DPC Beginners Resources
My Favorites & Some Advice
There are so many resources available now for doctors just learning about DPC or planning their own practice. These are some of my favorites from when I started my DPC journey. (I have no affiliation nor do I get any kickbacks from any of these. I just really like them.)
👉 But first, if you're just opening your practice or DPC curious, it's imperative for you to find your DPC family. Most lay people know little to nothing about DPC so they don't understand the stresses of opening a DPC practice. Even your own colleagues might be thinking "yeah, good luck with that!"
So go to the annual DPC Summit, go to a DPC Alliance Mastermind or another Direct Specialty mastermind and meet all the people that you can. Visit nearby DPC practices. Read the books listed below, listen to the podcasts and scour the websites.
Get into the private DPC Docs or DPC Women Facebook groups and read everything there (ask me if you need an invitation). Don't be afraid to ask questions in the groups. DPC docs are the friendliest docs and we want all new DPC's to succeed!
DPC Books
Real paper book, Kindle, or audio book, these are like the DPC bibles. They're all linked to Amazon but you could also purchase through other places online.
The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Practice by Dr. Doug Farrago
This was the first DPC book that I read, and I mean, I tore through this book. It's so full of helpful info, and you'll learn what it means to tell someone to "Be Well". He has 2 other books (also on Amazon), the 2nd is also incredibly instructional and the 3rd is a DPC Journal with prompts.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Startup DPC: How To Start And Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice by Dr. Paul Thomas
I think this was the second DPC book that I read. Dr. Thomas lays it out step by step. Just follow along and you'll be well on your way.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Sparks Start Fires: A Guide for Dreamers Who Are Also Doctors by Dr. Julie Gunther
This book made me cry. Dr. Gunther is an amazing writer and her story will make you cry too, but good tears. Her checklist is also chef's kiss. Your brain will be so full of ideas after reading this and the 2 previous books.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Magic, Pixie Dust, and Miracles: A Guide for Direct Primary Care and Employers by Dr. Shane Purcell
This book made me cry. Dr. Gunther is an amazing writer and her story will make you cry too, but good tears. Her checklist is also chef's kiss. Your brain will be so full of ideas after reading this and the 2 previous books.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
This is the only book on this list that I haven't read/listened to. Dr. Jasper released this book in 2024, after we opened. He also has a very interesting podcast Byja Radio.
DPC Beginners Resources
My Favorites & Some Advice
There are so many resources available now for doctors just learning about DPC or planning their own practice. These are some of my favorites from when I started my DPC journey. (I have no affiliation nor do I get any kickbacks from any of these. I just really like them.)
👉 But first, if you're just opening your practice or DPC curious, it's imperative for you to find your DPC family. Most lay people know little to nothing about DPC so they don't understand the stresses of opening a DPC practice. Even your own colleagues might be thinking "yeah, good luck with that!"
So go to the annual DPC Summit, go to a DPC Alliance Mastermind or another Direct Specialty mastermind and meet all the people that you can. Visit nearby DPC practices. Read the books listed below, listen to the podcasts and scour the websites.
Get into the private DPC Docs or DPC Women Facebook groups and read everything there (ask me if you need an invitation). Don't be afraid to ask questions in the groups. DPC docs are the friendliest docs and we want all new DPC's to succeed!
DPC Books
Real paper book, Kindle, or audio book, these are like the DPC bibles. They're all linked to Amazon but you could also purchase through other places online.
