Tell us a bit about you, Douglas. Who are you?
I’m Dr. Douglas Hilbert, a board-certified internal medicine physician and Fellow of the American College of Physicians. I have practiced in San Antonio since 2002 and previously founded the Department of Defense’s first academic hospitalist program. Today, I lead HilbertMD, a concierge internal medicine practice built around longer appointments, accessibility and highly personalized care. I’m also a husband, father and ranch owner with a deep commitment to Texas. My broader mission—both in medicine and through speaking—is to help people live healthier, more meaningful lives and, as I like to say, “die young as late as possible.”
What is concierge healthcare?
Concierge healthcare is a membership-based model that allows a physician to care for fewer patients and devote significantly more time to each one. My patients receive same- or next-day access, longer visits, comprehensive preventive evaluations and direct help navigating complex medical decisions. Instead of trying to address several concerns during a rushed appointment, we have the time to understand the whole person, identify risks early and develop an individualized plan. It does not replace health insurance; it complements it by providing a more accessible, proactive and coordinated relationship with your physician.
What is the biggest misconception about what you offer or your industry?
The biggest misconception is that concierge medicine is simply paying for faster appointments. Access matters, but the real value is time, continuity and thoughtful medical decision-making. When physicians know their patients well and are not forced to rush through visits, they can identify subtle changes, connect seemingly unrelated symptoms and coordinate care more effectively. Concierge medicine should not be about unnecessary testing or luxury amenities. At its best, it restores the traditional physician-patient relationship while incorporating modern diagnostics, prevention and evidence-based medicine.
Is concierge healthcare actually affordable?
Honestly, it’s not affordable for everyone. My current new-patient membership is $5,000 annually—about $417 per month—the cost of one Starbuck’s coffee per day. For people who value having a physician who emphasizes preventative medicine, one whom they can easily reach, who will see them in a timely fashion, will consider it a valuable investment.
What are the three most popular services you offer, and why?
First is same- or next-day access for urgent concerns, helping patients avoid unnecessary delays and fragmented care. Second is an unusually comprehensive annual evaluation, with extended physician time, extensive laboratory testing and advanced assessments such as DEXA bone density, body composition and visceral-fat analysis. Third is coordination of complex care—reviewing specialists’ recommendations, medications, imaging and hospital records so the patient has one physician overseeing the complete picture. Patients value these services because they provide convenience, earlier identification of risk and confidence that important details are not being overlooked.
You recently went viral with your TEDx Talk—tell us about it.
My TEDx talk, “Stress Kills,” has reached hundreds of thousands of viewers. It explores how chronic stress affects our health, relationships and longevity—and why achievement means very little if we sacrifice ourselves and the people we love along the way. The response has been extraordinary because the message is both medical and deeply human. People recognize that they cannot always remove stress from their lives, but they can change how they understand and respond to it. I’m grateful that a message developed through medicine, family and personal experience has connected with so many people around the world.
How can readers make contact and take the first step toward better health?
Readers can contact HilbertMD at 210-614-4000 to learn more about the practice and determine whether concierge internal medicine is right for you. Our first step will be an honest assessment of current health, risks, and priorities. We will create a plan together with a physician who takes time to know you, not just as a patient, but as a person. The goal is not perfection, rather it is establishing good habits that become a way of life. My practice is accepting a limited number of new patients, and current patients are also encouraged to refer friends or family members who may be a good fit.
Additional question: Who is the ideal patient for your practice?
The ideal patient is someone who wants to be an active participant in protecting and improving their health. Some are busy professionals who value accessibility and efficiency; others have complex medical conditions and need careful coordination. Many are healthy today, but want to identify risks before those risks become disease. The common thread is valuing a lasting relationship with a physician who knows their history, has time to listen, and is personally invested in helping them live well for as long as possible.
