Show Notes:

In this episode of The Paradigm Concept, host Dr. David Rallis sits down with Dr. Kyle Ettinger, oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Mayo Clinic and a leader in head and neck oncologic surgery. Recorded in Denver during an exciting collaboration between Paradigm Oral Health and Mayo Clinic, this conversation explores the mindset, culture, and technology shaping the future of surgery and oral health.

Dr. Ettinger reflects on his path from the Pacific Northwest to Mayo Clinic, where he trained, returned to practice, and now helps lead innovation within the Department of Surgery. Along the way, he shares how mentorship, competition, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of improvement shaped his development as a surgeon. He and Dr. Rallis also discuss the weight of caring for patients in high-stakes surgical settings, the importance of team culture, and why surgeons must always be looking for ways to improve rather than assuming they have arrived.

Together, they dive into some of the most exciting opportunities in modern healthcare, including digital twins, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, surgical video analysis, and large-scale data. They also unpack the vision behind Paradigm Innovation Institute, or Pi2, as a physical and virtual platform for advancing education, collaboration, research, and innovation across oral health. The result is a wide-ranging conversation about excellence, future-focused thinking, and what becomes possible when great people come together around a shared mission.

Key Points From This Episode

The road to Mayo Clinic: Dr. Ettinger shares his journey from Washington state to Mayo Clinic and why its culture immediately stood out as something unique.

A family shaped by surgery: He reflects on being an identical twin whose brother also pursued a demanding surgical specialty, and how competition and shared traits shaped them both.

What drives elite performers: The conversation explores the mindset behind mastery, including why some people are drawn to difficult paths and never stop refining their work.

Why perfection is never finished: Dr. Ettinger explains why great surgeons cannot assume they have arrived and how reflection, review, and repetition remain essential at every level.

The weight of patient trust: In high-acuity surgery, patients are entrusting surgeons with life-changing outcomes, which makes preparation, discipline, and consistency non-negotiable.

The Mayo Clinic model: Dr. Rallis and Dr. Ettinger discuss Mayo’s patient-first culture, operational excellence, and the systems that allow clinicians to focus on delivering exceptional care.

Building strong teams: From support staff to surgical teams, both discuss why people are the most important asset in healthcare and how culture is built through shared values and commitment.

Training the next generation: The episode examines the challenge of educating residents in a rapidly changing world and why the traditional “see one, do one, teach one” model is no longer enough.

Flattening the learning curve: They discuss the responsibility educators have to help surgeons reach competence faster and more safely through better tools and teaching methods.

The role of VR and robotics: Dr. Ettinger shares how virtual reality, robotics, and surgical guidance systems could improve training, consistency, and patient safety in the years ahead.

Digital twins and preserved expertise: The conversation explores the possibility of capturing elite surgical judgment and educational insight so expertise can be scaled and preserved over time.

Big data and individualized care: They discuss how large clinical datasets may help answer questions faster, identify rare outcomes, and eventually tailor treatment decisions to each patient more precisely.

Why oral health must be viewed systemically: Dr. Ettinger and Dr. Rallis make the case that oral health should no longer be treated as separate from the rest of the body.

The vision for Pi2: Paradigm Innovation Institute is introduced as a physical and virtual platform for education, research, collaboration, and innovation in oral health.

What comes next: At its core, this episode is about building something bigger than any one person, bringing together the right minds, and creating the future rather than waiting for it.

In this episode of The Paradigm Concept, host Dr. David Rallis sits down with Dr. Mirela Memic, oral and maxillofacial surgeon and founder of Buckhead Oral Surgery in Atlanta. Dr. Memic shares her extraordinary journey—from leaving a war-torn country as a child, to serving in the U.S. military, to becoming a mother and opening a brand-new practice from the ground up.

Her story is one of discipline, resilience, and relentless forward momentum. She reflects on how military training shaped her approach to leadership, accountability, and teamwork; how immigration shaped her mindset around opportunity; and how the early months of building a de novo practice have tested and strengthened her resolve.

Together, they explore what it means to be the CEO of your practice, what actually drives early growth, how to build a culture from scratch, and why storytelling, patient experience, and personal authenticity matter more than ever. Dr. Memic also discusses the role her husband has played in the business, what it’s like raising a young child while launching a practice, and how she’s learned to balance discipline with vulnerability as a leader.

Her evolution—from trauma surgeon in the military to first-time practice owner—is a powerful example of what’s possible when grit meets opportunity inside the Paradigm ecosystem.

