Summer Fun for Everyone
Summer is (officially!) right around the corner, and you know what that means? Pool time, family barbecues, camping trips and – of course – Walk with a Doc! Yes, it’s a busy time of year for so many of us, but that doesn’t mean our health has to take a backseat. This season is a perfect time to reconnect with nature, your friends and family and your overall wellbeing.
And who better to join you on your wellness journey (or walk in the park!) than our amazing doctors: Dr. Natalie Gentile, Dr. Kirsten Lin, Dr. Rebecca Byard, Dr. Emily Scott and Dr. Marielle Williamson-Rea, who are here to provide you and your family with evidence-backed care and support all summer long. Check out below when and where you can link up for some fun in the sun.
And did you know that June is Men’s Health Month? Men are often less likely to schedule routine medical visits or discuss concerns related to their physical and mental health. Many serious health conditions can be prevented or treated more successfully through regular checkups, early detection and healthy lifestyle choices. By focusing on issues such as heart disease, cancer prevention and mental health, Men’s Health Month promotes healthier habits and empowers men to take an active role in their well-being. Your DCPP doc can help with screenings, preventative care and so much more!
June is also Pride Month and a time to celebrate, support and recognize the LGBTQ+ community, while also raising awareness about the importance of inclusive and equitable healthcare. Everyone deserves access to compassionate, respectful and high-quality medical care. This Pride Month, DCPP reaffirms our commitment to providing care with dignity for every patient in our community.
This is healthcare without the hassle.
Walk with a Doc is BACK in two locations
Join Dr. Williamson-Rea every first and third Wednesday of the month all summer long in North Park.
WALK WITH A DOC: ALLISON PARK
WHEN: 5 p.m. June 17
WHERE: 10301 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park (Meet at the benches in front of the boathouse.)
REGISTER: walkwithadoc.org
WALK WITH A DOC: HIGHLAND PARK
This year, Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh and Rebel Wellness will be teaming up with Pittsburgh Girls Who Walk for each walk.
The next walk will be …
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 19
WHERE: Meet at the fountain in Highland Park
LEARN MORE: walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/pittsburgh
Everyone is welcome – whether you're a seasoned walker or just starting out. See the full schedule at directcarepgh.com.
Updates from your DCPP docs
- Dr. Scott recently returned to her residency at UPMC Washington (formerly known as The Washington Hospital Family Medicine Residency) to discuss what a career in direct primary care looks like. It’s important to educate future family medicine physicians and medical students on career paths outside of traditional insurance-driven practices.
- Dr. Gentile has some great offerings beyond group fitness at Rebel Wellness, so be sure to follow @rebelwellnessllc on Instagram for the latest event announcements. Connect with Dr. G. to learn more!
- Are you a physician in the Pittsburgh region who is thinking about starting a direct care practice? Are you an employer looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance for your employees? At Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh, our physicians provide one-on-one, individualized services that allow your employees to truly feel seen and cared for. Learn more here, including how to connect with us to explore what a DCPP option for you or your employees could look like.
- Heading to Pittsburgh VegFest? Be sure to keep an eye out for Dr. Williamson-Rea. She will be there tabling from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Allegheny Commons East on the North Side. "Healthy living is rooted in a strong nutritional foundation, and that's a reason why I’m so excited to attend VegFest this year," Dr. Williamson-Rea said. "Come say hello, learn a bit about how a plant-forward diet and other healthy lifestyle interventions can benefit your health, and how direct primary care is perfectly positioned to help you achieve your goals." Learn more at pittsburghvegfest.(opens in a new tab)org.
DCPP in the News
- Congratulations toDr. Gentile and Dr. Lin, co-founders of Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh, for being named in Pittsburgh Magazine’s Top Docs of 2026 list! This prestigious list of doctors in our region is selected by Castle Connolly, a trusted and credible healthcare research and information company with 30+ years in the healthcare industry.
- Dr. Gentile will now be featured once a month on KDKA-TV’s No. 1 morning show “Pittsburgh Today Live” to share fitness tips and tricks! Check out one of her recent segments here. Dr. Gentile also has a regular segment on KDKA-TV’s talk show, “TALK Pittsburgh.” See her segment at 3 p.m. every other Wednesday to discuss the health issues that matter most to you. If you missed them, watch her latest segments online.
- Have you checked out DCPP’s YouTube page? Dr. Lin and Dr. Gentile chat about why they became direct primary care physicians, how they avoid burnout and ways DCPP helps both patients and small businesses. Watch the videos here.
