DPC Nuts & Bolts 2024: Insights from the Conference

DPC Nuts & Bolts is one of the most remarkable conferences for physicians interested in starting their DPC practice or learning insights for growing their practices. The conference in 2024 took place from March 14-16 in Orlando, Florida, and brought together over 200 attendees. 

With a gathering of some of the most forward-thinking professionals in healthcare, the event was nothing short of inspiring. Today, we're excited to share some of the standout moments and learnings.

How DPC Nuts & Bolts Promotes Connections

The audience at the conference was fairly balanced between established practices, startup practices, and residents already considering opening a practice. Upon receiving their credentials and badges, each attendee was given a sticker to signify their current stage.

Our SigmaMD team attended as both attendees and exhibitors, and it was gratifying to observe how this movement is growing and the collaboration among physicians.

Agenda Highlights at DPC Nuts & Bolts

On Friday, March 15th, the conference featured three insightful panels. The first panel, titled “The Physician Change Leaders,” brought together Dr. Michelle Cooke, Dr. Jade Norris, and Dr. Rebekah Bernard. They explored topics such as overcoming fear to launch a DPC practice, achieving work-life balance and setting boundaries, and the role of the independent physician as a leader of change.

The second panel delved into “The Principles and the Practical,” featuring Dr. Chad Savage and Dr. Paul Thomas. 

Dr. Thomas shared the Plum Health Case, detailing how he transformed his practice's revenue from $90 to $1,000,000. He discussed the compounding effect of attracting patients to your practice, inspiring other doctors to emulate your approach, and fostering continuous growth within your organization. Additionally, Dr. Thomas highlighted leadership principles implemented at Plum Health.

The third panel of the day was about demystifying healthcare costs. Carl Scheussler, Dr. Lee Gross, and Vince Sica explored how DPC, free market principles, and innovative health plan designs can help save rural healthcare.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Marty Makary, the author of two New York Times bestselling books: "The Price We Pay" and "Unaccountable." As a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, he leads an initiative on the “re-design of health care” to make healthcare more affordable, especially for vulnerable populations.

The Next Day

On the last day of the conference, breakout sessions were divided into Startup & Established Practices. On the Startup side, some topics covered were legal challenges for the startup DPC practice, setting up your practice, determining services, and marketing strategies.

On the established practice side, the panel discussed assessing growth and innovation for established practices, full-scope Direct Primary Care and Direct Specialty Care, and DPC working with employer groups.

The day concluded with procedures trainings led by specialists:

• Dermatologic procedures, suturing, biopsies - Dr. Beth Goldstein
• Joint injections - Dr. Diana Girnita
• Podiatric procedures for the primary care physician - Dr. Tea Nguyen
• Phlebotomy - Dr. Lara Kenney
• Urologic Procedures in Primary Care - Dr. Ori Hampel

Exhibiting SigmaMD at DPC Nuts & Bolts

The conference also featured an exhibition hall with around 19 companies, including SigmaMD. Engaging with physicians face-to-face, discussing the advantages of Direct Care, and gathering invaluable feedback has been amazing and has affirmed that we're on the right mission to empower an ecosystem united by the belief that healthcare should be more human and affordable.

We showcased SigmaMD's All-in-One solution, including the AI Copilot and its impressive advancements in our Population Health Management features. At SigmaMD, we're committed to supporting the DPC movement and leveraging the latest innovations to empower patients and clinicians alike!

As the conference drew to a close, attendees left feeling inspired and empowered to drive positive change in the world of healthcare. DPC Nuts & Bolts 2024 was a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and transformation in the DPC community.