Lionheart DPC

12/23/2025

We’ve normalized too many situations where patients are left to figure things out on their own and fill in the gaps in healthcare — and that’s telling us something important.

When people have to turn to Facebook groups for basic medical answers, rely on influencers for health information, or sit with anxiety waiting for a callback that never comes, it points to a breakdown in communication of our healthcare systems.

Patients shouldn’t have to carry their care alone. Being able to communicate with your doctor matters. Feeling heard matters. Access shouldn’t feel out of reach.

Direct primary care restores communication between patients and doctors. You get real access, more time during visits, and care that isn’t rushed or fragmented. That difference matters.

I LOVE DPC and I can’t imagine practicing medicine any other way. 🦁🧡

Sharing a few thoughts in this video — would love to hear if any of this resonates with you. 💕

12/05/2025

Value is in the eye of the beholder… and when it comes to healthcare, we all define value a little differently.

Where do I see the value in Direct Primary Care?

✔ Easy access to your doctor
✔ Time with your doctor
✔ Convenience of care

These are the foundations of high-quality, effective personalized healthcare — the kind that helps you feel heard, supported and truly cared for. 🦁💛

Unfortunately, having insurance does not guarantee access to healthcare.
It doesn’t guarantee appointments, it doesn’t guarantee time, and it doesn’t guarantee that your concerns will be addressed.

A Direct Primary Care membership does.
It gives you real access, real availability, and real care.

💫 Join Lionheart DPC and transform your healthcare experience:
https://lionheartdpc.sigmamd.com/signup/become-a-member?step=enroll-members

12/04/2025

Sharing another pinch-me moment 🥰

I had the honor of being a guest on the My DPC Story podcast!

This podcast is one of the biggest resources for physicians in the Direct Primary Care (DPC) world. Maryal has poured her heart into building awareness around the DPC movement—specifically to inspire physicians who feel burned out, overwhelmed by a broken system, or even ready to quit medicine altogether. She’s such a fun human being and truly THE biggest cheerleader for doctors.

Direct Primary Care isn’t just a better model for patients—where they receive more time, more access, and better quality care—it’s also saving careers. So many of us are finding joy in practicing medicine again, the way we were trained to practice, and Maryal has been inspirational in my own journey into DPC.

Although the podcast is geared more toward my colleagues, I would love to share this with all of you. 💙

Listen here ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-dpc-story/id1530729604?i=1000737981464

Dr. Maria Rutmann of Lionheart Direct Primary Care reminds us all: “Find that roar within you. You can do this.” Her journey from Venezuela to Maine is one of courage, reinvention, and putting community first. Feeling inspired? Share your “roar” in the comments!

12/01/2025

A little angel popped in and helped us decorate! Thank you Kristian 🫶🏻🌟

11/21/2025

These guys show up purely for the love of the game. Their courage and boldness are exactly what Lionheart DPC stands for—because we believe true health isn’t just about the body, but about living with heart, grit, and purpose. 🦁🧡

It’s been an honor—and honestly, a lot of fun—getting to know each of them. We all have a story, and it’s a privilege to support others as they chase their dreams.

Come out and cheer the Northern Maine Pioneers Junior Hockey today and tomorrow for their home games! 🏒

Go neers!!! 🖤🧡

🌟 PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT 🌟
The Northern Maine Pioneers are proud to welcome Lionheart DPC as our Official Wellness Provider!

We are truly blessed to have Dr. Maria Rutmann and her incredible expertise supporting our athletes throughout the season. Her care, compassion, and kindness are unmatched — and our team is stronger, healthier, and more confident because of her.

💙🧡 Thank you, Lionheart, for investing in our players and our mission.

Learn more at LionheartDPC.com
Specializing in same day care and appointments!

11/17/2025

Don’t stress this holiday season, keep it simple 💜

Kids don’t need a pile of presents — they need our presence. What they remember most isn’t the toys we buy but the time we spend, the attention we give, and the moments we share. Showing up, listening, laughing, and being fully there is the real gift that shapes who they become.

11/14/2025

The DPC Way: Changing the Script of Primary Care
Care for Families on the Go.

Sharing another DPC win

On Saturday morning — just a few hours before they were heading downstate — a family reached out through our app with a concern. Mom sent a photo that clearly showed the issue, one that a simple course of antibiotics would solve. They were on a tight timeline and eager to get on the road.

