From hospital employment to independent ownership, Dr. Danielle Petit shares how courage, clarity, and the right guidance helped her create a practice that feels like home.
A Caregiver at Heart
When Dr. Danielle Petit talks about her path to private practice, the first word that comes to mind is caregiver. “I’ve always been the caregiver,” she says. “That’s been my passion from the beginning.” Growing up as the oldest of four in Northeast Ohio, she always knew she wanted to be a doctor. After earning her undergraduate degree from Kent State and attending medical school at NeoMed, she completed her dermatology residency at Wright State University and joined a hospital network in 2013. “Those first years gave me the confidence to find my own style as a physician.”
A Call for Autonomy
Over time, Dr. Petit realized something was missing. “I wanted more control over how my staff were treated, my schedule, and the flow of my day,” she explains. That desire for autonomy, paired with her leadership instincts, set her on the path toward independent practice. Following her exit from the hospital in August 2024, Scroggins provided guidance and support in advance of Petit Dermatology’s opening in November 2024. As Petit acknowledged about management consultant, Steve Mathews, “It was overwhelming, but Steve had so much confidence in me. He walked me through every step.
Opening Petit Dermatology was such a blessing. “The hospital was gracious in allowing me to keep my patients, and Steve helped me organize everything—from credentialing to setup. I felt prepared.”
Building a Family Legacy
For Dr. Petit, independence is more than professional freedom—it’s deeply personal. Her sister, now in her final year of dermatology residency, will soon join the practice. Their mother, a retired dental hygienist, also works alongside them. “This is truly a family business,” Dr. Petit says with a smile. “It brings new meaning to the name Petit Dermatology.”
Challenges and Triumphs
The biggest challenge, she admits, was knowing where to start. “There are so many moving pieces—space, credentialing, staffing. Having a consultant who could provide a checklist, connect me with the right people, and help me make smart decisions was invaluable.” That guidance paid off. Nearly 80% of her patients followed her to the new practice, along with many of her staff. “I’m proud of how many people supported this move,” she says. “Some people didn’t think I could do it—but I knew I could.”
Life in Balance
Professionally and personally, the transition brought a profound sense of peace. “I feel in control of my own destiny now,” she says. “Even though I still do a lot of administrative work, it’s different—everything I’m doing now has purpose.” The timing also aligned with major life changes. “I was going through a divorce while opening the practice,” she reflects. “Now, I feel strong, renewed, and grateful. I can breathe again—and enjoy time with my son and my success.”
Advice for Other Physicians
Dr. Petit doesn’t hesitate when asked what advice she’d give to others considering independence: “Find a practice management consultant— and I would hands down recommend Scroggins.” She notes that while physicians know the clinical side, few are trained in business operations. “We don’t get that training in medical school. Having experts to guide you through staffing, benefits, and finances makes all the difference.”
Lessons Learned
Her biggest learning curve has been the financial side of private practice. “The overhead, the reimbursement rates—it’s eye-opening,” she says. “Insurance companies aren’t always fair to the medical community, and I didn’t see that clearly until I was on my own. But with good advice, you can make it work.” With Steve’s help, Dr. Petit established solid foundations: retirement plans, insurance partnerships, PTO policies, and a culture rooted in respect. “I want my team to love coming to work. We all work hard, and that shared purpose shows.”
Looking Ahead
A year into private practice, Dr. Petit says the joy is in the relationships. “I love being able to take the time to educate my patients and make them feel heard and understood. That’s what it’s all about.” As Petit Dermatology continues to grow—soon adding her sister to the team—the future looks bright. “I feel at peace,” she says. “This was the right decision.”
Thinking about starting your own independent practice?
Talk with the experts who helped Dr. Petit turn her vision into reality.
Contact Scroggins www.scroggins.com.
