DPC Life: Conversations Beyond the Practice

Anne Gonzalez, MD
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Your practice should fit your life — not the other way around. DPC Life is the podcast for independent-minded doctors who are ready to step out of the system and into Direct Primary Care. Each week, we share honest stories from physicians who’ve built practices that work for their patients, their families, and themselves. Whether you’re managing kids’ schedules, craving more time for yourself, or looking to practice medicine on your own terms, this show is your guide and your community. Subscribe now and join the DPC family that’s got your back. Brought to you by HarmonyOps Health & DPC Ads

  1. 2D AGO

    From Hospital Rounds to Garden Clubs: How Dr. Nadia Sirdar Built the DPC Practice Nobody Said She Could — Part 2

    You can be the most skilled physician in your city, but if nobody knows you exist, your practice won't grow. In Part 2, the real strategy comes out. Dr. Nadia Sirdar walks through the exact patient acquisition tactics that got her to 50 members- including the farmer's market funnel that outperformed everything else (and the story of Mitch, a man in his 80s who may be her most effective referral source), the fireside chats that spread through garden clubs, and the speaking engagements that led her to the Maryland General Assembly advocating for menopause care legislation. She also gets into something worth recognizing: physician visibility as an ethical obligation. In an era of rampant health misinformation, showing up as a trusted, evidence-based voice isn't optional anymore. It's part of the job. KEY TAKEAWAYS Visibility is a clinical responsibility. Patients are being targeted by grifters. A trusted physician voice in the room matters. The farmer's market was Dr. Sirdar's top acquisition channel- not because it was clever, but because the conversations were real and deep in a way no digital ad can replicate. Patients need multiple touchpoints before they sign up. Consistent presence across multiple community spaces compounds over time. One core talk can fuel five different engagements. Recycling content leverages your efforts and protects your time.  A CRM is the difference between a patient connection that converts and one that disappears. MEMORABLE QUOTES "My patient said: 'My garden club sent me and I'm the first one. If this goes well, I'm telling my garden club.” RESOURCES & REFERENCES MENTIONED Sibley Hospital (Johns Hopkins Community) — Dr. Sirdar invited to keynote the Foundation's Young Professionals luncheon Maryland Medical Society — Dr. Sirdar invited to co-chair the Women in Medicine committee Maryland General Assembly — Doctor of the Day program; site of menopause care insurance coverage legislation ABOUT DR. NADIA SIRDAR Specialty: Internal Medicine (ABIM Board Certified) Background: Former Hospitalist Practice: Bethesda Modern Primary Care Location: Bethesda, Maryland Focus: Adult Primary Care | Menopause & Perimenopause Website: bethesdadoctor.com Instagram: @drnadiasirdar Facebook: Dr. Nadia Sirdar LISTEN, SHARE & CONNECT Missed Part 1? Go back and hear how a hospitalist defied everyone who said she couldn't do this — and built a thriving practice anyway. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — your review helps other physicians find this show Share with any physician who thinks DPC isn't for their background Tag us and @drnadiasirdar with your biggest takeaway FROM DR. ANNE I'm building something for DPC Life listeners and I want to make sure it's actually useful to you. There's a short form linked below - three questions, two minutes. What are you stuck on, what's helped you most, what do you want to hear more about. Everyone who fills it out gets a free brandable DPC presentation you can customize for Rotary clubs, employer groups, or any community talk. And if you want to be notified when the DPC Life community launches, there's a checkbox for that too. Link to form: Click here KEY TIMESTAMPS 04:00 The rule of three touchpoints: patients say "I saw you three times before I signed up" 05:30 Why education has value even when patients don't sign up directly with you 06:00 Garden clubs, Mahjong groups, and how women's community circles became a referral network 10:00 The farmer's market as the #1 funnel — the full origin story (including Mitch) 13:00 What farmer's market conversations actually look like: deep, not fluffy 17:00 Funnel ranking: Farmer's Market → Fireside Chats → Larger Speaking Events

    40 min

  2. APR 28

    Starting DPC After Years as a Hospitalist: How Dr. Nadia Sirdar got 50 patients in Bethesda

