What Hospital Systems Still Give You That DPC Doesn’t: Donuts, Budget Meetings, and Cranes Working Overtime

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On this Labor Day, I want to bring back an oldie but goodie.

It’s the new hospital administrator LEGO set for you.

See if you can pick out the:

  • Donuts
  • Coffee
  • Laughing
  • Money
  • Cranes building new wings on the hospital. 

Happy doctors?

Nope. 

Realistic?

Yes. 

I worked for two hospital systems for 15 years. There was never a time when budget issues didn’t come up.

“Primary care is the leading loss leader for the hospital.”

“We can’t increase your salary.”

“You can’t have another staff member.”

“That equipment is too expensive.” 

Yet the cranes kept building. I recall being required to make a donation to the new OB-GYN center at St. Mary’s in Maine. It was early in my career (late 90’s) and we “had” to give $5K for a brick. So, we did. That center was torn down. I wonder where my brick went with my family’s name on it? LOL.

Some doctors still love it in the system. Good for them. Others stay because they think there is no way out. To them, I say:

Happy Labor Day!

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About Douglas Farrago, MD

Dr. Farrago is a retired family physician based in Forest, Virginia. Since 2021, he has run DPCnews.com, a leading resource for the Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement. He is the author of three best-selling books on Direct Primary Care: The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Practice The Direct Primary Care Doctor’s Daily Motivational Journal Slowing the Churn in Direct Primary Care (While Also Keeping Your Sanity) In 2016, Dr. Farrago conceived the idea for the Direct Primary Care Alliance and co-founded the organization alongside other pioneering DPC physicians. He is widely recognized as a leading expert in the DPC model and frequently lectures to medical students, residents, and practicing physicians on how to successfully start and run their own DPC practices. Dr. Farrago sold his Direct Primary Care practice in October 2020.