Each of these roles taps into what we already know and do as physicians. You don’t need a new degree. You need a framework to translate your clinical expertise into startup value.

This episode is about helping you see the breadth of opportunity in front of you and getting clear on where you fit. If you’ve ever wondered how to contribute meaningfully to innovation while staying grounded in medicine, this is where to begin.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Startup Functions for Physicians

[02:17] - Product Design and Development

[05:23] - Marketing and Brand Credibility

[08:53] - Business Development and Strategic Growth

[13:25] - Clinical Research and Validation

[17:41] - Customer and User Insight

[21:25] - Policy and Advocacy

[24:52] - Strategic Advisory and Innovation Leadership

Resources

•  🔗 Website: StartupphysiciansStartUp Physicians | Physician Entrepreneurship, Consulting & Leadership
•  🔗 LinkedIn: Dr. Alison Curfman 

Want to Go Deeper?

If you're ready to start translating your clinical expertise into real startup opportunities:

• Launchpad – A structured path to help you turn your skills into clear, actionable offerings 
• Free Resources – Tools, frameworks, and guidance to help you get started 
• Incubator – For physicians ready to build, grow, and scale within the startup ecosystem 

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman speaks with Dr. Daniella Dennis, an emergency medicine resident at the University of Connecticut and founder of Payscope MD, an AI platform designed to help physicians better understand employment contracts and salary benchmarks.

Daniella started building her company during intern year of residency after realizing how complex physician contracts are—and how expensive legal reviews can be for graduating residents.

Instead of waiting until the “perfect time,” she leveraged no-code AI tools to build a minimum viable product and start gathering feedback from physicians.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why physician contracts are often difficult to understand
• How AI may help physicians identify contract red flags
• Building a startup while still in medical training
• Why MVPs and user feedback matter more than perfection
• How physicians can leverage their clinical skills in entrepreneurship
• Why early-career doctors may actually have an advantage in innovation

Dr. Dennis also shares how posting one TikTok video helped her connect with mentors in health tech—and how simply getting started can open unexpected doors.

If you’ve ever wondered whether physicians can become founders—or whether it’s “too early” in your career to start something—this episode will challenge that assumption.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Daniella Dennis

02:00 – The Idea Behind Payscope MD

05:10 – Building an AI Startup Without a Technical Background

08:40 – Why MVPs and Feedback Matter in Startups

12:30 – Why Early Career Physicians Should Build in Health Tech

17:50 – Advice for Doctors Who Want to Start Something

RESOURCES:

• Payscope MD
• Startup Physicians
  
  

Connect with Daniella:

X: @payscopeMD

Linkedln:@GetPayScopeMD

Linkedln: @Daniella Dennis

www.theresidentfounder.com

Instagram: @Daniella_DoubleD

The question is—do you know how to build something that actually fixes it?

In this solo episode, Dr. Alison Curfman breaks down the 5 foundations every physician founder needs to go from clinical insight → startup launch.

After co-founding a company that scaled to 100,000 patients, raising over $100M across ventures, and working inside private equity evaluating healthcare startups, Alison shares the exact frameworks most physicians were never taught—but need to succeed.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between having an idea and knowing what to do next, this episode will give you a clear path forward.

In this episode, I discuss:

• How to validate a healthcare problem before you build
• What “unit economics” actually means (in plain English)
• How to build operations that scale quickly
• Smarter ways to fund your startup without risking your savings
• How to pitch, network, and get early traction

📄 Download the free Physician Founder Framework:

👉 https://StartupPhysicians.com/resources

🎧 Listen on our website: https://www.startupphysicians.com/podcast

Becoming a founder isn’t about leaving medicine.

It’s about expanding your impact.

Chapters:

00:00 You know what’s broken in healthcare 

02:30 Why most physician founders get stuck 

04:00 Foundation 1: Validate the right problem 

11:00 Foundation 2: Business model + unit economics 

19:30 Foundation 3: Operations that scale 

26:00 Foundation 4: Capital strategy 

34:00 Foundation 5: Pitch, network, and sell 

41:30 What the next 12 months could look like 

44:30 Startup Physicians Incubator + next steps

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with radiologist and healthcare venture leader Dr. Daniel Dow to discuss how physicians can transition into the startup and venture capital ecosystem.

After more than a decade in clinical radiology, Dr. Dow began exploring new ways physicians could influence healthcare innovation. Through startup accelerators, mentorship, and venture investing, he discovered the enormous need for clinical insight within the healthcare startup world.

Today, he serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Healthcare Shares, a venture capital community focused on bringing together physicians, healthcare operators, founders, and investors to support healthcare startups with both financial capital and intellectual capital.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why physicians are underrepresented in healthcare startups

 • How doctors can become advisors, mentors, or investors in early-stage companies

 • The difference between traditional venture capital and community-driven models

 • Why many healthcare startups fail — and how physician involvement can improve success

 • How physicians can begin exploring venture capital and startup investing

If you’re a physician curious about healthcare startups, venture capital, or non-clinical career paths, this episode offers a practical and inspiring starting point.

As Dr. Dow explains, physicians bring unique expertise that startups desperately need — and becoming involved in innovation can help doctors reclaim autonomy, purpose, and impact in healthcare.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Introduction and Meeting at the HLTH Conference

1:15 From Radiologist to Healthcare Innovation

4:20 Discovering Startup Accelerators and New Physician Career Paths

7:45 Why Physicians Are Underrepresented in Healthcare Startups

11:30 How Venture Capital Works in Healthcare

15:45 The Healthcare Shares Model: Investing With Intellectual Capital

20:00 Advisory Roles vs Investor Roles for Physicians

23:30 Why Venture Capital Bets on Founders

27:50 How Physicians Can Get Involved in Healthcare Startups

29:00 Advice for Physicians Exploring Non-Clinical Careers

 RESOURCES:

• HLTH Conference
• Health Wildcatters Accelerator
• Healthcare Shares
• Heather Fork Career Coaching for Physicians
• Columbia Business School Venture Capital Program 
  
  

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Payel Gupta, a board-certified allergist and immunologist who took a series of bold, intentional risks — from global health sabbaticals to becoming a health tech co-founder — ultimately leading to a successful startup acquisition.

Dr. Gupta shares her journey from traditional clinical training to co-founding a telemedicine company in the allergy space during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as consulting turned into a co-founder role (after she boldly suggested they needed a physician at the table). The company partnered directly with a pharmaceutical manufacturer to deliver FDA-approved allergy immunotherapy via telemedicine — and was later acquired by LifeMD in 2022.

This conversation is a masterclass in:

• Why physicians are uniquely positioned to succeed in startups
• How to take calculated career risks without sacrificing financial security
• The real-world MBA you gain by building a company
• What value physicians bring to product, marketing, compliance, validation, and payer strategy
• How to leverage LinkedIn to land consulting and advisory opportunities

We also dive into imposter syndrome, physician risk tolerance, and the two beliefs that can fundamentally change your career trajectory:

1. Physicians are exceptional problem solvers.
2. There are countless ways for doctors to create income and impact.

If you've ever wondered whether there’s more beyond traditional clinical practice — this episode will expand what feels possible.

Resources & Links:

• Partners in Health, Dr. Paul Farmer's Social Justice Health Care Organization: https://www.pih.org/
• Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder: https://www.tracykidder.com/mountains-beyond-mountains.html
• Connect with Dr. Payel Gupta on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/payel-gupta-md-facaai-4b178411
• Listen to her podcast: The Itch (All About Allergies & Asthma): https://www.itchpodcast.com/about-the-show
• Learn more about the Startup Physicians Launchpad (Advisory & Consulting Program): https://www.startupphysicians.com/launchpad
• Explore the Startup Physicians Incubator (For Physician Founders): https://www.startupphysicians.com/incubator

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Payel Gupta

01:30 – Global Health Sabbatical & Meeting Paul Farmer

05:00 – Taking Early Career Risks

07:00 – COVID, Pregnancy & A Career Pivot

09:30 – Becoming a Health Tech Co-Founder

11:30 – Telemedicine + Pharma Direct-to-Consumer Model

13:00 – Startup Acquisition in 2022

14:30 – Why Physicians Struggle with Risk

16:00 – The Two Beliefs That Change Everything

20:30 – The Physician Value in Health Tech

24:30 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

27:00 – How to Use LinkedIn for Consulting Opportunities

29:30 – Launchpad & Incubator Opportunities

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with emergency physician turned founder and startup executive, Dr. Alex Mohseni, to unpack how doctors can break into health tech, innovation, and leadership — without waiting for permission and without going back for another degree. 

Alex shares how he went from exporting EMR data in his emergency department to becoming a Chief Innovation Officer, startup medical director, and founder of ClinX Academy. His journey proves a powerful point: you can just start.

Inside this conversation, we cover:

• Why physicians freeze when the career path isn’t linear
• How to create startup opportunities instead of applying online
• The abundance mindset that unlocks doors
• How to evaluate health tech companies strategically
• Why community physicians are massively undervalued in innovation
• How understanding Medicare Advantage, ACOs, and risk models makes you indispensable
• The difference between vanity advisors and real clinical value
• Why you don’t need an MBA to become a healthcare executive
• How to wake up excited about your work again

This episode is for physicians who:

• Feel stuck in traditional clinical roles
• Want to explore startups, health tech, or venture
• Are curious about CMO or medical director roles
• Want to create impact beyond the bedside
• Are ready to think bigger about their career

The healthcare system is changing rapidly. AI, digital health, and value-based care are reshaping everything. Physicians who understand both clinical care and business strategy will define the future.

If you’ve been waiting for permission — this is it.

