Boris Ratiner is the founder and Director of Rheumatology Therapeutics Medical Center (RTMC) since 1999. Coming from a family of physicians, Dr. Ratiner credits his success to a rich academic background and a wealth of clinical experience in the medical field. After immigrating from Ukraine as a child, he grew up in New Orleans, then attended Occidental College and completed his medical degree at the LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans. He then moved to San Francisco for his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology Fellowship at the prestigious University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Ratiner is also a founder of 4Medica, a medical informatics company, as well as TrueCath, a medical device company. Even with all these responsibilities, Dr. Ratiner is a frequent Rheumatology lecturer and currently a clinical instructor at both UCLA and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He is also a former BOD member at the Arthritis Foundation and a past President of the Southern CA Rheumatism Society. Further, Dr. Ratiner continues to lecture at various hospitals and educational programs on topics related to Rheumatology. He sees in-patient consults at the Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and West Hills Hospital. At RTMC, he works closely with patients suffering from Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Vasculitis, Myositis, Fibromyalgia and Gout. Dr. Ratiner has also been published in various medical books and journals, relating to emerging treatments in Rheumatology. He is also very interested in Regenerative medicine and has been a pioneer in PRP and STEM cell therapy for Rheumatologic and Orthopedic conditions. Dr. Ratiner is fluent in English and Russian.

How did you get started in this business?

I grew up in a family of doctors. I became interested in medicine while obtaining my undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Occidental College in Los Angeles and volunteering at the local hospital. I then got my medical degree at the LSU, School of Medicine. I left for San Francisco, where I did my residency in Internal Medicine followed by a Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). This learning process gave me a solid understanding of both medicine and Rheumatology, and by 1999, I knew that I was ready to go out on my own. My most memorable career move has been starting Rheumatology Therapeutics. Since I started in 1999 our practice has helped well over 60,000 patients. The last two decades, I have managed to grow this institution into one of the most respected Rheumatology offices in the region. It is an achievement that really makes me proud.

How do you make money?

I would say I was drawn to the medical practice at a very young age. I always wanted to pursue a career that would give me the platform to improve people’s lives, and medicine came up at the top. That is how I went to medical school, and while there, I fell in love with rheumatology. As for getting into the business side of things, I would say I saw an opportunity and grabbed it. Besides being a good doctor, I would say I have an eye for business, and Rheumatology Therapeutics Medical Center was an excellent opportunity that I just couldn’t overlook.

How long did it take for you to become profitable?

There was no time when I had doubts that my practice would be successful. In my mind, I always knew that as long as I provide excellent care and care about people, patients would always seek out my services. My practice has been growing steadily in volume and reputation over the last two decades. We brought in Dr. Jenny Oh 16yrs ago, then Lara Magid, PA 12 yrs ago, and finally Dr. Adam Kreitenberg 6yrs ago. All our doctors have busy practices and are respected in the medical community.

When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?

There was no time when I had doubts that my practice would be successful. In my mind, I always knew that as long as I provide excellent care and care about people, patients would always seek out my services. My practice has been growing steadily in volume and reputation over the last two decades. We brought in Dr. Jenny Oh 16yrs ago, then Lara Magid, PA 12 yrs ago, and finally Dr. Adam Kreitenberg 6yrs ago. All our doctors have busy practices and are respected in the medical community.

How did you get your first customer?

I took over an already existing business, so it had clients. My role was to simply grow the client-base, and I believe I have done a good job on this front. I have managed to expand it, and we are now far much ahead of where we were two decades ago.

What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?

80% off our new patients still come as referrals from other physicians. Other than referrals, we get some patients from the internet and many as referrals from existing patients. We have built solid relationships with the local hospitals and other healthcare providers as well.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?

The best decision I have ever taken in my professional life was the Rheumatology Therapeutics Medical Center’s takeover. It gave me the platform to change the lives of thousands of people, which was always my goal when I joined medical school. I hope to grow this institution even further and sustain the positivity we have generated so far.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

I would credit my success to my family, determination, and perseverance. Whenever I set my eyes on a goal, I make sure to do what it takes to achieve it. As a boy, I had a dream of becoming a doctor, and I worked very hard until I achieved it. In college, I studied a lot had secured a position in medical school, and the rest as they say is history. I believe that with the right mindset and hard work, anyone can become anything they want to become in life. I tell my 3 daughters this all the time.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

The most satisfying thing about my job is knowing that I am improving lives for the better. I have situations daily where patients come with severe joint pain and can barely walk or use their hands. After a few visits and the right treatment, they are much better. This makes me happy about the career I chose. It also motivates me teach young doctors and pass on what I have learned which is why I have been a clinical instructor at UCLA and Cedars Sinai for over 20yrs, where I teach medical students, medical residents and Rheumatology fellows.

What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?

I recently read a couple of non-medical books that I found very inspiring. One of the best I have read so far is Blue Ocean Strategy by Renee Mauborgne. This book helped me see life from a different perspective. I learned that the best way to succeed is to create opportunities in new territories instead of trying to fight for existing markets. It has helped to apply novel marketing strategies and pushed our practice ahead of the rest.

What business books have inspired you?

I recently read a couple of non-medical books that I found very inspiring. One of the best I have read so far is Blue Ocean Strategy by Renee Mauborgne. This book helped me see life from a different perspective. I learned that the best way to succeed is to create opportunities in new territories instead of trying to fight for existing markets. It has helped to apply novel marketing strategies and pushed our practice ahead of the rest.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to set goals and take small steps each day towards achieving them. There will be many distractions in the way when chasing your dreams, but do not let that distract you. As long as you work hard and have a good concept, you are guaranteed to succeed. Luck is just a lot of hard work. I would also advise my younger self to look more for mentors, and then listen more and talk less.

Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?

I am very willing to be a mentor. I have mentored many young students in my office, some of whom went on to become doctors and some who did other great things. It is always my joy to uplift others and nurture the next generation of inspiring young people with big dreams.

 

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