Thinking about launching your own telemedicine or digital health practice but overwhelmed by the logistics?

 In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco break down the essential steps for clinicians, PAs, NPs, and entrepreneurs to build compliant, scalable practices.

They explore PC MSO structures and variations like professional associations or PLLCs across all 50 states, emphasizing that anyone can own a medical practice with the right setup. Phoebe shares practical advice on researching state regulations via Google and business registration rules, avoiding costly attorney fees upfront, and deciding whether to align structures across states or customize for risk and efficiency. The conversation covers key buckets: crafting a targeted business plan, focusing on niche audiences like Spanish-speaking populations, transitioning from a clinical to entrepreneurial mindset, speaking in layman's terms, embracing calculated risks, and essential costs (from $300 entity fees to $4,000 annual insurance and $300/month tech stacks).

They also discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, hiring VAs for support, the value of partnerships for accountability, and why private practice could combat healthcare burnout by empowering providers to deliver care on their terms, often cash-pay to bypass insurance hassles. Drawing from real client successes, this episode offers encouragement and actionable insights for anyone tired of big systems and ready to innovate in telemedicine.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Research State-Specific Structures First: Before diving in, Google your state's business registration regulations to determine required entity types (e.g., PC MSO, PA, or PLLC) and ownership rules (100% clinician-owned vs. 51/49 splits). This ensures compliance without immediate high attorney costs and helps pick startup-friendly states like Alabama.
• Build a Niche-Focused Business Plan: Target a hyper-specific audience (e.g., a specialized population in one language) rather than "everyone." Outline patient acquisition via marketing, website design, and layman's language to attract non-clinicians. Remember, the larger the market, the harder it is to stand out.
• Budget Smart and Delegate Early: Start with essentials: $300–500 for entity setup, $4,000/year for insurance (malpractice, cyber, professional liability), and $300/month for tech (EHR, domain). Hire a VA under $1,000/month to handle non-clinical tasks like marketing or admin, freeing you to focus on care and growth.

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 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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do so many telehealth and digital health startups struggle when they try to work with health plans, Medicaid, or Medicare?

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco are joined by Sunshine Moore, who specializes in translating between startups, payers, and government programs. Together, they pull back the curtain on how health policy really works, and why understanding it is essential for anyone building or scaling a healthcare business.

Sunshine explains why direct-to-consumer telehealth models don’t always translate to public payers, how Medicaid and Medicare populations differ dramatically from privately insured patients, and why speaking “health plan language” matters more than flashy technology. They explore how states measure success using cost, quality, and access—and why metrics like HEDIS, network adequacy, and ROI drive coverage decisions.

The conversation also dives into rural health transformation funding, niche population strategies, employer benefits, behavioral health access, and why some of the most impactful healthcare innovations aren’t “sexy” at all—they simply solve real problems for vulnerable populations. From health policy history to practical advice for startups, this episode reframes how innovation actually happens in healthcare.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Health Plans Buy Outcomes, Not Ideas
  No matter how innovative a product is, payers care about measurable impact—cost reduction, quality improvement, and expanded access. If it doesn’t align with how states and plans are evaluated, it won’t get traction.
• Medicaid and Medicare Require a Different Playbook
  Public payer populations are often hard to reach, less tech-enabled, and account for the majority of healthcare costs. Successful solutions must be population-focused, not consumer-focused.
• Start Small, Prove Value, Then Scale
  States copy each other. Health plans replicate pilots across markets. Winning in a smaller, more accessible state or niche population can unlock broader adoption nationwide.

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:

Sunshine Moore Anger is a health policy consultant and former health plan leader who helps startups, providers, and organizations navigate Medicaid, Medicare, and complex payer landscapes. Known for her ability to “translate” between innovators and insurers, Sunshine specializes in population health strategy, public programs, and regulatory alignment.

📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/sunshinemooreanger

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])

Tags

Telehealth Policy, Health Plans, Medicaid, Medicare, Digital Health Startups, Population Health, Health Innovation, Rural Health, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Regulation

Hashtags

#TelemedicineTalks #HealthPolicy #DigitalHealth #Medicaid #Medicare #Telehealth #PopulationHealth #HealthcareInnovation #PayerStrategy #HealthTech

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if securing capital for your healthcare practice didn't mean drowning in paperwork or facing endless rejections?

In this engaging kickoff to 2026, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco chat with Sharmeen Aqeel,  about demystifying finances for independent healthcare providers. From breaking down P&L statements into simple cash inflows and outflows to navigating options like big banks versus private lenders, they explore how to track key metrics like patient statistics and fixed costs without needing an accountant. Sharmeen shares real-world examples of clinics overcoming funding hurdles for marketing, equipment, and growth, emphasizing the role of revenue-based funding and quick capital. Drawing from her design background and fintech expertise, she highlights Lyyvora's AI-driven platform that matches borrowers with multiple lenders for the best offers, plus tools for assessing readiness and improving financial health. Phoebe and Leo add insights from their experiences in telehealth and startups, discussing bottlenecks like cash flow for marketing and scaling tech.

If you're a physician, clinician, or entrepreneur building a practice in telemedicine or beyond, this episode provides practical advice on raising capital, avoiding high-interest traps, and pursuing your business dreams with confidence.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Simplify your financial tracking: Focus on key basics like patient statistics (e.g., cost per patient vs. revenue), fixed vs. variable costs, and cash inflows/outflows—use tools like bank statements and calendars to project growth without complex spreadsheets.
• Explore funding options wisely: Compare big banks (for larger, slower loans like acquisitions) with private lenders (for fast capital on marketing or payroll, with rates 8-15%); shop multiple offers and consider revenue-based funding that flexes with your monthly earnings.
• Assess and prepare for loans: Use platforms like Lyyvora to match with lenders based on your revenue, bank health, and business tenure—get a readiness score, improve weak areas with templates, and persist through rejections by refining your story around clientele growth.

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: 

Sharmeen Aqeel is the founder and CEO of Lyyvora, a fintech platform simplifying capital access for independent healthcare practices via AI-matched loans from private lenders (8-15% rates). With a design background in UX and product leadership, she focuses on human-centered solutions, demystifying finances like P&L statements and patient metrics. Her Advice: Take risks, persist through rejections. 

LinkedIn: Sharmeen Aqeel

Website:  https://lyyvora.com

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________

What if AI could renew your prescriptions or diagnose your symptoms, but at the cost of losing the human touch that catches life's nuances?

In this timely discussion, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco  react to breaking developments in AI-driven healthcare. They unpack Utah's innovative pilot program partnering with Doct.ai to automate prescription renewals for long-term meds, debating whether it streamlines care or risks overprescribing and bias. The conversation shifts to ChatGPT's health tools, including HIPAA concerns, data privacy, and potential for misuse by vulnerable users like teens. Drawing from personal experiences as providers and parents, they highlight AI's strengths as a supplemental tool e.g., for research or differentials, versus the dangers of full autonomy, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of physician gestalt, context, and independence. Real-world examples like Open Evidence and UpToDate illustrate AI done right, while raising alarms about corporate incentives, edge cases, and moral compasses in tech.

If you're a physician, health tech enthusiast, or patient navigating AI's rise, this episode offers balanced insights on innovation, regulation, and safeguarding human elements in medicine.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Evaluate AI as a tool, not a replacement: Use platforms like Open Evidence or UpToDate for expedited research and differentials, but always apply your clinical judgment to interpret results, review sources and context before acting.
• Prioritize patient safety in AI adoption: For renewals or diagnostics, insist on human oversight to catch nuances like lifestyle changes or contraindications; question biases in algorithms and demand transparency on training data e.g., specialist breakdowns.
• Engage in the conversation: Share your experiences with AI in healthcare via comments or reach out to Phoebe and Leo. Join discussions on ethics, privacy (e.g., HIPAA gaps in ChatGPT), and pilots like Utah's to influence safer implementations.

