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

Additional Resources

Clinician Resources:

• Direct Primary Care

Patient Resources:

• Direct Primary Care for Patients

Related AAFP CME Activities:

• DPC Summit

• DPC Summit on Demand

• Business Fundamentals for New Physicians

• Medical Practice Management Essentials

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.