Telemedicine Talks

This episode is sponsored by NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Steve Kelly discusses his transition from emergency medicine to telehealth and entrepreneurship. After years of ER shifts, locum tenens, and per diem work, Steve eventually went all-in on virtual care.

Steve explains how he founded Refill Genie to address a common, high-impact problem: patients losing access to essential chronic medications (especially blood-pressure meds) and ending up in the ER or simply going without. Drawing on experience across video and asynchronous platforms, he focused on “bridge” refills and chronic-care access that many telehealth companies avoid.

The conversation covers the mental shift away from the “ER doc” identity, the value of meaning found in preventing unnecessary ER visits, and the practical steps of building a company: using existing HIPAA-compliant tools instead of custom software, hiring freelancers via Upwork, navigating multi-state licensing and corporate structures (PC/MSO), and prioritizing clinical quality amid regulatory gray areas. Steve emphasizes starting small, learning on the fly, and maintaining high standards so that any scrutiny finds good patient care at the core.

Listeners will hear honest advice on risk tolerance, compliance realities across 49+ states, and why asking more questions (not fewer) is the advice he would give his intern self.

Top 3 Takeaways:

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. Steve Kelly is a former emergency medicine physician who trained at Baystate in Massachusetts. After years of full-time ER work, locum tenens, and part-time telehealth, he founded Refill Genie, a multi-state telehealth company focused on medication access and bridge refills for chronic conditions. He now works full-time in telehealth (roughly 60% running Refill Genie) and is actively hiring physicians with multiple state licenses.

Connect with Dr. Steve Kelly:

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 NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this inspiring episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Dr. Christine Goins, board-certified integrative adult and pediatric psychiatrist, physician coach, and digital nomad. After years of extreme burnout (chest pain, insomnia, muscle spasms) while working in 10 clinics a week, serving as associate program director, and chairing a DEI committee, Dr. Goins realized the problem wasn’t serotonin, it was the lifestyle.

She resigned from her academic position, booked a one-way ticket to Colombia, and began designing a career around the life she actually wanted. Today she runs Nomad MD, coaching burned-out physicians on how to create remote, location-independent practices (often cash-pay) so they can work less and live anywhere.

The conversation covers the identity shift required to step away from traditional clinical roles, the financial fears that keep doctors stuck, practical realities of practicing medicine while living abroad (taxes, licensing, controlled substances), why owning your own practice gives the greatest autonomy, and how living in 17+ countries has reshaped her view of what a doctor’s life can look like.

Top 3 Takeaways:

About the Show

About the Guest

Dr. Kristine Goins is a board-certified integrative adult and pediatric psychiatrist, physician coach, and digital nomad. After experiencing severe burnout in academic medicine, she founded Nomad MD to help physicians replace their income remotely and build freedom-first careers. She has lived and worked in 17+ countries and currently divides her time between locations such as Guadalajara, Italy, South Africa, and Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Connect with Dr.Kristine Goins:

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 NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this practical episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Phoebe Gutierrez welcomes Ashley Gay as she shares her unique journey from graphic designer to physician marketing expert after supporting her husband through medical school, residency, fellowship, and the launch of his own practice.

The conversation focuses on the critical (and often overlooked) marketing foundations that determine whether a private practice or telemedicine venture actually attracts and retains patients. Topics include naming and visual branding decisions that support long-term growth, the power of Google Business Profiles and local SEO, the importance of frictionless online scheduling, dual business-card networking strategies for referrals, realistic approaches to paid ads versus organic social, and the compliance minefield of healthcare marketing (HIPAA, BAAs, Stark, fake testimonials, and more).

Ashley and Phoebe emphasize shifting from a physician-centric mindset to a true consumer/patient perspective, reducing friction, building trust, and creating an experience that makes patients choose (and stay with) you.

Top 3 Takeaways:

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

Ashley Gay is a branding and marketing strategist who has worked with both large companies and independent physician practices. With a background in graphic design and a marketing degree, she has supported her physician husband through training and private practice launch. She now helps clinicians build authentic brands, attract patients, and grow sustainable independent practices and telemedicine ventures through Digital Ash Agency.

