Shows
Telemedicine Talks#38 - Telemedicine as a Bridge: Dr. Manzur on Meaningful Medicine and Innovation Can telemedicine enhance medicine without compromising quality and altruism? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez discuss with Dr. Manzur Moidunny about early-career hesitations about fully embracing telemedicine, finding a balanced middle ground that aligns with his values. Drawing from his hospitalist experience, he explores the difference between access to care and truly good, holistic care, the importance of leadership in guiding ethical practices, and earning trust to influence change. Dr. Manzur shares his passion for the "art of medicine," revealing his new Michigan Longevity Clinic and an upcoming rest...
2025-10-0745 min
Telemedicine Talks#37 - Mastering Time Freedom: Dr. Anne Tsung’s NASA-Inspired Productivity SecretsHow can high-achieving physicians reclaim their time and live with true freedom?Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Dr. Anne Tsung as she shares her extraordinary journey—from aspiring astronaut to working in Antarctica's South Pole—to developing her "Five Stages to Time Freedom" framework. Drawing from experiences in extreme environments like NASA and ICUs, she explains how to access flow states on demand, optimize chronotypes, and shift from external validation to intrinsic self-worth.Tailored for doctors navigating telemedicine and entrepreneurship, the conversation covers overcoming perfectionism, setting boundaries, and using tools like journaling for peak perf...
2025-09-3046 min
Telemedicine Talks#36 - AI-Powered LinkedIn Mastery: Strategies for Doctors to Dominate Digital NetworkingHow can physicians leverage AI and LinkedIn to build their professional brand and open new doors? Leo Damasco chats with Al Kushner about his journey from Brooklyn roots to self-employed LinkedIn strategist, driven by a desire for independence. Al shares insights from his book The AI LinkedIn Advantage (published March 25, 2025), emphasizing profile optimization with keywords, AI tools for content creation, and strategic outreach to convert connections into opportunities. Tailored for doctors shifting from traditional W2 jobs, the discussion covers avoiding common pitfalls like generic profiles, using AI for personalized messaging, and embracing mistakes as growth st...
2025-09-2336 min
Telemedicine Talks#35 - From Kitchen Dreams to Insurance Revolution: Empowering Freelancers with Transparent HealthWhat if health insurance was transparent and empowering for freelancers? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Wyatt Stokesberry, as he recounts his non-traditional path—dreaming of being a chef but inspired by business owners to start ventures young, rejecting a corporate job, and embracing constant uncertainty as a "risk-on individual." He discusses the feast-or-famine entrepreneur mindset, getting 1% better daily, and thriving in discomfort, drawing parallels to physicians transitioning to telemedicine. The conversation dives into Molly's mission: providing control over claims and premiums via AI-driven efficiency, integrating wearable data for bet...
2025-09-1641 min
Telemedicine Talks#34 - August Recap: Policy Pauses, Doctor Scams, and Expiring FlexibilitiesWhat could happen if key ACA marketplace rules kick in, leaving millions without coverage? In this end-of-month recap episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez break down the latest developments in telemedicine and healthcare policy for August 2025. They discuss a Maryland judge's August 22nd decision to temporarily block parts of the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule—set to start August 25th—including a $5 minimum premium, stricter income verifications, and repayment enforcements, which could disenroll over 2 million people. The conversation explores the human impact, especially on low-income individuals just above Medicaid thresholds (e.g., $15,000–$16,000 annuall...
2025-09-0930 min
Telemedicine Talks#33 - Inclusive Telehealth: Reaching LGBTQ+ Communities with ImpactHow can telehealth marketing bridge access gaps for underserved communities like LGBTQ+ populations?In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Leo Damasco welcomes Julio Morales, a veteran marketing leader with over 20 years in branding and digital strategy. Julio discusses his experiences at an LGBTQ+-focused telehealth company during 2020, where he partnered with 42 nonprofits to boost awareness and patient acquisition amid access disparities. He shares insights on transitioning to Chipper Digital, his agency focused on relatable, year-round campaigns that avoid superficial "pinkwashing" and genuinely connect with diverse audiences. Julio emphasizes cultural sensitivity, data-driven strategies, and the power of...
