In this candid conversation, David Roden and Lara dive into the disconnect between what patients expect and what physicians can realistically provide in today’s healthcare system. They unpack the pressures doctors face, the limitations of rushed appointments, and how these barriers often leave patients dissatisfied. With personal insights and stories, they emphasize the importance of communication, patient accountability, and prioritizing health concerns. The discussion also touches on the influence of online reviews, the realities of declining health trends, and why concierge medicine provides a better framework for stronger patient-physician relationships.

In this heartfelt episode of Vitals & Values, Dr. Lara Battenberg and nurse practitioner Jana open up about their journey from burnout in traditional healthcare to launching Concierge Medicine of West Michigan. They discuss their shared desire to provide more personalized, integrative care, and the decision to pursue a model that prioritizes relationships, time, and trust. From the emotional toll of rushed appointments to the fulfillment of reconnecting with patients, this conversation explores what happens when healthcare professionals realign with their purpose—and how concierge medicine makes that possible.