Dr. Joon Song earned his medical degree in South Korea, prior to serving as an attending physician for ten years, before he earned his Ph.D. in specialized endocrinology. Dr. Song is a highly experienced gynecological specialist with a firm understanding of how technology can increase patient care, because of this, Dr. Song actively seeks out innovative solutions.
Upon serving as a physician at the Korea National Medical Center, Dr. Song decided to expand his medical knowledge by completing a fellowship program in reproductive biology at Yale University. Dr. Song is one of the top-rated robotic myomectomy surgeons in the United States, with the successful completion of over 2,000 laparoscopic surgical cases to date.
In 2012, Dr. Joon Song founded and established his private practice, Robotic Gynecology & Woman’s Health located in New York, New York. At his private practice, Dr. Joon Song performs a wide range of procedures to address reproductive conditions.
He is certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Other accolades include the President Award from the Society for Gynecology Investigation and the Young Scientist Award from the Japanese OB/GYN Society.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I grew up as the son of a gynecologist, my father’s practice was situated in the same building where I grew up, therefore I was exposed to the industry at a young age. When I became a medical student, I was already helping my father at his practice, it was a natural transition for me to focus my efforts in gynecology. I knew from a young age that I wanted to practice differently than other gynecologists and learn different treatments options to provide a more well-rounded practice.
How does your company generate revenue?
My company generates business by seeing patients and ensuring that their needs have been met. In order for my business to grow and generate more revenues, I have to ensure that every patient I serve is happy, comfortable, and completely understands what I will be doing. By creating and maintaining positive interactions with my patients, it encourages them to recommend my services to their immediate circle of influence.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
I have been fortunate in the sense that many of my patients have believed in my skills and have followed me from practice to practice throughout my career. I have managed to build lasting and meaningful relationships with my patients, and their trust in me is shown through them following me to my private practice. It is due to this trust from my patients that has allowed me to be profitable as a private practice.
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 myself in the early stages of my private practice. In fact, in those early stages I felt nothing but excitement for myself and for my patients. When I do experience any symptoms of doubt, I turn to the Lord and read a few passages from my bible. I have found that by committing myself to God, and placing my trust in Him, has resulted in His guidance during times of doubt.
How did you get your first customer?
Thankfully, I developed lasting and meaningful relationships with my patients during my previous position with the hospital. Most of my first patients were acquired due to these relationships and wanted me to continue to be their gynecologist
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Due to the fact that my business is a private medical practice, there is not much I can do in terms of marketing efforts. I strongly believe that the best marketing strategies for medical professionals is word-of-mouth marketing, which I have achieved through consistently high-quality healthcare.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Luckily, the Lord has guided me through my difficult decisions; however, the decision that stands out as the toughest in recent history is changing the affiliated institution I worked for, for more than 10 years. Making this decision was not an easy one, but the pros of changing institutions greatly outweighed the cons. Ultimately, I am extremely happy with my decision, and do not regret it in the slightest.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I believe that I have been successful, thanks to the gifts that God has instilled in me. Through commitment to God anything is possible, and it is the dedication and motivation I need to be successful.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
An extremely fulfilling aspect of my business is when a patient who has undergone a myomectomy becomes pregnant and returns with their baby. Many of my patients have found success in becoming pregnant following a myomectomy, despite other doctors offering a hysterectomy. I am always overwhelmed with delight when I see a new mother who was previously a patient, it is hands down the best aspect of being a gynecologist.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
There aren’t many current changes in the world of gynecology, other than technological advancements. In the future I plan to continue offering the best medical care I can offer my patients, and I look forward to further pursuing my private practice. I am very happy with how my practice is being run; however, as future technological innovations are introduced to gynecology, I will continue to explore them. If high-tech medical instruments will help me to deliver exceptional medical care for my patients, then I will continue to embrace technology.
What business books have inspired you?
One book that continuously inspires me is the Bible. The Bible offers life lessons for all walks of life, and personality types.
Another great book to help you be inspired is Napoleon’s Glance by William Duggan, it is an interesting and inspirational read. I suggested that my sons read it and would recommend it to any reader.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I am a huge fan of music in my place of work, I find that it helps to relax my patients and bring a sense of calm. As a huge fan of music, I recently purchased some vintage vacuum tubes to help deliver a beautiful and crisp sound to relax my patients. People enjoy hearing music, and they enjoy asking me about the vacuum tubes.
What is one story you can share with our readers?
When I was younger, I was proudly a medical officer with the Korean Military. During my tenure with the Korean Military I was stationed in an isolated suburban area during an intense snowstorm. During this snowstorm, a young woman suffering from non-stop hemorrhage which occurred during a c-section was admitted into my care.
Due to the snowstorm and isolated area, I was quickly running out of options as to how I could best save the young woman’s life. I determined that my best option was to transfer my own blood into the young woman and operate. My team and I ended up saving her life, and this moment has been one that has stuck with me throughout my career. I am extremely proud of this moment, and I think about that day often.
I have seen many patients in such conditions, and I am always more than happy when I can be of assistance.