Success In Medicine

Dr. Meena Julapalli is a pediatric dermatologist, one of only about 400 in the country.  This was a fascinating conversation, because she relays her journey from academic dermatology to a direct care practice, as well as her work on creating resources and conducting workshops on the path to joy. One of the fascinating topics we discussed was the different approaches to providing medical care. In medical school and in training, we are often exposed to academic medicine, and sometimes private practice. But there are different types of medical practice, and Dr. Julapalli started what is known as a direct care practice.  In a direct care practice, patients pay a set fee to see the physician. Patients know ahead of time what that fee will be, and there are no surprises.  In her previous academic dermatology positions, she would sometimes see as many as 50 patients a day. In her current position, she may see nine patients a day, which allows her the space and time to fully respond to her patient concerns.  She desc