Dr. Diana Girnita

Leading with Heart: How Dr. Diana Girnita is Transforming Specialty Care

“Healthcare should be simple, accessible, and human," says Dr. Diana Girnita, the pioneering founder and CEO of Rheumatologist OnCall. In an industry often paralyzed by bureaucracy, long wait times, and rising costs, Dr. Girnita is leading a revolutionary shift that puts patients back at the center of care.

The success story of her is also a roadmap toward healthcare transformation. With the pioneering approach that she has initiated regarding direct specialty care, Dr. Girnita is eliminating barriers, creating efficiencies, and changing the notion of what really compassionate care can be.



Removing hurdles such as insurance hurdles, providing clear pricing, and focusing on tailored treatment allows her to demonstrate that high-quality care is possible, affordable, accessible, and deeply human. Health care is about creating a system of care that does not work against patients but rather works for them for Dr. Girnita.

An Exceptional Foundation: Merging Science with Humanity

Dr. Girnita’s expertise is rooted in an impressive academic foundation. Holding a Ph.D. in Immunology and completing elite fellowships at Harvard University and the University of Cincinnati, her scientific credentials are as strong as her vision for change. But what sets her apart is her belief in holistic medicine.

“I don’t treat diseases—I treat people,” she says. This philosophy is backed by her training in Stanford’s Nutrition Science and Mindfulness course, where she learned to blend evidence-based medicine with integrative approaches like mindfulness, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions.



Her holistic focus isn’t just theoretical—it’s the core of her practice. Patients with conditions like autoimmune diseases, inflammatory arthritis, and osteoporosis don’t just get treatment plans; they get personalized care that addresses their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

A Bold Move: Building a New Healthcare Model

Frustrated by the inefficiencies of traditional healthcare, Dr. Girnita launched Rheumatologist OnCall in 2020. The platform is a physician-led, direct care model that allows patients to access expert rheumatology care via telemedicine—quickly, affordably, and without insurance hassles.

“Patients shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and quality,” says Dr. Girnita. “Direct specialty care makes sure they don’t have to.”

What makes Rheumatologist OnCall different?

• Convenience: Patients book consultations online and skip the long wait times often associated with specialist visits.
  
  
• Transparent Pricing: The subscription-based model ensures patients know exactly what they’re paying for—no surprise bills, no complicated claims.
  
  
• Whole-Person Care: Combining cutting-edge rheumatology treatments with lifestyle coaching and integrative therapies.

This model isn’t just theoretical—it’s transforming lives. One patient, a lupus sufferer, shared, “Dr. Girnita’s platform gave me the care I needed without the stress of waiting or worrying about insurance. I felt seen and cared for.”

Breaking Barriers with Data-Driven Care 

"Healthcare should never feel like guesswork," emphasizes Dr. Girnita. "Data allows us to predict, personalize, and improve care in ways that were unimaginable before."

At Rheumatologist OnCall, data analytics isn't just a tool-it's the backbone of a revolutionary approach to patient care. By analyzing patient trends, forecasting potential complications, and continuously monitoring progress, Dr. Girnita and her team ensure that every decision is guided by actionable insights.

Results are transformative:

• 50% shorter wait times compared to traditional care models, ensuring patients receive timely attention.
  
  
• 30% reduction in average costs, making high-quality care more accessible to all.
  
  
• Predictive analytics enable early intervention, preventing complications before they escalate and improving long-term outcomes.

For patients, this means more than just quicker care; it means fewer unknowns and greater confidence in their journey of healthcare.

"Data helps us deliver clarity," Dr. Girnita says. "When patients know what to expect, they feel empowered to take control of their health and make informed decisions."

By combining data-driven insights with compassionate care, Rheumatologist OnCall is setting a new standard for personalized, efficient, and effective healthcare delivery.

Creating a Movement: Advocating for Direct Care

The vision that Dr. Girnita  is promoting extends far beyond her practice itself; it aims to transform the very delivery of specialists' care. She seeks to free her colleagues to put the patient-first approach before the insurance-driven system.

She has taken it one step forward by founding the Direct Specialty Care Alliance, which offers physicians a network to facilitate tools and support needed for breaking out of traditional healthcare restraints.

"Specialists deserve the right to practice medicine in the same manner they have learned," she claims. "The DSC Alliance is in essence helping them get that back.

Dr. Girnita broadcasts through a multi-channels tool webinars, substantial resource, as well as powerful dynamic community group within LinkedIn as well as Facebook, and an active voice reinforces this robust message: direct care is an alternative but represents a future.

Revolutionizing Employer Healthcare

Dr. Girnita's influence is making waves in the world of employer healthcare. She is driving innovation by assisting employers and benefits consultants to rethink employee healthcare strategies. By integrating direct specialty care into self-funded health plans, companies can not only significantly lower costs but also provide their employees with superior, personalized care. This model empowers employees by ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve, improving overall health outcomes and employee satisfaction.

“Employers are tired of paying more for less,” she emphasizes. “Direct care offers a smarter solution—it’s cost-effective, efficient, and life-changing for employees managing chronic conditions. This approach can transform workplace health benefits, making them more sustainable and impactful.”

The synergy between Direct Primary Care (DPC) and Direct Specialty Care (DSC) forms a robust healthcare network. Employers and advisors connect these services, ensuring seamless access to both primary and specialty care. This collaboration fosters a cohesive care experience, setting a new standard for employer-sponsored health plans. All four parties benefit from each other: employers and advisors get cost-effective solutions, DPC and DSC providers can deliver comprehensive care, and employees receive seamless, personalized healthcare.

Mentorship: Shaping the Next Generation

Dr. Girnita's dedication to the future of medicine is evident in her commitment to mentoring the next generation of rheumatologists. She has established a one-of-a-kind mentorship program specifically designed to guide medical residents through the challenging and competitive process of securing rheumatology fellowships. This program is more than just a pathway to success; it’s a lifeline for young doctors. 

“Mentorship is about more than guidance,” she states. “It’s about inspiring confidence and showing young physicians what’s possible in their careers. It’s about building a foundation of support that will carry them throughout their professional journey.”

Her mentorship program has successfully helped numerous residents secure positions at top universities, creating a ripple effect that will elevate the field for years to come. By fostering a culture of excellence and support, Dr. Girnita is shaping the future leaders of rheumatology.