Tips and Tricks for Successful Practice Management with Leon Kircik, MD

At the 2025 South Beach Symposium, Leon Kircik, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and Indiana University School of Medicine, shared his perspectives on optimizing patient care and managing a successful dermatology practice. With extensive experience in both academia and private practice, Kircik provided valuable insights into time management, practice efficiency, and the integration of clinical trials into medical practice during an interview with Dermatology Times.

Enhancing Patient Interaction

One of Kircik’s key recommendations for improving patient satisfaction is the strategic use of time during consultations. Given the constraints of modern medical practice, he emphasizes the importance of delegation. Well-trained medical assistants can play a crucial role in enhancing patient care by handling preparatory tasks, allowing physicians to focus on critical aspects of diagnosis and treatment.

Kircik also highlighted the significance of body language and seating arrangements during consultations. He recommends that physicians sit lower than the patient’s eye level, which can create a more comforting and engaged atmosphere. Even a brief 5-minute seated interaction can significantly enhance the patient’s perception of time spent with their physician.

Challenges in Modern Practice Management

The increasing complexity of medical practice infrastructure poses significant challenges. Kircik expressed concerns about the growing reliance on technology, which, while beneficial, can sometimes become a hindrance. “I see so many doctors' offices, they say our computers are down. We can't give appointments,” Kircik said. “I think that's crazy. Sometimes we need to go back to a piece of paper and pencil.”

Additionally, he advised against spreading oneself too thin across multiple locations. Reflecting on his own experience of working at 4 different practices across Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, and New York early in his career, he acknowledged that such an approach may not be sustainable in today’s demanding healthcare environment.

The Role of Clinical Trials in Practice

Kircik emphasized the advantages of integrating clinical trials into a dermatology practice. He noted that successful participation in clinical research requires not only the appropriate infrastructure but also an aligned patient base. Physicians engaged in cosmetic dermatology should focus on cosmetic clinical trials, whereas those in medical should pursue relevant medical trials. Targeting trials appropriately ensures both research success and optimal patient engagement.

Conclusion

Kircik’s insights from the South Beach Symposium 2025 underscore the need for strategic practice management, effective patient communication, and thoughtful integration of clinical research. His recommendations offer a practical framework for clinicians striving to balance efficiency, technological reliance, and high-quality patient care in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Dermatology Times staff are onsite at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel for South Beach Symposium 2025. Subscribe to our eNewsletter for the latest in expert insights, exclusive interviews, and late-breaking data.

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