The Underdog Physician Podcast

The Underdog Physician
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The Underdog Physician podcast is for pre-med students, medical students, residents, and attendings who feel like they’re underdogs. I am a physician practicing in the US, hosting this podcast to be a source of inspiration for those willing to embrace their challenges and beat the odds no matter where they are in their entrepreneurial or academic journey. I will be discussing physician entrepreneurship and sharing the journeys of those who aspired to serve society in unique and creative ways. Listen as I interview amazing physicians who overcame great odds and are now doing amazing work.

  1. 3D AGO

    Dr. Ryan Grant on Rebuilding Healthcare: Building Vori Health, Startup Teams, and Entrepreneurial Mindset

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, host interviews Dr. Ryan Grant, a neurosurgeon, healthcare executive, educator, and serial entrepreneur behind venture-backed startups including Vori Health and Nomad Health. Dr. Grant shares early inspirations for medicine and entrepreneurship, emphasizing a mindset of courage, adaptability, learning from failure, and a “healthy disrespect for the status quo.” He encourages people stuck in analysis paralysis to start, confront fear and discomfort, and avoid future regret. Dr. Grant explains the inception of Vori Health as a 50-state medical practice addressing widespread non–evidence-based musculoskeletal care and high rates of inappropriate spine surgery, arguing that surgeons are often the wrong first specialists for conservative management. Vori’s model employs non-operative specialists (PM&R/sports medicine), physical therapists, and coaches, with physician and PT conducting history and exam together, combining medical and functional diagnoses and using a biopsychosocial approach that prioritizes what matters to patients. The conversation covers team-building principles focused on self-awareness, hiring people who complement founders’ weaknesses, prioritizing culture, and interviewing for collaborative traits. Dr. Grant discusses venture funding as a function of desired scale, advises seeking “smart money,” and stresses that founders must always be selling their vision to investors, talent, customers, and patients through clear storytelling and a concise pitch refined through feedback. He also describes how a CEO’s role shifts from doing everything to delegating, managing metrics, confronting brutal facts, and ensuring the company builds what customers want. Dr. Grant closes with a legacy goal of using what he’s learned to help others, improve healthcare, and remain both a teacher and student. 00:00 Meet Dr. Ryan Grant: Neurosurgeon, Executive & Serial Entrepreneur 00:52 Why Medicine? Early Curiosity, Service & the Pull Toward Neurosurgery 01:47 First Businesses & the Entrepreneurial Mindset 04:20 Beating Analysis Paralysis: Books, Fear, and ‘Just Start’ 06:21 Why Worry Health Exists: Fixing Broken MSK Care & Inappropriate Spine Surgery 08:55 The New Care Model: Right First Specialist + Integrated PT/Physician Team 11:25 Patient-First MSK Care: What Matters to the Patient, Not Just the Diagnosis 14:17 Building a Startup Team: Self-Awareness, Hiring for Culture, Avoiding Ego Traps 18:13 Venture Funding & Networking: Always Be Selling + Choosing the Right Investors 23:25 Founder-to-CEO Evolution: Delegation, Metrics, Feedback & Product-Market Fit 26:09 Legacy & Closing: Teaching, Learning, and Leaving Healthcare Better

    29 min

  2. FEB 10

    Transforming Healthcare Logistics: Dr. Amit Gir's Journey from Medicine to Tech Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, we interview Dr. Amit Gir, an internal medicine physician turned logistics innovator. Amit shares his journey from developing a medication reminder app to founding Phox Health, a company revolutionizing the delivery of prescriptions and medical supplies. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in entrepreneurship, the importance of branding and problem-solving, and the unique aspects of handling high-value medical logistics. Amit also explores the balance between family, career, and startup life, offering insights into funding, perseverance, and the mindset required for entrepreneurial success. The episode provides valuable lessons for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Amit Gir and Fox Health 00:45 Amit’s Journey from Medicine to Logistics 01:53 The Birth of Phox Health 02:31 Challenges and Failures in Early Ventures 05:13 The Importance of Branding and Marketing 06:04 Mindset and Transition to Full-Time Entrepreneurship 09:30 Bootstrapping and Funding Insights 12:49 Unique Logistics Model of Phox Health 16:17 Long-Term Vision and Mission of Phox Health 17:32 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life 21:58 Final Thoughts and Legacy