    What happens when a hospitalist who’s spent years running codes and rapid responses is told she “can’t” do Direct Primary Care? She launches anyway, hits 50 members in her first official quarter, and ends up standing in front of the Maryland General Assembly. In this episode, Dr. Anne Gonzalez sits down with Dr. Nadia Sirdar, ABIM‑certified Internal Medicine physician and founder of Bethesda Modern Primary Care, for her second appearance on the show. Dr. Sirdar walks through the adrenaline‑filled first six months of DPC: the senior attendings who flatly told her not to do it, the imposter syndrome of having “no outpatient experience,” the ER‑level moments with no nursing backup, and the one cardiology relationship that unlocked an entire specialist network. This is for every physician who’s been told their background “doesn’t fit” primary care and wants real‑world proof that it absolutely does. Key Takeaways Hospitalist → DPC is more doable than the naysayers claim. Internal medicine is a continuum; the human body doesn’t change. Colleague discouragement is loud but not data. Your actual skills and track record are better predictors than their fear. 50 patients in one quarter is a real win, earned by consistent community visibility and a few high‑yield patient funnels. You are now the CEO. Protect 20% of your time for business strategy, not just clinical work. One strong specialist relationship can open an entire referral network; her “cardiology bestie” was the doorway to the Osler Medical Society. Imposter syndrome in DPC is normal and temporary. Decades of training are an asset, not a liability. MEMORABLE QUOTES "I keep having to remind myself: I am a competent physician giving really good care. But you get so beat down as an employed physician that you forget your value." ABOUT DR. NADIA SIRDAR Specialty: Internal Medicine (ABIM Board Certified) Background: Former Hospitalist, now DPC Physician Practice: Bethesda Modern Primary Care Location: Bethesda, Maryland Focus: Adult Primary Care | Menopause & Perimenopause Website: bethesdadoctor.com Instagram: @drnadiasirdar Facebook: Dr. Nadia Sirdar RESOURCES & REFERENCES MENTIONED Osler Medical Society — Named after William Osler, father of modern medicine; a physician networking society with 10-year specialty cohorts LISTEN, SHARE & CONNECT Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — your review helps other physicians find this show Share with any physician who thinks DPC isn't for their background Tag us and @drnadiasirdar with your biggest takeaway Don't stop here! Part 2 is where it gets tactical. Dr. Sirdar breaks down her top three patient acquisition funnels, her menopause advocacy, and how she ended up honored at the Maryland General Assembly. KEY TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Cold open — "I am the rapid response. I am everybody." 02:00 Hitting 50 patients in the first official quarter 02:45 CEO shift: understanding ROI, funnels, and reserving 20% for strategy 05:00 From the end of the trajectory to the beginning — why hospitalists make great DPC docs 07:30 The real adrenaline of DPC: ER-worthy moments with no nursing backup 10:30 The discouragement: older physicians who flatly said "you cannot do this" 12:00 Her rebuttal: "Internal medicine is a continuum. The human body doesn't change." 14:00 Her mission: reaching residency directors to teach trainees that DPC is a real option 19:00 The 'cardiology bestie' story — how one relationship changed her specialist network 21:00 The Osler Medical Society: a 10-year cross-specialty physician cohort for mutual growth

    24 min

  3. APR 21

    “Do You Take My Insurance?” How Dr. Donna Mayeda Explains DPC Without Feeling Salesy (Replay Episode)

    When a patient asks "Do you take my insurance?" — do you know what to say? Most DPC doctors freeze in that moment. Not because they don't believe in what they've built — but because nobody ever taught them how to talk about money without feeling like a salesperson. This is one of our most listened episodes for a reason. We coach Dr. Donna Mayeda, founder of Ke Ola Noa DPC in Honolulu, Hawaii, through exactly that conversation — live, unscripted, and only five months into opening her micropractice in a state where almost no one has heard of Direct Primary Care. What we dig into: How to explain DPC vs. "concierge" in one or two calm sentences What to say when a patient doesn't see the value in a monthly membership Why dropping your price won't fix a value disconnect Mindset shifts for talking about money without feeling salesy How to build a simple elevator pitch — even if you're an introvert If you've ever felt called to DPC but scared of slow growth, confused patients, or awkward money conversations — this episode will make you feel less alone and more prepared. About Dr. Donna Mayeda Dr. 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 left to build a Direct Primary Care micropractice centered on autonomy, accessibility, and real relationship-based care. She is one of only a handful of DPC physicians in the entire state and is actively building community among DPC and DPC-curious physicians across Hawaii. 🌐 keolanoa.com  📲 Instagram & Facebook: @keolanoadpc Resources mentioned: Ke Ola Noa DPC — keolanoa.com DPC Life Podcast — available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms Still not posting consistently on social media? You're not alone — and there's a fix that won't take over your schedule. The Harmony Ops Social Media Sprint is a focused 2-week program where you spend just 2 hours on setup and walk away with a full content calendar scheduled, AI-generated captions written in your voice, and your social media running automatically — no daily effort required. Built specifically for DPC doctors who know they need to show up online but don't have the time or bandwidth to figure it out from scratch. 👇 Join the Sprint and get your content running for you. 🔗 reach.harmonyopshealth.com Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review — it helps more doctors find their way to DPC.

