In a candid discussion with Dr. Maryal Concepcion on the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Andrea Wadley unveils the intricacies of her transformative journey into Direct Primary Care (DPC). She opens up about the motivations, struggles, and unique triumphs experienced while establishing and running her DPC practice, 127 Pediatrics, dedicated to exceptional pediatric and lactation care.
The Venture into DPC: A Leap of Faith
Dr. Wadley shares the critical moment she took the plunge from a traditional insurance-based hospital position into the world of DPC. Guided by mentors, she embraced entrepreneurship, patient-centered care, and the balance between professional obligations and personal life. Her mentors’ support and wisdom proved invaluable as she navigated the early stages of her endeavor—a testament to the importance of guidance in healthcare innovation.
Fostering a Community of DPC Pioneers
Understanding the value of mentorship, Dr. Wadley became a beacon for aspiring DPC practitioners herself. Through mentorship programs, social media groups, and webinars, she supports those drawn to the DPC model—underlining the significance of patience, financial acumen, and the artistry of cultivating a sustainable practice.
Innovating with Compassionate Care
Dr. Wadley’s pediatric practice distinguishes itself by profoundly focusing on personal attention, such as home breastfeeding services. This unique approach facilitated growth through referrals and solidified her reputation as a pediatrician who puts family needs at the forefront. Dr. Wadley opens up on her challenges and adjustments, such as adapting to more home-based care and wellness visits amid the pandemic, illustrating the vital need for flexibility and innovation in healthcare.
Striking a Balance in Medical Practice
As her practice became busier, Dr. Wadley had to evolve her practice’s focus to maintain professional enthusiasm and personal well-being. She emphasizes smart business decisions such as using effective EMR systems, automation, and shared call responsibilities to keep her practice running smoothly. Patient turnover, generally due to relocation or differing philosophies, posed challenges to which Dr. Wadley responded with grace and adaptation, ensuring her practice continued to serve her community effectively.
The Power of Personal Connection
The episode touches on a vital aspect of DPC – the close relationship between physicians and patients. Dr. Wadley’s recent board certification in breastfeeding and lactation medicine underlines her dedication to serving specific patient needs. Dr. Concepcion and Dr. Wadley discuss at length how this specialization not only caters to their patient’s immediate health concerns but also fosters a trusting and intimate doctor-patient relationship that stands in stark contrast to the impersonal nature of larger, fee-for-service models.
Financial Prudence and Practice Stability
Launching 127 Pediatrics required financial savvy and a considerable upfront investment. Dr. Wadley speaks candidly about her initial funding, the cost structure of a DPC model, and the financial strategies that allowed her to build a sustainable practice without compromising patient care quality. Her story is a blueprint for financial responsibility and strategic planning in a DPC business model.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Dr. Wadley’s personal narrative takes a profound turn as she reveals her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. Musing on the impact this had on her practice and personal life, she shares how this led to raising fees and, surprisingly, a healthier and more secure future for her clinic. In facing her health issues, Dr. Wadley embodies the resilience that characterizes so many in the medical profession, underscoring the importance of self-care for caregivers.
Advocating for the Future of DPC
Lastly, Dr. Concepcion wraps up with an important reminder to cherish the core values that make DPC so special—personalized care, professional autonomy, and patient advocacy. Through this engaging conversation, listeners are encouraged to subscribe, follow social media channels, and join the MyDPC Story Patreon community for deeper insights. The episode concludes with an appeal to stay informed and continue advocating for the burgeoning movement of Direct Primary Care.
BIO
Dr. Andrea Wadley is a board-certified pediatrician and newly board certified in breastfeeding medicine. She completed her medical school and pediatric training in San Antonio, Texas at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She returned to the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas after residency to live with her husband and be close to her family. When she first began her career, she was a pediatric hospitalist who cared for newborns during their initial birth hospital stay. She helped to cover multiple birthing hospitals in the Fort Worth area. After her time as a hospitalist, she desired to return to general pediatrics. As she looked over the landscape of practices in her area, she knew that she wanted to provide a different solution for families. Therefore, she opened her direct primary care pediatric and lactation practice,127 Pediatrics, in 2018. She does house calls only and cares for a small number of pediatric patients as well as offers lactation consults to patients outside of the practice.