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 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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________

When Chris Turtizin started his career designing high-end handbags in Berlin, he never imagined he’d end up shaping the future of telemedicine. But after a pivot from fashion to tech including a stint on Facebook’s growth team he found his calling in healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez talk with Chris Turtizin about his incredible journey: from growing Bicycle Health into a telemedicine powerhouse serving tens of thousands of patients with opioid use disorder, to launching Single Aim, a platform that helps clinicians navigate compliance and build their own practices.

Chris shares how he leveraged the chaos of the pandemic to scale Bicycle Health, the lessons he learned about speed and access in healthcare, and why he’s now focused on empowering nurse practitioners, PAs, and physicians to take control of their careers. From underserved communities to regulatory minefields, this conversation dives deep into the intersection of health tech and human impact.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Speed is Everything in Telemedicine – Chris found that getting patients treated within 4-8 hours doubled long-term outcomes at Bicycle Health. Fast access is a game-changer for patient care and business growth.
2. Start with Leadership Roles – Physicians and providers can break into telemedicine through collaborating physician or medical director roles—great stepping stones to bigger opportunities.
3. Transparency Builds Trust – Single Aim’s success comes from clear pricing, open data, and empowering clinicians to control their own paths. Healthcare needs less gatekeeping and more openness.

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 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]

About the Guest:

Chris Turtizin is a digital health innovator who transitioned from designing handbags in Europe to becoming a key player in telemedicine. With experience at Facebook’s growth team, Virta Health, and as a leader at Bicycle Health one of Time’s 100 Most Influential Companies in 2022, he scaled a telemedicine provider serving tens of thousands with opioid use disorder. Now, as co-founder of Single Aim, Chris is building tools to help nurse practitioners, PAs, and physicians launch their own clinical practices with ease and compliance. Passionate about the intersection of internet growth and healthcare, he’s dedicated to making telemedicine accessible and clinician-friendly.

Website: https://www.singleaimhealth.com/

LinkedIn: Chris Turtizin

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________

What shaped telemedicine in 2025, and what's on the horizon for 2026?

In this special New Year episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Dr. Leo Damasco recaps the year's major developments, including the shift from broad direct-to-consumer platforms to focused enterprise partnerships, heightened focus on compliance and accreditation, clinical standardization, physician leadership, and AI's role in care. She discusses Medicare flexibility extensions, legal scrutiny, and predicts continued consolidation, hybrid models, and stricter regulations in 2026, emphasizing opportunities for innovation and better governance.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Business Model Shifts: Telemedicine moved away from unfocused direct-to-consumer care toward enterprise partnerships with payers, employers, and health systems, with specialized platforms thriving.
• Regulatory and Compliance Focus: 2025 saw increased scrutiny on governance, accreditation (e.g., URAC), prescribing audits, and PC-MSO structures, making compliance business-critical amid lawsuits and investigations.
• Physician Empowerment and AI Integration: Doctors gained leverage in leadership roles and compensation, while AI enhanced operations but faced pushback against fully replacing clinicians, ensuring human oversight in care.

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 Host:

Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.

Connect with Leo:
[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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________

What if securing your telemedicine practice against AI-driven scams and data breaches was as straightforward as using a VPN and asking the right questions?

In this essential episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Cordell Robinson, as he unpacks the cybersecurity threats facing telemedicine providers, from public WiFi vulnerabilities at hotels and airports to AI-powered phishing and deepfakes. He discusses his journey from Navy intelligence to cybersecurity expert, enforcement trends like HIPAA penalties, and how Brownstone's new Compliance Aid app simplifies audits for pros and beginners alike. If you're in telemedicine and concerned about 2026 AI risks or compliance costs, this is your guide to proactive protection, shielding patients, dodging lawsuits, and leveraging security as a business advantage.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Secure your connections: Avoid public WiFi for sensitive calls; use a personal hotspot or install VPNs like NordVPN, Norton, or built-in Apple/Google options on devices. Ensure passwords are over 17 characters and enable biometrics, but verify airline or hotel security measures before connecting mid-flight.
• Spot AI scams and phishing: Look for pattern recognition in calls. Robotic responses, mismatched mouth movements, or overly pointed personal questions. Never log into accounts during suspicious calls; wait 24 hours and use a separate device or contact your bank directly to verify.
• Prioritize compliance proactively: Invest in phased cybersecurity like HIPAA or NIST via tools such as the Compliance Aid app to assess controls e.g., access, physical security. Hold AI vendors accountable by asking about governance, human oversight, and past fixes. Treat it like annual health checkups to avoid reputational damage and financial penalties.

