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Monica McKittrick returns to the podcast with a wealth of insights from her remarkable transformation from hands-on nurse practitioner to CEO of a thriving Direct Primary Care practice with seven providers across three locations. Her journey offers a roadmap for anyone considering the entrepreneurial path in healthcare.

When Monica transitioned away from patient care, she worried her 350 patients might leave. Remarkably, she lost only two. This testament to relationship-building reveals how thoughtful transitions can maintain patient trust while allowing provider growth. Now enjoying true freedom—including a recent two-and-a-half week vacation where "no one cared" she was gone—Monica demonstrates that building a self-sufficient practice is achievable but requires intentional systems and leadership.

The challenges of marketing DPC practices cannot be overstated. As Monica explains, "Nurse practitioners are not natural marketers" and the unique nature of healthcare means patients need to both know you exist AND need your services at precisely the right moment. Her experiences expanding to multiple locations reveal critical insights about community integration, geographic challenges, and why having a marketing strategy is essential. The realization that "success to me is not 10 clinics" but rather freedom to enjoy life while making an impact led Monica to create resources for other providers.

Her upcoming book "DPC: Dream Job or Total Disaster" (available August 4th) offers a crucial roadmap for determining whether DPC ownership aligns with your personality and goals. Rather than a technical how-to guide, it helps providers make the fundamental decision about whether to pursue DPC at all. Coupled with her "DPC Launch Kit" course, these resources reflect Monica's mission to help the right providers succeed in this model, ultimately expanding access to patient-centered care.

Connect with Monica at the DPC Launchpad conference in February and explore her resources at DPCformula.com to discover if direct primary care entrepreneurship is your calling or a path better left unexplored.

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The world of Direct Primary Care offers a revolutionary escape from the constraints of traditional insurance-based medical practice—but how do you actually grow a DPC practice once you've opened your doors? In this illuminating conversation, Amanda Price speaks with Erin Kosich, owner of Compass Health DPC in Durham, North Carolina, who reveals the marketing strategy that grew her practice by an impressive 20% in just one month.

After eight years working in an employer-based clinic that functioned much like a DPC, Erin took the leap to open her own practice in May 2022. What makes her story particularly valuable is her systematic approach to growth through targeted Facebook advertising. Working with Clinical Marketer, she developed campaigns specifically focused on women experiencing menopause—a strategy that proved remarkably effective. "It's been wildly successful," Erin explains, detailing how these specialized ads attract women seeking relief for menopausal symptoms who then discover the broader benefits of membership-based primary care.

The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of successful patient conversion through carefully structured meet-and-greets. Rather than delivering a rehearsed sales pitch, Erin begins by asking potential patients about their frustrations with traditional healthcare—then explains how DPC addresses those specific pain points. This personalized approach has proven highly effective at turning interested individuals into committed members who appreciate the direct access, extended appointment times, and genuinely caring relationship that DPC offers.

Beyond marketing tactics, Erin and Amanda explore the emotional reality of DPC ownership—the pressure to be constantly available, the guilt when not responding immediately to patient messages, and the particular personality type that thrives in this model. "The people-pleaser aspect is what makes a good DPC provider," Erin reflects, acknowledging both the challenges and rewards of creating a practice built on genuine patient relationships.

Whether you're a nurse practitioner considering opening your own DPC, looking to grow an existing practice, or simply curious about alternatives to insurance-based healthcare, this episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's successfully navigating the journey. Connect with other DPC practitioners at the upcoming DPC Launchpad cruise conference and discover how you too can build a thriving practice that transforms both your professional satisfaction and your patients' healthcare experience.

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Protecting your healthcare practice requires far more than simply checking the insurance box. In this eye-opening episode, former commercial insurance broker Mark Price shares critical insights about medical malpractice insurance that every nurse practitioner and physician assistant should understand before it's too late.

The conversation dives deep into the crucial differences between occurrence and claims-made policies, revealing why the seemingly cheaper option might actually cost you everything in the long run. Mark explains how policy limits actually work, including the hidden danger of policies that include defense costs within your coverage limits rather than paying them separately. With legal expenses easily reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars in extended cases, this single detail could leave you personally liable even when you thought you were protected.

Telehealth creates another layer of complexity, as demonstrated by a sobering real-world case where a provider's insurance denied coverage after treating a college student across state lines. Contrary to what many believe, DPC practices may actually face increased liability compared to traditional models due to their comprehensive approach and frequent use of text messaging and remote communications.

Beyond malpractice coverage, Mark outlines why business owner policies covering cyber liability and employee dishonesty have become essential safeguards. For multi-provider practices, he explains how key person insurance and buy-sell agreements can protect both the business and personal finances should the unthinkable happen. As Mark aptly puts it, "insurance is designed to provide sleep" - the peace of mind that comes from knowing your personal assets and professional future are properly protected.

Whether you're launching a new practice or assessing your current coverage, this conversation provides the knowledge you need to make truly informed decisions about the policies protecting your livelihood. Don't wait for a claim letter to discover the gaps in your coverage.

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What happens when a nurse practitioner refuses to accept the limitations of traditional healthcare? Verlisha Goins is about to find out as she prepares to add direct primary care services to her thriving aesthetics practice in Columbia, South Carolina.

After becoming a nurse in 2012, inspired by her own experience with compassionate nursing care during her daughter's birth and NICU stay, Verlisha worked her way through various healthcare settings before opening Sophisticated Wellness and Aesthetics in 2022. What started as an IV hydration clinic has evolved into a comprehensive aesthetic practice offering everything from medical weight management to Botox and facials.

Now standing at the threshold of her next big move, Verlisha shares the real story behind her decision to incorporate DPC—including the self-doubt that kept her from launching sooner. "I kept saying I wasn't ready," she admits, crediting mentor Penni Vachon, APRN with providing the accountability she needed to finally set a launch date. With 19 patients already on her waitlist, Verlisha is positioned to quickly reach her six-month goal of 50 members.

The conversation explores practical considerations for practitioners considering similar hybrid models: pricing structures ($99/month for adults, $59/month for children), marketing strategies focused on community engagement rather than paid advertising, and the innovative cross-promotion of services that offers DPC members significant discounts on aesthetic treatments.

Perhaps most compelling is Verlisha's vision for healthcare delivery that refuses to be confined by traditional boundaries. "I want to position my clinic to be the go-to and the leading premier wellness clinic for health, wellness and beauty," she explains, rejecting advice to "niche down" in favor of comprehensive care that meets multiple patient needs in one location.

Whether you're contemplating opening your own practice, considering adding new service lines, or simply looking for inspiration to move past self-imposed limitations, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone who's taking the leap right now. Connect with us on social media to continue the conversation about innovative practice models and the future of healthcare delivery.

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Transforming a medical practice from a startup to a thriving, scalable business requires far more than clinical excellence. In this revealing conversation with physician assistant Brian Fretwell, we uncover the missing piece that prevents many direct primary care practices from reaching their full potential: a comprehensive operating system.

Brian shares the journey that led him to create the DPC Momentum Model after hitting his own plateau and experiencing burnout despite escaping the traditional fee-for-service system. His framework addresses the fundamental mindset shift required to evolve from provider to CEO—moving from compliance to leadership, perfectionism to progress, and from delivering care to building systems that deliver care.

At the heart of Brian's model is the Clarity Compass, a powerful tool that serves as your strategic foundation and decision-making filter. This document connects your purpose, values, and vision to concrete 90-day milestones that drive consistent execution. We explore how the momentum framework creates focus through impact metrics, mission alignment meetings, and an opportunity board that transforms problems into growth catalysts.

Perhaps most fascinating is Brian's perspective on scaling with additional providers. Rather than the typical "just do what I do" approach that creates bottlenecks, his model establishes clear guardrails based on core values while allowing flexibility for individual strengths. The result? A culture that naturally attracts aligned team members and patients while building internal leadership pathways.

For those feeling overwhelmed or plateaued in their DPC journey, Brian offers surprisingly simple yet profound advice: invest in yourself through daily reading and thinking time, then leverage your existing network by simply asking for what you want. With his guidance, you can transform your practice from surviving to truly thriving.

Ready to stop flying blind and build a practice with true momentum? Listen now and discover how to create the clarity, accountability, and financial sustainability your DPC deserves.

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Imagine trading the stress of seven-minute patient visits and two hours of nightly charting for a practice where you can truly connect with patients in a space that smells like apples instead of alcohol. That's exactly what Katlyn Agosta did when she founded Papaya Primary Care in Valrico, Florida—a journey she shares with remarkable candor in this captivating episode.

