With over 20 years of experience in the field of medicine, I, Dr. Shawn Allen, have developed a unique approach to running my practice that prioritizes people over profit. My journey through medicine has been anything but linear.
I began my career in a large group practice—grateful for the opportunity to care for patients, yet often feeling like a cog in a system that didn’t reflect the values that originally drew me to medicine. Over time, I recognized that something essential was missing: purpose, autonomy, and alignment between how I practiced and what I believed in.
This realization motivated me to take a leap and start my own solo dermatology practice. While it was a risk, it also marked the beginning of something far greater than I could have imagined.
Today, that solo practice has evolved into one of the largest dermatology groups in Colorado, featuring five offices and a team of over 70 exceptional employees. However, the real transformation transcended mere business growth—it changed me.
Along the way, I learned how to lead not just a practice, but also a thriving practice culture. I came to understand that effective physician leadership begins with self-leadership, clarity of purpose, and the courage to put people first. I discovered that true leadership is not merely about authority or growth for its own sake; it’s about alignment, intention, and creating space for others to grow.
This evolution inspired the creation of Purpose in Practice, which offers coaching services designed to help other physicians and healthcare leaders discover what I found:
That purpose can be present in every setting—from solo practice to corporate medicine to private equity-backed groups.
That leadership is a journey that starts with self-discovery.
That when you lead with clarity and focus on people and purpose, profit and sustainability naturally follow.
If you’re seeking a different way to lead, work, or grow in medicine—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your path to physician growth.
