Less paperwork, more patients, with David Ford, CEO of CMA Physician Services

David Ford, CEO of MedWay, joins the show to discuss how the California Medical Association’s (CMA's) new business support program is helping independent physicians take control of their practices without taking on more administrative work.

Launched in 2025, MedWay is a subscription-based management service designed to handle HR, payroll, benefits, insurance and other day-to-day business operations for smaller, physician-owned practices. Ford explains how the program was built, what kinds of support it offers and how it aims to give doctors more time to focus on patients instead of paperwork.

He also talks big picture — why independent practice remains vital to the health care system, how administrative complexity drives burnout and what MedWay’s success could mean for the future of independent medicine in California.

Don't miss our recent episodes on the case for independent practice, when ICE shows up at your practice, Medicare's $15B skin substitute boom and building true wealth.

Music Credits:
Sleepy Sunday by Buurd - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
A Textbook Example by Skip Peck - stock.adobe.com

Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.

0:00 — Why Medway?
Independent physicians didn’t spend 20 years training to run payroll. Ford explains the need for a business-support solution.

0:22 — Welcome to Off the Chart
Austin introduces the episode and outlines what Medway offers for practices.

1:14 — Who is David Ford?
Ford shares his background in practice transformation and supporting physician practices.

2:30 — The Birth of Medway
How CMA identified the universal administrative struggles facing independent practices.

4:29 — A Platform Built for Doctors
HR, payroll, benefits, compliance — and real human support when physicians need it.

5:32 — Early Success & Expansion Plans
Medway launches in California and gains national interest quickly.

7:08 — The Business Burden Behind Burnout
Why administrative stress is driving physicians out of independent practice.

8:58 — Burnout in the Post-Pandemic Era
Workload, staffing strain, and the need for relief.

10:00 — California Challenges
The state’s strong but complex regulatory environment for independent practices.

11:47 — Why Independent Physicians Matter
Better access for underserved patients and stronger provider-patient relationships.

14:05 — Supporting the Support Staff
Freeing clinical teams for patient care — and allowing everyone to go home on time.

15:14 — How Practices Enroll
Fast onboarding, one login, and training for staff.

17:33 — Cybersecurity Boundaries
Medway stays away from EMRs and patient data to simplify compliance.

18:44 — Transparent Pricing
A flat $89 per employee per month — and no co-employment arrangement.

22:00 — Billing & Reimbursement?
Not yet — but potentially on the roadmap.

23:10 — Conservative Growth Strategy
Ensuring excellent service for every early adopter.

26:01 — A First-of-Its-Kind Model
Medical societies in other states want to replicate Medway’s approach.

28:47 — Expansion Beyond Medicine
Dental practices begin adopting the service as well.

29:50 — For Any Specialty
Applicable whether pediatrics, ENT, surgery, or anything in between.

30:52 — Final Thoughts
Where to find Medway and who it’s designed to help.

32:19 — Helping New Practices Get Started
Supporting physicians launching their own groups from the ground up.

33:40 — Closing & What’s Ahead
Austin wraps the episode and encourages listeners to subscribe.