Aesthetics, Physician Assistants, Entrepreneurship

My Journey from Physician Assistant to Successful Aesthetics Practice Owner – A Guide for Aspiring PA Entrepreneurs

The journey to where I am today wasn’t a straight line. It took twists and turns, unexpected opportunities, and a leap of faith to transform my career as a physician assistant (PA) into something I never imagined: owning my own thriving aesthetics practice. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned along the way. Here’s how it all unfolded.

From Emergency Room to Outpatient Care: My Early PA Career Path

I graduated from the Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant program in 1998, excited to begin my PA career in the fast-paced world of the emergency room (ER). Those early years were invaluable, as I built a strong clinical foundation and learned skills that would shape my future.

As I started my family, however, I knew I needed to shift gears in order to prioritize my young family. I transitioned into outpatient care, where I could be more available for my two sons while continuing my work as a PA. This move allowed me to keep growing as a provider, all while laying the groundwork for a future in independent practice. Balancing the demands of a career while maintaining the priority of family was frequently challenging, but it was the right decision for me during those years. I am proud of my decision to pour into my children; these were some of the most beautiful years of my life.

📌 Key Takeaway: If you feel stuck or burned out in your current PA role, it does not mean you chose the wrong profession. It may simply mean you have not yet found the right setting or specialty that aligns with your strengths and values.

Discovering Aesthetics in a Vein Clinic Role

In 2011, I made a pivotal career change, joining a vein care clinic that introduced me to the aesthetics field—a side of medicine I had never considered. Part of my role included providing injectable aesthetic treatments to a small but loyal client base, sparking my interest in aesthetics and the potential for PAs in aesthetics entrepreneurship.

When the vein clinic unexpectedly closed in 2014, I faced a dilemma: What would happen to the clients who relied on my aesthetics care? Rather than losing this small client base, I proposed to my new employer, an internist in solo practice, that I continue offering aesthetic services. Soon, I was treating clients every other Friday, gradually growing this side hustle into a cash-based practice.

💡 Pro Tip for Aspiring PA Injectors: Start by shadowing or working part-time in an established practice. You will learn more about workflow, patient expectations, and real-world complications than any single weekend course can provide.

Starting a Cash-Based Aesthetics Practice

What started as a part-time gig quickly turned into something more. Within a few months, I was seeing clients every Friday, generating gross profits of about $5,000 each month. It became clear that my aesthetics practice was growing fast, and the demand was there. From 2016 to 2020, I worked part-time in internal medicine and part-time in aesthetics, balancing my workdays between these two areas. Each year, my aesthetics revenue grew by over 40%, showcasing the potential for PAs interested in starting a cash-based aesthetics practice.

By 2020, even with one month of shutdown due to COVID-19, my aesthetics practice generated over $200,000 working just nine days a month. I had officially stopped internal medicine services to focus entirely on aesthetics, transitioning fully to an aesthetics business.

Building a Thriving PA Business in Aesthetics

Taking full control of the aesthetics practice was empowering. I managed everything from client experience to product selection, training, and pricing. It was a one-woman show, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The autonomy and freedom were exhilarating—an experience I wish more PAs would consider as they explore options in entrepreneurship.

In 2021, when my physician employer decided to pursue a different direction, I saw an opportunity to buy the aesthetics practice I had spent years growing. I partnered with two other women to purchase the business assets, and my path as a true PA entrepreneur began.

This ownership allowed me to expand my business on my own terms. I continued working nine to ten days a month, balancing frequent travel to Indiana to support my sons in high school. When my youngest son graduated in 2023, I was able to return to a three-day workweek, keeping the practice part-time while still generating over $500,000 annually. Today, my income far exceeds what I could earn as an employee, and I have the flexibility to enjoy my family and continue my journey in aesthetics.

Empowering Physician Assistants to Embrace Entrepreneurship

Reflecting on my 25 years in clinical practice, I can say that embracing entrepreneurship has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. Owning my own aesthetics practice has energized me to keep learning and growing—not only as a healthcare provider but as a business owner. My success in aesthetics has allowed me to build a cash-based practice with incredible financial rewards and flexibility.

For physician assistants interested in owning a cash-based aesthetics practice, the opportunities are vast. As state laws evolve to support the expansion of the PA profession, I’m excited to see more experienced PAs embrace entrepreneurship. The demand for aesthetics services continues to grow, and with the right training and business strategies, more PAs can find success and fulfillment in independent practice.

A New Era for PAs in Aesthetics and Cash-Based Practice

Owning my practice has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and I believe it’s a path that many PAs can—and should—explore. For those interested in making the leap into aesthetics or starting a cash-based practice, I’m passionate about sharing my story and insights. My journey from a traditional PA role to an aesthetics practice owner is proof that PAs can create the career they want, and it’s my mission to help others do the same.

Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’re a PA interested in building a cash-based practice or diving into the field of aesthetics, I’d love to connect at The PA Possibility ! Whether you’re curious about the journey, need tips on starting out, or are looking for guidance, let’s keep the conversation going. Download my free guide to the Top States for PA Entrepreneurs.

Embrace the future of PA entrepreneurship and the possibilities it brings!