DPC Life: Conversations Beyond the Practice

What if growth didn’t have to cost you your emotional bandwidth?In this episode of the DPC Life Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Noemi Adame, a pediatric Direct Primary Care physician in rural Indiana who has deliberately built systems to protect her time, energy, and longevity.After years in employed and academic medicine, she chose DPC for more autonomy, but then realized that “freedom” without systems still felt overwhelming.We get into gender bias, invisible labor, pricing discomfort, and how automation became the unexpected tool that transformed her practice.What You’ll LearnWhy female physicians often carry more invisible labor and how that accelerates burnoutHow automation can act as a boundary, not a barrierThe specific systems that cut inquiries by 80% while increasing enrollmentHow to use pre-education marketing to filter and qualify leadsWhy self-scheduling slashes back-and-forth messaging and mental loadKey MomentsThe data showing female physicians receive 25% more portal messagesThe realization that the problem wasn’t time, it was emotional bandwidthThe shift from answering every call manually to automated meet-and-greet funnelsPanel growth up 20% while message volume stayed flat80% fewer inquiries but 30% higher enrollmentAn honest conversation about pricing discomfort and guiltAbout the GuestDr. Noemi Adame is a pediatric Direct Primary Care physician in rural Indiana. She founded her DPC practice after years in academic and employed medicine to create a more sustainable, relationship-centered way to care for families.She is also the founder of DPC Women’s Café and host of an annual DPC Women’s Retreat, where she focuses on physician wellbeing, autonomy, and burnout-proofing practices through intentional systems and community.Resources & LinksDPC Women’s Café – Weekly virtual gathering for female DPC physicians (hosted by Dr. Noemi Adame)DPC Women’s Retreat – Culver, Indiana | October 15–18 | CME included. Physician wellbeing and burnout-proofing.SigmaMD – EMR platform mentioned in this episode: https://www.sigmamd.comHarmony Ops – CRM platform referenced: hhttps://24-7-bot.harmonyopsfordpc.com/dpcReady to See How DPC Really Stacks Up for Your Patients?I created a DPC Patient Savings Calculator that lets patients compare what they might spend on DPC + a health share versus traditional insurance, using their own numbers. When you click the link in the show notes, you’ll get:Calculator options for PhysiciansYou’ll see a free, generic calculator you can share with patients right away.You’ll also see how to:Get a branded version of the calculator for your own practiceHave it hosted for you with lead capture built inPlug it into my DPC‑specific CRM and nurture sequence, so every calculation becomes a tracked leadThe calculator is one of the tools inside my Independent Practice Path + CRM system, built so you can open or grow your practice with patients already lined up, not just hoping inquiries trickle in.Click here: https://dpcsavings.com/calculator-physiciansCurious about the Independent Practice Path? Email me at anne@crescendooperations.com and let’s figure out if IPP is the right fit for you. Start with the free generic version. The rest of the system is waiting quietly inside. This episode of the DPC Life Podcast is streaming now on Spotify and all major platforms. Let’s build practices that protect us, not consume us.

Coaching a brand-new DPC micropractice in Hawaii through pricing pushback, ‘concierge’ confusion, and early-growth doubt.When a patient asks, “Do you take my insurance?” most DPC‑curious docs freeze. In this episode, we coach Dr. Donna Mayeda, founder of Ke Ola Noa DPC in Honolulu, through exactly what to say, without feeling salesy or defensive.Just five months into her micropractice, Dr. Mayeda is building Direct Primary Care in a state where almost no one’s heard of it. We dig into:How to explain DPC vs “concierge” in one or two calm sentencesWhat to say when patients don’t see the value in a membership feeWhy lowering your price won’t fix a value disconnectMindset shifts to talk about money without feeling like a salespersonHow to craft a simple elevator pitch (even as an introvert)If you’ve ever felt called to DPC, but you’re scared of slow growth, confused patients, or awkward money talks, this coaching session will make you feel less alone and more prepared.About Dr. Donna MayedaDr. Donna Mayeda is an internal medicine physician and founder of Ke Ola Noa DPC in Honolulu, Hawaii. After six years in an employed corporate setting, she chose to open a Direct Primary Care micropractice focused on autonomy, accessibility, and relationship-based care. She is one of only a handful of DPC physicians in the state and is actively building a supportive network for DPC and DPC-curious physicians across Hawaii.Website: keolanoa.comInstagram & Facebook: Ke Ola Noa DPCIf this conversation resonated with you, share it with a physician who’s been “DPC curious.”And if you’re thinking about starting your own DPC practice, don’t do it alone.👉 Want step‑by‑step support?Email me at anne@crescendooperations.com to see if the Independent Practice Path is right for you.

Thinking about leaving employed medicine for independent practice?At the recent DPC Women Connect workshop, I kept hearing the same concern - not how to open a practice, but how to safely make the transition and what happens in the months before and after.In this short bonus episode I explain the Independent Practice Path (IPP), a small cohort designed to help physicians plan the move intentionally, begin talking with patients early, and have systems ready before opening their doors.If you’re somewhere between “I’ve been thinking about it” and “I don’t know what my next step is,” you can email me directly:anne@crescendooperations.comI personally read and respond. Tell me where you are in the process and what timeline you’re considering and we can figure out if IPP is a good fit for you.

DPC can look freeing from the outside, but few people talk about the uncertainty that comes with DPC. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cindy Ojevwe, a family medicine physician and owner of Dr. Cindy Care in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. We talked about her burnout in employed medicine and why she built her own Direct Primary Care practice. She shared the realities of starting solo, the unexpected challenges of growth, and the mindset shifts required when every decision - clinical and business - becomes your own. This conversation reflects on what it really takes to build a practice that aligns with our values while learning to give ourselves time and grace in the process.This episode is for:Physicians considering leaving employed medicine or transitioning into DPCSolo practice owners navigating early growth and uncertaintyWomen in DPC who feel isolated in decision-making or leadershipIn this episode, you’ll discover:Growth in DPC takes time - patience matters.Community and mentorship reduce isolation.Financial support during early growth lowers pressure.Boundaries are necessary for long-term sustainability.Practice models can evolve as community needs change.Building a solo practice takes courage, patience, and a willingness to grow through uncertainty. The freedom DPC offers comes not from doing everything alone, but from building systems and a community that support you along the way. Give your practice - and yourself - the time and grace to grow into the vision you started with.Resources & Guest InformationWebsite: www.drcindycare.comInstagram: @drcindycareFacebook: Dr. Cindy Care LLCPodcast: The Care Room with Dr. CindyYouTube: youtube.com/@drcindycare

You can’t grow a DPC practice, be a great physician, and still show up fully at home if everything stays on your plate. At some point, something breaks, or you decide to build it differently.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erik Petersen, founder of First Call DPC in Panama City Beach, Florida, to unpack what an automated DPC practice actually looks like. Erik shares how his background in emergency medicine pushed him toward Direct Primary Care as the answer to poor access, fragmented care, and constant burnout.We talk about starting lean, layering in virtual and in-person care, and using automation to clear out the “noise” so he can stay focused on patients, not paperwork. You’ll hear what worked, what didn’t, and how he’s building a model that protects both patient access and physician sustainability.If you’ve been wondering, “Is there actually a sane way to grow DPC?” this conversation gives you a real-world example.This episode is for you if you’re:A physician exploring or transitioning into Direct Primary CareA DPC owner who wants to grow without adding complexity or staff bloatA doctor who wants better patient access without sacrificing evenings, weekends, or familyIn this episode, you’ll discover:Why it’s safer to start small and let growth follow patient demandHow access and relationships become your top retention strategySpecific ways automation can remove noise and protect your focusHow virtual + in-person can work together inside one DPC modelWhy optimizing care goes beyond prescriptions and quick visitsConversations like this are a good reminder: building a DPC practice isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things on purpose. Growth looks different for everyone, but clarity comes from knowing your numbers, learning, adapting, and staying connected to the mission of better care.One of the biggest questions I hear from physicians is:“What’s my actual breakeven point if I start a DPC?”In this episode, I share a simple app I built that helps you calculate that breakeven point in a few minutes so you can see, on paper, what you really need for your practice to work.Guest Links & ResourcesFirst Call DPC – Panama City Beach, FloridaVacation Medicine – virtual urgent care serviceFirst Call DPC Skool Community – upcoming education and resources for DPC physiciansBreakeven Calculator for New DPC Practices – https://dpc-health-check.lovable.appThe in-person DPC Women Connect event is almost full — we still have a spot open. If you’ve been thinking about coming, this might be your moment.If you’re in that season of “something has to change” and you want help thinking through your own numbers and model, start with the Breakeven app. It gives you a clear, objective starting point — so you’re not building your next step on guesses.

What really happens when a burned‑out family doctor walks away from the RVU treadmill and rebuilds medicine on her own terms?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lyndsi Cress, a family medicine physician and founder of Coral Direct Primary Care in Little River, South Carolina, who walked away from high‑volume employed medicine to build a slower, more human practice. After years of rushing through visits, inbox overload, and creeping burnout, she found Direct Primary Care and rebuilt her career around time, autonomy, and actual relationships with patients.This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to leave the system and start a DPC from scratch: the fear, the uncertainty, and the surprising freedoms on the other side.This episode is for you if:You’re a physician quietly wondering, “Is this what medicine is supposed to feel like?”You’re DPC‑curious but stuck on where to start or what you’re missingYou want more control over your schedule, your income, and your patient relationshipsIn this episode, you’ll discover:Why starting before you feel “ready” is the hardest and most important moveHow the skills that got you through residency are the same ones that make you a capable business ownerWhat happens to patient care when you remove time pressure and panel overloadHow schedule freedom reshapes both your practice and your family lifeWhy growth in DPC often comes from trusting the model and taking consistent actionIf you’ve ever wondered whether medicine could feel slower, more personal, and more sustainable, Dr. Cress’s story is proof that you don’t have to wait for the system to change. You can change your own.Thanks for joining us for Episode 24 of the DPC Life Podcast. Tune in and see what’s possible on the other side of burnout.Resources + LinksWebsite: https://coraldpc.comCoral Direct Primary Care (Facebook, Instagram)Next Step: Get Guided SupportThe hardest part isn’t just launching the practice. It’s becoming a physician-entrepreneur, often without anyone around you who really gets it.That’s why I created DPC Women Connect: a small, in-person gathering this February for women physicians navigating the shift from employed to independent.If you want support, strategy, and women who are walking the same path, DM me CONNECT on Instagram or learn more here:https://connect.harmonyopshealth.com/

What if the worst day in Direct Primary Care is still better than the best day in employed medicine? In Episode 23 of DPC Life, I talk with Dr. Wendy Molaska, family physician and founder of Dedicated Family Care in Madison, WI, and the 2025 DPC Physician of the Year. We walk through how she built a diverse, high-trust DPC clinic, expanded her team without losing her identity, and used the freedom of DPC to show up in advocacy and leadership without burning out.Who it’s for Physicians who want to grow a DPC panel without recreating employed-medicine burnoutDPC owners thinking about their first (or next) hire and afraid of getting it wrongWomen physicians who care about advocacy, leadership, and community impact but refuse to sacrifice their sanity againIn this episode, you’ll hear:How DPC created margin for Dr. Molaska to lead, advocate, and still know her patientsThe hidden cost of “panic hiring” and how she course-corrected after early misstepsWhy, in DPC, you are the brand – and how that changes who you hireHow word-of-mouth and community trust filled her panel with diverse and underserved patientsA practical way to engage in policy and advocacy without needing everyone to agree with youIf this episode gives you even one idea or one ounce of hope, share it with a physician who’s wondering if DPC is “worth the risk.” Then hit follow so you don’t miss the next conversation.We’ll see you in the next episode of DPC Life. Resources + LinksDedicated Family Care Website: https://familydpc.com Dr. Wendy Molaska Email: DrMolaska@familydpc.com Follow / Connect: LinkedIn + Facebook + Instagram (Dedicated Family Care) Next Step: Get Guided SupportThe hardest part isn’t just launching the practice. It’s becoming a physician-entrepreneur, often without anyone around you who really gets it.That’s why I created DPC Women Connect: a small, in-person gathering this February for women physicians navigating the shift from employed to independent.If you want support, strategy, and women who are walking the same path, DM me CONNECT on Instagram or learn more here: https://connect.harmonyopshealth.com/

