Every year, Hint Summit brings together the most forward-thinking clinicians, operators, and innovators shaping the future of Direct Primary Care. Hint Summit ‘25 was no exception. Held in Denver in partnership with RosettaFest 2025, the event proved that the question is no longer if DPC works, rather how far we can take it when the entire ecosystem acts in harmony. 

Drawing a diverse community of DPC physicians, practice owners, tech leaders, employers, and ecosystem partners, all focused on one shared objective: How do we build a healthcare system centered on relationships, access, and trust?

Over two days of keynotes, workshops, panels, and hands-on conversations, we saw the same themes emerge again and again.


Direct Care is maturing.


Clinicians are gaining leverage.


Employers are doubling down on primary care.


And, the technology supporting this movement is evolving into true infrastructure.

 

As we reflect on the momentum and clarity that filled Hint Summit ‘25, one thing is clear: the future of Direct Primary Care is being built in real time. We heard notes of a movement in Denver; in Nashville, we're coming together to play the full symphony.

 

Below is a look back at the most important insights from Hint Summit ‘25, followed by an exclusive preview of what’s ahead for Hint Summit 2026: April 8–11, 2026, in Nashville.

 

The State of Direct Care in 2025: A Movement Scaling with Intention

Hint Summit ‘25 opened with a grounded, data-backed look at the state of Direct Care. Hundreds of clinicians in the room resonated with two major insights:

 

1. Membership-based care is expanding into new clinical domains

DPC began with adult primary care, but Summit speakers made clear that it's evolving into direct care, with its reach now including:

  • Pediatric Direct Primary Care
  • Lifestyle Medicine and metabolic health programs
  • Family medicine and multi-clinician pods
  • Mental health collaborations
  • Hybrid direct care models serving employers

This diversification mirrors what we heard in our 2025 Employer Trends Report: employers are increasingly seeking direct access to preventive, relationship-based care.

 

2. Practice sustainability is entering a new phase

Clinicians are no longer asking “Can DPC work?” They’re asking, “How do we scale intentionally without losing the doctor-patient relationship?”

 

Panels featuring experienced operators unpacked this shift, focusing on:

  • Membership retention strategies
  • Building financial resilience
  • Leveraging software as an extension of clinical values
  • Creating long-term partnerships with employers

The tone across Summit was sober, mature, and forward-looking, a sign that Direct Care has moved from experiment to institution.

3. Technology is Reinforcing Relationship-Based Medicine

One of the most practical sessions of Summit 2025 was by Vasanth Kainkaryam, MD, focusing on hacking your practice. He walked through his digital toolkit and demonstrated how targeted automation can reduce friction, streamline documentation, and free up time for patient care.

 

He shared how he uses AI-powered scribes, connects data across his existing tools, and unlocks overlooked efficiency features inside Google Workspace, all without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.

 

Key takeaways included:

  • Automating practice workflows using AI-powered scribes and integrated tools
  • How to uncover the hidden efficiency features within Google Workspace to streamline daily operations
  • Step-by-step tactics for running a lean, tech-enabled DPC practice without overextending yourself

Running a lean direct care practice doesn’t have to mean running yourself into the ground.

 

The Employer Perspective: Why DPC Is Becoming a Strategic Benefit

The verdict is in: DPC is no longer an alternative benefit—it's a strategic foundation for the modern employer.  With the launch of the 2025 Employer Trends in Direct Primary Care report — built from data across more than 7,200 employers, 2,400 DPC clinicians, and 1.2 million members — the Employer Trends session offered a clear, data-grounded look at how employers are reevaluating their benefit strategies and why DPC continues to gain traction:

 

  • Predictable costs: Employers need stability, and DPC offers a membership structure that helps organizations budget more accurately and reduce unnecessary downstream spending.
  • Better access: DPC provides same-day or next-day appointments, meaningful clinical time, and direct communication with a trusted physician, all of which are difficult to achieve in the traditional system.
  • Improved employee satisfaction: Employers consistently see higher engagement and better experiences when employees can build real relationships with their clinicians.
  • Chronic disease management: With more time and better continuity, DPC improves early intervention and ongoing monitoring, reducing avoidable high-cost utilization.

 

What to Expect at Hint Summit 2026 in Nashville

With Summit 2025 behind us, the focus now turns to Hint Summit 2026, coming April 8–11 in Nashville — our largest venue yet and a city deeply aligned with the future of healthcare innovation.

