

Docs Outside The Box
Dr. Nii Darko
Docs Outside the Box is a fusion of money, medicine, and pop culture. After paying off $662,000 in student loan debt, quitting their jobs, and launching 3 businesses, husband and wife, Drs. Nii and Renée Darko, have a lot to say about earning, saving, and investing your way to the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. These two docs parley about personal finance, careers, and the real world. Tune in for the gems. 💎 Stay for the laughs .😂 Welcome to medicine’s new media!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 5min
How we accidentally built a $1 million dollar locums business (Locum series part 6) #392
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Ever wondered what it's like to step off the beaten path and start your own locum tenens agency? We're two locums doctors who did just that, and we're here to share our unique journey. Answering the questions of 2 ER docs who want to start their own agency, we discuss our adventure from leaving permanent jobs, to setting up our physician-run agency, to the gratifying process of achieving seven-figure revenue. We also touch on the importance of streamlining processes and prioritizing fair compensation for providers. 💎 FREE DOWNLOAD - 11 Steps to Creating Your Own Locum Tenens Staffing Agency and JOIN the Waitlist for our Locum Tenens Learning GroupWe go beyond just sharing our story. We take you through the knotty world of employing locum physicians, helping you understand the importance of clear contracts, treating physicians as independent contractors, and ensuring comprehensive medical malpractice coverage. We also cover the often overlooked, yet vital aspect of drafting a bulletproof schedule for doctors. We discuss automation, the challenges of managing a schedule manually, and the need for a strict cancellation policy. Trust us; these administrative details can make or break a locum agency.Finally, we pull back the curtain on the business aspect of running a locum tenens agency. We discuss managing expenses, from setting up a doctor scheduling system to potential travel arrangements. And when it comes to growth, we share our experiences and insights on the pros and cons of expanding, and the importance of fostering strong relationships with hospitals and providers. Plus, we respond to questions from listeners eager to explore locum tenens, shedding light on the benefits and addressing common concerns. Our aim is to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to take the leap into the world of locum tenens. So, tune in for an episode packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and plenty of laughs along the way. ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Send us a message HERE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by: Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out HERE!

Nov 24, 2023 • 33min
How to make the best out of working on the holidays #391
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!The docs celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day! What a great transition into a discussion about working on the holidays. As locums, it’s easy for them to choose the dates they want to work, but they offer up 5 ways to make it easier for docs to work on the holidays.Things to expect in this episode:The holiday that Dr. Nii does not workThe holiday that Dr. Renée does not workHow they handled working on the holidays during residencyUsing technology to keep you connected during the holidaysStaying positive and finding joy outside of workSUICIDE AND CRISIS HOTLINE (call or text) 988👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Send us a message HERE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Nov 21, 2023 • 41min
Doctor on call for 62 hours straight? (Locums series part 5) #390
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Dr. Renée is tired from a 62 hour on-call locum weekend. Then Dr. Nii chats with Jaden Bair, recruiter at CompHealth, a large locum tenens agency. Drs. Nii and Renée talk about what it’s like being on call for 2.5 days straight. Then, Dr. Nii and Jaden go through the process of working with a locums agency from the recruiter’s perspective.Things to expect in this episode:Dr. Renée’s responsibilities when she is on callHow Dr. Renée manages her time and eating habits during her assignmentWhat Dr. Renée likes and dislikes about being on callJaden Bair’s thoughts about newly graduated residents doing locumsHow a locums agency accommodates doctors who have unusual requests during locums assignmentsFREE DOWNLOAD - 5 Awesome Resources We Use To Make Our Locums Life Easy 👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Write us a message HERE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by: Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Nov 14, 2023 • 23min
Can doctors negotiate a "standard" contract? #389
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!“It’s our standard contract.” As doctors looking for jobs, we hear this all too often from hospitals and practices. Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics, is back to debunk the myths of the “standard contract.” Jon talks about why doctors should have standard contracts reviewed because standard doesn’t necessarily mean non-negotiable. Things to expect in this episode:How to be the optimal client for contract review and negotiationWhat you need to understand before working with a contract reviewerApproaching negotiations when you’re given a “standard contract”How doctors can increase their chances of getting better payFREE DOWNLOAD - 10 Reasons Doctors Should Definitely Hire A Contract Negotiator ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Nov 10, 2023 • 44min
No nanny, no regrets: Why we made this choice (Locum series pt 4) #388
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Dr. Nii recently celebrated his 45th birthday which got him thinking a lot about the life that he’s built as a locums trauma surgeon and family man. In this locums series episode, the docs talk about how doing locums has afforded them a flexible, nanny-free lifestyle. Dr. Renée reminisces about taking maternity leave after their first baby.Things to expect in this episode:Nii’s crazy trauma surgery weekendRenée’s take on being a stay-at-home OBDispelling the biggest myths about traveling and locums How doing locums can give you a raise within a few monthsFREE DOWNLOAD - 5 Travel Benefits of Locum Tenens▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860orSend us a message!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Oct 30, 2023 • 18min
Important things to negotiate in a contract #387
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We’re back with our guest Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics. We’re going through the process of contract reviews and negotiations. Especially as we get closer to the season of residents and fellows getting their first attending jobs, this convo is one that you’re gonna wanna share out.Things to expect in this episode:Why MGMA salary numbers doesn’t tell the whole storyHow to leverage the situation that the hospital is in to your advantageOther things to negotiate other than salaryHow to balance risk and reward in a contract negotiationThe scoop on restrictive covenants in a contractFREE DOWNLOAD - 10 Reasons Doctors Should Definitely Hire A Contract Negotiator ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast? Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Contract Diagnostics. A Review System Created By Physicians For Physicians. We provide data to help you review, understand, and negotiate the contract so you can feel confident in the decision. Book a FREE consultation today!

