Episode Summary: In this episode, Phil and Marina tackle the all-too-common (and often frustrating) reality of curbside consults from friends, neighbors, and anyone with your phone number.

They unpack the emotional tension behind these requests—why they can feel draining, where boundaries get crossed, and how this dynamic impacts both physicians and relationships. More importantly, they share practical, real-world strategies for responding with clarity and professionalism—without damaging personal connections.

If you’ve ever felt torn between being helpful and being taken advantage of, this conversation will hit home—and give you a better way forward.

👉 Read the full breakdown to learn how to handle these situations with confidence and protect your time, energy, and expertise.

In this episode of the DPC Pediatricians Podcast, Phil and Marina tackle a question every Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatrician eventually faces: why do patients leave—and how often does it really happen?

Drawing on five years of real-world experience, they unpack the truth behind patient attrition in a membership-based model. While DPC is known for its accessibility, strong relationships, and high-quality care, no practice is immune to turnover. But the reasons patients leave may surprise you—and they’re not always what you’d expect.

From families relocating or experiencing financial changes, to shifts in expectations or misunderstandings about the DPC model, Phil and Marina break down the most common causes of attrition. They also explore a critical mindset shift: not all attrition is a failure. In many cases, it’s a natural and even healthy part of running a sustainable practice.

The conversation goes deeper into how pediatricians can:

* Set clear expectations from the start

* Build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with families

* Identify preventable vs. unavoidable attrition

* Use patient departures as opportunities for growth and refinement

If you’ve ever worried about losing patients—or wondered what attrition really looks like in a thriving DPC practice—this episode offers both reassurance and practical insight.

Whether you’re new to DPC or years into your journey, this discussion will challenge your assumptions and help you build a more resilient, patient-centered practice.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Phil and Marina discuss the role newsletters can play in a Direct Primary Care pediatric practice. While not every practice sends them regularly, newsletters can be a powerful way to stay connected with families between visits, share helpful pediatric insights, and remind patients about the value of membership care.

They explore how newsletters help keep your practice top of mind, strengthen relationships with current members, and even encourage referrals from families who may not need care very often. The conversation also touches on what makes a newsletter engaging—from seasonal health tips to practice updates—and how to keep the process manageable so it doesn’t become another overwhelming task.

If you’ve ever wondered whether newsletters are worth sending—or what you should include in one—this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for DPC pediatricians looking to communicate more effectively with their families.