Have you ever felt frustrated about needing a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist? Many people feel this way, but there’s a good reason for the additional step. It’s all about taking a holistic approach to your health.

In the world of medicine, the primary care physician plays a critical role in evaluating and treating the whole body. They have history and context of prior symptoms and treatments, and they can address a large percentage of the ordinary day-to-day illnesses that a patient encounters. Additionally, they can identify when something is unusual and requires a specialist. A study conducted by the American College of Physicians found that patients who have a primary care physician have better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

“Damn it Jim, I’m a doctor not Lawyer”

Dr. Leonard McCoy in Star Trek, probably

At Equinox we’re business lawyers, not doctors. However, the same holistic concept applies to the legal world with General Counsel. 

General Counsel sees the activities of the business in light of the business’s health. They use legal infrastructure tools such as contracts, insurance, and entity in light of the constraints of the varied parts of the law such as corporate law, employment law, contract law, trademark law, and real estate. The General Counsel focuses on the goals of the business and identifies the ways legal infrastructure can most appropriately achieve those goals.

5 reasons why a generalist approach with a holistic perspective is essential in both medicine and business law practice:

1. Historical and Contextual Insight: General practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of the history and context of their patients or clients. They are familiar with prior symptoms, treatments, and business activities, which allows them to connect the dots and provide valuable insights that may be missed by specialists who only focus on specific symptoms or legal issues.
   
   
   
2. Holistic Evaluation: General practitioners take a holistic approach to evaluate the overall health or well-being of their patients or clients. They consider various factors and aspects of health, such as physical, mental, and emotional well-being in medicine, and different areas of law, such as corporate, employment, contract, trademark, and real estate law in business, to provide a well-rounded evaluation and recommendations.
   
   
   
3. Comprehensive Treatment or Guidance: General practitioners are equipped to address a wide range of ordinary day-to-day health issues or business challenges. They provide comprehensive treatment or guidance that takes into account the broader perspective of the patient’s or client’s health or business goals, rather than just focusing on isolated symptoms or legal matters. This approach ensures that all aspects of the health or business are considered and addressed, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.
   
   
   
4. Identification of Unusual or Hidden Issues: General practitioners are trained to identify when something is unusual or requires specialized attention. In medicine, they can identify symptoms or patterns that may indicate a need for a referral to a specialist. Similarly, in business law practice, they can spot potential legal issues or risks that may require specialized expertise. This helps in early detection and resolution of any hidden or underlying issues that may impact the overall health or success of the patient or business.
   
   
   
5. Guidance on Optimal Options: General practitioners in both medicine and business law practice provide guidance on various options or strategies to achieve optimal health or business goals. They consider the individual needs and constraints of their patients or clients and provide tailored recommendations that align with their overall health or business objectives. This holistic approach ensures that the treatment or legal solutions are aligned with the broader context and long-term goals of the patient or business.
   
   

Takeaway

Having someone who has a complete view of the issue at hand is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome for your health or your business. By taking a holistic approach to health and legal matters, you can be assured that all bases are covered, and you can achieve optimal health or business success.

Are you taking a holistic approach to your business’ legal matters? 

Schedule a complimentary, no-obligation evaluation to identify needs and uncover gaps in your business processes and compliance.  It’s a quick way to determine where your business stands, and if Equinox is the right fit for you.

Legal Disclaimer: This article contains general information. Do not view this article as legal advice. Talk with counsel familiar with your unique business needs before taking or refraining from any action.