    53 min

  4. APR 14

    Direct Specialty Allergy Care From Scratch – Dr. Anita Sivam, Inspire Allergy & Asthma

    In this episode, allergist Dr. Anita Sivam shares how she left a large group practice in suburban Indianapolis to build Inspire Allergy & Asthma, a direct specialty care clinic focused on access, transparency, and food oral immunotherapy (OIT). We talk through her 6–month transition out of insurance based care, how she’s marketing a niche service like food OIT, and the simple systems she is using for social media, referrals, and local events so she is not dependent on hospital networks to grow. Who This Is For Physicians exploring direct primary or direct specialty care Doctors stuck in insurance driven allergy or specialty practices Anyone launching or marketing a new DPC or specialty practice What You’ll Learn How Dr. Sivam planned her exit and launch timeline How to position a niche service like food oral immunotherapy Why clear, simple messaging beats complicated marketing How to use mom groups, local events, and DPC referrals to fill your schedule How longer visits and direct access change patient trust and outcomes If you are starting or growing a DPC or direct specialty practice and you know you “should be posting” but you never stick with it, use this episode as your sign to build a real content system. Still not posting? Build a system that runs your content for you. Join the DPC Social Media Sprint 👇https://reach.harmonyopshealth.com 🔗 Links & Resources Website: https://www.inspireallergyandasthma.com/  Social Media: @Inspire Allergy and Asthma (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)  Email: drsivam@inspireallergyandasthma.com

    37 min

  5. APR 7

    Starting DPC: Lessons from a Live Physician Q&A

    Thinking about DPC and quietly wondering: What does life actually look like on the other side? In this live Q&A replay, we answer one of the most honest questions physicians have about DPC: how do you balance ownership, freedom, and boundaries when it is your name on the door. We talk about what it really feels like to carry the practice in your mind, without being on call 24/7. We also keep coming back to one theme: community. How to lean on other DPC docs for coverage, build local relationships, and remind yourself you’re not crazy and you’re not alone. Who this is for Physicians who want unfiltered answers about life in DPC Doctors overwhelmed by the “what ifs” of running their own practice Early DPC owners navigating boundaries, growth, and expectations What you’ll learn How to set clear boundaries in your DPC (and why they protect both you and your patients) The shift from “always available” to sustainable, high-quality care Simple ways to structure your schedule from day one Why hearing “no” is normal in business and how to reframe it How to handle family and friends asking for medical advice How to set expectations early with patients so you don’t resent your own practice What “normal” growth looks like in the first year or two Why community and collaboration are non‑negotiable in DPC These are the conversations most physicians never get to have. You’ll walk away realizing what you’re feeling is normal, and that there’s a healthier way to build this. Ready to stop avoiding social media? The Harmony Ops Social Media Sprint gets you started. $99. https://reach.harmonyopshealth.com/sprint-home-page

    54 min

  6. MAR 31

    How Dr. Rebecca Berens Uses Referrals to Grow Her DPC Practice

    We walk through Dr. Rebecca Berens’ journey of building a DPC practice while navigating motherhood, uncertainty, and the unexpected challenges of opening in 2020. Instead of forcing growth, she leaned into her season of life and allowed her practice to evolve naturally through relationships and aligned care. Over time, her patient base shifted through trust and referrals rather than traditional marketing. This episode is a reminder that sustainable growth in DPC comes from community, mindset shifts, and letting go of the need to do everything alone.  What You’ll Learn Why your DPC timeline doesn’t need to match anyone else’s  How to grow your practice through referrals and community  A non-salesy approach to marketing as a physician  Why you shouldn’t try to do everything alone in DPC  Key mindset shifts around money, growth, and sustainability  Key Moments from the Episode Opening a DPC practice right before the pandemic  Feeling “behind” and learning to reframe success  Building a niche through aligned patient care  Using community groups to serve instead of sell  Transitioning to a referral-driven practice  Who Is This For? This is for physicians who feel behind, overwhelmed, or unsure if they’re doing DPC “right.” It’s also for those who want a more sustainable, community-driven way to grow their practice without burning out. About the Guest Dr. Rebecca Berens is a family medicine physician and the founder of Vida Family Medicine in Sugar Land, Texas. She has been practicing DPC for over six years and has built a referral-based practice focused where she helps break down health misinformation in a thoughtful and nuanced way. on patients recovering from disordered eating. She is also the co-host of The Anti-Social Doctors Podcast. Book Mentioned She Sells by Megan Dalla-Camina Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell Influence by Robert Cialdini 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy Podcasts Mentioned The Anti-Social Doctors PodcastFollow Dr. Rebecca on Instagram: @rebeccaberensmd EntreMD Podcast by Dr. Una This episode covers how to find patients through Facebook group referrals and how to market authentically as an introvert. But knowing where to find patients is only half the equation. The other half is knowing exactly what to say when you find them, and being clear enough about your practice identity that your message actually lands. If you're preparing to open your DPC practice and want to build that clarity before you start marketing, DPC Foundations was built for exactly that moment. The taller the building the deeper the foundation has to go. Foundations does that deep work first: your practice identity, your messaging, your clarity. This is what you need first. Founding member price: $499 -  goes to $799 at launch in 2 weeks. 👉 Save your spot at dpcfoundations.com

