Primary Care Designed For You

I’m an Internal Medicine physician, and primary care is actually where my journey in medicine began. 

What I loved most about it was getting to truly know my patients—not just their medical history, but who they are, what matters to them, and sometimes even their families. I loved being able to care for people and hopefully keep them healthy proactively rather than only seeing them when something was wrong.

But over time, traditional primary care became increasingly rushed. Visits became shorter, schedules became busier, and so much of the day was dictated by the demands of the insurance-based system. I found myself with less and less time for the part of medicine I valued most: my patients.

I eventually transitioned to hospital medicine, and for nearly a decade, I cared for patients in the hospital during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. 

Those years shaped me tremendously as a physician. They taught me to recognize when something is serious, to advocate for my patients, to communicate clearly, and most importantly, to listen.

But they also reminded me of what I missed about primary care.

I missed knowing my patients before they became sick enough to need the hospital. I missed continuity. I missed having the opportunity to catch things early, talk through concerns without watching the clock, and help people stay well in the first place.

And that is really why I’m creating Dr. Mag Direct Primary Care. 

I want to practice medicine differently. With a simple monthly membership, you’ll have unlimited visits with me, longer and unhurried appointments, same- or next-day access, direct communication with me by phone or secure messaging, and convenient virtual visits. You’ll also have access to transparent, significantly discounted pricing for many labs and imaging services.

But to me, Direct Primary Care is about much more than a list of benefits. It’s about having a doctor who actually knows you. Someone you can reach when you have a question or concern. Someone who has the time to listen, explain, follow up, and advocate for you. And someone who is there not only when you’re sick, but who works with you to keep you well.

In many ways, opening Dr. Mag Direct Primary Care feels like coming full circle for me. I’m returning to primary care with nearly a decade of hospital medicine experience behind me—and with an even greater appreciation for how important it is to have a physician who knows you before you ever need the hospital.

This is the kind of medicine I’ve always wanted to practice, and the kind of doctor I’ve always wanted to be. I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter, and I look forward to getting to know you and to caring for you.

Efrem B. Magtagnob, M.D.