In this episode of The Underdog Physician Podcast, we interview Glenn Poulos, LinkedIn Top Voice, author of Never Sit in the Lobby, and founder of Gap Wireless. Glen shares his journey from a government technician in the 1980s to building and selling multiple multimillion-dollar companies in the mobile broadband and test-measurement industries. He reflects on the timeless value of in-person sales relationships, even in an AI-driven era, and offers hard-earned lessons on entrepreneurship—maintaining financial runway, protecting equity, focusing on customers, and learning to “jump over the wall” of fear. Glen candidly discusses past missteps, including over-expansion that nearly bankrupted his company, and how disciplined focus led to a $20M exit. Now leading a Florida-based utility testing firm, he emphasizes due diligence and creative deal structures in acquisitions. Beyond business, he finds purpose as a charity DJ and mentor, reminding listeners that every impression is a lasting one—“make each one positive.”
In this episode of The Underdog Physician Podcast, I sat down with Mark Leaning, founder and CEO of Directed Systems Ltd, to explore his journey from engineer to healthtech entrepreneur. Mark shared how his passion for applying systems theory to medicine led him to build multiple startups focused on improving real-world care, culminating in the creation of DS Aware, an FDA-cleared smart software that helps anesthesiologists maintain cardiovascular stability. We discussed the challenges of selling innovation in healthcare, the importance of interdisciplinary teams, and how startups must adapt their value propositions across global health systems. Mark also offered insights on the transformative role of AI in clinical decision-making, balancing family and entrepreneurship, and the core lesson he’s learned: stay close to your users, listen deeply, and let evidence and empathy guide innovation.
This episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast features Dr. Terence Tan, a visionary leader in health technology and entrepreneurship. Terence discusses his career journey, including training and working as a doctor, founding multiple startups, and his involvement in clinical AI with companies like Enable Healthcare. He shares insights on founding Tech Brew, an inclusive high-trust community for healthcare and tech innovators in the Pacific Rim. Terence emphasizes the importance of in-person connections, mentorship, and clearly defined goals for startups. He also highlights maintaining work-life balance through family time, automated scheduling, and regular exercise.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, we have Shannon Seeberan, co-founder of CloudMedSpas, a platform transforming the utilization of underused medical spaces into profitable assets. Shannon discusses her journey from media sales to medical aesthetics consulting, and how she partnered with Iggy Fan Lo to create a SaaS platform described as the 'Airbnb for wellness.' CloudMedSpas connects space owners with independent medical injectors, providing them the flexibility to run their own businesses without the burden of overhead costs. Shannon emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship for the success of aesthetic practitioners and shares insights into industry trends, including the potential future role of AI in medical aesthetics. She also discusses the rewards of empowering female entrepreneurs and maintaining work-life balance while leading a growing company.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, we interview Abanob Farag, founder and CEO of Moment MD. Abanob discusses his journey from medical school to founding Moment MD, a digital health platform aimed at improving healthcare access and education for college students. He shares how personal experiences with his mother's healthcare struggles motivated him to create a scalable telemedicine solution. Abanob elaborates on the technical and operational aspects of MomentMD, which addresses gaps in clinical education and utilizes AI to enhance medical training. He also discusses the challenges and strategies involved in entrepreneurship, fundraising, and team building. The episode concludes with insights into future trends in medical education and Abanob’s vision for Moment MD's impact on the healthcare industry.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, hosted by Dr. Anish Desai, Barry Nguyen shares his remarkable journey from being a physiotherapist to becoming a leading figure in AI-driven healthcare innovation. Barry discusses his early career, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that drove his transition into entrepreneurship and digital health. As the co-founder and CEO of CliniScribe, and co-founder of HealthAide, Barry delves into how his ventures are revolutionizing the healthcare industry through AI-powered tools and systems. He also touches on his personal life, work schedule, and the philosophies that have guided his career. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to transform various aspects of medicine and offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, Dr. Joshua Liu, co-founder and CEO of SeamlessMD, shares his journey from medical school to building a leading digital health platform that serves as a “GPS for patient care.” Inspired by an innovation lab during med school, Dr. Liu partnered with engineers in an incubator to develop SeamlessMD, which helps patients navigate complex health journeys while reducing readmissions, mortality, and healthcare costs. He discusses building a mission-driven team with strong clinical DNA, the challenges of integrating with major EHRs like Epic and Cerner, and the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and resilience in entrepreneurship. Dr. Liu also reflects on the evolving landscape of digital health, his decision to forgo residency, and the critical role of supportive mentors and family in his path.