References:

Search for Startups: exa.ai

Clinx Academy: ClinxacademyNon-Clinical Physician Jobs & Physician Side Gigs | ClinX. Use code ALISON for 10% off.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Alex Mohseni

01:30 – From Emergency Medicine to Innovation

03:40 – Solving Problems Without Formal Training

07:00 – Escaping the Linear Physician Career Path

10:00 – Abundance Mindset in Business

13:30 – How Startup Opportunities Actually Happen

17:00 – Using Regulation to Predict Market Trends

19:30 – Why Startups Are So Energizing

21:00 – How to Break Into Health Tech

24:00 – Why Community Physicians Are So Valuable

28:00 – Creating Your Own Opportunity

30:30 – What Is ClinX Academy?

33:00 – If You’re Waking Up With Dread

35:00 – Final Encouragement for Physicians

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with child psychiatrist turned tech founder Dr. Marissa Caudill, co-founder of SuperDoc Tech, to talk about career reinvention, physician entrepreneurship, and building scalable systems that actually work.

Marissa shares her nonlinear journey:

• From MD-PhD and academia
• To private practice owner
• To employed psychiatrist at Kaiser
• To launching a parent-focused brand
• To co-founding a HIPAA-compliant tech platform for physicians

Along the way, she learned a hard truth many physician founders discover: being excellent at medicine doesn’t mean you’re equipped with the backend systems needed to grow a business.

We discuss:

• Why career transitions are normal (and necessary) for physicians
• The “Valley of Despair” in entrepreneurship — and how to push through
• Why most doctors build chaotic tech stacks that don’t talk to each other
• How an all-in-one CRM platform (based on Go High Level) can simplify marketing, scheduling, automation, and patient communication
• The power of community and done-with-you support when learning something new

If you’ve ever:

• Considered leaving your W-2
• Felt overwhelmed by tech and marketing
• Wanted to scale beyond 1:1 clinical work
• Struggled with burnout inside your own business

This episode is for you.

Because you don’t need to abandon medicine to build something bigger — you need better systems, better support, and the willingness to feel like an intern again.

🔗 Learn more about SuperDoc Tech: superdoctech.com/startupphysicians

 🎟️ Use code PODCAST50 for 50% off your first 3 months.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

 01:00 – Marissa’s Nonlinear Career Path

 03:45 – Burning Out in Private Practice

 06:45 – Why She Left Kaiser

 09:15 – Normalizing Physician Career Transitions

 13:45 – The Emotional Cycle of Change

 17:00 – From Course Creator to Tech Founder

 21:45 – What SuperDoc Tech Actually Does

 25:30 – Why Most Physician Tech Stacks Fail

 29:00 – Real Client Wins

 31:00 – Final Takeaways

Michael shares his journey from traditional medical training to founding multiple healthcare technology companies, beginning with something deceptively simple: an Excel spreadsheet tracking social factors affecting elderly patients. Long before “social determinants of health” became a buzzword, Michael identified how caregiver availability, nutrition access, and home support predicted hospital readmissions with striking accuracy.

That insight led to a startup that ultimately scaled to serve over 7 million patients internationally, helping health systems allocate resources more effectively—years before U.S. reimbursement models caught up.

Throughout the conversation, Michael breaks down why physicians are uniquely positioned to be entrepreneurs, how curiosity fuels innovation, and why you don’t need to learn to code or get an MBA to build meaningful solutions. He also explains how entrepreneurship can actually reduce burnout, offering physicians a renewed sense of agency and creativity.

Finally, Michael introduces Ryze Health, a company designed to support independent medical practices by making healthcare benefits more affordable and accessible—reinforcing his broader mission to democratize healthcare.

This episode is a must-listen for physicians who:

• See broken systems and want to fix them
• Are curious about entrepreneurship but don’t know where to start
• Want to build alongside medicine, not abandon it

Chapters

00:00 – Physician to Entrepreneur (Without Planning It)

02:51 – Seeing the System Break in Real Practice

03:35 – Predicting Readmissions With an Excel Sheet

05:56 – Social Determinants of Health Before It Had a Name

09:48 – Why Physicians Are Built for Entrepreneurship

12:30 – You Don’t Need to Code (Or Get Another Degree)

14:39 – Finding Startup Partners Outside Medicine

15:34 – Practicing Medicine While Building Companies

19:22 – Entrepreneurship as Burnout Prevention

20:10 – The Secret Weapon: Physician Curiosity

22:37 – Asking “Why” Inside Broken Systems

24:36 – Introducing Rise Healt

27:10 – Why Independent Practices Matter

29:03 – A Call to Physicians Ready to Build

Resources Mentioned

• Rise Health: RyzehealthEmpowering Independent Physicians | Ryze Health Insurance & Practice Benefits
• Startup Physicians: StartupphysiciansStartUp Physicians | Physician Entrepreneurship, Consulting & Leadership
  
  

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Osama Hashmi, dermatologist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Empiricus, to unpack his unconventional journey from pre-med student to multi-time founder.

Osama shares how early exposure to healthcare policy, liability, and system inefficiencies sparked a deeper curiosity—not just about treating patients, but about changing the systems that shape patient care.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why understanding the problem matters more than understanding technology
• How Osama started his first company before medical school—with no entrepreneurial background
• The myth that physicians must quit medicine to build startups
• Why starting with manual solutions often leads to better technology later
• The difference between services-based businesses and tech startups
• How Empiricus is rethinking physician–pharma communication
• Why founders bring optimism to a healthcare system facing rapid change
• Practical, low-risk ways physicians can explore entrepreneurship today

This conversation is especially valuable for physicians who feel curious—but unsure—about business, startups, or innovation. Osama breaks down complex ideas into approachable, actionable insights and reminds us that you don’t need to be technical, fearless, or all-in to get started.

“Entrepreneurship doesn’t mean leaving medicine. It means using business as a tool to solve real problems.”

Chapters:

00:00 – From Med School Dreams to System-Level Questions

02:55 – Why Business & Capital Drive Real Change in Healthcare

04:35 – Starting a Company Before Medical School

06:45 – How Physicians Actually Get Started in Entrepreneurship

08:40 – Physicians Are Closer to the Real Problems Than Anyone Else

10:55 – Start Manual, Then Add Technology

14:55 – Services vs Tech: Choosing the Right Business Model

15:25 – The Vision Behind Empiricus & DocUpdate

17:30 – Free E-Prescribing & Physician-Centered Tools

19:00 – Why Physician Communities Matter More Than Ever

21:05 – Founders Think Differently About the Future of Medicine

24:45 – You Don’t Have to Quit Medicine to Be an Entrepreneur

26:20 – Practical Advice for Doctors Curious About Startups

28:10 – Building Teams vs Being the Best Individual Performer

Resources & Links

• Impiricus – Ethical pharma–physician engagement ImpiricusHome
• DocUpdate App – Free e-prescribing & physician tools (iOS & Android) DocupdateHome
• Connect with Dr. Osama Hashmi – LinkedinOsama Hashmi MD MPH - Impiricus | LinkedIn
• Startup Physicians Programs & Community – startupphysicians.com

From launching an online medical bookstore as a resident during the early days of the internet, to co-founding Stanford Biodesign innovations, advising and investing in digital health startups, leading conversations on AI in healthcare, and even serving as a flight surgeon and astronaut finalist—Daniel’s career defies the traditional medical path.

Together, Alison and Daniel discuss how physicians can identify real pain points, why beginner’s mind is such a powerful advantage, how AI will reshape clinical care faster than any previous innovation, and what doctors must do now to remain relevant, ethical, and impactful in the next decade of medicine.

This conversation is a must-listen for physicians curious about entrepreneurship, digital health, AI, venture, or simply expanding their impact beyond the exam room—without leaving medicine behind.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Daniel became an entrepreneurial physician before it was mainstream
• Turning clinical frustration into a million-dollar startup during residency
• The power of identifying real pain points in medicine
• Stanford Biodesign and why structure matters in healthcare innovation
• Why early-career physicians often see opportunities others miss
• The current explosion of AI and digital health tools—and why it’s overwhelming
• How AI will change medicine faster than EMRs or telehealth ever did
• The importance of physician voices in AI ethics and guardrails
• Feature vs company: how founders should think strategically
• Capital strategy advice for non-technical physician founders
• Aerospace medicine, flight surgery, NASA work, and astronaut selection
• Why crossing disciplines creates the most meaningful innovation
• How physicians can expand impact without abandoning clinical work

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Dr. Daniel Kraft

01:05 – An Entrepreneurial Mindset Before It Was “Allowed”

02:10 – Building an Online Medical Bookstore as a Resident

04:00 – Lessons from an Early Startup Exit

06:00 – Stanford Biodesign & Finding Clinical Pain Points

07:40 – Creating a Medical Device from Bedside Frustration

09:50 – Digital Health Overload & Why Clinicians Feel Behind

11:35 – Design Thinking in Healthcare Innovation

13:45 – Physician Fears Around AI (and Why They Matter)

15:40 – AI Guardrails, Ethics, and Patient Safety

18:40 – Why Healthcare Can’t Innovate at a 17-Year Pace Anymore

20:00 – Venture Capital, Startups & Feature vs Company

22:00 – Advice for Non-Technical Physician Founders

26:30 – Aerospace Medicine, NASA & Becoming an Astronaut Finalist

29:00 – Final Advice for Physicians Expanding Beyond Clinical Care

Resources Mentioned:

• Daniel Kraft's website: DanielkraftmdDaniel Kraft M.D.
• NextMed Health: NextmedNextMed Health: Re-imagining the Future of Health and Medicine digital health platform
• Continuum Health Ventures: ContinuumhealthContinuum Health Ventures | Healthspan Venture Capital
• Stanford Biodesign Program StanfordPrograms
  
  

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas, urologic surgeon, former private practice CEO, MIT MBA, and healthcare innovation leader at Northwestern Medicine.

