Why I Left the Hospital System to Start a Direct Primary Care Practice

Why I Left the Hospital System to Start a Direct Primary Care Practice

By Valerie Rounds, FNP-C

For years, I worked in the hospital setting—seeing patients on packed schedules, navigating complex insurance requirements, and doing my best to provide care within a system that often felt more focused on efficiency than true healing. While I loved my patients and took pride in my work, I began to feel like something was missing.

I entered medicine because I wanted to build meaningful relationships with my patients—to be their trusted advocate, not just another rushed provider in a revolving door of appointments. But in the traditional healthcare system, that vision felt increasingly out of reach.

After years of frustration, I decided to make a change. After working alongside my colleagues at Summit Health, I once again found myself wanting to do more for my patients, so I founded my own Direct Primary Care practice, Gem State Direct Primary Care. I believe healthcare should be personal, affordable, and accessible.

At Gem State Direct Primary Care, I work directly with my patients—no insurance middlemen, no hidden fees, no rushed appointments. My patients pay a simple monthly fee, and in return, they get unlimited visits, direct access to me, and the peace of mind that their health is a priority.

Leaving the hospital setting wasn’t easy. The transition to running my own practice meant stepping into unfamiliar territory—business management, marketing, and operational logistics that medical school never covered. That’s when I realized that bringing on Ashley Rider, MBA as our Director of Operations was the key to turning my vision into reality—helping to bridge the gap between my passion for patient care and the fulfillment of running a truly patient-centered practice.

Now, in my DPC practice, I get to practice medicine the way it was meant to be. I can spend real time with my patients, understanding their concerns, educating them on their health, and working collaboratively to achieve wellness goals. No more rushed visits. No more waiting weeks for an appointment. Just quality care built on trust, accessibility, and compassion.

It’s modern medicine delivered in the old-fashioned way—the way it should be. Strong provider-patient relationships, personalized care, and the ability to prioritize wellness over bureaucracy.

To those considering making the leap—whether you’re a provider frustrated with the current system or a patient searching for more personal healthcare—I encourage you to explore Gem State Direct Primary Care. It’s not just a business model; it’s a movement toward better medicine, genuine relationships, and care that truly puts patients first.