What happens when a pediatrician decides she’d rather rebuild her career than lose herself to the system?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Noemi Adame, pediatrician and founder of Culver Pediatrics Center, who walked away from corporate pediatrics and rebuilt on her own terms. Known as the “Veggies Over Pills” doctor, she combines evidence-based pediatrics, lifestyle medicine, and integrative care for some of the most complex pediatric cases, including PANS/PANDAS.We talk about what DPC really restores to physicians: time and the ability to practice in alignment with your values again.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why DPC doesn’t magically fix everything, but does put you back in controlHow longer visits and fewer admin demands change outcomes for complex kidsThe difference between access and 24/7 availability (and why “minutes response time” is a trap)How clear boundaries actually protect both patients and physiciansHow Dr. Adame practices deeply evidence-based medicine without abandoning her values or her patients’ preferencesThis episode is for you if:You feel morally injured, rushed, or boxed in by the current healthcare systemYou’re DPC-curious, especially in pediatrics or lifestyle-focused careYou’re craving autonomy, deeper patient relationships, and sustainable boundariesIf you’ve ever felt torn between caring for patients and protecting yourself, this conversation will feel like permission and a push. It’s a reminder that medicine doesn’t have to cost you your identity.Resources mentionedPANDAS Physician Network (PPN) – treatment algorithmAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) – nutrition / lifestyle medicine trainingAndrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine – integrative training (ADHD/autism)Peds DPC Facebook Group – pediatric DPC communityPediatric DPC Mastermind – where she deepened her PANDAS knowledgeGuestCulver Pediatrics Center: https://culverpediatrics.com/The hardest part isn’t just launching the practice. It’s becoming a physician-entrepreneur, often without anyone around you who really gets it.That’s why I created DPC Women Connect: a small, in‑person gathering this February for women physicians navigating the shift from employed to independent.Next Step: Get Guided SupportIf you want support, strategy, and women who are walking the same path, DM me CONNECT on Instagram or learn more here: https://connect.harmonyopshealth.com/

What do you do when medicine starts taking more than it gives back? For Internal Medicine physician Dr. Sandra Koehn, the breaking point became a turning point. In this episode, she shares how she went from exhausted and resentful in employed medicine to building Planted DPC in Rochester, New York around her family, her values, and her patients.If you’re a physician who keeps thinking “there has to be a better way,” you’ll hear exactly what changed for Dr. Koehn, the boundaries she set from day one, and how Direct Primary Care gave her a path out that didn’t require sacrificing her family or her calling.In this episode, you’ll learn:The exact moment Dr. Koehn knew she couldn’t stay in employed medicine any longerHow she defined her non‑negotiables for family, schedule, and patient care before launching DPCWhy time and access (not procedures) are the real value drivers in a DPC practiceHow she thought through her ideal patient and why it often mirrors your own life stagePractical examples of boundaries she’s setting now to prevent future burnoutThis episode is for you if:You’re a burned‑out physician who wants more autonomy, time, and meaning in your workYou’re considering Direct Primary Care but feel stuck in fear, guilt, or “what ifs”You want a values‑aligned practice that supports being a parent, partner, or caregiver in real lifeDr. Koehn’s story is a grounded, honest look at what it actually takes to leave the system and build something sustainable. If you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether to jump, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and next steps for your own DPC path.Resources & LinksPlanted DPC (Dr. Sandra Koehn), Rochester, NY: https://www.planteddpc.comNext Step: Get Guided SupportWhat often gets missed is the internal shift required to make this sustainable — moving from employed physician to entrepreneur, often without many people around you who truly understand it.That’s exactly why DPC Women Connect exists — a small, in-person gathering this February for women navigating that transition.If this resonates, DM me CONNECT on Instagramlink here: https://connect.harmonyopshealth.com/

If doing your QuickBooks every weekend feels like pulling teeth, this episode is your novocaine. We sit down with Nate Goodman, a CPA who built his firm specifically for Direct Primary Care doctors. As a DPC patient himself who requires his staff to have DPC memberships, Nate lives in the same world you do. His team helps doctors turn “dark hole” finances into clear, predictable profit so you can stop guessing and get back to medicine.Who Is This For? Doctors who are tired of wrestling with bookkeeping and just want clean numbers and clear guidance.Future DPC owners who want a financial “Launchpad” 6+ months before opening.Established clinics ready to scale using simple weekly scorecards instead of gut feelings.Key LessonsStart Early: Begin your accounting relationship at least six months before opening so entity choice, payroll, and pricing are right from day one.Let Data Find Hidden Profit: One DPC kept over $80,000 in year one just by restructuring pricing and tax strategy.Pick DPC-Specific Partners: Work with vendors (CPA, CRM, legal) who are actively investing in and serving the DPC space.Run on Rhythms: Use a weekly scorecard for non-financial KPIs like leads, patient count, churn, and reviews so you’re never flying blind.Design Your Life First: Decide what you want your life and panel to look like in ten years, then build the practice to match it.Running a DPC shouldn’t feel like a financial black box. With the right partner, you can see exactly where you are, where you’re going, and what to fix next.Guest LinksWebsite: goodmancpa.comEmail: nate@goodmancpa.comBook Mentioned: Traction by Gino Wickman (scorecard concept)If you’re planning your own off-ramp, don’t build your tech stack from scratch.Search “Harmony Ops for DPC” – your CRM, website, and automation setup to launch without tech overwhelm.Visit: harmonyopsfordpc.com

How to talk about Direct Primary Care, find your people, and let go of the guilt.Feeling burned out in corporate healthcare and obsessing over DPC, but stuck on how to explain it to patients or make the leap?In this coaching-style episode, Dr. Alisa Awtry, a family physician in Newberg, Oregon and founder of Rooted Direct Primary Care, walks through her real fears, questions, and messaging as she prepares to open her clinic. You’ll hear exactly how we refine her elevator pitch, simplify how she explains DPC, and deal with the emotional weight of leaving the system.Who this is forPhysicians exploring Direct Primary CareDocs burned out in corporate / employed settingsNew and soon-to-launch DPC owners who feel stuck on messaging, onboarding, and “who am I leaving behind?”What you’ll learnHow to explain Direct Primary Care without a 20‑minute lectureA simple way to define and attract your ideal DPC patientHow to handle the guilt of leaving patients behindPractical tips for managing high pre-enrollment interest and onboarding cleanlyHow to build a community-centered practice without recreating corporate chaos.Guest:Dr. Alisa Awtry is a family physician in Newberg, Oregon and the founder of Rooted Direct Primary Care. She’s building a deeply community-centered DPC practice focused on proactive, relationship-based care.Resources & LinksRooted DPC Website: rooteddirectprimarycare.comInstagram: @rooteddirectprimarycareFacebook: Rooted Direct Primary CarePlanning your own dream DPC?Don’t build your tech stack from scratch. Harmony Ops for DPC gives you a CRM, website, and automation setup built specifically for new DPC clinics so you can launch without tech overwhelm.Learn more: harmonyopsfordpc.com

This episode is a fan favorite and one of the most popular from the DPC Life Podcast. We hope it brings you meaningful insights and inspiration during this holiday season. Enjoy this replay and let it spark new ideas . Thank you for being a part of our community!If you're an employed physician feeling dissatisfied, a DPC dreamer preparing to leap, or a mom balancing family and a new practice, this episode is your guide to embracing the required entrepreneurial transformation.Dr. Una shares her personal journey from pediatrician to seven-figure business owner and provides the mindset shifts and concrete strategies necessary to thrive in your practice and your life.Who it's for:Physicians feeling the "nudge" toward something more than the employed status quo.DPC founders who are struggling with marketing, sales, or work-life balance.Moms in medicine who feel pressure to "do it all alone".You’ll learn:The profound mindset shift required to see all business skills - including marketing and selling - as learnable skills, not innate personality traits.How to use introversion as a superpower and manage your social energy by defining it as recharging in solitude.Why the "gravitational pull of your former self is real" and how to intentionally fight the habit of reverting to old behaviors.The critical necessity of defining your business goals to clearly identify distractions, making it easy to say no to non-aligned opportunities.How to build a "home team" to take care of household demands, understanding that there is "no award category for mom that did it alone".Why focusing on the right discomfort (like marketing) is essential, as your comfort zone is where the status quo lives.The danger of having a "safety net" job and how your backup plan can become your real plan, hindering your growth and commitment.Guest:Dr. Una, founder of EntreMD, host of The EntreMD Podcast, two-time best-selling author, and pediatrician who helps physicians build profitable businesses.Want help taking the first steps?Dr. Una encourages physicians to remember their proven capacity for dramatic transformation and to find the next step and start taking it. Stop waiting and let your future 90-year-old self be your motivation.DM me “DPC” on Instagram and I’ll send you my Dr. Una companion workbook + the 5-Day DPC Confidence Course: short, residency-friendly emails with concrete daily actions to move you toward opening.Guest links:Website: https://entremd.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/entremds/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrUnachukwuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/druna/ 