The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Practice by Dr. Doug Farrago
This was the first DPC book that I read, and I mean, I tore through this book. It's so full of helpful info, and you'll learn what it means to tell someone to "Be Well". He has 2 other books (also on Amazon), the 2nd is also incredibly instructional and the 3rd is a DPC Journal with prompts.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Startup DPC: How To Start And Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice by Dr. Paul Thomas
I think this was the second DPC book that I read. Dr. Thomas lays it out step by step. Just follow along and you'll be well on your way.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Sparks Start Fires: A Guide for Dreamers Who Are Also Doctors by Dr. Julie Gunther
This book made me cry. Dr. Gunther is an amazing writer and her story will make you cry too, but good tears. Her checklist is also chef's kiss. Your brain will be so full of ideas after reading this and the 2 previous books.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Magic, Pixie Dust, and Miracles: A Guide for Direct Primary Care and Employers by Dr. Shane Purcell
This book made me cry. Dr. Gunther is an amazing writer and her story will make you cry too, but good tears. Her checklist is also chef's kiss. Your brain will be so full of ideas after reading this and the 2 previous books.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
This is the only book on this list that I haven't read/listened to. Dr. Jasper released this book in 2024, after we opened. He also has a very interesting podcast Byja Radio.
Business Books
Here are some other books to help with business and that mindset shift towards money and selling that you need when changing to DPC.
I always recommend this book to any new DPC doc starting out. It's best to read it before opening! If you like audiobooks, this one is a great listen.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
This book teaches you to think differently about "sales". Most doctors feel icky about "selling", so this helps shift that mindset into "serving".
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Confession time: we didn't have a business plan when we started. (The DPC books were so good at guiding us through the startup!) But, we should have had a business plan when we started the aesthetics side of the practice. This is the simplest plan, but it takes you through all of the essentials when creating your offer and your business.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Dr. Una is a force, period, full stop. She helps doctor entrepreneurs succeed. Must read.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Don't be fooled by his gym rat attire, Hormozi is a business rock star. This book and his other book $100 Million Dollar Leads are a masterclass in marketing. His podcast, The Game is fascinating, I can binge his shows for hours. He has another book coming out August 2025. (I'm on the waitlist!)
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Business Books
Here are some other books to help with business and that mindset shift towards money and selling that you need when changing to DPC.
I always recommend this book to any new DPC doc starting out. It's best to read it before opening! If you like audiobooks, this one is a great listen.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
This book teaches you to think differently about "sales". Most doctors feel icky about "selling", so this helps shift that mindset into "serving".
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Confession time: we didn't have a business plan when we started. (The DPC books were so good at guiding us through the startup!) But, we should have had a business plan when we started the aesthetics side of the practice. This is the simplest plan, but it takes you through all of the essentials when creating your offer and your business.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Dr. Una is a force, period, full stop. She helps doctor entrepreneurs succeed. Must read.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Don't be fooled by his gym rat attire, Hormozi is a business rock star. This book and his other book $100 Million Dollar Leads are a masterclass in marketing. His podcast, The Game is fascinating, I can binge his shows for hours. He has another book coming out August 2025. (I'm on the waitlist!)
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
DPC Websites & Media
You can easily google DPC info on the web or chatGPT, but just go to these sites. These are some of the best resources out there.
I started this podcast to help DPC curious physicians see how others have built their practices to fit their lives. I also post Coaching Calls with brand new DPC docs, working with them on their elevator pitches and ways to get their message out to the public. Please listen and share with another doctor who needs to hear it!
Dr. Maryal Concepcion started this podcast and website our of frustation with the FFS system. When we started, I binged every episode at least once or twice (or more) to glean every bit of information and inspiration that I could grab. You have to listen to all the episode if you're even thinking about starting a DPC.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Taken straight from their website, the DPC Alliance is:
Helping DPC Doctors
Providing education, mentorship, and advocacy for Direct Primary Care Physicians
Started by DPC doctors for DPC doctors, the Alliance provides education, resources, discounts and invaluable support for all DPC docs. All of the board members and original founders are incredible people who would bleed for DPC.
Just about every legality re: DPC is addressed in this incredible website from Dr. Philip Eskew, DO, JD. The DPC Mapper can help you find nearby DPC's if you want to visit and pick their brain about opening a DPC.
Atlas.MD created a very thorough startup guide for DPCs, plus they have links to many other resources to help you get started. And it's free!
