How to Find Your DPC Mentor

One of the greatest benefits of the DPC movement is the collaboration among DPC physicians. Most independent physicians want to help other physicians be successful. Mentorship and the culture of “rising tides raise all ships” has been fundamental to medical education throughout the history of medicine. A good mentor is someone who is enthusiastically willing to share their knowledge and expertise, provides guidance and constructive feedback, and is successful in their own DPC practice.

Resources for Finding a Mentor

Below are two websites which have DPC mappers. Search for DPC clinics in your state and close to you.

You can also do an internet search for DPC clinics in your state and close to you (ie google, duckduckgo, etc).

Social Media:

DPC Alliance Facebook Group

Join online DPC social media groups. There are many state or regional DPC Facebook pages which are great resources to find those around you. Use the search option to find posts about the questions that you have. Post your own questions. Use the files tab to access free resources posted by other physicians. Pay it forward by adding your resources as you build them.

You may find a story from an established DPC physician that resonates with you - for example, a transition practice, a part-time practice, specific practice niches. Do you want to build a practice with mainly uninsured? Mainly employees? Mainly pediatrics? All geriatrics? Do you want a micro practice, without employees? A large practice with multiple sites? Lots of procedures? Find doctors who have built a practice like what you want to do, and reach out to them. Email them and ask to set up a phone call/coffee/lunch date to hear more about their practice.

DPC Conferences:

The greatest value of an in-person conference is meeting like-minded physicians and developing relationships that will sustain you in a path less traveled. Virtual conferences are also helpful but it is more difficult to make those connections virtually. Consider signing up for at least one in-person DPC education event.

Questions:

  • What should I ask of a DPC mentor?
    Ask informed questions - do your own research and read all the DPCA University resources before contacting them. Ask to hear their story. DO NOT ask all the basic questions that you can find answers for here - these physicians are glad to help, but they are grateful when a new prospective DPC physician has shown initiative and done basic DPC research prior to contacting them.
  • How should I show appreciation for DPC mentorship?
    Most DPC physicians are passionate and excited about new DPC physicians jumping ship and starting practices near them. The best way to repay your DPC mentor is to PAY IT FORWARD by mentoring the next generation of DPC docs who start up after you.
  • What can I expect from a long-term DPC mentor/mentee relationship?
    The DPC mentor-mentee relationship may become a mutually rewarding source of collaboration and support. Be open to sharing tips and tricks with local pricing, vaccines, and supplies, vacation coverage for each other. Be willing to listen when your mentor needs advice and encouragement.

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How to Find Your DPC Mentor

One of the greatest benefits of the DPC movement is the collaboration among DPC physicians. Most independent physicians want to help other physicians be successful. Mentorship and the culture of “rising tides raise all ships” has been fundamental to medical education throughout the history of medicine. A good mentor is someone who is enthusiastically willing to share their knowledge and expertise, provides guidance and constructive feedback, and is successful in their own DPC practice.

Resources for Finding a Mentor

Below are two websites which have DPC mappers. Search for DPC clinics in your state and close to you.

You can also do an internet search for DPC clinics in your state and close to you (ie google, duckduckgo, etc).

Social Media:

DPC Alliance Facebook Group

Join online DPC social media groups. There are many state or regional DPC Facebook pages which are great resources to find those around you. Use the search option to find posts about the questions that you have. Post your own questions. Use the files tab to access free resources posted by other physicians. Pay it forward by adding your resources as you build them.

You may find a story from an established DPC physician that resonates with you - for example, a transition practice, a part-time practice, specific practice niches. Do you want to build a practice with mainly uninsured? Mainly employees? Mainly pediatrics? All geriatrics? Do you want a micro practice, without employees? A large practice with multiple sites? Lots of procedures? Find doctors who have built a practice like what you want to do, and reach out to them. Email them and ask to set up a phone call/coffee/lunch date to hear more about their practice.

DPC Conferences:

The greatest value of an in-person conference is meeting like-minded physicians and developing relationships that will sustain you in a path less traveled. Virtual conferences are also helpful but it is more difficult to make those connections virtually. Consider signing up for at least one in-person DPC education event.

Questions:

  • What should I ask of a DPC mentor?
    Ask informed questions - do your own research and read all the DPCA University resources before contacting them. Ask to hear their story. DO NOT ask all the basic questions that you can find answers for here - these physicians are glad to help, but they are grateful when a new prospective DPC physician has shown initiative and done basic DPC research prior to contacting them.
  • How should I show appreciation for DPC mentorship?
    Most DPC physicians are passionate and excited about new DPC physicians jumping ship and starting practices near them. The best way to repay your DPC mentor is to PAY IT FORWARD by mentoring the next generation of DPC docs who start up after you.
  • What can I expect from a long-term DPC mentor/mentee relationship?
    The DPC mentor-mentee relationship may become a mutually rewarding source of collaboration and support. Be open to sharing tips and tricks with local pricing, vaccines, and supplies, vacation coverage for each other. Be willing to listen when your mentor needs advice and encouragement.

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