Startup Physicians

When you think about startups and healthcare, it’s easy to feel like those worlds are galaxies apart — but Dr. Alyssa Abo shows us that they’re much more connected than you think. In this episode, Alyssa shares how her journey from engineering school to pediatric emergency medicine led her straight into the heart of healthcare innovation. We talk about embracing curiosity, building medical devices, translating clinical needs for tech companies, and why physicians have so much untapped potential to impact startups without ever needing an MBA or a business degree.

Dr. Alyssa Abo is a pioneering physician executive with over 20 years of experience in MedTech and digital health, recognized for integrating advanced technologies to transform clinical medicine. She pushes the boundaries of innovation by leveraging her medical, technological, and business background to deliver scalable, impactful solutions that drive patient-centered care, improve outcomes, and elevate healthcare globally. Dr. Abo's thought leadership in medical imaging, artificial intelligence, real-world data applications, and pediatric technologies has set new standards across the healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Abo is frequently invited as a speaker, panelist, and podcast guest, to discuss emerging tech and entrepreneurship.

Episode Highlights:

[0:46] Kicking off the conversation with Alyssa Abo’s unique journey from engineering to pediatric emergency medicine.
[2:47] Alyssa’s childhood roots in STEM, tinkering, and how it shaped her career path.
[5:40] Why investing in children is the best investment society can make — and why pediatric care is so close to our hearts.
[8:11] Early career moments: How curiosity around technology led to a prototype, a provisional patent, and real lessons about entrepreneurship.
[10:01] Building a medical device as a resident — and the importance of teamwork and collaboration across fields.
[13:23] Lessons learned about ideas, startups, and why handing off innovations can be just as powerful as founding a company yourself.
[17:00] How ultrasound became Alyssa’s first major foray into healthcare innovation.
[18:16] Becoming an early pioneer in pediatric ultrasound — and why early adopters end up leading the charge.
[21:43] Keeping the patient as the North Star: How Alyssa’s operational mindset changed how tech was used in her hospitals.
[22:33] The real story behind working with industry partners — and why it’s not the "dark side."
[24:55] Why teaming up with companies can fast-track innovation, not compromise it.
[26:31] How pursuing an MBA added to Alyssa’s ability to bridge clinical, engineering, and business worlds.
[29:56] Getting started in startup advising: judging competitions, joining advisory boards, and taking fractional roles.
[32:07] Why physician involvement can mean the difference between a successful health tech company — and a flop.
[34:57] Transferable skills: Why diagnosing and solving problems in medicine makes physicians natural fits for startups.
[37:29] Final thoughts: Stay curious, be brave, and start small. You never know where one idea can lead.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Alyssa Abo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-abo-md-mba/ 
• Dr. Alyssa Abo’s Website: https://alyssaabomd.com/ 
• Explore our services for physicians at: StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

This episode I’m joined by my friend and former co-consultant Dr. Rebecca Miksad. Rebecca is a powerhouse—Harvard-trained oncologist, health economist, startup executive, and now Chief Medical Officer at Color. We go deep into how she made the leap from academia to startups, how she navigated uncertainty and mentorship, and why your clinical skills are more transferable than you think.

If you're a physician who's even thinking about what else is possible beyond traditional medicine—this one’s for you. Rebecca shares how to talk about your skills in business terms, what it's really like working at a startup, and how to find your footing in a world that feels totally new. I promise you’ll walk away with a fresh dose of courage, clarity, and a few laugh-out-loud moments, too.

Dr. Rebecca Miksad is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized leader in oncology, healthtech, and data science. As Chief Medical Officer at Color Health, she leads clinical strategy for innovative cancer care solutions, including screening, diagnostics, and survivorship programs. Previously, she built the Strategic Affairs and Research teams at Flatiron Health, helping shape real-world data standards and FDA guidance. With over 100 scientific publications, Dr. Miksad continues to care for patients at Boston Medical Center, where she is an Associate Professor. She holds an MD from Cornell and an MPH from Harvard.

