Shows
Startup PhysiciansFrom Allergy Practice to Startup Acquisition with Dr. Payel GuptaWhat happens when a physician decides not to follow the traditional path?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...
2026-03-1831 minStartup PhysiciansHow to Create Opportunity in Health Tech as a Physician Entrepreneur with Dr. Alex MohseniWhat if the skills that made you a great physician are the exact skills that can launch your next career?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 p...
2026-03-1133 min
Impact1 VoicesAlison Curfman: From ER Physician to Series B: Building Value in Pediatric Medicaid“You know where we need to put funding? Pediatrics.” Dr. Alison Curfman has spent her career proving it. After a defining moment in a rural ER, she moved beyond clinical care to build solutions—from shaping pediatric telehealth policy to founding Startup Physicians and launching a value-based Medicaid model serving tens of thousands of children nationwide. In this episode, Alison shares how physicians can turn problems they see every day into meaningful innovation.
2026-03-0741 minStartup PhysiciansEscaping Burnout and Building SuperDoc Tech with Dr. Marissa CaudillCareer transitions are not failures — they’re expansion.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 academiaTo private practice ownerTo employed psychiatrist at KaiserTo launching a parent-focused brandTo co-founding a HIPAA-compliant tech platform for physiciansAlong the way, she learned a hard truth many physician founders discover: bein...
2026-03-0429 minStartup PhysiciansHow a Geriatrician Built a Global Health Tech Startup Without Leaving Medicine with Dr. Michael FangIn 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...
2026-02-2532 min
Point Me To First Class156. Making Large Family Award Travel Actually Work with Dr. Alison Curfman (Part 2)Today we're picking up where we left off last week with Dr. Alison Curfman—and diving into what happens after the flights are booked. Part 1 covered how Alison finds award flights and books hotels for her family of six to eight people when they travel. In Part 2, we're talking about execution—the systems and strategies that make those trips actually run smoothly. Listen in as Alison shares her approach to managing overnight flights with kids, minimizing food costs, and keeping complex multi-city itineraries organized across dozens of bookings. What makes this conver...
2026-02-2337 minStartup PhysiciansWhy Doctors Make Exceptional Founders (And How to Start Small) with Dr. Osama HashmiWhat 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 expl...
2026-02-1829 minPoint Me To First Class155. Planning Award Travel for Large Families with Dr. Alison Curfman (Part 1)If you've ever thought award travel isn't possible with a large family or group, this episode will change your mind. In Part 1 of this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Alison Curfman, a pediatric emergency physician, entrepreneur, and relentless optimizer who regularly travels the world with her family—typically six to eight people depending on whether au pairs or grandparents join. After co-founding a healthcare company that scaled to a nine-figure valuation, Alison transitioned into advisory and consulting work that she could do from anywhere. Listen in as Alison walks through her exact strategy for fin...
2026-02-1648 min
The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem PodcastEpisode #240 - How to Get Paid Consulting for Startups and Venture Firms.If you've ever looked around your workplace and thought, "There has to be a better way to do this," you're not alone. Many physicians see inefficiencies, gaps in care, and systems that don't truly serve patients—but feel powerless to change them from the inside. In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back Dr. Alison Curfman, pediatric emergency medicine physician, co-founder of Imagine Pediatrics, and founder of Startup Physicians. Alison previously shared her remarkable journey from frontline medicine into the startup and venture capital world, and today she's back to help demystify how any physician can use their...
2026-02-1130 minStartup PhysiciansAI, Entrepreneurship & the Physician Advantage with Dr. Daniel KraftIn 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 Dani...
2026-02-1130 minStartup PhysiciansWhy Healthcare Startups Need Physicians Who Understand the System with Dr. Jennifer Miles-ThomasPhysicians 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 ph...
2026-02-0430 minStartup PhysiciansFrom Accidental Discovery to Market-Ready Innovation with Adam FriedmanIn 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...
