IFM | Direct Primary Care: Building Autonomy, Access and Sustainability

IFM | Direct Primary Care: Building Autonomy, Access and Sustainability  AAFP Vice President of Practice Advancement Dr. Karen Johnson, PhD, welcomes Dr. Maryal Concepcion, MD, FAAFP, a full-scope family physician, founder and CEO of Big Trees MD, and host of the My DPC Story podcast, to discuss direct primary care (DPC) as an evolving practice model for family physicians. Drawing from her own transition out of corporate medicine, Dr. Concepcion shares how DPC has allowed her to build a sustainable practice centered on physician autonomy, meaningful patient relationships, and comprehensive, community-focused care.  The conversation explores Dr. Concepcion's journey into family medicine and direct primary care, practical considerations for launching and growing a DPC practice, strategies for managing financial and operational challenges, and the flexibility DPC provides to meet community needs. She also discusses common misconceptions about direct primary care, improving access to care in rural and underserved communities, and why supporting diverse practice models is essential to the future of family medicine.  Topics by Timestamp  00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction  02:13 Why Family Medicine  05:04 Transitioning from Corporate Medicine to Direct Primary Care  09:15 Launching a DPC Practice and Lessons Learned  12:16 Financial and Operational Decisions for Long-Term Sustainability  16:15 Growing the Practice and Managing Risk  19:30 Building a Direct Primary Care Practice  21:30 Improving Access Through Transparent, Patient-Centered Care  24:24 Expanding Community Services Through Innovation  26:47 Addressing Equity and Access in Direct Primary Care  30:33 Supporting Diverse Practice Models and the Future of Family Medicine  32:07 Closing Remarks  Clinician Resources: Direct Primary Care https://www.aafp.org/practice-operati... Patient Resources: Direct Primary Care for Patients https://familydoctor.org/direct-prima... Related AAFP CME Activities: DPC Summit https://www.dpcsummit.org/ DPC Summit on Demand https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/t... Business Fundamentals for New Physicians https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/t... Medical Practice Management Essentials https://www.aafp.org/cme-and-events/t... Disclaimer  Copyright 2026. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of the American Academy of Family Physicians.