A typical Day in our DPC Office

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella discuss their daily routines as Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatricians. They share insights into their schedules, patient interactions, and how they maintain work-life balance while providing personalized care.

Key Highlights:

• Flexible & Customized Schedules:

  • Dr. Boucher structures his day to finish by 4:30 PM, ensuring quality time with his family.

  • Dr. Capella prefers starting at 10 AM, incorporating personal time in the mornings and offering evening/weekend appointments for accessibility.

• Morning Routines:

  • Checking messages and planning patient visits is a priority before seeing patients.

• Patient Care & Appointment Flow:

  • DPC allows for longer, unhurried patient visits (30-60 minutes).

  • Visits include sick checks, ADHD/autism evaluations, and integrative consults.

  • The ability to handle minor issues virtually (text, voice, or telemedicine) helps optimize in-person visits.

• Boundaries & Avoiding Burnout:

  • Setting expectations early is crucial—patients must understand when to expect responses and what level of care is provided after hours.

  • Personal flexibility allows occasional after-hours care, but pediatricians must avoid over-promising and setting unsustainable precedents.

  • The challenge of balancing accessibility and personal life requires discipline.

• Key Takeaways:

  • Every DPC practice is unique, shaped by the physician’s lifestyle and priorities.

  • Clear communication with patients prevents unrealistic expectations.

  • Maintaining boundaries is essential to prevent recreating the burnout of traditional fee-for-service models.

Final Thoughts:

Dr. Boucher and Dr. Capella emphasize that DPC offers unparalleled flexibility, but success depends on structuring schedules and boundaries wisely. Their conversation highlights the rewarding yet challenging aspects of running a DPC practice while ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance.