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Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! Dr. Dhaval Desai, an Atlanta-based internal medicine–pediatrics physician and former hospitalist director, shares his path from studying economics and Spanish and teaching high school to training abroad and leading a 30-physician hospitalist group at Emory St. Joseph's with a split clinical/administrative role. He describes how COVID-era pressures and a new baby contributed to burnout, sleep and mood issues, and seeking therapy and medication, later deepening his advocacy through a memoir and work with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, noting about 400 U.S. physicians die by suicide annually. After being rejected for a chief wellbeing officer role and facing institutional limits on speaking publicly, he hired an executive coach and resigned, concluding loyalty can hold physicians back. He pivoted to direct primary care by purchasing a retiring physician's practice, citing autonomy, fewer patients, and reduced bureaucracy as key to preventing burnout. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Physician Loyalty Can Become a Career Trap: Dr. Desai learned that his loyalty to his institution, patients, and colleagues was actually holding him back from making necessary career changes. His executive coach's blunt advice - "Nobody is going to give a shit if you leave tomorrow" - proved true when he resigned. Healthcare systems will move on, regardless of individual contributions, and physicians need to recognize when loyalty is preventing them from pursuing fulfillment. Institutional Control Compromises Professional Integrity: Large healthcare systems often restrict physicians' ability to speak freely and advocate for what they believe in, even on humanitarian issues. Dr. Desai's experience being called in after writing an op-ed about ICE raids in hospitals showed how "the firm" can force physicians to compromise their values. This institutional pressure, combined with being passed over for the Chief Wellbeing Officer position, revealed that systems may pigeonhole physicians regardless of their capabilities. Direct Primary Care Offers Control and Prevents Burnout: Transitioning to a Direct Primary Care (DPC) model allowed Dr. Desai to reclaim control over his schedule, patient panel size, and work-life balance. By eliminating insurance billing bureaucracy and middle management, he now spends 30-60 minutes per patient visit instead of documenting for 6 hours daily. This autonomy - combined with ongoing therapy and medication - has eliminated the "dread of going to work" and allows him to pursue advocacy, media, and other passions without institutional gatekeeping. Meet Dr. Dhaval Desai: Dr. Dhaval Desai is a dual board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician who transitioned from hospital leadership into Direct Primary Care to practice medicine with deeper connection and purpose. He is the author of "Burning Out on the COVID Front Lines..." and host of the podcast SEEN IN FULL, where he explores burnout, identity, advocacy, and the human experience in modern work and life. Connect with Dr. Dhaval Densai:
Episode Summary:After our episode about Zion HealthShare sparked more listener questions than almost any other episode this season, we brought together Preston Guthrie, Head of Sales at Zion HealthShare, and Camila Guerrero, Practice Manager at Brock Family Care in North Carolina and a Zion member herself, to answer everything.We discuss pre-existing conditions and the 24-month pre-membership rule, maternity care and the six-month waiting period, GLP-1 medications, how Zion pairs with a Direct Primary Care membership, the IUA and three-claim family protection rule, international emergency care benefits, state insurance mandates, and whether Zion is financially stable. If you or someone you know is looking for an affordable health insurance alternative, this episode is required listening.In This Episode:Preston Guthrie, Head of Sales at Zion HealthShare, spent over a decade in traditional insurance before joining the health sharing community. Camila Guerrero is Practice Manager at Brock Family Care, a DPC practice in North Carolina. She is a Zion member herself and guided her own maternity care through the program.Key Topics:Pre-existing conditions and the 24-month pre-membership window, maternity care after the six-month waiting period, GLP-1 and weight loss medication benefits, how the Essential Membership pairs with Direct Primary Care, the IUA and the three-claim family protection rule, emergency care benefits outside the United States, state individual mandate requirements, and real patient outcomes including cancer, surgery, dental claims, and end-of-life benefits.Resources:Zion HealthShare: zionhealthshare.org Previous episode with Ashton Casper and Camila Guerrero: LINK HERE My DPC Story is hosted by Dr. Maryal Concepcion, family physician and DPC owner in rural Northern California.Support the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode, Trey and Luke sit down with Dr. Eric Bricker and Joe Wilson of Frontier Direct Care to break down everything you need to know about Direct Primary Care — what it is, where it works, and why most brokers are leaving money on the table by ignoring it....
We're closing out February with Dr. Aisha Harris of Flint, Michigan, a board-certified family physician, community advocate, and the founder of Harris Family Health, the first Direct Primary Care clinic in her hometown. In this episode of My DPC Story, Dr. Harris shares how returning to Flint to open a DPC practice allowed her to practice medicine with purpose - addressing trust, environment, and health literacy upstream while creating real opportunities for prevention, especially around heart and metabolic health. Her journey weaves together entrepreneurship, advocacy, and deep community commitment, showing how Direct Primary Care offers physicians autonomy while strengthening the communities that raised them. We chose Dr. Harris for February because she embodies what it means to practice medicine rooted in service, ownership, and accountability, proving that sustainable, relationship-based care can thrive even in communities shaped by systemic barriers.Get a SmartHeart 12-lead EKG for your DPC with board-certified cardiologists available to help you at the press of a button.Learn more about Zion HealthShare and REGISTER for the LIVE WEBINAR on Feb 13th at 2pm PST. Earn money WHILE running your DPC! Join SERMO for FREE today! Brought to you by SmartHeart: get your copy of the 5-Day Mini Metabolic Health Reset to use with your patients during Heart Health month!Support the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
What if small businesses could offer better healthcare than big corporations—at a fraction of the cost? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Chad Savage, founder of Choice Direct Care, to break down the fast-growing Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement and why it’s becoming a game-changer for entrepreneurs and working families. Dr. Savage explains why the traditional employer-based system is overloaded with bureaucracy and “middlemen,” driving up prices while shrinking the doctor-patient relationship. He walks through how DPC works as a simple monthly membership (often $49–$99/month) that includes unlimited primary care visits, longer appointments, and faster access—without the inflated costs and delays of the insurance-driven model. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how transparent, cash-based pricing can slash costs dramatically—plus how small business owners can pair DPC with catastrophic coverage to protect employees while lowering premiums. Elaine and Dr. Savage dive into how HSAs can support DPC membership, the role of ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) for employers, and why giving workers more control over healthcare dollars can improve affordability and outcomes. If you’re a small business owner tired of sky-high premiums—or an employee who wants better care without the runaround—this episode is your roadmap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode Ava sits down with Dr. Eleanor Glass. Dr. Glass is a family medicine physician who, in addition to working at the VA and on faculty at UC, runs her own Direct Primary Care practice. From balancing a busy schedule to finding excitement in the ability to create one's own medical practice, Dr. Glass shares all about her journey to becoming a physician. Send a text
