Target Audience:

This lecture is intended for physicians who are interested in exploring alternatives to traditional employment models in healthcare. It is particularly relevant for doctors considering direct primary care, telemedicine practices, cash-based services, or other independent practice models that allow greater professional autonomy and direct relationships with patients.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:
• Describe the structural forces that are driving growth in alternative physician practice models.
• Identify common direct-to-consumer practice models including direct primary care, telemedicine practices, and cash-based specialty services.
• Explain the concept of the physician as a professional micro-business.
• Recognize key operational principles that allow alternative practice models to operate with lower overhead and greater flexibility.
• Develop a conceptual framework for designing an independent practice aligned with personal and professional goals.