Startup Physicians

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Startup Physicians

Alison Curfman, M.D.

43 episodes

3 hours ago

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Kieran McLeod, a former emergency physician who made the leap from clinical work in South Africa to building startups in Australia. We first connected on LinkedIn, and this conversation reminded me just how powerful it is when physicians share their ideas publicly. Kieran walks through his early career, how a failed plan to work on cruise ships turned into field hospital work with Doctors Without Borders, and how the...

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Entrepreneurship

All content for Startup Physicians is the property of Alison Curfman, M.D. and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Kieran McLeod, a former emergency physician who made the leap from clinical work in South Africa to building startups in Australia. We first connected on LinkedIn, and this conversation reminded me just how powerful it is when physicians share their ideas publicly. Kieran walks through his early career, how a failed plan to work on cruise ships turned into field hospital work with Doctors Without Borders, and how the...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship

Episodes (20/43)

Startup Physicians

The Startup Leap: One Doctor’s Path from Medicine to Product Innovation with Dr. Kieran McLeod

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Kieran McLeod, a former emergency physician who made the leap from clinical work in South Africa to building startups in Australia. We first connected on LinkedIn, and this conversation reminded me just how powerful it is when physicians share their ideas publicly. Kieran walks through his early career, how a failed plan to work on cruise ships turned into field hospital work with Doctors Without Borders, and how the...

3 days ago

44 minutes

Startup Physicians

Beyond the Clinic: Building Impact in Pharmaceutical Startups with Dr. Heather Lampel

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Heather Lampel to talk about what it really looks like to move from traditional clinical medicine into the pharmaceutical startup space. Heather shares her story with clarity and honesty. From her roots in clinical genetics to navigating an entirely new industry. We talk about what surprised her, what challenged her, and how she kept learning along the way. One thing that stood out: Heather never stopped investing in relationships. He...

1 week ago

27 minutes

Startup Physicians

Physicians Belong in AI: A Founder’s Path from Academia to Impact with Dr. Shakira Grant

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I interview Dr. Shakira Grant, who shares her remarkable journey from practicing medicine to influencing healthcare policy and AI development. We talk about the importance of health equity and the role physicians must play in shaping AI tools that serve all populations effectively. Shakira reflects on her time in Congress, the challenges of integrating AI in clinical care, and why diverse voices are essential in the development process. She encourages ph...

2 weeks ago

31 minutes

Startup Physicians

[Re-Release] From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris

One of our most requested episodes — revisiting how Dr. Harris translated frontline insight into healthcare innovation at scale. Ever wondered how a physician can transition from clinical care to founding a successful digital health startup? In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Bronwyn Harris, a pediatric cardiologist turned healthcare innovator. From her early days in biomedical engineering to pioneering a digital health startup that was later acquired by Apple, B...

3 weeks ago

40 minutes

Startup Physicians

[Re-Release] Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali

Originally released in March 2025, this episode with Dr. Paige Bhansali remains one of our most downloaded and discussed conversations and we're bringing it back for anyone who missed it. What if you could break out of the traditional physician career path and create a role that blends clinical care with entrepreneurship and innovation? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. Paige Bhansali, a pediatrician with an incredible journey through consulting, healthcare startup...

1 month ago

35 minutes

Startup Physicians

Say Yes Before You’re Ready: A Physician's Path from Medicine to Tech with Dr. C.K. Wang

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. CK Wang, a medical oncologist who made the leap from clinical practice into the tech world. We talk about his transition from traditional oncology to leading roles at IBM Watson Health and Coda, where he’s working on some of the most exciting applications of AI in healthcare. CK shares candid reflections on what it really takes to move from the clinic to the boardroom, including the challenges of stepping into unfamiliar territory and...

1 month ago

30 minutes

Startup Physicians

A Physician’s Leap from ER to Startup: Curiosity, Clarity, and Impact with Dr. Anurag Gupta

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I talk with Dr. Anurag Gupta about his journey from being an emergency physician to founding Tembo Health, a company dedicated to supporting older adults, especially those living with dementia. He shares the role that curiosity has played in his entrepreneurial path, the importance of networking, and his perspective on the ongoing debate around pursuing an MBA. Dr. Gupta also highlights the value of maintaining optionality in career decisions and encoura...

1 month ago

34 minutes

Startup Physicians

From Inspiration to Impact: A Physician’s Journey to Scalable Solutions with Dr. Manju Dawkins

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Manju Dawkins, founder of Thimble Health, a company transforming how we manage the physical and emotional stress of needle procedures. Manju shares her journey as a physician entrepreneur, and we dig into the story behind her idea, how she took it from concept to product, and the challenges that come with building something from scratch. What stood out most to me is her clarity around the problem she’s solving, no...

1 month ago

31 minutes

Startup Physicians

From ICU to AI: How One Physician Made the Leap from Clinical to Startup Leadership with Dr. Darren Klugman

In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Darren Klugman — a pediatric cardiac intensive care physician who made the leap into health tech innovation. Together, we explore the critical role physician insight plays in shaping successful healthcare startups. Darren shares his own journey from clinical practice to industry, and highlights how his medical expertise and administrative experience have been essential in navigating the complex world of healthcare technology. Tune in ...