2026-01-2834 min
Super Doc StoriesEp 8: Taking the Leap from ER to Innovation with Dr. Alison CurfmanSuperDoc Stories: Alison Curfman – From Pediatric ER to Healthcare InnovatorIn this episode of SuperDoc Stories, Dr. Marissa Caudill sits down with Dr. Alison Curfman, a pediatric ER physician whose career took a remarkable turn into health tech and startups. From witnessing the limitations of traditional pediatric care to founding a medical group that now serves tens of thousands of Medicaid children, Alison shares her journey of innovation, risk-taking, and impact.Listeners will hear how she leveraged telehealth, built groundbreaking programs, navigated the challenges of launching a startup during a pandemic, and ultimately scaled her com...
2026-01-2225 minStartup PhysiciansDo You Really Need an MBA to Work in Startups? A Pediatrician’s Path to VC + Founding Grapevyne with Zhen ChanWhat 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 create...
2026-01-2132 min
The Future of DermatologyEpisode 121: From ER to Entrepreneur | The Future of Dermatology PodcastSummary
In this episode of the Future of Dermatology Podcast, Dr. Faranak Kamangar welcomes Dr. Alison Curfman, a pediatric emergency medicine physician who has successfully ventured into the startup world. Dr. Curfman shares her journey from clinical practice to founding a company focused on improving healthcare for children with complex medical needs. She discusses the challenges she faced in the healthcare system, particularly regarding the use of telehealth and the need for innovative solutions to enhance patient care. Dr. Curfman emphasizes the importance of leveraging clinical expertise to identify and solve real problems in healthcare, encouraging physicians...
2026-01-2022 min
Coffee Playdate Podcast with Dr. Olga DeengarCoffee Playdate Ep 11 with Dr. Alison Curfman: Visionaries in MedicineCoffee Playdate Ep 11 with Dr. Alison Curfman: Visionaries in MedicineIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Olga Deengar interviews Dr. Curfman, a pediatric ER doctor turned entrepreneur. They discuss Dr. Curfman's journey from medicine to startups, her passion for coffee, swimming and her insights on balancing a busy life. The conversation includes rapid-fire games, discussions on mentorship, mindset shifts, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Timeline:00:23 - Introduction and Coffee Talk00:47 - Rapid Fire Games03:13 - Dr. Curfman's Background04:48 - Balancing Life and Work05:46 - Medical Background and Business07:07 - Mentorship and...
2026-01-1613 minCoffee Playdate Podcast with Dr. Olga DeengarCoffee Playdate Ep 11 with Dr. Alison Curfman: Visionaries in MedicineCoffee Playdate Ep 11 with Dr. Alison Curfman: Visionaries in MedicineIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Olga Deengar interviews Dr. Curfman, a pediatric ER doctor turned entrepreneur. They discuss Dr. Curfman's journey from medicine to startups, her passion for coffee, swimming and her insights on balancing a busy life. The conversation includes rapid-fire games, discussions on mentorship, mindset shifts, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Timeline:00:23 - Introduction and Coffee Talk00:47 - Rapid Fire Games03:13 - Dr. Curfman's Background04:48 - Balancing Life and Work05:46 - Medical Background and Business07:07 - Mentorship and...
2026-01-1613 minCoffee Playdate Podcast with Dr. Olga DeengarVisionaries in Medicine: Dr. Curfman's Journey Ep 11☕ Coffee Playdate with Dr. Alison CurfmanIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Olga Deengar interviews Dr. Curfman, a pediatric ER doctor turned entrepreneur. They discuss Dr. Curfman's journey from medicine to startups, her passion for coffee, swimming and her insights on balancing a busy life. The conversation includes rapid-fire games, discussions on mentorship, mindset shifts, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Timeline:00:23 - Introduction and Coffee Talk00:47 - Rapid Fire Games03:13 - Dr. Curfman's Background04:48 - Balancing Life and Work05:46 - Medical Background and Business07:07 - Mentorship and Role Models08:16- Mindset Sh...
2026-01-1513 minStartup PhysiciansDesigning a 50-State Telemedicine Career on Your Own Terms with Dr. Takashi NakamuraIn this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman interviews Dr. Takashi Nakamura, an emergency physician whose search for a simple telemedicine side gig evolved into a fully remote, 50-state clinical career and a leadership role in digital health.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...