2025-09-0239 min
Telemedicine Talks#32 - AI-Powered Healthcare: Revolutionizing Chart Reviews and Patient CareIn this episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Phoebe Gutierrez interviews Justin Liu, to share his background as a Bay Area engineer, from Google to AI infrastructure at Rockset (acquired by OpenAI), and how he and co-founder Scott transitioned into healthcare without prior experience. They explore the inefficiencies in the industry, the importance of manual processes before automation, gaining medical coding certifications, and speaking the language of diverse stakeholders—from venture-backed startups to rural clinics. The conversation covers AI's potential to improve quality control, diagnose conditions, and handle complex tasks, while addressing regulatory challenges, value-based care shifts, and upcoming AI de...
2025-08-2638 min
Telemedicine Talks#31- Transforming Cancer Care: Blending Oncology with TelemedicineMain Summary for Simplecast:In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Leo interviews Dr. Nancy Sharma, as she recounts her path into medicine, inspired by her physician family, and her pivot to oncology after her grandfather's battle with multiple myeloma. She explores the integration of conventional treatments with alternative methods like nutrition, acupuncture, and functional medicine, highlighting how major institutions like MD Anderson are adopting similar approaches. Discussing telemedicine's role in her practice, she emphasizes patient empowerment, mitigating side effects, and preventive lifestyle changes. Dr. Sharma offers advice on diet, exercise, mindfulness, and self-belief, reflecting on regrets...
2025-08-1934 min
Telemedicine Talks#30 - When Doing the Right Thing Slows You Down—and Why It’s Worth ItIn this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez sit down with Dr. Okemefuna Okpara, to discuss his telemedicine journey sparked by burnout during the COVID era. Dr. Okpara candidly shares his struggles with the chaos of juggling multiple telemedicine gigs, particularly in weight loss and GLP-1 prescriptions, where he prioritized ethical practice over efficiency, often spending extra time to ensure patient safety. He reflects on the culture of silence around telemedicine pitfalls, the fear of liability, and the lack of trust in some platforms. Transitioning to locums and earning a wound care certification, he now...
2025-08-1246 min
Telemedicine Talks#29 - Revolutionizing Dermatology Through Digital Tools with Dr. Cheryl LeeHow can dermatology and medicine as a whole—embrace digital care without compromising quality? In this episode, Dr. Cheryl Lee joins Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to share her journey from NIH researcher to founding CLMD, a patented sensitive skincare line, and Zōca, a comprehensive telehealth platform spanning multiple specialties.She recounts how patients across the globe sought her eczema expertise online after launching her skincare line in 2014, sparking the idea for a scalable, collaborative teledermatology ecosystem. Dr. Lee details how she built Zōca not just for dermatology but as an all-specialties, patient-centered platform comp...
2025-08-0745 min
Telemedicine Talks#28 - July Updates on AI Regulation, Interstate Licensing, and Telehealth Kiosks In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Leo and Phoebe unpack the latest developments in telemedicine and digital health for July. They explore the CMS’s Wiser Act, a 2026-2031 pilot using AI and machine learning to audit billing in real-time, flagging fraud and overpayments in select states. The discussion shifts to a legal battle where Texas targeted a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills, highlighting the politicization of telemedicine across state lines. They also cover California’s $1.5 million lawsuit against Healthline for violating privacy laws by tracking user data, underscoring growing state-level scrutiny. The episode highl...
2025-08-0542 min
Telemedicine Talks#27 - From Pharmacist to Health Tech Leader: Lauren Curtis on Bridging Clinicians and TechHow can clinicians break into health tech and shape the future of healthcare? In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez are joined by Lauren Curtis, who shares her bold move to join PillPack in its early days, cold-emailing her way into a role that kickstarted her health tech career. She discusses how she carved out non-clinical roles by solving operational inefficiencies, eventually leading to her passion project, Hey Health Tech, a platform with a newsletter and job board to help clinicians navigate health tech opportunities. Dr. Curtis emphasizes the value of clinicians’ soft skills—like communication and empa...