Connect with Ashley Gay:

About the Host:

    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]

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 NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this eye-opening episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Gita Pensa as she draws from her personal experience of being sued for 12 years,  including two jury trials, to demystify the litigation process for physicians, especially those practicing telemedicine across multiple state licenses. The conversation covers the critical differences between lawsuits and board actions, why litigation is far more common than most doctors realize, the psychological toll of being sued, and practical strategies for performing well in depositions and trials.

Dr. Pensa also discusses the distinction between risk management and litigation performance, why most lawsuits don’t end in license loss or personal financial ruin, and how physicians can move from fear to empowerment through education and preparation.

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. Gita Penza is a practicing Emergency Physician with extensive experience as a medical malpractice defendant, including two jury trials. After 12 years navigating litigation, she became a coach and educator helping clinicians understand the legal, psychological, and professional realities of malpractice suits. She is the creator and host of the podcast Doctors and Litigation, The L Word, a regular contributor to EMRAP, and co-host of its UCmax program.

Connect with Dr. Gita Pensa:

About the Host:

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

Connect with Leo: 


       [email protected]

       Website: 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 NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Jeff Sekinger joins hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to break down financial literacy for high-earning professionals. Drawing from his experience at JP Morgan, building Zero Percent (credit & funding), Orca Capital (hedge fund), and NURP (algorithmic trading platform), Jeff explains modern portfolio theory, the power of alternative investments, and why many physicians face concentration risk by keeping everything in their practice or traditional assets.

He details how NURP delivers verified algorithmic trading strategies directly into users’ own brokerage accounts, offering liquidity, transparency, and control. The conversation covers the Medallion Fund’s legendary performance, the role of AI and technology in investing, red flags to watch for, and practical advice on starting small, understanding risk-adjusted returns, and avoiding common pitfalls like over-allocation or illiquid real estate headaches.

Listeners will gain actionable insights on diversification, testing strategies risk-free, and empowering their capital to work smarter, especially valuable for busy clinicians seeking financial freedom beyond clinical work.

Top 3 Takeaways:

About the show

About the Guest

Jeff Sekinger is the founder of NURP (algorithmic trading software), Zero Percent (credit & funding solutions), and Orca Capital (hedge fund focused on alternative investments). With a background at JP Morgan in asset management, Jeff is passionate about financial education and empowering individuals with technology-driven investment tools.

Connect with Jeff Sekinger / NURP:

About the Hosts:

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 NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Haydee  Dacasar joins hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to explore the transformation of hormone care through telemedicine. With 25 years as a practicing OBGYN in Las Vegas, Dr. Dacasar specializes in general gynecology, perimenopause, menopause management, and transgender hormone therapy.

She discusses how COVID accelerated telemedicine adoption, enabling her to evolve from in-person seminars to virtual ones that now include family members and mixed groups. Dr. Dacasar emphasizes education as the foundation of safe hormone therapy, the dangers of rushed online prescriptions without labs or exams, and her preference for bioidentical hormones. The conversation covers the shared hormonal challenges across men, women, and transgender patients, the power of root-cause care, and her commitment to risk management through mandatory seminars.

Listeners will gain practical advice on finding knowledgeable providers, the role of social media in spreading both information and misinformation, and why personalized protocols matter more than ever.

Top 3 Takeaways:

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. Haydee Docasar is a board-certified OBGYN with over 25 years of clinical experience, currently practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her focus areas include general gynecology, perimenopause and menopause care, and transgender hormone therapy. She is known for her monthly educational hormone seminars and commitment to safe, informed patient care.

Connect with Dr Haydee Docasar:

Website: https://haydeedocasarmd.com/

About the Hosts:

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 NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Dr. Mona Amin, as she shares her journey from burned-out in-person practice to leading clinical strategy at Poppins, where they combine on-demand medical care with parent and sleep coaching.