Jennifer shares how she navigated the transition from academic medicine to private practice, led a large surgical group through the COVID-19 crisis, and ultimately moved into system-level innovation, incubators, and startup advising.

This conversation is a grounded look at how physicians create value outside of patient care—without burning out, giving work away for free, or abandoning medicine altogether.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why physicians underestimate their value in startups and innovation
• What becoming a CEO during COVID taught Jennifer about leadership and pivoting
• How private practice prepares doctors for entrepreneurship
• Why AI and data literacy matter for physicians—without needing a tech background
• How to start advisory work without getting taken advantage of
• The role of incubators and health system innovation programs
• Practical ways physicians can explore non-clinical impact while staying grounded

This episode is especially relevant for physicians who feel ready for more impact, creativity, or system-level influence—but want to move intentionally.

Chapters:

00:00 – Why Physicians Belong in Innovation

00:53 – Academic Medicine vs Private Practice Reality

02:59 – Becoming CEO in January 2020

03:43 – Pivoting During COVID

04:55 – Why an MBA (and Why MIT)

06:05 – AI Isn’t Magic—It’s Math

08:25 – Moving Into Health System Innovation

10:45 – The Hidden Value of Physicians in Startups

13:00 – How to Start Advisory Work

17:59 – Avoiding Exploitation in Business

21:56 – Defining and Pricing Your Value

25:23 – Incubators, Accelerators & Health System Opportunities

29:13 – Final Advice for Physicians Exploring What’s Next

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermiles-thomas

Dr. Friedman shares how an accidental discovery during medical school—creating nanoparticles in a basic science lab—ultimately reshaped his entire professional trajectory. What began as an effort to strengthen a residency application evolved into a long-term commitment to invention, dermatology, and translational research, culminating in market-ready skincare products and an ongoing clinical pipeline.

The conversation explores the reality of physician innovation beyond buzzwords: the role of observation, the importance of teams and mentors, and the nuance of intellectual property when building physical products. Dr. Friedman offers practical insight into how ideas become protected, validated, and scaled—while also emphasizing that sharing ideas thoughtfully is often essential to progress.

Together, Dr. Curfman and Dr. Friedman discuss why many physicians remain stuck at the idea stage, how early-career “yes phases” create unexpected opportunities, and why abundance—not scarcity—drives sustainable innovation. The episode also highlights Dr. Friedman’s work with cannabinoid-based dermatologic products and what it means to see something invented in training become part of patients’ daily lives.

This episode is a grounded, honest look at physician entrepreneurship—one rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to follow what’s interesting, even when the path isn’t clear.

Takeaways

• Dr. Friedman describes himself as having 'career ADHD' due to his diverse interests in dermatology.
• Curiosity is essential for innovation; asking 'why' can lead to discoveries.
• Accidental discoveries can lead to significant advancements in medicine.
• Saying yes to opportunities can open doors to new paths in one's career.
• Building a supportive network is crucial for success in any field.
• Intellectual property is important for protecting innovative ideas.
• Sharing ideas with trusted individuals can enhance the development process.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in career development and innovation.
• There is an abundance of opportunities in the medical field.
• Technology can significantly enhance treatment options in dermatology.
  
  

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-friedman-0340778/

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Adam Friedman, dermatologist & inventor
01:30 – Why curiosity shaped his career
03:45 – Accidental discoveries that change everything
06:50 – Saying yes early in your career
10:55 – Why many physicians stay stuck
14:10 – From lab discovery to real products
18:55 – The role of mentors and teams
22:40 – Intellectual property myths for physicians
26:10 – Why companies need physicians early
30:05 – Seeing patients use what you invented

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman talks with Dr. Zhen Chan, a practicing pediatrician and founder of Grapevyne. Zhen shares how he moved from a traditional training path to venture work, what “due diligence” looks like in the real world, and why clinical insight is often the missing piece in healthcare products.

They also discuss why physicians often overvalue credentials, how networking creates opportunities faster than another degree, and how Zhen pivoted Grapevyne from a job marketplace into a community built to help clinicians expand their skills and impact in 2025 and beyond.

Takeaways

• Zhen Chan transitioned from clinical medicine to startups.
• Networking is crucial for career development in healthcare.
• Experience can be more valuable than formal education.
• Venture fellowships provide exposure to the startup ecosystem.
• Clinical perspectives are essential in evaluating healthcare startups.
• Grapevyne aims to empower physicians and medical professionals.
• The importance of adaptability and pivoting in entrepreneurship.
• Understanding regulatory pathways is vital for healthcare innovation.
• Building a community can enhance professional growth.
• Physicians have unique insights that can drive startup success.

Connect with Zhen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmd)
Learn more about Grapevyne: https://grapevyne.health)

https://instagram.com/zhen_md

https://www.tiktok.com/@zhenmd

Chapters

00:00 – Intro + Zhen’s background
01:30 – MBA vs real-world experience
03:10 – Why he pivoted from fellowship plans
05:55 – Networking as the unlock
12:05 – Venture fellowships + due diligence explained
16:10 – Unpaid roles, equity, and value exchange
21:05 – What he learned: how investors think
24:50 – The unique value of physician perspective
28:15 – What Grapevyne is building now
30:45 – Pivot story + closing

Takashi shares how wanting to be more present for his young family in Hawaii led him to explore telemedicine, ultimately becoming licensed in all 50 states plus DC. That national licensure opened unexpected opportunities: medical group ownership, corporate practice of medicine (PC) leadership, compliance roles, and executive positions within rapidly scaling digital health startups.

The conversation explores:

• How telemedicine side work grew into a high-leverage, location-independent physician career
• What PC ownership and corporate practice of medicine mean for early-stage startups
• The path from clinician to executive without an MBA or formal business training
• Why an abundance mindset is essential in the physician innovation community
• The lifestyle transformation that telemedicine can offer—holidays off, nights at home, flexibility, and autonomy
• How Takashi’s program, All In Remote / ER Physician Academy, helps physicians obtain multi-state licensure and uncover both clinical and non-clinical roles in digital health
• How physicians can transition into advisory roles, administrative positions, executive leadership, or even launch their own companies

The episode highlights the vast—and often unseen—career landscape available to physicians beyond traditional brick-and-mortar practice, and how telemedicine can serve as both a bridge and a springboard to greater freedom, fulfillment, and impact.

Listeners who are contemplating career redesign, craving flexibility, or seeking meaningful work beyond conventional practice will find a roadmap filled with possibility.

00:01 – Welcome & Introduction to Dr. Takashi Nakamura
00:45 – From ER Shifts to Telemedicine as a Side Gig
02:20 – Getting Licensed in All 50 States and DC
03:56 – PC Ownership, Corporate Practice of Medicine, and Compliance
08:13 – Executive Roles, Medical Groups, and Learning on the Job
14:42 – Creating All In Remote and ER Physician Academy
17:40 – Helping Physicians Replace Income and Expand Opportunities
22:04 – From Virtual Clinical Work to Executive and Founder Paths
23:52 – Redesigning Career, Holidays, and Lifestyle Around Your Values
26:14 – The Upside of 1099 Work and Working on Your Own Terms
27:51 – Final Advice: Find Like-Minded Physicians and Positive Community

website: airphysicianacademy.com

Jhonatan shares how he navigated the challenge of learning Dutch, rebuilding his medical career abroad, and entering the world of health tech without a formal business background. His curiosity and clinical expertise propelled him through roles in product management and business development before co-founding Keiku, an AI-powered digital stethoscope and ambient scribe designed to transform how clinicians capture and interpret patient data.

Together, they explore the realities of building hardware as a physician founder, the power of partnerships, the importance of embracing imperfect MVPs, and the many translatable skills physicians already possess that prepare them for startup leadership. This episode offers a clear, inspiring look at what’s possible when physicians step into innovation.

00:00 – Introduction & Global Background
01:10 – Training in Latin America & Moving to Europe
03:05 – Recertifying in Dutch
04:55 – Entering Health Tech as a Medical Advisor
07:15 – Physicians’ Translatable Skills
10:20 – Growing into Business & Startup Roles
13:35 – The Origin of Keiku
18:10 – What Keiku Is & What It Does
22:50 – AI, Auscultation, and Documentation
26:15 – How Hardware Gets Built
29:25 – Advice for Physician Innovators
30:50 – Startup Physicians Pathways & Closing

Jhonathan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbringasd/

Keikku Smart Stethoscope - https://www.keikku.health/

Alison and Lyndsey explore what children actually need from care, why telehealth can enhance safety when designed well, and how creativity becomes an antidote to burnout for physicians. They also break down what CMO roles look like inside startups and offer practical paths for doctors who want to get involved in digital health or leadership.

Whether you’re a pediatrician, a parent, or a physician curious about the startup world, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible beyond traditional practice.

00:00 — Welcome & Reconnecting
01:48 — Lyndsey’s Path to Pediatrics & Startups
03:37 — Staying Clinical While Founding
05:05 — Founding Blueberry Pediatrics
07:30 — Building Safe Pediatric Telehealth
08:56 — Challenging Traditional Medical Dogma
11:05 — What Families Really Need in Pediatric Care
12:23 — Telehealth Safety & Continuity
14:08 — “Attending… Now What?”
15:34 — Blueberry’s Model & Quality Measures
19:11 — What a CMO Does in a Startup
22:57 — Pathways Into Startup Roles for Physicians
26:01 — Academia vs. Industry Growth
29:04 — Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout
30:59 — Advice to Pediatricians: Ask for What You Need
32:37 — Closing & Where to Find Lyndsey

website: www.blueberrypediatrics.com

@blueberrypediatrics on socials

Nerissa shares how an unexpected career setback opened the door to the pharma industry, what medical affairs and clinical development roles actually look like, and how physicians can build the business and regulatory skill sets needed to thrive in biotech. She explains how to communicate across cross-functional teams, design clinical trials, and navigate both the highs (like successful IPOs) and the lows (like program shutdowns).

