The Micropractice Mama Podcast
A podcast for women physicians striving to practice primary care creatively and sustainably with autonomy, authenticity and joy via the direct care micropractice model.
Episodes
How to Market Your Practice WITHOUT Social Media (And Important Disclaimers about Doing So)
In this episode I discuss strategies for marketing a micropractice or DPC without social media including,Who is most likely to success without social mediaImportant questions to ask yourself before eschewing social media marketingThe step after lead generation that most doctors under-invest inA formula for effective, organic marketing strategy that doesn’t rely on social mediaAn example of how I w
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Dr. Greg Holton of Dune Shores Health (Spring Lake, MI)
In this episode I chat with Dr. Greg Holton, an internist & geriatrician who launched his practice (Dune Shores Health) in September 2025, we discusshis experience as a physician leader trying to enact big picture change why he chose DPC over traditional conciergehow his practice has faced unique challenges working with a geriatric populationwhat his biggest challenges arehow his wife has beco
Why Most Medical Practice Websites Suck (And How to Make Yours Rise Above the Rest)
In this episode I review a few of the reasons most medical websites are ineffective converting visitors to patients includingthree key features of bad medical practice websiteswhy micropractice websites should not follow the typical medical website formatmissed areas of opportunity in website designthe one simple component I recommend all my students have on their homepageUse this link to get 15%
Insurance 101: All the Questions You're Embarrassed to Ask (But MUST Know How to Answer Before Starting a Direct Care Practice!)
In this episode I breakdown health insurance starting from the basics, includingwhat are the different types of health insurance?why is insurance often tied to employment?what are the main differences between PPO and HMOs and how do they fit with DPC?what is an HSA vs an FSA vs a health share?why would patients with insurance benefit from DPC?why would patients without insurance consider DPC?If yo
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Dr. Meghan Monthie of Heirloom Family Medicine (Albany, NY)
In this episode I chat with Dr. Meghan Monthie about her journey to DPC micropractice includingwhat prompted her to enroll in the Micropractice 101 E-course while on her maternity leavewhat is was like having a newborn, returning to traditional practice and planning her DPC at the same timethe "unicorn" side gig that's helping give her weeks structure as she grows her practicewhat s
Season 4 Preview + Personal Updates & Announcements!
In this episode I share a sneak peak of what's in store for season 4 of the pod, includingdate & time for the next free webinar followed by a sale on the Micropractice 101 E-course (register below)the awesome docs that I'll be interviewing 1:1a new project I'm working on with fellow DPC doc, Rebecca Berenssome musings and updates about what's going on with me outside of mic
5 Highly Effective Marketing Strategies without the "Ick"
In this episode I review 5 highly effective marketing concepts that feel a lot less icky with a little mindset work includingan example of how a little positive pressure can be helpful to a potential patient/consumerthe micropractice feature that is marketing goldways you can make potential patients feel more confident/comfortable with their decision to jointhe argument for unapologetically tootin
Personal Safety & Sensitive Exams in Micropractice (+ Reflections on My Own Experiences w/ Harassment as a Physician)
In this episode I reflect on instances when I have felt most unsafe in medicine includingthe surprising emotions I felt during each incidenthow I reacted then vs how I would react nowhelp advice given to me by a co-residentthe argument for medical chaperoneschallenges to using chaperones in micropractice and potential solutionsbest practices for performing sensitive examsCongrats to these Micropra
The Pep Talk Episode
If you've had or have any of the following thoughts and need a pep talk, this episode is for you:This seems crazy.I don’t know anything about business.I don’t have any time to learn/plan/work on this.How can I abandon n my patients?Is this ethical?What if I fail?Will patients be willing to pay?Can I really be “on” all the time?Can I really do the job of all these other people?What if they abu
[Bonus Episode] Inspiration vs Imitation: How to Glean Inspo from your DPC Crushes Without Plagiarizing
In this episode I discuss how to draw inspiration from DPCs you admire without imitating or plagiarizing, includingmy own experience with plagiarism and how it feltwhy copy-paste and imitation hurts you in the long runexamples of inspiration/influence without imitationtips for how to clean inspo while still being original and authenticIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real
Q&A Episode: Handling Admin Tasks, Saying "No" & My Hot Take on Executive Physicals
In this episode I answer listener questions including,how do handle administrative tasks that are normally done by an MA, referral coordinator, etc.?what are my tips for doctors who are direct care specialists or don't plan to do primary care?who are the hardest patients to turn away?plus my hot takes on non-physician run DPCs and executive physicalsIf you're enjoying this pod, I would l
