Rebecca Brauch

Dr. Rebecca Brauch earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky and her MD from the University of Louisville Medical School. She moved on to a residency in internal medicine at Cleveland Clinic-Akron General in Akron, Ohio, and completed a fellowship at the University of Florida.. She is currently an internal medicine and infectious disease physician at Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis, Ohio.

Emblematic of her success as a doctor is the professionalism award she received during her residency, the high-quality research that has appeared in peer-reviewed publications like the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and the sterling evaluations she has received from her sizable patient panel.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

The organization I am working with here is very professional and teamwork-oriented. I think a positive work environment leads to enhanced productivity and a greater work ethic. I take pride in my job and I look forward to interacting with my colleagues on a daily basis.

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

I typically have a set of outpatients in internal medicine. I might also have one or two inpatient infectious disease patients to see and I will usually make time to see them in the morning. Then I will tend to outpatients, after which I would address things that come up like telephone messages, other issues with patients, and refilling medications.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I definitely try to be a positive person. I try to be uplifting to my fellow medical staff and also all the patients so that they can live their best lives. I also encourage teamwork and collaboration with other physicians. Ultimately, it is about being respectful towards your patients and making sure that they get the best outcomes.

What’s one trend that excites you?

There is a real attempt underway to improve some of the social issues in our communities, whether it is mental health concerns, substance problems, or social issues. For example, making sure individuals of various communities have access to the proper medical care, or ensuring certain medications are covered by insurance. I think the medical landscape is always evolving and I am happy to help play a role in that.

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

I do try to keep myself disciplined in keeping things in check with my health. If you are not taking care of yourself and your own health, it is harder to help others with theirs. I also try to keep myself on a routine so that I can make sure everything gets done as it should.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Work hard, have a positive attitude, and do not take things personally. I think when I was younger little things really hurt me. People saying something mean can throw you off your game. Taking things more in stride would help overcome that.

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

That we shouldn’t necessarily copy the productive habits of other successful people. As an experienced healthcare professional, I have learnt that what may work for someone, may not for someone else. It is all about finding what works for you and implementing those habits into your daily routine.

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

Exercising every day is a big stress relief. It is a good habit that really helps with stress and anxiety. It helps you keep your concentration and improves productivity. I go to a gym sometimes, but lately I have started up with martial arts again. I have also gotten into running. Those are the things I focus on: work in the gym, running and martial arts.

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

Since I try to be a really encouraging person, I think it helps that I do not harp on people too much about things like smoking. I try not to make people feel bad. I try to be more encouraging rather than critical. I think that patients like that.

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

I had to take time off for my mental health in medical school. I had to repeat a few courses the following year because the medications I had were giving me bad side effects. I was also doing some research in the meantime, and it really started to feel like I was falling behind. That was frustrating, but I just tried to stay determined and focused and just kept on working. Things turned around for me because I stuck to it and did not get too down about my situation. I did not let myself quit.

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

I do think it would be nice to start my own practice so that I could have a more individual approach to things, to do my own thing, and spend a little more time with patients and get to know them in other areas and be able to take a more involved approach with them. Patients respond better if they get more attention.

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

Helping out one of my friends who is having some financial trouble.

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

Google is one of the greatest things about the internet. You can look everything up on the internet. UpToDate is another one. It’s a website that helps make sure all the latest medical information is up to date.

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

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. It’s a classic that really helped me to form my positive outlook on things.

What is your favorite quote?

“Never give up.” – Winston Churchill

Key Learnings:

• When you seem to be falling behind, stick to it and keep making as much progress as you can.
• Find a way to serve your community, through public service or your occupation.
• Work hard, have a positive attitude, and don’t take things too personally.