How I Earn $900K A Year As A Dermatologist

Dr. Anna Shicone: A Dermatologist’s Inspiring Journey Toward Independence and National Reach

In an ever-evolving medical landscape, where innovation is crucial to adaptability, one physician stands out not just for her medical expertise but also for her entrepreneurial spirit. Dr. Anna Shicone is not just another dermatologist; she is a beacon of ambition and resilience who dreams of being America’s go-to dermatologist, practicing across the country and even beyond its borders. A Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Shicone’s journey to success is filled with unique choices, challenges, and a relentless desire for independence.

At the age of 39, Dr. Shicone reflects on her career with a mixture of pride and gratitude, particularly for the financial freedom she has achieved—reporting an impressive income of around $900,000 last year. Her financial success stems from her willingness to step outside the traditional confines of practicing medicine. After completing her residency, Dr. Shicone’s path led her to the esteemed Cleveland Clinic in Florida, where she spent three formative years. While this role provided security and experience, she ultimately sought the empowerment that comes from self-employment. The decision to open her own practice was not simply a financial choice; it was a move toward autonomy in structuring her professional life and work schedule.

Dr. Shicone recalls the skepticism from family and colleagues when she announced her plans. “You’re not going to have any patients,” they warned, echoing a common concern among medical professionals. However, this doubt only fueled her determination. She saw regulatory constraints that weighed on her independence, coupled with a sobering awareness that events such as a pandemic could jeopardize secure employment. Her foresight and willingness to adapt to unexpected circumstances led her to apply for licenses that allowed for practice across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This broad licensing opened the doors to a nationwide dermatology practice that would yield staggering results: in 2024, her practice brought in a remarkable $5.2 million in revenue, translating into a profit of about $2 million.

Building a Diverse Revenue Stream: The Secrets Behind Dr. Shicone’s Success

One of the cornerstones of Dr. Shicone’s financial acumen is her capability to diversify her income sources. She doesn’t rely solely on patient visits but also collaborates with other practices and hospital systems. Furthermore, her investments extend into real estate, where she currently earns about $15,000 a month from property rentals. The strategic blending of various revenue streams reflects her understanding that one form of income can be vulnerable, as the pandemic underscored for many professionals across all industries.

Dr. Shicone’s experience reveals an essential lesson for medical practitioners and entrepreneurs alike: financial stability isn’t solely about high income, but rather about building a safety net that includes savings and investments. For many physicians, the focus on debt avoidance can be overwhelming, yet Dr. Shicone deliberately opened her practice without loans, a factor that has simplified her financial planning. As she states, “I try to immerse myself into how to invest properly and save for another pandemic.” Having learned the hard way the importance of financial security, she prioritizes managing her finances with purpose and caution.

Dr. Shicone’s office, characterized by its unique operational model, opens seven days a week and offers 24-hour services, a remarkable feat for a single-physician practice. Although managing such an extensive operation is taxing, she finds freedom in controlling her schedule and patient care. “I definitely work a lot more than I did at Cleveland Clinic. The difference is I control what time I start and finish,” she asserts, which highlights her commitment to establishing balance and flexibility in her life as both a physician and businesswoman.

As her practice emerged and grew, staffing became another subject of evolution. Initially faced with the challenge of operating as a solo physician, she made the strategic choice to hire contractors to help manage various operational tasks, ensuring she could focus on her specialty. This balance between clinical and entrepreneurial responsibilities shines a light on the multi-faceted nature of modern medicine, particularly where practitioners seek to embrace progressive business models.

Fostering Personal Growth: Financial Literacy and Life Balance

A major turning point in Dr. Shicone’s life came with her growing awareness of her financial habits. Raised in a culture that often prioritizes materialism, she initially struggled with money management, living paycheck to paycheck throughout her medical residency. However, her outlook significantly changed after reading insightful articles, such as those from the Wall Street Journal, focusing on financial tools and the importance of planning for the future. These resources empowered her to adopt a more disciplined approach to saving, allowing her to grow her wealth progressively over the last five years.

Dr. Shicone’s journey through financial literacy provides a roadmap for other physicians. Many are often ill-prepared for the intricate financial aspects of their careers. Understanding budgeting and savings, particularly in a field with variable income streams, can be a game-changer not only for practicing physicians but also for medical students entering the workforce. The importance of saving, especially in unpredictable times, is a lesson that resonates deeply. “If I wanted that safety net, I had to build a bigger safety net, and I had to have savings,” she emphasizes, reinforcing the idea that to thrive in any profession, individuals must proactively manage their financial futures.

While her practice continues to flourish, Dr. Shicone is cognizant of the challenges that come with managing multiple licenses and a national operation. As she considers the future, she plans to hire more practitioners, ensuring that her practice can continue growing while offering high-quality care to an expanding patient base. Despite these ambitions, she offers a heartfelt observation of her passion for medicine and patient care: “I never want to retire. I love working. When a patient says, ‘Oh, you cured me,’ that’s what I live for.” Her profound dedication to her patients and the healthcare profession underscores not only a thriving business but also a practice deeply rooted in humanity and care.

Dr. Anna Shicone’s story exemplifies the evolution of modern dermatology, where adaptability, financial prudence, and a commitment to patient care intertwine. Her path to becoming America’s dermatologist offers inspiration to those seeking to shift conventional paradigms within the medical field, demonstrating that with determination and innovation, a thriving practice can be built even in uncertain times.