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:

Cordell Robinson is CEO of Brownstone Consulting Firm, a cybersecurity expert with over 15 years leading the firm. A philanthropist and decorated US Navy veteran in military intelligence, he blends software engineering, law school insights, and compliance expertise to protect sensitive data in healthcare and beyond. His new Compliance Aid app demystifies frameworks like FISMA, FedRAMP, and SCADA for easy implementation.

 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cordell-robinson-a2213a4

 Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.bcf-us.com

Instagram: @brownstone_consulting_firm

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________

What if complying with 19 U.S. state privacy laws and counting was as easy as copy-paste, and cost-effective for solo docs or big practices?

In this timely episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Michael Williams, as he breaks down the patchwork of laws (GDPR, CCPA, and 2025 updates), why they’re based on patient location not your HQ, and how per-incident fines can hit millions. He shares Clym’s origin story from a $100K consulting flop, explains enforcement trends e.g., revenue via “phantom taxes”, and offers nuggets on getting started fast: No devs needed, scalable for SMBs to enterprises, and focused on user experience without legal headaches.

If you’re in telemedicine and sweating 2026 enforcement, this is your roadmap to proactive compliance—protecting patients, avoiding surprises, and turning regs into a competitive edge.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Assess your exposure: Privacy laws apply based on patient location, not yours—e.g., California rules for CA patients even if you’re in Texas. Map your data collection, searches, forms and review for GDPR/CCPA compliance. Use tools like Clym to scan and implement banners and notices in 5 minutes to mitigate per-incident risks.
• Simplify setup: Don’t hire pricey consultants. Opt for scalable software. Copy-paste Climb’s code for default coverage across 160 regs, privacy, and accessibility. Customize as needed, but start basic: It’s dev-free, cost-effective, and ensures you’re compliant day one without ongoing manual tweaks or $100K fees.
• Prepare for enforcement: Ignorance isn’t a defense. 2026 brings ramped fines (up to $7,500 per record). Educate your team on per-occurrence penalties, monitor state changes (19 U.S. laws now), and build revenue buffers. Proactively audit data sharing to avoid “phantom taxes” and turn compliance into patient trust.

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:

Michael Williams is CFO and Co-Founder of Clym, a leading platform for automated compliance with data privacy, accessibility, and website regulations. A former pro basketball player (6’10”!), he started as a tax attorney at Ernst & Young, then served as CFO for global firms. Michael blends legal, financial, and operational expertise to make compliance scalable, affordable, and user-friendly, helping telemedicine providers reduce exposure while enhancing experiences.

Connect with Michael Williams:

· Website: https://www.clym.io

· Email: [email protected]

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________

You went from making residency peanuts to six- and seven-figure clinical income practically overnight but medical school never taught us what to do with it.

In this episode, Leo Damasco sits down with Jonathan Spitz as he reveals why more telemedicine and 1099 physicians are using institutional-grade real estate to create tax-efficient cash flow, slash volatility, and build true diversification outside the rollercoaster of public markets. He pulls back the curtain on Lightstone’s new direct-to-investor platform, explains the massive alignment that comes from the firm putting its own money in first, breaks down the current 2025–2028 market opportunity (20–30% valuation resets + disappearing new supply = rent-growth tailwinds), and shares the red flags and green flags physicians must know before investing passively in private deals.

Whether you’re looking for 6–8% tax-deferred distributions, mid-teens IRRs, or simply a way to stop writing huge checks to Uncle Sam every April, this is the roadmap.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

• Define Your Investment Objective Before Choosing a Deal: Before investing in private real estate, determine whether your priority is cash flow, tax efficiency, portfolio diversification, or long-term appreciation. This clarity ensures you select deals aligned with your financial goals and prevents emotional decision-making. Physicians especially benefit from knowing what they want as income and workload shift.
• Perform Sponsor Due Diligence, Not Just Deal Analysis: Evaluate who is managing your money. Ask how long they’ve operated, how much of their own capital they invest, their track record in the specific market, and whether they've navigated past downturns. Sponsors with skin in the game and proven execution reduce risk and align incentives with investors.
• Understand and Accept Illiquidity Before Committing Capital: Private real estate investments often lock funds for multiple years, typically without early exit options. If you may need cash within that timeframe, reconsider. Accepting illiquidity allows you to benefit from consistent income distributions, tax advantages, and potential higher long-term returns without reacting emotionally to market volatility.

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: 

Jonathan Spitz is the Head of Capital Formation at Lightstone Direct, where he connects individual investors, especially physicians, to institutional-quality real estate opportunities. With over a decade of experience spanning brokerage, lending, and private equity, Jonathan has navigated multiple market cycles and capital-raising environments. He focuses on transparency, education, and aligned incentives, helping professionals understand how private real estate can diversify portfolios, reduce taxes, and build long-term wealth.

Website: https://www.lightstonedirect.com/dpn

About the Hosts:

• Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.telemedicinetalks.com

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.

__________________________

What if your superhero dreams as a kid shaped your career in health tech?

 In this inspiring episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Leo Damasco sit down with Nikola Dosev, as he recounts his unconventional path: from studying business and tech, to building AI in MarTech and real estate, to diving into health after personal experiences with atrial septal defect and a passion for sleep, activity, and family wellness. He explains how AI is transforming Hundred’s approach, auditing workflows, personalizing recommendations, and even generating content, while emphasizing ethical use and human oversight.

The conversation dives into Hundred’s unique slant: focusing on food, exercise, and sleep prescriptions over pills, using at-home blood tests for biomarkers like hormones and inflammation, and building for real people like Nik’s fitness journey or Phoebe’s hormonal expertise. With stories of failures turned learnings, Nik stresses passion as the true driver of health innovation. If you’re in digital health, telemedicine, or just curious about living longer and better, this episode reveals how tech meets personal stories to reach billions.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• Leverage AI Ethically in Health Tech: Start by using AI for workflow audits and gap identification to boost efficiency, but always prioritize human oversight to avoid biases. Experiment with tools like ChatGPT for content generation or personalization, ensuring data privacy and testing in low-stakes areas first to build trust and refine outputs.
• Turn Personal Health Stories into Professional Drive: Reflect on your own health challenges—like Nik’s heart defect—to fuel passion in longevity work. Use daily disciplines in sleep, activity, and nutrition as differentiators in your career; track biomarkers via precision testing to inform decisions, turning personal insights into innovative solutions that help others extend healthspan.
• Focus on Basics Before Advanced Interventions: Prescribe food, exercise, and sleep as foundational “medicines” before supplements or drugs. Use at-home tests for biomarkers like hormones or inflammation to create tailored plans; build products with real user stories in mind, ensuring accessibility to democratize longevity beyond high-end demographics.

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:

Nikola Dosev is Head of Product at Hundred (hundred.com), a functional medicine and precision-testing startup democratizing longevity through at-home blood tests, AI-driven insights, and simple prescriptions: food, exercise, and sleep first.

With over a decade building startups in MarTech, consumer tech, security, and real estate, Nik was an early AI adopter (2016–17) and used automation to drive hyper-growth companies. Born with an atrial septal defect and originally given a ~55-year life expectancy, a 2017 surgery removed that ceiling and ignited his obsession with helping people live healthy, 100+ year lives. Daily optimization of sleep, movement, and nutrition has been his edge since his teens. At Hundred, he’s channeling that passion and his “Batman kid” belief in high-tech solutions outside broken systems into making advanced longevity tools accessible to millions, not just the elite.

• Email:  [email protected]
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nikoladosev
• Website;  https://www.hundred.com

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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