In 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 collaborates with his brother’s mobile wound care company, leveraging AI for nationwide expansion. Dr. Okpara offers practical tools for managing imposter syndrome, protecting one’s license, and exploring non-clinical roles like NP supervision. He advocates for systemic improvements in telemedicine to prioritize trust and patient care. This episode is essential for physicians seeking to navigate telemedicine with integrity and resilience.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Practice Ethical Diligence – Treat telemedicine patients with the same care as in-person encounters. Spend time verifying patient details and educating them to ensure safety, even if it slows initial productivity, to avoid liability and maintain trust.
2. Invest in Education to Build Confidence – Pursue certifications (e.g., wound care or obesity medicine) to overcome imposter syndrome when entering new fields or supervising others, ensuring you feel equipped to guide with authority.
3. Seek Trusted Collaborations – Partner with reliable individuals or companies, like family-run businesses, for roles like NP supervision. Focus on low-liability fields with clear CMS guidelines to align with your values and reduce stress.

About the Show

Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.

About the Guest

Dr. Okemefuna Okpara is a board-certified emergency medicine physician based in Austin, Texas, with over 20 years of experience in freestanding ERs and locums roles. Entering telemedicine two years ago to combat burnout, he explored clinical gigs and NP supervision while earning certifications in wound care and obesity medicine. Dr. Okpara now collaborates with his brother’s mobile wound care company, aiming for nationwide expansion with AI integration. A father of three, he champions ethical practice and work-life balance to inspire resilient career paths.

LinkedIn; linkedin.com/in/okemefunaokpara

About the Hosts:

• Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.
• Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.
  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:
  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/
  [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with.

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