Explore every episode of the podcast Startup Physicians
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| How a Geriatrician Built a Global Health Tech Startup Without Leaving Medicine with Dr. Michael Fang | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:32:02 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Michael Fang, a practicing geriatrician and serial entrepreneur, to explore how physicians can build impactful healthcare startups—without leaving clinical medicine. 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:
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 | |||
| Why Doctors Make Exceptional Founders (And How to Start Small) with Dr. Osama Hashmi | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:29:10 | |
What does it really take for a physician to build a successful health tech company—without abandoning clinical medicine? 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:
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
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| From Pediatric ER Doc to FemTech Founder with Dr. Lara Zibners | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:33:20 | |
In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, host Dr. Alison Curfman talks with Dr. Lara Zibners, a pediatric emergency physician whose winding career path led her from the chaos of the PEDs ER to the world of women’s health innovation. What starts as light-hearted humor between two ER docs quickly evolves into a powerful conversation about identity, reinvention, and the unexpected paths physicians can take beyond clinical practice. 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:
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:
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| [Re-Release] Rethinking Healthcare: Adapting to the Startup Mindset | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:17:49 | |
In this episode (a replay from earlier this year), we’re diving into how startups think and what we as physicians can learn from their approach to innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how design thinking, rapid iteration, and minimum viable products (MVPs) could reshape healthcare, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how startups thrive on speed, creativity, and disruption, and why adopting their mindset can empower us to challenge assumptions and drive meaningful change. 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. 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! | |||
| Transforming Pediatric Care Through Innovation with Dr. Janene Fuerch | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:30:44 | |
In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Janene Fuerch, neonatologist, entrepreneur, and Director of the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship. Janene shares how her path in academic medicine unexpectedly led her to become a leader in healthcare innovation, and how she’s helping other physicians make a broader impact beyond the bedside. 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 | |||
| From ER to Innovation: Building New Healthcare Paths with Dr. Kevin Baumlin | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:32:36 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman interviews Kevin Baumlin, an emergency physician and Chief Medical Affairs Officer at the Science Center. 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.
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| The Startup Leap: One Doctor’s Path from Medicine to Product Innovation with Dr. Kieran McLeod | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:43:52 | |
In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Kieran McLeod, a former emergency physician who made the leap from clinical work in South Africa to building startups in Australia. We first connected on LinkedIn, and this conversation reminded me just how powerful it is when physicians share their ideas publicly. 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 | |||
| Beyond the Clinic: Building Impact in Pharmaceutical Startups with Dr. Heather Lampel | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:26:28 | |
In this episode on Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Heather Lampel to talk about what it really looks like to move from traditional clinical medicine into the pharmaceutical startup space. 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 | |||
| Physicians Belong in AI: A Founder’s Path from Academia to Impact with Dr. Shakira Grant | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:30:46 | |
On this episode of Startup Physicians, I interview Dr. Shakira Grant, who shares her remarkable journey from practicing medicine to influencing healthcare policy and AI development. We talk about the importance of health equity and the role physicians must play in shaping AI tools that serve all populations effectively. Shakira reflects on her time in Congress, the challenges of integrating AI in clinical care, and why diverse voices are essential in the development process. She encourages physicians to embrace innovation and step into roles where we can use our expertise to drive meaningful change in healthcare outcomes. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to Dr. Shakira Grant's Journey | |||
| [Re-Release] From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:39:47 | |
One of our most requested episodes — revisiting how Dr. Harris translated frontline insight into healthcare innovation at scale. 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 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. | |||
| [Re-Release] Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:34:38 | |
Originally released in March 2025, this episode with Dr. Paige Bhansali remains one of our most downloaded and discussed conversations and we're bringing it back for anyone who missed it. 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. | |||