"My wife would come back to check on me late at night, asleep at the keyboard, and she would be like, 'Is he dead?' The burnout, what we call moral injury, is more real than anybody knows." - Will SteelmanThe American healthcare system is crushing its doctors. Faced with "assembly line" quotas of 25+ patients a day, hours of unpaid administrative work ("pajama time"), and a suicide rate higher than that of veterans, physicians are fleeing the profession in droves.My guest this week is Dr. Will Steelman, a board-certified internal medicine physician who lived through this crisis firsthand. After 12 years as a hospitalist, Dr. Steelman reached his breaking point during the pandemic and realized the only way to save his career, and his life, was to exit the system entirely.In this episode, we explore why Direct Primary Care (DPC) is the only viable path forward for the future of medicine. Will explains how DPC restores the doctor-patient relationship by reducing patient panels from 3,000 to 600, allowing for 90-minute visits, true price transparency, and a focus on root-cause resolution. We also discuss the clinical benefits of having time to care, including using ketogenic therapies to treat mental illness and reversing chronic metabolic disease, rather than just managing it with pills.If you want to understand why your doctor is exhausted, why your premiums are going up, and why DPC is the solution we can't afford to ignore, listen to this episode.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: The Link Between Diet & Mental Clarity (00:04:18) The Road to Burnout: 12 Years as a Hospitalist (00:09:17) "Is He Dead?": The Reality of Physician Suicide & Moral Injury (00:11:08) The Way Forward: Concierge vs. Direct Primary Care (00:15:35) The Math of Failure: Why 2,500 Patients is Unsustainable (00:21:16) "Click Fatigue" and the Administrative Burden (00:23:58) Leaving the System: Launching Steelman Medical Group (00:32:06) Saving the Profession: Why DPC Offers Work-Life Balance (00:40:12) True Transparency: Why DPC Lab Costs Are Dropping (00:48:58) The Luxury of Time: Treating Mental Health with Ketogenic Diets (00:59:32) The Statin Controversy & Insulin ResistanceKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
"My wife would come back to check on me late at night, asleep at the keyboard, and she would be like, 'Is he dead?' The burnout, what we call moral injury, is more real than anybody knows." - Will SteelmanThe American healthcare system is crushing its doctors. Faced with "assembly line" quotas of 25+ patients a day, hours of unpaid administrative work ("pajama time"), and a suicide rate higher than that of veterans, physicians are fleeing the profession in droves.My guest this week is Dr. Will Steelman, a board-certified internal medicine physician who lived through this crisis firsthand. After 12 years as a hospitalist, Dr. Steelman reached his breaking point during the pandemic and realized the only way to save his career, and his life, was to exit the system entirely.In this episode, we explore why Direct Primary Care (DPC) is the only viable path forward for the future of medicine. Will explains how DPC restores the doctor-patient relationship by reducing patient panels from 3,000 to 600, allowing for 90-minute visits, true price transparency, and a focus on root-cause resolution. We also discuss the clinical benefits of having time to care, including using ketogenic therapies to treat mental illness and reversing chronic metabolic disease, rather than just managing it with pills.If you want to understand why your doctor is exhausted, why your premiums are going up, and why DPC is the solution we can't afford to ignore, listen to this episode.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: The Link Between Diet & Mental Clarity (00:04:18) The Road to Burnout: 12 Years as a Hospitalist (00:09:17) "Is He Dead?": The Reality of Physician Suicide & Moral Injury (00:11:08) The Way Forward: Concierge vs. Direct Primary Care (00:15:35) The Math of Failure: Why 2,500 Patients is Unsustainable (00:21:16) "Click Fatigue" and the Administrative Burden (00:23:58) Leaving the System: Launching Steelman Medical Group (00:32:06) Saving the Profession: Why DPC Offers Work-Life Balance (00:40:12) True Transparency: Why DPC Lab Costs Are Dropping (00:48:58) The Luxury of Time: Treating Mental Health with Ketogenic Diets (00:59:32) The Statin Controversy & Insulin ResistanceKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
In this previously aired episode of My DPC Story, host Maryal Concepcion sits down with Dr. Jalan Burton, a Washington, DC/DMV–based pediatrician practicing at the intersection of healthcare policy and deeply relational care. As the founder of Healthy Home Pediatrics, Dr. Burton shares how Direct Primary Care allows her to deliver unrushed, home-based pediatric care in a policy-dense environment while protecting both physician autonomy and patient trust. Her story highlights values-driven medicine, proactive cardiovascular and metabolic health conversations for children, and the power of designing a practice that supports families and physician wellbeing. We chose Dr. Burton for February because her journey reflects intentional, equity-centered care at the crossroads of policy and practice and later this season, we'll be bringing you an update as her DPC story continues to evolve!Get a SmartHeart 12-lead EKG for your DPC with board-certified cardiologists available to help you at the press of a button.Learn more about Zion HealthShare and REGISTER for the LIVE WEBINAR on Feb 13th at 2pm PST. Earn money WHILE running your DPC! Join SERMO for FREE today! Brought to you by SmartHeart: get your copy of the 5-Day Mini Metabolic Health Reset to use with your patients during Heart Health month!Support the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode of My DPC Story, we're highlighting Dr. Adelola "Lola" Ashaye, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician and the founder of InTouch Primary Care in the Sugar Land area of Texas. Practicing in one of the most complex healthcare markets in the country, Dr. Ashaye shares how Direct Primary Care protects physician autonomy while expanding access for patients, creating space for meaningful conversations around prevention, metabolic health, and long-term outcomes. Her journey, shaped by experiences with fragmented care, immigration barriers, and burnout in fee-for-service medicine, is a powerful reminder that physicians of color don't have to conform to broken systems to build sustainable, patient-centered practices. As part of our Heart Health Month focus, be sure to download your free copy of the 5-Day Metabolic Health Mini Reset brought to you by SmartHeart, a DPC-aligned tool designed to support preventive, relationship-based care and help patients engage with metabolic and cardiovascular health in a practical, non-overwhelming way.Get a SmartHeart 12-lead EKG for your DPC with board-certified cardiologists available to help you at the press of a button.Learn more about Zion HealthShare and REGISTER for the LIVE WEBINAR on Feb 13th at 2pm PST. Brought to you by SmartHeart: get your copy of the 5-Day Mini Metabolic Health Reset to use with your patients during Heart Health month! REGISTER for the upcoming LIVE WEBINAR Feb 13th 2pm PST about Zion HealthShare.Support the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
If you run a Direct Primary Care clinic, you've probably asked: What happens to my family if I can't work for months? In this episode, Zion HealthShare President Ashton Casper and DPC practice administrator Camilla Guerrero share how medical cost sharing works, what “coverage” can look like without insurance, and how Zion pairs with DPC. Have Questions? Ask your questions live? Join the Zion HealthShare webinar for the My DPC Story community on February 13th.✅ Register HERE - Feb 13th 2pm PST✅ Learn more about Zion HealthShare anytime at: zionhealthshare.orgSupport the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Dr. Tracy Cormier is an Adult Nurse Practitioner, cardiac specialist, and founder of TLC Healthcare Solutions—a nurse-led, relationship-based practice dedicated to bringing humanity back to healthcare. With more than 25 years of experience in inpatient and outpatient cardiology, complex chronic disease management, and primary care, Dr. Cormier is passionate about providing patients with accessible, unhurried, personalized care. At TLC Healthcare Solutions, she combines Direct Primary Care, specialty-level cardiology services, and an innovative in-home sleep evaluation clinic, helping patients improve long-term health through prevention, education, and meaningful connection. Her mission is simple: restore the heart of healthcare and empower people to heal.
