DPC Masterminds: Establishing Your Practice 101
Join us in Grand Rapids, MI, June 12-13, for a DPC Masterminds.
Hilton Garden Inn - Grand Rapids
2321 East Beltline Avenue SoutheastGrand Rapids, MI 49546-5905
United States
* Registration open until 6/8/26 at 12:00 AM (EDT)
About
DPC Masterminds of 2026
June 12–13, 2026
Join Dr. Adriana Raus and Dr. Shane Purcell, established Direct Primary Care (DPC) physicians and DPCA Board Members, and Dr. Angela Andrews and Dr. John Italiano, established Direct Primary Care (DPC) physicians, for a Masterminds event in Grand Rapids, Michigan! This program is open to all physicians and residents (MD/DO) interested in exploring or expanding within Direct Primary Care. It is a small group 2-day session giving physicians the fundamentals in how to start a DPC.
This event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn - Grand Rapids East.
In addition to the educational piece, attendees will tour local practices - Thrive Family Health Direct Primary Care and Direct Primary Care of West Michigan, owned by DPCA members Dr. John Italiano and Dr. Angela Andrews.
Spots are limited—secure your place at DPC Mastermind today and join an exclusive group of physicians shaping the future of Direct Primary Care! Limit 30.
Why Choose DPC Masterminds - Establishing Your Practice 101?
DPC Masterminds differ from typical workshops or seminars because of their intentional small-group design and lead by leaders in their communities. Instead of sitting in a large audience and passively receiving information, participants are immersed in a setting that prioritizes connection, dialogue, and collaboration. The format allows for extended one-on-one conversations with peers and presenters, giving everyone the chance to dive into the issues most relevant to their practice or career. Questions are not just tolerated but encouraged, ensuring that discussions stay practical and immediately useful. Plus, each location is a bit different - from their local DPCs, to different more experienced physicians available to network, to different types of practices hosting each location. Just as the content might be slightly different, the hosting environment creates very unique opportunities not available in a larger, more generalized, hotel setting.
Another factor that sets DPC Masterminds apart is the flexibility to go off agenda when a participant raises a specific challenge or opportunity. This means you can bring your unique circumstances to the table and receive direct feedback, insights, and strategies from others who understand your world. Beyond the structured sessions, the small group environment fosters relationship-building and trust, making it easy to form connections that last well beyond the event. It’s not about listening to a lecture; it’s about being part of a shared conversation where your voice, needs, and goals are central.
Established DPC Physician Meet-Up
Established DPC physicians - join us. Help us guide the brand new DPC physicians. DPC veterans and their families can join the family members of the paid participants in tourist-type activities while in session, and then we can all come together in the evenings. If interested, email us at hello@dpcalliance.org.
Schedule
Friday, June 12: Begins at 8:30 AM (EST)
Saturday, June 13: Concludes at 3:00 PM (EST)
Location
Hilton Garden Inn - Grand Rapids East
2321 E Beltline Ave. SE., Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Special Pricing: TBA
Book your group rate for Direct Primary Care Alliance
Last day to book and receive discount: May 29, 2026
What You’ll Gain
By the end of this DPC Masterminds event, you will walk away with:
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A clear understanding of the value of DPC and its sustainability.
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Insights from seasoned DPC physicians and their real-world experiences.
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Knowledge of pricing, services, and financial management approaches.
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Practical branding, marketing, and community engagement strategies.
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Tools for hiring, technology use, employer partnerships, and transitioning into DPC
- In-person, eyes-on experience in a variety of practices with experienced physicians that change per location - very unique opportunity.
Topics Covered
- My DPC Journey - Our hosting DPC Physicians will share their personal journeys and experiences in building a DPC practice. You’ll hear firsthand insights, challenges, and successes that shaped their approach to patient care and practice management. You will learn from real-world stories and gain inspiration for your own DPC journey.
- Why DPC Matters - We’ll discuss the importance of Direct Primary Care (DPC) in today’s healthcare landscape and the role it plays in transforming care. Together, we’ll explore how DPC strengthens the physician-patient relationship, improves access, and supports a more sustainable model for physicians.
- Pricing and Services - We'll take a closer look at how Direct Primary Care physicians approach pricing and services in their practices. We’ll talk about strategies for creating a model that fits both your patients’ needs and your practice goals.
- Banking and Financial Planning - We will focus on the financial foundations every Direct Primary Care physician needs to build a sustainable practice. We’ll discuss strategies for managing banking, budgeting, and financial planning to support both personal and practice goals.
- Branding, Websites, and Business Development - We will explore how Direct Primary Care physicians can effectively build and promote their practice. We’ll discuss strategies for developing your brand, creating an engaging website, and implementing business development practices that attract and retain patients.
- Social Media and Community Engagement - We will cover how Direct Primary Care physicians can use social media and community engagement to connect with current and prospective patients. We’ll discuss strategies for building your online presence, sharing your practice story, and fostering meaningful relationships within your community.
- Working with Employers and Self Funded Plans - We will explore how Direct Primary Care physicians can partner with employers and navigate self-funded health plans. We’ll discuss strategies for structuring agreements, demonstrating value to employers, and integrating DPC into workplace healthcare benefits.
- High Tech Low Overhead - We will explore how Direct Primary Care practices can leverage technology to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs. We’ll discuss tools and strategies that improve efficiency, enhance patient care, and simplify practice management. You will learn practical ways to run a modern, cost-effective practice without sacrificing quality.
- Hiring: When, Where, How - We will be focusing on the essentials of building your Direct Primary Care team. We’ll cover when to hire, where to find the right candidates, and how to structure roles for maximum impact. You will gain practical guidance for hiring and growing a team that supports your practice’s success.
