Telemedicine Talks

How can telehealth marketing bridge access gaps for underserved communities like LGBTQ+ populations?

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Leo Damasco welcomes Julio Morales, a veteran marketing leader with over 20 years in branding and digital strategy. Julio discusses his experiences at an LGBTQ+-focused telehealth company during 2020, where he partnered with 42 nonprofits to boost awareness and patient acquisition amid access disparities. He shares insights on transitioning to Chipper Digital, his agency focused on relatable, year-round campaigns that avoid superficial "pinkwashing" and genuinely connect with diverse audiences. Julio emphasizes cultural sensitivity, data-driven strategies, and the power of storytelling in marketing, while highlighting challenges like PrEP deserts and the need for inclusive healthcare. This episode is essential for telehealth professionals seeking to enhance outreach, foster trust, and improve equity in patient care.

Three Actionable Takeaways

1. Build Year-Round Authentic Campaigns – Avoid seasonal "pinkwashing" by creating consistent, culturally sensitive digital strategies that engage LGBTQ+ audiences through storytelling and community partnerships, ensuring long-term trust and impact.
2. Leverage Data for Targeted Outreach – Use tools like Google Analytics and SEO to identify underserved areas (e.g., PrEP deserts) and tailor content, such as multilingual campaigns, to boost patient acquisition and awareness.
3. Prioritize Inclusivity in Branding – Partner with nonprofits and focus on representation in visuals and messaging to make telehealth accessible; test campaigns for resonance and measure success through engagement metrics like website traffic and conversions.

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:

Julio Morales is a marketing leader with 20+ years in branding, product, and digital strategy. Formerly Senior Director of Marketing at an LGBTQ+-focused telehealth company, he drove growth through partnerships with 42 nonprofits. Now leading Chipper Digital, Julio specializes in inclusive campaigns that connect brands with diverse audiences year-round. His work emphasizes cultural sensitivity, data-driven insights, and impactful storytelling to enhance access and equity.

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://chipperdigital.io

About the Host:

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

Email:  [email protected]

Website: http://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.

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Phoebe Gutierrez interviews Justin Liu, to share his background as a Bay Area engineer, from Google to AI infrastructure at Rockset (acquired by OpenAI), and how he and co-founder Scott transitioned into healthcare without prior experience. They explore the inefficiencies in the industry, the importance of manual processes before automation, gaining medical coding certifications, and speaking the language of diverse stakeholders—from venture-backed startups to rural clinics. The conversation covers AI's potential to improve quality control, diagnose conditions, and handle complex tasks, while addressing regulatory challenges, value-based care shifts, and upcoming AI developments like GPT-5. This episode is essential for health tech enthusiasts, providers, and innovators navigating AI's role in transforming healthcare.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Learn the Industry Manually First – Before automating processes with AI, gain hands-on expertise (e.g., get medical coding certifications) to understand inefficiencies and build credibility when pitching to healthcare stakeholders.
2. Tailor Communication to Your Audience – Adapt your language and pace based on who you're speaking to—use tech jargon for venture-backed companies but simplify for traditional providers like rural health clinics or FQHCs to bridge gaps effectively.
3. Stay Ahead of AI and Regulatory Trends – Monitor advancements in base AI models (e.g., GPT-5) and policy changes in Medicare/Medicaid to anticipate impacts on billing, patient care, and value-based models, ensuring your solutions remain adaptable.

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:

Justin Liu is the CEO and co-founder of Charta Health, an AI company that reviews patient charts for billing accuracy, reimbursement, and adherence to care standards. With a background in computer science, he engineered at Google and helped build Rockset, an AI infrastructure startup acquired by OpenAI. Justin holds medical coding certifications and focuses on using AI to address healthcare inefficiencies.

Website: https://www.chartahealth.com

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] (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.

Main Summary for Simplecast:

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Leo interviews Dr. Nancy Sharma, as she recounts her path into medicine, inspired by her physician family, and her pivot to oncology after her grandfather's battle with multiple myeloma. She explores the integration of conventional treatments with alternative methods like nutrition, acupuncture, and functional medicine, highlighting how major institutions like MD Anderson are adopting similar approaches. Discussing telemedicine's role in her practice, she emphasizes patient empowerment, mitigating side effects, and preventive lifestyle changes. Dr. Sharma offers advice on diet, exercise, mindfulness, and self-belief, reflecting on regrets from patients and the importance of work-life balance. This episode is crucial for physicians and patients interested in holistic cancer care and telemedicine innovations.

