Rheumatologist Transitions to Concierge Practice

Dr. Molly Magnano shares her journey from a large medical group to running her own private concierge practice.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:36pm

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Dr. Molly Magnano, a rheumatologist, started her career at a large multispecialty medical group in Northern California. After 12 years as an employed physician, she transitioned to a small private practice as a partner and eventually became the managing partner. Recognizing the challenges of private practice, she shifted her model to a concierge practice, which has allowed her to provide more personalized and thoughtful care to her patients.

Why it matters

Dr. Magnano's story highlights the evolving landscape of medical practice, where some physicians are seeking more autonomy and the ability to provide higher-touch, individualized care by transitioning to private or concierge models. This shift reflects broader trends in the healthcare industry as physicians navigate the trade-offs between employment and entrepreneurship.

The details

After completing her fellowship, Dr. Magnano joined a large multispecialty group in Northern California, where she gained experience and mentorship from senior rheumatologists. However, she eventually grew frustrated with the pace and pressures of volume-based care, feeling constrained in her ability to practice medicine in the thoughtful, comprehensive way she had envisioned. In 2019, she joined a small private practice, Pacific Rheumatology Associates, as a partner, and later became the managing partner. Recognizing the economic challenges of private practice, she transitioned her model to a concierge practice, which has allowed her to devote significantly more time and attention to each patient, addressing not just their medical needs but the broader context of their lives.

  • Dr. Magnano joined the large multispecialty group in 2006 after completing her fellowship.
  • In 2019, she joined Pacific Rheumatology Associates as a partner.
  • Approximately 18 months ago, she transitioned her practice to a concierge model.

The players

Molly Magnano, MD

A rheumatologist who transitioned from a large medical group to a small private practice and then to a concierge practice model.

Pacific Rheumatology Associates (PRA)

A small group of experienced rheumatologists that Dr. Magnano joined as a partner and later became the managing partner.

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What they’re saying

“I have always viewed attending physicians as responsible and trusted leaders who are highly respected in their community. My early career goal was to develop a rich knowledge base and high clinical acumen so that I could eventually practice independently of a large bureaucratic organization.”

— Molly Magnano, MD (medscape.com)

“The shift to a concierge model fundamentally changed both my professional life and my daily experience of medicine. I now care for far fewer patients, but I devote significantly more time, attention, and intellectual energy to each one.”

— Molly Magnano, MD (medscape.com)

The takeaway

Dr. Magnano's journey from a large medical group to a private concierge practice reflects the growing trend of physicians seeking more autonomy and the ability to provide personalized, high-touch care to their patients. Her story highlights the trade-offs and challenges involved in transitioning practice models, as well as the potential benefits of a concierge approach in terms of improved patient relationships and job satisfaction for the physician.