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What if one podcast episode changed the course of your career?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Maria Bernal Riera, a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Obesity Medicine, and founder of Apex Endocrinology Health—a 100% cash-pay telemedicine practice providing endocrinology and obesity care to patients across Florida, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Dr. Bernal shares how discovering the My DPC Story podcast through a Facebook group inspired her to pursue direct specialty care immediately after fellowship. She discusses building a virtual practice from the ground up, combining expert endocrinology care with dedicated health coaching, and creating a business designed to grow beyond herself.

Together, they explore the realities of physician entrepreneurship, including developing a CEO mindset, creating a financial runway with locums work, marketing a cash-pay practice, and navigating the complexities of multi-state telemedicine. Dr. Bernal also explains why she founded the DPC Telemedicine Group on Facebook and launched The Cash-Pay MD newsletter—to provide the same sense of community and support that helped her build Apex Endocrinology Health.

Whether you're considering direct specialty care, telemedicine, or simply looking for a more fulfilling way to practice medicine, this episode is filled with practical insights and encouragement for physicians ready to build a practice on their own terms.

Connect with Dr. Maria Bernal:

📧 Email: drbernal@apexendohealth.com
🌐 Website: Apex Endocrinology Health
📸 Instagram: @drbernalendocrinology
📘 Facebook: Apex Endocrinology Health LLC
👥 Facebook Group: DPC Telemedicine Group
📰 Newsletter: The Cash-Pay MD

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