2025-07-2941 min
Telemedicine Talks#26 - Telemedicine in the Trenches: Dr. Peter Crane on Rural Care and Physician RenewalHow can telemedicine enhance care in rural communities, and why is physician wellness critical to effective practice? In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Dr. Peter Crane, as he explores the evolution of telemedicine in his practice, from supporting snowbirds to managing follow-up care for patients with transportation challenges. He candidly shares a lesson from a missed appendicitis diagnosis during COVID, highlighting telemedicine’s limitations and the importance of physical exams for certain conditions. Dr. Crane also discusses the benefits and challenges of direct-to-consumer telemedicine, emphasizing the need for better EMR integration and communication to avoid disrupting pri...
2025-07-2238 min
Telemedicine Talks#25 - Is Your Practice at Risk? What Every Telemedicine Provider Must Know NowCan staying informed on regulatory changes safeguard your telemedicine practice? Hosts Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez explore this question in a dynamic discussion covering the Department of Justice and OIG’s historic $14.6 billion healthcare fraud takedown, targeting 324 providers across all 50 states, with a sharp focus on telemedicine fraud in durable medical equipment (DME), genetic testing, and opioid diversion. Drawing from Phoebe’s analysis of the indictments, they highlight critical compliance lessons, such as establishing proper patient-provider relationships and avoiding auto-renewed prescriptions without medical necessity. The episode also delves into the OIG’s advisory opinion on compliant PC/MSO structures, emphas...
2025-07-1536 min
Telemedicine Talks#24 - How Dr. Anna Chacon Built a Telemedicine Empire Across the U.S. and Territories (and Stayed Sane)Can telemedicine offer physicians the work-life balance traditional medicine often denies? Host Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Anna Chacon, as she recounts her shift from hospital-based roles to owning a medical office building, spurred by her father’s sudden job loss during COVID when his pediatric ICU closed. She delves into the complexities of compliance, the stigma of lacking a brick-and-mortar presence which led to rejections from pathology groups, and the relentless connectivity of virtual care, even during hikes or flights. With insights on navigating regulatory hurdles, diversifying practice models, and setting boundaries, this episode equips doctors with strategies to...
2025-07-0830 min
Telemedicine Talks#23 - How Dr. Moe Gibbons Rewrote Her Career and Helps Others Do the SameHow can physicians break free from burnout and build lives they love? Hosts Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Dr. Moe Gibbons, who transitioned to founding Active Medical Solutions, a lifestyle medicine practice, and a coaching business for physicians. After 13 years in a level two trauma center, a forced shift to an offsite role sparked her accidental entry into telemedicine, replacing her ER income within six months. Dr. Gibbons, shares her journey managing personal health challenges and now helps over a thousand doctors leverage their skills. Her asynchronous telemedicine model, built on community and education, offers a unique approach...
2025-07-0147 min
Telemedicine Talks#22 - Behind the Screens: The Realities of Leading in TelemedicineThink becoming a medical director means stepping back from clinical chaos? Think again. Phoebe Gutierrez turns the spotlight on Dr. Leo Damasco to unpack his journey from military medicine to leading virtual care teams as a telehealth medical director.Dr. Damasco shares what most don’t see—managing crises across time zones, navigating compliance landmines, and translating executive goals into frontline action. He breaks down the skills every virtual leader needs, how to spot red flags in telehealth companies, and why understanding the full business ecosystem is essential.If you’re a physician thinking about leader...