 

Next year’s theme builds on what emerged this year: Health Care in Harmony: Unifying the Direct Care Ecosystem in Music City.

 

Confirmed Speakers for Hint Summit 2026

We are proud to highlight the first confirmed speakers for HS26, a lineup representing clinical innovation, operational excellence, and community leadership across Direct Primary Care:

 

Meet our Emcee, Dave Cameron, MD

Physician & Owner of Pure Family Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at Hint Connect, Dave Cameron MD brings deep Direct Care expertise, a passion for transforming healthcare, and a sense of humor that keeps the energy high. He’s equal parts clinician, leader, and storyteller — and he knows how to strike just the right chord with an audience.

 

Keynotes

Zak Holdsworth and Alexa Schulte will share how Hint’s products are bringing Health Care in Harmony to life, connecting clinical care, memberships, and employer-sponsored care into one smooth, patient-first experience.

 

A Growing Lineup of Industry Experts

Beyond our keynotes, Hint Summit '26 will feature sessions led by the clinicians and operators who are currently defining the "how-to" of the DPC movement. Our speakers will ensure you leave Nashville with actionable takeaways for your specific practice goals.

 

Growth & Operational Excellence

Scaling intentionally, mastering your marketing funnel, and streamlining practice workflows.

:studio_microphone: Neer Patel, Co-Founder, DirectMed DPC:studio_microphone: Alex George, Head of Marketing, Hint Health:studio_microphone: Aimee Leidich, Head of Operations, Hint Health:studio_microphone: Jamie Baines, DO, Family Physician, Kite Dream Care:studio_microphone: Kenneth Qiu, MD, Founder & Physician, EuDoc Direct Primary Care:studio_microphone: Brian Fretwell, CEO PA-C, MPH, Direct Primary Care Associates, PLLC:studio_microphone: Alison Curfman, MD, CEO & Founder, Startup Physicians, Pediatric ER Physician

 

Clinical Innovation & Specialty Trends

Expanding into new clinical domains, from lifestyle medicine to pediatric direct care.

:studio_microphone: Drew Hertz, MD, Pediatrician, Zest Pediatrics:studio_microphone: Angela Andrews, MD, Lifestyle Medicine & Primary Care Physician, Direct Primary Care West Michigan:studio_microphone: Phil Boucher, MD, Founder, Frontier Pediatric Care:studio_microphone: Lauren Gage, Founder & CEO, Triplemoon:studio_microphone: Lauren Tancredi, Founder, Medicava:studio_microphone: Lisa Lucas, DO, Founder, Physician, Fulcrum Family Health, LLC:studio_microphone: Tanner Moore, MD, Founder, Clearater Health DPC:studio_microphone: Travis Bockenstedt, President & Chief Experience Officer, Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care

 

The Connected Ecosystem Track

Navigating employer partnerships, networks, and the future of regional DPC expansion.

:studio_microphone: Beth Holmes, VP of Hint Connect, Hint Health:studio_microphone: Deborah Moore, MD, Founder & CEO, AmarilloMD:studio_microphone: Lindsey Kratzer, Founder & CEO, Spark Health Advisors:studio_microphone: Kristina Ewing, Director of Health & Wellbeing, Shoestring Valley Holdings:studio_microphone: Sam Warren, Founder, Wise Patient:studio_microphone: Bethany Burk, Chief of Staff & VP of Strategy, Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):studio_microphone: Shawn Martin, Executive VP & CEO, Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):studio_microphone: Clint Flanagan, MD, Founder & CMO, KerixHealth:studio_microphone: Jay Keese, CEO, Capitol Advocates

 

 

DPC Innovation Awards

The Hint Summit DPC Innovator Awards return to recognize providers and tech partners who are creating real impact for patients and members. Winners will be honored at Hint Summit 2026 and featured on the Hint blog.

 

Growth Bootcamp

For clinicians and clinical leaders looking to amplify their practice, an optional third-day, growth-focused bootcamp will offer hands-on training and best practices to reach your growth and efficiency goals.

 

Looking Ahead

If Hint Summit ‘25 was about proving the model, Hint Summit ‘26 is about mastering the execution. We are moving beyond the "what" and diving deep into the "how," equipping you with the strategies, employer partnership tactics, and operational workflows needed to lead the DPC movement.

 

Whether you’re joining us for the hands-on Growth Bootcamp, the Innovation Awards, or the unmatched community networking, you are an essential part of this ensemble.

 

Join us April 8–11, 2026 for Hint Summit 2026: Health Care in Harmony.
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