In celebration of Black History Month and Heart Health Month, we're re-airing our powerful conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Williams, founder of Gateway Direct Health in Georgia. Dr. Williams shares her inspiring journey from severe burnout in fee-for-service medicine where she dreaded waking up each morning to discovering Direct Primary Care as her "second chance into medicine." As the first person in her family to attend college, she went on to become a board-certified family physician who now practices medicine on her own terms. In this episode, Dr. Williams candidly discusses the personal and spiritual growth required in that crucial first year of entrepreneurship, the importance of healing from healthcare trauma, and why her patients, even those with insurance, choose her practice for the irreplaceable value of time, trust, and a genuine doctor-patient relationship. Her story embodies the resilience and possibility that emerges when physicians of color build sustainable, community-rooted practices, and serves as both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone considering the DPC path.Learn how Zion HealthShare can pair with DPC to protect patients and physicians without returning to traditional insurance. Read more in the Toolkit, our DPC magazine, today. If hiring feels like one of the most intimidating parts of growing your DPC practice, read the Winter issue of The Toolkit, our DPC Magazine that includes an educational, step-by-step hiring guide from the Cooperative of American Physicians designed to replace guesswork with clarity. What do you want MORE of in your practice this year? Download the January worksheet HERE for free today!Support the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Today... Andrew Beard, a former Marine and nurse practitioner, left corporate healthcare to open Montrose Direct Primary Care, offering personalized, accessible, and spiritually mindful care through a direct membership model. And later... The Montrose Home, Garden, and Business Expo is back this weekend for the first time since the pandemic—and it’s all about local pride. More than fifty vendors from the area will gather at Friendship Hall on the fairgrounds.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most physicians are trained to manage what's in front of them.What we're rarely taught is how to step far enough back to ask whether the direction itself still makes sense.In this January Reset re-air, I'm bringing back my conversation with Dr. Neal Douglas, a family medicine physician at Heritage Family Medicine in Hood River, Oregon.Dr. Douglas shares openly about building a successful career that slowly drifted out of alignment with his life, his family, and his values. His story isn't about optimizing productivity — it's about reordering priorities and designing a practice that supports the life he wants to be present for.You'll hear how creating a clear priority list reshaped not just his work, but his sense of fulfillment and sustainability as a physician. This episode pairs especially well with the January worksheet reflections on career direction, energy, and long-term alignment.If you've been asking yourself whether your current path still fits, this conversation offers perspective without pressure.January Reset Invitation Download the free January worksheet, Is DPC Right for You?, and use it to name where you are on the ladder — burnout, curiosity, relief, or alignment.Get the FREE workbook to go along with our January RESET series HERE. Learn how Zion HealthShare can pair with DPC to protect patients and physicians without returning to traditional insurance. Read more in the Toolkit, our DPC magazine, today. If hiring feels like one of the most intimidating parts of growing your DPC practice, read the Winter issue of The Toolkit, our DPC Magazine that includes an educational, step-by-step hiring guide from the Cooperative of American Physicians designed to replace guesswork with clarity. What do you want MORE of in your practice this year? Download the January worksheet HERE for free today! Leave Maryal a voicemail @ https://mydpcstory.com/contactSupport the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
We're discussing The Compass of Connection: Using Moral Insight to Guide Patient-Centered Care! Faisel and Dan are joined by Dr. Peter Murphy, from Mountain View Direct Care.Our conversation revolves around defining what sets Direct Primary Care apart from other models, considering the moral injury of financial harm as part of patients' health, and forging a new path based in quality relationship- and value-based care.
Not all misalignment shows up as exhaustion.Sometimes medicine works - the protocols are correct, the outcomes are acceptable - and yet something essential feels missing.In this January Reset re-air, I'm revisiting my conversation with Dr. Meena Julapalli, a pediatric dermatologist whose work spans direct care, creativity, and healing.Dr. Julapalli speaks honestly about practicing inside systems that prioritize efficiency and algorithms, and what gets lost when time, presence, and relationship are squeezed out of care. Her story isn't about leaving medicine - it's about reclaiming it.You'll hear how creating space for meaning and connection changed the way she experiences her work, her patients, and herself as a physician. This conversation aligns deeply with the January Reset reflections around energy, sustainability, and patient relationships.If you've ever felt that your current version of medicine is technically sound but emotionally incomplete, this episode may land close to home.January Reset Invitation Use this episode alongside the free January worksheet, Is DPC Right for You? After listening, answer one question: Where do I want more presence or meaning in my work this year?Get the FREE workbook to go along with our January RESET series HERE. Learn how Zion HealthShare can pair with DPC to protect patients and physicians without returning to traditional insurance. Read more in the Toolkit, our DPC magazine, today. If hiring feels like one of the most intimidating parts of growing your DPC practice, read the Winter issue of The Toolkit, our DPC Magazine that includes an educational, step-by-step hiring guide from the Cooperative of American Physicians designed to replace guesswork with clarity. What do you want MORE of in your practice this year? Download the January worksheet HERE for free today! Leave Maryal a voicemail @ https://mydpcstory.com/contactSupport the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Podcast 316 – Burnout, Branding, and Building Something Better for Patients in Dunwoody – Dr. Dhaval R. Desai After 15 years as a hospital leader, Dr. Dhaval Desai stepped away from burnout and bureaucracy. He left the system to focus on people, not paperwork. His new home, Atlanta Internists, follows a Direct Primary Care model—no insurance middlemen, no rushed appointments, just time, access, and care that actually feels like care. His memoir, Burning Out on the COVID Front Lines, shares a raw, personal look at medicine, fatherhood, and resilience. His podcast, Seen in Full, features honest conversations with other professionals navigating burnout and identity. And through it all, he's been putting himself out there and building a brand in interviews and on social media—all based around showing up, listening longer, and making care more human. More on Dr. Desai: www.dhavaldesaimd.com Atlanta Internists: www.theatlantainternists.com
At the start of a new year, many physicians don't feel burned out, they feel unsettled.In this January Reset re-air, I'm bringing back my conversation with Dr. Cindy Dafashy, a family medicine physician who opened her direct primary care practice directly out of residency.This episode isn't about how quickly she launched or whether her path should be copied. It's about the distinction she names so clearly between being clinically prepared and actually feeling ready.Dr. Dafashy reflects on learning medicine inside a culture designed primarily for physicians, then realizing that patients don't live inside that world at all. She shares how shifting away from medical language and toward patient-centered communication changed not just her practice, but her sense of alignment as a physician.You'll also hear her talk about boundaries and how she set expectations early, how she framed access without over-promising, and how she protected her energy before burnout ever took hold.This episode pairs closely with the free January reflection worksheet, Is DPC Right for You?, especially if you're navigating early-career uncertainty or wondering whether something that looks “right” on paper actually feels sustainable.As you listen, notice what resonates and what creates tension. Those reactions are the point.January Reset Invitation Download the free January worksheet, Is DPC Right for You?, and answer just one prompt after this episode. One sentence is enough.Get the FREE workbook to go along with our January RESET series HERE. Learn how Zion HealthShare can pair with DPC to protect patients and physicians without returning to traditional insurance. Read more in the Toolkit, our DPC magazine, today. If hiring feels like one of the most intimidating parts of growing your DPC practice, read the Winter issue of The Toolkit, our DPC Magazine that includes an educational, step-by-step hiring guide from the Cooperative of American Physicians designed to replace guesswork with clarity. What do you want MORE of in your practice this year? Download the January worksheet HERE for free today! Leave Maryal a voicemail @ https://mydpcstory.com/contactSupport the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOAD Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
We're discussing A Year in Review: Looking Forward to 2026! Faisel and Dan are reflecting on all we learned through our conversations in 2025, and projecting what's on the horizon this year.Our conversation revolves around improving the healthcare system for all patients, expanding access to Direct Primary Care through health savings accounts, and personalizing the way we coordinate care for better outcomes.
This episode is a homecoming!!!As part of our January Reset Series, we're re-airing a powerful conversation with four physicians from three specialties who each share a one-year update on their Direct Primary Care journeys.In this episode, you'll hear from:• Dr. Christina Much and Dr. Jake Much (Family Medicine) founders of Defiant DPC who are sharing about growth beyond expectations and how they planned maternity leave without panic• Dr. Deepti Mundkur (Internal Medicine) will be reflecting on time, advocacy, mentorship, and designing a practice aligned with life• Dr. Lauren Hughes (Pediatrics & Lactation) will be discussing boundaries, parenting while practicing medicine, and building community-rooted careWhether you are in residency, early career, actively considering DPC, or already open and asking how do I protect my energy and build something sustainable, this episode is for you.These physicians aren't sharing finished stories - they're sharing living ones.And January is a reminder that it's okay to pause, reassess, and realign whether you're just beginning or years into practice.Take a breath.You're not behind.You're allowed to build something that lasts.What to Especially Listen For:• How growth sometimes comes faster than expected and how to respond without burning out• How maternity leave, parenting, and practice ownership can coexist• How advocacy becomes possible when time is no longer rationed• How workflows, boundaries, and systems continue to evolve after opening• How DPC allows doctors to practice medicine that matches their values and not just their training
This is a great episode to listen to and send to a Med Student or Resident you may know! In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Debbie Lupeika, Director of the UC Davis Network of Affiliated Family Medicine Residency Programs, moderates a graduate panel featuring leading family physicians sharing their diverse career journeys post-residency within the UC Davis Network of Family Medicine residencies. From rural practice, corrections medicine, FQHCs, and Direct Primary Care, guests Dr. Maryal Concepcion (who got to vacate the Host seat this time!), Dr. Amanda Mooneyham, Dr. Landin Hagge, Dr. David Araiza and Dr. Madhupreet Hans reveal how they found fulfillment, autonomy, and work-life balance by innovating within family medicine. Highlights include real-world advice on loan repayment options, building a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, overcoming rural healthcare challenges, setting up mobile and telemedicine clinics, and advocating for underserved populations. The panel also discusses practical strategies for negotiating contracts, maintaining career-long learning, and the importance of physician-led, independent practice models. Whether you're a resident, new grad, or considering nontraditional paths in family medicine, this episode is packed with firsthand insights on thriving in today's changing healthcare landscape.Gusto, the Payroll and HR Solution loved by so many DPCs (including Big Trees MD)! Earn $100 after running your first payroll! Get paid for your medical expertise with Sermo! Sign up for free and start earning today!Support the showVOTE FOR MY DPC STORY! Help My DPC Story and DPC get more visibility by voting for My DPC Story in the Doctor Podcast Awards (voting closes Dec 29th)! Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this My DPC Story Patreon episode, Dr. Ashlee Hendry of Mid South DPC in Petal, Mississippi, for an inspiring update on her Direct Primary Care journey. Nearly four years after her clinic's rapid growth, Dr. Ashlee Hendry discusses the evolution of healthcare access in her community, the power of patient advocacy, and the impact of price transparency. She shares invaluable business tips on scaling her practice, hiring staff, and navigating financial decisions like raising membership fees. Listeners will hear how social media - especially a viral TikTok on MRI and maternity cash pricing - has recently helped expand awareness (and in some cases enrollment!) of DPC nationwide. Dr. Ashlee Hendry also opens up about balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship and details her vision for a direct imaging center to further disrupt traditional healthcare barriers. Tune in for actionable advice on starting, growing, and marketing a DPC clinic, plus insights for medical students, residents, and physicians seeking burnout relief and sustainable careers in direct care. Whether you're opening your first practice or expanding, this episode is full of practical wisdom, business strategies, and motivation for the future of primary care.VOTE HERE for My DPC Story in as many categories in the Doctor Podcast Awards! Vote HERE for My DPC Story in as many categories as you want today!Support the showVOTE FOR MY DPC STORY! Help My DPC Story and DPC get more visibility by voting for My DPC Story in the Doctor Podcast Awards (voting closes Dec 29th)! Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Battle Creek has a new Direct Primary Care office offering a new model for those needing health care services. Dr. Behram Elami talks to Community Matters about what Direct Primary Care is and how it differs from more conventional health care providers and helps answer questions about whether it's a right fit for you. Episode ResourcesSouth Shore Direct Primary Care Website395 South Shore Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015Phone: (269) 224-0088ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.Do you have a story or non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website and let us know!
In today's episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion and guest Dr. Amber Beckenhauer reflect on the transformative landscape of Direct Primary Care (DPC) as 2025 ends and 2026 approaches. They discuss critical updates like HR1 and HSA regulations, sharing insights on how legislative changes, practice resources, and evolving patient needs are shaping the future of DPC clinics. Both physicians explore topics like staff restructuring, inflation impacts, and the importance of autonomy and creativity for entrepreneurial doctors. Dr. Amber Beckenhauer highlights her work in physician education, while Dr. Concepcion previews new resources and conferences available for DPC practices nationwide. The episode provides actionable tips for navigating open enrollment, building resilient teams, and adapting to changes in healthcare. Ideal for physicians, healthcare entrepreneurs, and those curious about DPC best practices, this episode inspires listeners to embrace innovation and sustainable growth in primary care. Find the DPC Magazine The Toolkit for more on HSAs and the IRS recommendations about HR1, visit mydpcstory.com/magazine. Connect with Dr. Beckenhauer and inquire about her upcoming courses HERE.For those looking for the Medicare Survival Kit, you can find it HERE.Gusto, the Payroll and HR Solution loved by so many DPCs (including Big Trees MD)! Earn $100 after running your first payroll! Get paid for your medical expertise with Sermo! Sign up for free and start earning today!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
A Letter From Me to YouAs we close out 2025, I wanted to take a moment to speak directly to you - doctor to doctor, human to human.This episode is a little different. It's a twist on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, written as a reflection of our shared journey as physicians. It honors not only the work we do in exam rooms and inboxes, but also the quiet, unseen work that happens in kitchens, cars, call rooms, and living rooms - the places where our families, our partners, and our loved ones carry this life with us.My hope is that you'll hear pieces of your own story in this reading: the exhaustion that shows up at the end of a too-long day, the hope that never fully disappears, and the quiet, stubborn resilience that keeps you moving forward. Whether you practice Direct Primary Care or another model, the heart of what we do is human-centered medicine, and that heart beats strongest when we remember that compassion includes ourselves.This episode is my way of acknowledging the realities we juggle, the trust we're fighting to reclaim between doctor and patient, and the community that continues to grow around this movement. It's an invitation to take a breath, to feel seen, and to know you are not doing this alone.As you listen, I hope you feel warmth. I hope you feel connection and I hope you step into the new year with a little more light.With gratitude,Maryal Concepcion, MD Family Physician & MomKeywords: Direct Primary Care, physician wellness, holiday podcast, medical compassion, family, physician support, Christmas storySupport the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
LET'S TALK ABOUT ALTERNATIVES TO OUR BROKEN INSURANCE SYSTEM I've gotten SO MANY questions about Direct Primary Care and Med Share membership based health plans I'm bringing in experts for a healthcare roundtable at 2pm. I've got Dr. John Dygert, founder of Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care, Lisa Fagan, with Smith Medical, and Preston Guthrie with Zion HealthShare to explain how these programs are upending healthcare. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of how they work, why they are different than insurance, and the limitations for each. We will give a complete example of what a patient might expect when using these services and answer your questions about it. Click on each hyperlink above to reach each business, and rethink how your healthcare is paid for and delivered!
