Best Alison Curfman Podcasts (2026)

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Inside the CMO Role at a Pediatric Telehealth Startup with Dr. Lyndsey Garbi 34:17

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8d ago34:17

34:17

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman talks with Dr. Lyndsey Garbi, neonatologist, pediatrician, and co-founder/CMO of Blueberry Pediatrics. Lyndsey shares how she went from new attending to startup founder, why she became the “professional naysayer” to protect pediatric safety, and how Blueberry built a scalable, hi…

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Breaking Into Pharma and Biotech as a Physician Leader with Dr. Nerissa Kreher 32:57

15d ago32:57

32:57

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Nerissa Kreher, MD, MBA—a pediatric endocrinologist who transitioned into biotech and pharma and went on to serve as a four-time Chief Medical Officer with multiple IPOs. Nerissa shares how an unexpected career setback opened the door to the pharma industry, wh…

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From Pediatric ER Doc to FemTech Founder with Dr. Lara Zibners 34:08

23d ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, host Dr. Alison Curfman talks with Dr. Lara Zibners, a pediatric emergency physician whose winding career path led her from the chaos of the PEDs ER to the world of women’s health innovation. What starts as light-hearted humor between two ER docs quickly evolves into a powerful conversation about i…

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Ep 174: How to Be a Successful Negotiator with Dr. Gloria Esoimeme 13:25

26d ago13:25

13:25

Dr. Gloria Esoimeme is an Internal Medicine Physician with a Masters in Global Health and a PhD in Health Services Policy and Management. With her academic background and experience living in Nigeria, the United States, and the UAE, she equips professional women with the skills to lead, negotiate, and succeed. As a consultant, she helps individuals…

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[Re-Release] Rethinking Healthcare: Adapting to the Startup Mindset 18:38

30d ago18:38

18:38

In this episode (a replay from earlier this year), we’re diving into how startups think and what we as physicians can learn from their approach to innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how design thinking, rapid iteration, and minimum viable products (MVPs) could reshape healthcare, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how startups thrive on speed,…

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Transforming Pediatric Care Through Innovation with Dr. Janene Fuerch 31:32

1M ago31:32

31:32

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Janene Fuerch, neonatologist, entrepreneur, and Director of the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship. Janene shares how her path in academic medicine unexpectedly led her to become a leader in healthcare innovation, and how she’s helping other physicians make a broader impac…

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From ER to Innovation: Building New Healthcare Paths with Dr. Kevin Baumlin 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman interviews Kevin Baumlin, an emergency physician and Chief Medical Affairs Officer at the Science Center. They discuss the evolving role of physicians in healthcare startups, the importance of clinical insight in product development, and the various pathways for aspiring founders and advisor…

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Ep 173: Using Integrative and Reproductive Psychiatry to Blend Traditional Treatments and Holistic Options with Dr. Susan Zink Part 2 14:51

2M ago14:51

14:51

Dr. Zink brings over 16 years of expertise as a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Her passion is helping women struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, or hormonal mood changes related to pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause feel like their best selves again. She completed rigorous premedical and medical education at Princeton and Georg…

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The Startup Leap: One Doctor’s Path from Medicine to Product Innovation with Dr. Kieran McLeod 44:41

2M ago44:41

44:41

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 …

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Ep 172: Using Integrative and Reproductive Psychiatry to Blend Traditional Treatments and Holistic Options with Dr. Susan Zink Part 1 12:48

2M ago12:48

12:48

Dr. Zink brings over 16 years of expertise as a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Her passion is helping women struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, or hormonal mood changes related to pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause feel like their best selves again. She completed rigorous premedical and medical education at Princeton and Georg…

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Beyond the Clinic: Building Impact in Pharmaceutical Startups with Dr. Heather Lampel 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

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 surprise…

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Physicians Belong in AI: A Founder’s Path from Academia to Impact with Dr. Shakira Grant 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

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…

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Ep 171: How to Set and Keep Firm Boundaries for Yourself with Dr. Sasha Shilcutt Part 3 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

Sasha K. Shillcutt, MD, MS, FASE is a tenured and endowed Professor and the Vice Chair of Strategy in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is a double-boarded cardiac anesthesiologist and is also CEO & Founder of Brave Enough, a community of thousands of women in healthcare where she teaches women how t…

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[Re-Release] From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris 40:11

3M ago40:11

40:11

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 h…

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Ep 170: How to Set and Keep Firm Boundaries for Yourself with Dr. Sasha Shilcutt Part 2 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

Sasha K. Shillcutt, MD, MS, FASE is a tenured and endowed Professor and the Vice Chair of Strategy in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is a double-boarded cardiac anesthesiologist and is also CEO & Founder of Brave Enough, a community of thousands of women in healthcare where she teaches women how t…

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[Re-Release] Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali 35:27

3M ago35:27

35:27

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 epi…

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Ep 169: How to Set and Keep Firm Boundaries for Yourself with Dr. Sasha Shilcutt Part 1 14:02