Tough Love: 7 Signs Micropractice is WRONG For You
In this episode I discuss seven signs that direct care micropractice might not be a good fit for you includingWhy micropractice stats can sometimes be misleadingThe things patients can sense right away that will tank your practiceA good “test” to decide if you’re ready to make the leapA guarantee I can make about micropracticeThe ways side gigs can hold you backIf you're enjoying this pod, I
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Dr. Shayne Taylor of Blue Canyon Primary Care (Northampton, MA)
In this episode I chat with Dr. Taylor about her journey to direct care micropractice including,how and why she moved from academic medicine to traditional concierge to DPChow she started her practice with over 60 patients pre-enrolledthe biggest reservations she had about starting a practice and how she overcame themthe resources that finally made her go "all in"what a week in her life
5 Lies You've Been Told As A PCP
In this episode I discuss several ideas and “facts” that we as physicians often believe to be self-evidence truths but are in fact, lies, includingThe “industry standard” that nobody likes that is not based on evidenceThe lie your employer is likely telling you about your compensationThe lie insurance companies perpetuate to patients and doctorsThe lie that academic training often instills in usTh
Every Hill I Will Die On: My Top 5 Hot Takes for Future DPC Docs
In this episode I’m sharing my top five (somewhat) controversial opinions starting a successful direct care practice, includingThe two invaluable things I spend $$$ on that everyone told me not toWhy I think copied & pasted legal docs are a bad ideaMy thoughts on choosing an appropriate priceThe types of practices I try not to associate myself withA tip that most docs are nervous to take but c
Season 3 Preview + Personal Updates & Announcements 📣
In this episode I share what's in store for Season 3 of the Micropractice Mama Podcast, includingUpdates on the course and upcoming webinarWhat I've been struggling with personally & professionally over the past 6 monthsThe steps I've taken to protect myself physically and mentallyA sneak peek of upcoming episodesDocDefender: https://www.doximity.com/docdefenderIf you're en
The Only Reviews That Actually Matter + A Special Update
In this episode I share my thoughts on patient reviews and how they relate to micropractice, includingwhy I have a different opinion on this compared to most doctorswhy they are especially important in DPC and micropracticethe only type of reviews I believe really matter and whyhow I typically ask for reviews a special update on one of our very special Micropractice Mamas Everything at Micropracti
How To Grow Your Micropractice Using Facebook Groups
In this episode I discuss how to grow your practice via Facebook groups in a non-sleazy way includingwhy Facebook groups are a powerful tool for marketingwhich groups to joinwhat types of posts are and aren't effectivewhat NOT to do & common mistakes doctors makeFor more non-sleazy marketing tips, check out this episode, sign up for the Micropractice Memo or the Micropractice 101 E-Course
Entrepreneurship as a Feminist Act: Micropractice as a Path to Equity, Empowerment & Wellness for Women in Medicine
In this episode I discuss how entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business, it is a path to equity, empowerment and wellness for women physicians. I try to convince you of this hypothesis by sharingThe evolution of my own thoughts about entrepreneurship The current state of affairs for women in medicineThe ways in which entrepreneurship addresses inequityMale Physicians Earn More Than Wo
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Dr. Katie Pencek of Hometown Health (Hunt Valley, MD)
In this episode I chat with Dr. Katie Pencek, a board-certified internist and former hospitalist, about her micropractice journey includingHow and why she transitioned from hospital medicine to primary careWhat it was like starting a panel from scratch in a city she had never practiced inHow she she got 10 patients signed up in the first week despite spending almost nothing on marketing What she w
3 “Employees” in Micropractice That Make It Possible to Have NO Employees
In this episode I share how I'm able to run a full, profitable primary care practice without any staff, includingperks and downsides of having zero staffthe 3 key "employees" that prevent me from drowning in scutwhy running a micropractice is only going to get easierhow to get these "employees" to work for youPlus a sneak peak of what's in store for the next free webi
Practicing Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) in a Cash-Based World
In this episode I discuss what it’s like practicing evidence-based medicine (EBM) in a cash-based environment includingCommon assumptions doctors and patients make about cash-based practiceWhy EBM is critical to the future of DPCTop reasons for falling down the slippery slope to quack-townHow do talk to your patients about EBM and why you do itIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to conn
Why I’ve Been MIA for 6 Weeks (A Peek BTS of My Businesses & the Lessons I Learned)