- What’s Next: Making the Transition - We will be focusing on the process of transitioning your practice or starting a new DPC model. We’ll discuss key steps, potential challenges, and strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transition. You will gain insights and practical tips for taking the next steps in building or evolving your practice.
The Experienced Physicians
Dr. Adriana Raus is a Family Medicine Physician that loves being a doctor for the entire family from cradle to cane. She believes that patient-physician relationship has been affected and marginalized by modern medicine and increasing administrative demands. Family Doc Direct was founded to restore the physician-patient relationship that is fundamental for healing and disease prevention.
Dr. Raus was born and raised in Romania, a beautiful country in Eastern Europe, and graduated University of Medicine: "IULIU HATIEGANU" Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
She continued her education in Sparrow Family Medicine Residency where she graduated from and obtained her Family Medicine Board Certification in 2012. After almost 6 years of serving the Owosso community with Memorial Hospital, she ventured to open her own direct primary care practice and bring a new kind of healthcare to the Greater Lansing area.
Dr. Adriana Raus is Diplomat of National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. She is serving as a Board Member of Direct Primary Care Alliance. Also a member of the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians), Member of MAFP( Michigan Academy of Family Physicians ), Member of Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS).
Dr. Shane Purcell worked in private group practice for three years before opening his own cash-only primary care clinic in 2005. While building that practice, he also worked part-time at a local urgent care facility. In 2008, he purchased a dormant medical clinic on the “wrong side of the tracks” and transformed it into a combined urgent care and primary care center. Then, in 2015—having gained independence from third-party payers—he and a colleague established the first direct primary care (DPC) clinic in Anderson County, now known as Direct Access MD.
Dr. Purcell is an active member of the DPC Alliance and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). He served as the former Chair of the AAFP’s Direct Primary Care Member Interest Group and is a founding member of the Direct Primary Care Alliance. He currently serves as Treasurer for the DPC Alliance.
Dr. Purcell graduated from Armstrong State College in Savannah, GA, before earning his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. He completed his family medicine residency in Anderson, SC, where he continues to reside and practice. He is the author of Magic, Pixie Dust, and Miracles: A Guide to Direct Primary Care and Employers, which outlines how to connect DPC practices with employers of all sizes. He is also co-author of Good Care Feels Different: A Story About DPC. Dr. Purcell has spoken on direct primary care at the DPC Summit, Docs 4 Patient Care Nuts and Bolts conference, Hint Summit, AAFP FMX, Carolina’s Free Market Medical Association, TEDxFurmanU, and various DPC Alliance Mastermind sessions. He continues to educate residents, medical students, and other groups about the benefits of DPC.
Dr. Angela Andrews is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics (Med-Peds), and Lifestyle Medicine, as well as a speaker, writer, podcaster, wife, mother, and fitness enthusiast. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan and spent nearly five years working in the medical technology field with GE Healthcare in Wisconsin before returning to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a physician.
Dr. Andrews received her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and completed her combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Detroit Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Michigan.
In 2024, after eight years of practice in the fee-for-service healthcare model, Dr. Andrews opened Seeds of Health Direct Primary Care, which now operates as Direct Primary Care of West Michigan. Her decision to launch an independent practice was shaped by her personal health journey, frustrations with the limitations of conventional care models, and a deep desire to offer patients more comprehensive, relationship-based care. After years of trying to integrate these values into a standard clinical environment, she found a natural alignment in the Direct Primary Care model.
Dr. Andrews is passionate about helping patients address the root causes of both mental and physical health concerns while building sustainable habits around movement, nutrition, sleep, and emotional well-being. Her approach emphasizes time, trust, and meaningful relationships—allowing patients to feel heard, supported, and actively engaged in their health.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Andrews is a speaker, writer, and host of The Lifestyle MD, where she shares practical insights on prevention, lifestyle medicine, and modern healthcare. A Michigan native, she enjoys traveling, lifelong learning, and spending time with her family. She is married and the proud mother of three children—Miles and her two bonus children, Griffen and Quinne. Outside of medicine, she stays active through weightlifting and endurance sports, and enjoys gardening and small-scale carpentry projects.
Dr. John Italiano is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Thrive Family Health Direct Primary Care, a patient- centered practice dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care that helps individuals and families live full, healthy, and meaningful lives.
Rooted in the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—Dr. John believes true health is more than the absence of disease. It’s about helping those in his community thrive through prevention, lifestyle, and connection. By removing barriers of traditional insurance-based care, he offers direct access, longer visits, and a deeper partnership built on trust and understanding.
Lodging
Hilton Garden Inn - Grand Rapids East
This modern hotel is 4 miles from Reeds Lake and 5 miles from Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Enjoy our indoor pool, indoor-outdoor whirlpool, and patio with fire pit.
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Address: 2321 E Beltline Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Special Pricing: $239
Book your group rate for Direct Primary Care Alliance
Last day to book and receive discount: May 29, 2026
Nearest Airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - Approximately 3 miles
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Website: https://www.grr.org/
| Price | |
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Practicing Physician DPCA Member
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$395.00 |
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DPC Interested Physician DPCA Member
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$395.00 |
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Resident Member
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$250.00 |
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Medical Student Member
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$250.00 |
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Physician Non DPCA Member
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$495.00 |
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Guest Ticket
|
$200.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Exclusive Onsite Sponsor
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$2,500.00 |
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Location Sponsor
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$500.00 |
For More Information:
Become a Sponsor by purchasing as a ticket:
Exclusive June Masterminds Sponsor - $2500
Location Sponsor (shared) - $500