3M ago14:02

14:02

By Tatyana Reznik MD, FACP

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Ep 168: How to Become an Advisor for Startup Companies with Dr. Alison Curfman 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

Alison Curfman, MD, MBA is a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare strategist who’s built clinical models and led companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. After launching her first startup inside a private equity firm, she became founding Chief Medical Officer of Imagine Pediatrics, a value-based medical group for medically co…

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Say Yes Before You’re Ready: A Physician's Path from Medicine to Tech with Dr. C.K. Wang 30:38

3M ago30:38

30:38

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 cand…

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A Physician’s Leap from ER to Startup: Curiosity, Clarity, and Impact with Dr. Anurag Gupta 34:00

3M ago34:00

34:00

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 persp…

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Ep 167: How I Co-Founded a 9-Figure Healthcare Company Serving Over 40,000 Chronically Ill Children on Medicaid with Dr. Alison Curfman Part 2 15:06

3M ago15:06

15:06

Alison Curfman, MD, MBA is a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare strategist who’s built clinical models and led companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. After launching her first startup inside a private equity firm, she became founding Chief Medical Officer of Imagine Pediatrics, a value-based medical group for medically co…

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From Inspiration to Impact: A Physician’s Journey to Scalable Solutions with Dr. Manju Dawkins 31:33

4M ago31:33

31:33

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 produc…

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Ep 166: How I Co-Founded a 9-Figure Healthcare Company Serving Over 40,000 Chronically Ill Children on Medicaid with Dr. Alison Curfman Part 1 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Alison Curfman, MD, MBA is a pediatric emergency physician and healthcare strategist who’s built clinical models and led companies at the intersection of innovation and impact. After launching her first startup inside a private equity firm, she became founding Chief Medical Officer of Imagine Pediatrics, a value-based medical group for medically co…

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From ICU to AI: How One Physician Made the Leap from Clinical to Startup Leadership with Dr. Darren Klugman 31:19

4M ago31:19

31:19

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 highli…

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Ep 165: From Surviving to Thriving — Financial Empowerment for International Medical Graduates with Dr. Boram Han 13:18

4M ago13:18

13:18

Dr. Boram Han is an Internal Medicine Primary Care Physician and the founder of Coach Boram MD, a personal finance coaching platform created to empower physicians—especially international medical graduates (IMGs)—to achieve financial clarity, confidence, and long-term freedom. As an IMG herself, Dr. Han understands how overwhelming it can be to nav…

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From ER to CEO: How One Physician Built a Med Device Company by Solving What Others Ignored with Dr. Liz Clayborne 32:39

4M ago32:39

32:39

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, a…

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Ep 164: Creating a Network of Clinics That Function as One Organization with 40 Under 40 Awardee, Dr. Julie Wilson Part 2 17:25

4M ago17:25

17:25

Dr. Julie Wilson is a physician-entrepreneur on a mission to rebuild primary care from the inside out — not just for patients, but for the doctors who serve them. As the Founder and CEO of Terra Nova Medical Clinics, she’s leading the largest and fastest-growing physician-led network in British Columbia, bringing a modern, collaborative, and tech-f…

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Mini Episode: 3 Things You Can Do Now 14:53

4M ago14:53

14:53

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 relatio…

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Ep 163: Creating a Network of Clinics That Function as One Organization with 40 Under 40 Awardee, Dr. Julie Wilson Part 1 17:11

4M ago17:11

17:11

Dr. Julie Wilson is a physician-entrepreneur on a mission to rebuild primary care from the inside out — not just for patients, but for the doctors who serve them. As the Founder and CEO of Terra Nova Medical Clinics, she’s leading the largest and fastest-growing physician-led network in British Columbia, bringing a modern, collaborative, and tech-f…

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Mini Episode: 3 Mistakes to Avoid 12:32

5M ago12:32

12:32

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…

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Ep 162: Learning About Hormone Health and Wellness Restoration with Dr. Marcia Harris Part 2 22:14

4M ago22:14

22:14

Meet Dr. Marcia Harris- Columbia and Cornell – trained surgeon turned hormone restoration pioneer - who has helped thousands of midlife women reclaim their energy, sexual vitality, and quality of life. With over 40 years of clinical experience, she’s challenging outdated menopause care. As the founder of The Wellness Restoration Center, she special…

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From Clinic to Cutting Edge: How Physicians Can Lead in AI and Innovation with Dr. Mark Allen 35:01

5M ago35:01

35:01

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…

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Ep 161: Learning About Hormone Health and Wellness Restoration with Dr. Marcia Harris Part 1 16:52

5M ago16:52

16:52

Meet Dr. Marcia Harris- Columbia and Cornell – trained surgeon turned hormone restoration pioneer - who has helped thousands of midlife women reclaim their energy, sexual vitality, and quality of life. With over 40 years of clinical experience, she’s challenging outdated menopause care. As the founder of The Wellness Restoration Center, she special…

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No MBA Needed: A Pediatrician’s Path to VP in Health Tech with Dr. Jennie Berkovich 34:06

5M ago34:06

34:06

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 cle…

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Ep 160: Simplifying the Steps to Starting a Private Practice with Dr. Brittney Anderson Part 3 23:26

