DCOL is the largest independent multi-specialty practice in East Texas owned and operated by more than 50 physician shareholders. DCOL has gained a reputation in its market area as the premier physician group offering excellent medical care and above average customer service. The practice has a predominance of Board Certified practitioners. DCOL enjoys a good working relationship with both local hospitals. Although competition among these hospitals is strong, each enjoys a good standing in the medical service area and each offers a full range of health related services supported by modern, technologically updated equipment. DCOL member physicians practice actively at both hospitals and play an important role in the medical leadership of each hospital. Within the past ten years, DCOL has doubled in the number of employees. DCOL employs more than 500 people covering all aspects of the medical field. DCOL views itself as a “physician led business enterprise.” The group is highly skilled and motivated in the area of medical care, and it is acutely aware that the ability to sustain a medical practice serving the needs of its many constituents is dependent on an ability to succeed as a competitive business enterprise. The group has invested smartly in business planning, in internal governance and processes which facilitate analysis and decision making around business and service issues, and in outreach efforts targeted toward being an active member of the local business community.