Taking the Leap: Dr. Joel Schumacher’s Path from Employed Physician to DPC Owner

In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion interviews Dr. Kristine Martens, co-founder of Resurgent Health, the VERY FIRST Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic in North Dakota. Dr. Martens shares her inspiring journey from traditional insurance-based practice to launching a trailblazing DPC clinic in Fargo with her business partner, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being a DPC pioneer in her state. The conversation covers starting a business from scratch, navigating collaborative practice with Alyson Dahl, PA, building a patient-centered practice, staffing choices, and integrating unique services like OMT and aesthetics. Dr. Martens also discusses patient education, working with employer groups, and importance of community relationships. Whether you're a physician considering the DPC model or a patient seeking more personalized care, this episode offers invaluable insights into building sustainable, relationship-driven healthcare in underserved regions. Listen in for firsthand advice on overcoming fears, finding business partners, and rekindling the passion for medicine through Direct Primary Care.Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! 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, Dr. Kelsey Smith of Pioneer Health DPC shares her transformative journey from a traditional insurance-based, fee-for-service practice to adopting the innovative Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. They discuss the challenges and rewards of this transition, including the importance of sustainability in patient care, navigating business ownership without a formal business background, and the role of community and employer relationships in growing a DPC practice. Recorded live at the Free Market Medical Association meeting in 2025, this episode provides insights into the practical and emotional aspects of shifting to a DPC model and emphasizes the individualized and personal relationship DPC fosters between doctors and patients.ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS TO VOTE IN THE 2025 My DPC Story BATTLE OF THE EHRs!!! Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube

Dr. Jason Hoke, founder of Hoke Direct Primary Care in Oxford, Ohio, shares his journey from insurance-based, network medicine to launching the town’s first and only Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Dr. Hoke details the burnout and inefficiencies he faced under traditional healthcare models, and how the DPC model restored his passion for medicine by prioritizing personalized patient-physician relationships and affordable care. Dr. Hoke discuss practical tips for transitioning to DPC, building a loyal patient base, managing rapid practice growth, and team collaboration. Dr. Hoke also reveals how DPC empowered him to provide innovative, accessible care during the COVID-19 pandemic and improved his work-life balance—impacting his family and inspiring the next generation of healthcare clinicians. Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube

On this episode of My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Michelle Cooke, founder of Sol Direct Primary Care in East Point, Georgia, shares her inspiring journey from burnout in fee-for-service medicine to building a thriving direct primary care (DPC) clinic dedicated to Black women’s health and wellness. Dr. Cooke discusses overcoming the challenges of the broken insurance-driven healthcare system, embracing entrepreneurship, and honing her practice’s mission to combat health disparities in her community. She offers valuable insights on scaling a DPC clinic, effective patient-centered marketing, hiring strategies, and leveraging technology and EHRs to streamline care. Listeners will learn about the impact of DPC in underserved areas, the importance of mindset shifts for physician entrepreneurs, and how personalized, transparent care empowers both doctors and patients. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiration for those considering the DPC model or seeking to revitalize their medical career.VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs!!! Vote for your favorite Electronic Health Record!Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube

Today's guest is Dr. Marcy Meyer of Destiny Direct Primary Care, a physician who transitioned from the US Army to opening a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice focused on menopause care in University Place, Washington. Dr. Meyer shares her unique medical journey, insights into the challenges of traditional insurance-driven healthcare, and the freedom and impact of practicing DPC. The conversation covers her military background, lessons learned as a flight surgeon, the evolution of her clinic from general family medicine to specialized menopause care, and tips for physicians considering a similar path. Dr. Meyer also discusses the importance of patient-centered care, breaking menopause myths, and leveraging resources like the Menopause Society for ongoing education. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians interested in DPC, women's health, and entrepreneurial practice transformation. Listen and discover how empowering care models like DPC are reshaping the future of medicine.Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! 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, Dr. Maryal Concepcion interviews Dr. Edward Williams of Foundation Direct Primary Care in Baldwin County, Alabama. Dr. Williams shares his journey from traditional fee-for-service medicine to launching his own DPC clinic, highlighting the frustrations and lack of autonomy that pushed him to embrace the Direct Primary Care model. He discusses his experience practicing rural medicine, the flexibility and improved work-life balance DPC provides, and the success of innovative services like home visits, men’s health, and 24-hour patient response. Dr. Williams also details building a patient panel from scratch in a region new to DPC and the impact of incorporating technology and a supportive team. Listeners will gain valuable insights into starting a DPC practice, overcoming contractual challenges, and redefining success as a physician. Whether you’re considering Direct Primary Care or looking to optimize your independent medical practice, this episode offers inspiration and actionable strategies for delivering better patient care and reclaiming your time as a primary care doctor.Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! 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, Dr. Joel Schumacher of Schumacher Family Medicine in Plymouth, Indiana, shares his journey from traditional hospital employment to launching his own successful Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Dr. Schumacher reflects on growing up and practicing in rural America, the pitfalls of fee-for-service healthcare, and how DPC restored his love for medicine by prioritizing meaningful doctor-patient relationships and autonomy. He candidly discusses overcoming burnout, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, building his patient panel, and the power of community engagement. Dr. Schumacher also gives actionable advice for residents and new physicians interested in DPC, emphasizing mentorship, financial planning, and the value of attending DPC conferences. This episode is packed with practical insights for doctors seeking a more fulfilling primary care career and patients interested in the benefits of direct primary care in rural and small-town settings. If you’re looking to learn more about DPC, rural medicine, or practice ownership, this episode is a must-listen.Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! 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 My DPC Story, Dr. Jillian Klaucke shares about her journey to practicing Direct Primary Care (DPC). Dr. Klaucke shares her experiences transitioning from traditional insurance-driven healthcare to DPC, emphasizing the benefits of building lasting patient relationships. They discuss the community dynamics in Sandpoint, Idaho, where Dr. Klaucke practices, and her pathway through medical training, including her time in New Zealand and her passion for wilderness medicine. The episode also delves into practical advice for physicians considering DPC, highlighting the importance of planning, financial readiness, and the supportive nature of the DPC community.Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! VOTE IN THE 2025 BATTLE OF THE EHRs! Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube

In today's partner episode of the 'My DPC Story' podcast, host Maryal Concepcion discusses the rise and successes of the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model with guests Dr. Brad Brown (fellow DPC Doctor and My DPC Story Alum) and Brad Butler, Head of Sales at Hint Health. They delve into the significance of the DPC community, tech innovations from Hint Health, and the continuous growth of the DPC movement. Dr. Brad shares his experiences from starting Strive Direct Care during residency to contributing to the Hint ecosystem. Brad Butler discusses Hint Health's role in supporting DPCs through resources like the startup toolkit, their bootcamp program, Hint Connect and the upcoming Hint Summit (Aug 24-27th, 2025). GET YOUR HINT STARTUP KIT HERE AND GET PLUGGED INTO THE HINT COMMUNITY 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. Katie Burden-Greer, founder of Outlaw Medical, highlights her unique path from her rural Oklahoma roots through her comprehensive medical education and training, which included a residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. She discusses her choice to establish a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice on the Muskogee or Creek Nation Reservation. Despite access to Indian Health Services, Outlaw Medical is building stronger physician-patient relationships and overcoming the access challenges posed by IHS. Already, Dr. Burden-Greer's patient panel is composed of over 20% Native People. Dr. Burden-Greer shares compelling stories from her journey, insights into her practice, and her motivations, including a deep connection to her community. The episode also touches on broader issues in healthcare accessibility and the impact of the DPC model in a rural setting.WHO WILL WIN THE BATTLE OF THE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHRs)!? VOTING GOES LIVE THIS WEEK! Check back later this week at mydpcstory.com to cast your vote! DPC JOB OPENING! Dr. Jillian Klaucke at Sandpoint DPC in Sandpoint Idaho is looking to hire! If you are an aspiring DPC Doctor who would like to learn more, contact Dr. Klaucke at [email protected] or go to the CONTACT PAGE at sandpointdpc.com. The DPC Directory: If you're a DPC doctor, you’ll find resources to grow your practice! If you serve the DPC world, grab a FREE listing today and get discovered by doctors who need your services. 👉 Visit thedpcdirectory.com and become part of the movement shaping the future of healthcare! Become a MY DPC STORY PATREON MEMBER! Unlock exclusive content HERE! Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube