Community Highlights: Meet Emily Zerba of Thrive Osteopathy and Direct Primary Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Zerba.

Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my direct primary care (DPC) practice out of a deep desire to bring real, relationship-based medicine back into healthcare. After years of working in traditional systems that prioritized volume over value, I felt increasingly disconnected from the kind of care I wanted to give – the kind that takes time, listens deeply, and meets people where they are.

One of the biggest frustrations for me in previous practices was the inability to fully integrate osteopathic principles and hands-on treatment into my daily work. I was trained to look at the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and to use my hands as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. But in fast-paced, insurance-driven models, there simply wasn’t the time or space to practice that way.

When I launched my practice, Thrive Osteopathy, in Carbondale, Colorado, it was a leap of faith. I had no big financial backing, no safety net – just a strong belief that our community deserved better access to thoughtful, personalized care. I built the practice from the ground up, slowly growing by word of mouth and building trust one patient at a time.

Now, two years later, I have a thriving panel of patients, a small but mighty team, and a model that allows me to be present – not just for my patients, but for my family and my own well-being. I integrate osteopathic hands-on care with the full scope of primary care, and I’m constantly refining what it means to provide care that’s both deeply human and clinically excellent. It’s been a journey of heart, hustle, and constant learning – and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Once we got the doors open, things have been relatively smooth, and I feel incredibly grateful for that. That said, wearing all the hats – physician, business owner, manager, medical assistant, IT, janitor – comes with its fair share of challenges. There’s a steep learning curve to running a practice while also holding space for people’s health and lives every day.

One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been educating potential patients and the community about what direct primary care (DPC) actually is. It’s a different model, and naturally, there’s hesitation when something feels new or unfamiliar. People are so used to the insurance-driven healthcare system that it can take time to build trust and help them understand the value of something that feels more personal, more connected, and often, more affordable in the long run.

But I also see this as a huge opportunity. As traditional systems become increasingly strained, more individuals, families, and even employers are looking for a better way – and DPC offers that. Part of my role is not just to care for patients, but to be an educator and advocate for a model that I truly believe is the future of medicine.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Thrive Osteopathy and Direct Primary Care?
Thrive Osteopathy is a direct primary care (DPC) practice based in Carbondale, Colorado, focused on personalized, relationship-based healthcare.

At its core, Thrive is about reimagining what primary care can look like when it’s not dictated by insurance codes or rushed visits. My patients pay a simple monthly/annual membership fee and, in return, get direct access to me – same-day or next-day appointments, longer visits, wholesale prices on labs, secure messaging, and the ability to actually build a relationship with their doctor. There are no hidden fees, no copays, and no insurance billing. It’s healthcare that’s simplified, transparent, and truly centered around the patient.

What sets my practice apart is the integration of osteopathic principles into the care I provide. I offer hands-on osteopathic treatment (OMT) – whether that’s for pain, stress, recovery, or helping the nervous system settle. I treat people across the lifespan and am especially known for working with complex, layered concerns in a way that is both gentle and thorough.

In addition, I’m board certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) in menopause care, and I work with many women navigating hormonal transitions. This is an area of medicine that is often overlooked or minimized, and I’m passionate about offering evidence-based, personalized care to women in perimenopause and beyond.

I’m also proud of how accessible the practice is. I work with individuals, families, and small local businesses who want to offer meaningful healthcare benefits to their employees. I’ve even begun building a community sponsorship program to increase access for those who might not otherwise afford it – because I believe this model should be available to everyone, not just a few.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust and connection I’ve built. Thrive isn’t just a clinic – it’s a space where people feel heard, respected, and cared for. I want readers to know that this kind of care exists – care that’s slower, more thoughtful, and more aligned with your values. Thrive is about helping people feel better in their bodies and their lives – and I’m honored to be part of that journey.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success is about alignment – being able to live and work in a way that reflects my deepest values.

Professionally, I define success by the quality of the relationships I have with my patients. If they feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for – that’s a win. If someone tells me they finally feel hopeful, or that their health makes sense to them for the first time, I know I’m doing something right.

Success also means sustainability – for myself, my family, and my practice. I want to model a way of being a physician that doesn’t require burnout or self-sacrifice. That means setting boundaries, investing in my own growth, and finding ways to keep joy and curiosity in the work.

And at a bigger-picture level, success is contributing to something that matters. If I can help shift how healthcare feels in my community – to make it more humane, more accessible, more grounded – then I’m doing what I set out to do.

Pricing:

• https://thrivecarbondale.com/pricing
• Children: $65/mo
• Young Adult: $120/mo
• Older Adult: $135/mo
• Senior: $165/mo

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thrivecarbondale.com

Image Credits
Katie J. Photography
Powderstreet Photography
Cailen Hollenback