In Episode 163 of the My DPC Story Podcast, we welcome Dr. Melissa Ratliff, a dedicated integrative health-focused family physician and owner of Ratliff Integrative Medicine outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. This episode delves into Dr. Ratliff's unique journey into family medicine, highlighting her transition through various educational programs, which eventually led her to embrace Family Medicine and then Direct Primary Care (DPC). Dr. Ratliff shares her experiences of balancing motherhood and medicine, the strategic involvement of her family in her practice, and the essential role of her son in marketing her DPC venture. She discusses the challenges and rewards of taking a role at a concierge clinic before starting her own DPC practice in Waxhaw, a community new to the DPC model. The episode also covers her focus on preventive care and integrative health therapies, aiming to foster long-term patient relationships and community health advancements. Dr. Ratliff’s story is a motivating example for physicians considering a shift to DPC or starting a medical practice later in life.  Join our PATREON for PRACTICE UPDATES and even more exclusive content from Dr. Ratliff as well an many other guests! Secure your spot at Hint Summit and take $50 off your registration with code MYDPCSTORY at summit.hint.com now through May 31st! REGISTER for the DPC Summit TODAY! It's perfect for anyone in DPC, from those starting out to seasoned owners!  -> SPRUCE HEALTH: NEW USERS get 20% off your SPRUCE HEALTH paid plan with code: MARYAL20 Support the Show. Get EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! Become a PATREON MEMBER! *SPONSOR THE POD! Book a sponsor meeting to learn more HERE *Have a DPC question?!? LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL HERE! *Visit the DPC SWAG store HERE! *Let's get SOCIAL! Follow My DPC Story! FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube