With summer vacations winding down (how is that possible?) and kids gearing up for back to school, we know that with changing schedules and seasons prioritizing your health can take a backseat. But that’s why the direct care model is so fantastic – we are on-call when you need us! No matter what the month ahead has in store, know we are here and ready to help you feel your best.
ICYMI: Dr. Ashley Loughner, DO, Dr. Rebecca Byard, MD, and Dr. Lela Dougherty, MD are currently accepting new patients at their respective practices. Know someone who might be a good fit for direct primary care? (Aren’t we all?) Share the news with them and let’s bring healthcare to the people – without the hassle!
Dr. Natalie Gentile will lead a pop-up all-levels yoga/HIIT class at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Walk Run Lift studio(opens in a new tab) in the Strip District. The event is part of a pop-up series(opens in a new tab) to introduce the community to Rebel Wellness, a first-of-its-kind, one-stop center in the region that will feature group cooking classes in the teaching kitchen, personal training and semi-private and group fitness classes. Dr. Gentile also will see patients in the new facility when it opens in the East End in 2023.
Summer hours:Dr. Dougherty will be out of office Aug. 13-20 and Sept 1-5. Dr. Byard will be out of office Aug. 15-21.
Love farmers’ markets? Dr. Gentile will be part of the Bloomfield Farmers Market on Aug. 20. Plus, Dr. Byard will be at the Green Tree Farmers’ Market(opens in a new tab) from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 25. Come visit her in the community tent.
Save the date: Flu shot clinics: Mark your calendars for these flu shot clinics in September: one at DCPP's Allison Park location(opens in a new tab) on Sept. 10 and one with Dr. Byard at Mt. Lebanon Public Library on Sept. 16. More details will be in the September newsletter.
Did you know? You don’t have to be a Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh patient to walk with our docs, chat with them and ask questions. Walk with a Doc is free and open to the public. Check out the August schedule below:
Join Dr. Dougherty the first Saturday of each month (excluding Labor Day Weekend) at 9:30 a.m. to walk with your doc! Meet at the Pie Traynor field parking lot(opens in a new tab) for a quick chat and then walk the loop of S. Ridge Road at a leisurely pace. Her next walk will be on Aug. 6. Come and bring a friend! Learn more at walkwithadoc.org.
Walk with a Doc: Highland Park(opens in a new tab) is in full swing with community partners! Join Dr. Gentile the first Friday of every month through October. Meet each time at 10 a.m. at the fountain at the Highland Park entrance. This month, she will be collaborating with Scratch & Co., so there will be a special treat after the walk.
This month, Dr. Gentile has a double dose of Walk with a Doc planned, thanks to a collaboration with Pittsburgh VegFest on Aug. 27. Before the plant-based food fun begins, she will host a Walk with a Doc on the North Side. Follow Dr. Gentile on Instagram @nataliegentilemd for updates on who her community partner is each month.
Dr. Kirsten Lin was part of the groundbreaking for the Peebles Pavilion, an open-air classroom at Peebles Elementary School. To learn more and to see photos from the event, check out the Triblive.com coverage.
This month’s featured recipe is packed with protein and fiber – and tastes great, too. Thanks, Dr. Lin, for the recommendation!
Ingredients:
INSTRUCTIONS
Melanie Ondek met Dr. Gentile when they were both students at Saint Vincent College and has been a patient of hers since she opened her practice. By day, Melanie works as a grant writer for the City of Pittsburgh and applies for grant money that will benefit the city. By night on Mondays and Wednesdays, she works as a group fitness instructor teaching SOULfit and SOULfusion classes.
Before reconnecting with Dr. Gentile after college, Melanie was looking for a physician who could help her align her values with how she cared for her body. “[Dr. Gentile’s] practice has helped me to do the one thing I’ve wanted to do for a long time – look at food through a health lens rather than with a weight loss lens.” Melanie has been so happy with her care that she’s introduced many family members and friends to DCPP and Dr. Gentile.
Would you like to be spotlighted? Do you know another DCPP patient who would make for a great profile? Let us know, and you could be featured in a future newsletter.
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