The conversation explores the unique value of pediatric telemedicine,  especially for reassurance, triage, and accessible care,  while emphasizing quality medicine over “customer service” care. They also dive into Dr. Mona’s experience building a massive social media following, overcoming mental health challenges, the importance of authenticity, and how physicians can use social platforms effectively.

Top 3 Takeaways:

ABOUT THE SHOW

About the Guest

Dr. Mona Amin is a board-certified pediatrician, founder of PedsDocTalk, social media educator, and Chief Medical Officer of Poppins, a pediatric telehealth platform. She is passionate about making healthcare more accessible, combining medical care with parent coaching, and empowering families through clear, reassuring guidance.

Connect with Dr. Mona Amin:

Instagram: @pedsdoctalk

Poppins: heypoppins.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 NURP

NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required. 

Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. 

Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice.

__________________________________

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Brigid Maloney, practice group leader at Lippes Matthias and their legal counsel, for a deep dive into the Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM). They explore why approximately 30 states prohibit corporations and non-physicians from practicing medicine, with California and New York being among the strictest.

The conversation covers recent California developments, including a new law restricting certain transfer agreements, an Attorney General amicus brief, and a $2.3 million settlement with Aspen Health, and Oregon’s elimination of stock transfer restriction agreements. Brigid explains how these changes impact MSO/PC relationships, the importance of true physician leadership, operational compliance with Management Services Agreements (MSAs), and why “friendly physician” relationships are shifting toward more collaborative, trust-based partnerships.

They also discuss best practices for updating documents, the risks of non-compliance, and why physician involvement in business decisions benefits both sides.

Top 3 Takeaways:

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

Brigid  Maloney is a practice group leader for the law practice of Lippes Matthias and serves as legal counsel to Telemedicine Talks. She specializes in healthcare law, with deep expertise in corporate practice of medicine, MSO/PC structures, regulatory compliance, and telemedicine. She is known for her practical, straightforward advice and helps clients build compliant, sustainable healthcare businesses.

Connect with Brigid Maloney:

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.

In this solo Compliance Edition of Telemedicine Talks, host Phoebe Gutierrez dives into a recent Georgia Medical Board policy statement that has many providers and companies concerned. She explains what policy clarifications from medical and nursing boards actually mean, why they’re issued, and the grace period typically granted for coming into compliance.

Phoebe covers the five core issues in the Georgia policy, with special focus on:

She emphasizes that while Georgia is not a strict corporate practice of medicine state, it enforces rigorous oversight and supervision rules. Phoebe offers clear action steps for physicians and practices currently out of compliance and shares her perspective on what future guidance might look like. This episode is essential listening for any clinician or operator involved in supervised practices, med spas, IV hydration, or telemedicine in Georgia and similar regulatory environments.

Top 3 Takeaways:

About the Show

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 your fertility struggles were actually the start of your empowerment?

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Haley Smith joins hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to discuss her journey into women’s health and fertility. A functional nutritionist and certified fertility awareness practitioner with a master’s in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine, Haley founded the Holistic Fertility Clinic and hosts the Fertility Freedom Podcast.

She opens up about overcoming disordered eating, limiting family beliefs around entrepreneurship, and the “insane” decision to start her own practice with no roadmap. The conversation covers the power of taking imperfect action, unwinding negative self-talk, the freedom (and challenges) of practicing in a less-regulated holistic space, and how telemedicine has allowed her to serve clients worldwide. Haley also explores her interest in expanding her clinic through a PC MSO model to bring on PAs/NPs, provide more comprehensive care (including diagnostics and prescriptions when needed), and maintain the heart-centered approach her patients love.

Listeners will hear powerful success stories of women conceiving after years of struggle and gain insight into root-cause, whole-person fertility care.

Top 3 Takeaways:

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

Haley Smith is a functional nutritionist, fertility awareness practitioner, and podcaster. She is the founder of the Holistic Fertility Clinic and host of the Fertility Freedom Podcast. With a master’s degree in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine, Haley helps women communicate with their bodies, understand their cycles, and overcome fertility challenges through a holistic, root-cause approach.

New Official Clinic Page: @HolisticFertilityClinic

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.