In this episode of The Underdog Physician Podcast, Allen Cooper, co-founder and CEO of Ancilla Ventures and Ready List, shares his journey from a consulting career at Accenture to building mission-driven health tech solutions. Motivated by a desire for deeper knowledge and meaningful impact, Allen transitioned through various roles before co-founding Ancilla Ventures, which initially focused on healthcare quality metrics and later pivoted to developing ReadyList—a mobile software platform that enhances hospital environmental services by digitizing room turnover and cleaning protocols. He discusses the measurable impact of ReadyList on infection control, operational efficiency, and staff training, while emphasizing servant leadership, team building, and thoughtful bootstrapping. Allen’s core mission is to empower and evolve people, especially under-recognized healthcare workers, by creating tools that enable them to work smarter, not harder.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, Dr. Christine Bishara, an expert in internal medicine and nutrition, discusses the significant role of gut health in overall wellness, including its effect on immune responses and weight loss. Christine shares her personal journey from struggling with obesity during her teens to becoming a leading figure in nutritional health, emphasizing the strong connection between the gut and mental health. She also delves into her research on how gut health affected COVID-19 outcomes and offers practical advice for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through diet, especially for busy medical professionals. Moreover, Christine highlights the emerging research on the gut microbiome's influence on diseases like diabetes and heart disease, advocating for increased awareness and education on gut health among both the public and medical community.
https://www.amazon.com/Gut-Revolution-Roadmap-Lasting-Improved-ebook/dp/B0D11JDSX5
In this insightful podcast episode, entrepreneur Shlomo Friedman emphasizes the significance of perseverance and mutual support among entrepreneurs. He advocates that instead of viewing each other as competitors, entrepreneurs should see themselves as allies against the conventional norms of business, striving to innovate and change the status quo. Shlomo highlights the value of podcasts as platforms for sharing diverse ideas and fostering connections, encouraging listeners to stay true to their passions and collaborate to drive meaningful change in the industry.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, the host welcomes Dr. Resa Lewiss, a multifaceted professional with credentials in emergency medicine, education, and podcasting, among others. She discusses her non-traditional entry into the medical field, beginning with a childhood inspiration from the TV show "Emergency!" After exploring various academic interests and gaining hands-on experience in emergency departments, she ultimately chose emergency medicine due to its dynamic environment.
Resa highlights her passion for combining medicine with creative pursuits, which has influenced her involvement in various projects, including the development and hosting of podcasts such as the Visible Voices and Academic Emergency Medicine Education and Training Podcast. Her recent book, "Micro Skill: Small Action, Big Impact," which focuses on enhancing workplace efficiency and communication, is an Amazon bestseller.
Throughout the conversation, Resa emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning and networking within the medical community. She advocates for a proactive approach in healthcare that includes lifestyle medicine to prevent chronic diseases. Her journey illustrates an inspiring blend of medical practice, academia, and advocacy, emphasizing continuous learning and outreach.
Amazon link to MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335013296/?bestFormat=true&k=micro%20skills%20book&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_13&crid=3JAVB26UZKVVE&sprefix=micro%20skills%20
In this episode of "The Underdog Physician Podcast" Colin Carr, CEO of CARR and an expert in healthcare real estate, discusses how physicians can avoid overpaying for office space, which is typically the second-highest expense in healthcare practices. He emphasizes the importance of professional representation in real estate negotiations to secure favorable terms that can significantly impact patient care quality, staff retention, and practice growth. Carr also shares his commitment to using his extensive network to promote the podcast, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers looking to optimize their operational costs.
Welcome to this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, where we delve into the captivating world of healthcare innovation and personal resilience with Dr. Roupen Odabashian. In today's discussion, Roupen, a seasoned podcast host for three renowned shows and an advisor for the healthtech startup Mesh AI, shares his intense journey from medical training during the Syrian war to his pioneering work in telehealth and healthcare startups across North America. He also offers insight into the challenges of healthcare systems in both the US and Canada, and underlines the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving field of medicine. Join us as Roupen reveals how his experiences shaped his approach to medicine and innovation, providing valuable lessons for healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs alike.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, Dr. Mohita Shrivastava shares her journey into neuroscience and founding Cognito Program LLC. With a deep passion kindled from childhood, Mohita delves into how the brain's complexity drove her to pioneer a program focused on cognitive health, aiming at enhancing cognitive skills and abilities post-COVID. She outlines the blend of digital and manual cognitive training approaches used in her programs and discusses the challenges of introducing new neuroscientific therapies to a global audience. Through her narrative, Mohita emphasizes the importance of neuroplasticity, personalized health plans, and her mission to demystify cognitive health, aiming to impact not just patients with neurological issues but anyone needing cognitive support.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, we interview Dr. Avishkar Sabharwal, a hospitalist and host of the Immigrant Doctor Podcast. Avishkar shares his journey from medical school in India to his residency and eventual move to the U.S., where he also pursued a fellowship in geriatrics before entering hospital medicine. Alongside his medical career, Avishkar ventured into real estate investment, seeking more impactful and fruitfully spent time. After exploring various investment avenues and encountering challenges such as poor underwriting and lack of oversight on projects, he shifted focus towards larger institutional investments, learning from mentorships and emphasizing network significance. Throughout, Avishkar emphasizes the power of persistence and the potential of branching into diverse business ventures, regardless of one's professional background.