Episode Highlights:

[1:50] Rebecca shares her background in oncology, economics, and her “aha” moment discovering medical decision-making.
[4:26] We nerd out over early academic research and how her MPH training shaped her next career steps.
[6:00] Why her ideas were “too big for an R01”—and how that pushed her to explore other options.
[8:45] Her first leap into startups: Flatiron Health, cold networking, and convincing mentors it wasn’t a terrible idea.
[10:58] We dive into the reality of startup uncertainty, equity, and redefining mentorship.
[12:45] How to use LinkedIn (yes, even if you haven’t touched yours since residency) and why cold outreach really works.
[16:36] Breaking down “transferable skills” for physicians—what you actually bring to the table.
[19:50] Learning to speak tech: scrums, sprints, and agile product teams for docs new to startups.
[23:45] What’s a must-have vs. a nice-to-have in healthtech product design—and how to be that trusted clinical voice.
[27:32] Rebecca’s consulting phase: working with tiny startups and helping them decode the healthcare ecosystem.
[30:58] Our own mini-community of consulting docs and how peer support changed the game.
[33:22] Her current role as CMO at Color—and building a 50-state virtual cancer clinic to fight healthcare deserts.
[35:32] Virtual care, prevention, and the future of cancer treatment for working adults across the U.S.
[36:55] Final thoughts on building a meaningful career outside the traditional path—and doing it your own way.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Rebecca Miksad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-miksad  
• Learn more about Color Health: https://www.color.com 
• Explore our services for physicians at: StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

In this solo episode, let’s work on getting past the most common mindset hurdles that keep physicians from stepping into the startup space. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have anything unique to offer, or that you’re “just a doctor” without a business background, this one’s for you. I unpack the top five limiting beliefs I hear again and again—and I walk you through how to reframe them so you can confidently explore advisory roles, consulting opportunities, or even launching your own venture.

This episode is all about equipping you with clarity, confidence, and structure. I’ll walk you through the foundational steps to get started without needing an MBA, a business plan, or even a ton of time. Whether you're curious about dipping your toe into consulting or ready to build a strategic pipeline of leads, I break down the exact framework I teach in my course so you can start where you are and grow from there. Let’s get into it.

Episode Highlights:

[1:18] Busting the belief that you don’t have anything unique to offer—and how to uncover the value in your own story
[4:32] Why you don’t need a massive network to get started, and how strategic outreach can change the game
[8:21] Learning to talk about yourself without sounding “salesy” (hint: it’s not selling—it’s alignment)
[11:19] Think you don’t have time? How you can get started in a low-lift, flexible way
[15:50] The “I’m just a doctor” myth—and why you don’t need an MBA to be valuable in this space
[18:02] A breakdown of the six-part framework I use to help physicians enter and thrive in the startup world
[23:40] How to start building your own pipeline of meaningful work and supportive connections

Resources:

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

Have you ever felt like the system just wasn’t built for you? Like you’re in a role that no longer fits—but you don’t know what else is out there, or if you’re even allowed to want more? In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend and colleague, Dr. Karen Leitner, a physician, coach, and out-of-the-box thinker who’s reimagined what a meaningful career in medicine can look like. Together, we explore how to recognize burnout, shift your mindset, and open yourself up to the world of startups, innovation, and—most importantly—possibility.

Karen brings such a powerful perspective to this conversation. From leaving traditional practice in a fog of burnout to exploring roles in startups, advocacy, and executive coaching, she shares what it looks like to find clarity, value yourself again, and take courageous steps toward building the life you actually want. If you’ve ever doubted your worth or felt stuck in medicine, this is the episode for you.

Dr. Karen Leitner is the founder of Karen Leitner MD Coaching, where she empowers women physicians to achieve greater happiness and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. She earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University, her medical degree from the University of Rochester, and completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Mount Sinai in New York. Following her residency, Dr. Leitner practiced primary care and student health in the Boston area and held a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School. She has also ventured into the startup ecosystem, contributing to medical patient advocacy, transgender health, and consulting for emerging healthcare companies.

Episode Highlights:

[1:49] Karen shares her early career in primary care—and the first signs of burnout that sparked her transition.
[5:32] Exploring non-clinical options: from urgent care to CROs to patient advocacy startups.
[7:49] The freedom of startup life: starting with a blank slate and designing care outside the traditional system.
[11:40] Imposter syndrome in medicine—and why startup skills are more transferable than you think.
[14:18] Embracing the unknown: how curiosity (and asking questions) fuels success in new industries.
[16:36] Moving from silenced to seen: what it felt like to be truly valued in a startup setting.
[22:00] Coaching, mindset, and how our value isn’t dictated by others' recognition.
[26:25] Finding opportunities through simple outreach—and why ghosting is never the end of the story.
[30:46] What it means to have a why—and how mission-driven work propels us past fear.
[37:12] On investing in coaching and personal growth—and the ROI that really matters.