In this episode I pull back the curtain on Micropractice Mama and share some of my successes and blunders recently as well as the lessons I learned along the way including:what happened after the last webinarthe mistake I made recently in my practicemy own surprising reaction to falling short of expectationsthe thing no one tells you about "passive" incomethe topic for my next webinar (M
Why I Tried to Quit Residency: My Story of Imposter Syndrome, Burnout, Shame & Finding My Place in Medicine
In 2014, I walked into my program director's office as second year internal medicine resident and told him I was quitting. I recall sitting in the chair in his office and believing in my bones that becoming a doctor had been a mistake, and that there was no place for me in clinical medicine. It's crystal clear to me now, 11 years later, that I was wrong. This is my story.To read my essay
How I’m Leveling Up My Businesses in 2025: BTS Practice & E-Course Updates
In this episode I take you behind the scenes of BOTH of my businesses (Juniper Modern Primary Care & Micropractice Mama) and share some of my goals & priorities for 2025 includinghow my goals have changed in year 4 compared to years 1-2 in practicewhy I'm moving away from social mediathe new perk I added for my practice membersexciting updates to my signature E-coursethe importance o
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Dr. Heather Jackson of Become Health (Salt Lake City, UT)
In this episode I interview Dr. Heather Jackson, a board certified family medicine physician, mother of 4 and beekeeper. Heather enrolled in the Micropractice Mama E-Course in October 2024 and is celebrating the grand opening of her micropractice, Become Health next week (mid February 2025). In this interview we discusswhat led Heather to leave traditional practice after over 16 years with the sam
Managing Patients w/ Health Anxiety as a PCP in Micropractice
In this episode I share my strategies for managing one of my favorite patients populations - patients with significant health anxiety, includingImportant steps to take before the first visitKey strategies for building a therapeutic relationshipHow to handle frequent after-hours messagingWhat to do if all else failsIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so
How Micropractice Has Changed Me: From "I Can't" to "How Can I?"
In this episode I share my own personal evolution since starting my micropractice, includinghow I use to see myself and my work ethicmy natural response to challenges or problemshow my attitude shifted as a result of micropracticethe moment I am most proud ofIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appreciated. Here are a few ways to reach me:Conn
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Sharud Agarwal of Akute Health + Tips for Choosing an EMR
In this episode I have a 1:1 discussion with Sharud Agarwal, the founder of Akute Health, an EMR designed for direct care (and the one I use in MY micropractice!), includingSharud's own health journey and how it informed his decision to develop tech tools to improve patient careWhat drew him to the direct care communityWhat makes a good EMR & where he hopes to go next with AkuteMy top 4 t
How Do I.....? (Handle Labs, Imaging, Referrals, Vaccines, Vacations): All Your Logistical Questions Answered
In this episode I review common questions regarding logistics in direct care micropractice includinghow to get wholesale lab contracts with major labshow to find and order low cost imaginghow to refer to specialists how to handle vaccineshow to take time offIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appreciated. Here are a few ways to reach me:Conne
Emergency Episode: Answering Colleagues' FAQs
In this episode I review and respond to several FAQs and comments from a recent discussion regarding direct primary care in an online physician forum, includingis direct care viable?is it only for the wealthy?does it replace insurance?why would anyone do it if they have insurance?how is it different from concierge medicine?is it equitable?what about patients who can't pay?If you're enjoy
Why Primary Care is Better WITHOUT Insurance
In this episode I discuss why and how primary care is better without insurance, includingThe evolution of my relationship with insuranceHow insurance-based care affects our autonomy The economic argument for direct care from both patient and doctor perspectiveHow my own practice of medicine has changed since transitioning to direct careIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Rea
Trailer: Sneak Peek of Season 2!
Happy new year and welcome back listeners! In this short trailer I give a preview of some of the topics to be covered this season in the podcast and the Micropractice Memo. I also share the date for the next FREE webinar (Wednesday, February 26 @8pm CST). Mark your calendars! If you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appreciated. Here are a few way
Spilling The Tea: The Downsides of Micropractice
The DPC community can sometimes project a suspiciously rosy image of direct care. While this model is revolutionary and has dramatically improved my life, it is not without flaws and I want to be transparent about these. In this episode I "spill the tea" on the direct care micropractice model, includingmy least favorite thing about micropracticewhat it's really like to have no suppo
Is Micropractice the Antidote to Burnout in Primary Care?
