Thinking Outside The Box: Direct Care Practice with Richa Mittal, MD

Dr. Richa Mittal shares how she built a direct primary care practice centered on obesity and lifestyle medicine—with prevention, deep patient relationships, and holistic care at its core. Tired of rushed visits and surface-level fixes, she embraced the direct care model for more time, access, and autonomy. Now, she tackles root causes, weaves in emotional and social wellness, and guides patients through sustainable change—no perfection required. Dr. Mittal also helps other doctors launch their own direct care practices, reminding them: don’t go it alone, and trust the process. Takeaways: Direct primary care allows for more time and access with patients to address the root causes of their health struggles. A holistic approach to patient care integrates social, emotional, and lifestyle aspects. Setting realistic goals and focusing on progress over perfection is key to sustainable lifestyle changes. Practice consulting and support from others in the field can help physicians navigate the challenges of starting a direct care practice. The direct care model is evolving and becoming more popular as physicians seek autonomy and flexibility in their practice. Dr. Richa Mittal is the Founder and Medical Director of Radiant Health Weight Loss and Wellness in Frisco, Texas. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine, she offers a holistic, integrative approach to medical weight management, metabolic health, and diabetes care. Her practice combines personalized medical care with nutritional counseling, culinary coaching, and health coaching. A frequent speaker and writer, Dr. Mittal shares insights on preventive health, nutrition, and healthy recipes through her blog and social media. She also mentors physicians on starting direct care practices. Dr. Mittal lives in the Dallas suburbs with her husband and two children and enjoys Pilates, cooking, reading, and traveling. Thanks for listening to The Pinnacle Prescription Podcast! Follow along Instagram, TikTok, and YouTubeLearn more about our annual conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices