Photo courtesy of Dr. Ada Noh, who is seen here with her practice’s new associate optometrist, Dr. Shelby Brogdon.
Making the crucial decision of if and when to add an associate
By Ada Noh, OD
July 30, 2025
If you’re a practice owner, there comes a point when you wonder if it’s time to add an associate. For some, it’s all about the numbers—patient volume, financial tipping points and metrics that tell you exactly when to act.
Honestly, sometimes it’s just about life. When my husband’s job moved him to Dallas and my practice was still in Little Rock, the mental and physical toll of not having another provider in the office was impossible to ignore.
For me, the right time wasn’t a perfect equation. It was about protecting my own health and my practice’s stability.
Where to Start Searching for the Right Fit
Once you know you need help and get clear on what you’re looking for in an associate, the search begins. In my case, I was lucky—I had already built a relationship with the doctor I wanted. She and I had practiced in the same town for years. When I learned she was running the dry eye clinic at a larger practice, it was obvious she would be a great match for my smaller office, if she was open to making a move.
Questions That Matter: What to Ask Candidates
When you talk to a potential associate, it’s important to find out what makes them tick. I always want to know what matters most in a job: Is it low stress, income, patient pace or job satisfaction? Getting specifics out in the open is the first step toward crafting an offer that supports their professional and personal goals.
Red Flags: What to Watch For
If someone is hyper-focused on income above all else, that’s a big red flag for me. Of course, compensation is important, but if they don’t show real compassion for patients and quality care, it’s not a match for my office.
Reading the Room: Signs of a Strong Culture Fit
Culture is everything, especially in a small practice. I’ve been deliberate about the kind of environment I want, and I communicated those ideals clearly with my incoming associate. It helped that I already knew her reputation and character.
Industry representatives can be a tremendous resource here—they’ve heard how she interacts with patients when no one is looking.
Understanding Who Won’t Fit In
Work ethic is huge. I look for a willingness to build the practice, not just see patients. If someone isn’t interested in helping grow the business alongside me, it likely won’t work.
Maximizing Your New Associate’s Promise
Communication is critical. I cleared my travel schedule to make sure I would be in the office for her first week. I didn’t have any patients booked, so my full attention was on supporting her. I believe simply showing up for your team can speak volumes about your leadership and investment in their success.
Introducing Your Associate to Patients and the Community
With a small patient base, I’ve had the chance to tell most people in person about the new associate. I emphasize that adding another provider is about expanding access and quality of care.
Patients are usually excited since having two doctors makes the schedule more flexible and reliable. I make it clear we operate as a team for the best possible results. We’ve also started letting other local ODs know personally, and we have some fun social media teasers in the works.
Checking In During Year One
Integration doesn’t end after the first week. I do monthly check-ins with my associate—what’s working well, what do you wish was different? While every job has its limitations, actively listening and being willing to make adjustments where possible makes a difference in long-term happiness and performance.
Sometimes, It’s a Quality of Life Decision
One thing people don’t talk about enough: sometimes the choice to bring on an associate isn’t about spreadsheets.
Sometimes, it’s about preserving your quality of life and the well-being of your practice. There’s no single metric that makes the decision for you. Trust your gut, know your goals and when the right person comes along, don’t be afraid to act.
Read an article about Dr. Noh’s new associate, Dr. Shelby Brogdon, in Women In Optometry here.
Read another article by Dr. Noh here.
Read more staff management articles on ROB here.
Ada Noh, OD, is the owner of Noh Eyes, a dry eye specialty practice in Little Rock, Ark. To connect with Dr. Noh on Instagram: @noh_eyes. To contact her: dr.adanoh@gmail.com