2025-06-2427 min
Telemedicine Talks#21 - PBM Reforms Unpacked: How Drug Pricing Changes Impact TelemedicineDr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez analyze the latest executive orders addressing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and drug pricing reforms. They unpack the role of PBMs in controlling prescription drug costs, the hidden rebate system, and how these reforms aim to increase transparency and lower costs for patients. With a focus on telemedicine, they discuss how these changes could improve medication affordability, enhance prescribing flexibility, and impact the operations of telemedicine startups and providers. From ending rebate games to tying U.S. drug prices to international benchmarks, this episode offers critical insights for physicians navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.
2025-06-1720 min
Telemedicine Talks#20 – Telemedicine on the Line: Phoebe Gutierrez Breaks Down Medicaid’s Make-or-Break MomentIn this episode, Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco discuss the largest proposed restructuring of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act in over a decade. The federal proposal includes $715 billion in cuts, new work requirements, biannual eligibility redeterminations, reduced funding for states that support immigrant coverage, and cost-sharing policies that could block access for low-income patients.Phoebe breaks down what these changes really mean for providers, patients, and the broader telemedicine ecosystem. She explains how complex red tape could cause millions to lose coverage, and why startup innovation in value-based virtual care may stall under the proposed...
2025-06-1028 min
Telemedicine Talks#19 - When TV Gets Too Real: The Pitt and the Truth About ER Life Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez unpack the HBO series The Pitt, which vividly captures the high-stakes, high-stress world of emergency medicine. Through the lens of the show’s hour-long ER shifts, they discuss the emotional and physical toll of relentless trauma cases, bureaucratic burdens, and the constant fight-or-flight mentality that drives physician burnout. Dr. Leo, a former ER doctor, reflects on how The Pitt mirrors real-life experiences and explains why many ER physicians are turning to telemedicine for better hours, less stress, and renewed professional fulfillment. This episode connects the show’s stark realities to the transformative potential of te...
2025-06-0632 min
Telemedicine Talks#18 - Navigating Medicaid Cuts and Medicare Advantage Audits: What Physicians Need to KnowIn this episode, co-hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez dive into the major changes impacting Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans. They explore proposed Medicaid budget reconciliation changes, including work requirements, increased eligibility documentation, and reduced state autonomy, and their impact on physicians and vulnerable patient populations. Phoebe sheds light on the intensified Medicare Advantage audits, with CMS hiring 2,000 additional reviewers to address fraud, waste, and abuse, targeting an estimated $17 billion in overpayments. Telemedicine physicians will learn how to safeguard their practice through proper documentation, understanding medical necessity, and avoiding pitfalls like upcoding or AI-driven coding errors. T...
2025-06-0332 min
Telemedicine Talks#17 - From ER Chaos to Telemedicine Freedom: Dr. Eric Wright’s JourneySponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______________In this episode, host Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Dr. Eric Wright, to explore his transformative journey into telemedicine. After 12 years in a level-two trauma center and building successful businesses with his wi...
2025-05-2731 min
Telemedicine Talks#16 - A Doctor’s Breakup with TelemedicineSponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______________In this episode, Dr. Mark Chmiela sits down with hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco to discuss his experience with telemedicine in a busy Las Vegas pain management practice. Dr. Chmiela shares ho...
2025-05-2033 min
Telemedicine Talks#15 - Telemedicine Talks: April 2025 News RoundupSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______________In this episode, Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco launch a new monthly segment to keep telemedicine practitioners up to date on critical news and regulations. They dive into April’s biggest updates, including HIPAA violations tied to marketing tracking tool...
2025-05-1331 min
Telemedicine Talks#14 - Transitioning from Burnout to Innovation: Establishing a Virtual OB-GYN PracticeSponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______________Burnout is a reality for many physicians, but what happens when you turn that frustration into innovation? In this episode, host Leo engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Diana Kumar and Dr. Th...
2025-05-0632 min
Telemedicine Talks#13 – How Dr. Maria Mithaiwala Built an Authentic Brand While Balancing It AllSponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______________When physicians face high burnout rates in specialties like emergency medicine, finding balance is crucial. In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez sit down with Dr. Maria Mithaiwala, an emergency medicine physician, ne...
