Patient-First Leadership with Dr. Kristin DesErmia, Au.D. of Coastal Hearing Care
When a clinician becomes a business owner, what changes—and what stays the same?
For Dr. Kristin DesErmia, Au.D., owner of Coastal Hearing Care, the answer has always been clear: patient care comes first.
In this episode of STIR, host Chris Williams sits down with Dr. DesErmia to talk about the unexpected journey from audiologist to entrepreneur—and how she’s grown her practice with empathy, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose.
From Partnership to Ownership—Then a Pandemic
Dr. DesErmia’s story began in 2017 when she launched her first clinic under a partnership designed to teach her how to run a business.
Fast-forward to 2020: she took full ownership of the practice—just as the world shut down.
With only two staff members on rotation, Coastal Hearing Care adapted fast. From parking-lot consultations to alternating workdays, the team never stopped showing up for patients when face-to-face care was nearly impossible. That resilience set the tone for everything that came next.
Growing with Feedback—and the Right Culture
As the practice expanded to a second location, Dr. DesErmia leaned heavily on what she calls her greatest business insight: listen more than you talk.
Patient feedback shaped every decision—from office layout to hiring style.
Her rule of thumb? Hire for personality, train for skill.
Every audiologist at Coastal Hearing Care combines clinical expertise with warmth and relatability—qualities that make patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.
From Operator to Leader
Transitioning from hands-on clinician to leader wasn’t easy.
Dr. DesErmia admits it took time (and a few “stumble-and-fumble” moments) to realize her team was looking to her for direction.
Today, she focuses on empowerment over control, guiding her audiologists to make decisions confidently while staying grounded in Coastal Hearing Care’s values.
She credits mentorship and her mastermind group—made up of 30 practice owners nationwide—with helping her grow that leadership muscle.
Seasons, Not Balance
When asked about work-life balance, Dr. DesErmia doesn’t hesitate: “It’s a fallacy.”
Instead, she embraces seasons of life and business—times when work demands more, and others when family takes priority.
It’s an honest, refreshing take for entrepreneurs juggling parenthood, leadership, and growth.
Watch or Listen
Dr. DesErmia’s perspective is a masterclass in patient-first leadership and adaptability.
Watch the full episode of STIR to hear how she built a thriving, two-location audiology practice rooted in compassion, culture, and courage.
🌐 Learn more about Dr. Kristin DesErmia: coastalhearingcare.com
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Patient-First Leadership with Dr. Kristin DesErmia, Au.D. of Coastal Hearing Care
When a clinician becomes a business owner, what changes—and what stays the same?
For Dr. Kristin DesErmia, Au.D., owner of Coastal Hearing Care, the answer has always been clear: patient care comes first.
In this episode of STIR, host Chris Williams sits down with Dr. DesErmia to talk about the unexpected journey from audiologist to entrepreneur—and how she’s grown her practice with empathy, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose.
From Partnership to Ownership—Then a Pandemic
Dr. DesErmia’s story began in 2017 when she launched her first clinic under a partnership designed to teach her how to run a business.
Fast-forward to 2020: she took full ownership of the practice—just as the world shut down.
With only two staff members on rotation, Coastal Hearing Care adapted fast. From parking-lot consultations to alternating workdays, the team never stopped showing up for patients when face-to-face care was nearly impossible. That resilience set the tone for everything that came next.
Growing with Feedback—and the Right Culture
As the practice expanded to a second location, Dr. DesErmia leaned heavily on what she calls her greatest business insight: listen more than you talk.
Patient feedback shaped every decision—from office layout to hiring style.
Her rule of thumb? Hire for personality, train for skill.
Every audiologist at Coastal Hearing Care combines clinical expertise with warmth and relatability—qualities that make patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.
From Operator to Leader
Transitioning from hands-on clinician to leader wasn’t easy.
Dr. DesErmia admits it took time (and a few “stumble-and-fumble” moments) to realize her team was looking to her for direction.
Today, she focuses on empowerment over control, guiding her audiologists to make decisions confidently while staying grounded in Coastal Hearing Care’s values.
She credits mentorship and her mastermind group—made up of 30 practice owners nationwide—with helping her grow that leadership muscle.
Seasons, Not Balance
When asked about work-life balance, Dr. DesErmia doesn’t hesitate: “It’s a fallacy.”
Instead, she embraces seasons of life and business—times when work demands more, and others when family takes priority.
It’s an honest, refreshing take for entrepreneurs juggling parenthood, leadership, and growth.
Watch or Listen
Dr. DesErmia’s perspective is a masterclass in patient-first leadership and adaptability.
Watch the full episode of STIR to hear how she built a thriving, two-location audiology practice rooted in compassion, culture, and courage.
🌐 Learn more about Dr. Kristin DesErmia: coastalhearingcare.com
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