Fortunately, this was a medication we commonly use and stock right in our office.

I met the family at the clinic, did a quick exam, confirmed the diagnosis, and dispensed the antibiotic on the spot. No delay. No detour. No last-minute scramble for a walk-in clinic or cancelling plans.

It was prompt, practical care that fit seamlessly into their day — and their travel plans.

Why join Lionheart DPC? 🦁💙
Because when your doctor is truly in your corner, care feels different.

➡️ See the difference for yourself, join at: https://lionheartdpc.com/join

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans 🇺🇸

Today, we honor all who have served with courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. Your sacrifices — from enduring long months away from loved ones to pushing through the most demanding training — embody the true spirit of service and resilience.

A special thank you to my father-in-law, Scott Smith (USMC), and Grampy Vaughn (USAAF) — two incredible men who are pillars in our family. Your examples of discipline, service to others, and living with purpose continue to inspire us every day.

We are forever grateful for all who wear the uniform and for the values you represent. 🇺🇸❤️

11/01/2025

🌿 Happy National Direct Primary Care Day! 🌿

What started as curiosity became a dream… then a goal, a plan, and now—a reality.

This journey has taken a village:

💜 Friends who encouraged and helped,
🛠️ Contractors that worked tirelessly
👴🏻 Family who supported
👩🏽‍⚕️ Colleagues who offered wisdom,
💍 My husband who is my rock every step,
✨ And a community that believed.

Thank you to everyone who made Lionheart DPC possible. Patients are loving it, and I’m constantly in awe of what God can do when we simply trust Him.

Here’s to the movement that’s helping so many believe in healthcare again — one relationship, one patient, one story at a time. 💫

10/29/2025

Had the privilege of meeting this extraordinary group of young men yesterday. They’ve come from all corners and sacrificed so much to be here. Their energy is palpable, their drive contagious. Chasing dreams isn’t easy — but it’s always worth it. Can’t wait to see what this season brings!

Follow the Northern Maine Pioneers Junior Hockey— come watch the games, cheer them on, and let’s be loud and bold in our support! 🏒🔥

GO PIONEERS 🧡🖤

10/26/2025

🎃 Happy Halloween from Lionheart DPC!

As you head out for an evening of trick-or-treating fun, remember a few simple safety tips:

✨ Add a glow-in-the-dark accessory, reflective tape, or light-up bracelet to your child’s costume for better visibility after dark.
👯‍♂️ Encourage the buddy system so no one wanders off alone.

While candy is always a big highlight 🍬, try to make the night about more than just the sweets — enjoy the time spent together, the creativity of everyone’s costumes, and the fun of the adventure itself. Those are the memories that last far longer than any sugar rush!

Halloween is also a wonderful chance to help kids practice kindness and confidence — making eye contact, saying “please” and “thank you,” and even complimenting neighbors on their decorations or costumes. These small moments teach big life skills and make the night brighter for everyone.

You may also notice some children carrying blue pumpkin buckets — these often signal that a child is neurodivergent and may communicate or participate differently. A little patience and a warm smile can make a world of difference. 💙

We see lots of post-Halloween tummy aches and upset bellies from a little too much indulging — so it helps to gently set the expectation beforehand that we’re not eating the full bucket in one night. Help your kids pace themselves and save some treats for later — leftover candy can bring smiles for days to come and can be a great motivator for chores! 😉

Have a safe, not-so-spooky, joy-filled Halloween! 🧡

PS - Hardest. Pumpkin. Ever. 🦁🎃

10/24/2025

👀 Peek-a-who? Not through these windows! ❄️

Big thanks to Tint Tech for coming to our rescue just in time for daylight savings! 🌅 As great as our shades are during the day, once the sun went down, privacy became a real concern in our exam rooms.

Carol Sargent was amazing to work with — she came right out, walked us through all the options, and helped us find the perfect solution: a frosted tint that maintains a bright, welcoming environment during the day and 1000% privacy when it’s dark outside and we are still providing patient care

From our first conversation to full installation across five rooms, the whole process took less than a week, and the install itself just a single morning. The results? Absolutely phenomenal. 🙌

We couldn’t recommend Tint Tech more highly — professional, efficient, and just a pleasure to work with.