2025-04-2936 min
Telemedicine Talks#12 - Botox at Your Doorstep: The Rise of Concierge Aesthetics with Nick KrusThis episode is sponsored by: Set For Life InsuranceSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife____________In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez interview Nick Krus, CEO and founder of June Skin, about his unexpected journey from the music industry to launching a co...
2025-04-2234 min
Telemedicine Talks#11 - Building a Safety Net: Insurance Insights for Telemedicine TrailblazersSponsored by: Set For LifeSet for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife.___________When physicians transition from W2 roles to independent telemedicine practices, many overlook a critical piece of the puzzle: disability insurance. In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez talk with Jamie Fleischner ab...
2025-04-1530 min
Telemedicine Talks#8: BONUS EPISODE - Medicare’s Last-Minute Telehealth Extension: What It Means for YouSponsored by: Set For LifeSet for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife._______At the end of this month, Medicare’s telehealth payment extensions were set to expire, causing widespread concern among telemedicine providers and patients. Many Medicare beneficiaries were already receiving notices that their virtual care opti...
2025-03-2615 min
Telemedicine Talks#7 - Telehealth in 2025: The Medicare Policy Changes That Could Affect YouThis episode is sponsored by: Set For LifeSet for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at drpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife._______Medicare’s telehealth policies are set to change in April 2025, and the shift could leave many telemedicine providers and patients scrambling. The expiration of COVID-era waivers means Medicare will return to pre-pandemic tele...
2025-03-2524 min
Telemedicine TalksEp6: Barriers to Telemedicine – Addressing Common ConcernsThis episode is sponsored by: Set For Life Set for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife___________As telemedicine expands, more physicians are considering leaping—but not without questions.Following a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Hussain Mithaiwala in our last episode, Dr Leo and Phoebe tackl...
2025-03-1829 min
Telemedicine TalksEp5: The Future of Weight Loss in Telemedicine: Navigating the FDA ShakeupThis episode is sponsored by: Set For LifeSet for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_________Recent FDA changes have rocked the telemedicine industry, specifically affecting providers and patients who rely on GLP-1 medications for weight loss. As tirzepatide and semaglutide are removed from the shortage li...
2025-03-1120 min
Telemedicine TalksEp4: The Case Against Telemedicine – Dr. Hussain Mithaiwala’s Unfiltered PerspectiveThis episode is sponsored by: Set For Life InsuranceSet for Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______While telemedicine is growing rapidly, not every physician is eager to jump on board. Dr. Hussain Mithaiwala shares why he prefers practicing in person. He discusses the imp...
2025-03-0424 min
Telemedicine TalksEp3: From Regulator to Startup Strategist – Phoebe Gutierrez’s Mission to Empower PhysiciansTelemedicine is booming, but navigating regulations and compliance can be overwhelming. That’s where Phoebe Gutierrez comes in. A former state healthcare regulator turned startup strategist, Phoebe helps physicians and companies build sustainable, compliant telemedicine businesses.In this episode, she shares how her experience as a state regulator gave her a front-row seat to healthcare policy in action. She discusses the biggest mistakes startups make—and how to avoid them—while emphasizing that compliance isn’t just a legal box to check but a crucial factor for telemedicine success. She also highlights the importance of physician-led telehealth companie...
2025-02-2525 min
Telemedicine TalksEp2: From ER to Telemedicine – Dr. Leo Damasco’s JourneyPhysicians often feel trapped in traditional healthcare settings, but Dr. Leo Damasco proves there’s another way. In this episode, Leo shares his career evolution, from training in the military to working in a Level 1 trauma center and finally taking the leap into telemedicine. He breaks down his challenges, including imposter syndrome, learning new systems, and navigating colleague skepticism.Wondering if telemedicine is right for you? This episode offers real talk, insights, and a fresh take on digital health. They cover:✅ How the pandemic pushed Leo toward telemedicine—and why he never looked...
2025-02-1825 min