Shows
Startup 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...
2025-11-1931 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...
2025-11-1233 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...
2025-11-0544 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...
2025-10-2927 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.
2025-10-2231 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...
2025-10-1540 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...
2025-10-0835 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...
2025-10-0130 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...
2025-09-2434 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...
2025-09-1731 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:...
2025-09-1031 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...
2025-09-0332 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...
2025-08-2012 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. ...
2025-08-1335 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...
2025-08-0634 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...
2025-07-2332 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...
2025-07-0932 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...
2025-07-0218 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
2025-06-2532 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...
2025-06-1130 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...
2025-06-0431 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...
2025-05-2129 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.
2025-05-1424 minStartup PhysiciansThe Physician's Guide to De-Risking your Startup IdeaSummaryThis episode, I discuss the growing opportunities for physicians in the startup world and how to successfully transition from clinical roles to entrepreneurial ventures. I share why identifying real healthcare problems, designing thoughtful solutions, and building sustainable business models are critical steps—often without needing large amounts of initial capital. I also walk through some of the common challenges physicians face during this transition and introduce a new incubator program created specifically to support physician-founded startups.If you're a physician even thinking about what's possible beyond traditional clinical work, this conversation will help yo...
2025-05-0723 minStartup PhysiciansEngineering Curiosity into Impact: Dr. Alyssa Abo on Translating Clinical Insight into InnovationWhen 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 physic...
2025-04-3039 minStartup PhysiciansTranslating Clinical Skills Into Startup Strategy with Dr. Rebecca MiksadThis 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 sta...
2025-04-2338 minStartup PhysiciansSo You Want to Advise Startups? Here’s Exactly How to Get Started as a Physician ConsultantIn 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, co...
2025-04-1626 minStartup PhysiciansYou’re Not Stuck: Mindset Shifts for Physician Innovators with Dr. Karen LeitnerHave 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 bring...
2025-04-0940 minStartup PhysiciansTurning Physician Pain Points into Business Opportunities with Dr. David CanesIn 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 e...
2025-04-0244 minStartup PhysiciansBeyond Academia: Dr. David Lim on Building Healthcare StartupsWhat 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 mi...
2025-03-2632 min