If you're a physician with at least 5 years of experience looking for a flexible, non-clinical, part-time medical-legal consulting role… ...Dr. Armin Feldman's Medical Legal Coaching program will guarantee to add $100K in additional income within 12 months without doing any expert witness work. Any doctor in any specialty can do this work. And if you don't reach that number, he'll work with you for free until you do, guaranteed. How can he make such a bold claim? It's simple, he gets results… Dr. David exceeded his clinical income without sacrificing time in his full-time position. Dr. Anke retired from her practice while generating the same monthly consulting income. And Dr. Elliott added meaningful consulting work without lowering his clinical income or job satisfaction. So, if you're a physician with 5+ years of experience and you want to find out exactly how to add $100K in additional consulting income in just 12 months, go to arminfeldman.com. =============== Get the FREE GUIDE to 10 Nonclinical Careers at nonclinicalphysicians.com/freeguide. Get a list of 70 nontraditional jobs at nonclinicalphysicians.com/70jobs. =============== Family physician Dr. Jennifer Allen came to medicine through nursing and nurse practitioner roles before ultimately opening her own direct primary care (DPC) clinic outside the insurance system. After discovering how misaligned pricing and productivity demands were with the kind of care she wanted to deliver, she chose a membership-based model that let her work directly for patients instead of payors. Dr. Jennifer explains how she navigated contracts and non-compete concerns, designed her DPC practice around access and affordability, and later added an IV infusion lounge as a separate business to create a second, values-aligned income stream. Listeners hear what to consider if they're thinking about DPC or cash-pay services themselves—from keeping overhead lean to choosing services, partners, and protocols that fit both their ethics and their lifestyle. You'll find links mentioned in the episode at nonclinicalphysicians.com/unexpected-income-opportunities/
In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig sits down with Sierra Lavallee, head of marketing at Freedom Healthworks, to explain why smart, strategic marketing is one of the most important factors in building a successful direct primary care practice. They discuss how marketing helps connect the right patients with the right doctors, why visibility and education matter more than ever in today's consumer-driven healthcare environment, and how physicians can market themselves without sacrificing professionalism. From branding and websites to social media, community engagement, and patient follow-up, this conversation breaks down practical, real-world marketing strategies that help DPC clinics grow from an idea into a thriving, patient-centered business.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Sierra LavalleeFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN
Today Dr. Demetrio Aguila, a Direct Care surgeon and Host of the Direct Care Movement Podcast interviews the Host of My DPC Story, Dr. Maryal Concepcion. For those listeners new to the podcast, or for those who are always happy to hear a DPC doctor talk about before and after opening a DPC, today you get to hear some of our Host's back story. Dr. Concepcion, a family physician and DPC pioneer in rural California, shares her journey of leaving fee-for-service medicine to open her own DPC practice. The conversation highlights the freedom, flexibility, and genuine patient relationships that DPC offers, contrasting it with the restrictions and burnout found in traditional healthcare systems. Listeners will hear practical advice for residents and medical students considering DPC, the financial realities of running a membership-based clinic, and tips for overcoming staffing challenges in rural areas. The episode also dispels common myths about DPC and discusses the growing movement toward patient-centered care. Hear more from Dr. Aguila at the Direct Care Movement podcast on Apple Podcasts!Register for Hint Summit today and use promo code MYDPCSTORY for $50 off your Clinician ticket! Gusto, the Payroll and HR Solution loved by so many DPCs (including Big Trees MD)! Earn $100 after running your first payroll! Get paid for your medical expertise with Sermo! Sign up for free and start earning today!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Today Dr. Emily Holt, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) physician based in New Orleans, shares her inspiring journey from working in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and university clinics to opening her own DPC practice amidst a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. The discussion dives deep into the effects of the "one big beautiful bill," the challenges facing marginalized communities following recent legislative changes, and innovative ways DPC physicians in Louisiana are collaborating to fill healthcare gaps. The episode also highlights the power of community-driven solutions, nonprofit partnerships, and coalition-building among DPC practitioners to improve access to affordable, relationship-based care. Whether you're a physician, patient, or healthcare advocate, this episode offers firsthand insight into DPC, healthcare advocacy, and the current realities for patients and providers in New Orleans and beyond. Recorded July 2025.Register for Hint Summit today and use promo code MYDPCSTORY for $50 off your Clinician ticket! Gusto, the Payroll and HR Solution loved by so many DPCs (including Big Trees MD)! Earn $100 after running your first payroll!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Zwade Marshall and the final episode for a while as Dr. Disha begins a new chapter, opening her own Direct Primary Care practice. Dr. Zwade Marshall is an Emory and Harvard trained anesthesiologist, interventional pain specialist, CMO of Regenerative Spine and Pain Specialists, and co-founder and CEO of Doc2Doc Lending, a lending platform created by doctors for doctors. In this closing installment, Dr. Marshall explains what it truly means for physicians to make empowered decisions when opening, financing, and building their own practice. He shares the financial pitfalls many doctors overlook, the importance of understanding market demographics, and how tools such as Tenant Improvement Allowance and ownership-based tax benefits can significantly shape long-term wealth for private practice physicians. If you are planning to open a clinic, transition into DPC, or simply want to understand practice financing more clearly, this episode offers practical guidance that medical training rarely covers. Key Topics Covered: 1. How empowered doctors make empowered decisions Why physicians must learn to evaluate risk, financing, long-term ROI, and operational decisions with the same confidence they use in clinical care—and how that mindset shift changes everything. 2. Financing your own medical practice Understanding budget allocations, startup capital, cost projections, and what you should (and shouldn't) take on debt for when building your practice from scratch. 3. The Market Demographic Survey What a demographic report actually tells you, how it affects patient volume and payer mix, and why it's one of the most critical early steps in choosing your practice location. 4. Tenant Improvement Allowance (TIA) What TIA is, how landlords use it to attract medical tenants, how much you can negotiate, and how it reduces upfront buildout costs for new practice owners. 5. Why owning your medical practice building is a long-term wealth strategy The tax benefits, equity growth, and stability that come with being your own landlord—and why many physicians only realize these advantages too late in their careers. 6. Financing (How do doctors get capital?) Especially when they don't have revenue yet. Listener Takeaways: The mindset shifts required to become an empowered, financially confident physician How to allocate budget and financing when opening a practice Why demographic surveys are essential for choosing the right location How Tenant Improvement Allowances work and how to negotiate them The long-term tax benefits and wealth advantages of owning your practice property How platforms like Doc2Doc support physicians with smarter, physician-centered lending Real-world financial advice every doctor should know before launching a private practice or DPC model Connect with Us: Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Dr. Zwade Marshall, CEO of Doc2Doc Lending This episode is brought to you by Doc2Doc Lending. Doc2Doc Lending offers personal loans up to $100,000 for doctors — designed to help you consolidate debt, invest in your goals, or get ahead financially. Founded by doctors for doctors, we make funding simple, transparent, and tailored to the medical community. Visit their website at: https://www.doc2doclending.com/personal-loans-for-physicians/?utm_source=FrugalPhysician&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=FP This episode is brought to you by Black Swan Real Estate, led by physician-investor Dr. Elaine Stageberg. Dr. Stageberg, a Mayo Clinic–trained physician, together with her husband Nick, has spent years building Black Swan Real Estate into a diversified, large-scale portfolio now approaching half a billion dollars across 2,000 doors. Now, through their Secure Freedom Fund, a 10% fixed rate of return offering, you can invest alongside them. The Secure Freedom Fund offers institutional-quality real estate opportunities—designed to deliver strong cash flow, long-term growth, and remarkable tax advantages. This fund is uniquely structured so that each investor can tailor it to their own individual goals: a minimum investment of just $25,000, the ability to choose monthly cashflow distributions or to elect the compounding option for higher overall growth, the option to exit the fund on your timing, the flexibility to invest in your personal name, a trust, an LLC, or a retirement account, and so much more. If you're an accredited investor who's ready to diversify beyond Wall Street and invest with experienced, trust worthy operators who've been exactly where you are, visit SecureFreedomFund.com today to learn more. From there, you can review the slides, watch the webinar, and even a book a call directly 1:1 with Dr. Elaine Stageberg. That's SecureFreedomFund.com.
