Nov 34 min read

Married with Children While Transitioning to DPC from Academia: Dr. Katie Brang & Dr. Ryan Brang

Direct Primary Care Doctors

In the latest episode of the "My DPC Story Podcast," host Dr. Maryal Concepcion sits down with Drs. Ryan and Katie Brang to delve into the multifaceted world of Direct Primary Care (DPC). The episode provides valuable insights into their career transition, the operational nuances of their practice, and the profound impact of community involvement on their journey. This blog post explores these themes in greater detail, offering a rounded perspective on the Brangs' inspiring story and the broader DPC landscape.

Thoughtful Career Transition

Drs. Ryan and Katie Brang, both seasoned family physicians, made a significant career pivot by shifting from academic medicine to opening their own DPC practice — North Country Health. Strategically timed with their children's school schedules, they opened the practice in September 2022. Ryan initially harbored reservations about transitioning to DPC, a sentiment many physicians share. However, after in-depth research and support from fellow doctors, both Ryan and Katie were convinced of the benefits of this model.

The transition involved a meticulous approach to ensure financial stability. Katie continued working in her previous role for financial support, while careful planning helped them handle initial challenges such as paying rent before revenue generation. Their experience underscores the importance of having a sustainable strategy when making such a substantial career shift.

Valuing Professional Connections

Maintaining professional relationships is paramount for the Brangs', who have adopted various strategies to foster these connections, especially in rural settings where healthcare providers are fewer. The episode touches on sending thank you cards to fellow physician offices, attending medical staff events, and joining local book clubs to keep these connections strong. Their efforts extend to participating in community and professional events, enhancing their visibility and integration within the medical community.

Patient Relationships: Personal and Involved

In DPC, the doctor-patient relationship is not just about medical care; it’s deeply personal and involves open communication. The Brangs' conduct meet and greets with patients to set clear expectations and build robust, trusting relationships. These introductory meetings vary depending on the patient's familiarity with the DPC model and can be particularly comprehensive for those new to the system.

This approach pays dividends in patient satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to the organic growth of their practice through referrals and community reputation. Their involvement goes beyond just medical care; it’s rooted in building a supportive and informed community.

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Transparency and Savings

One of the standout benefits of DPC is cost transparency, which the Brangs' leverage to offer value to their patients. They highlight significant savings on medications and lab work, offering choices often cheaper than insurance co-pays. For patients without adequate insurance, the practice provides cash price lists for services like ultrasounds and X-rays, facilitating informed and cost-conscious healthcare decisions.

Strategic Partnerships

The Brangs' have cultivated strategic partnerships with local service providers to ensure high-quality care for their patients. They collaborate with local OB providers and a hospitalist team for services they no longer cover, maintaining patient advocacy and continuity of care.

Lifestyle and Financial Management

A key element of the Brangs' story is their intention to prioritize personal and family time over higher earnings. They describe their financial comfort as living within their means, having paid off significant student loans, and managing an affordable lifestyle. This intentional financial simplicity — driving older vehicles, remodeling their home slowly, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions — underscores their philosophy of balanced, meaningful living.

Autonomy and Well-being

Autonomy in their professional lives has enabled Ryan and Katie to indulge in personal wellness routines and family activities. The flexibility of the DPC model offers them opportunities previously unattainable under the restrictive corporate model. Katie’s background of working intense schedules, especially in rural hospital settings, now contrasts with a manageable and fulfilling DPC practice, allowing both personal and professional satisfaction.

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Community Engagement

The Brangs’ practice thrives on community engagement rather than aggressive marketing. Their emphasis on organic growth through patient experiences, word-of-mouth referrals, and participation in local events has proven effective. Dr. Concepcion also highlights the significant role patient experiences play in growing a practice’s reputation.

This grassroots approach ensures that new patients' integration is smooth and steady, allowing Ryan and Katie to focus on quality care and maintaining strong patient relationships.

The journey of Drs. Ryan and Katie Brang exemplifies the transformative power of Direct Primary Care. Their strategic transition, commitment to relationship-building, financial transparency, and community involvement are lessons for any physician considering the DPC model. Through this comprehensive approach, they illustrate that DPC is not just a healthcare model but a pathway to meaningful and fulfilling practice, fostering deep connections and improving patient care in profound ways.