Resources:

• Learn more about Karen’s coaching for women physicians at karenleitnermd.com
• Karen’s group coaching program: How to Feel Better for Women Doctors (starting May, CME available!) https://www.karenleitnermd.com/how-to-feel-better 
• Karen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenleitnermd/ 
• Schedule a call with Karen: https://karenleitnermdconsult.as.me/?appointmentType=17942285 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and down-to-earth Dr. David Canes—a practicing urologist who found himself burned out, uninspired, and stuck in the repetitive rhythm of clinic visits. But instead of staying stuck, he did something a lot of us dream about—he turned a real-life clinical inefficiency into a business. And get this—he didn’t start with a formal pitch deck or MBA, just a Loom video and a whole lot of curiosity.

We dive deep into David’s transition from full-time clinician to founder of WellPrept, a patient education platform built to enhance physician-patient conversations and reduce redundancy in clinic. We talk risk aversion in medicine, developing an MVP on zero budget, the underestimated value of physician creativity, and how to know when it’s time to pursue an idea that just won’t leave you alone. If you’ve ever wondered how to spot a startup-worthy problem in your own practice or what it really takes to build software from scratch—this one’s for you.

Dr. Canes was born in South Africa, and spent most of his life growing up in New England. He attended Yale University as an undergraduate, followed by medical school at Cornell, then Urology residency at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA. After a 1 year laparoscopy and robotics fellowship at Cleveland Clinic he returned to the Boston area where he has stayed ever since. He is Associate Professor at Tufts University, and his clinical work mostly centers on minimally invasive oncology. After a personal burnout struggle, now he deeply enjoys talking about strategies and tactics that help doctors work more efficiently. This passion led to founding WellPrept, a health technology company aimed at helping doctors work smarter. He is a father of 5 boys, and enjoys playing guitar if he has a spare minute. 

Episode Highlights:

[1:00] Getting to know Dr. David Canes—his journey from South Africa to urology and how safety shaped his early career path.
 [3:15] Why physicians are wired to be risk-averse and how that impacts our startup mindset.
 [6:55] The moment David realized repeating the same patient education daily was an opportunity—not just a frustration.
 [9:40] Creating his first MVP with a Loom video + a PDF—no budget, just brainpower.
 [12:46] How WellPrept was born out of necessity, and the surprising validation from colleagues.
 [17:06] The power of looking for problems with the intention to solve them—David’s advice for mindset shifts.
 [22:07] Starting without an MBA or tech background—how curiosity and passion fueled the process.
 [28:20] Why co-developing software became one of his favorite parts of the startup journey.
 [34:01] From prototype to paying customer—how he validated the idea before fully building.
 [38:56] Balancing clinical practice and startup life—and when it starts to tip.
 [42:16] David’s final words of encouragement for physicians who are on the edge of taking the leap.

Resources:

• Learn more about WellPrept: www.wellprept.com
• Follow David on X (formerly Twitter): @CanesDavid
• Book mentioned: Obviously Awesome by April Dunford
• AI tools for development: Replit, Cursor, Vercel V0

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

What happens when an infectious disease specialist decides to step off the academic path and jump headfirst into the startup world? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Lim, a physician-scientist turned healthcare entrepreneur, who shares his inspiring journey from UCSF to the boardrooms of Boston Consulting Group, and ultimately, into founding and scaling impactful healthcare startups. His story is proof that physicians can thrive outside the traditional clinical box—and that our unique training gives us a powerful edge in the business of healthcare.

We explore how David made the leap into consulting, the mindset shifts that helped him succeed in business, and how his medical background gave him a clear advantage when building solutions for real-world healthcare problems. From launching a nonprofit with Michael Porter to co-founding mental health startup Quartet, and now building a virtual-first MSK triage company, David shares invaluable insights about creativity, leadership, and staying mission-focused. 

My guest today is Dr. Dave Lim, who has taken many different paths to becoming a startup physician executive. He joined Castlight Health, one of the first cost and quality transparency platforms to enter the market and IPO in 2012. He then joined the Founding Team as employee #1 at Quartet, one of the mental health forerunners expanding access and providing care navigation and support. Today, he is Chief Physician Executive (and also employee #1) at RightMove, a tech-enabled services company providing musculoskeletal care that was spun out of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) - the #1 global, orthopedic institute as ranked by US World & News Report.