On this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes back Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, to break down the major health care wins inside the One Big Beautiful Bill passed this summer. Dean explains how the bill expands access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing millions more Americans to save tax-free for health care. Even more exciting — HSA funds can now be used for Direct Primary Care (DPC) subscriptions and telehealth, giving families easier, more affordable access to their preferred doctors without insurance gatekeeping. Dean also highlights key reforms in Medicaid and Obamacare subsidies, what's still needed to deliver true hassle-free health care, and how AFP's Personal Option campaign continues to push for more freedom and affordability in the health system. If you want to understand how the new law impacts your wallet—and why it's a major victory for health care freedom—this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Today's episode is one of the most important conversations we've had on My DPC Story. As of July 4th, we are standing at a true inflection point for Direct Primary Care—and for every physician, employer, broker, advocate and patient who believes primary care should be personal, accessible, and free from insurance middlemen.In this special session, I'm joined by Jay Keese, Executive Director of the Direct Primary Care Coalition, who has spent more than a decade at the front lines in Washington, DC. Together, we break down what HR 1—the major tax bill signed into law this year—actually means for DPC. This includes:The historic win: HSAs are now fully compatible with Direct Primary Care for the first time ever.What patients can do starting January 1: Use tax-free HSA dollars to pay for DPC memberships without losing HSA eligibility.How this changes the landscape: New opportunities with employers, brokers, high-deductible plans, and even ACA bronze/catastrophic plans.What stays the same, what's evolving, and what rulemaking from the IRS will finalize.What's coming next: How DPC can scale responsibly and sustainably as demand accelerates.If you've ever wondered how policy actually becomes reality—or what the future of DPC looks like on a national scale—you'll want to listen closely. This episode is equal parts celebration, clarification, and a roadmap for what comes next.Learn about healthcare for your own family and about health shares today! Get your FREE DIGITAL COPY of The Toolkit, the magazine from My DPC Story at mydpcstory.com/magazine. Coming NOV 25th 12pm PST: our LIVE Webinar and Q&A on the OBBB, HR1, HSAs and DPC. Register at dpcare.org. Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode of the Walk 2 Wealth podcast, host John Mendez interviews Monica McKitterick, a family nurse practitioner and entrepreneur who has transformed her career by opening a direct primary care practice. They discuss Monica's journey from a traditional healthcare model to a membership-based practice, emphasizing the importance of defining wealth beyond financial means. Monica shares her experiences with travel, education, and the challenges of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. The conversation also delves into the concept of direct primary care, its benefits, and Monica's vision for changing the healthcare landscape in the United States.TakeawaysWealth is defined by living the life you want.Setting boundaries is crucial for personal and professional well-being.Direct primary care offers a more accessible and affordable healthcare model.Education and experience shape our career paths in unexpected ways.Entrepreneurship requires research and due diligence before taking the leap.Healthy relationships are key to happiness in both personal and professional life.The healthcare system is broken and needs innovative solutions.Success is subjective and should align with personal values.Direct primary care can improve patient care and satisfaction.Finding your passion can lead to a fulfilling career.Support the show
Guests: Louis DeStefano, Chief Growth Officer, Oscar Health Jon Van Der Veer, DO, Founder & CEO, Hy-Vee Health In this special HLTH interview, Bright Spots in Healthcare host Eric Glazer speaks with two leaders shaping one of the most innovative payer–provider–retail collaborations in the country: Louis DeStefano, Chief Growth Officer, Oscar Health Jon Van Der Veer, DO, Founder & CEO, Hy-Vee Health Together, Oscar Health and Hy-Vee Health are building a new kind of health plan, one that blends local access, convenient care, primary care-first design, and tech-enabled member experience. Think of it as a hybrid model: part direct primary care, part advanced digital platform, part community-rooted retail ecosystem. This conversation dives into how the two organizations are integrating brick-and-mortar clinics, urgent care, pharmacy, SDOH-friendly retail access, and Oscar's tech stack, including "Oswell," Oscar's AI-powered clinical support tool, to deliver a personalized and coordinated experience. Topics We Cover: Why healthcare must be local, convenient, and relationship-driven How the partnership blends a supermarket chain, primary care clinics, and a tech-enabled health plan into one member experience How ICHRA is opening new doors for employer-driven personalization The role of AI and tools like Oswell in interpreting labs, improving communication, and augmenting care What a modern, scalable direct primary care model could look like The 10-year vision for this collaboration and where it expands next This episode offers a first look into a payer–retail–provider model that could reshape consumer expectations, and redefine how employer-sponsored and individual coverage works in the coming decade. References and Mentions: Learn more about the partnership between Oscar Health and Hy-Vee Health - https://www.hioscar.com/hy-vee-health Meet Oswell, Oscar Health's new health AI agent - https://www.hioscar.com/oswell Dr. Garrison Bliss, widely recognized as the "Godfather of Direct Primary Care" - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrisonblissmd/ Bios: Louis DeStefano: https://hlth.com/events/usa/speakers/2025/louis-destefano Dr. Jon Van Der Veer: https://hlth.com/events/usa/speakers/2025/jon-van-der-veer Partner with Bright Spots Ventures: If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com About Bright Spots Ventures: Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation. We help healthcare leaders discover what's working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the "bright spots" in healthcare—proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com. Visit our website: www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com. Follow Bright Spots in Healthcare: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shared-purpose-connect/
Today we hear from Dr. Maria Rutmann, founder of Lionheart Direct Primary Care in northern Maine. She discusses the transformative power of the Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic model as physician burnout and healthcare system challenges escalate nationwide. Dr. Rutmann shares her journey from working in a traditional fee-for-service hospital group - where mounting administrative demands and loss of autonomy led to emotional exhaustion - to reclaiming her purpose and joy in medicine through DPC.Listeners learn how Lionheart DPC empowers physicians to practice value-based care by fostering lasting patient-physician relationships, personalizing health experiences, and eliminating the barriers of insurance-driven healthcare. Dr. Rutmann emphasizes that DPC not only improves healthcare access in rural areas, but also allows doctors the time and freedom to provide comprehensive, preventative, and patient-centered care. Families in her community have experienced the convenience and rapid responsiveness of the DPC model, sometimes avoiding costly and time-consuming ER visits and walk-ins thanks to direct communication and same-day appointments.This episode also highlights how DPC serves as a solution to physician burnout, supporting practitioners to reconnect with their sense of purpose, maximize patient outcomes, and enjoy professional autonomy. Listeners considering DPC - from those facing moral injury in fee-for-service settings, to those interested in community-driven, flexible healthcare - will find practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and proof that a better way in healthcare is not only possible, but thriving.Keywords: physician burnout, healthcare access, direct primary care, DPC, value-based care, physician autonomy, patient-centered care, rural healthcare, medical practice models, Lionheart Direct Primary Care.Learn about healthcare for your own family and about health shares today! Get your FREE DIGITAL COPY of The Toolkit, the magazine from My DPC Story at mydpcstory.com/magazine. Coming NOV 25th 12pm PST: our LIVE Webinar and Q&A on the OBBB, HR1, HSAs and DPC. Register at dpcare.org. Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion interviews Dr. Sarah "Sassy" Weinstein, a triple board-certified physician in family, sports, and lifestyle medicine. Hear how Dr. Sarah Sassy Weinstein turned personal health experiences - including Lyme disease and sports injuries - into a compassionate approach for patient care. Discover why she left insurance-driven medicine for a direct specialty care model in Princeton, NJ, empowering her to focus on holistic, patient-centered treatment without time constraints. Learn her insights on starting a direct care clinic, tips for keeping overhead low, and building a thriving practice. She shares strategies for integrating lifestyle medicine, the importance of listening to patients' goals, and balancing her roles as doctor, mom, and fitness instructor. This inspirational episode is packed with advice for physicians interested in launching a direct care or direct specialty care practice. COMMERCIAL-FREE Episodes now on PatreonLearn about healthcare for your own family and about health shares today! Get your FREE DIGITAL COPY of The Toolkit, the magazine from My DPC Story at mydpcstory.com/magazine. Coming NOV 25th 12pm PST: our LIVE Webinar and Q&A on the OBBB, HR1, HSAs and DPC. Register at dpcare.org. Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Lee Lewis explains the "grass is greener" paradox: large employers feel they're too bureaucratic to innovate, while mid-market employers feel they lack the scale. He reveals how a new model is breaking down these barriers, bundling Fortune 100-level solutions and making them accessible to the mid-market for the first time.Tune in to understand:Why the "Show-Up" model is the only effective way to implement Direct Primary Care.How hospitals use infusion therapy as a "streaming revenue" machine and how to stop it.The groundbreaking impact of psychedelic therapies on addiction and mental health costs.How to bring the most powerful health strategies to your clients, regardless of their size.LEARN MOREHealth Transformation Alliance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/health-transformation-alliance/Heads Up Adviser: https://virtuealliance.com/heads-up-adviser/Show Sponsor Virtue Health: https://virtuealliance.com/CONNECT ON LINKEDINLee Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leewlewis/John W. Sbrocco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwsbrocco/
