How to Work Under an Inefficient Clinic Manager Without Losing Your Sanity

How to Deal with a Stupid Clinic Manager in Private Practice: A Doctor’s Survival Guide

1. Accept That Not All Managers Are Created Equal

• Some clinic managers are great—they understand workflow, respect doctors, and keep things running smoothly.
• Then there are those who seem to have graduated from the School of Incompetence with Honors.
• If you’re dealing with the latter, step one is acceptance.

2. Diagnose the Problem: Are They Truly “Stupid” or Just Misplaced?

• Not every bad clinic manager is actually stupid—some are just inexperienced or overwhelmed.
• Common types of bad managers:
  • The “I Know Nothing About Healthcare” Manager – Came from retail or hospitality and thinks running a clinic is the same as running a hotel.
  • The “Power Trip” Manager – Enjoys making pointless rules and reminding you that they are in charge.
  • The “Penny Pincher” Manager – Cuts costs at the expense of patient care (e.g., “Let’s reuse gloves!”).
  • The “Avoids All Responsibility” Manager – Disappears when problems arise, but magically reappears to take credit when things go well.

3. Control the Controllable: Choose Your Battles Wisely

• Not every issue is worth fighting over.
• Ask yourself:
  • Is this affecting patient care? – Yes? Fight it.
  • Is this just annoying but harmless? – Maybe let it slide.
  • Is this making your life miserable but won’t change no matter what? – Consider an exit strategy.

4. Keep a Paper Trail (Because You Might Need Receipts Later)

• If a clinic manager is making bad decisions, document everything.
• Examples:
  • Emails instead of verbal requests – “Just following up on our conversation about ordering new equipment...”
  • Write down patient safety concerns – If they refuse to act, you have proof.
  • Track financial mismanagement – If they’re cutting costs in dangerous ways, you might need evidence later.

5. Play Dumb and Use the “Question” Technique

• Instead of saying “That’s the dumbest policy I’ve ever heard,” try:
  • “Can you explain how this will improve efficiency?”
  • “What’s the reasoning behind this decision?”
  • “Have we considered other options?”
• This puts the burden of logic on them—which, more often than not, exposes the flaws in their thinking.

6. Befriend the Staff (Because You’ll Need Allies)

• Nurses, front desk staff, medical assistants—these people see everything.
• If everyone is struggling with the clinic manager, you’ll have strength in numbers.
• Plus, staff members talk—sometimes they know things you don’t (e.g., “The manager’s cousin owns that shady supply company we keep ordering from”).

7. Use the “Let’s Loop in the Owners” Trick

• If the clinic owner(s) don’t know how bad things are, let them know—strategically.
• Instead of saying, “The clinic manager is incompetent,” try:
  • “We’ve been having a few operational issues that might be affecting revenue and patient satisfaction—should we set up a meeting to discuss solutions?”
• Owners care about money—frame your concerns in terms of financial loss and patient dissatisfaction.

8. Beat Them at Their Own Game: Master the Policies

• Some managers love to throw around clinic policies—so learn them better than they do.
• If they tell you “That’s against clinic policy,” respond with:
  • “I actually reviewed the policy, and it doesn’t say that. Can you show me where?”
• Watching them squirm is deeply satisfying.

9. Document Your Wins and Make Them Look Good (Even If They Don’t Deserve It)

• If you can frame things as their success, they’re more likely to support good changes.
• Example:
  • Instead of: “I had to fix the schedule because you made a mess of it.”
  • Try: “With a few adjustments to the schedule, we’ve improved efficiency—great teamwork!”
• Yes, it’s manipulative—but sometimes, survival requires strategy.

10. Find Out Who Really Holds the Power

• The clinic manager may not be the real decision-maker.
• Sometimes, the office administrator, senior nurse, or even the owner’s spouse has more influence.
• Network smartly. Figure out who actually gets things done.

11. If All Else Fails: Consider an Exit Strategy

• If a toxic clinic manager is making your life miserable and affecting your well-being, start looking elsewhere.
• Life is too short to deal with constant workplace stress caused by one incompetent person.
• Some battles aren’t worth fighting—sometimes, walking away is the best move.