1 month ago

31 minutes

Startup Physicians

From ER to CEO: How One Physician Built a Med Device Company by Solving What Others Ignored with Dr. Liz Clayborne

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Liz Clayborne shares her journey from being a medical resident to becoming the CEO and founder of Nasaclip, a medical device company focused on addressing the common issue of nosebleeds. She discusses the importance of identifying problems in clinical practice, the process of developing a medical device, and the significance of intellectual property. Dr. Clayborne emphasizes the need for market research, customer discovery, and the iterative process ...

2 months ago

32 minutes

Startup Physicians

Mini Episode: 3 Things You Can Do Now

In this episode, I share three actionable steps for physicians who are curious about stepping into the startup world. First, I talk about the importance of self-discovery., getting clear on your motivations, values, and what truly drives your interest in innovation. Then we explore strategic networking, not just meeting people, but building relationships that align with your goals and values. And finally, I walk through what it really means to understand the startup landscape, from clinical c...

2 months ago

14 minutes

Startup Physicians

Mini Episode: 3 Mistakes to Avoid

In this mini episode, I break down the three most common mistakes I see physicians make when stepping into the startup world and how to avoid them. I talk about why it’s so important to understand your real value, what it takes to adopt a true growth mindset, and how to navigate the steep learning curve of entering a completely new space. I’ve made these mistakes myself, and I’ve seen how easily they hold physicians back. This episode is about helping you avoid the same traps so you can lead ...

2 months ago

12 minutes

Startup Physicians

From Clinic to Cutting Edge: How Physicians Can Lead in AI and Innovation with Dr. Mark Allen

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I talk with Dr. Mark Allen about his journey from medicine into the tech industry and the transformative role AI is playing in healthcare. Mark shares the challenges he’s seen in adopting new technologies, the evolution of AI, and its potential to reshape medical practice. He explains why generative AI matters, how it can drive efficiency, and why it’s critical for physicians to engage with these tools now. Our discussion focuses on how embracing AI can ...

2 months ago

35 minutes

Startup Physicians

No MBA Needed: A Pediatrician’s Path to VP in Health Tech with Dr. Jennie Berkovich

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennie Berkovich to explore how physicians are navigating non-traditional career paths, especially within telehealth and evolving care models. Jennie shares her journey from pediatric hospitalist to telehealth director, and we dive into the real tensions physicians face when stepping into new systems without clear roadmaps. We talk about trust, adaptability, and why more physicians need to take up space in operational and strategic roles. We also look ahea...

3 months ago

34 minutes

Startup Physicians

From Function to Value: Why Startups Pay for Physician Expertise

In this episode on Startup Physicians, I break down how physicians create measurable business value for startups. Clinical expertise doesn't just improve care, it drives revenue growth, cost efficiency, and risk reduction. Most of us were never taught to frame our skills in business terms, but the truth is: your clinical perspective can solve expensive problems that startups cannot tackle alone. I walk through a clear value framework and share real examples of physicians helping companies win...

3 months ago

25 minutes

Startup Physicians

The 7 Startup Functions Physicians Can Support

In this episode, I talk about how physicians can add real value to startups without leaving clinical practice. I break down seven core functions where we already have a competitive edge: product design, marketing, business development, clinical research, user insight, policy advocacy, and strategic advisory. Each of these roles taps into what we already know and do as physicians. You don’t need a new degree. You need a framework to translate your clinical expertise into startup value. This ep...

3 months ago

32 minutes

Startup Physicians

Breaking the Mold: How a Practicing Physician Became a Startup Insider with Dr. Gina Clark

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gina Clark to explore her unique journey from medicine into venture capital. Gina shares what it’s like to be a physician stepping into the role of a limited partner, how she evaluates and supports early-stage companies, and how her clinical background gives her an edge in startup advising. We talk candidly about limiting beliefs, career pivots, and what it takes to navigate uncertainty with purpose. If you've ever questioned whether your medical training ...

3 months ago

27 minutes

Startup Physicians

Beyond the White Coat: Building a Startup Career from Private Practice with Dr. Payal Adhikari

In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Payal Adhikari, a pediatrician who made the leap from private practice into the startup world. We talk about what it takes to step into non-clinical roles and how networking, self-belief, and clinical expertise all play a part. Dr. Payal Adhikari shares her personal journey, the skills she had to build, and how she found real opportunities in biotech and consulting. This conversation is all about action and showing physicians that the...

4 months ago

32 minutes

Startup Physicians

Design Is Deconstruction First: Why Your Life, Business, and Startup Idea Need a Blank Page

In this conversation, I explore the intersection of design, business, and personal fulfillment—especially through the lens of healthcare innovation. I believe the best solutions often come from deconstructing problems, not just reacting to them. That mindset has shaped how I approach both clinical challenges and startup opportunities. One of the core messages I share is around life design: identifying what brings you joy, then being intentional about shaping your life and career around it. I ...

4 months ago

18 minutes

Startup Physicians

Think Like a Founder: A Venture Lens for Startup-Minded Physicians with Christopher Poole

In this episode on Startup Physicians, Chris Poole and I discuss the challenges and insights related to building startups in the healthcare sector. We emphasize the importance of starting with a clear problem, understanding unit economics, and evaluating market viability. Chris shares his journey from being an entrepreneur to a venture leader, highlighting the non-linear paths many take in their careers. The discussion also covers the significance of validating business ideas and the role of ...

4 months ago

32 minutes