DCPP has a NEW LinkedIn page. Follow us here for more information and updates.
Sun-safe tips from the DCPP Docs
Use sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days
- Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going outside
- Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating
- Don’t forget commonly missed areas like ears, neck, hands and feet
- Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses when possible
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Check your skin regularly for any new or changing spots
Sun protection isn’t just for beach days. It's an everyday habit that helps reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer over time. For more summer safety tips, check out the DCPP blog for a list of what to pack in your summer travel health kit.
Hantavirus updates: What to know
As health officials monitor a 2026 hantavirus outbreak linked to the Andes strain, many of our patients are wondering how concerned they should be. While the risk to the general public remains low, the story has raised important questions about transmission, symptoms, prevention and why this strain is drawing global attention. Check out Dr. Gentile’s recent KDKA-TV segment on the topic to learn more.
How does hantavirus spread?
Most strains spread through:
- Breathing in airborne particles from rodent urine/droppings
- Cleaning enclosed rodent-infested areas without precautions
Why experts are paying attention:
Most hantavirus infections come from contact with infected rodents or their droppings. The Andes virus is different because:
- It has documented human-to-human transmission
- It can cause severe lung disease
- Fatality rates may approach 30–40% in severe cases
- The Andes strain may additionally spread through close contact with bodily fluids from infected people
Prevention basics:
- Avoid sweeping dry rodent droppings
- Wear KN95 or N95 masks if in close proximity to droppings or potentially exposed people
- Ventilate enclosed spaces before cleaning
- Use disinfectant and wet-clean methods
- Seal homes/cabins against rodents
- Wear gloves and masks in heavily contaminated areas
Stay up-to-date on vaccination information
There is a lot of conflicting information around vaccines circulating, so please discuss directly with your DCPP doctor to receive the most up-to-date information.
The DCPP doctors are actively monitoring any changes/updates to immunizations and will keep their patient community updated as needed.
Measles is on the rise, unfortunately due to widespread disinformation. The good news is that most people have immunity to measles, either through immunization or previous infection. The two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shots given to children provide full lifelong immunization in most people.
- People born before 1957 are presumed to have had the disease in childhood and are considered to be immune. Healthcare workers born before 1957 should still get proof of immunity.
- Adults born between 1963 and 1968 may lack immunity because some children received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine that was less effective than the live vaccine. Talk to your doctor to see if you should get an MMR vaccine booster.
- Anyone born after 1957, if you haven’t been vaccinated with MMR (or aren’t sure) - you should consider getting an MMR booster.
- Anyone 6 months or older should be vaccinated if they are in an area where an outbreak is occurring. Otherwise, we start regular vaccination with one dose after their first birthday, and a second dose at 4-6 years old.
- Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before leaving, regardless of the destination.
There are a few ways to confirm your vaccination status, including records on paper or in a database. If you don’t have records from your childhood pediatrician, your state may have an Immunization Information System (IIS). Here are some tips on how to locate your vaccination records.
Recipe of the Month: BBQ shredded tofu
This vegan BBQ shredded tofu is simple to make and delivers an incredibly hearty, meat-like texture while staying completely plant-based. The tofu is grated, seasoned and baked until tender and chewy, creating the perfect bite. It’s filling, flavorful and packed with smoky BBQ goodness. Perfect for a family barbecue or potluck with friends! Pairs great with your favorite slaw!
*Adapted from “Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken”
INGREDIENTS:
- 350g block extra-firm tofu, drained and shredded
- 1 tablespoon light oil, such as canola or vegetable
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, gluten-free if preferred
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ cup of vegan-friendly BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup of water
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. Line with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- There is no need to press the tofu because it will dry out in the oven. Simply drain off the excess water and pat dry. Use the large side of a cheese grater to grate the block of tofu into shreds. Set aside.
- Mix the oil, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add the shredded tofu, and use a spatula to gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the seasonings.
- Spread the tofu evenly over the prepared pan. Bake for 28-33 minutes, stirring the tofu halfway through, until the tofu is browned. For chewier shreds, bake them a little longer; for more tender shreds, bake them a little less.
- Heat the BBQ sauce and water in a pan, and then stir in the baked tofu. The tofu will absorb some of the liquid, and it will soften the tofu slightly, making the most perfectly meaty texture. Serve hot as a sandwich, in tacos, on nachos, in lettuce wraps, on a baked potato – any way you like! Another option: allow it to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.