The Journey Timeline
Every major milestone from decision to anniversary, mapped across two years.
Gave 90-day notice at Meridian Health Partners after 8 years. Began researching DPC model.
Spent a month studying DPC: financial models, legal frameworks, conversations with practicing DPC physicians.
Formed LLC, opened business bank account, built financial projections, applied for SBA loan.
$3,500Found and signed lease for 1,050 sq ft suite on Elm Street. Three-year term, $3,200/month.
$9,600Ten weeks of construction: plumbing, electrical, flooring, paint, furnishing. Two exam rooms, lab space, waiting area.
$43,500Mapped all technology needs across six categories. Set budget of $400-500/month for tech stack.
Narrowed the field to five EMR options. Built evaluation criteria with 17 weighted factors.
Demoed three finalists back to back and went with Hero EMR, mostly for the ambient scribe. Wrote up my reasoning, and my doubts.
$299Malpractice insurance, DEA registration, CLIA waiver, business licenses, Hero EMR implementation.
$13,550Verdant Family Medicine opened its doors. First patient: Patricia Okafor. Five patients seen on day one.
Reached 67 members by month three. Ahead of projections. Revenue growing steadily.
Wrote up six months of daily use of the EMR I picked: what held up, what still annoys me, and the habit I keep out of caution.
348 patients enrolled. Practice generating positive cash flow. $174K salary. Not burned out.