Staying solo

Solo practitioners like Douglas Stevens are becoming a rarity in medicine.

Stevens says he's just one of two ear-nose-throat specialists in Fort Myers who isn't part of a larger group of doctors or a hospital. But the story of how he stays in business as a sole practitioner shows that entrepreneurial doctors can remain independent and even thrive in business if they're willing to make adjustments and devote time to promoting their business.

As his business grew, Stevens diversified into plastic surgery, a more profitable practice that allows him to continue to see ear-nose-throat patients without feeling rushed or pressured by falling insurance reimbursement rates.