Is burnout making you question your future in medicine? You’re not alone. For many physicians, the pressures of traditional healthcare lead to stress, exhaustion, and a loss of purpose. But what if there was another way?

In this powerful episode of The Finding Financial Freedom Podcast, host Dr. Disha Spath sits down with Monica McKitterick, a physician who walked away from burnout and built a thriving Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Monica opens up about the real challenges and rewards of DPC—what it takes to start from scratch, how to set boundaries without sacrificing patient care, and the financial strategies that make this model sustainable.

Whether you’re curious if DPC could be your dream job, or you’re preparing to make the leap yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights, cautionary tales, and inspiring takeaways.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Is DPC a dream job or a disaster?

• Monica shares the truth about life as a DPC provider, from freedom to challenges.

2. The Leap from Traditional Healthcare to DPC

• Why she left a broken system for a model that prioritizes patients.

3. Financial Prep for First-Time DPC Physicians

• Smart steps to take before transitioning

4. Traits of a Successful DPC Provider

• The personality strengths (and pitfalls) that determine long-term success.

5. Building Boundaries Without Breaking Your Practice

• How Monica protects her time while keeping patients happy

6. Hiring on a Budget 

• Tips for growing your team without overwhelming overhead.

7. Marketing Your DPC Practice 

• How to attract patients while staying true to your values.

Listener Takeaways:

• Learn how to recover from burnout and rebuild a fulfilling medical career.
• Discover what it really takes to start a DPC practice from scratch.
• Get practical tips on financial planning, hiring, and marketing for your DPC clinic.
• Find out if DPC is the right path for you—or if it might feel like a disaster.

Resources Mentioned:

• DPC Dream Job or Total Disaster by Monica McKitterick
• Want to learn more about DPC? Check out: thedpcformula.com 
• OnlineJobs.ph

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Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Monica McKitterick, DPC Formula

Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath. Today, we’re joined by Carl Hall CFA, a wealth advisor at CapTrust who helps individuals and families manage their financial lives and achieve their unique goals. CapTrust specializes in delivering financial planning, portfolio management, and investment advice—helping clients navigate complex decisions with confidence.

In this episode, Carl dives into the often-overlooked connection between healthcare decisions, price transparency, and retirement planning. From choosing the right health plan during open enrollment to understanding how HSA’s can strengthen your retirement security, Carl breaks down how your medical choices today can significantly impact your financial freedom tomorrow.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Making Smart Open Enrollment Decisions

• Why many people miss out on the optimal health plan and how to avoid common mistakes.

2. Understanding Health Plan Costs

• The real impact of premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance on your finances.

3. Affording Healthcare in Retirement

• Strategies to prepare for medical costs later in life.

4. The Shoeboxing Approach

• A practical method for tracking healthcare expenses.

5. FSA vs. HSA

• The key differences and why HSAs can be a powerful retirement tool.

6. Changes in the DPC Ecosystem

• What’s new and how it affects both patients and providers.

7. Healthcare Price Transparency & Retirement Security

• How knowing the cost of care can protect your long-term finances.

8. Aligning Provider & Patient Interests

• Why DPC providers should have the same goals as their patients.

Listener Takeaways:

• How your healthcare plan choice can directly impact your retirement savings.
• Why HSAs are a game-changer for long-term financial health.
• The value of price transparency in protecting your future wealth.
• How to align healthcare decisions with your financial freedom goals.

Resources Mentioned:

• CapTrust
• Price Transparency Tools 

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Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Carl Hall CFA, Wealth Adviser at CapTrust

In this episode, Dr. Disha Spath is joined by his husband Josh Spath to break down the sweeping legislation dubbed “The Big Beautiful Bill,” passed on July 4th—and what it could mean for your medical practice, finances, and future.

