Dr. Jennifer R. Berman, of Berman Sexual Health, is an internationally renowned urology, gynecology, and urogynecology specialist. As a best-selling author and celebrity TV Doctor, Dr. Berman is known for her work and advocacy for women’s sexual health, which she has promoted through her books and television programs.
Dr. Berman earned her Master of Science from the University of Maryland and her Medical Degree from Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Berman returned to the University of Maryland to complete her postgraduate training in urology. After completing her residency in Urology, Dr. Berman went on receive specialized fellowship training in Female Urology and Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA Medical Center. To be accepted into this coveted specialized fellowship program at UCLA is considered a privilege reserved for the best graduates. Dr. Jennifer Berman is one of the top doctors who commit to additional years of training and are committed to providing their patients with the best possible medical care. During her time at UCLA, Dr. Berman pioneered the field of female sexual health and conducted many research studies in the field of female sexual and menopausal health. Dr. Berman served as the director of the Female Sexual Medicine Center and continued her groundbreaking clinical and basic science research studies in the field.
Dr. Berman’s passion is to raise public awareness of women’s health issues, and she has been able to reach millions of women through her various media platforms. Dr. Jennifer Berman is also a New York Times Best Selling Author for her book For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life. The book was considered groundbreaking due to its open discussion of a previously taboo subject and its comprehensive guide to female anatomy. The book also helps women to recognize whether they have sexual problems and teaches them how to deal with them. Ultimately, the book offers women practical tools to feel more confident and open when discussing these issues with their doctors. Dr. Berman is recognized as one of the few female doctors and scientists in urology, which was previously a male-dominated field. In addition to being an award-winning author, Dr. Berman also served as a co-host on television shows including the award-winning series on Discovery Health, Berman & Berman, as well as the Emmy Award-winning talk show, The Doctors. Dr. Berman also served as an expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America, Today Show, CNBC and CNN.
In 2007, Dr. Berman founded and established the Berman Women’s Wellness Center in Beverly Hills. The Centre is a first-class, multidisciplinary center dedicated to providing the latest and most advanced treatment methods for women’s sexual, urological and menopausal health.
How did you get started in your industry?
My father was a colorectal surgeon, so it was something that I was exposed to throughout my childhood, and I would spend time with him in the operating room. I knew that I wanted to do a surgical subspecialty and again, I had been exposed to it from my father, so I went into medical school thinking that I wanted to do general surgery, something surgical, and on our third-year rotations they assign you electives. You could choose, but I didn’t get any of the ones that I chose, like plastic surgery or ENT, whatever the good ones were I didn’t get, and I got a urology, and I was like, “Oh God, what is this?” I did the elective and it just so happened that one of the attendings, who ended up being one of my mentors, happened to be super passionate about for one, urology, but also teaching and medical students and embracing them and giving them projects. The other rotations would sort of tolerate you and be like these are here now. They kind of would shuffle you around and nod but not go out of their way. You were more of a responsibility than something that they were enjoying. So, it was just a fluke that he happened to be there, and he was like that. So, there were projects I started and continued through the course of the year that kept me coming back there. And then it became something that I enjoyed and that I appreciated. It is a surgical subspecialty and at that time, there were very few women in it.
How do you make money in your field?
Here, at The Berman Women’s Wellness Center, we offer many services, from all the basic clinical needs to cellulite treatments, incontinence treatments, and more. I have also earned money from co-hosting and appearing on television programs and also writing best-selling books.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
We had hit the ground running with The Berman Women’s Wellness Center. At the time of opening, we had garnered a lot of positive attention. So when we opened, there was no lack of clients to fill appointments and due to that fact, we were able to become profitable within the first year.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I never doubted I would have success in the industry, I knew that there was a dire need, especially for a woman, to pioneer women’s sexual health topics. I did, however, know that there may be some pushback on the subjects, these are topics that have been considered taboo for many years and suddenly I am trying to shine the brightest spotlights on them and encourage women to talk openly about themselves and I knew that not everyone would be ready for that. How did I handle that? I did it anyway! If we waited around for every single person to feel comfortable about a certain topic, we would never make any progress.
Do you remember how you got your first client?
As I mentioned, we had heavily promoted The Berman Women’s Wellness Center prior to its opening, so the first clients there would have been those that had heard about us and wanted to be among the first patients to take advantage of such a clinic that offered not only all of your standard services but a place where women would feel truly comfortable and empowered.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
We offer virtual consultations which I consider advantageous with generating new business. Not only are they incredibly convenient, but they also give patients a glimpse into the practice and the type of comprehensive and compassionate treatment they will receive. After speaking with someone through the virtual consultation, it is typically enough for them to realize they want to become a regular patient. You can schedule one yourself by going here https://bermansexualhealth.com/virtual-consultation/
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
There is more pressure for businesses to have an online presence now than ever before. With all the various platforms from Instagram to Twitter, Facebook, your own website and blogs, it can be difficult at times to know how to direct your efforts to keep things streamlined and focused. These last few months I have aimed to decipher my patients needs, what speaks to them and how I can reach them in the most meaningful way. I don’t know if it is necessarily the toughest decision I have made, but I have spent significant effort in this regard because I feel as though it will benefit my patients as well as my business if we maintain a cohesive focus across all platforms as we keep up with the quickly changing times.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I have always considered myself to be a highly motivated person with a strong determination. I am committed and resourceful but also willing to improvise and listen to others.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Opening The Berman Women’s Wellness Center here in Los Angeles has been gratifying and has brought about many exciting events. With our facility here, we have not only been able to help many women with everyday health and wellness issues, but we have also had the opportunity to branch out into exciting areas including cellulite reduction with our Cellutone machine, body sculpting with our Emsculpt machines, Incontinence and erectile dysfunction treatments with Emsella, vaginal rejuvenation with Votiva, Morpeheus 8 machines, help with skin tightening, and those are just to name a few! As far as I know, we are the only office that offers as wide of a variety of services as we do, and every time we dd a service, I personally research it to ensure my patients it is something I stand behind. I am proud of what we have built here and everything we are able to offer the women and the men that come to visit us. I have accomplished many things, I have been on television and written books, but I am first and foremost a physician and on a more personal day-to-day level, I would say it is also satisfying when you have a patient that comes to you with symptoms that have been causing them a great deal of pain and suffering and you are able to give them a diagnosis and treatment that brings them relief. When a patient expresses that sincere gratitude, sometimes with tears in their eyes, thankful that you have helped them, that is both satisfying and a big part of why I do what I do.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am constantly looking for new ways to help my patients with all aspects of their lives, whether that may be a new treatment or a new service we may offer to help them gain more confidence in their appearance. I know that the future holds tremendous growth potential for The Berman Women’s Wellness Center, and I am excited for all of it.
What business books have inspired you?
There have been a few. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek is a book everyone business leader should read in order to understand how to portray the reasons behind what motivates them to do what they do, or in other words, their why. Also, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown. In the book, Brown dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness, but that instead, it can actually bring about innovation, and creativity if we allow it.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself: don’t ever judge yourself comparatively to others. Instead, judge yourself against what you know you’re capable of. I believe it is important to strive to always generate personal improvements from one day to the next, but when doing so it is equally important that you are judging the progress based upon your comparisons and not you versus anyone else.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
As much as I love the idea, I don’t think I have the time for that at the moment.