As a type 1 diabetic since age 15, Katlyn brings unique expertise and passion to her work with patients facing metabolic challenges. Her path from inpatient diabetes educator to burnt-out corporate healthcare provider to DPC owner offers a blueprint for nurse practitioners contemplating similar transitions. With refreshing honesty, she reveals the practical realities of starting from scratch—from finding affordable equipment on Facebook Marketplace to the emotional rollercoaster of building a patient panel that currently stands at 17 members.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is that we're catching Katlyn at the beginning of her DPC journey, when every detail of getting started remains fresh. She shares specific pricing strategies ($75/month with a focus on metabolic syndrome patients), marketing approaches that actually work (local Facebook groups outperforming paid advertising), and practical considerations like EMR selection (she chose Hint) and finding clinical space (she rents 125 square feet within an aesthetics practice).

Beyond the business aspects, Katlyn's story illuminates the profound personal transformation possible through DPC. "I'm just now in a space in time where I can create connections," she reflects, describing how she's finally able to chaperone her son's field trip and pursue interests beyond medicine. Her vibrant clinic with its eye-catching mural represents not just a business but a philosophy—healthcare that feels welcoming rather than clinical.

Whether you're a seasoned DPC provider, considering opening your own practice, or simply interested in healthcare alternatives, this conversation offers invaluable insights into creating a practice built on connection, autonomy, and balance. Ready to reimagine what your professional life could be? Listen now and join Katlyn on her journey from burnout to breakthrough.

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John Rothwell's journey from Army medevac paramedic to owner of a thriving Direct Primary Care practice offers a blueprint for healthcare entrepreneurs seeking both clinical and business success. With over 1,000 patients and three nurse practitioners at Island Direct Primary Care in Florida, Rothwell demonstrates how values-based healthcare can create sustainable, profitable practices.

The foundation of Rothwell's approach rests on two core pillars: "God, family, and community" paired with a commitment to being "loving, encouraging, and empowering." This philosophy shapes everything from patient interactions to business decisions, creating a practice that stands out in a crowded healthcare marketplace.

After experiencing traditional healthcare's frustrations firsthand, Rothwell leveraged his diverse background in emergency medicine and technology sales to reimagine primary care delivery. Starting as the first DPC in his county five years ago, he built his practice through initial word-of-mouth referrals, strategic partnerships, and eventually hiring a dedicated marketing professional. This methodical growth approach has yielded remarkable results despite charging premium prices ($99/month for adults, $49/month for children) – 25-40% higher than local competitors.

What truly distinguishes Rothwell's model is his investment in people. Rather than following the typical lean DPC approach, he prioritizes quality staffing, offering nurse practitioners 28-hour workweeks, uncapped PTO, and a clear salary progression from $100,000 to $150,000 plus profit-sharing. This focus on practitioner wellbeing translates directly to patient experience, with providers having the time and energy to deliver exceptional care.

Rothwell's strategic innovations extend beyond staffing to include free medications for patients, specialized functional medicine programs at premium pricing ($4,800-5,500 for six months), and carefully designed technology systems. Now planning his third and fourth clinic locations, including out-of-state expansion, he offers aspiring DPC owners crucial advice: "Don't go at it alone," and "If you're not ready to make less and live more, then being an entrepreneur early on in DPC is probably not for you."

Ready to transform your healthcare practice or start your own DPC journey? Connect with like-minded practitioners, find mentors who've walked this path, and remember that sustainable success comes from putting values before profits. Your patients—and your quality of life—will thank you.

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Terri Pinder, a nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience, joins us for an enlightening episode exploring how she combines her passion for horticulture with healthcare through the innovative Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. Discover how her unique practice, "Intentionally Well," emphasizes not only functional medicine but also the importance of community engagement and education in health.

Throughout her journey, Terri shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges and the critical need for autonomy in healthcare, highlighting the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships with patients. She offers a glimpse of her approach, which focuses on holistic wellness, promoting not just the physical health of her patients but encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles through workshops on gardening and wellness.

This episode challenges conventional wisdom surrounding medical practice, diving into how entrepreneurship can foster innovation in healthcare delivery. With her extraordinary experience and wisdom, Terri inspires both current and aspiring practitioners to explore their paths in healthcare and redefine success beyond numbers and productivity. Join us for this inspiring discussion, and discover the myriad ways you can also cultivate health and wellness in your communities. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts!

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