From Medicaid and CHIP cuts to student loan shifts and personal tax changes, Josh and Disha unpack the potential ripple effects on physicians, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. If you're a medical professional trying to stay ahead of policy changes and protect your financial well-being, this one’s for you.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Big Beautiful Bill: Overview & Impact

• How this newly passed bill could reshape the healthcare and financial landscape.

2. Medicaid & CHIP Cuts: Who’s Most Affected?

• The real-world impact on low-income families, children, and legal immigrants.

3. What the Bill Means for Doctors

• Coverage changes, patient eligibility, and why physicians should pay attention.

4. The Silver Lining: Opportunities in Chaos

• What benefits or reform might come out of the bill's implementation?

5. ACA Health Plan Categories

• A breakdown of Bronze, Silver, and Platinum tiers and how they fit into evolving patient care models.

6. Student Loans: What’s Next?

• Navigating the Repayment Assistance Plan vs. the Standard Repayment Plan.

7. Your Taxes Might Shift Too

• What you need to know about potential changes in personal taxes.

Listener Takeaways:

• How upcoming Medicaid and CHIP changes may affect your practice.
• What legal immigrants stand to lose—and why it matters to all of us.
• How DPC memberships may become more relevant in a post-Bill landscape.
• What to expect in student loan repayment and how to plan for it.
• Why staying informed on healthcare policy is critical for your financial freedom.

Connect with Us:

Host: Dr. Disha Spath and Josh Spath, The Frugal Physician

Earned Wealth: Earned's unique Doctor Wealth Playbook includes tax planning, investing, insurance, career advisory, and more. It’s a holistic approach from advisors who get the financial pressures of your profession. And for a limited time, Frugal Physician listeners can visit Earned.com/Frugal for exclusive access to this comprehensive planning at a discounted rate.

Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath.

Today’s guest is Dr. Joseph Ryan Smolarz, M.D., M.B.A.—a board-certified surgeon turned social entrepreneur with a powerful story of reinvention. In this episode, Dr. Ryan shares his candid financial journey, from the operating room to business school, and how embracing entrepreneurship led him to a more fulfilling and financially secure life.

He unpacks the physician mindset shift that helped him navigate early mistakes, the surprisingly simple logic behind self-storage investing, and how his net worth transformed through calculated risk-taking and education.

Key Topics Covered:

1. From Medicine to Money Mastery

• How Dr. Ryan’s physician journey ignited his interest in financial literacy.

2. Why Self-Storage Stands Out in Real Estate

• Breaking down the complexity of commercial real estate—and why self-storage is the simplest entry point.

3. Learning Personal Finance from Scratch

• How Dr. Ryan went from financially overwhelmed to confident and capable.

4. How Dr. Ryan Dealt with His Transition from Being a Physician to Entrepreneurship

• The reactions he received from fellow physicians when he chose the entrepreneurial route.

5. Tracking the Financial Transformation

• How his net worth shifted as he embraced entrepreneurship, business school, and smart investing.

Listener Takeaways:

• Why commercial real estate—especially self-storage—might be worth exploring
•  How to start your financial education, no matter where you’re at
•  What to expect when you pivot from clinical work to entrepreneurship
•  Real talk on the personal and financial growth that follows bold decisions

Resources Mentioned:

• The Medicine and Money Show by Dr. Ryan Smolarz

Connect with Us:

Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Dr. Joseph Ryan Smolarz, M.D., M.B.A.

Earned Wealth: Earned's unique Doctor Wealth Playbook includes tax planning, investing, insurance, career advisory, and more. It’s a holistic approach from advisors who get the financial pressures of your profession. And for a limited time, Frugal Physician listeners can visit Earned.com/Frugal for exclusive access to this comprehensive planning at a discounted rate.

Welcome back to Finding Financial Freedom with Dr. Disha Spath!

In today’s episode, we’re reimagining the traditional path to retirement with the powerful idea of mini-retirements. Instead of waiting decades to enjoy your life, what if you could take intentional breaks throughout your career to recharge, pivot, and pursue passions?