Alison and Nerissa also dig into imposter syndrome, confidence, humility, and why physicians must embrace learning and ask for help—just like they do in clinical practice. Nerissa also highlights her work developing first-in-human transfer RNA therapies and discusses her coaching program, Pharma Industry MD Coach, which supports physicians exploring industry roles.

This episode is packed with tactical insights and mindset shifts for any physician curious about biotech, pharma, or leadership roles beyond clinical medicine.

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Nerissa Kreher
01:08 – A Career Pivot That Changed Everything
04:01 – Entering Pharma + Early Mindset Shifts
07:14 – Building New Skills Beyond Medicine
11:23 – Clinical Development & Designing Trials
13:59 – Moving Through Companies & Becoming a CMO
16:18 – Handling Setbacks in Drug Development
18:27 – Mindset, Imposter Syndrome & Asking for Help
23:05 – Inside the IPO Experience
28:04 – What She’s Building Now
29:35 – Supporting Physicians Through Coaching
30:57 – Closing Thoughts

Pharma Industry MD Coach Website: www.industryMDCoach.com

IG: PharmaindustryMDCoach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-industrymdcoach-b501301ba/

Lara shares her journey from insisting she’d never be a doctor, to practicing in the U.S. and U.K., to ultimately leaving the bedside after a mix of personal, professional, and global circumstances made clinical practice unsustainable. She opens up about her seven failed rounds of IVF, adoption, surrogacy, and the lived experiences that inspired her to co-found a vaginal drug-delivery medtech company—reshaping how women receive progesterone and other therapies.

Alison and Lara dive into:

• The surprising origins of Lara’s medical career
• Practicing medicine across two countries and navigating identity as a physician
• How infertility and motherhood shaped her mission in women’s health
• The reality of transitioning out of clinical medicine
• How physicians can translate clinical expertise into startup leadership
• The importance of storytelling when raising capital or influencing change
• Why learning, networking, and experimentation matter more than having a perfect plan
• Practical advice for doctors exploring entrepreneurship or seeking a more aligned career path

This conversation blends humor, vulnerability, and startup strategy—making it essential listening for any physician who’s curious about new career possibilities or the future of women’s health innovation.

Connect with Dr. Lara Zibners:

• Lara's Website: https://www.larazibners.com/
• Calla Lilly Clinical Care: https://www.callali.ly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlarazibners/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraz/
• Podcast: Unstable Vitals - https://www.unstablevitals.com/ 

I’ll break down the key principles of design thinking, share real-world examples from my experience building care models, and explain how MVPs can save time and resources while delivering impactful results. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Welcome and introduction to the startup mindset: Speed, disruption, and innovation.
[2:54] - The five phases of design thinking and why empathy is at the heart of it all.
[4:25] - Exploring the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and its value in healthcare.
[7:42] - The story of creating a clinical care model as an MVP at Imagine Pediatrics.
[9:20] - Challenging assumptions and how questioning “why” can uncover hidden opportunities.
[15:57] - Practical takeaways: Applying design thinking, MVPs, and assumption testing in your work.

Resources:

Check out our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Remember to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! 

We talk about how physicians can bring incredible value to startups, even without business or engineering backgrounds. Janene explains what it’s really like to go through the Stanford Biodesign Fellowship, how to identify unmet clinical needs, and why humility and collaboration are essential for success in the startup world.

We also dive into her work with Impact One, an organization focused on pediatric and maternal health innovation, and explore how physicians can help shape the future of healthcare technology, instead of just reacting to it.

If you’ve ever wondered how to combine your medical expertise with innovation, entrepreneurship, or leadership, this episode will show you what’s possible.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] – Welcome & Introduction

[02:00] – How Janene Found Her Way into Innovation

[06:00] – What Physicians Bring to Startups

[09:00] – The Importance of Humility and Teamwork

[11:30] – Creating Impact Beyond the Bedside

[15:00] – Driving Pediatric and Maternal Health Innovation

[18:30] – Why Physicians Need to Lead in Tech

[22:00] – Building Skills for Startup Success

[24:00] – Advice for Physicians Exploring New Career Paths

[25:30] – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

They discuss the evolving role of physicians in healthcare startups, the importance of clinical insight in product development, and the various pathways for aspiring founders and advisors in the healthcare space. 

Kevin shares his career journey, the resources available for startup founders, and the significance of connecting healthcare needs with innovative solutions. 

The conversation emphasizes the collaborative nature of healthcare innovation and the opportunities for physicians to contribute to this dynamic field.

Dr. Kevin Braumlin's LinkedIn Page

Science Center

NSF I-corps 

SBIR Funding

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Introduction to Startup Physicians and Guest Background
[02:39] - Kevin Baumlin's Career Journey and Transition to Startups
[05:23] - Opportunities for Aspiring Founders in Healthcare
[08:19] - Understanding the Science Center and Its Programs
[10:54] - Navigating Grants and Funding for Startups
[13:55] - The Role of Physicians in Startups and Advisory Positions
[16:57] - Connecting Healthcare Needs with Startup Solutions
[19:37] - The Importance of Clinical Insight in Product Development
[22:36] - Innovative Approaches in Early Cancer Detection
[25:22] - Getting Involved: Pathways for Physicians in Startups
[28:19] - Conclusion and Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Kieran walks through his early career, how a failed plan to work on cruise ships turned into field hospital work with Doctors Without Borders, and how the rise of telehealth sparked his interest in startups. He shares what it was like to build his first venture, a smoking cessation app, with no coding experience and a lot of trial and error. We talk about low-code tools, product strategy, and the reality of building something valuable in a crowded space.

If you’re a physician wondering whether you can actually contribute in tech or startups, this episode makes the answer pretty clear. You can. And you should.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] – How we met on LinkedIn

[04:40] – Emergency medicine, field hospitals, and a shift toward tech

[08:15] – Starting Baiguai (and learning the hard way)

[16:20] – Building without knowing how to code

[27:40] – Moving to Australia to go all-in on health tech

[33:50] – Why clinicians matter in product, ops, and safety

Heather shares her story with clarity and honesty. From her roots in clinical genetics to navigating an entirely new industry. We talk about what surprised her, what challenged her, and how she kept learning along the way. One thing that stood out: Heather never stopped investing in relationships. Her network, she says, became her lifeline through the transition.

She also makes a powerful case for why physicians are deeply valuable in pharma. From clinical insights to patient advocacy, she shows that our voices matter and that representation isn’t optional if we want to build a better system.

This conversation is about possibility, but also about preparation. It’s a must-listen for anyone considering a leap into industry, or simply wondering what else is out there.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Pharmaceutical Startups
[00:58] - Heather's Journey from Clinical Practice to Startups
[03:52] - Navigating the Learning Curve in Pharma
[07:26] - Building Skills and Value in the Pharmaceutical Industry
[11:02] - Exploring Different Roles in Pharma
[13:14] - Mission and Impact in the Pharmaceutical Field
[14:29] - Transitioning into Pharma: Options for Physicians
[16:18] - Finding Opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Space
[20:08] - Addressing Misconceptions about Pharma
[23:34] - The Importance of Physician Representation in Pharma
[24:34] - Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Physicians

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Dr. Shakira Grant's Journey
[02:46] - Transitioning from Medicine to Policy
[05:39] - The Intersection of AI and Health Equity
[08:40] - Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development
[11:28] - The Role of Physicians in AI Innovation
[14:13] - Founding CROSS: Bridging Healthcare and AI
[17:05] - Practical Involvement of Physicians in AI Projects
[19:58] - The Importance of Diverse Voices in AI Development
[23:05] - Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Innovators

Ever wondered how a physician can transition from clinical care to founding a successful digital health startup? In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Bronwyn Harris, a pediatric cardiologist turned healthcare innovator. From her early days in biomedical engineering to pioneering a digital health startup that was later acquired by Apple, Bronwyn shares her incredible journey navigating the intersection of medicine, technology, and entrepreneurship.

We talk about the lessons she learned in Stanford Biodesign, the challenges of building a healthcare startup from scratch, and how she leveraged her clinical expertise to create a groundbreaking asthma monitoring tool. Plus, we dive into the evolving world of wearable medical devices and how clinicians can contribute to the future of health tech. If you're curious about blending medicine with innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Bronwyn Harris is a pediatric cardiologist who clinically practices part-time at Stanford. She also has a background in biomedical engineering and has been working in the digital health space for the past decade with a range of experiences from starting her own company to working at Apple. She is currently Chief Transformation Officer for CareEvolution, a health software company with a one-stop digital research platform. Bronwyn is passionate about using patient-generated health data to empower patients and overall improve clinical care. 

Episode Highlights:

[1:26] Introduction to Dr. Bronwyn Harris and her unique career path.

[5:48] How her background in biomedical engineering shaped her approach to medicine.

[9:20] Early experiences with medical device research and home monitoring solutions.

[11:30] The power of design thinking in healthcare innovation.

[19:16] How Stanford Biodesign changed her perspective on medical innovation.

[22:49] Founding her digital health startup and the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship.

[27:48] The unexpected path that led to an acquisition by Apple.

[30:01] The mindset shift from clinical medicine to the startup world.

[33:24] The future of wearable devices in healthcare and why clinicians should take notice.

Resources:

• Checkout the asthma tool created by Dr. Harris: https://www.asthmatool.com 
• Dr. Bronwyn Harris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cardiac-related-wearable-features-overview-bronwyn-harris-ngxwc/ 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

What if you could break out of the traditional physician career path and create a role that blends clinical care with entrepreneurship and innovation? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. Paige Bhansali, a pediatrician with an incredible journey through consulting, healthcare startups, and value-based care. Paige has carved out her own unique path in medicine—balancing residency, an MBA, and a startup career—all while maintaining her passion for improving pediatric healthcare.

