hidden leadership lessons behind adversity and how the experiences that test us most often become the foundation of sustainable, values-driven success.

Through honest, personal storytelling, they explore what it means to lead under pressure, make hard decisions, and keep showing up, especially when no one else sees the full weight you’re carrying.

They discuss how adversity sharpens emotional intelligence, why “people-pleasing” can quietly sabotage your leadership, and how to move from reacting to life’s challenges to consciously leading through them.

By the end, you’ll feel seen, encouraged, and reminded that the challenges you face aren’t a sign you’re failing. They’re the very things preparing you to become the kind of leader your clinic truly needs.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• How to stop seeing adversity as something to survive, and start seeing it as a leadership advantage that sharpens your focus and empathy (00:00)
• How early conditioning shapes the way you lead (04:40)
• Channeling adversity into purposeful growth rather than overdrive (16:30)
• How self-awareness helps you communicate better, make clearer decisions, and lead with confidence (21:35)
• How to create psychological safety, encourage open dialogue, and help people think critically instead of react emotionally (24:50)
• How influence is built by listening deeply, calling out what’s wrong respectfully, and modelling the kind of integrity you want your team to follow (46:20)

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here: https://smc.expert/Personalised-Practice-Audit-PC

Missed the previous Episode?

Listen to Episode 74 here: The Quadruple Whammy That Could Gut GP Practices; And How Owners Can Fight Back

Clinic Owners, brace yourselves. November brings a quadruple whammy that could hit your practice hard — slashed mental health item numbers, an influx of bulk billing clinics, hidden risks with MyMedicare, and the inevitable pushback from GPs facing income drops.

Have a question about this episode?

Ask Todd, Sachin, and over a thousand Owners directly in the SGPO Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSuccessfulGeneralPracticeOwner

In this episode, Dr Todd Cameron and Dr Sachin Patel break down what these changes really mean for your practice, your patients, and your bottom line. More importantly, they show you how to get on the front foot so you’re not left scrambling when the financial and emotional pressures start to pile up.

If you’re running a mixed or private billing practice, this conversation is your wake-up call. You’ll learn where the biggest risks lie, why “waiting to see” what others do is the worst strategy, and how you can proactively lead your team, protect your billings, and avoid the burnout trap.

This isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about getting prepared. The Clinic Owners who act now will thrive, while others are left wondering what just happened.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• Why the removal of key mental health items (2712 and 2713) disproportionately impacts female GPs and their patients (02:41)
• How corporates flooding the market with Universal Bulk Billing clinics will affect patient demand, GP decision-making, and appointment books in mixed/private billing practices (09:32)
• The hidden risks of MyMedicare and the strategies you need to protect patient continuity and practice revenue (16:18)
• The quadruple whammy hit all at once and why practices without a plan could face existential risk (21:06)
• Future-Proofing with Project X to put practices back in control (27:12)

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here: https://smc.expert/Personalised-Practice-Audit-PC

Missed the previous Episode?

Listen to Episode 73 here: If It All Falls Apart Without You, That’s Not a Team. It’s a Trap

Running a clinic shouldn’t feel like constant firefighting, yet so many Practice Owners find themselves trapped in chaos, tolerating mediocre standards, and carrying the weight of accountability alone.

Have a question about this episode?

Ask Todd, Sachin, and over a thousand Owners directly in the SGPO Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSuccessfulGeneralPracticeOwner

In this episode, Dr Sachin Patel and Dr Todd Cameron unpack why teams fail to meet expectations, how leadership missteps fuel the chaos, and what Clinic Owners can do to create a culture of clarity, accountability, and calm.

From the hidden cost of tolerating “good enough,” to the crucial difference between collaboration and consensus, this conversation shines a light on the systems and leadership practices that either hold clinics back or propel them forward. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to reset standards, delegate effectively, and build the kind of high-performance team that gives you back time, energy, and peace of mind.

If you’re a Clinic Owner who feels trapped in chaos or frustrated by underperforming teams, this episode will give you the clarity, tools, and confidence to lead differently, and scale faster, smarter, and with far less stress.

In this episode of the Scale My Clinic Podcast, you’ll learn:

• Why accountability starts with you as the Clinic Owner (01:25)
• Tell-tale signs that your practice is normalising dysfunction and why this mindset prevents calm, consistent patient care (05:31)
• Building accountability structures so you’re not carrying the load alone (13:28)
• Making leadership decisions so your team stays aligned even when not everyone agrees (23:52)
• Delegating without slipping into micromanagement or abdication (28:01)
• Creating a high-trust partnership with your PM to transform your clinic in 6–18 months (36:15)

🎯 Book your free Practice Growth Call here: https://smc.expert/Personalised-Practice-Audit-PC

Missed the previous Episode?

Listen to Episode 72 here: The GP Recruitment Crisis: How One Clinic Turned a 6-Week Waitlist into a Hiring Engine with Julie Thomson