| Say Yes Before You’re Ready: A Physician's Path from Medicine to Tech with Dr. C.K. Wang | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:29:50 | |
On this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. CK Wang, a medical oncologist who made the leap from clinical practice into the tech world. We talk about his transition from traditional oncology to leading roles at IBM Watson Health and Coda, where he’s working on some of the most exciting applications of AI in healthcare. 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: | |||
| AI, Entrepreneurship & the Physician Advantage with Dr. Daniel Kraft | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:30:48 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with renowned physician-scientist, entrepreneur, and futurist Dr. Daniel Kraft to explore what it truly means to build at the intersection of medicine, technology, and innovation. 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:
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:
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| A Physician’s Leap from ER to Startup: Curiosity, Clarity, and Impact with Dr. Anurag Gupta | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:33:11 | |
On this episode of Startup Physicians, I talk with Dr. Anurag Gupta about his journey from being an emergency physician to founding Tembo Health, a company dedicated to supporting older adults, especially those living with dementia. He shares the role that curiosity has played in his entrepreneurial path, the importance of networking, and his perspective on the ongoing debate around pursuing an MBA. Dr. Gupta also highlights the value of maintaining optionality in career decisions and encourages physicians to step into leadership roles to drive healthcare innovation. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - The Journey of an Entrepreneurial Physician | |||
| From Inspiration to Impact: A Physician’s Journey to Scalable Solutions with Dr. Manju Dawkins | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:30:45 | |
In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Manju Dawkins, founder of Thimble Health, a company transforming how we manage the physical and emotional stress of needle procedures. Manju shares her journey as a physician entrepreneur, and we dig into the story behind her idea, how she took it from concept to product, and the challenges that come with building something from scratch. 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 | |||
| From ICU to AI: How One Physician Made the Leap from Clinical to Startup Leadership with Dr. Darren Klugman | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:30:30 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Darren Klugman — a pediatric cardiac intensive care physician who made the leap into health tech innovation. Together, we explore the critical role physician insight plays in shaping successful healthcare startups. Darren shares his own journey from clinical practice to industry, and highlights how his medical expertise and administrative experience have been essential in navigating the complex world of healthcare technology. Tune in to hear how physician involvement can drive innovation and improve patient outcomes in the startup space. Episode Highlights: The Transition Journey The Value of Physician Input Skills Translation: From Clinic to Tech Challenges in Healthcare Innovation Networking and Opportunities Advice for Aspiring Physician Innovators Conclusion: The Future of Healthcare Startups | |||
| From ER to CEO: How One Physician Built a Med Device Company by Solving What Others Ignored with Dr. Liz Clayborne | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:31:50 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Liz Clayborne shares her journey from being a medical resident to becoming the CEO and founder of Nasaclip, a medical device company focused on addressing the common issue of nosebleeds. She discusses the importance of identifying problems in clinical practice, the process of developing a medical device, and the significance of intellectual property. Dr. Clayborne emphasizes the need for market research, customer discovery, and the iterative process of product design. She also highlights the challenges of transitioning from a clinical role to full-time entrepreneurship and the skills necessary for effective pitching and fundraising. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to the Journey of a Physician Founder | |||
| Mini Episode: 3 Things You Can Do Now | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:14:05 | |
In this episode, I share three actionable steps for physicians who are curious about stepping into the startup world. First, I talk about the importance of self-discovery., getting clear on your motivations, values, and what truly drives your interest in innovation. Then we explore strategic networking, not just meeting people, but building relationships that align with your goals and values. And finally, I walk through what it really means to understand the startup landscape, from clinical consulting to advisory roles to founding something of your own. 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: | |||
| Mini Episode: 3 Mistakes to Avoid | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:11:44 | |
In this mini episode, I break down the three most common mistakes I see physicians make when stepping into the startup world and how to avoid them. I talk about why it’s so important to understand your real value, what it takes to adopt a true growth mindset, and how to navigate the steep learning curve of entering a completely new space. I’ve made these mistakes myself, and I’ve seen how easily they hold physicians back. This episode is about helping you avoid the same traps so you can lead with confidence, contribute meaningfully, and build the kind of career that aligns with your expertise and ambition. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to Startup Mistakes | |||
| From Clinic to Cutting Edge: How Physicians Can Lead in AI and Innovation with Dr. Mark Allen | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:34:13 | |
