Catherine Agricola, MD

"I chose to pursue training in a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics program (also known as “Med-Peds”). The training fulfilled that of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and included time addressing “transitional care,” which is the care of children with chronic diseases as they progress into adulthood. While in Rochester, I pursued my interest in the community working alongside passionate advocates particularly for pediatric health. For two and a half years, I was practicing primary care in the Hudson Valley in a traditional primary care setting. I had the privilege of caring for hundreds of adults and children and enjoyed getting to know them all. But truth be told, the real world medical practice establishments are a far cry from creative or inspirational. The methods and principles of medical care come not from doctors or patients but from administrative executives and insurance companies. I had almost forgotten what was previously so clear – the practice of medicine is for the people, families, and community. I met Dr. Vazquez-Bryan, founder of Altucare Primary Medical Care, as a colleague in the hospital. Through casual conversation I was introduced to the concept of Direct Primary Care. She and her family had worked hard since 2016 to build one of the first Direct Primary Care practices in New York state. When she and her family looked to relocate back to the west coast in 2019, the future of Altucare was called into question. But it seemed like a win-win for me to transition to a practice model that better fit my ideals and for Altucare to continue on after Dr. Vazquez-Bryan moved. With her mentorship, I have fully embraced Altucare as my own and am energized to expand on the vision of Direct Primary Care. It is a medical model I truly believe in and am excited to join. Let us all work together to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and inspire health in our community."