Dr. Disha is joined by Jillian Johnsrud, a trailblazer in the mini-retirement movement. By age 40, Jillian had taken more than a dozen breaks, traveled to 27 countries, adopted four children, and built a life of freedom through intentional living and smart financial strategies. Together, they explore how you can take time off—without blowing up your career or finances.

Key Topics Covered:

1. From Burnout to Mini-Retirement

• How Jillian embedded financial independence into her lifestyle early on.

2. Designing Intentional Breaks

• Different “phases” of mini-retirements—and how each one serves a purpose.

3. Making It Work with Your Career

• Why even high-demand professionals (like physicians) can take sabbaticals.

4. Affording the Life You Want

• How much a mini-retirement actually costs—and how to plan for it.

5. Figuring Out How to Pull from Investments

• Planning your withdrawal strategy while staying financially independent.

6. Organizing Your Work So It's Not a Detriment but a Value Add

• How to organize your work and life to find balance

Listener Takeaways:

• You don’t have to wait until 65 to start living your dream life.
• Mini-retirements are not only possible—they can be career-enhancing.
• Sabbaticals are realistic for both employed and self-employed professionals.
• With the right mindset and financial strategy, anyone can afford a break.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: https://retireoften.com/ 
• Retire Often Book: https://retireoften.com/book/ 
• Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoften 
• Free Opt-In Worksheets: 
  • Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/ 
  • Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/ 
• Workbook: https://retireoften.com/workbook/ 
• Group Coaching: https://retireoften.com/group-coaching/ 
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/ 
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/ 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/ 
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud 

Connect with Us:

Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Follow Dr. Jillian on LinkedIn

Earned Wealth: Earned's unique Doctor Wealth Playbook includes tax planning, investing, insurance, career advisory, and more. It’s a holistic approach from advisors who get the financial pressures of your profession. And for a limited time, Frugal Physician listeners can visit Earned.com/Frugal for exclusive access to this comprehensive planning at a discounted rate.

In this episode of the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast, Dr. Disha Spath is joined by powerhouse physician entrepreneur Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, also known as Dr. Una—board-certified pediatrician, bestselling author, and founder of EntreMD.

Dr. Una built a seven-figure business while practicing medicine and raising four children—and now she’s on a mission to help 100,000 physicians do the same. Through her groundbreaking EntreMD Business School and top-ranked podcast, she’s changing the narrative around what's possible for doctors beyond the clinic.

This conversation unpacks the mindset, strategy, and vision behind her journey from overwhelmed clinician to CEO. Dr. Una shares how physicians can build profitable businesses, master leadership, and take ownership of their time, income, and purpose—without sacrificing their calling.

Key Topics Covered:

1. From Medicine to Mission

• How Dr. Una’s journey began with a love for medicine—and a desire for more freedom.
• The financial turning points that opened the door to entrepreneurship.

2. Becoming the CEO of Your Life

• Why most physicians aren’t trained to think like business owners—and how to change that.

3. The Mindset Shift

• The limiting beliefs physicians carry—and the mental reprogramming needed to succeed in business.

4. Making Success Inevitable

• Identifying your “why” and the strategy behind building a business that grows with you.
• What she teaches inside the EntreMD Business School makes results repeatable.

5. The DPC Model Explained

• What is Direct Primary Care and how does it create freedom for physicians and patients alike?
• How Dr. Una built her practice around access, care, and boundaries.

6. Creating Boundaries While Building Trust

• The art of saying “no” and still attracting your dream patients (and clients).
• How Dr. Una balances business, medicine, and motherhood.

7. Her Personal Practice Story

• What building her own practice taught her about entrepreneurship—and herself.
• How her experience shaped EntreMD and its mission to reach 100,000 physician entrepreneurs.