• From Bosnia to Buckhead: Dr. Memic’s early life in a war-torn country and how hardship shaped her perspective and drive.
• How military service built discipline: The structure, accountability, and expectations of military life—and how those lessons translate directly into running a practice.
• Trauma training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord: Years of 24/7 call, major trauma cases, and reconstructive surgery—and how that shaped her surgical confidence.
• Building a practice from scratch: The realities of opening a brand-new office in Buckhead, learning marketing for the first time, and navigating slow early weeks.
• Turning the corner: How her practice went from 1–2 new patients a day to 10+ once systems, consistency, and messaging clicked.
• The power of storytelling: Why patients respond to honesty, emotion, vulnerability, and a clear narrative about who you are and why you practice.
• Partnership with her husband: How blending personal and professional roles gives stability, marketing support, and shared ownership of the vision.
• Building and leading a team: Transitioning from military hierarchy to private-practice leadership—learning to coach rather than command.
• Motherhood and medicine: Navigating time, fatigue, and high expectations while raising a young child and launching a business simultaneously.
• Thriving inside Paradigm: How mentorship, culture, and the clinical-first structure accelerate new doctors and support their autonomy.
• Rapid iteration and change: Why perfection isn’t the goal—speed, adaptability, and decisive action matter more in the early stages of growth.
• Becoming a leader for others: Dr. Memic’s vision to mentor the next wave of doctors building their own practices.

In this episode of The Paradigm Concept, host Dr. David Rallis sits down with Dr. Hamza Al Atassi, oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Metrowest Oral Surgical Associates, to explore how authenticity, storytelling, and technology intersect in modern practice. Dr. Al Atassi shares his journey from dental training in Syria to establishing a thriving private practice in Boston, reflecting on the resilience and perspective that shaped his leadership style.

Together they discuss the evolution of social media as a professional tool—how it helps surgeons communicate values, earn trust, and humanize their expertise—and why personal growth, mentorship, and shared vision remain the foundation of success at Paradigm Oral Health.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Hamza Al Atassi’s journey from Syria to Boston and the lessons learned along the way
• How early experience as a dental assistant shaped his approach to teamwork and leadership
• Building rapid trust and growth through patient care and authenticity
• The evolution of social media—from showcasing skill to communicating purpose
• Overcoming stereotypes and connecting meaningfully with patients and referrals
• Why values, storytelling, and brand identity matter more than technical marketing
• The role of mentorship, collaboration, and culture at Paradigm Oral Health
• Looking ahead: leadership, education, and building the next generation of practices

In this episode of Paradigm, host Dr. David Rallis welcomes Dr. Derek Nelson, chief resident at the University of North Carolina, to explore the early career journey of a surgeon committed to mentorship, growth, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Dr. Nelson shares his background—from immigrating from Jamaica to pursuing both pastoral work and dentistry—and reflects on how those experiences shaped his drive. The discussion covers his nontraditional path into oral surgery, how he’s maximized residency through strategic learning and networking, and why mentorship and purpose-driven practice are central to his future with Paradigm. Together, they examine what younger surgeons seek from their careers, and how Paradigm supports them in designing meaningful, successful practices from the start.

• Derek Nelson’s upbringing, work ethic, and early experiences in education and construction
• His academic and spiritual journey, including ministry and dentistry
• Nontraditional path into oral surgery through public health and strategic proximity to UNC
• The value of mentorship and long-term commitment in earning trust and opportunities
• Learning from residency legends and the importance of recognizing their influence
• Creating cross-specialty study clubs and embracing collaboration with other disciplines
• How early exposure to practice management and case planning is accelerating his growth
• Derek’s mindset around balancing ambition, service, and personal values in career building
• Paradigm’s unique support model for young doctors entering practice
• Perspectives on practice autonomy, ongoing learning, and the future of resident onboarding

• David Rallis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rallis-374a071a8
• Paradigm Oral Health: https://paradigmoralhealth.com/

In this episode of Paradigm, host Dr. David Rallis sits down with Dr. Ryan Cho, oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Asheville, North Carolina, to explore the remarkable journey from military service to launching a thriving practice. Dr. Cho recounts his experience in the U.S. Air Force, including his role during the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, and how those moments shaped his approach to leadership and patient care. The conversation highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of environment in achieving potential, and Dr. Cho’s deep-rooted philosophy on service and resilience—especially during times of crisis like Hurricane Hilary.