In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Chen-Joea goes solo to talk with Dr. Laura Murphy, family physician, educator, her medical school classmate, and the current New Physician Director on the CAFP board. Dr. Murphy has been deeply involved in leadership, advocacy, and education. They talk about her journey, the challenges and opportunities facing early career physicians, and resources that can support you along the way. GUESTS Laura Murphy, DO - Dr. Murphy received her B.S. in Biopsychology from University of California, Santa Barbara and then her medical degree from Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine. During medical school, she served as the FMIG president and began her advocacy journey with the CAFP through various leadership positions, including medical student member on the CAFP board. As a family medicine resident at UC San Diego, Dr. Murphy started on the CCPD for which she now co-chairs. After residency, she completed a sports medicine fellowship at UC San Diego to pursue her passion for empowering patients to live a healthy, active lifestyle. She is currently an associate program director at Ventura County Medical Center Family Medicine Residency program where she practices outpatient family medicine and sports medicine, as well as lead the musculoskeletal and advocacy curriculum for the residents. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her 8 month old, Cooper, and share the love of backpacking, brewery hopping, and traveling with her husband, Steve. The Family Docs Podcast is hosted by Rob Assibey, MD, FAAFP and Cynthia Chen-Joea, DO, FAAFP. RESOURCES New Physician Toolkit - www.familydocs.org/nptoolkit AAFP's Career Benchmark Dashboard & Survey - "Know Your Worth" - www.aafp.org/worth Direct Primary Care resources - https://www.familydocs.org/dpc Family Medicine's Gender Pay Gap - https://www.jabfm.org/content/35/1/7 Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Family Medicine - https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/managing-your-practice/artificial-intelligence.html CAFP Online Education - https://www.familydocs.org/cme & https://education.familydocs.org Family Medicine POP: Prism of Practice conference, August 21-23, 2026 (San Diego) - www.familydocs.org/pop CAFP's All Member Advocacy Meeting (AMAM), March 14-16, 2026 (Sacramento) - www.familydocs.org/amam Information: The Family Docs podcast is developed, produced, and recorded by the California Academy of Family Physicians. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or the California Academy of Family Physicians. More information at www.familydocs.org/podcast. Visit the California Academy of Family Physicians online at www.familydocs.org. Follow us on social media: Twitter - https://twitter.com/cafp_familydocs Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cafp_familydocs Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/familydocs LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-academy-of-family-physicians
In today's episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion welcomes Dr. Stephanie Lucero, the pioneering founder of Northern New Mexico's first Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic, Hometown Doc, LLC. Dr. Lucero shares her journey from growing up in the Pojoaque (Puh-Wah-Kee) Valley to becoming a board-certified family physician deeply committed to her local community. The conversation dives into DPC's benefits over traditional fee-for-service healthcare within New Mexico, addressing common myths about DPC being “concierge medicine” and highlighting its affordability and accessibility—even for Medicaid patients. Dr. Lucero discusses challenges like physician shortages, healthcare access issues in rural New Mexico, the impact of restrictive non-compete clauses, and the importance of relationship-based care. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how DPC empowers physicians and community by fostering meaningful patient relationships, improving health outcomes, and creating community-focused innovation. Discover how Dr. Lucero is making healthcare personal, accessible, and efficient for New Mexicans/Hispanos/Nuevomexicanos—and why DPC might be the answer for patients and physicians nationwide. Hint Summit is coming to Nashville, Tennessee, April 8th through 11th, 2026. Save $50 with code MYDPCSTORY. Get your ticket at summit.hint.com today! Learn about healthcare for your own family and about health shares today! Get your FREE DIGITAL COPY of The Toolkit, the magazine from My DPC Story at mydpcstory.com/magazine. Coming NOV 25th 12pm PST: our LIVE Webinar and Q&A on the OBBB, HR1, HSAs and DPC. Register at dpcare.org. Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Welcome back to The Integrative Health Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jen Pfleghaar, DO, sits down with Dr. Clint Carter, DO — physician, entrepreneur, and co-founder of MyMD Select, a multi-location Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice — to discuss the burnout epidemic among doctors, the flaws of insurance-driven healthcare, and how the Direct Primary Care model offers a patient-centered solution.Dr. Carter shares his journey from emergency medicine burnout to co-founding a practice that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship, preventative care, and root cause medicine. Listeners will learn how DPC memberships provide unlimited access, extended visits, at-cost services, and 24/7 communication, all while improving outcomes and reducing stress for patients and providers alike.If you've ever wondered whether there's a better way to receive healthcare — one focused on time, access, and individualized care — this episode is a must-listen.PODCAST: Thank you for listening please subscribe and share! Shop supplements: https://healthybydrjen.shop/CHECK OUT a list of my Favorite products here: https://www.healthybydrjen.com/drjenfavorites FOLLOW ME:Instagram :: https://www.instagram.com/integrativedrmom/Facebook :: https://www.facebook.com/integrativedrmomYouTube :: https://www.youtube.com/@integrativedrmom FTC: Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my channel. Thank you for watching! Video is not sponsored. DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not contain any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment advice. Content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only. For any medical or health related advice, please consult with a physician or other healthcare professionals. Further, information about specific products or treatments within this podcast are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Tony Cerna, family nurse practitioner and founder of Progressive Healthcare DPC in Tampa, Florida. After 27 years in traditional medicine, Tony left the insurance-driven system to create a clinic focused on time, trust, and personalized care. He shares how direct primary care empowers patients through longer visits, honest conversations, and education that leads to lasting health improvements. Discover how Tony is making healthcare more affordable, holistic, and human again.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Tony Cerna & Progressive Healthcare DPCFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN
Today's episode features Dr. Rob Lamberts, one of Georgia's early pioneers in Direct Primary Care (DPC). After nearly two decades in traditional insurance-based practice and facing severe burnout, Dr. Lamberts shares his journey opening his DPC practice in 2013—one of Georgia's first. He discusses the challenges of the fee-for-service model, the healing power of direct physician-patient relationships, and the benefits of membership-based care like enhanced access, affordability, and a renewed passion for medicine. Dr. Lamberts also talks about building a sustainable, patient-centered medical practice and the transition to Welcome Health, a collaborative DPC group. Physicians considering switching to DPC will find practical insights into overcoming fears of change, leveraging technology for better access, and tips for building lasting legacy and satisfaction in primary care. If you're searching for real-world DPC success stories, strategies to fight physician burnout, and ways to reclaim the essence of personalized medicine, this episode is a must-listen.Hint Summit is coming to Nashville, Tennessee, April 8th through 11th, 2026. Save $50 with code MYDPCSTORY. Get your ticket at summit.hint.com today! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
WE NEED TO LEGALIZE CATASTROPHIC HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS FOR EVERYONE If we could do this ONE THING your health insurance life would be so much better and cheaper than it is now. Catastrophic health plans, those that don't kick in until you hit a pretty high deductible, are available, but only to people under 30 who show financial hardship. That's the law for Obamacare and in this column my pal Steve Moore explains that it needs to be available for EVERYONE who wants to buy it. Y'all, if you could buy this plan and then do a Direct Primary Care plan your lif would change. You'd have a better quality of healthcare with the comfort of knowing big stuff is covered. Why won't Democrats let this happen? Because they are trying to condition us for single payer where everything is "free". Steve joins me at 12:30 to discuss.
