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AMM 187: Aesthetic Medicine Journey: Challenges and Rewards
August 31, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Imaan Joshi, a Sydney-based GP with a practice in aesthetics, discusses the real-world challenges faced by GPs transitioning to the field of aesthetics. Listeners will learn about the increased stress, higher indemnity insurance costs, and patient management difficulties that come with the territory. Dr. Joshi touches on patient expectations, “injector hopping,” and the impact of inexperienced practitioners on the industry. This episode provides a balanced view, offering essential considerations for any GP contemplating this career shift.
Quick Takes
- Dr. Imaan Joshi, a Sydney GP with a practice in aesthetics, warns about challenges faced when transitioning from general practice to aesthetics.
- Aesthetics patients often have unrealistic expectations and may quickly switch providers if dissatisfied, leading to injector hopping.
- Rise in inexperienced practitioners offering lower prices undermines the industry, despite efforts by regulatory bodies like the TGA and AHPRA to address the issue.
Episode Transcript
Today is August 31, 2024, and we’re diving into the reality of a shift from general practice to aesthetics. Dr. Imaan Joshi, a Sydney GP with a practice in aesthetics, shares some valuable insights.
It’s not uncommon to hear fellow GPs, like “Sara” and “Jane”, expressing envy over moving into aesthetics. However, Dr. Joshi warns that the switch comes with its own set of challenges. Sleepless nights, increased indemnity insurance—up to five times more than non-procedural GP roles—and dealing with patients who have sky-high expectations are just a few hurdles you might face.
Aesthetics patients often have unrealistic goals and are quick to switch providers if dissatisfied. A study highlighted that 44% of unhappy clients simply move on to another injector. This kind of “injector hopping” adds to the stress, as unresolved issues might not always reach the original practitioner.
Moreover, the rise in inexperienced practitioners offering lower prices undermines the industry. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) aim to curb this, but it remains a significant problem.
As Dr. Joshi puts it, the appeal of moving from a GP to aesthetics shouldn’t be money. The field demands a strong foundation in procedural medicine and can bring more stress than traditional general practice. So, if you’re considering this move, weigh the risks and rewards carefully.