Listener Takeaways:

• Why physicians are uniquely positioned to be entrepreneurs
• How to create a business aligned with your values and lifestyle goals
• How to balance purpose, profit, and peace on your journey to financial freedom

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Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Dr. Nneka Unachukwu or Dr. Una

Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath. Today’s episode features a powerful and insightful conversation with Dr. Stephen Cohen—a seasoned physician and educator who’s been through the highs and lows of a medical career, including facing legal challenges head-on.

In this episode, we go deep into what it really means to be a doctor under legal fire. Dr. Cohen shares hard-earned wisdom on handling lawsuits, building emotional resilience, and maintaining clarity under pressure. This conversation is both grounding and empowering for every physician who fears or is currently facing litigation.

Key Topics Covered:

1. How to Emotionally Navigate a Lawsuit

• The emotional toll of being sued—and why it mirrors the five stages of grief.
• How to move from panic and shame to growth and acceptance.

2. Practical Tips for Physicians Facing Legal Action

• The power of community, mentorship, and legal education.
• What to do first when you’re served with a lawsuit.

3. Supervision and Liability

• What physicians in leadership roles need to know about autonomy and responsibility.
• How to protect yourself legally when overseeing others.

4. Becoming a Resilient Physician

• How to stay grounded when your identity feels shaken by legal or professional setbacks.

Listener Takeaways:

• How to reframe lawsuits as part of the medical journey—not a personal failure.
• Why it’s crucial to separate your worth from your wins and losses in court.
• How to build legal literacy and emotional resilience early in your career.

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Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Stephen M. Cohen, MD, MBA

If you're a physician striving for more than just financial security—if you're seeking joy, alignment, and meaning—this episode is your roadmap.

“Can money really buy happiness, or just comfort?” Let’s find out in today’s episode.

Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath. In this episode, we're doing something special—a collaborative episode with Dr. Elisa Chiang, host of the Grow Your Wealthy Mindset Podcast. Dr. Elisa is a practicing oculoplastic surgeon, certified life coach, and founder of Grow Your Wealthy Mindset, where she empowers physicians to take control of their finances and live with intention.

In this joint episode, we dive deep into the intersection of money, happiness, and intentional living.  Together, we explore how financial wellness supports happiness—but why it's not the whole picture. From personal insights on spending habits to reflections on physician burnout and values-driven choices, this conversation unpacks what it truly means to live a wealthy life—and find financial independence as physicians.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Does Money Buy Happiness?Why money contributes to happiness—but doesn’t guarantee it.

2. Value-Based Spending How aligning your spending with your values brings more satisfaction. When purchases become liabilities—emotionally and financially.

3. Physician Wellness for Doctors The pressure to “upgrade” lifestyle post-training and finding the path to financial wellness.

4. Trading Time for Money (Is It Worth It?) Why more income doesn’t always mean more happiness. How to eliminate lifestyle inflation and regain control of your finances.

5. Money and Happiness  Why achieving happiness as a physician requires active, ongoing work.  How coaching and self-reflection can lead to real balance.

Listener Takeaways:

• How to align money with your definition of a meaningful life.
• Why physicians often tie self-worth to income—and how to break free.
•  Practical ways to build happiness into your financial journey.
• How to stop trading time for money and start living intentionally.

Resources Mentioned:

• GrowYourWealthyMindset.com 
• The Grow Your Wealthy Mindset Podcast

Follow Dr. Elisa Chiang:

• Instagram:  @GrowYourWealthyMindset instagram
• Facebook: ElisaChiang

About the Co-Host:

Dr. Elisa Chiang is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, life coach, and host of the Grow Your Wealthy Mindset Podcast. She helps physicians take charge of their money and mindset to build a life of purpose, balance, and true wealth.

Connect with Us:

Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician

If you're a physician striving for more than just financial security—if you're seeking joy, alignment, and meaning—this episode is your roadmap.

Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath.

Today, we’re celebrating a major milestone—our 100th episode! In this special edition, Dr. Disha is joined by her husband and guest host, Josh, for a heartfelt conversation that traces her journey from burnout to bold new beginnings—including why she’s launching her very own Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice.