    38 min

  7. MAR 25

    Starting DPC With One Patient: How Dr. Marissa Fusella Is Finding Patients For Fusella Family Medicine

    If you feel like you spend more time checking boxes than caring for the human in front of you, this conversation will hit home.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Marissa Fusella, a family medicine physician in Latham, New York, who’s in the early days of launching her Direct Primary Care practice, Fusella Family Medicine. After eight years in employed medicine, she felt the growing tension between loving her patients and feeling trapped in a system that doesn’t. We talk candidly about what it’s like to leave a “stable” job, start a DPC with just one enrolled patient, and keep going when growth is slower than the Instagram highlight reels. Marissa shares how community, courage, and lots of imperfect action are shaping her path back to patient-centered care. Who This Is For Physicians buried in paperwork who want to practice real, relational medicine again DPC‑curious doctors who want the unfiltered version of what the early months look like New DPC owners who need reassurance that slow, steady growth is normal In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why you should start before you feel fully ready How “done is better than perfect” looks in a real DPC launch Why community may be the most important growth strategy you have How simple meet‑and‑greets can educate a community and attract the right patients Why building slowly does not mean you’re building wrong If this episode encourages you, share it with a physician who might be quietly questioning their current path. It might be the permission they need to take their next step. Channel Resources 🌐 Website: https://fusellafamilymedicine.com 📘 Facebook: Fusella Family Medicine 📸 Instagram: Fusella Family Medicine And if you're exploring your own DPC launch, don’t forget to check out the Breakeven Calculator for New DPC Practices to help you gain clarity and confidence around your numbers before you leap. Breakeven Calculator for New DPC Practices: https://harmonyopshealth.com/launch

    42 min

  8. MAR 17

    10 Fears That Keep Physicians Stuck (And How To Finally Start Your DPC Practice)

    In this episode, I share the 10 fears I hear over and over from physicians who are thinking about Direct Primary Care but feel unsure about leaving employed medicine. We talk about realistic patient follow‑through, contracts, finances, timing, and how to know if you’re actually ready to move. You’ll see that you’re not alone, you’re not the only one thinking about this, and there is a clear path forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: What usually happens when you leave an employed practice (and what % of patients typically follow) How to explain a monthly membership fee to insured patients without feeling salesy When to start telling patients and colleagues you’re leaving, and how non‑compete / non‑solicit clauses affect that How to think about runway, side gigs, and the financial risk of leaving too early vs too late Simple ways to start talking about DPC so meet‑and‑greets feel less awkward How to build interest and a waitlist before you open, instead of launching to an empty panel The mindset and family / financial questions to ask when deciding if you’re ready to leave employed medicine Why you’re absolutely not the only one considering DPC, and how many practices are already thriving The Practice Momentum Flywheel: reach → resonate → respond → retain, and how that builds your practice over time About the Independent Practice Path Many physicians don’t need more information about DPC. They need a clear path and a small group to walk it with them. The Independent Practice Path is an 8‑week small‑cohort program for physicians who want to move from “thinking about it” to actively preparing to open an independent direct care practice. Over eight weeks, you will: Clarify your practice model so you know exactly what you’re building Practice how to talk about DPC and your membership in a way that feels natural Begin building interest and a waitlist before you open Put the basic systems in place that support your future practice How to take the next step Start the Readiness Reflection. Complete the short Readiness Reflection on the Independent Practice Path website to see where you are in the process and what your next step should be. Link: https://ipp.harmonyopshealth.com/ Join the next cohort. The next Independent Practice Path cohort starts on March 24. Enrollment closes once we begin, so if you want to be part of this round, complete the Readiness Reflection and register as soon as you’re ready. Ask your questions. If you’re unsure if this is a fit, complete the Readiness Reflection and then email me using the address listed on that page. Your future patients need you practicing medicine the way you imagined when you wrote your personal statement. If you’ve been thinking about DPC for a long time, this is your invitation to start taking concrete steps toward your own independent practice.Email me at ⁠anne@crescendooperations.com⁠ and let’s figure out if IPP is the right fit for you.

    16 min
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Your practice should fit your life — not the other way around. DPC Life is the podcast for independent-minded doctors who are ready to step out of the system and into Direct Primary Care. Each week, we share honest stories from physicians who’ve built practices that work for their patients, their families, and themselves. Whether you’re managing kids’ schedules, craving more time for yourself, or looking to practice medicine on your own terms, this show is your guide and your community. Subscribe now and join the DPC family that’s got your back. Brought to you by HarmonyOps Health & DPC Ads

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