Running a Big Rheumatology Practice Requires Learning, Communication

His business philosophy centers around three core values: people, processes and culture. That means hiring motivated people—no matter where they work in the practice, from the business office to the front desk to the clinic—and taking care of the people he hires.

“The front desk is a landing spot for new graduates, and when I bring someone in with a college degree to the front desk, I let them land for a while as they figure out what they want to do when they grow up,” Mr. Waldrup explains. “I tell them they have to work here for at least a year. After that, if they want to get a job doing something else, great, or I tell them: ‘We can help you grow in healthcare.’”

This aspect is actually one of the most fulfilling of his career. “I can’t tell you how many people have come to me and said, ‘I never would have thought this before working here, but I want to be a nurse,’” he says, recalling several former employees who have gone on to medical or nursing careers, including some who returned to the practice once they earned their degrees.

He also values providing rheumatologists with services that allow them to focus on what matters most: their practice and their patients. Mr. Waldrup shares a text message he has saved on his phone from one of the physicians employed by Articularis:

I truly thank you for all you have done for us. I am happy to see the income go up, and happier to not be stuck in the quagmire of management, keeping up with regulations and compliance and insurance, etc. But most happy and contented to be a part of this group that is filled with great people who mean well for the patients we care for and the staff that we work with. We are fully aware of how integral and vital your role has been through all of this, and it has always been great working with you. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you.

“The whole goal of what we’ve tried to do is keep physicians independent,” he explains.

When he’s not working on behalf of rheumatologists, Mr. Waldrup is tinkering with old cars and enjoying time on his boat with his wife, an infusion nurse at Articularis.

ARHP Membership

Mr. Waldrup

Mr. Waldrup has also been a member of ARHP for five years, serving as a board member before a busy schedule forced him to step down.