The Value of Celebration for a Doctor’s Practice

Dr. David Musich and Dr. Matt Busch, Schaumburg, Illinois orthodontists, recently celebrated the 30th year of the practice. They sent out invitations to referral practices, colleagues, patients and long time advisors. I was included because I had handled the transition when Matt joined the practice five years ago. It was a wonderful evening event with a great choice of food and drinks. There is definitely a lot of planning that goes into it and Beth Barrett (the practice administrator) is exemplary in making an event of this consequence happen. All the practice staff was there and acted as hostesses for the visiting doctors and friends. The warmth and good feelings were palpable. David gave me a card the night of the event, it stated in part, "Time to celebrate! Our past, our future..." He’s right, and it got me thinking about the importance of sharing the milestones of a professional’s practice. We need to share them with each other and with all those that come in contact with the practice. We need staff to experience the high regard a practice has achieved and the good feelings. Although Matt became a partner only 5 years ago, he is fully integrated as a part of the practice. He gained much, in my view, from the celebration with many offering good wishes and telling stories of the years spent with David. The remarkable aspect to me was the number of individuals from diverse relationships with the practice that said in one way or another, "Here’s to another 30 years!". It doesn’t get any better than that! My view is that we should celebrate more. Sure we have an open house when a new office is completed, or a remodel is accomplished or a new partner joins the practice. But the 5, 10, 15 and 20 year milestones and beyond are all positive events to enjoy and to solidify relationships.