Key Highlights:

* Journey into Direct Primary Care (DPC)

* Dr. Amber Hull transitioned to DPC after a disability from a femur fracture in 2021 forced her to reevaluate her career.

* She created Village Pediatrics, a low-overhead, concierge-style pediatric practice that focuses on house calls and direct patient access.

* Her practice primarily serves children under five, with many families joining during pregnancy.

* Postpartum Health & Women's Care

* Dr. Hull integrates maternal health into her pediatric care, recognizing the impact of postpartum hormone shifts on women's well-being.

* She educates families on the similarities between postpartum and menopausal hormonal changes, emphasizing issues like vaginal atrophy, decreased libido, and emotional challenges.

* She collaborates with pelvic floor therapists and mental health professionals to support new mothers holistically.

* Challenges in Postpartum Care

* The healthcare system inadequately prepares parents for postpartum challenges, including relationship changes and physical recovery.

* Many women experience a lack of medical guidance in navigating postpartum hormonal shifts and intimacy concerns.

* Dr. Hull encourages open conversations with both parents to foster understanding and support during postpartum transitions.

* DPC as a Sustainable Model

* Dr. Hull discusses the benefits of DPC in allowing her to balance patient care with self-care.

* She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, outsourcing non-medical tasks (e.g., bookkeeping, marketing), and maintaining financial sustainability.

* Unlike traditional healthcare models, DPC allows her to cultivate direct relationships with specialists and community resources.

* Resources & Continuing Education

* Dr. Hull is an advocate for improving physician knowledge in postpartum and sexual health.

* Recommended resources:

* International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)

* Menopause Society

* Dr. Kelly Casperson's book & podcast: You Are Not Broken

* She will be speaking on menopause and intimacy at an upcoming medical conference.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Hull’s approach to DPC highlights the need for integrative, patient-focused care in pediatrics. By addressing postpartum health alongside infant care, she provides a holistic model that benefits both mothers and children. Her story is an inspiring example of how physicians can reshape their practice to align with both their values and well-being.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com