MPN Profiles Walton Brooks Consulting, Inc.   Healthcare Consulting for Physician Practices, Pharmaceutical / Biotech Companies, and Hospitals   MinorityProfessionalNetwork.com:  Tell us about your company and how you got started. Dr. Dominique Brooks, MD, MBA:  We specialize in Healthcare Consulting -- for physician practices, pharmaceutical / biotech companies, and hospitals.  We have special knowledge related to compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  HIPAA compliance ensures patient privacy.   I started the business because I saw an opportunity for synergy in two growing fields, healthcare and the Internet.  Before I started the business, I spent almost three years at WebMD, an online healthcare company.  This corporate experience allowed me learn while at someone else's company, before venturing out on my own.  My education, an M.D. and an M.B.A., also played a big role in terms of getting the business off the ground.  Of course, in spite of the education and work experience, it was still challenging.   Dr. Dominique Brooks, MD, MBA   MPN:  What were some of the hurdles you faced in launching your business? Dr. Dominique Brooks, MD, MBA:  Our initial challenge was to efficiently leverage our network of physicians.  We try to form win-win partnerships with a number of entities, which can be very beneficial.  However, all relationships take time and effort to nurture. MPN:  How do you serve your target markets better than other businesses of your type? Dr. Dominique Brooks, MD, MBA:  We have a different knowledge of healthcare and the current industry environment. We understand the traditional industry structure, and we also understand the impact of the Internet on healthcare. MPN:  What general lessons have you learned that can be applied to businesses in any product category? Dr. Dominique Brooks, MD, MBA:  It is all about customer service for any small business.   Initial customer successes result in testimonials and referrals.  Customers can also provide valuable constructive criticism, if you are willing to ask for it and to listen for the feedback.  A lot of small business owners allow themselves to get too busy to really listen to customer feedback. MPN:  How can the MPN User Community contact your company? Dr. Dominique Brooks, MD, MBA:  We can be reached at (770) 310-2426, or by e-mail at dswalton@aol.com.  We are also available for public speaking on health care issues.   ###