In this episode on Startup Physicians, I talk with Dr. Mark Allen about his journey from medicine into the tech industry and the transformative role AI is playing in healthcare. Mark shares the challenges he’s seen in adopting new technologies, the evolution of AI, and its potential to reshape medical practice. He explains why generative AI matters, how it can drive efficiency, and why it’s critical for physicians to engage with these tools now. Our discussion focuses on how embracing AI can enhance patient care and help us adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of medicine. Episode Highlights | |||
| No MBA Needed: A Pediatrician’s Path to VP in Health Tech with Dr. Jennie Berkovich | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:33:18 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennie Berkovich to explore how physicians are navigating non-traditional career paths, especially within telehealth and evolving care models. Jennie shares her journey from pediatric hospitalist to telehealth director, and we dive into the real tensions physicians face when stepping into new systems without clear roadmaps. We talk about trust, adaptability, and why more physicians need to take up space in operational and strategic roles. We also look ahead: what AI might mean for care delivery, and why physician involvement in system design isn’t optional, it’s essential. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to Non-Traditional Career Paths | |||
| From Function to Value: Why Startups Pay for Physician Expertise | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:25:08 | |
In this episode on Startup Physicians, I break down how physicians create measurable business value for startups. Clinical expertise doesn't just improve care, it drives revenue growth, cost efficiency, and risk reduction. Most of us were never taught to frame our skills in business terms, but the truth is: your clinical perspective can solve expensive problems that startups cannot tackle alone. 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 | |||
| The 7 Startup Functions Physicians Can Support | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:31:18 | |
In this episode, I talk about how physicians can add real value to startups without leaving clinical practice. I break down seven core functions where we already have a competitive edge: product design, marketing, business development, clinical research, user insight, policy advocacy, and strategic advisory. 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 | |||
| Why Healthcare Startups Need Physicians Who Understand the System with Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:30:07 | |
Physicians are trained to follow clear pathways—but innovation, advisory work, and startup leadership rarely come with a playbook. 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:
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 | |||
| Breaking the Mold: How a Practicing Physician Became a Startup Insider with Dr. Gina Clark | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:27:01 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gina Clark to explore her unique journey from medicine into venture capital. Gina shares what it’s like to be a physician stepping into the role of a limited partner, how she evaluates and supports early-stage companies, and how her clinical background gives her an edge in startup advising. 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 | |||
| Beyond the White Coat: Building a Startup Career from Private Practice with Dr. Payal Adhikari | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:31:13 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Payal Adhikari, a pediatrician who made the leap from private practice into the startup world. We talk about what it takes to step into non-clinical roles and how networking, self-belief, and clinical expertise all play a part. Dr. Payal Adhikari shares her personal journey, the skills she had to build, and how she found real opportunities in biotech and consulting. This conversation is all about action and showing physicians that they already have what startups need while also encouraging them to take the next step toward building something new. Episode Highlights: | |||
| Design Is Deconstruction First: Why Your Life, Business, and Startup Idea Need a Blank Page | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:17:59 | |
In this conversation, I explore the intersection of design, business, and personal fulfillment—especially through the lens of healthcare innovation. I believe the best solutions often come from deconstructing problems, not just reacting to them. That mindset has shaped how I approach both clinical challenges and startup opportunities. 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 | |||
| Think Like a Founder: A Venture Lens for Startup-Minded Physicians with Christopher Poole | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:31:54 | |
In this episode on Startup Physicians, Chris Poole and I discuss the challenges and insights related to building startups in the healthcare sector. We emphasize the importance of starting with a clear problem, understanding unit economics, and evaluating market viability. Chris shares his journey from being an entrepreneur to a venture leader, highlighting the non-linear paths many take in their careers. The discussion also covers the significance of validating business ideas and the role of physicians in entrepreneurship. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to Healthcare Ventures | |||
| Rethinking Risk: What Startups Miss Without Physicians at the Table with Isaac Edrah | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:30:04 | |
What happens when clinical expertise meets data-driven financial modeling? In this episode, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Isaac Edrah, a healthcare actuary and founder of Paramean Solutions, to explore how physician insight can dramatically shape — and de-risk — value-based care models. 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: | |||