2026-01-1428 minStartup PhysiciansHow Physicians Become Health Tech Founders with Dr. Jhonatan Bringas DimitriadesIn this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman interviews Dr. Jhonatan Bringas Dimitriades, a Peruvian physician whose global journey led him from clinical practice in Latin America to recertifying in the Netherlands and ultimately becoming a health tech CEO.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...
2026-01-0731 minStartup PhysiciansInside the CMO Role at a Pediatric Telehealth Startup with Dr. Lyndsey GarbiIn this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman talks with Dr. Lyndsey Garbi, neonatologist, pediatrician, and co-founder/CMO of Blueberry Pediatrics. Lyndsey shares how she went from new attending to startup founder, why she became the “professional naysayer” to protect pediatric safety, and how Blueberry built a scalable, high-quality virtual care model for kids.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 role...
2025-12-1733 minStartup PhysiciansBreaking Into Pharma and Biotech as a Physician Leader with Dr. Nerissa KreherIn this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Nerissa Kreher, MD, MBA—a pediatric endocrinologist who transitioned into biotech and pharma and went on to serve as a four-time Chief Medical Officer with multiple IPOs.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 cl...
2025-12-1032 minStartup PhysiciansFrom Pediatric ER Doc to FemTech Founder with Dr. Lara ZibnersIn 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 leav...
2025-12-0333 minStartup Physicians[Re-Release] Rethinking Healthcare: Adapting to the Startup MindsetIn 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...
2025-11-2617 minStartup PhysiciansTransforming Pediatric Care Through Innovation with Dr. Janene FuerchIn 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...
2025-11-1930 minStartup PhysiciansFrom ER to Innovation: Building New Healthcare Paths with Dr. Kevin BaumlinIn 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 thi...
2025-11-1232 minStartup PhysiciansThe Startup Leap: One Doctor’s Path from Medicine to Product Innovation with Dr. Kieran McLeodIn 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...
2025-11-0543 minStartup PhysiciansBeyond the Clinic: Building Impact in Pharmaceutical Startups with Dr. Heather LampelIn 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...
2025-10-2926 minStartup PhysiciansPhysicians Belong in AI: A Founder’s Path from Academia to Impact with Dr. Shakira GrantOn 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.
2025-10-2230 minStartup Physicians[Re-Release] From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn HarrisOne 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 Bio...
2025-10-1539 minStartup Physicians[Re-Release] Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige BhansaliOriginally 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 ca...
2025-10-0834 min
Voices of Women PhysiciansEp 168: How to Become an Advisor for Startup Companies with Dr. Alison CurfmanAlison Curfman, MD, MBA is a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare strategist who’s built clinical models and led companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. After launching her first startup inside a private equity firm, she became founding Chief Medical Officer of Imagine Pediatrics, a value-based medical group for medically complex children on Medicaid. Under her leadership, the company grew to 300+ employees, serving over 35,000 patients and reaching a multi-9-figure valuation in less than two years. Alison now leads Startup Physicians, a platform designed to help physicians apply their clinical expertise beyond the beds...
2025-10-0215 minStartup PhysiciansSay Yes Before You’re Ready: A Physician's Path from Medicine to Tech with Dr. C.K. WangOn 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 pl...
2025-10-0129 minStartup PhysiciansA Physician’s Leap from ER to Startup: Curiosity, Clarity, and Impact with Dr. Anurag GuptaOn 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 a...
2025-09-2433 minVoices of Women PhysiciansEp 167: How I Co-Founded a 9-Figure Healthcare Company Serving Over 40,000 Chronically Ill Children on Medicaid with Dr. Alison Curfman Part 2Alison Curfman, MD, MBA is a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare strategist who’s built clinical models and led companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. After launching her first startup inside a private equity firm, she became founding Chief Medical Officer of Imagine Pediatrics, a value-based medical group for medically complex children on Medicaid. Under her leadership, the company grew to 300+ employees, serving over 35,000 patients and reaching a multi-9-figure valuation in less than two years. Alison now leads Startup Physicians, a platform designed to help physicians apply their clinical expertise beyond the beds...