Alexa Torres has everything for the new DPC doc, from branding to creating a gorgeous website. She can do it for you or if you're more the DIY type, she has a DIY program available too! She also has a podcast about branding and marketing in the direct care space: The Kli'nishen's Atelier
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
DPC Websites & Media
You can easily google DPC info on the web or chatGPT, but just go to these sites. These are some of the best resources out there.
I started this podcast to help DPC curious physicians see how others have built their practices to fit their lives. I also post Coaching Calls with brand new DPC docs, working with them on their elevator pitches and ways to get their message out to the public. Please listen and share with another doctor who needs to hear it!
Dr. Maryal Concepcion started this podcast and website our of frustation with the FFS system. When we started, I binged every episode at least once or twice (or more) to glean every bit of information and inspiration that I could grab. You have to listen to all the episode if you're even thinking about starting a DPC.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Taken straight from their website, the DPC Alliance is:
Helping DPC Doctors
Providing education, mentorship, and advocacy for Direct Primary Care Physicians
Started by DPC doctors for DPC doctors, the Alliance provides education, resources, discounts and invaluable support for all DPC docs. All of the board members and original founders are incredible people who would bleed for DPC.
Just about every legality re: DPC is addressed in this incredible website from Dr. Philip Eskew, DO, JD. The DPC Mapper can help you find nearby DPC's if you want to visit and pick their brain about opening a DPC.
Atlas.MD created a very thorough startup guide for DPCs, plus they have links to many other resources to help you get started. And it's free!
Alexa Torres has everything for the new DPC doc, from branding to creating a gorgeous website. She can do it for you or if you're more the DIY type, she has a DIY program available too! She also has a podcast about branding and marketing in the direct care space: The Kli'nishen's Atelier
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Our DPC Office Tech
You can easily google DPC info on the web or chatGPT, but just go to these sites. These are some of the best resources out there.
This is just one of the now many options for DPC electronic medical records. We've been using Cerbo for 3+ years and while it's not perfect, we think it's the closest to perfect for us.
I'm a little biased--this is my CRM that I created for DPC practices. We're using this for public facing marketing, email nurture sequences, social media planning and posting, review requests, website hosting, forms, AI voice assistant, chat widget, course and community hosting, so many things!
An add on to Cerbo, this performs a lot of CRM tasks that Cerbo can't do. It is an additional cost and that has gone up since we started with it. We use it mainly for emailing newsletters to our patients, automations for appointment reminders, and setting up notes for future appointments.
We started with AtlasMD and it was a good place to start, however we found that we needed more structure. But there are plenty of practices that love AtlasMD.
Our DPC Office Tech
You can easily google DPC info on the web or chatGPT, but just go to these sites. These are some of the best resources out there.
Dr. Maryal Concepcion started this podcast and website our of frustation with the FFS system. When we started, I binged every episode at least once or twice (or more) to glean every bit of information and inspiration that I could grab. You have to listen to all the episode if you're even thinking about starting a DPC.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Taken straight from their website, the DPC Alliance is:
Helping DPC Doctors
Providing education, mentorship, and advocacy for Direct Primary Care Physicians
Started by DPC doctors for DPC doctors, the Alliance provides education, resources, discounts and invaluable support for all DPC docs. All of the board members and original founders are incredible people who would bleed for DPC.
Just about every legality re: DPC is addressed in this incredible website from Dr. Philip Eskew, DO, JD. The DPC Mapper can help you find nearby DPC's if you want to visit and pick their brain about opening a DPC.
Atlas.MD created a very thorough startup guide for DPCs, plus they have links to many other resources to help you get started. And it's free!
Alexa Torres has everything for the new DPC doc, from branding to creating a gorgeous website. She can do it for you or if you're more the DIY type, she has a DIY program available too! She also has a podcast about branding and marketing in the direct care space: The Kli'nishen's Atelier
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend.
Copyright 2026 Harmony Ops Health™ a DBA of Crescendo Operations LLC
Copyright 2026 Harmony Ops Health™ a DBA of Crescendo Operations LLC™