Happy Holidays! This episode is one of the most listened-to episodes of the DPC Life Podcast, and we believe it will bring you valuable insights during this holiday season. It might be just what you need to hear as you reflect on the year. We hope you enjoy this replay and find inspiration in it. Thank you for tuning in!In this episode, we’re joined by my awesome partner, Dr. Rachel Kelly, to take you behind the scenes of building our DPC practice, without a business plan, without a roadmap, and with plenty of trial and error. Together, we share the lessons we’ve learned in resilience and the realization that valuing our time might be the most important shift of all.We talk about…Why “90% of what we’ve done has not worked, and 10% has been successful”The challenges of opening a DPC without a business planHow aesthetics fit into (and sometimes complicate) the DPC modelThe mindset shift of realizing our time is worth somethingThis conversation is honest, unpolished, and packed with wisdom from our real experience. It’s a reminder that the DPC journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about staying committed, learning along the way, and building a practice that truly serves our patients, our families, and ourselves.Resources & MentionsKickstart Accounting - bookkeeping and accounting support for small practices and businessesIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Reviews help more doctors discover these conversations.Have an idea for a future topic or guest? Email us at anne@crescendooperations.com. We’d love to hear from you.Building your own DPC practice? We've got you covered with tools built by a DPC doc (me!), for DPC docs:⁠⁠⁠⁠Harmony Ops Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠helps you streamline operations and automate the tasks that eat up your time.⁠⁠⁠⁠DPC Ads in Minutes ⁠⁠⁠⁠shows you how to get simple, effective ads running without the overwhelm.𝗡𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻? 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽.Get the 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝟱-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗣𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 - your roadmap to launch with clarity, systems, and confidence.👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://harmonyopshealth.com/dpc-confidence-course⁠⁠

Internal medicine and lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Kashiti Long (Long Health and Wellness, Charlotte, NC) shares the unfiltered reality of leaving corporate medicine and launching a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in just six months.She walks through the exact steps she took, what actually worked for marketing, and the painful surprises that almost derailed her launch.This is a grounded, behind‑the‑scenes look at what it really takes to go from employed to independent in DPC, with practical takeaways you can apply before you resign.What You Will LearnWhy She Left Sooner Than Planned: The administrative pressure and patient volume that forced her to accelerate a “3‑year plan” into a six‑month exit.The 6‑Month Sprint to Opening: How DPC conferences reshaped her timeline and what she focused on first.Hidden Delays: The six‑month North Carolina license wait, malpractice shopping, and other slow, boring bottlenecks that cost real time.Finding Patients in Real Life: What actually moved the needle: networking, consistent social content, and defining her avatar “Motivated Monica.”Audience‑Building Before You Quit: Why she now tells every doctor to start capturing emails and followers the moment DPC is on their mind.Financial Contingency Planning: How she handled months with 0–4 signups and why a part‑time telehealth job can be your safety net, not a failure.🔗 Guest LinksPractice Name: Long Health and Wellness Website: longhealthandwellness.com Social Media: Kashiti Long MD (on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok)If this episode hits home and you’re “DPC curious,” get my free 5-Day DPC Confidence Course: short daily emails with specific actions to go from “maybe someday” to a concrete plan. 👉 DM me “COURSE” on Instagram or go to https://harmonyopshealth.com/dpc-confidence-course to enroll. Stay Connected & Support the Podcast! Follow & Leave Us a Review on the DPC Life Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpclife/ Harmony Ops Health for DPC: https://harmonyopshealth.com/home

This is a transparent, real‑world coaching session with Dr. Chelsea Johnson, founder of Kidz MD Pediatric DPC in Liberty, Missouri. After years in academic medicine, ER/urgent care, and consulting, she decided the only way she’d practice primary care was inside DPC. She calls it her “off‑ramp” to keep kids out of the ER and stay in medicine on her terms.We walk through the unsexy but critical pieces of launching a pediatric DPC: solving the vaccine purchasing maze, marketing on a tight budget, and building operations that don’t collapse the minute you open. You’ll hear how she targets her ideal suburban mom, and how to think about systems (EMR + CRM + website) so you’re not duct‑taping your practice together.What You’ll Learn:The “Off‑Ramp” to DPCHow Dr. Johnson went from a high‑mobility, consultant/ER career to launching Kidz MD as the only primary care model that made sense for her life and her patients.Solving the Vaccine ChallengeHow she used a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) to bridge vaccine access until she qualifies for direct contracts, so she could open without waiting years.Marketing on a BudgetHow she uses the local Chamber, community events, and social media to reach busy suburban moms without spending agency money.Defining Your Ideal FamilyWhy she built around the “busy suburban mom with multiple kids” who wants a pediatrician that can handle more in‑office so they can avoid unnecessary ER visits.Why Your Tech Stack MattersThe hidden cost of trying to launch on spreadsheets, generic CRMs, and 7 disconnected tools instead of a DPC‑specific system from day one.Who This Is For: Pediatricians and family docs who love patient care but are exhausted by RVUs, inboxes, and charting after kid bedtime. If you’re pre‑launch or newly launched in DPC and feel stuck on operations, vaccines, and marketing, this episode gives you a practical blueprint.Guest LinksGuest: Dr. Chelsea JohnsonWebsite: https://kidzmd.com/Email:  hello@kidzmd.comNext Step: See the CRM Built for DPC LaunchesIf this episode hits home and you’re serious about launching or growing your DPC in the next 12 months, go look at Harmony Ops for DPC - the CRM + website + automations platform I built specifically for DPC clinics so you don’t drown in tech.Search “Harmony Ops for DPC” and book a demo to see how your practice could be live in about 10 business days with AI chat, patient funnels, and launch‑ready automations installed for you. You can still grab my free 5‑Day DPC Confidence Course if you’re earlier and just want the plan: short daily emails to move from “maybe someday” to a concrete launch path.👉 DM me “COURSE” on Instagram or go to https://harmonyopshealth.com/dpc-confidence-course to enroll. Stay Connected & Support the Podcast! Follow & Leave Us a Review on the DPC Life Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpclife/ Harmony Ops Health for DPC: https://harmonyopshealth.com/home

Are you a primary care or hospitalist doc charting at 11 p.m., staring at RVUs, and wondering, “Is this it?”In this episode, Dr. Nadia Sirdar, an internal medicine physician and founder of Bethesda Modern Primary Care, shares how she walked away from hospital medicine to build a Direct Primary Care practice that actually feels human again.We get into:The breaking point: The exact moments that made her realize volume-driven hospital medicine was costing her joy, family, and health.Finding DPC (and her tribe): How one podcast and one DPC Summit turned “someday” into a launch date and gave her a new community overnight.Building a non-elitist clinic: How she navigated the “concierge vs DPC” branding tension to create a practice that’s relationship-based, prevention-focused, and accessible.Her clinical niche--menopause & perimenopause: Why midlife women are falling through the cracks in traditional care, and how longer visits + deep relationships change everything.Replacing hospital camaraderie: The role of the DPC community, local events, and even her kids passing out flyers at farmers markets in keeping her motivated on hard days.If you’re a physician quietly dreaming of DPC but scared to leave the system, this conversation is a roadmap and a reality check.Guest Resources & SocialsWebsite: bethesdadoctor.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnadiasirdar/IG: https://www.instagram.com/drnadiasirdarFB: https://www.facebook.com/nadiasirdarmd/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drnadiasirdarYou can book a free 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Sirdar to see if Bethesda Modern Primary Care is the right fit for you.If this episode hits home and you’re “DPC curious,” get my free 5-Day DPC Confidence Course: short daily emails with specific actions to go from “maybe someday” to a concrete plan.👉 DM me “COURSE” on Instagram or go to https://harmonyopshealth.com/dpc-confidence-course to enroll.Stay Connected & Support the Podcast! Follow & Leave Us a Review on the DPC Life Podcast 🎧 Your reviews help us reach more physicians and amplify the DPC movement.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpclife/Harmony Ops Health for DPC: https://harmonyopshealth.com/home