Episode Highlights:

[1:15] David’s love for science led him to pursue both an MD and PhD.
[3:45] The moment David paused his academic career and started exploring alternative ways to make an impact.
[5:00] What it was really like transitioning from infectious disease to management consulting at BCG.
[6:35] Learning to make faster, “good enough” decisions in business versus clinical medicine.
[7:50] How physicians bring depth, analytical thinking, and team-based skills into the business world.
[10:47] The mindset shift: being okay with 80% certainty and trusting your gut.
[13:20] Why choosing the right people to work with—who truly value clinical insight—is crucial.
[14:31] How David’s secondment at Harvard Business School sparked his startup passion.
[16:03] Co-developing healthcare tech as a clinician and collaborating with engineers.
[17:45] The overlooked creative potential of doctors—and why startups unleash it.
[18:58] David’s leap into mental health with Quartet Health and the personal story that made it meaningful.
[24:57] From health plans to Medicare Advantage to RightMove: building a virtual-first MSK triage platform.
[27:36] Advice for physicians feeling intimidated by the startup world—yes, you can do this!

Resources:

Dr. David Lim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavelim/ 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

As physicians, we're uniquely positioned to identify and solve real-world health problems—but how do we translate clinical insights into impactful industry partnerships?

In today's episode, I talk with pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann, who shares how she turned her passion for child health and safety into a dynamic career consulting with companies across the healthcare spectrum. From improving booster seat legislation to addressing coin battery hazards and the infant formula shortage, Tanya reveals her approach to collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

Episode Highlights:

[4:52] Balancing Medical Practice and Media Engagement  
[7:51] Innovative Solutions and Industry Collaborations  
[17:32] Challenges and Opportunities in Startup Collaborations  
[28:30] Navigating Payment Models and Negotiations  
[32:24] Building a Network of Physicians and Industry Collaborations  

Resources:

Baby and Toddler Basics, 2nd Edition: aap.org/Baby-and-Toddler-Basics-2nd-Edition-Paperback

What to Feed Your Baby: A Pediatrician's Guide to the Eleven Essential Foods to Guarantee Veggie-Loving, No-Fuss, Healthy-Eating Kids: amazon.com/What-Feed-Your-Baby-Healthy-Eating-ebook/dp/B011IT59U2

Website: DrTanya.com

Social Media: @DrTanyaAltman

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare.

You're a physician with the power to do more. What if you could shape the future of healthcare without leaving medicine behind? Join The Startup Physicians Launch Pad, a 6-week course designed to help you break into healthcare innovation—whether you want to consult, advise, or launch your own venture. Spots are limited—register now at alisoncurfmanmd.com/startup-physician-launchpad.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. David Johnson, to talk about his unconventional career path from urologic oncology to health services research, payers, and now healthcare startups. David shares his journey of discovering the misalignment in healthcare incentives, particularly in value-based care, and how that realization led him to pivot into healthcare innovation.

We dive into the challenges and opportunities for physicians looking to create a larger impact beyond individual patient care, and David offers some powerful insights on how to transition into startups, healthcare policy, and business. If you've ever wondered how to apply your medical expertise to solve systemic problems in healthcare—without giving up clinical practice—this episode is for you.

Dr. David Johnson was raised in North Carolina and stayed in-state for his education, earning an Economics degree from Duke and completing his MD/MPH and urology residency at UNC. His passion for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment led him to a fellowship in urologic oncology at UCLA and health services research through the National Clinician Scholars Program, where he discovered value-based care as a bridge between clinical practice, public health, and economics. He returned to NC as Medical Director of Value Transformation at BCBS NC, leading specialty value-based care initiatives to align financial incentives with high-quality, efficient care. After nearly three years, he joined Rubicon Founders to build provider-led health services organizations that transform how healthcare is delivered and paid for.

Episode Highlights:

 [00:48] Kicking off the conversation with Dr. David Johnson and his unique journey in medicine and healthcare innovation.

[01:53] How David discovered his passion for urologic oncology and realized that some surgeries might be doing more harm than good.

[05:47] Discussing how financial incentives in medicine often reward procedures rather than patient outcomes.