• Dr. Ryan Cho’s upbringing and international journey from South Korea to the U.S.
• Military career in the Air Force and defining moment during Japan's 2011 tsunami
• Transition from logistics officer to oral surgeon inspired by humanitarian service
• Founding a successful oral surgery practice in Asheville, NC
• Leading with compassion and prioritizing team well-being during Hurricane Hilary
• Launching a GoFundMe to support affected staff and creating the Paradigm Family Foundation
• Emphasis on data, process, and long-term vision in building a world-class practice
• The value of perspective: making decisions with lasting personal and professional impact
• Shared philosophies between Dr. Cho and Dr. Rallis on leadership and patient care
• Reflections on growth, legacy, and the future of Paradigm Oral Health

• David Rallis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rallis-374a071a8
• Paradigm Oral Health: https://paradigmoralhealth.com/

In this episode of Paradigm, host Dr. David Rallis is joined by Dr. Jai Mediratta, a Mayo Clinic oral and maxillofacial surgery resident and long-time contributor to Paradigm Oral Health. The two reflect on Jai's unconventional journey from aspiring medical student to oral surgery assistant, tech entrepreneur, and research leader. They explore the inception and evolution of Loop, a software born out of clinical necessity, and examine paradigm-shifting research in outpatient anesthesia and opioid prescribing. The conversation also dives into AI, big data, 3D printing, and the challenges of scaling healthcare systems—painting a picture of a specialty on the cusp of transformation.

• Jai Mediratta’s pivot from medicine to dentistry and early connection with Dr. Rallis
• Their collaboration and the development of Loop, a communication software for oral surgery
• Building a software product from scratch while shadowing and assisting
• The foundational role of research in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Publishing anesthesia safety data from 65,000+ patient records
• Use of NLP and AI to scale research and analyze clinical records efficiently
• The evolution of Paradigm’s opioid stewardship program
• Building infrastructure for data-driven best practices in pain management
• Leveraging surveys and machine learning to guide patient care
• The future of healthcare innovation: AI, 3D printing, biomaterials, and smart scheduling
• How Mayo Clinic's principles and structure inspire Paradigm’s culture
• Dr. Mediratta’s reflections on residency and personal experiences shaping his career

• Jai Mediratta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaikumarmediratta
• David Rallis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rallis-374a071a8
• Paradigm Oral Health: https://paradigmoralhealth.com/

In today’s episode, David Rallis becomes the interviewee as Mike Walker takes on the guest-host role. We dive into David's personal and professional journey, revealing the experiences that have honed his approach to healthcare and leadership at Paradigm. This episode unpacks how Paradigm turns seemingly unattractive deals into golden opportunities and fosters a work culture that scores high in employee satisfaction. We discuss the strategic mergers that have catapulted Paradigm's growth across states and delve into the company's commitment to innovation—from leveraging data to employing cutting-edge technology. Join us as we explore the transformative shifts in Paradigm's approach to patient care, the critical role of innovation in shaping healthcare's future, and how Paradigm's teams navigate and embrace change.

Dr. Michael Walker is a board certified member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Walker is also a highly-sought presenter at local and national conferences focused on maxillofacial surgery. Additionally, Dr. Walker is passionate about serving others, having volunteered for organizations including Give Kids a Smile and the Special Olympics.

Key Points From This Episode:

- An overview of David’s background

- How a family legacy and Mayo Clinic shaped David's patient-centric approach

- The creation of Paradigm through a blend of top-tier care and business strategy

- Challenges of nurturing a long-term vision and shared mindset for sustainable growth

- How David's innovation and founder mindset drive Paradigm's industry disruption and sustained success

- The successful integration of CareStack at Paradigm, supported by credibility and a collective mindset

- Balancing risk with culture fit is critical to David's merger strategy for Paradigm's growth

- Building Paradigm’s culture on a foundation of integrity and more-than-business values

- Paradigm’s greatest success thus far

Links:

Mike Walker on LinkedIn

David Rallis on LinkedIn

Chester County Oral Surgery

Paradigm Oral Health

In this podcast episode, we explore the professional journey and contributions of Dr. Edward Zuckerberg, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., a vanguard in the dental field renowned for his innovative integration of technology and clinical research into dental healthcare. His foray into dentistry began at NYU Dental School, where, despite his initial lack of industry knowledge, his innate abilities to work well with people and perform intricate tasks with his hands led him towards a career in dentistry.

Dr. Zuckerberg has a distinctive knack for identifying what attributes make a dental product essential and profitable. He stresses the reduction of material hardware costs and champions products that provide significant returns on investment, enhance operational efficiency, allow for the execution of new procedures, and elevate the quality of patient care.

A notable aspect of Dr. Zuckerberg's career is his strategic use of social media to boost patient engagement and education, employing digital platforms to share knowledge and interact with the community.