In this episode I make the discuss why micropractice is a compelling solution for burnout among PCPs, includinghow burnout is defined (and my issue with this definition)root causes & drivers of burnout based on researchthe reason most organizations are ineffective at reducing burnouthow micropractice addresses many of the root causes of burnoutHere's a link to the article I reference summ
Timelines for Micropractice: Planning, Launching & The Best Time to Start
In this episode I discuss issues surrounding timing in micropractice, includinghow long does it take to plan and launch a direct care micropractice?important rate-limiting steps to considerhow long does it take to become profitable or to fill a panel?what is the best time to start?*In the original audio for this episode I mis-stated my year 2 micropractice salary as 180k, correction is 220k (last
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Dr. Theresa Wong of W Geriatrics (Pasadena, CA)
In this episode we welcome Dr. Theresa Wong, a board-certified internist, geriatrician and founder of W Geriatrics Direct Primary Care in Pasadena, CA, which opened it's doors THIS summer. Theresa is still early on her journey but already has so many insights to share, includingwhat prompted her to explore direct carecultural challenges and biases she encounteredwhat resources and tips she us
How To Create Raving Fans: What My Family Photographer Taught Me About Getting Referrals
In this episode I reflect on what has made me a raving fan of a particular person/business, includingwhat fundamental qualities create raving fanswhat specific interactions made me root for this particular photographer's successwhat lessons I learned from my own raving fandomhow we can apply these lessons to marketing in micropracticeIf you're in Houston and want to work with Hannah, you
Answering Your Micropractice Mama E-Course FAQs
In this episode I share more information of the Micropractice Mama E-Course and address several frequently asked questions includingwhat is included in the courseexpected timeline for completionthe best time to startquestions to ask yourself to decide whether or not it's worth it for youwhat I learned from my first course "launch"Here are the links to enroll (promotional period ends
The Antidotes to Analysis Paralysis
In this episode I discuss how analysis paralysis often affects me and several strategies I have used to overcome it in my micropractice journey, includingwhat analysis paralysis is and why it's critical to identify and overcome when starting a businessthe main antidote I have found for analysis paralysisthe value of vision, brand and mentorship in micropracticehow YOU can benefit from MY tend
Having a Baby In Micropractice: Coverage, Growth & Finding Balance
In this episode I answer one of the most common questions I have been getting over the past 6 months which is, "How did you have a baby WHILE running a solo practice?" includinghow I prepared the practice and my patients for an upcoming leavehow I handled coverage and membership paymentswhat responsibilities I still had while I was out of officehow my experience compared to having a baby
What If I Fail? How to Overcome the Fear of Failure
In this episode I share my own fears of failure, both past and present, as well as thoughts and strategies that helped me overcome them includingacknowledging the reality that micropractices CAN failexamining the alternativesconsidering opportunity cost or the risk of never tryingreframing failure and drivers for change and progressIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real hu
3 Ways to Increase Efficiency TODAY using AI in Primary Care
In this episode I discuss 3 concrete ways you can use AI in any primary care model to become more efficient immediately, includingwhy efficiency is helpful for everyone but critical in micropracticewhy I no longer use or pay for UpToDatehow I minimize documentation timehow I quickly create high quality appeals and other letters in minutesIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! R
How Doctors Do Networking Wrong (And How to Do It Right for Micropractice)
In this episode I discuss the most common way doctors attempt to network and why it doesn't usually work. I then share 4 simple strategies to use to make networking more effective, includinghow marketing in micropractice is different from marketing in traditional private practice or employed practicewhy bringing cookies is not enough and what to offer insteadtips for building authentic connec
Micropractice Mama 1:1 w/ Dr. Marion Woerner of Dot's Place Pediatrics (Houston, TX)
In this episode I interview fellow Micropractice Mama, Dr. Marion Woerner of Dot's Place Pediatrics in Houston, TX. In this conversation with discusswhat led Marion to quit her outpatient pediatrics job after 7 year of practice in a large health systemhow she dealt with skepticism and doubt (internal and external) as she was preparing to go soloher timeline from learning about direct care to
Planting Seeds for Micropractice WHILE Employed