    23 min

  3. FEB 3

    Pioneering Telehealth: Insights from Dr. Aditi Joshi

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician podcast, host Anish interviews Dr. Aditi Joshi, a trailblazing emergency medicine physician and telehealth innovator. Dr. Joshi shares her journey from emergency medicine to pioneering roles in telehealth. The discussion covers her experiences with burnout, her involvement with the early stages of Doctor on Demand, and the broader impacts and challenges of telemedicine in improving healthcare access and equity. Additionally, Dr. Joshi provides valuable advice for early-stage physicians and residents on finding purpose, the importance of mentorship, and effectively building a brand. The episode also covers her transition to consulting and writing a book on telehealth success, offering frameworks for establishing telehealth programs. The conversation encapsulates the evolving landscape of digital health and the vital role of empathy in remote care. 00:00 Introduction to the Underdog Physician Podcast 00:13 Meet Dr. Aditi Joshi: From Emergency Medicine to Telehealth 00:36 Journey into Emergency Medicine 01:43 Transition to Telehealth 02:54 Finding Purpose in Medicine 05:37 Challenges and Opportunities in Telehealth 07:20 Global Perspectives and Mentorship 12:34 Building a Telehealth Program 21:36 Balancing Career and Stress Management 24:09 Final Thoughts and Advice Amazon book- Telehealth Success: How to Thrive in the New Age of Remote Care https://www.amazon.com/Telehealth-Success-Thrive-Remote-Care/dp/B0CBM31HGQ

    25 min

  4. JAN 28

    Pioneering Dermatology and Entrepreneurship with Dr. Jennifer Linder

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician podcast, host speaks with Dr. Jennifer Linder, a trailblazer in dermatology and skin cancer surgery, and founder of Linder Health. Dr. Linder shares her journey from engineering to dermatology, emphasizing her love for sciences, the cadaver lab, and procedural components of her field. She discusses her unexpected path in the entrepreneurial world, including her significant role as Chief Scientific Officer at PCA Skin. Dr. Linder opens up about the challenges and strategies in starting and growing her skincare company, which was eventually sold to Colgate, and her current venture, Linder Health, focusing on innovative chemical peels that control inflammation and support mitochondrial health. The conversation also covers topics like the importance of culture in business, balancing medical and aesthetic practice, and the impact of lifelong learning and education in advancing one's career. Additionally, Dr. Linder talks about her advocacy work, particularly in women's education in Africa, and offers advice for budding med spa entrepreneurs. Her insights on managing risks in business, the evolving landscape of skincare with emerging technologies, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance while raising three daughters provide a comprehensive view of her multifaceted career and life. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jennifer Linder 00:39 Journey into Dermatology 01:51 Chief Scientific Officer at PCA Skin 07:11 Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges 08:59 Founding Linder Health 10:17 Innovations in Chemical Peels 14:34 Advice for Aspiring Aesthetic Practitioners 27:56 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 32:17 Legacy and Final Thoughts

    34 min

  5. JAN 20

    Empowering a Health Transformation: Dr. Ali Amiri’s Journey in Lifestyle Medicine

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician podcast, we interview Dr. Ali Amiri, a double board-certified physician in lifestyle medicine and health and wellness coaching. Ali is the founder of Ali Amiri Health Inc. and creator of the Core Five Protocol, aimed at helping high-performing professionals reclaim their energy after major health scares. The discussion covers Ali’s shift from traditional medicine to lifestyle coaching, the evolution of chronic disease treatment, and the benefits of addressing root causes through lifestyle changes. Ali also shares insights on effective team building, the impact of mentors, and how entrepreneurs can grow their businesses while maintaining personal health. Additionally, he highlights the role of AI in healthcare and the significance of being methodical in both health and entrepreneurship. 00:00 Introduction to the Underdog Physician Podcast 00:43 Dr. Ali Amiri’s Journey into Lifestyle Medicine 03:37 The Rise of Chronic Diseases in Younger Populations 07:13 Core Five Protocol for Sustainable Lifestyle Change 17:34 The Role of Technology and AI in Health and Wellness 20:07 Daily Strategies for Managing Stress and Productivity 22:17 The Importance of Mentorship and Methodical Planning 24:04 Final Thoughts and Legacy

