Marty Fulbright

 

Dr. Marty Fulbright, Orthopedic Surgeon, is with the Marshall County Medical and Surgical Group. He is a dedicated surgeon who believes in treating each patient as a whole person, rather than simply addressing a single specific issue. He has a light-hearted approach to making sure that patients and staff have a good level of comfort within their environment. He strives to provide attentive patient care while providing clarity and understanding of their treatment.

Dr. Marty Fulbright went to Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC for his undergraduate studies and earned his BS in chemistry. He attended the Medical University of South Carolina, at Charleston, SC. During his first year in medical school, Marty Fulbright participated in a research study where they isolated heart muscle cells. He was able to test the performance of individual muscle cells. In 1999 he went on to complete his residency at University of South Carolina, in Columbia, SC. He is currently with the Marshall County Medical and Surgical Group.

Where did the idea for being an orthopedic surgeon come from?

I took a rotation in medical school as an orthopedic surgeon, and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I had more in common with the doctors in that area of medical practice. It was one of the places where you saw people actually get better from their medical condition.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I start my day by either doing surgery or working in the clinic. I typically work in the clinic three days a week and surgery two days a week. I make it productive by trying to create a good work environment around me. I make sure that everyone is comfortable. If everyone is comfortable, then everyone becomes more productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing ideas to life is somewhat a collaborative effort. I think about it initially and then put the idea out there to see if you can accomplish your desire. If it is decided that the idea is beneficial, we make it happen.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I would say the advancements in alternative medicines. I read a lot about energy work like Reiki.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I would say that I am very efficient. I have excellent intuition. We do the exam and testing to prove my theory, but for the most part, good intuition puts me on the right path.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself that not all people have the same values that you do, but you don’t have to trust that. Use your own intuition.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I know that energy medicine exists, but I haven’t had a chance to prove it YET.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

One of the things that I think is critical to anyone in the medical industry is to pay very close attention to your billing and documentation. Regardless of what you say, or what you do, in the end, the only thing that matters is your documentation.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I grow my business by being friendly. If patients go to other doctors for any reason, perhaps for a second opinion, I usually get them back. They usually listen to what I have to say.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest failure that I’ve had is to assume that everyone knows how to do their job. It can be very complicated. As a physician, we are really not trained how to run a business. We rely on the people we hire to be able to do their job. It doesn’t always work out that way. I’ve had some issues getting paid by Medicare. I thought that the person responsible knew what they were doing. In the end, it is all up to you. You have to have the right people around you. I solved the problem by making sure I hire someone with credentials, or I use a service.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Starting a physician-friendly billing company that makes you feel comfortable. I have never found that. They just want you to hand it over. We need a billing service that is accountable but allows you some control.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

The best hundred dollars I’ve spent is joining the Gym.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use Habitica; it actually helps you organize your day.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“The Hidden Messages of Jesus” by Larry Angus. It provides a more open-minded understanding of the foundations of Christianity that may ultimately provide unity for everyone as opposed to the divisions we see today.

What is your favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes is from Aldous Huxley “Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.”

Key Learnings:

• Provides outstanding orthopedic care
• Patients feel more like family
• Provides holistic support

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