Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Buzard.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Frustrated by the way traditional healthcare has evolved—where administrative and business interests have increasingly taken precedence over the provider-patient relationship—we became determined to bring a different model of care forward. Throughout my career, one concern has remained constant: too many people struggle to access affordable, timely healthcare, often facing confusing and unpredictable costs along the way.
What started as a virtual practice with driveway visits for local residents has grown into a full-service clinic designed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community. As patients faced increasing barriers to timely, affordable care, we expanded our services and adapted our model to provide a more personalized, convenient, and accessible healthcare experience.
My husband, who is a physician, shares the same passion for moving away from corporate healthcare and returning medicine to its roots. Together, our goal is to restore the kind of personalized, relationship-based care that once defined family medicine.
I grew up in Howard Lake, just 15 minutes from our clinic location, and my husband grew up in Rochester. We both value the small-town sense of community and the comfort that comes from having a provider who truly knows you. That experience has shaped our vision for NorthStar Concierge Medicine—to provide every patient with the trusted relationship, accessibility, and continuity of care that family medicine was always meant to offer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business from the ground up has certainly been a challenge. We built everything ourselves, navigating each step along the way—from obtaining the proper licensure and certifications, outside of our licensure to practice, to establishing the infrastructure needed to provide high-quality patient care.
Perhaps the greatest challenge, however, has been educating patients about our model. Many people are unaware that Direct Primary Care exists or that healthcare can be delivered in a different way. One of the most common misconceptions is that Direct Primary Care is not “real” primary care, when in reality it functions much like the traditional family medicine practices people are already familiar with—providing comprehensive, ongoing care for patients of all ages—just without the involvement of insurance for routine primary care services. Helping patients understand that this is a legitimate, accessible option takes time, but it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do. Seeing patients embrace a simpler, more personal approach to healthcare has been incredibly fulfilling for both our team and the patients we serve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a Direct Primary Care family practice dedicated to making healthcare simple, affordable, and accessible. We provide comprehensive primary care for individuals, families, and small businesses through a membership-based model that eliminates copays, insurance barriers, and unpredictable healthcare costs.
What sets us apart is our commitment to restoring the provider-patient relationship. Our patients receive unlimited visits, same- or next-day appointments, direct access to their provider by phone and text, and the time and attention often missing in traditional healthcare settings. We focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, urgent care needs, and many office-based procedures, all while maintaining transparent pricing.
We are most proud of creating a practice that puts patients first. In an era of increasingly corporate healthcare, we have built a model centered on accessibility, relationships, and personalized care. Our goal is to bring family medicine back to its roots—where patients know their doctor, their doctor knows them, and healthcare is delivered with compassion, convenience, and trust.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
We have been fortunate to receive guidance and encouragement from mentors and others who have shared their experience along the way. While much of building NorthStar Concierge Med involved learning, adapting, and solving challenges ourselves, the support and insights we received helped reinforce our vision and keep us moving forward. Looking back, we’re proud of what we’ve built from the ground up and grateful for those who helped us along the journey.
Pricing:
- $50/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.northstarconciergemed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstarconciergemed.dpc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567611460257
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northstar-concierge-med
