Dr. Ben Barton of Charleston, South Carolina, urges medical professionals to build stronger systems and decision-making skills beyond clinical training.

CHARLESTON, SC / ACCESS Newswire / February 3, 2026 / Dr. Ben Barton, Medical Consultant and author, is raising awareness around a growing gap in healthcare: the lack of practical business education for medical professionals. Drawing on years of consulting experience and firsthand observations, Barton advocates for clearer systems, stronger operational thinking, and deeper foundational knowledge for those running medical practices.

"Most clinicians are trained to deliver great care," Barton says. "But they're rarely trained to run a business. That gap creates stress, confusion, and avoidable mistakes."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 20% of small businesses fail within their first year, and healthcare practices are not immune to this trend. Industry research has also shown that administrative and operational issues-rather than clinical quality-are among the leading reasons medical practices struggle or close.

Barton has spent the past five years working with cash-based medical practices through Regen Medical Consulting. During that time, he noticed the same challenges recurring.

"I kept seeing smart, capable providers stuck in the same patterns," he says. "They weren't struggling because they lacked talent. They were struggling because they lacked structure."

These repeated observations led Barton to write Practice Prosperity: The Six Biggest Mistakes Costing You Millions. The book outlines common operational blind spots and decision-making errors in medical practice, drawing on real-world examples rather than theory.

"Most problems aren't dramatic," Barton explains. "They're the result of small choices repeated over time."

The issue is becoming more pressing as healthcare continues to evolve. A growing number of providers are moving toward cash-based or hybrid care models. While these models offer flexibility, they also demand clear communication, efficient operations, and disciplined leadership.

A 2023 industry survey found that more than 60% of physicians feel unprepared for the business side of running a practice. Many report learning through trial and error, often while managing heavy workloads and rising administrative demands.

"Business skills aren't about chasing growth," Barton says. "They're about sustainability. When systems are solid, providers can focus more on patients and less on constant problem-solving."

Barton's views on leadership extend beyond consulting. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for five years and with Make-A-Wish for seven years. Those experiences continue to influence how he approaches responsibility and long-term thinking.

"Service changes how you look at impact," he says. "You start thinking about the systems you're leaving behind, not just the results you see today."

Outside of work, Barton applies the same mindset to personal challenges. He has climbed Mount Elbrus in Russia and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and is scheduled to climb Aconcagua in Argentina later this year.

"You don't rush a mountain," Barton says. "If you skip steps, you feel it. Business works the same way."

What Medical Professionals Can Do Now

Dr. Barton encourages clinicians and practice owners to take practical, independent steps:

• Examine how decisions are made inside their practice

• Write down systems instead of relying on habit or memory

• Learn basic business fundamentals alongside clinical skills

• Pause and ask better questions before making major changes

"You don't have to overhaul everything," Barton says. "You just need to stop operating on assumptions."

By speaking out, Barton hopes to normalize conversations about business education in healthcare and reduce the stigma around seeking operational support.

"Great care deserves great systems," he says.

About Dr. Ben Barton

Dr. Ben Barton is a Medical Consultant with Regen Medical Consulting and the author of Practice Prosperity: The Six Biggest Mistakes Costing You Millions. He works with cash-based medical practices to improve their structure, decision-making, and long-term sustainability. Dr. Barton grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and holds degrees from Appalachian State University, Clemson University, and Palmer College of Chiropractic. He is also an avid mountaineer and long-time volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Make-A-Wish.

Media Contact:

Dr. Ben Barton
info@drbenbarton.com

SOURCE: Dr. Ben Barton