Currently, Dr. Zuckerberg channels his passion for technology and his expertise in dentistry into the realm of venture capital, with a keen focus on dental practice companies. His advisory role extends to guiding projects from conceptualization to market, inclusive of navigating the intricacies of fundraising. Furthermore, he serves as the Chief Dental Officer for two pioneering biotech firms that are at the forefront of oral health research and treatment solutions, underscoring his enduring commitment to advancing dental care through innovation.

In this podcast, Karan Garg (KG) discusses his extensive experience as a leader in healthcare investment banking and how he fell into the world of dentistry. 

Karan began his career in investment banking right after completing his undergraduate studies, embarking on a long and successful journey in this field. He has spent 17 years in the healthcare department, with a particular emphasis on healthcare investment banking. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various aspects, including mergers and acquisitions and private equity funds.

Success in investment banking, Karan emphasizes, hinges on a deep passion for the business, strong sales and marketing skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and provide critical advice. This role offers individuals the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills over time.

Karan also highlights the profound impact that mentors in investment banking have had on companies like Paradigm. He finds great joy in helping these companies advance to the next level through financial and strategic guidance.

Karan's journey into dentistry was somewhat serendipitous, but over the past decade, he has been involved in over 50 transactions totaling $30 billion. He identifies promising opportunities in dentistry, seeing it as a sector with potential for rapid growth compared to other markets.

Looking into the future of dentistry, Karan envisions opportunities for companies to collaborate with payers (insurance companies) and providers (dentists) to enhance patient outcomes. Aligning the interests of these stakeholders is key to success in this field.

When it comes to building value in dental businesses, Karan stresses the importance of both tangible and intangible value. This encompasses not only financial assets but also factors such as reputation, patient satisfaction, and community engagement.

In terms of advice for success, Karan shares valuable insights. He encourages individuals to maintain a clear vision and stay focused on their goals despite external distractions. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of successful CEOs delegating tasks, finding the right people, and holding them accountable, as trying to do the job of multiple people alone is unsustainable. Lastly, he encourages being open to criticism and change, embracing a coachable attitude to continually improve and adapt.

In this podcast, Karan Garg's insights shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare and investment banking, as well as his experiences in the world of dentistry and business leadership.

Indraneel Kanaglekar, the Global Dental President of ZimVie, offers a deep dive into the world of dentistry and its significance in the landscape of global healthcare. Under his leadership, dentistry not only serves as the linchpin for ZimVie but is also envisioned as its future growth trajectory.

Background:

• Educational & Career Journey: Starting off as an engineer (though self-admittedly not a very good one), Indraneel pivoted to the business sector after obtaining a business degree. His experience spans management consulting and a special focus on mergers and acquisitions. His passion for dentistry began in the realm of R&D, which was instrumental in rejuvenating ZimVie's product lineup.

ZimVie's Approach:

Holistic Presence: ZimVie's expansive presence is designed to cater to both clinical and business requisites.

Three Pillars:

1. Product & Workflow Solutions: Dedicated to streamlining processes and enhancing product offerings.
2. Medical Education: Providing a robust knowledge base for professionals.
3. Service & Experience: Prioritizing client experience and seamless transactions.

Innovations:

• Encode Empowered Program Technology: A hallmark of ZimVie's tech arsenal. Its scanning capabilities are groundbreaking, poised to redefine complicated dental procedures by making them more accessible and simplified.

Mergers & Acquisitions Insights: 

• Drawing from his expertise, Indraneel shares the three cornerstones for a successful business acquisition:
• Market Attractiveness: A viable and growing market is crucial.
• Strong Brand Presence: The acquisition target should have an established and positive brand image.
• Pricing: The acquisition should be financially sound and beneficial.

Being disciplined and consistent with these criteria paves the way for smart investments.

The Key to Business Longevity:

• Avoid Market Disruption: Businesses should ensure they don't disturb existing market equilibriums adversely.
• Incessant Innovation: Companies should continually strive for better products, leveraging proprietary technologies that ensure efficiency and rapid scalability.
• Patient-Centric Approach: Prioritizing patient care stands businesses in good stead, placing them head and shoulders above competition.

The Future of Implant Dentistry: 

Indraneel predicts a surge in advancements within the domain of dental implants. This will be catalyzed by innovations in AI and automation, pointing towards a future where dental procedures are more precise, efficient, and patient-friendly.

Tune in for a compelling conversation on the convergence of business, technology, and dentistry with Indraneel Kanaglekar.