Exploring Life & Business with C.J. Berg of Axis Spine Clinic

Today we’d like to introduce you to C.J. Berg. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I recently wrapped up a career as a military neurosurgeon, mostly practicing out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. I also completed 2 tours in Afghanistan as part of my military career. Over the course of my time in the military, I became pretty dissatisfied with the relationship and care that I was able to provide for my patients, and so I became more interested a post-military option that allowed me to treat patients the way I wanted, which can sometimes be difficult as a physician employed by a larger health network. 

So, I decided to go back to school to get my MBA, and I started laying the groundwork to open my own practice once I got out. Our doors opened in March, and I’ve been working to build my referral network and grow ever since. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s still early in the process, but it’s always difficult breaking into the medical community in a new city. I need to establish a reputation for myself before patients and primary care physicians will trust me with their care. Its expected, but still a challenge at times, particularly in a city like Columbus where there are many other physicians within my same specialty who are well-established and have been working in the community for decades. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a startup private neurosurgery practice, providing full spectrum of neurosurgical care, including brain, spine, and peripheral nerve surgery. I pride myself in offering a variety of treatment options to my patients so that we can discuss each option together and select the one that best suits his or her needs at the moment. 

Although we are currently only offering the services of a solo-practicing neurosurgeon, we have plans to grow. 10-year plans include branching out into a multi-specialty clinic, including neurosurgery/spine surgery, as well as pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and others. Our goal is to be a “one-stop shop” for patients with brain and spine issues so that we can offer full-spectrum care for all of our patients. 

Obviously, that vision is more long-term, but every idea has to start somewhere, and I’m excited to grow this practice and hopefully reach our end goals. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Nothing specific other than being open and willing to network. I never turn down a meeting with anyone who asks for one. Maybe the meeting will lead somewhere, maybe it won’t. All it costs is a small-time investment, and you miss every opportunity you aren’t willing to explore. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.axisspineclinic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axis_spine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axisspineclinic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/axis_spine

Image Credits
Mandy Coy Photography