https://theimmigrantdoctor.com/
In this episode of the "Underdog Physician Podcast," we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Alen Voskanian, a family medicine and hospice/palliative care physician who rose to become the COO and Vice President at Cedar Sinai's Medical Network. Dr. Voskanian shares his inspirational path from facing language barriers, to achieving his medical dreams motivated by her mother's battle with cancer. His educational path took him from a community college to UC Berkeley, and into a rewarding medical career.
Dr. Voskanian initially specialized in HIV/AIDS care, dealing with marginalized communities, then pivoted to hospice and palliative care following burnout. He further discusses his transition into healthcare leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, leadership training, and an MBA in navigating and enhancing his role in healthcare management. Dr. Voskanian also provides insights into his innovative dyad model of leadership in medical operations, increasing efficiency and physician involvement. He closes the conversation highlighting her book on physician burnout and the role AI and various skill sets will play in the future of healthcare.
Here is the amazon link to his book entitled "Reclaiming the Joy of Medicine: Finding Purpose, Fulfillment, and Happiness in Today’s Medical Industry"
https://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-Joy-Medicine-Fulfillment-Happiness/dp/B0BF31GJRX
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, we interview Dr. Takashi Nakamura, an emergency medicine physician who transitioned into telemedicine to better balance work and family life. Dr. Nakamura shares his journey from handling urgent care consultations to fully embracing telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, which culminated in co-founding the IR Academy. The academy guides physicians through the transition from traditional to telehealth practices, focusing on legal compliance, job satisfaction, and maximizing income. Dr. Nakamura emphasizes the importance of embracing technology like AI to stay current and discusses the personal fulfillment he derives from helping physicians achieve a more flexible and rewarding work-life balance.
Big shoutout to our sponsor, Fish Audio, the trailblazers in voice tech, making our podcast sound crisp and lifelike—check them out to see why they’re revolutionizing audio as we know it!
https://fish.audio/
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, Dr. Cyrus Attia discusses his unconventional path to medicine after initially leaving the field. He shares insights into his transition from a government career to embracing digital health post-medical school, highlighting the importance of varied experiences in shaping compassionate healthcare providers. Dr. Attia details his journey through different roles in digital health, emphasizing the transformative potential of bridging clinical knowledge with technological innovation. He also touches on his work at Options MD, advocating for the integration of AI to streamline healthcare processes and enhance provider efficiency. Lastly, Dr. Attia offers advice to medical professionals interested in digital health, stressing the importance of maintaining clinician involvement in innovation to ensure meaningful healthcare delivery.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Bepple, an established urologist and Chief Medical Officer at AllaiHealth, Inc., discusses her transition from clinical practice to becoming a leader in health informatics and digital health. Sparked by personal experiences and a passion for improving patient access and healthcare delivery, Dr. Bepple embarked on a journey into digital health starting with telehealth initiatives. Her work expanded as she pursued an education in health informatics, which led to her current role where she focuses on bridging the gap between clinical care and technological innovation. Dr. Bepple advocates for the integration of technology in healthcare to enhance patient care, reduce administrative burdens, and support medical education. She emphasizes the importance of diversity in mentorship and the potential of AI to transform both clinical practice and healthcare education.
In this episode of the Underdog Physician podcast, Dr. Hardik Soni, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and CEO of Ethos Aesthetics and Wellness, shares his journey from choosing medicine influenced by popular culture to pioneering in aesthetics and wellness. Inspired by the TV show "ER" during its peak, Hardik ventured into emergency medicine, which led to an unexpected opportunity in the burgeoning field of aesthetic medicine after a brief interaction with a C-suite executive whose wife needed a physician for her med spa. With minimal initial training, Hardik navigated early challenges and potential risks in aesthetic procedures. He elaborates on the evolution of aesthetic medicine from basic injectables and peels to sophisticated, technology-driven treatments and a holistic approach towards wellness and longevity. Hardik emphasizes the importance of business acumen for physicians, describing the strategic shifts and expansions his practice underwent, underscoring the importance of learning from mistakes, and leveraging business opportunities in aesthetics. He highlights the transformation in patient demographics and the shift towards preventative care, reflecting on his personal growth, the necessity of a reliable team, and the entrepreneurial spirit required in today’s healthcare landscape. Lastly, Hardik offers advice to aspiring practitioners in the aesthetics field, advocating for proper training, mentorship, and the importance of taking decisive action to overcome analysis paralysis.