In today's episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion interviews Dr. Isabel Amigues, the first Direct Specialty Care rheumatologist in Colorado and founder of Unabridged MD in Denver. Dr. Amigues shares her inspiring journey through training in both France and the US, and how surviving stage 4 metastatic breast cancer transformed her medical approach. Blending Western medicine with holistic healing techniques like meditation, visualization, and energy work, she delivers personalized rheumatology care outside the constraints of insurance models. The episode dives deep into her rapid practice growth, patient-centered philosophy, and the advantages of direct specialty care for chronic and autoimmune diseases. Listeners gain valuable insight on patient advocacy, overcoming healthcare burnout, medication access, and building a thriving DPC clinic. Connect with Dr. Amigues for expert rheumatologic care and learn how direct specialty care empowers both physicians and patients. Keywords: direct primary care, direct specialty care, rheumatology, Unabridged MD, Dr. Isabel Amigues, Denver, autoimmune disease, holistic medicine, fee-for-service alternative, physician burnout, patient advocacy.Save $100 on your Hint Summit 2026 ticket through October 31st and join the chorus of direct care leaders shaping tomorrow. Register HERE for the Physician Attendees ONLY RiseUP Summit brought to you by FlexMed Staff & My DPC Story! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
This weekend Maryal spoke at the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellows event in Washington, D.C. about the growing impact of the Direct Primary Care clinic model in combating physician burnout and promoting sustainable, relationship-based healthcare, so the next main episode will drop next Sunday. This episode continues to spotlight the latest issue of “The Toolkit,” a free DPC magazine curated by My DPC Story, designed to support clinics through open enrollment season. The Toolkit offers practical tools, customizable patient resources, and actionable checklists to help physicians and clinics navigate insurance changes and confidently discuss Medicare and healthcare benefits with their patients without feeling like insurance brokers. Listeners will find features on how DPC can help avoid pharmacy surprises and cost spikes, and detailed policy updates like the big win enabling HSA dollars for DPC memberships.Maryal also shines a light on inspiring DPC leaders who are innovating at the practice level like Dr. Emily Holt and shares information on upcoming events like the DPC Coalition's webinar on HSAs and the RiseUp Physician Summit for DPC physicians exploring side gigs and direct contracting HAPPENING THIS Oct 23-26th! If you're a physician looking for meaningful ways to deliver or maintain your delivery of relationship-based care, prevent burnout, and thrive during open enrollment, this episode—and The Toolkit magazine—are essential resources. Download the free issue at mydpcstory.com/magazine and stay ahead in your DPC care journey!Save $100 on your Hint Summit 2026 ticket through October 31st and join the chorus of direct care leaders shaping tomorrow.Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
#250: Chris dives into listener questions, covering open enrollment, investing, buying gold, life and auto insurance, RSUs, practical ways to leverage AI tools and more. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/open-enrollment-AMA-2025 Partner Deals Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Mercury: Help your business grow with simplified finances For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned PEOs: TriNet | Justworks Insurance Broker: Rich Sterling Productivity/AI Tools Notion NotebookLM Replit Cursor v0 Figma Perplexity Claude Mesa Homeowners Card (50k bonus with code CHRIS50) $1,200 U.S. Bank Bonus ATH Podcast Newsletter Ep #34: Insider Tricks to Healthcare, Prescriptions and Medical Bills with Marshall Allen Ep 104: Optimizing Your Insurance Policies Ep #140: Navigating Open Enrollment Ep #168: Building an Investment Portfolio to Grow and Protect Your Wealth Ep #248: How to Stop Over-Optimizing and Focus on What Matters with Tim Ferriss Submit questions for our next AMA here Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:30) Quick Episode Overview (01:22) How to Select Your Insurance Plan (05:19) Saving with a High Deductible Health Plan (14:19) Tips for Specific Drugs and Providers (15:27) Dental and Vision Plans (17:17) Benefits of FSAs (19:10) Getting Health Insurance Outside of an Employer (21:08) Getting Insurance for Your Business (23:20) Insurance via Medical Research Companies and Affinity Groups (24:52) Direct Primary Care (25:48) Reimbursing Medical Expenses Charged on a Credit Card (30:45) Diversification in an Incredibly High Stock Market (36:20) Investing in Precious Metals: Gold & Silver (40:55) Strategy for Handling RSU Compensation (43:35) Variable Universal Life Policy (48:05) The Rise in Auto Insurance Premiums Following an Accident (55:22) Buying A Used vs. New Car (58:06) Chris's Favorite Work Tools Including AI (01:02:07) Is AI an Actual Threat to Our Jobs? (01:04:26) Chris's Pre and Post W2 Job Experience (01:06:50) Find the Best Deals on the ATH Newsletter (01:10:53) The Next Gift Card Sale Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when two Tennesseans take a proven healthcare model and apply it to dentistry? In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tamara Stillwell, office manager and registered dental assistant at Athens Dental Center, to share the story of how she and her husband created the nation's first full-service dental co-op. Frustrated by the limits of insurance—denials, delays, and skyrocketing costs—the Stillwells drew inspiration from direct primary care and built a membership-based model that puts patients and providers back in control. Discover how their United Dental Co-op helps patients save money, reduces stress for dentists, and restores the doctor–patient relationship to what it should be: focused on care, not paperwork. This conversation is about innovation, freedom, and opportunity in action—proving that when people see a problem, they can create solutions that work for everyone.
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