From wild adventures in the Amazon to the decision to leave traditional practice behind, Disha opens up about the pivotal life moments that shaped her medical path and her renewed commitment to building a career—and life—that aligns with her values.

Key Topics Covered:

1. What Sparked the Calling to Medicine Disha’s earliest motivations for becoming a doctor—and how those roots evolved.

2. Camping in the Amazon How an outdoor expedition became a transformative experience.

3. Medical School and Major Life Events Navigating med school while facing personal and professional challenges.

4. Falling in Love with the Outdoors How reconnecting with nature shifted her priorities and fueled change.

5. Financial Reset with Josh What it took for Disha and Josh to get on the same page financially.

6. The Burnout That Changed Everything Recognizing the toll of traditional medicine—and deciding to do things differently.

7. Why She’s Starting a DPC Practice What a Direct Primary Care model offers—and why this is her next chapter.

8. Keep the Frugal Physician GoingStarting a DPC while managing the Frugal Physician and Finding Financial Freedom Podcast

Listener Takeaways:

• The importance of aligning your work with your values.
• How to recognize and recover from physician burnout.
• Steps to reset your financial life as a couple.
• Why DPC may be the solution for doctors seeking autonomy and purpose.
• What it really looks like to pivot mid-career—with courage and clarity.

Connect with Us:

Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician

If you're a physician looking to take control of your career, finances, and future, this episode is a must-listen!

This episode is also sponsored by

Set for Life Insurance – Providing more than just insurance policies—they deliver personalized coverage and expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Whether you're looking for life, disability, or long-term care insurance, their team ensures you get the best protection at the most cost-effective rates.

With priority underwriting, special discounts, and access to top-rated insurers, they make securing your future simple and stress-free.

Take the next step in protecting what matters most. Visit setforlifeinsurance.com or call 1-888-553-3559 today.

In this episode of the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Alex Schloe, a physician and real estate investor who transitioned from a traditional path in medicine to a life of autonomy and financial freedom. If you're a physician seeking more control over your time, career, and finances—this conversation is for you.

Dr. Alex shares how his desire for flexibility and purpose led him to explore real estate, eventually finding success through residential assisted living and syndications. He breaks down how these investments create cash flow and how they can empower physicians to practice medicine on their own terms.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Dr. Alex’s Background From conventional medical training to pursuing autonomy through financial education and investing.

2. Starting the Real Estate Journey How Dr. Alex began investing in real estate and what sparked his interest.

3. Learning Syndication How he discovered real estate syndications and built confidence to get involved.

4. Residential Assisted Living Explained What it is, how it works, and why it's an opportunity for impact and profit.

5. Four Ways to Invest in Assisted Living Dr. Alex breaks down the different investment models available in this niche.

6. Cash Flow Potential A practical look at the cash flow potential in residential assisted living—and how it compares to traditional rental properties.

7. Practicing Medicine on Your Own Terms How real estate investing has allowed Dr. Alex to design a medical career that aligns with his passions and lifestyle.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Alex Schloe Website 
• Residential Assisted Living Academy
• Physicians and Properties Podcast

Listener Takeaways:

• You don’t need to leave medicine to take control of your time—you need financial freedom.
• Real estate investing, especially in assisted living, can provide both profit and purpose.
• Syndications and assisted living are powerful tools for physicians looking to diversify income.
• Autonomy is achievable with the right education and network.

Connect with Us:

• Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician

• Guest: Dr. Alex Schloe, Physician and Real Estate Investor

This episode is also sponsored by

Set for Life Insurance – Providing more than just insurance policies—they deliver personalized coverage and expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Whether you're looking for life, disability, or long-term care insurance, their team ensures you get the best protection at the most cost-effective rates.

With priority underwriting, special discounts, and access to top-rated insurers, they make securing your future simple and stress-free.

Take the next step in protecting what matters most. Visit setforlifeinsurance.com or call 1-888-553-3559 today.