Branch Out Sycamore Independent Physicians

Dr. Gilbert Simon has been a practicing physician for over 50 years. Through the establishment of clinics serving low-income families, Dr. Simon learned how to operate a successful practice on a shoe-string budget. He joined Branch Out to share his ideas on how the healthcare system can change its practices to reach more people and eliminate wasteful spending. Tune in to hear this lively conversation regarding overtesting, overtreating, and overcharging, as he and Larson encourage physicians to remember their original oaths and callings. 
If you'd like to learn more, visit Dr. Simon's website: https://nofrillsqualityhealthcare.com/ 

Dr. Donna-Ann Thomas, Yale University’s Division Chief of Pain Management and Anesthesiology, migrated from Jamaica as a young adult and found herself in a life-changing accident that would alter the trajectory of her life and career. Believing that things don’t just happen by chance, Dr. Thomas has committed her life to taking care of others through medicine and service-based missions around the globe. Her story is unique, uplifting and engaging, tune in now! 

It’s never been easier to start building your personal brand as a physician and to take the steps towards financial freedom and career autonomy. Join Branch Out’s host, Larson Hicks, as he sits down with Dr. Ernesto Gutierrez, who coaches other physicians into monetizing their expertise and building a lucrative side gig. This episode is one you do NOT want to miss! 


In 2018, Dr. Ernesto Gutierrez left medicine to fully invest in his own company. He now coaches physicians in medical marketing and business development – helping burnt out doctors build a personal brand and monetize their expertise. His pursuit of a healthy work-life balance has given him a wealth of knowledge he now shares with others. He believes physician-entrepreneurs are the future of a healthy medical system and they simply need to take the first step to see where it will lead!  

Since 1997, Dr. Keith Smith has been pushing back against the status quo by creating America’s first free market surgery center (The Surgery Center of Oklahoma) and founding the Free Market Medical Association, now with more than 30 chapters throughout the country. Dr. Smith’s convictions for transparency and integrity caused him to thoroughly examine the “system” he was a part of and make changes where he could – even if that meant leaving modern medical practice to pursue a different ideal. Join us for this episode of Branch Out, as Dr. Smith and Larson (possibly Dr. Smith’s biggest fan) discuss the important ideologies behind direct care and physician independence. 

Like many other doctors we have interviewed, Dr. Diana Girnita's journey to become a physician began during her hospital stay as a young child. The compassion and care she received during that time translated into years of dedicated research, education and excellence in patient care. Ultimately, Dr. Girnita established Rheumatologist OnCall in 2019, a telemedicine Rheumatology DPC that is expanding across the country.  She joins Branch Out to share her story and the principles behind Rheumatologist OnCall that make her a truly unique physician! 

Dr. Travis Manasco may be newer to the scene than most, but he has already made more strides in pursuing entrepreneurship and technology in the medical field than many seasoned professionals. Tune in as Larson Hicks sits down with this future changemaker as he recounts the tips and tricks of entrepreneurship he is picking up along the way. If you’re not sure what to do with the innovative ideas you’ve had, let this episode motivate you to take the first steps and go for it!