In this episode of Unsung, Teri Bunker, DNP, FNP, a nurse practitioner and founder of Bridge City Family Medical Clinic in Portland, Oregon, shares her remarkable 22-year journey from ER nurse to owner of one of the largest NP-led practices in the state, serving over 20,000 patients.

Teri recounts how she discovered nursing through volunteering on an ambulance in rural Nevada. Drawn to the practical opportunity and flexibility of the profession, she pursued her nursing education and later became an NP in 1996. After years working in public health and migrant health, she was struck by the unmet needs of Medicaid patients and felt compelled to act—despite warnings from others that it wouldn’t be financially viable.

With a home equity line of credit and a fierce sense of independence, Teri opened her first clinic space—just 1,200 square feet. From the beginning, she focused on inclusive, accessible care, serving patients of all backgrounds and insurance types, including a large Medicaid population and the LGBTQ+ community. She steadily grew her practice by focusing on quality care, word-of-mouth referrals, and keeping overhead low.

Teri talks openly about the ongoing challenges of cash flow, staffing, and leadership. Over time, she transitioned from full-time clinical care to a more administrative role, supported by a strong second-in-command. She shares how systems like AI-powered charting and a solid assistant team have helped her work at the top of her license and improve operations.

She also emphasizes the importance of finding your niche, staying focused, and resisting distractions—whether from flashy “revenue stream” ideas or the fears of others. Despite receiving early skepticism, Teri built a sustainable, thriving business by trusting her instincts and putting patients first.

Her long-term goal? To create a clinic that continues to serve her community long after she steps away—something with real, lasting value.

Teri ends the conversation with a reminder for other NPs: keep your overhead low, stay grounded, and trust yourself. Most importantly, she urges listeners to listen to their inner voice—even if others tell them it can’t be done.

Fun fact: Teri once butchered an entire buffalo in her kitchen after harvesting it herself—a testament to her deep roots in ethical food sourcing and her love of hands-on learning.

If she weren’t an NP? She’d still be running a business—maybe a car wash, maybe selling rocks. But whatever it was, she’d be her own boss.

Website – Coming soon via Duet NP network

GUEST BIO: Teri Bunker, DNP, FNP

Teri is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and the founder of Bridge City Family Medical Clinic. With a passion for serving underserved communities, she’s built a comprehensive primary care clinic known for its inclusive approach, strong staff culture, and dedication to high-quality, patient-centered care. She remains deeply committed to building a sustainable future for nurse-led healthcare.

HOST BIO: Efrat Lamandre, NP, PhD

The UNSUNG Podcast, hosted by Efrat Lamandre, a trailblazing Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and Head of Partnerships at Duet. Efrat is a medical disruptor on a mission to help individuals uncover the root causes of their symptoms, optimize their health, and reclaim their well-being. She’s the author of the transformative book “It’s Not In Your Head: Your Body Doesn’t Feel Right But You Don’t Know Why” and the visionary behind several successful healthcare ventures, including EG Healthcare, HawkScribes, and EG PREP.

As the host of The UNSUNG Podcast, Efrat shines a light on the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners who are revolutionizing healthcare by owning and leading their own practices. Through insightful and candid conversations, she highlights their journeys, celebrates their impact, and explores the challenges and rewards of building a business in healthcare.

With her expertise and passion for innovation, Efrat brings a unique perspective to the podcast, creating a relaxed and engaging space for NPs to share their “aha moments,” lessons learned, and the values that drive their care. Join her to be inspired, informed, and empowered by the incredible stories of these unsung heroes transforming healthcare. ABOUT THE UNSUNG PODCASTThe UNSUNG Podcast celebrates the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are transforming healthcare by owning and leading their own practices.