If you're an employed physician feeling dissatisfied, a DPC dreamer preparing to leap, or a mom balancing family and a new practice, this episode is your guide to embracing the required entrepreneurial transformation.Dr. Una shares her personal journey from pediatrician to seven-figure business owner and provides the mindset shifts and concrete strategies necessary to thrive in your practice and your life.Who it's for:Physicians feeling the "nudge" toward something more than the employed status quo.DPC founders who are struggling with marketing, sales, or work-life balance.Moms in medicine who feel pressure to "do it all alone".You’ll learn:How to use introversion as a superpower and manage your social energy by defining it as recharging in solitude.Why the "gravitational pull of your former self is real" and how to intentionally fight the habit of reverting to old behaviors.The critical necessity of defining your business goals to clearly identify distractions, making it easy to say no to non-aligned opportunities.How to build a "home team" to take care of household demands, understanding that there is "no award category for mom that did it alone".Why focusing on the right discomfort (like marketing) is essential, as your comfort zone is where the status quo lives.The danger of having a "safety net" job and how your backup plan can become your real plan, hindering your growth and commitment.Guest:Dr. Una, founder of EntreMD, host of The EntreMD Podcast, two-time best-selling author, and pediatrician who helps physicians build profitable businesses.Want help taking the first steps?Dr. Una encourages physicians to remember their proven capacity for dramatic transformation and to find the next step and start taking it. Stop waiting and let your future 90-year-old self be your motivation.DM me “DPC” on Instagram and I’ll send you my Dr. Una companion workbook + the 5-Day DPC Confidence Course: short, residency-friendly emails with concrete daily actions to move you toward opening.Guest links:Website: https://entremd.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/entremds/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrUnachukwuLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/druna/

If you’re a resident dreaming of DPC or an early DPC doc staring at an empty panel, this episode is your proof that you can start from nothing and still win.Dr. Catherine Lok opened River Rock Clinic in Asheville with zero patients, got hit by a clinic-destroying hurricane, and still built a thriving, values-aligned DPC micropracticeWho it’s for:Residents planning to launch a DPC straight out of trainingEarly-stage DPC docs who need reassurance, strategy, and proof that you can build from nothing.You’ll learn:• How Dr. Lok opened with zero patients, survived a clinic-destroying hurricane, and still built River Rock Clinic in Asheville, NC.• The one thing she wishes she’d done sooner• Why networking outperforms ads for patient growth.• How SEO + local-specific blogs filled her schedule fast and the exact blog topic that performed best.• The power of micro practice creativity: shaping your day, your clinic flow, and your life with intention.• Her approach to mutual aid, community collaboration, and combating DPC isolation • Practical tips on labs, OMT as an access funnel, and reducing specialty referrals with time-rich care.Guest:Dr. Catherine Lok, founder of River Rock Clinic DPC (Asheville, NC). DO, integrative-leaning primary care, OMT practitioner, champion of DPC mutual aid and community-building.Want help taking the first steps?DM me “DPC” on LinkedIn and I’ll send you the 5-Day DPC Confidence Course: short, residency‑friendly emails with concrete daily actions to move you toward opening.Guest links:Website: riverrockclinic.comEmail available on site for DPC questions & meet-and-greets.

Who it’s for: Docs launching their DPC in the next 12 months who want a pitch that attracts the right patients and protects their time.You’ll learn:The biggest patient pain (access) and how to promise speed they believe, without burning out.A simple, believable elevator pitch (same/next‑day visits + direct text with response windows).How to counter “I already have insurance” without sounding defensive.Boundaries that increase satisfaction and retention (access rules, not 24/7).Guest: Dr. Jaclyn Harris, Desert DPC (Peoria, AZ). Military IM → opened DPC → sharpening the pitch.Get the goods: Planning your DPC on the low-down? DM “DPC” to me on LinkedIn and I’ll send you the  5-day DPC Confidence Course. Private, 1:1 and stealth‑friendly. Connect with Dr. Jaclyn Harris:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desertdpcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaclynharris/Desert DPC: https://www.desertdpc.com/ 

Who this is for: Primary care physicians quietly planning a DPC launch in the next year, or newly opened and figuring it out on a budget without an existing panel.In this coaching session, you’ll learn:What to focus on first when you’re starting from zero (no panel, smaller or non-urban market)How to clarify your niche and message without limiting your reachThe truth about “boosting a post” versus running a real marketing campaignSimple, low-cost ways to grow your first email list (think local partners, mom groups, and community visibility)Why clear, simple messaging outperforms clever complexity and how to simplify yours this weekSummary: Dr. Jo Ann Beltre, founder of Wander Care Pediatrics in NH, opens up about her early wins and roadblocks launching a pediatric + urgent care DPC from scratch. Together, we map her next steps to grow with clarity and confidence.Guest Links: 🌐 Wander Care Pediatrics 📘 Facebook: Wander Care Pediatrics 📸 Instagram: @wandercarenh🧭 Want the highlights?If you’re planning a DPC in the next 12 months, clarity is your best shortcut.Get the free 5-day DPC Confidence Course — your roadmap to launch with clarity, systems, and confidence.👉 https://harmonyopshealth.com/dpc-bundle