    25 min

  6. JAN 13

    Building from the Ground Up: Dr. Sam Maddula's Journey in Healthcare and Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician podcast, Dr. Sam Maddula shares his inspiring journey from being born legally blind in India to founding and scaling a specialty pharmacy generating over $300 million in revenue. Sam discusses the key inflection points in his business journey, the importance of building the right team, and the transition from working in a company to working on it. He also delves into the creation of Workshop Strategy, a firm aimed at helping struggling healthcare companies unlock their potential, and the impact of adaptive business practices in a rapidly evolving market. Additionally, Sam opens up about the challenges and opportunities post-exit, highlighting his contributions through the Maddula Foundation and his ongoing quest to make a meaningful difference in the world. 00:00 Introduction to the Underdog Physician Podcast 00:16 Meet Dr. Sam Maddula 01:16 Sam's Origin Story 01:55 Founding the Bank's Apothecary Specialty Pharmacy 03:19 Scaling the Pharmacy Business 04:55 Building a Strong Team 06:42 Workshop Strategy: Reviving Businesses 09:27 Mindset Shifts for Entrepreneurs 11:28 Navigating the Healthcare Industry 19:37 Fundraising and Financial Advice 22:23 Post-Exit Reflections 26:12 Work-Life Integration and Mentorship 32:39 Future Ventures and Legacy 34:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    35 min

  7. JAN 6

    From Lab to Leadership: Mansa Shroff's Path in Healthcare Innovation

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, we interview Mansa Shroff, a microbiologist turned strategic partnership advisor. Mansa shares her unique career journey from the labs to the boardrooms across India, the US, and the UK. With her extensive experience in pharma, startups, and venture building, Mansa provides insights into intellectual property, innovation, and business development strategies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience, relationship building, and the evolving role of AI in healthcare. Mansa also offers valuable advice for underdogs, especially immigrants and non-traditional candidates, aiming to break into healthcare innovation or venture capital. 00:00 Introduction to Mansa Shroff: From Microbiologist to Strategic Partnership Advisor 01:29 Early Career and Education: From Mumbai to Wisconsin 02:19 Transition to Intellectual Property and Tech Transfer 03:31 Harvard and MIT: Expanding Horizons in Global Health 04:50 Building a Startup: The Journey with WKD.SMRT 05:32 The Cambridge MBA Experience 07:03 Business Development Strategies and Insights 13:02 The Role of AI in Global Health 16:02 Advice for Underdog Professionals 20:01 A Day in the Life of Mansa Shroff 22:35 Final Thoughts and Legacy

    25 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Crafting Viral Success: Insights from Julius Bieliauskas

    In this episode of the Underdog Physician Podcast, host Anish interviews Julius Bieliauskas, a renowned strategist, coach, and thought leader in the realms of real estate and finance. With over $65 million generated for his clients, Julius shares his journey from a small city in Lithuania to becoming a global marketing expert. He discusses the importance of personal branding, storytelling, and leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn. Julius also delves into the impact of AI on marketing, the importance of authenticity, and offers strategic advice for entrepreneurs, especially in the healthcare and real estate sectors. From team building to funding a startup, Julius provides invaluable insights and reflects on his personal journey and future aspirations. 00:00 Introduction to Julius Bieliauskas 00:31 Julius's Journey into Marketing 01:41 First Steps in Global Marketing 02:49 Impact of COVID and Digital Trends 03:46 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing 06:05 Building a Personal Brand 08:16 Team Dynamics and Specialization 09:19 Focus on Real Estate and Client Success 17:09 Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges 23:13 Daily Routine and Stress Management 25:04 Final Thoughts and Advice

    27 min
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About

The Underdog Physician podcast is for pre-med students, medical students, residents, and attendings who feel like they’re underdogs. I am a physician practicing in the US, hosting this podcast to be a source of inspiration for those willing to embrace their challenges and beat the odds no matter where they are in their entrepreneurial or academic journey. I will be discussing physician entrepreneurship and sharing the journeys of those who aspired to serve society in unique and creative ways. Listen as I interview amazing physicians who overcame great odds and are now doing amazing work.

Information

  • Creator
    The Underdog Physician
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Underdog Physician
  • Show Website
    The Underdog Physician Podcast