Physician Moms & Dads: Why Independence Matters

Physician Moms & Dads: Why Independence Matters

You shouldn’t have to choose between being a good doctor and a present parent. Yet for many physicians, especially those raising young families, that’s the false choice they’re forced to make within traditional healthcare systems. Long shifts, inflexible hours, last-minute call duties, and constant charting bleed into every corner of home life.

But independent physicians are rewriting that narrative. More and more physician moms and dads are choosing private practice, Direct Primary Care (DPC), and concierge models not just to survive medicine but to raise families while thriving in it.

What Employed Medicine Takes from Parents

System-driven roles often demand:

• Clinic schedules that conflict with school pickups and child care

• Calls and inpatient responsibilities during family events

• Weekend and holiday work without flexibility

• Emotional exhaustion that follows you home

This doesn’t just affect your life it affects your children, your relationships, and your own identity outside of work.

Independent Practice Supports Whole-Person Living

When you own your practice, you can:

• Start your clinic day after school drop-off

• Take an afternoon off for a soccer game or pediatric appointment

• Choose not to work weekends or holidays

• Have energy left over for your family at the end of the day

Your practice adapts to your life not the other way around.

Presence at Home Improves Presence in Practice

You don’t have to compartmentalize your roles. Physicians who feel fulfilled as parents often show up with more compassion, patience, and clarity for their patients too.

Because when you’re whole, your care is whole.

Want to Be Present in Both Roles?

If you're tired of missing the moments that matter most, independent practice could be the answer.

📅Talk with John Hayes Jr., MD

Let’s talk about how you can build a practice that supports your life as a physician—and a parent.