In this honest, laughter-filled conversation with Dr. Rachel Kelly, we open up about what it’s really like running a DPC practice from the early days of burnout to finally finding our rhythm.

We share the growing pains, the unexpected lessons, and the small but powerful shifts that helped us build more sustainable systems. From redefining boundaries to choosing the right EMR, we walk through the messy middle of practice ownership and why it’s worth it.

Whether you’re just starting your DPC journey or refining the one you’ve built, this episode is packed with lessons, stories, and encouragement from our own experience in the trenches.

We talk about:

• How setting boundaries early shapes your relationships with patients and protects your peace.

• Why DPC EMRs are built for doctors and fee-for-service EMRs are built for administrators.

• The lessons you can only learn once you’re in it.

• Why understanding yourself first helps you build systems that actually work for you not against you.

  
  

In this conversation, we share the real side of running a DPC practice, the challenges that surprised us, the systems that saved us, and the lessons we wish we knew sooner. It’s about learning to lead with intention and finding balance while building something meaningful.

Resources Mentioned

Cerbo — https://www.cer.bo/who-we-serve/direct-primary-care

Athenahealth (Athena) — https://www.athenahealth.com/

Atlas.md — https://atlas.md/

Hint Health — https://www.hint.com/

Elation Health — https://www.elationhealth.com/

Spruce Health — https://sprucehealth.com/

Direct Primary Care Alliance (DPCA) — https://www.dpcalliance.org/

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Have an idea for a future topic or guest? Email us at anne@crescendooperations.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Ready to transform your practice? Follow DPC Life for more real stories and behind-the-scenes conversations about Direct Primary Care.

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