2025-09-2315 minStartup PhysiciansFrom Inspiration to Impact: A Physician’s Journey to Scalable Solutions with Dr. Manju DawkinsIn 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, es...
2025-09-1730 minVoices of Women PhysiciansEp 166: How I Co-Founded a 9-Figure Healthcare Company Serving Over 40,000 Chronically Ill Children on Medicaid with Dr. Alison Curfman Part 1Alison Curfman, MD, MBA is a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare strategist who’s built clinical models and led companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. After launching her first startup inside a private equity firm, she became founding Chief Medical Officer of Imagine Pediatrics, a value-based medical group for medically complex children on Medicaid. Under her leadership, the company grew to 300+ employees, serving over 35,000 patients and reaching a multi-9-figure valuation in less than two years.Alison now leads Startup Physicians, a platform designed to help physicians apply their clinical expertise beyond the bed...
2025-09-1613 minStartup PhysiciansFrom ICU to AI: How One Physician Made the Leap from Clinical to Startup Leadership with Dr. Darren KlugmanIn 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:...
2025-09-1030 minStartup PhysiciansFrom ER to CEO: How One Physician Built a Med Device Company by Solving What Others Ignored with Dr. Liz ClayborneIn 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...
2025-09-0331 minStartup PhysiciansMini Episode: 3 Things You Can Do NowIn 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...
2025-08-2714 minStartup PhysiciansMini Episode: 3 Mistakes to AvoidIn 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 ki...
2025-08-2011 minStartup PhysiciansFrom Clinic to Cutting Edge: How Physicians Can Lead in AI and Innovation with Dr. Mark AllenIn 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. ...
2025-08-1334 minStartup PhysiciansNo MBA Needed: A Pediatrician’s Path to VP in Health Tech with Dr. Jennie BerkovichIn 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 Highl...
2025-08-0633 minStartup PhysiciansFrom Function to Value: Why Startups Pay for Physician ExpertiseIn 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 exac...
2025-07-3025 minStartup PhysiciansThe 7 Startup Functions Physicians Can SupportIn 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 cl...
2025-07-2331 minStartup PhysiciansBreaking the Mold: How a Practicing Physician Became a Startup Insider with Dr. Gina ClarkIn 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 mo...
2025-07-1627 minStartup PhysiciansBeyond the White Coat: Building a Startup Career from Private Practice with Dr. Payal AdhikariIn 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...
2025-07-0931 minStartup PhysiciansDesign Is Deconstruction First: Why Your Life, Business, and Startup Idea Need a Blank PageIn 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...
2025-07-0217 minStartup PhysiciansThink Like a Founder: A Venture Lens for Startup-Minded Physicians with Christopher PooleIn 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[02:42] - Chris Poole's Journey in Venture Capital
2025-06-2531 minStartup PhysiciansRethinking Risk: What Startups Miss Without Physicians at the Table with Isaac EdrahWhat 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 valu...
2025-06-1830 minStartup PhysiciansFrom Tragedy to Traction: How Clinical Rigor Built a National Pediatric Innovation Movement with Dr. Dave McSwainWhen 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 powe...
2025-06-1129 minStartup PhysiciansFrom ER to Executive: Scaling Startups and Redefining Physician Leadership with Dr. Pam SullivanIn 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.Episode Highlights[00:00] - Introduction to Startup Dynamics[02:24] - Pam Sullivan's Unique Career Path[07:37...
2025-06-0430 minStartup PhysiciansRedefining Success: From Burnout to Breakthrough with Dr. Hansa BhargavaIn 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...
2025-05-2829 minStartup PhysiciansBridging Innovation and Clinical Insight: How Physicians Can Shape Healthcare Startups with Shelli PavoneIn 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, hi...
2025-05-2128 minStartup PhysiciansHow Patient Care Prepares You to Work With StartupsIn 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.
2025-05-1423 min