Dr. Paige Bhansali is the Head of Clinical Strategy and Operations at Playground Pediatrics, a fast-growing value-based pediatric practice focused on delivering the highest quality of care for children. She is a practicing pediatrician and Assistant Professor at Lurie Children’s in Chicago. Prior to medical school, she started her career in strategy consulting at the Boston Consulting Group where she worked with providers transitioning to value-based reimbursement models. She’s had the privilege to work for several value-based care organizations focused on underserved populations including the Commonwealth Care Alliance, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, and Imagine Pediatrics. She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University, medical degree from the University of Michigan, and a master of business administration from Harvard Business School. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:45] - Welcome to the episode! Meet Dr. Paige Bhansali and hear about her unique background in healthcare startups.

[1:39] - From childhood inspiration to pediatrics—Paige’s journey into medicine and her early exposure to healthcare.

[5:50] - How Paige took an unconventional approach during her medical training to explore startup opportunities.

[9:00] - The power of saying yes—how she turned the pandemic into an opportunity for professional growth.

[12:27] - The serendipity of networking: how one connection led Paige to her work with Imagine Pediatrics.

[14:31] - Using clinical expertise to shape early-stage startups—Paige’s role in analyzing claims data and building innovative care models.

[19:32] - Why physicians' skills in critical thinking, research, and data analysis are invaluable to healthcare companies.

[24:53] - How Paige balanced residency, an MBA, startup work, and becoming a new parent—and what she learned along the way.

[26:14] - Do you need an MBA to break into healthcare startups? Paige shares her thoughts on building business skills in different ways.

[28:27] - Exploring alternative career paths: how physicians can contribute to startups while still practicing medicine.

[30:23] - What’s next? Paige shares her current work at Playground Pediatrics and her mission to transform pediatric value-based care.

CK shares candid reflections on what it really takes to move from the clinic to the boardroom, including the challenges of stepping into unfamiliar territory and the mindset shifts that helped him thrive. We explore how clinical expertise plays a critical role in product development, why more physicians are needed at the table in tech, and how we can bring physician voices into spaces like sales, strategy, and innovation without losing our identity in the process.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible beyond clinical medicine or how to bring your medical lens into startups and AI, this conversation is full of insight, clarity, and real-world advice.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to CK Wang's Journey
[02:37] - Transition from Clinical Practice to Innovation
[05:20] - The Role of Clinicians in Tech
[08:10] - Supporting Sales and Product Development
[11:02] - Embracing a Growth Mindset
[13:27] - Navigating Financial Discussions in Healthcare
[16:08] - The Value of Clinical Knowledge in Business
[18:58] - Conclusion and Future Opportunities

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - The Journey of an Entrepreneurial Physician
[09:12] - Navigating Medical and Business Education
[18:28] - The Importance of Networking and Relationships
[27:46] - Building Tembo Health: A Mission-Driven Venture
[31:30] - Advice for Aspiring Physician Entrepreneurs

What stood out most to me is her clarity around the problem she’s solving, not just clinical pain, but the emotional toll these procedures take on patients, especially children. We talk through how she validated the need, navigated the early hurdles of design and manufacturing, and how she’s thinking about the future of Thimble Health.

We also explore what it means to be a physician founder, the role of community, and why connection and shared experience matter so much on this journey. If you’ve ever had an idea that kept tugging at you, or wondered what it really takes to bring a solution to life, this conversation will resonate.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - The Journey Begins: From Motherhood to Innovation
[03:02] - Understanding Thimble Health: A Comprehensive Solution
[05:49] - From Idea to Product: The Development Process
[08:35] - Creating the Prepare Patch: Design and Safety
[11:24] - Navigating Challenges: Self-Funding and Market Research
[14:00] - Lessons Learned: Networking and Asking for Help
[17:07] - Future Aspirations: Changing the Standard of Care

Tune in to hear how physician involvement can drive innovation and improve patient outcomes in the startup space.

Episode Highlights:

The Transition Journey
Dr. Klugman discusses his career path, from medical school to fellowships in pediatric cardiology and critical care, and how these experiences prepared him for the startup space.

The Value of Physician Input
Exploring why physician insights are crucial in healthcare startups and how they can lead to more effective solutions.

Skills Translation: From Clinic to Tech
How Dr. Klugman's clinical and administrative skills translate into valuable contributions in the tech industry.

Challenges in Healthcare Innovation
Discussing the common pitfalls tech companies face when entering healthcare and the importance of understanding the system's complexity.

Networking and Opportunities
Dr. Klugman shares his approach to networking and finding opportunities in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of outreach and resilience.

Advice for Aspiring Physician Innovators
Tips for physicians looking to transition into the tech industry, including the importance of introspection and understanding one's unique value.

Conclusion: The Future of Healthcare Startups
Dr. Klugman reflects on the exciting opportunities for physicians in the startup world and the potential for impactful innovation.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to the Journey of a Physician Founder
[01:23] - Identifying a Problem in Emergency Medicine
[05:54] - The Importance of Intellectual Property
[10:38] - Leveraging Resources for Innovation
[11:52] - Understanding Market Fit and Customer Discovery
[15:47] - The Evolution of Nasaclip
[19:00] - From Idea to Prototype
[20:51] - Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
[23:02] - The Art of Pitching and Fundraising
[27:17] - Encouragement for Aspiring Physician Founders

My goal is to help you recognize how much value you already bring, and how to pair that with the right knowledge and support. If you're feeling the pull toward something more, something creative, impactful, and aligned with your expertise, this episode is for you. I’ll show you how to get started, and how to find community as you build momentum in this space.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Startup Opportunities for Physicians
[01:28] - Self-Discovery: Understanding Your Motivations
[05:50] - Strategic Networking: Building Valuable Connections
[10:37] - Understanding the Startup Landscape
[12:30] - Encouragement and Community Support

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Startup Mistakes
[00:58] - Understanding Your True Value
[03:24] - Mindset Matters: Rigid Thinking vs. Growth Mindset
[07:39] - Navigating the Learning Curve

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Introduction to AI in Healthcare
[00:59] - Mark Allen's Career Journey
[07:53] - Challenges in Healthcare Technology Adoption
[10:05] - Transitioning to AI and Drug Development
[14:13] - Generative AI: A Game Changer
[21:32] - The Role of Physicians in AI Development
[27:15] - Preparing for the Future of AI in Medicine

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Non-Traditional Career Paths
[01:00] - Transitioning from Hospitalist to Telehealth
[04:58] - Growth and Development in Telehealth
[10:00] - Navigating Rapid Growth and Change
[14:21] - The Role of Physicians in Telehealth and Administration
[19:04] - Building Trust in Healthcare
[23:38] - The Future of Healthcare and Physician Leadership

I walk through a clear value framework and share real examples of physicians helping companies win contracts, refine products, avoid costly mistakes, and stay compliant. If you've ever thought, “I could do that,” this episode shows exactly why startups will pay for your insight and how your clinical background can be a strategic asset in this space.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Physician Value in Startups
[02:13] - Understanding the Value Framework
[06:37] - Revenue Growth: The Lifeblood of Startups
[12:39] - Cost Optimization: Efficiency in Healthcare
[19:05] - Risk Mitigation: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Each of these roles taps into what we already know and do as physicians. You don’t need a new degree. You need a framework to translate your clinical expertise into startup value.

This episode is about helping you see the breadth of opportunity in front of you and getting clear on where you fit. If you’ve ever wondered how to contribute meaningfully to innovation while staying grounded in medicine, this is where to begin.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Startup Functions for Physicians
[02:17] - Product Design and Development
[05:23] - Marketing and Brand Credibility
[08:53] - Business Development and Strategic Growth
[13:25] - Clinical Research and Validation
[17:41] - Customer and User Insight
[21:25] - Policy and Advocacy
[24:52] - Strategic Advisory and Innovation Leadership

We talk candidly about limiting beliefs, career pivots, and what it takes to navigate uncertainty with purpose. If you've ever questioned whether your medical training could transfer into other arenas, this conversation is for you.

What stood out most to me is how Gina reframed her skills as assets in a new domain. Her story is a powerful reminder that physicians bring unmatched critical thinking, pattern recognition, and adaptability, and those are exactly the capabilities startups need.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to a New Pathway
[01:05] - Gina's Career Journey
[02:46] - Entering the Investment World
[05:06] - Understanding Limited Partnerships
[07:59] - Advisory Roles and Opportunities
[10:07] - The Impact of Diverse Experiences
[13:20] - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
[16:27] - Navigating Career Turning Points
[19:19] - Embracing Unlimited Possibilities
[22:15] - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - From Medicine to Startups: A Journey Begins
[09:28] - Navigating the Biotech Landscape
[18:42] - Building a Consulting Business
[28:22] - Empowering Physicians in Startups

One of the core messages I share is around life design: identifying what brings you joy, then being intentional about shaping your life and career around it. I talk about how physicians—despite being trained in rigid systems—have immense capacity to innovate. We just need more spaces that invite us to lead.