5M ago23:26

23:26

Dr. Brittney Anderson is a board-certified family medicine physician who brings a passion for personalized patient care to her thriving private practice, which she successfully launched in 2022. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to independent medicine have not only allowed her to create a highly successful clinical environment but also ign…

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From Function to Value: Why Startups Pay for Physician Expertise 25:57

5M ago25:57

25:57

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 expen…

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Ep 159: Simplifying the Steps to Starting a Private Practice with Dr. Brittney Anderson Part 2 21:15

5M ago21:15

21:15

Dr. Brittney Anderson is a board-certified family medicine physician who brings a passion for personalized patient care to her thriving private practice, which she successfully launched in 2022. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to independent medicine have not only allowed her to create a highly successful clinical environment but also ign…

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The 7 Startup Functions Physicians Can Support 32:06

6M ago32:06

32:06

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 al…

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Ep 158: Simplifying the Private Practice Startup Process with Dr. Brittney Anderson Part 1 23:46

5M ago23:46

23:46

Dr. Brittney Anderson is a board-certified family medicine physician who brings a passion for personalized patient care to her thriving private practice, which she successfully launched in 2022. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to independent medicine have not only allowed her to create a highly successful clinical environment but also ign…

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Breaking the Mold: How a Practicing Physician Became a Startup Insider with Dr. Gina Clark 27:49

6M ago27:49

27:49

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 abou…

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Ep 157: Leveraging AI and Automations to Free Up Your Time as a Physician Entrepreneur with Dr. Chiagozie Fawole Part 2 17:45

6M ago17:45

17:45

Dr. Chiagozie Fawole is a pediatric anesthesiologist and serial entrepreneur passionate about helping physicians and other high-earning professionals build wealth outside of their clinical careers. Dr. Fawole began her entrepreneurial journey during residency, where she successfully closed her first two real estate deals. She built a portfolio of m…

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Beyond the White Coat: Building a Startup Career from Private Practice with Dr. Payal Adhikari 32:01

6M ago32:01

32:01

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 …

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Ep 156: Leveraging AI and Automations to Free Up Your Time as a Physician Entrepreneur with Dr. Chiagozie Fawole Part 1 17:32

6M ago17:32

17:32

Dr. Chiagozie Fawole is a pediatric anesthesiologist and serial entrepreneur passionate about helping physicians and other high-earning professionals build wealth outside of their clinical careers. Dr. Fawole began her entrepreneurial journey during residency, where she successfully closed her first two real estate deals. She built a portfolio of m…

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Design Is Deconstruction First: Why Your Life, Business, and Startup Idea Need a Blank Page 18:48

6M ago18:48

18:48

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 co…

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Ep 155: How Acquiring a Business Could Unlock Your Next Level of Wealth with Dr. Chiagozie Fawole Part 2 26:04

6M ago26:04

26:04

Dr. Chiagozie Fawole is a pediatric anesthesiologist and serial entrepreneur passionate about helping physicians and other high-earning professionals build wealth outside of their clinical careers. Dr. Fawole began her entrepreneurial journey during residency, where she successfully closed her first two real estate deals. She built a portfolio of m…

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Think Like a Founder: A Venture Lens for Startup-Minded Physicians with Christopher Poole 32:43

6M ago32:43

32:43

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, high…

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Ep 154: How Acquiring a Business Could Unlock Your Next Level of Wealth with Dr. Chiagozie Fawole Part 1 16:25

6M ago16:25

16:25

Dr. Chiagozie Fawole is a pediatric anesthesiologist and serial entrepreneur passionate about helping physicians and other high-earning professionals build wealth outside of their clinical careers. Dr. Fawole began her entrepreneurial journey during residency, where she successfully closed her first two real estate deals. She built a portfolio of m…

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Rethinking Risk: What Startups Miss Without Physicians at the Table with Isaac Edrah 30:52

7M ago30:52

30:52

What happens when clinical expertise meets data-driven financial modeling? In this episode, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Isaac Edrah, a healthcare actuary and founder of Paramean Solutions, to explore how physician insight can dramatically shape — and de-risk — value-based care models. Isaac shares stories from the field, including one orthope…

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Ep 153: How to Build a Sports Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine Private Practice with Dr. Sarah Weinstein Part 2 22:14

6M ago22:14

22:14

Dr. Sarah Weinstein is a triple board-certified physician in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Sports Medicine. Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine, she combines advanced sports medicine techniques with a holistic approach rooted in lifestyle medicine. With an emphasis on movement and food as medicine, she helps patients heal from injury, …

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From Tragedy to Traction: How Clinical Rigor Built a National Pediatric Innovation Movement with Dr. Dave McSwain 30:31

7M ago30:31

30:31

When a devastating clinical moment sparks a career in innovation, what happens next? In this powerful episode, Dr. Alison Curfman is joined by her longtime collaborator and friend, Dr. Dave McSwain — CMIO at UNC Health and co-founder of the national pediatric telehealth research network, Sprout. Together, they reflect on how a single missed opportu…