From Employee to Employer: The Story of Dr. Bose

Rheumatologist shares her journey from working at the VA to opening her own private practice

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Dr. Nilanjana Bose, a former rheumatologist at the Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, always knew she wanted to open her own private practice. After gaining some experience working as a hospitalist and at another rheumatology practice, she finally took the leap and founded Lonestar Rheumatology PLLC in Houston in April 2022. While the transition was challenging, with Dr. Bose having to learn the business side of running a practice from scratch, she says she has no regrets and loves being her own boss.

Why it matters

Dr. Bose's story provides a firsthand account of the challenges and rewards of transitioning from being an employed physician to becoming a private practice owner. Her experience highlights the steep learning curve involved, as well as the importance of having some business acumen, but also the sense of fulfillment that can come from being able to shape the culture and operations of one's own practice.

The details

Despite having an MBA, Dr. Bose said she was unprepared for all the logistical and operational headaches of starting a private practice, from setting up the LLC and website to dealing with HR issues, staffing problems, and patient complaints. However, she persevered and is now enjoying the benefits of being her own boss, including greater work-life balance and the ability to implement new ideas and technologies. Dr. Bose's transition also underscores the two main paths to private practice ownership - those who always knew it was their goal, and those who were thrust into it by circumstance.

  • Dr. Bose completed her rheumatology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic in 2011.
  • She worked at the Richmond VA Medical Center starting in 2011.
  • Dr. Bose's family relocated to Houston, where she briefly worked as a hospitalist and then at another rheumatology practice.
  • Dr. Bose founded Lonestar Rheumatology PLLC in Houston in April 2022.
  • Dr. Bose obtained her MBA in 2019 while working full-time and raising two young kids.

The players

Dr. Nilanjana Bose

A rheumatologist who transitioned from working at the VA Medical Center to opening her own private practice, Lonestar Rheumatology PLLC, in Houston in 2022.

Lonestar Rheumatology PLLC

The private rheumatology practice founded by Dr. Bose in Houston in April 2022.

Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center

The healthcare system where Dr. Bose worked as a rheumatologist in Richmond, Virginia before starting her own practice.

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What they’re saying

“I always knew in my heart I wanted to get into private practice one day.”

— Dr. Nilanjana Bose (medscape.com)

“While I enjoyed my time there, I realized I really wanted to get out on my own. I wanted to see if I could actually do it!”

— Dr. Nilanjana Bose (medscape.com)

“The transition 'was very tough, and I had zero experience with private practice. I had to spend several months talking to other private practitioners, trying to learn all the basics, including, but not limited to, setting up an LLC, naming a company, website design, social media, marketing, searching for the right office, getting office furniture and computers, credentialing with payors, etc.'”

— Dr. Nilanjana Bose (medscape.com)

“I was not prepared for all the headaches — including human resources, staffing issues, patient complaints, technology-related issues — and needing to put out fires on a daily basis while also seeing patients.”

— Dr. Nilanjana Bose (medscape.com)

“I feel wonderful as my own boss. I have a great work family … I love being able to incorporate new ideas and new technology, being able to pivot as needed, and take care of my staff. My work-life balance is great, and I am able to prioritize things that matter to me.”

— Dr. Nilanjana Bose (medscape.com)

What’s next

Dr. Bose plans to continue growing her private practice, Lonestar Rheumatology PLLC, in Houston and sharing her experiences to inspire other physicians to take the leap into private ownership.

The takeaway

Dr. Bose's journey from employed physician to private practice owner highlights the significant challenges but also the immense personal and professional rewards that can come from taking control of one's own medical practice. Her story provides a roadmap for other doctors considering the transition, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, perseverance, and a willingness to learn on the job.