DPC Myth #13: You Can Never Take a Vacation as a Solo DPC Doctor
When I opened my DPC in 2023, I was not thinking about vacation. I was trying to make my savings last and build myself from the ground up, so vacation was not on my mind. I toiled, struggled, worked late, went in early and had extra helpings of fear splashed with the terror of the unknown every day. How is this going to work? Will patients even come to my practice and if they do, will they stay for a while? I kept grinding and showing up because this is my baby. I laughed, cried and hugged my patients as they came in at the door. We got to know each other and held up mirrors for each other. My patients tend to be intuitive souls who see me as much as I see them. They can tell when something is “off” and when they see I am struggling in my own body. They call me hippie doctor and express their gratitude for my humility.
Flash forwards 2 years after opening, my emotional and physical well-being needed a break. I decided to take a leap of faith and plan a trip to Mexico City. I yearned to ascend the temples and hoped my body would allow me to do this. My experience with chronic illness has been challenging and I did not always know if I would be able to move the way that trip required.
My patients cheered me on; told me I deserved time off and hoped I had a great time. They supported me and respected my time off. I have an amazing assistant, Natalie, who is not yet medically trained but is like a sponge with how fast she learns. She was able to manage the patients and communicate with me daily as we handled small issues that required immediate attention. Some DPC doctors find coverage and others let their patients know in advance of their trip. A helpful tip is to send reminders a month, 2 weeks and a week out. Also I told people I would be gone longer than I was so when I needed to see folks within that time, they felt as special as they are and I was able to care for myself and them.
Upon my return everyone was excited to learn how it went for me and I enjoyed sharing. They knew I was going on a healing journey that included seeing a Curandera (Traditional Healer) and they told me they saw my shift in energy.
I never knew how kind my patients would be to me until I took a chance and took a vacation while being a solo DPC doctor with a wonderful front office assistant. We can choose to see life as if nothing is a miracle or everything is a miracle, and I personally choose to see the magic in it all!
This DPC Mythbuster Series aims to debunk the most common fears, misconceptions, and half-truths that deter doctors from embracing Direct Primary Care. These opinions are from each individual blogger. You may or may not agree with them, but either way, leave a comment with your thoughts.