Three Actionable Takeaways

1. Prioritize Mindful Nutrition – Focus on the quality and source of food, not just macros. Eat in a relaxed state, avoiding preservatives, to support overall health and mitigate treatment side effects.
2. Incorporate Daily Movement and Breathing – Engage in physical activity every day and practice breathing techniques like box breathing multiple times daily to maintain calm and reduce stress, enhancing resilience against disease.
3. Embrace Mindfulness and Self-Belief – Reflect on mortality to ground priorities, live authentically, and avoid regrets. Believe in yourself during training and practice to reduce unnecessary worry and foster a balanced life.

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. Nancy Sharma is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with over 15 years of experience, licensed in all 50 states. Honored as a Top Doctor by Seattle Magazine for four years, she founded Thrive Integrative Cancer Care, blending conventional oncology with integrative approaches like functional medicine and nutrition. Inspired by her grandfather's cancer battle, she advocates for holistic care to improve quality of life and mitigate side effects. · 

Website: https://www.thriveintegrativecancercare.com

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivecancercarecenter

Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/groups/305316675501946/

About the Host:

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

Connect with Leo:

 📧 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.

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez sit down with Dr. Okemefuna Okpara, to discuss his telemedicine journey sparked by burnout during the COVID era. Dr. Okpara candidly shares his struggles with the chaos of juggling multiple telemedicine gigs, particularly in weight loss and GLP-1 prescriptions, where he prioritized ethical practice over efficiency, often spending extra time to ensure patient safety. He reflects on the culture of silence around telemedicine pitfalls, the fear of liability, and the lack of trust in some platforms. Transitioning to locums and earning a wound care certification, he now collaborates with his brother’s mobile wound care company, leveraging AI for nationwide expansion. Dr. Okpara offers practical tools for managing imposter syndrome, protecting one’s license, and exploring non-clinical roles like NP supervision. He advocates for systemic improvements in telemedicine to prioritize trust and patient care. This episode is essential for physicians seeking to navigate telemedicine with integrity and resilience.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

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

About the Show

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

About the Guest

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

LinkedIn; linkedin.com/in/okemefunaokpara

About the Hosts:

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

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

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

How can dermatology and medicine as a whole—embrace digital care without compromising quality? In this episode, Dr. Cheryl Lee joins Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to share her journey from NIH researcher to founding CLMD, a patented sensitive skincare line, and Zōca, a comprehensive telehealth platform spanning multiple specialties.

She recounts how patients across the globe sought her eczema expertise online after launching her skincare line in 2014, sparking the idea for a scalable, collaborative teledermatology ecosystem. Dr. Lee details how she built Zōca not just for dermatology but as an all-specialties, patient-centered platform complete with integrated EMRs, labs, asynchronous care, and provider collaboration tools.

Beyond tech, she discusses launching Expert Derm, a fellowship program that has already trained nearly 100 clinicians in dermatology fundamentals with a built-in telederm business—“a business in a box.” She explains how she's empowering non-derm-trained clinicians, pediatricians, family med doctors, PAs, and NPs to treat skin conditions virtually and improve patient access without needing years of formal residency.

The conversation also touches on the future of AI in medicine, the value of clinical reasoning, and how physician leadership must evolve to remain central in digital care.

1. Learn Dermatology at Scale – With a growing need for dermatologic care, clinicians from all specialties can build practical telederm proficiency through programs like Expert Derm and integrate it into virtual or hybrid practices.

2. Build a Business Around Your Expertise – Dr. Lee provides physicians with their own teledermatology platform, including malpractice coverage, EMR, virtual staff, and branding—allowing them to start practicing with minimal operational hurdles.

3. Embrace Telehealth Education and Regulation – Telemedicine success depends on understanding state laws, scope of practice, and regulatory compliance. Training programs that include telehealth law and workflow education are key for clinician confidence and success.

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

Dr. Cheryl Lee is a board-certified dermatologist, NIH-trained researcher, and founder of CLMD, a patented sensitive skincare line, and Zōca, a digital health platform delivering specialty care virtually. She also created Expert Derm, a teledermatology fellowship program that equips clinicians to practice derm virtually and launch their own telederm clinics. Her mission is to democratize access to specialty care and empower clinicians with the tools to do so.

🧴 Skincare Line: https://www.clmd.com
🌐 Teledermatology Platform: https://www.zoca.com
🎓 Fellowship: https://www.zoca.com/fellowship/dermatology
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expertderm.fellowship/

Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency physician turned telemedicine advocate, focused on virtual care transformation.
Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, passionate about compliance, access, and sustainable care delivery.

📧 Contact Phoebe: [email protected]
🔗 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/

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 episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Leo and Phoebe unpack the latest developments in telemedicine and digital health for July. They explore the CMS’s Wiser Act, a 2026-2031 pilot using AI and machine learning to audit billing in real-time, flagging fraud and overpayments in select states. The discussion shifts to a legal battle where Texas targeted a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills, highlighting the politicization of telemedicine across state lines. They also cover California’s $1.5 million lawsuit against Healthline for violating privacy laws by tracking user data, underscoring growing state-level scrutiny. The episode highlights the expansion of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, with North Carolina, Nevada, and Rhode Island joining to ease multi-state licensing. Finally, they celebrate a telehealth kiosk pilot in rural Texas, offering accessible care to underserved communities. Packed with insights, this episode is a must-listen for telemedicine enthusiasts.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Stay Compliant with Billing Practices – Understand your telemedicine company’s coding and billing processes to avoid AI-driven audits under the Wiser Act, ensuring compliance with Medicare and Medicaid regulations.
2. Know State-Specific Regulations – Research the legal implications of prescribing across state lines, especially for sensitive services like abortion care, to protect your medical license and practice.
3. Leverage Interstate Licensing – Explore the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to fast-track licensing in multiple states, enhancing your ability to provide virtual care in areas with provider shortages.

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.

How can clinicians break into health tech and shape the future of healthcare? In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez are joined by Lauren Curtis, who shares her bold move to join PillPack in its early days, cold-emailing her way into a role that kickstarted her health tech career. She discusses how she carved out non-clinical roles by solving operational inefficiencies, eventually leading to her passion project, Hey Health Tech, a platform with a newsletter and job board to help clinicians navigate health tech opportunities. Dr. Curtis emphasizes the value of clinicians’ soft skills—like communication and empathy—in tech roles and offers practical advice on reframing clinical experience for resumes (not CVs!) to land product or program management jobs. She also previews her upcoming community for clinicians to collaborate and learn about health tech, AI, and patient outcomes. This episode is packed with insights for clinicians feeling stuck or eager to bridge clinical expertise with healthcare innovation.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Reframe Your Skills for Tech Roles – Translate clinical skills like patient management into project management by highlighting teamwork, communication, and problem-solving on a concise resume, not a lengthy CV.
2. Seize Opportunities Proactively – Don’t wait for job postings; reach out to health tech companies with a compelling case for how your clinical background can add value, as Dr. Curtis did with PillPack.
3. Join the Health Tech Conversation – Explore platforms like Hey Health Tech to learn about health tech roles, network with other clinicians, and stay informed about digital health’s impact on your practice.

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:

Lauren Curtis is a pharmacist-turned-health-tech-leader and senior product manager at Parachute Health. With a decade of experience in digital health, starting at PillPack (now part of Amazon), she founded Hey Health Tech, a platform featuring a newsletter and job board to empower clinicians to explore health tech careers. A passionate speaker, Lauren is launching a community to connect clinicians across specialties to learn about health tech, AI, and improving patient outcomes.

Website: https://www.heyhealthtech.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyhealthtech

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.

How can telemedicine enhance care in rural communities, and why is physician wellness critical to effective practice? In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco sits down with Dr. Peter Crane, as he  explores the evolution of telemedicine in his practice, from supporting snowbirds to managing follow-up care for patients with transportation challenges. He candidly shares a lesson from a missed appendicitis diagnosis during COVID, highlighting telemedicine’s limitations and the importance of physical exams for certain conditions. Dr. Crane also discusses the benefits and challenges of direct-to-consumer telemedicine, emphasizing the need for better EMR integration and communication to avoid disrupting primary care plans. Additionally, he reflects on physician wellness, urging doctors to prioritize self-care and live in the present to avoid burnout. Drawing from his podcast, Doctors Making a Difference, Dr. Crane offers actionable advice for physicians to reclaim their time, financial autonomy, and purpose, ensuring they can serve patients as rested, engaged healers.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Leverage Telemedicine for Follow-Up Care – Use telemedicine for medication refills, lab reviews, and chronic disease management to reduce patient travel burdens, but maintain a low threshold for in-person exams when physical findings are critical.
2. Prioritize System Coordination – Advocate for better EMR integration and note-sharing to ensure seamless communication between telemedicine providers and primary care physicians, minimizing disruptions to chronic care plans.
3. Focus on Wellness Now – Set short-term personal goals (e.g., family time, hobbies) to avoid the “I’ll be happy when” mindset, ensuring you remain a well-rested, engaged physician for your patients.

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. Peter Crane is a board-certified family physician practicing in rural Ohio since 2011, serving the community where he was born. A graduate of a family medicine residency, he replaced the doctor who delivered him, reflecting his deep commitment to his roots. Host of the Doctors Making a Difference podcast on the Dr. Podcast Network, Dr. Crane shares stories of physicians finding purpose and balance, with a focus on wellness and community care. His practice integrates telemedicine to serve patients with limited access, while his experiences in medical missions to Uganda highlight his dedication to global health equity.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermcranemd

Podcast: Doctors Making a Difference 

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.

Can staying informed on regulatory changes safeguard your telemedicine practice? Hosts Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez explore this question in a dynamic discussion covering the Department of Justice and OIG’s historic $14.6 billion healthcare fraud takedown, targeting 324 providers across all 50 states, with a sharp focus on telemedicine fraud in durable medical equipment (DME), genetic testing, and opioid diversion. Drawing from Phoebe’s analysis of the indictments, they highlight critical compliance lessons, such as establishing proper patient-provider relationships and avoiding auto-renewed prescriptions without medical necessity. The episode also delves into the OIG’s advisory opinion on compliant PC/MSO structures, emphasizing fair market value compensation to avoid kickback risks. 

Additionally, they address proposed Medicaid changes, including work requirements and reduced provider taxes, which could exacerbate healthcare deserts in rural areas, and uncover surprising USP 797 regulations impacting IV hydration services. This episode weaves together regulatory insights, practical compliance strategies, and actionable advice, equipping telemedicine providers with tools to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and protect their licenses.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Conduct Due Diligence in Telemedicine Partnerships – Before joining a telemedicine company, verify its compliance with PC/MSO structures and ensure compensation is based on fair market value, not patient volume or referrals.
2. Document Medical Necessity Thoroughly – Avoid auto-renewing prescriptions or ordering tests without proper exams and documentation to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
3. Stay Informed on State-Specific Regulations – Research state pharmacy board rules, such as USP 797 for IV hydration, to avoid unintentional non-compliance in emerging telemedicine services.

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]

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.

Can telemedicine offer physicians the work-life balance traditional medicine often denies? Host Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Anna Chacon,  as she recounts her shift from hospital-based roles to owning a medical office building, spurred by her father’s sudden job loss during COVID when his pediatric ICU closed. She delves into the complexities of compliance, the stigma of lacking a brick-and-mortar presence which led to rejections from pathology groups, and the relentless connectivity of virtual care, even during hikes or flights. With insights on navigating regulatory hurdles, diversifying practice models, and setting boundaries, this episode equips doctors with strategies to thrive in telemedicine while addressing the emotional and financial burdens of maintaining multiple licenses and insurances costing tens of thousands annually.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Prioritize Compliance – Stay updated on telemedicine regulations and invest in legal support to protect your license.
2. Diversify Practice – Combine telehealth with in-person care to gain respect and flexibility in the medical community.
3. Set Boundaries – Establish clear expectations with patients and employers to manage the 24/7 accessibility of telemedicine.

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. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist and telemedicine pioneer, offering services across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico. A double Ivy League graduate from Brown University, where she earned her medical degree through the Program in Liberal Medical Education, she completed her dermatology residency at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center, serving as chief resident. Her passion for teledermatology emerged during the pandemic, driven by a desire to serve underserved and rural populations, a mission inspired by her father, a critical care pioneer in South Florida. With over a decade of experience, she balances an in-person surgical practice in Florida, California, and Alaska with a virtual platform, addressing conditions like acne and psoriasis. Fluent in five languages—English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Hebrew—she leverages her multicultural background to care for diverse patients. An influencer and author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, she also works with indigenous communities in Alaska and advocates for physician autonomy through her social media presence.

• Website: https://drannachacon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm?igsh=djl6YzJzM3Ztd3I0

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.