My DPC Journey - Part 2
“Timing is everything”
This is a well known phrase with a lot of truth behind it, but in the world of patient care, one based on years of interaction with thousands of people whom you’ve gotten to know very well, and who rely on you for their very health, there is no such thing as good timing when you’ve decided to leave your practice. I realized in late 2021 that direct primary care was ultimately what I desired to do, but the timing conundrum kept me questioning that decision.
Knowing how many individuals (both patients and colleagues) might be saddened or burdened by my departure caused a lot of doubt to enter my mind, but when you believe in an idea strongly enough, and you know that it is the right decision for you, eventually you have to face it head on. What I needed next was a proper plan.
The fine line between cautiousness and inertia
Starting a small business is hard work, and it takes a lot of time to do it properly in order to set yourself up for success. There is far more complexity involved when the business is in an industry as heavily regulated as healthcare. More than a year prior to formally announcing my career transition, I hired a brand designer. With her support and expertise we created my eventual practice identity. We identified our focus, our mission statement, logo, color scheme and a website. That, as it turns out, was the easy part. More challenging for me was figuring out exactly how I would support my family between the day I leave my steady job and being profitable enough in my DPC practice to support us. This was a huge mental obstacle for me, and one that I admit I am still grappling with. But the longer I sat on the sidelines, waiting for just the right situation to present itself, the more I realized there really is no such thing. It is all a risk, and I had to have faith in myself and my abilities to figure it out as I go.
Making the leap
I took a part-time role within the same organization as a float pool physician. This would allow me the necessary flexibility and free time to complete the dozens of tasks required in starting a business from scratch. I formed an LLC and obtained a tax ID number. I opened business banking and checking accounts. I opened a business credit card account. I made extensive lists of necessary equipment, supplies, and office furnishings. I wrote a detailed business plan. I studied DPC experts and took a course on starting a DPC practice. I established Momentum DPC social media presences. I continue to flesh out and refine my website. I started this blog.
With each step I completed, Momentum Direct Primary Care began to feel more and more real. In clearing each hurdle, my confidence has grown. There remains however, the biggest and perhaps most important hurdle of them all. Commercial real estate.
To be continued in a future installment.
In the meantime, you and your friends and family are invited to pre-enroll with Momentum DPC to reserve your spot. Pre-enrollment is free, and you may opt out at any time before we go live. Keep in mind that I will never accept more than 600 patients in order to ensure that each member gets the time and attention they deserve, and the unprecedented access to their doctor that direct primary care makes possible.