| From Tragedy to Traction: How Clinical Rigor Built a National Pediatric Innovation Movement with Dr. Dave McSwain | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:29:42 | |
When a devastating clinical moment sparks a career in innovation, what happens next? In this powerful episode, Dr. Alison Curfman is joined by her longtime collaborator and friend, Dr. Dave McSwain — CMIO at UNC Health and co-founder of the national pediatric telehealth research network, Sprout. Together, they reflect on how a single missed opportunity to intervene became the catalyst for designing systems that now save lives. 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 | |||
| From ER to Executive: Scaling Startups and Redefining Physician Leadership with Dr. Pam Sullivan | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:30:15 | |
In this episode of the Startup Physicians podcast, Dr. Pam Sullivan shares her unique journey from physical therapy to emergency medicine and ultimately to leadership roles in healthcare startups. She discusses the challenges and opportunities she faced as a woman in medicine, her transition into leadership, and her pivotal experiences in scaling operations at Landmark. Dr. Sullivan emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the need for adaptability in startups, and offers valuable advice for physicians considering career changes. | |||
| Redefining Success: From Burnout to Breakthrough with Dr. Hansa Bhargava | 28 May 2025 | 00:29:07 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Hansa Bhargava—pediatrician, writer, and Chief Clinical Strategy and Innovation Officer at Helio—to unpack her journey from clinical burnout to a purpose-driven career in health media, technology, and 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 | |||
| Bridging Innovation and Clinical Insight: How Physicians Can Shape Healthcare Startups with Shelli Pavone | 21 May 2025 | 00:28:44 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Shelli Pavone, co-founder of Inlightened, a platform built to bridge the gap between healthcare innovators and professionals. Shelli shares her journey through healthcare and startup leadership, and we dive into why startups often miss the mark when they don't meaningfully involve clinicians in the innovation process. We explore how clinician feedback can prevent costly mistakes, why healthcare professionals should be compensated for their input, and how engaging with innovation can reignite a physician’s passion for impacting healthcare. Shelli also highlights how Inlightened simplifies the administrative side of consulting, creating a low-risk, high-value opportunity for physicians to step into the startup space. If you’ve ever wondered how your expertise could shape the future of healthcare—without needing prior consulting experience—this conversation is for you. Episode Highlights | |||
| How Patient Care Prepares You to Work With Startups | 14 May 2025 | 00:23:22 | |
In this episode, I explore the powerful parallels between clinical care and startup innovation. As physicians, we are expert diagnosticians—trained to identify real problems, design strategic solutions, and build trust under pressure. Our ability to operate in uncertainty, assess risk, collaborate across disciplines, and drive continuous improvement positions us perfectly to thrive in the startup world. I walk through ten key analogies that show how our clinical mindset, from systems thinking to resilience and agility, translates directly into healthcare innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how to apply your skills beyond the bedside, this conversation is for you. Episode Highlights [00:00] — Introduction: Why Physicians Are Natural Innovators | |||
| From Accidental Discovery to Market-Ready Innovation with Adam Friedman | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:34:09 | |
In this episode of Startup Physicians, host Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with dermatologist, researcher, and inventor Dr. Adam Friedman to explore what happens when physicians lean into curiosity instead of rigid career plans. 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
Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-friedman-0340778/ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Adam Friedman, dermatologist & inventor | |||
| The Physician's Guide to De-Risking your Startup Idea | 07 May 2025 | 00:22:45 | |
Summary 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. | |||
| Engineering Curiosity into Impact: Dr. Alyssa Abo on Translating Clinical Insight into Innovation | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:38:14 | |
When you think about startups and healthcare, it’s easy to feel like those worlds are galaxies apart — but Dr. Alyssa Abo shows us that they’re much more connected than you think. In this episode, Alyssa shares how her journey from engineering school to pediatric emergency medicine led her straight into the heart of healthcare innovation. We talk about embracing curiosity, building medical devices, translating clinical needs for tech companies, and why physicians have so much untapped potential to impact startups without ever needing an MBA or a business degree. 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.
Resources:
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. | |||
| Translating Clinical Skills Into Startup Strategy with Dr. Rebecca Miksad | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:38:09 | |
This episode I’m joined by my friend and former co-consultant Dr. Rebecca Miksad. Rebecca is a powerhouse—Harvard-trained oncologist, health economist, startup executive, and now Chief Medical Officer at Color. We go deep into how she made the leap from academia to startups, how she navigated uncertainty and mentorship, and why your clinical skills are more transferable than you think. 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.
Resources:
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. | |||
| So You Want to Advise Startups? Here’s Exactly How to Get Started as a Physician Consultant | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:25:20 | |
In this solo episode, let’s work on getting past the most common mindset hurdles that keep physicians from stepping into the startup space. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have anything unique to offer, or that you’re “just a doctor” without a business background, this one’s for you. I unpack the top five limiting beliefs I hear again and again—and I walk you through how to reframe them so you can confidently explore advisory roles, consulting opportunities, or even launching your own venture. 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
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. | |||
| You’re Not Stuck: Mindset Shifts for Physician Innovators with Dr. Karen Leitner | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:39:16 | |
Have you ever felt like the system just wasn’t built for you? Like you’re in a role that no longer fits—but you don’t know what else is out there, or if you’re even allowed to want more? In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend and colleague, Dr. Karen Leitner, a physician, coach, and out-of-the-box thinker who’s reimagined what a meaningful career in medicine can look like. Together, we explore how to recognize burnout, shift your mindset, and open yourself up to the world of startups, innovation, and—most importantly—possibility. 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. 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. | |||
| Turning Physician Pain Points into Business Opportunities with Dr. David Canes | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:43:44 | |
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and down-to-earth Dr. David Canes—a practicing urologist who found himself burned out, uninspired, and stuck in the repetitive rhythm of clinic visits. But instead of staying stuck, he did something a lot of us dream about—he turned a real-life clinical inefficiency into a business. And get this—he didn’t start with a formal pitch deck or MBA, just a Loom video and a whole lot of curiosity. 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.
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. | |||
| Beyond Academia: Dr. David Lim on Building Healthcare Startups | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:32:05 | |
What happens when an infectious disease specialist decides to step off the academic path and jump headfirst into the startup world? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Lim, a physician-scientist turned healthcare entrepreneur, who shares his inspiring journey from UCSF to the boardrooms of Boston Consulting Group, and ultimately, into founding and scaling impactful healthcare startups. His story is proof that physicians can thrive outside the traditional clinical box—and that our unique training gives us a powerful edge in the business of healthcare. 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.
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. | |||
| Doctors as Innovators: How Physicians Can Shape Products, Policy, and Public Health with Dr. Tanya Altmann | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:37:53 | |
As physicians, we're uniquely positioned to identify and solve real-world health problems—but how do we translate clinical insights into impactful industry partnerships? [4:52] Balancing Medical Practice and Media Engagement 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. | |||
| Finding Your Why: How Physicians Can Build Careers by Solving the Right Problem with Dr. David Johnson | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:37:21 | |
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. David Johnson, to talk about his unconventional career path from urologic oncology to health services research, payers, and now healthcare startups. David shares his journey of discovering the misalignment in healthcare incentives, particularly in value-based care, and how that realization led him to pivot into healthcare innovation. 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. | |||
| Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:34:38 | |
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.
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. | |||
| Do You Really Need an MBA to Work in Startups? A Pediatrician’s Path to VC + Founding Grapevyne with Zhen Chan | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:32:56 | |
What does it actually take for a physician to break into startups or venture capital—and do you need an MBA to do it? 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
Connect with Zhen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmd) https://www.tiktok.com/@zhenmd Chapters 00:00 – Intro + Zhen’s background | |||
| Bridging Gaps in Pediatric Readiness with Dr. Alana Arnold | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:36:19 | |
In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Alana Arnold, a pediatric emergency physician, innovator, and startup founder, to the show. Alana shares her journey from working in community hospitals to launching two groundbreaking companies aimed at addressing gaps in pediatric healthcare. We dive into her passion for improving pediatric readiness in emergency care, her focus on empowering parents through health literacy, and how she’s leveraging her clinical expertise to make a broader impact. 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:
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. | |||
| From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:39:22 | |
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 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. | |||
| Building Your Personal Brand in the Startup Ecosystem with Sarah Johnston | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:31:13 | |
Are you a physician considering a career pivot or wanting to explore opportunities outside traditional medicine? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Johnston, a career branding expert and founder of The Briefcase Coach, who has helped hundreds of executives, including myself, navigate career transitions. We explore practical strategies to optimize your LinkedIn profile, craft a compelling executive resume, and build a personal narrative that opens doors. Sarah and I also dive into the mindset shifts necessary to step into new roles, from overcoming self-doubt to embracing your transferable skills. 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. 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. | |||
| Rethinking Healthcare: Adapting to the Startup Mindset | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:17:48 | |
In this episode, we’re diving into how startups think and what we as physicians can learn from their approach to innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how design thinking, rapid iteration, and minimum viable products (MVPs) could reshape healthcare, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how startups thrive on speed, creativity, and disruption, and why adopting their mindset can empower us to challenge assumptions and drive meaningful change. 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. 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! | |||