[09:21] How an introduction to Patrick Conway at Blue Cross North Carolina changed David’s career trajectory and led him into value-based care.

[14:00] The importance of carving your own career and balancing clinical work with healthcare innovation.

[19:17] How David’s work in value-based care led him to healthcare startups and incubating a new oncology company.

[24:08]– Challenging the traditional physician mindset that payers and investors are "the enemy" and instead seeing them as potential partners in healthcare transformation.

[28:40] How to identify the problems you’re passionate about, find like-minded people, and transition into the startup world.

[35:41] Reflections on the startup journey, learning new skills, and staying connected to clinical practice.

Resources:

Dr. David Johnson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-johnson-54308410/ 

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

What if you could break out of the traditional physician career path and create a role that blends clinical care with entrepreneurship and innovation? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. Paige Bhansali, a pediatrician with an incredible journey through consulting, healthcare startups, and value-based care. Paige has carved out her own unique path in medicine—balancing residency, an MBA, and a startup career—all while maintaining her passion for improving pediatric healthcare.

Dr. Paige Bhansali is the Head of Clinical Strategy and Operations at Playground Pediatrics, a fast-growing value-based pediatric practice focused on delivering the highest quality of care for children. She is a practicing pediatrician and Assistant Professor at Lurie Children’s in Chicago. Prior to medical school, she started her career in strategy consulting at the Boston Consulting Group where she worked with providers transitioning to value-based reimbursement models. She’s had the privilege to work for several value-based care organizations focused on underserved populations including the Commonwealth Care Alliance, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, and Imagine Pediatrics. She has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University, medical degree from the University of Michigan, and a master of business administration from Harvard Business School. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:45] - Welcome to the episode! Meet Dr. Paige Bhansali and hear about her unique background in healthcare startups.

[1:39] - From childhood inspiration to pediatrics—Paige’s journey into medicine and her early exposure to healthcare.

[5:50] - How Paige took an unconventional approach during her medical training to explore startup opportunities.

[9:00] - The power of saying yes—how she turned the pandemic into an opportunity for professional growth.

[12:27] - The serendipity of networking: how one connection led Paige to her work with Imagine Pediatrics.

[14:31] - Using clinical expertise to shape early-stage startups—Paige’s role in analyzing claims data and building innovative care models.

[19:32] - Why physicians' skills in critical thinking, research, and data analysis are invaluable to healthcare companies.

[24:53] - How Paige balanced residency, an MBA, startup work, and becoming a new parent—and what she learned along the way.

[26:14] - Do you need an MBA to break into healthcare startups? Paige shares her thoughts on building business skills in different ways.

[28:27] - Exploring alternative career paths: how physicians can contribute to startups while still practicing medicine.

[30:23] - What’s next? Paige shares her current work at Playground Pediatrics and her mission to transform pediatric value-based care.

Resources:

📌 Connect with Dr. Paige Bhansali on LinkedIn

📌 Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Alana Arnold, a pediatric emergency physician, innovator, and startup founder, to the show. Alana shares her journey from working in community hospitals to launching two groundbreaking companies aimed at addressing gaps in pediatric healthcare. We dive into her passion for improving pediatric readiness in emergency care, her focus on empowering parents through health literacy, and how she’s leveraging her clinical expertise to make a broader impact.

Alana’s story is full of inspiration for any physician looking to innovate, build something new, or find fresh ways to tackle systemic problems in medicine. She talks about her startup journey, balancing clinical work with entrepreneurship, and the key steps she took to bring her ideas to life. Whether you’re in medicine or simply interested in the intersection of healthcare and innovation, you’ll want to tune in to this insightful conversation.

Episode Highlights:

[0:37] - Welcoming Dr. Alana Arnold and her unique journey into startups.

[5:21] - Identifying gaps in pediatric readiness and sparking her first big idea.

[10:51] - Balancing risk, passion, and creativity in launching a startup.

[15:43] - Navigating contracts, intellectual property, and protecting your vision.

[21:11] - How Alana’s first company developed into a clinical decision support tool.

[23:53] - Introducing her second company, Parent Partners, and its mission to improve health literacy for families.

[28:07] - How pursuing creative outlets helps prevent burnout in clinical medicine.

[31:40] - Alana’s advice for physicians exploring innovation: follow your passion and take that first step.

Resources:

• PEMPal: www.pempal.co
• Parent Partners: www.parentpartners.go 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare! See you next time.