That’s why I introduced the idea of a physician incubator program—something designed to support doctors who are ready to step into advisory, founder, or innovation roles. Because when we bring our clinical expertise to the table, we don’t just improve systems—we redesign them entirely.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - The Essence of Design in Business and Life
[02:49]  - Deconstructing Problems for Effective Solutions
[07:34] - Life Design: Choosing What Brings Joy
[10:08] - Innovating in Healthcare: The Physician's Role
[14:35] - Creating Pathways for Physician Entrepreneurs

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Healthcare Ventures
[02:42] - Chris Poole's Journey in Venture Capital
[05:34] - The Non-Linear Path of Entrepreneurship
[07:56] - Identifying Problems in Healthcare
[11:13] - From Idea to Viable Business
[13:55] - Understanding Unit Economics
[19:02] - The Importance of Market Validation
[21:45] - Building a Sustainable Business Model
[26:34] - Closing Thoughts and Resources

Isaac shares stories from the field, including one orthopedic collaboration that uncovered billions in potential savings. Together, they unpack the hidden leverage physicians offer in startup and venture settings — especially when financial risk and clinical pathways collide.

Physicians don’t need to become data experts to make a difference. They need to understand their own value — and learn how to partner with teams like Isaac’s to drive smarter, faster, and more scalable innovation.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction to Actuarial Insights in Healthcare
[02:50] - The Role of Actuaries in Healthcare
[06:06] - Collaboration Between Clinicians and Actuaries
[09:00] - Real-World Examples of Clinical Models
[12:12] - The Importance of Clinical Expertise
[14:59] - Value Creation in Healthcare Startups
[17:53] - Bridging the Gap Between Data and Clinical Practice
[20:59] - Encouraging Physician Involvement in Startups
[24:03] - Challenges in Collaborating with Physicians
[27:10] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Dr. McSwain shares the story of how telehealth helped save a child’s life, and how strategic research and collaboration transformed a fledgling idea into a national framework. They unpack the power of evidence in healthcare innovation, the difference between casual metrics and rigorous evaluation, and why startup founders must learn to speak both clinical and financial languages.

Whether you're a physician-turned-founder or a clinician curious about what’s possible, this episode is a masterclass in taking meaningful experiences and turning them into scalable, fundable, system-level change.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Introduction to Innovation in Pediatric Telehealth
[03:03] - The Evolution of Telehealth: A Decade of Change
[05:59] - Personal Stories: The Impact of Telehealth on Patient Outcomes
[08:54] - Building a Research Network: Overcoming Barriers in Telehealth
[11:54] - The Importance of Evidence in Healthcare Innovation
[15:09] - Navigating Financial Challenges in Healthcare Programs
[18:06] - The Role of Data in Evaluating Healthcare Technologies
[20:57] - Leveraging Academic Skills in the Startup World
[23:45] - Collaboration: Finding Your People in Healthcare Innovation

We talk about what it really takes to step away from traditional medicine, why you don’t need another degree to move into industry, and how physicians can leverage their clinical background as a strategic asset in startups and AI development. We also dig into the mindset required to make bold transitions, how to navigate hybrid career paths, and why control over your time may be the most important variable in long-term fulfillment.  If you're a physician looking for impact, autonomy, and alignment, this episode will help you see what’s possible—and how to start. 

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Navigating the Journey of Medicine
[09:08] - The Importance of Work-Life Balance
[17:58] - Transitioning from Clinical to Innovative Roles
[27:06] - Embracing Change and Growth in Medicine

Episode Highlights
[00:00] — Introduction to Inlightened and Its Mission
[03:10] — The Disconnect Between Healthcare Innovators and Providers
[05:51] — Building Connections: The Role of Inlightened
[09:01] — The Innovation Lifecycle and Importance of Feedback
[11:53] — Engaging Healthcare Professionals: The Onboarding Process
[15:09] — The Value of Diverse Perspectives in Healthcare Innovation
[18:00] — Opportunities for Physicians in the Innovation Space
[20:52] — Conclusion and Call to Action

 Episode Highlights

[00:00] — Introduction: Why Physicians Are Natural Innovators
[02:30] — Diagnosing Problems in Startups Like Patients in Medicine
[06:00] — Building Strategic Solutions: Treatment Plans to Business Plans
[09:45] — Thriving in Uncertainty and Assessing Risk
[13:00] — The Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
[16:20] — Building Trust with Patients and with Startup Stakeholders
[20:10] — Data Collection, Learning Loops, and Agile Iteration
[24:00] — Knowing When to Ask for Help (and Why It Matters)
[27:15] — Resilience Under Pressure: A Shared Skill Across Fields
[30:40] — Systems Thinking: Seeing the Bigger Picture
[34:00] — Continuous Improvement: The Link Between Medicine and Startup Growth
[36:00] — Final Reflections: How to Leverage Your Clinical Skills in Innovation

If you're a physician even thinking about what's possible beyond traditional clinical work, this conversation will help you reframe your skills, explore real business opportunities, and approach entrepreneurship with clarity, courage, and purpose.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction to startup opportunities for physicians and why now is the time.
[02:48] How to identify healthcare problems worth solving — and where to start.
[06:43] The critical role of discovery before designing solutions.
[12:49] Building a business model: who pays, how much, and why it matters.
[17:37] Overcoming common challenges: perfectionism, uncertainty, and starting small.
[24:15] Why community and structured support are essential for physician entrepreneurs.
[28:05] An inside look at the new incubator program designed for physician-founded startups.
 [31:42] How physicians can create scalable startups that attract venture funding.
 [35:00] Final thoughts on building momentum, creating impact, and forging your own path.

Dr. Alyssa Abo is a pioneering physician executive with over 20 years of experience in MedTech and digital health, recognized for integrating advanced technologies to transform clinical medicine. She pushes the boundaries of innovation by leveraging her medical, technological, and business background to deliver scalable, impactful solutions that drive patient-centered care, improve outcomes, and elevate healthcare globally. Dr. Abo's thought leadership in medical imaging, artificial intelligence, real-world data applications, and pediatric technologies has set new standards across the healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Abo is frequently invited as a speaker, panelist, and podcast guest, to discuss emerging tech and entrepreneurship.

Episode Highlights:

[0:46] Kicking off the conversation with Alyssa Abo’s unique journey from engineering to pediatric emergency medicine.
[2:47] Alyssa’s childhood roots in STEM, tinkering, and how it shaped her career path.
[5:40] Why investing in children is the best investment society can make — and why pediatric care is so close to our hearts.
[8:11] Early career moments: How curiosity around technology led to a prototype, a provisional patent, and real lessons about entrepreneurship.
[10:01] Building a medical device as a resident — and the importance of teamwork and collaboration across fields.
[13:23] Lessons learned about ideas, startups, and why handing off innovations can be just as powerful as founding a company yourself.
[17:00] How ultrasound became Alyssa’s first major foray into healthcare innovation.
[18:16] Becoming an early pioneer in pediatric ultrasound — and why early adopters end up leading the charge.
[21:43] Keeping the patient as the North Star: How Alyssa’s operational mindset changed how tech was used in her hospitals.
[22:33] The real story behind working with industry partners — and why it’s not the "dark side."
[24:55] Why teaming up with companies can fast-track innovation, not compromise it.
[26:31] How pursuing an MBA added to Alyssa’s ability to bridge clinical, engineering, and business worlds.
[29:56] Getting started in startup advising: judging competitions, joining advisory boards, and taking fractional roles.
[32:07] Why physician involvement can mean the difference between a successful health tech company — and a flop.
[34:57] Transferable skills: Why diagnosing and solving problems in medicine makes physicians natural fits for startups.
[37:29] Final thoughts: Stay curious, be brave, and start small. You never know where one idea can lead.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Alyssa Abo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-abo-md-mba/ 
• Dr. Alyssa Abo’s Website: https://alyssaabomd.com/ 
• Explore our services for physicians at: StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

If you're a physician who's even thinking about what else is possible beyond traditional medicine—this one’s for you. Rebecca shares how to talk about your skills in business terms, what it's really like working at a startup, and how to find your footing in a world that feels totally new. I promise you’ll walk away with a fresh dose of courage, clarity, and a few laugh-out-loud moments, too.

Dr. Rebecca Miksad is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized leader in oncology, healthtech, and data science. As Chief Medical Officer at Color Health, she leads clinical strategy for innovative cancer care solutions, including screening, diagnostics, and survivorship programs. Previously, she built the Strategic Affairs and Research teams at Flatiron Health, helping shape real-world data standards and FDA guidance. With over 100 scientific publications, Dr. Miksad continues to care for patients at Boston Medical Center, where she is an Associate Professor. She holds an MD from Cornell and an MPH from Harvard.

Episode Highlights:

[1:50] Rebecca shares her background in oncology, economics, and her “aha” moment discovering medical decision-making.
[4:26] We nerd out over early academic research and how her MPH training shaped her next career steps.
[6:00] Why her ideas were “too big for an R01”—and how that pushed her to explore other options.
[8:45] Her first leap into startups: Flatiron Health, cold networking, and convincing mentors it wasn’t a terrible idea.
[10:58] We dive into the reality of startup uncertainty, equity, and redefining mentorship.
[12:45] How to use LinkedIn (yes, even if you haven’t touched yours since residency) and why cold outreach really works.
[16:36] Breaking down “transferable skills” for physicians—what you actually bring to the table.
[19:50] Learning to speak tech: scrums, sprints, and agile product teams for docs new to startups.
[23:45] What’s a must-have vs. a nice-to-have in healthtech product design—and how to be that trusted clinical voice.
[27:32] Rebecca’s consulting phase: working with tiny startups and helping them decode the healthcare ecosystem.
[30:58] Our own mini-community of consulting docs and how peer support changed the game.
[33:22] Her current role as CMO at Color—and building a 50-state virtual cancer clinic to fight healthcare deserts.
[35:32] Virtual care, prevention, and the future of cancer treatment for working adults across the U.S.
[36:55] Final thoughts on building a meaningful career outside the traditional path—and doing it your own way.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Rebecca Miksad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-miksad  
• Learn more about Color Health: https://www.color.com 
• Explore our services for physicians at: StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

This episode is all about equipping you with clarity, confidence, and structure. I’ll walk you through the foundational steps to get started without needing an MBA, a business plan, or even a ton of time. Whether you're curious about dipping your toe into consulting or ready to build a strategic pipeline of leads, I break down the exact framework I teach in my course so you can start where you are and grow from there. Let’s get into it.

Episode Highlights:

[1:18] Busting the belief that you don’t have anything unique to offer—and how to uncover the value in your own story
[4:32] Why you don’t need a massive network to get started, and how strategic outreach can change the game
[8:21] Learning to talk about yourself without sounding “salesy” (hint: it’s not selling—it’s alignment)
[11:19] Think you don’t have time? How you can get started in a low-lift, flexible way
[15:50] The “I’m just a doctor” myth—and why you don’t need an MBA to be valuable in this space
[18:02] A breakdown of the six-part framework I use to help physicians enter and thrive in the startup world
[23:40] How to start building your own pipeline of meaningful work and supportive connections

Resources:

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

Karen brings such a powerful perspective to this conversation. From leaving traditional practice in a fog of burnout to exploring roles in startups, advocacy, and executive coaching, she shares what it looks like to find clarity, value yourself again, and take courageous steps toward building the life you actually want. If you’ve ever doubted your worth or felt stuck in medicine, this is the episode for you.

Dr. Karen Leitner is the founder of Karen Leitner MD Coaching, where she empowers women physicians to achieve greater happiness and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. She earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University, her medical degree from the University of Rochester, and completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Mount Sinai in New York. Following her residency, Dr. Leitner practiced primary care and student health in the Boston area and held a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School. She has also ventured into the startup ecosystem, contributing to medical patient advocacy, transgender health, and consulting for emerging healthcare companies.

Episode Highlights:

[1:49] Karen shares her early career in primary care—and the first signs of burnout that sparked her transition.
[5:32] Exploring non-clinical options: from urgent care to CROs to patient advocacy startups.
[7:49] The freedom of startup life: starting with a blank slate and designing care outside the traditional system.
[11:40] Imposter syndrome in medicine—and why startup skills are more transferable than you think.
[14:18] Embracing the unknown: how curiosity (and asking questions) fuels success in new industries.
[16:36] Moving from silenced to seen: what it felt like to be truly valued in a startup setting.
[22:00] Coaching, mindset, and how our value isn’t dictated by others' recognition.
[26:25] Finding opportunities through simple outreach—and why ghosting is never the end of the story.
[30:46] What it means to have a why—and how mission-driven work propels us past fear.
[37:12] On investing in coaching and personal growth—and the ROI that really matters.

Resources:

• Learn more about Karen’s coaching for women physicians at karenleitnermd.com
• Karen’s group coaching program: How to Feel Better for Women Doctors (starting May, CME available!) https://www.karenleitnermd.com/how-to-feel-better 
• Karen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenleitnermd/ 
• Schedule a call with Karen: https://karenleitnermdconsult.as.me/?appointmentType=17942285 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

We dive deep into David’s transition from full-time clinician to founder of WellPrept, a patient education platform built to enhance physician-patient conversations and reduce redundancy in clinic. We talk risk aversion in medicine, developing an MVP on zero budget, the underestimated value of physician creativity, and how to know when it’s time to pursue an idea that just won’t leave you alone. If you’ve ever wondered how to spot a startup-worthy problem in your own practice or what it really takes to build software from scratch—this one’s for you.

Dr. Canes was born in South Africa, and spent most of his life growing up in New England. He attended Yale University as an undergraduate, followed by medical school at Cornell, then Urology residency at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA. After a 1 year laparoscopy and robotics fellowship at Cleveland Clinic he returned to the Boston area where he has stayed ever since. He is Associate Professor at Tufts University, and his clinical work mostly centers on minimally invasive oncology. After a personal burnout struggle, now he deeply enjoys talking about strategies and tactics that help doctors work more efficiently. This passion led to founding WellPrept, a health technology company aimed at helping doctors work smarter. He is a father of 5 boys, and enjoys playing guitar if he has a spare minute. 

Episode Highlights:

[1:00] Getting to know Dr. David Canes—his journey from South Africa to urology and how safety shaped his early career path.
 [3:15] Why physicians are wired to be risk-averse and how that impacts our startup mindset.
 [6:55] The moment David realized repeating the same patient education daily was an opportunity—not just a frustration.
 [9:40] Creating his first MVP with a Loom video + a PDF—no budget, just brainpower.
 [12:46] How WellPrept was born out of necessity, and the surprising validation from colleagues.
 [17:06] The power of looking for problems with the intention to solve them—David’s advice for mindset shifts.
 [22:07] Starting without an MBA or tech background—how curiosity and passion fueled the process.
 [28:20] Why co-developing software became one of his favorite parts of the startup journey.
 [34:01] From prototype to paying customer—how he validated the idea before fully building.
 [38:56] Balancing clinical practice and startup life—and when it starts to tip.
 [42:16] David’s final words of encouragement for physicians who are on the edge of taking the leap.

Resources:

• Learn more about WellPrept: www.wellprept.com
• Follow David on X (formerly Twitter): @CanesDavid
• Book mentioned: Obviously Awesome by April Dunford
• AI tools for development: Replit, Cursor, Vercel V0

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

We explore how David made the leap into consulting, the mindset shifts that helped him succeed in business, and how his medical background gave him a clear advantage when building solutions for real-world healthcare problems. From launching a nonprofit with Michael Porter to co-founding mental health startup Quartet, and now building a virtual-first MSK triage company, David shares invaluable insights about creativity, leadership, and staying mission-focused. 

My guest today is Dr. Dave Lim, who has taken many different paths to becoming a startup physician executive. He joined Castlight Health, one of the first cost and quality transparency platforms to enter the market and IPO in 2012. He then joined the Founding Team as employee #1 at Quartet, one of the mental health forerunners expanding access and providing care navigation and support. Today, he is Chief Physician Executive (and also employee #1) at RightMove, a tech-enabled services company providing musculoskeletal care that was spun out of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) - the #1 global, orthopedic institute as ranked by US World & News Report.

Episode Highlights:

[1:15] David’s love for science led him to pursue both an MD and PhD.
[3:45] The moment David paused his academic career and started exploring alternative ways to make an impact.
[5:00] What it was really like transitioning from infectious disease to management consulting at BCG.
[6:35] Learning to make faster, “good enough” decisions in business versus clinical medicine.
[7:50] How physicians bring depth, analytical thinking, and team-based skills into the business world.
[10:47] The mindset shift: being okay with 80% certainty and trusting your gut.
[13:20] Why choosing the right people to work with—who truly value clinical insight—is crucial.
[14:31] How David’s secondment at Harvard Business School sparked his startup passion.
[16:03] Co-developing healthcare tech as a clinician and collaborating with engineers.
[17:45] The overlooked creative potential of doctors—and why startups unleash it.
[18:58] David’s leap into mental health with Quartet Health and the personal story that made it meaningful.
[24:57] From health plans to Medicare Advantage to RightMove: building a virtual-first MSK triage platform.
[27:36] Advice for physicians feeling intimidated by the startup world—yes, you can do this!

Resources:

Dr. David Lim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavelim/ 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

[4:52] Balancing Medical Practice and Media Engagement  
[7:51] Innovative Solutions and Industry Collaborations  
[17:32] Challenges and Opportunities in Startup Collaborations  
[28:30] Navigating Payment Models and Negotiations  
[32:24] Building a Network of Physicians and Industry Collaborations  

Resources:

Baby and Toddler Basics, 2nd Edition: aap.org/Baby-and-Toddler-Basics-2nd-Edition-Paperback

What to Feed Your Baby: A Pediatrician's Guide to the Eleven Essential Foods to Guarantee Veggie-Loving, No-Fuss, Healthy-Eating Kids: amazon.com/What-Feed-Your-Baby-Healthy-Eating-ebook/dp/B011IT59U2

Website: DrTanya.com

Social Media: @DrTanyaAltman

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare.

You're a physician with the power to do more. What if you could shape the future of healthcare without leaving medicine behind? Join The Startup Physicians Launch Pad, a 6-week course designed to help you break into healthcare innovation—whether you want to consult, advise, or launch your own venture. Spots are limited—register now at alisoncurfmanmd.com/startup-physician-launchpad.

We dive into the challenges and opportunities for physicians looking to create a larger impact beyond individual patient care, and David offers some powerful insights on how to transition into startups, healthcare policy, and business. If you've ever wondered how to apply your medical expertise to solve systemic problems in healthcare—without giving up clinical practice—this episode is for you.

Dr. David Johnson was raised in North Carolina and stayed in-state for his education, earning an Economics degree from Duke and completing his MD/MPH and urology residency at UNC. His passion for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment led him to a fellowship in urologic oncology at UCLA and health services research through the National Clinician Scholars Program, where he discovered value-based care as a bridge between clinical practice, public health, and economics. He returned to NC as Medical Director of Value Transformation at BCBS NC, leading specialty value-based care initiatives to align financial incentives with high-quality, efficient care. After nearly three years, he joined Rubicon Founders to build provider-led health services organizations that transform how healthcare is delivered and paid for.

Episode Highlights:

 [00:48] Kicking off the conversation with Dr. David Johnson and his unique journey in medicine and healthcare innovation.

[01:53] How David discovered his passion for urologic oncology and realized that some surgeries might be doing more harm than good.

[05:47] Discussing how financial incentives in medicine often reward procedures rather than patient outcomes.

[09:21] How an introduction to Patrick Conway at Blue Cross North Carolina changed David’s career trajectory and led him into value-based care.

[14:00] The importance of carving your own career and balancing clinical work with healthcare innovation.

[19:17] How David’s work in value-based care led him to healthcare startups and incubating a new oncology company.

