Starting an independent, physician-owned medical practice can be daunting, and many physicians struggle with knowing where to begin. The AMA is launching a structured incubator program to support a select group of physicians through the process of starting their own practice.
This incubator program will provide expert-led education and guidance on the foundational building blocks of independent practice, including:
- Business planning
- Legal and regulatory considerations
- Contracting and credentialing
- Human resources and staffing
- Patient acquisition and retention
The Independent Practice Incubator is designed to provide participants with a dynamic and flexible experience. Each month, participants will have access to asynchronous educational videos that cover the foundational building blocks of independent practice, allowing them to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. In addition to these informative videos, participants will also be given assignments to reinforce their understanding and application of the material.
Furthermore, we will facilitate live virtual discussions, providing a valuable opportunity for participants to engage directly with subject matter experts and fellow learners. These discussions will foster a community of learning and enable participants to delve deeper into the subject matter through interactive dialogue.
Program requirements
The AMA seeks highly motivated physicians who are committed to establishing an office-based, independent practice in the future. Physicians must agree to participate fully in this no-cost, 12-month program.
Program requirements:
- In-person attendance at the orientation (Saturday, June 7, 2025) and graduation (June 2026)
- Virtual attendance at all monthly live discussions unless approved by program administration
- Completion of monthly assignments
- Development of final business proposal for an independent practice
Virtual live session dates:
- Session 1–Aug. 5, 2025: Strategic Planning, Market Research
- Session 2–Sept. 9, 2025: Essential Financial Considerations
- Session 3–Oct. 7, 2025: Payment Models, Payer Contracting, Licensing & Credentials
- Session 4–Oct. 28, 2025: Legal & Regulatory, Professional Insurance
- Session 5–Dec. 2, 2025: Technology & Equipment
- Session 6-Jan. 13, 2026: HR & Staffing
- Session 7-Feb. 10, 2026: Workflows
- Session 8-March 10, 2026: Marketing, Referrals, Patient Engagement
- Session 9-April 7, 2026: Leadership & Critical Decision Making
Note that the session start dates mentioned here are tentative and might change before the Incubator begins. A final list of sessions and dates will be shared ahead of the orientation.
Apply
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the application. Be prepared to submit a full resume attachment to provide a more comprehensive view of your experience and readiness. Applications close April 30, 2025.*
*Registration applications must be made through an AMA account. If you already have an account, please log in using your existing AMA credentials. If you don’t have an AMA account, you can create one for free in just a few minutes.
