How do you build a thriving private practice in modern medicine—one that balances patient care, mentorship, and entrepreneurship?
For more than 25 years, Dr. Koutures has cared for thousands of young athletes—from newborns to Olympians—through ActiveKid MD. Thanks to Podcast founder, Curtis Wilkerson — of The Physician’s Mind, this and many other questions explain how ActiveKidMD was built as a respected, family-centered practice while shaping the next generation of healthy, high-performing kids.
The Intersection of Medicine, Mentorship, and Mission
“Kids are on the upswing. They’re growing, they’re developing, and if we can instill healthy habits early—we’ve done our job.”
Dr. Koutures didn’t simply choose pediatrics; he built a life around it. His passion lies in watching children grow through every stage of development, from early wellness visits to sports-related injuries and beyond.
By combining pediatrics and sports medicine, he found a unique space where medical care meets mentorship. Athletics, he explains, provides a shared language—effort, recovery, and resilience that bridges the gap between doctor and adolescent. For him, medicine isn’t just about curing illness; it’s about coaching character.
Medicine as Both Care and Coaching
“Sometimes you look in a patient’s eyes and see they’re defeated. They don’t need a lecture—they need a roadmap.”
At ActiveKidMD, Dr. Koutures takes a coaching-based approach to care. When an athlete is sidelined by injury, he helps them focus on progress, not perfection, celebrating small wins, teaching patience, and reframing recovery as growth.
That mindset transforms how his patients heal. As he says, “Medicine is not just a science—it’s a relationship.”
Lessons from Residency: Learning Through Humility
Like many physicians, Dr. Koutures’s greatest growth came from early challenges. During residency, he learned that excellence isn’t perfection—it’s adaptability.
“You’ll make mistakes. You’ll mourn them. But the key is to learn, adapt, and never be too proud to change course.
This humility carried into his career. When something didn’t sit right after an appointment, he would call the family, adjust the plan, and follow up. That personal accountability built the foundation of trust that defines his practice today.
Building ActiveKid MD: Resilience and Reinvention
“If you don’t develop your practice, it won’t just grow organically. You must make yourself relevant in the community.”
The birth of ActiveKid MD came from adversity. Just one year into practice, Dr. Koutures’s medical group was sold to a larger system that went bankrupt within 60 days. Overnight, he found himself buying back the practice—not for profit, but to preserve patient care.
That experience reshaped his philosophy: ownership isn’t risky—dependence is.
He built ActiveKid MD around flexibility, community connection, and trust. Instead of chasing volume, he focused on what families needed most: access, continuity, and genuine relationships. Same-day appointments, telemedicine visits, and personalized care became the cornerstones of his model.
The Reality of Private Practice
The Reality of Private Practice“When I walk into that exam room, payroll, staffing, and scheduling don’t matter. That family in front of me—that’s what matters.”
Running a private practice means wearing many hats—clinician, entrepreneur, and leader—but for Dr. Koutures, the key is focus. The moment he steps into the exam room, the business fades, and the patient becomes the priority.
That discipline, he says, makes independent medicine both sustainable and deeply rewarding. “Independence isn’t isolation—it’s empowerment.”
Advice for Young Physicians
“Private practice isn’t extinct—it’s just hidden behind fear.”
For those dreaming of building their own clinics, Dr. Koutures offers this guidance:
- Own your story. Your training and experiences are valuable—share them.
- Embrace visibility. Use social media to educate, not to boast. If you’ve explained a concept ten times this week, make a short video.
- Seek mentorship. Even after decades in practice, he still calls peers for advice.
- Stay authentic. Private practice thrives when care comes before scale.
“The dream of private practice isn’t dead—it’s just unadvertised.”
Inside the Mind of an Olympic Doctor
For nearly 20 years, Dr. Koutures has worked with USA Volleyball, treating athletes at the highest level of competition.
“The energy from the players and fans keeps you going. You realize you are part of something much bigger than yourself.”
His “Olympic moment” came while jogging in the Athlete Village before the opening ceremony, realizing he was literally running among the world’s best. That experience, he says, reinforced lessons in discipline, teamwork, and preparation—principles he carries into every patient interaction back home.
Founding the Orange County Concussion Consortium
“Families shouldn’t have to drive two hours to get the right care for a concussed child.”
To close that gap, Dr. Koutures co-founded the Orange County Concussion Consortium, a collaborative network of physicians, therapists, and specialists working to standardize concussion care.
By creating a coordinated, team-based approach, he helped ensure families could access high-quality, local care without unnecessary travel or confusion.
Balancing Medicine, Family, and Legacy
“Behind every great doctor is a great family.”
Dr. Koutures credits his wife, a nurse, and his children for keeping him grounded. Raising young athletes of his own gave him deeper empathy for the parents he serves.
Now, with grown children, he values time above all else. “Enjoy every step. Integrate your family when you can. One day you’ll look back and realize those moments were the true reward.”
The Legacy of Dr. Chris Koutures
When asked what legacy he hopes to leave, his response is simple yet profound:
“That I cared. That I listened. That I helped families raise their kids—and maybe someday, those kids will bring me theirs.”
His philosophy embodies what medicine should be: generational care built on trust, empathy, and human connection.
Key Takeaways for Future Physicians and Entrepreneurs
- Private practice is still alive—it just takes courage.
- Care before scale: patient experience first, profit later.
- Mentorship matters—learn from those who’ve done it.
- Reflect often—growth comes from reassessment, not regret.
- Stay human—behind every diagnosis is a person who wants to feel understood.
FAQs
Who is Dr. Chris Koutures?
A dual board-certified pediatrician and sports medicine physician based in Orange County, California. He’s the founder of ActiveKid MD and a long-time physician for USA Volleyball and other Olympic-level athletes.
What is ActiveKid MD?
What is ActiveKid MD?A family-centered private practice focused on pediatric wellness and sports health, helping young athletes grow, recover, and build lifelong wellness habits.
How does one become an Olympic doctor?
Through fellowship training in sports medicine, years of athletic care experience, and collaboration with national sports organizations.
What advice does Dr. Koutures give medical students?
Prioritize connection over perfection. Learn from mistakes, build relationships, and stay adaptable.
Is private practice still possible today?
Absolutely. With adaptability, community engagement, and a clear mission, independent practice remains one of the most fulfilling ways to practice medicine.