[24:08]– Challenging the traditional physician mindset that payers and investors are "the enemy" and instead seeing them as potential partners in healthcare transformation.

[28:40] How to identify the problems you’re passionate about, find like-minded people, and transition into the startup world.

[35:41] Reflections on the startup journey, learning new skills, and staying connected to clinical practice.

Resources:

Dr. David Johnson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-johnson-54308410/ 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

Dr. Paige Bhansali is the Head of Clinical Strategy and Operations at Playground Pediatrics, a fast-growing value-based pediatric practice focused on delivering the highest quality of care for children. She is a practicing pediatrician and Assistant Professor at Lurie Children’s in Chicago. Prior to medical school, she started her career in strategy consulting at the Boston Consulting Group where she worked with providers transitioning to value-based reimbursement models. She’s had the privilege to work for several value-based care organizations focused on underserved populations including the Commonwealth Care Alliance, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, and Imagine Pediatrics. She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University, medical degree from the University of Michigan, and a master of business administration from Harvard Business School. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:45] - Welcome to the episode! Meet Dr. Paige Bhansali and hear about her unique background in healthcare startups.

[1:39] - From childhood inspiration to pediatrics—Paige’s journey into medicine and her early exposure to healthcare.

[5:50] - How Paige took an unconventional approach during her medical training to explore startup opportunities.

[9:00] - The power of saying yes—how she turned the pandemic into an opportunity for professional growth.

[12:27] - The serendipity of networking: how one connection led Paige to her work with Imagine Pediatrics.

[14:31] - Using clinical expertise to shape early-stage startups—Paige’s role in analyzing claims data and building innovative care models.

[19:32] - Why physicians' skills in critical thinking, research, and data analysis are invaluable to healthcare companies.

[24:53] - How Paige balanced residency, an MBA, startup work, and becoming a new parent—and what she learned along the way.

[26:14] - Do you need an MBA to break into healthcare startups? Paige shares her thoughts on building business skills in different ways.

[28:27] - Exploring alternative career paths: how physicians can contribute to startups while still practicing medicine.

[30:23] - What’s next? Paige shares her current work at Playground Pediatrics and her mission to transform pediatric value-based care.

Resources:

📌 Connect with Dr. Paige Bhansali on LinkedIn

📌 Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

Alana’s story is full of inspiration for any physician looking to innovate, build something new, or find fresh ways to tackle systemic problems in medicine. She talks about her startup journey, balancing clinical work with entrepreneurship, and the key steps she took to bring her ideas to life. Whether you’re in medicine or simply interested in the intersection of healthcare and innovation, you’ll want to tune in to this insightful conversation.

Episode Highlights:

[0:37] - Welcoming Dr. Alana Arnold and her unique journey into startups.

[5:21] - Identifying gaps in pediatric readiness and sparking her first big idea.

[10:51] - Balancing risk, passion, and creativity in launching a startup.

[15:43] - Navigating contracts, intellectual property, and protecting your vision.

[21:11] - How Alana’s first company developed into a clinical decision support tool.

[23:53] - Introducing her second company, Parent Partners, and its mission to improve health literacy for families.

[28:07] - How pursuing creative outlets helps prevent burnout in clinical medicine.

[31:40] - Alana’s advice for physicians exploring innovation: follow your passion and take that first step.

Resources:

• PEMPal: www.pempal.co
• Parent Partners: www.parentpartners.go 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

We talk about the lessons she learned in Stanford Biodesign, the challenges of building a healthcare startup from scratch, and how she leveraged her clinical expertise to create a groundbreaking asthma monitoring tool. Plus, we dive into the evolving world of wearable medical devices and how clinicians can contribute to the future of health tech. If you're curious about blending medicine with innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Bronwyn Harris is a pediatric cardiologist who clinically practices part-time at Stanford. She also has a background in biomedical engineering and has been working in the digital health space for the past decade with a range of experiences from starting her own company to working at Apple. She is currently Chief Transformation Officer for CareEvolution, a health software company with a one-stop digital research platform. Bronwyn is passionate about using patient-generated health data to empower patients and overall improve clinical care. 

Episode Highlights:

[1:26] Introduction to Dr. Bronwyn Harris and her unique career path.

[5:48] How her background in biomedical engineering shaped her approach to medicine.

[9:20] Early experiences with medical device research and home monitoring solutions.

[11:30] The power of design thinking in healthcare innovation.

[19:16] How Stanford Biodesign changed her perspective on medical innovation.

[22:49] Founding her digital health startup and the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship.

[27:48] The unexpected path that led to an acquisition by Apple.

[30:01] The mindset shift from clinical medicine to the startup world.

[33:24] The future of wearable devices in healthcare and why clinicians should take notice.

Resources:

• Checkout the asthma tool created by Dr. Harris: https://www.asthmatool.com 
• Dr. Bronwyn Harris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cardiac-related-wearable-features-overview-bronwyn-harris-ngxwc/ 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

Sarah Johnston, a former healthcare recruiter and industry "insider," is dedicated to empowering talented high-achievers by equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in their job search. Driven by her passion for empowering professionals, Sarah founded the Briefcase Coach, a renowned global executive branding firm. Operating worldwide, the Briefcase Coach has successfully served clients in all 50 states and across six continents. Sarah was recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in the career space in 2019 and acknowledged among HR Weekly's Top 100 Most Influential People in HR. Furthermore, Balance Careers named Sarah's resume writing firm as the "best" for experienced executives. JobScan named Sarah a "top follow" in 2019, 2020, and 2022. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Episode Highlights:

[0:44] - Introducing Sarah Johnston and my journey to career clarity with her help.
[2:40] - Sarah’s background as a recruiter and her transition to building a global resume writing firm.
[4:46] - Why physicians struggle to identify and market their transferable skills.
[8:52] - The value of reframing “failure” and using data to tell a compelling career story.
[9:59] - Why LinkedIn is essential for physicians and how to overcome the “ick factor.”
[15:54] - Crafting a LinkedIn headline: Using keywords to align with your career goals.
[19:47] - Leveraging opportunities within your current job to build skills for a future pivot.
[23:13] - Volunteer work and side gigs: A pathway to gain experience and open doors.
[28:19] - The long-term career impact of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Resources:

Sarah Johnston’s Website: The Briefcase Coach

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

I’ll break down the key principles of design thinking, share real-world examples from my experience building care models, and explain how MVPs can save time and resources while delivering impactful results. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Welcome and introduction to the startup mindset: Speed, disruption, and innovation.
[2:54] - The five phases of design thinking and why empathy is at the heart of it all.
[4:25] - Exploring the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and its value in healthcare.
[7:42] - The story of creating a clinical care model as an MVP at Imagine Pediatrics.
[9:20] - Challenging assumptions and how questioning “why” can uncover hidden opportunities.
[15:57] - Practical takeaways: Applying design thinking, MVPs, and assumption testing in your work.

Resources:

Check out our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Remember to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! 

I’ll share why startups are hungry for our clinical expertise, how our perspective is essential for designing smarter and safer healthcare solutions, and why now is the perfect time for physicians to get involved. From understanding the role of AI in healthcare to leveraging our skills to build better care models, this episode will inspire you to think differently about your career and the future of healthcare.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Opening thoughts: Why startups need physicians and the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
[4:00] - The unique skills physicians bring to the table and how they align with startup needs.
[6:23] - Different pathways into startups: Founders, CMOs, advisors, and consultants.
[11:46] - Real-world examples of impactful startup roles, including AI and population health models.
[14:32] - Exploring fractional and interim roles for flexibility and impact.
[21:33] - Why the startup ecosystem is ideal for physicians looking to drive meaningful change.
[28:55] - Practical takeaways: How to start your journey into the startup world.

Resources:

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Remember to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! 

Join me as I recount the moments that shaped my career, from spearheading telemedicine projects to navigating the challenges of scaling a startup. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your clinical expertise into meaningful change, this episode will inspire and empower you. Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek into what’s coming up in future episodes as we build this community of mission-driven, startup-savvy physicians. Let’s dive in and reimagine healthcare together!

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction to the podcast and my journey from pediatric emergency medicine to the startup world.
[3:38] - The case that inspired my passion for telemedicine and innovation in pediatrics.
[4:49] - Building Imagine Pediatrics from an idea to a scalable, impactful company.
[9:06] - The pivotal role of private equity in turning our vision into reality.
[11:48] - Launching a startup during a whirlwind year: the challenges and triumphs of our early days.
[17:31] - Why now is the time for physicians to step into the startup space and how to get involved.

Resources:

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Remember to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! 

This podcast is your roadmap to navigating the startup space as a physician. Whether you’re thinking about launching your own company, becoming a consultant, or joining a cutting-edge team, I’ll provide the insights, tools, and connections you need to succeed. Each week, I’ll bring you tips on personal branding, creating marketable services, and advice straight from leaders in private equity, venture capital, and healthcare startups.

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact beyond patient care, tune in and join me on this exciting journey. The first episode drops on January 15—subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to visit StartupPhysicians.com for resources and to join our community of innovative doctors. I can’t wait to help you take the next step in your career!

Timeline Highlights:

• [0:01] - Dr. Alison Curfman introduces the podcast and its mission.
• [0:30] - The power of physician expertise in shaping healthcare innovation.
• [1:00] - Dr. Curfman’s startup journey: from founder to helping others succeed.
• [1:40] - What listeners can expect: tips, strategies, and real-world stories.
• [2:20] - Why physician voices are vital in healthcare startups.
• [2:50] - Subscribe and join the community to start your journey.

Links & Resources:

• Visit StartupPhysicians.com for resources and transcripts.
• Follow StartUp Physicians on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, be sure to follow, rate, and share. Let’s shape the future of healthcare together!