In this episode I discuss ways you can start setting yourself up for micropractice success while still working as an employed physician, including:questions to ask yourself to hone in on your zone of geniushow to build and own your personal brand as a physicianways to distinguish your unique value and practice stylehow to build a patient panel full of loyal patients you enjoy seeingIf you're
Money, Mindset & Medicine on YOUR Terms w/ Dr. Una
In this episode I chat with Dr. Una, a private practice pediatrician, business coach and founder of EntreMD about money, mindset and practicing medicine on your terms, including:Dr. Una's journey from a fresh-out-of-training, pregnant doctor to private practice ownerHer "A-ha" moment about business that helped her overcome fear and potential failureHow you can start building a perso
Where Do I Start?: 5 Places to Start Your Micropractice Journey
If you've reached out to me and asked "Can we chat?" or "Where do I start?" this episode is for you! In it I cover 5 great free or low-cost resources to get you started on your direct care micropractice journey.Links mentioned in the episode:My DPC Story Podcast: https://www.mydpcstory.com/"Start-Up DPC: How to Start & Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice"
3 Common Pieces of BAD Advice That Almost Derailed My Micropractice
In this episode I'm sharing 3 pieces of advice that are extremely common and potentially harmful to the success of your future micopractice, includingthe bad advice I got from my dad (a seasoned private practice owner of 40+ years)the advice I ignored in order to stay true to my own mission & strengths as a doctorthe advice I got from a DPC pioneer who told me I had a 90% chance of failur
Motherhood Is a Superpower
In this episode I share some thoughts I had about motherhood and how I reframed those to empower rather than hinder me, includingthe thought about motherhood that I felt guilty for havingthe thought experiment that helped me reframe motherhoodwhy motherhood is a superpowerwhy motherhood should actually push you towards micropractice, not hinder you from itIf you're enjoying this pod, I would
Vacations & Work-Life Balance in Micropractice
In this episode I discussed how I take vacations and my feelings on work-life balance in micropractice includingoptions for coveragehow many weeks of vacation I typically takehow I handled maternity leavehow it feels to be "on all the time"who this model is right and wrong forIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appreciated. Here are
Myths That Hold Us Back
In this episode I'm discussing four of the most common thoughts that hold women back from independent practice, including"Starting a practice sounds too hard.""I know nothing about business.""Marketing is gross.""I have no time."If you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appreciated. Here are a few ways t
What Micropractice Is & Why The Time to Do It is NOW
In this episode I'll discuss what a micropractice is including:benefits of micropractice for physiciansbenefits of micropractice for patientswhy the model has not been historically popularwhy the time for micropractice is NOWWould you believe you can start a multi-six-figure practice for less than $25k? You can. Check out my start-up costs broken down to the dollar here.If you're enjoyin
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is Not What You Think
In this episode I'm talking about what direct primary care (DPC) is and isn't, including many of the popular misconceptions both physicians and patients have about. The episode includes- how DPC is different from concierge medicine- actual data on the outcomes, costs and benefits for patients & doctors- the NUMBERS (average monthly fee, average panels sizes, time to fill a practice)-
PCPs are Being Gaslit
In this episode, I'll share my recent essay in Doximity exposing the widespread gaslighting of PCPs, particularly those who are women. The episode includes- examples of gaslighting in primary care- the FACTS about our experience as women PCPs- ways in which we can use this data to empower ourselvesIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appr
From Motherhood to Micropractice: My Story
I'm sharing my journey from burned out, overwhelmed new physician mom in big health system, to happy, thriving micropractice mama. Episode includes- how motherhood changed me as a doctor- my personal rock bottom as a physician mom- the 2 conversations that changed my lifeIf you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appreciated. Here are a few way
Trailer: Introducing The Micropractice Mama Podcast
What is a Micropractice Mama anyway?If you're enjoying this pod, I would love to connect! Real human feedback is so deeply appreciated. Here are a few ways to reach me:Connect with me on IG @soniasinghMDEmail me at sonia@micropracticemama.comLearn more at www.micropracticemama.com The Micropractice 101 E-Course is available NOW. Learn more or enroll here: https://micropracticemama.thinkific.c
Recommended
Apple News In Conversation
The Young and Called Podcast .
Jubal Phone Pranks from The Jubal Show
پلی لیست | PlayList
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Bible Tea
TED Talks Daily
Pod Save America
Dateline NBC
صداستان: ساعتی با موسیقی
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
Exposing Workplace Bullying