Oct 27, 2023 • 18min
Can NOT hiring a contract reviewer ruin your career? #386
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We’re talking to Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics, about why negotiating contracts is vital for doctors to have a great working experience. Jon shares what doctors should consider when approached with a contract by a hospital or practice. He also tells the story about how not getting a contract reviewed almost cost a doctor just a year out of residency nearly 6-figures out-of-pocket.Things to expect in this episode:What exactly is the purpose of negotiationsWhat are the risks of not having a qualified person review your contractThings to look out for in a contractThings you can negotiate besides salaryFREE DOWNLOAD - 10 Reasons Doctors Should Definitely Hire A Contract Negotiator▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text Us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Contract Diagnostics. A Review System Created By Physicians For Physicians. We provide data to help you review, understand, and negotiate the contract so you can feel confident in the decision. Book a FREE consultation today!

Oct 23, 2023 • 27min
How we started our locums LLC, Locums series part 3 #385
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Drs. Nii and Renée are back sharing how and why they started their locum tenens company, Equal Access Health. This is the third episode in the locum tenens series, answering the questions asked by two ER doctors who want to quit their jobs to start a locums agency. This episode focuses on why and how every locums doc should start a limited liability company (LLC) whether working with an agency or getting gigs individually. The docs give quick easy steps that anyone who is already doing or is considering doing locum work can follow to protect themselves from personal liability.Things to expect in this episode:The VERY important difference between sole proprietorship and LLCWhich super easy resource the docs used to start their LLCWhat you need to open a business bank accountWhat you need and don’t need when starting an LLCThe resources that the docs use to organize their business activitiesFREE EPISODE DOWNLOAD - 5 Easy Steps To Starting An LLC As A Locum TenensLINKS MENTIONEDBusiness structures - https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/business-structuresLegalZoom - https://www.legalzoom.com Timesheets - https://www.timesheets.com/ MileIQ - https://mileiq.com/99 Designs - https://99designs.com/ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Wanna listen instead? Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lPD2QG...Have a question for the podcast?Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniida Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Oct 16, 2023 • 49min
LIVE at Rosalind Franklin University - What healthcare workers need to know about money #384
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!The docs stream LIVE as invited guest speakers to the Fundamentals of Interprofessional Practice class at the Rosalind Franklin School of Health Sciences. Using their usual playful banter, they share the impact of debt, the importance of money management for health professionals, and the failures and lessons they experienced along their own journeys.. Things to expect in this episode: Why signing promissory notes doesn’t guarantee understanding of student loan debtImportance of knowing career options and salaries before entering schoolWhen the best time is to start saving for retirementPercent of healthcare workers living paycheck to paycheckQ&A from students about money management and career choices ✅ FREE DOWNLOAD! - 10 Simple Steps To Pay Off Debt Faster ▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!📲 TEXT US your questions at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Oct 13, 2023 • 39min
How to get started as a locums doc: Locums series Part 2 #383
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!The docs break down the process of getting your first locums gig. They share their own experiences of learning about locums for the first time and having to navigate through before locums was all the rave. Things to expect in this episode:The surprising person who first mentioned locums to Dr. RenéeHow many locums companies you’re allowed to work with simultaneouslyThe different ways that a locums interview can take placeDOWNLOAD - 7 considerations to make before becoming a locums docsWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by CVS Health - Healthy Conversations Podcast. Healthy Conversations, a CVS Health podcast, offers insights on innovations in health care. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!