Dr. Vasanth Kainkaryam

Pioneering Patient-Centered Care: The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Vasanth Kainkaryam

When Dr. Vasanth Kainkaryam speaks about transforming healthcare, he draws from a deeply personal experience as a 17-year-old thyroid cancer patient navigating the complex American healthcare system. This early encounter, coupled with the challenges faced as the child of immigrants, molded his vision of what healthcare should aspire to be.

"I learned so much at a young age about primary insurance, secondary insurance, and medical billing," Dr. Kainkaryam reflects. "But most importantly, I experienced what it feels like when doctors take their time and make you feel safe – what is that magical feeling?" This "magical feeling" of personalized, comprehensive care became the cornerstone of Dr. Kainkaryam's vision. Before becoming the Chief Medical Officer of a large health system, he pioneered an innovative employer-based Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. This duality of scientific and operational expertise was invaluable.

"Transitioning from overseeing 40 doctors and eight directors to running a solo practice was challenging," he admits. Yet, this shift allowed him to fully realize his dream of patient care.

Building Leadership: The Journey of a DPC Pioneer

Kainkaryam's leadership journey began with the establishment of the first employer-based Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in 2014. This pioneering model laid the foundation for his independent practice. In 2017, he became the Chief Medical Officer of a large multisite community health center, managing a team of 40+ physicians and practitioners, and eight directors. This experience equipped him with invaluable knowledge in effective management and innovative care delivery.

Community support played a critical role in his journey, especially from his wife, who is an anesthesiologist. She was instrumental in helping him connect with key individuals within the healthcare system, both clinical and administrative. "Her relationships helped me access critical networks, which were invaluable as I launched my practice," he explains.

Redefining Care: A Holistic Approach

Dr. Kainkaryam's vision for Direct Primary Care (DPC) goes well beyond traditional practices, embracing a range of innovative and holistic healthcare approaches. He offers comprehensive primary care services, ensuring patients receive personalized and attentive medical care. Additionally, Dr. Kainkaryam is passionate about aesthetics and skincare, offering personalized skincare solutions that promote and enhance overall skin health.



Not stopping there, he actively engages in podcast community education, sharing valuable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of various health topics within the community. His comprehensive wellness programs are designed to support patients in achieving their best health, addressing not just physical ailments but also emotional and mental well-being. By exploring these diverse healthcare modalities, Dr. Kainkaryam continuously innovates his approach, maintaining a focus on whole-person care. He considers not only the immediate medical needs of his patients but also their broader wellness, striving to enhance their overall quality of life through thoughtful and comprehensive care.

Technological Integration: Navigating Complexity with Efficiency

A key factor in Dr. Kainkaryam’s success is his strategic use of technology. Recognizing the importance of efficiently managing complex systems, he has established a robust infrastructure to ensure seamless care delivery. By leveraging sophisticated systems for clinical documentation, patient communication, and practice management, he ensures that every aspect of care is meticulously coordinated.

This technological integration allows Dr. Kainkaryam to enhance the accuracy and scope of patient care. "If a patient goes to another hospital, I can pull that data and provide more informed care," he says. "It’s a lot of work to do it manually, but it's worth it for the patient." His commitment to using technology underscores his mission to provide efficient and holistic healthcare, setting a high standard within Direct Primary Care.

Recognition and Innovation in Healthcare

Dr. Kainkaryam's transformative approach to healthcare has been widely acknowledged in both health and business communities. His dedication to the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model and commitment to building a practice that values relationships and community have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Visionary Culture Award at the Hint Summit, the Family Small Business of the Year in South Windsor, and the Healthcare Heroes Award from the Hartford Business Journal.

But his vision doesn't stop there. Dr. Kainkaryam is pioneering a new venture with the Vitality Institute, a wellness sanctuary expanding the DPC model beyond traditional healthcare. Offering programs like tai chi, yoga, meditation, cooking classes, and expanded medical services, the Vitality Institute promotes holistic health and wellness.

This initiative underscores Dr. Kainkaryam's commitment to a comprehensive approach to healthcare, enhancing traditional models and fostering a community-focused environment where individuals can thrive.

Navigating Challenges: Opportunities and Obstacles in DPC

Like any disruptive model, DPC faces its challenges. Dr. Kainkaryam identifies several key trends and challenges for DPC practices:

• Market Evolution: The increasing interest from insurance companies and the growing number of employers embracing DPC pose significant risks. While these trends indicate recognition and potential growth for DPC, they also bring the possibility of external control over physician practices. This could undermine the core principles of DPC, which emphasize direct relationships between doctors and patients without third-party interference.
  
  
• Practice Sustainability: Maintaining a sustainable Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice requires more than just medical expertise; it demands strong entrepreneurial skills. Many DPC practices have unfortunately closed due to management challenges. Dr. Kainkaryam emphasizes that for DPC to thrive, physicians must be both skilled caregivers and adept business managers.

"DPC is poised to thrive, but we must keep it in check as physicians. Losing control to insurance companies was part of how we got here," he explains.

This underscores the need for balance—embracing the advantages of DPC while safeguarding its independence from external influences.

Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals Considering DPC

For those contemplating a transition into DPC, Dr. Kainkaryam offers several pieces of advice:

• Engage with the Public: “You have to be willing to put yourself out there, even when it makes you uncomfortable. Public engagement is key to building trust and attracting patients.”
  
  
• Financial Reality: "In DPC, you work more than in a traditional job, and sometimes, you don't get paid as much. It's an investment in your practice and your patients."
  
  
• Business Savvy: "Deciding what to delegate is tough, but I try to do everything I can myself. This helps me save money and maintain control of my practice."

Above all, patient relationship building should start with developing human-to-human connections.

"Start by listening to your patients. Understand their story. It's about building a relationship, not just providing a service," says Dr. Kainkaryam.