Telemedicine Talks

Phoebe Gutierrez, Dr. Leo Damasco, Doctor Podcast Network

Telemedicine isn’t the future—it’s happening now. But for physicians and startups, it’s a world filled with unanswered questions, regulatory landmines, and a steep learning curve. Welcome to Telemedicine Talks, where we cut through the chaos and give you the real story behind digital healthcare. Hosted by Dr. Leo Damasco, a pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor who built his career in telemedicine, and Phoebe Gutierrez, a former state regulator turned startup strategist, this podcast explores what works, what doesn’t, and what no one else is talking about. 🚀 How do you build a sustainable telemedicine career? ⚖️ What legal and compliance risks are lurking beneath the surface? 💡 How can startups and physicians work together without burning out—or blowing up? We don’t sugarcoat. We don’t do corporate jargon. We bring you real stories, hard-earned lessons, and expert insights from the front lines of telemedicine. If you're ready to navigate this space with confidence—whether you’re a physician looking for flexibility or a startup founder scaling your vision—this is the podcast for you. 🔹 No fluff. 🔹 No hype. 🔹 Just the raw, unfiltered truth about making telemedicine work. Welcome to Telemedicine Talks—let's get into it.

  1. 4d ago

    #87 - Telemedicine in Pain Management: Reimbursement, Patient Trust & What COVID Really Taught Us | Dr. Mark Chmiela

    In this repurposed episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco welcome Dr. Mark Chmiela, as he  describes how COVID turned telemedicine into an essential lifeline, reaching 80–90% of his group’s chronic-pain patients, while also exposing access barriers for elderly and lower-income patients. He walks through the post-2024 shift: insurers stopped or sharply cut reimbursement, credentialing hurdles multiplied, and the practice gradually transitioned patients back to the office, landing at roughly 95% in-person visits. Mark stresses that telemedicine remains valuable for stable medication management, patients with mobility or transportation challenges, and certain follow-ups, but cannot replace hands-on exams when new red-flag symptoms appear. The conversation covers the practical realities of chronic-pain care (opioids, non-opioids, interventional procedures, lifestyle counseling), the risk of fraud that made payers cautious, the human connection that in-person visits still deliver better, and Mark’s optimistic view that technology should augment, not replace, thoughtful medicine when used for the right patients. Top 3 Takeaways: Telemedicine is a powerful tool for continuity and access, especially for wheelchair-bound, transportation-challenged, or stable chronic-pain patients, but reimbursement cuts and regulatory friction can make it financially unsustainable.In-person visits still matter for physical exams, new findings, and the intangible human connection that many patients (and physicians) value.Hybrid models work best: keep the option available, screen carefully, and reserve pure virtual care for the right clinical scenarios rather than treating it as a universal replacement.About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine  About the Guest: Dr. Mark Chmiela is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain-management physician practicing with a multi-physician group in Las Vegas. His practice serves a broad mix of Medicaid, Medicare, commercial, personal-injury, and workers’-compensation patients and focuses on comprehensive chronic-pain care. Website: https://health.usnews.com/doctors/mark-chmiela-1414283 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-chmiela-1a5802194/  About the Hosts: • Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned  telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.     • Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:        https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/         phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com      (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com)   The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Sep 8

    #86 - From NASA Flight Surgeon to Time Freedom Coach: Escaping the Time Prisoner Trap | Dr. Anne Tsung

    In this repurposed episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Anne Tsung as she explains how her path from seeking external validation to mastering efficiency and flow crystallized into a practical system for physicians. Anne walks through the five stages of time freedom: Time Prisoner (reactive and depleted), Time Manager (busy but stuck trading time for money), Time Creator (delegating and automating yet overwhelmed by yeses), Time Liberator (energy and purpose filters), and Time Transcender (timeless presence and flow). She ties these stages to nervous-system states and real clinical life. Listeners learn chronotype alignment (lark, third bird, owl), peak-zone deep work, flow meals versus ritual meals, non-negotiables, and simple audits that free cognitive space. Anne closes with advice to her intern self and an invitation to a complimentary strategy call for physicians building sustainable freedom. Top 3 Takeaways: Diagnose your dominant stage and protect peak chronotype hours, most physicians waste high-energy windows on low-value reactivity. Move from “Do I have time?” to “Does this multiply or drain my energy?”; limit major goals and treat most opportunities as a default no unless they are a hell yes. True time freedom is measured in timeless presence and flow, not more empty calendar slots; non-negotiables and space create the conditions for those moments.About the ShowTelemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine  About the GuestDr. Anne Tsung is a NASA flight surgeon triple-boarded in emergency medicine, critical care, and aerospace medicine. She is the founder of Productivity MD, a certified advisor in Performance Neuroscience by the Flow Research Collective, and a former physician at the Antarctica South Pole. Through her clinical and high-stakes experience she developed the five stages of time freedom to help leaders access flow on demand and create lasting presence. Connect with Dr. Anne Tsung:Websites: https://zoomann.com                     https://calendly.com/tsungannmd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-tsung-78541ab2 About the Host:Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Connect with Leo Damasco:Leo@telemedicinetalks.com  https://www.telemedicinetalks.com    The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    #86 - From NASA Flight Surgeon to Time Freedom Coach: Escaping the Time Prisoner Trap | Dr. Anne Tsung
  3. Sep 1

    #85 - Telemedicine Under Watch: The Summer That Changed the Rules

    It was the summer telemedicine stopped getting a pass. In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco recap major telemedicine developments from the summer, focusing on increasing regulatory and enforcement activity. They discuss the DEA’s progress toward final controlled-substance prescribing rules and what greater federal oversight could mean for telemedicine companies operating in this rapidly evolving space. They both examine FTC action against Hims & Hers, including subscription practices and cancellation requirements, while questioning whether traditional healthcare regulations adequately fit cash-pay telemedicine. They also discuss Eli Lilly’s lawsuits involving Retatrutide, emphasizing the potential risks physicians face when prescribing non-FDA-approved treatments and the growing attention from state medical boards. Finally, they explore corporate practice of medicine enforcement, including Carbon Health’s settlement and evolving PC/MSO requirements, before turning to the growth of white-label telemedicine companies. The episode highlights why physicians must understand their responsibilities, review their agreements, stay informed about regulations, build specialized expertise, and find ways to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive telemedicine market. Three Actionable Takeaways: Regulatory scrutiny is increasing: From controlled-substance prescribing to FTC enforcement and corporate practice of medicine, telemedicine companies should expect more oversight and be prepared to adapt as regulators catch up with the industry. Physicians remain responsible for their clinical decisions: Technology, workflows, businesses, and platforms may support physicians, but ultimately the physician must understand what they are prescribing and ensure they are practicing appropriately and within applicable rules. The telemedicine market is becoming more competitive: The growth of white-label companies and the increasing number of physicians entering telehealth means physicians need to develop relationships, specialized expertise, and other distinguishing skills to stand out. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/  phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    #85 - Telemedicine Under Watch: The Summer That Changed the Rules
  4. Aug 25

    #84 - Brick to Click : How I Built a Hybrid Medical Practice | Dr. Mike Woo-Ming

    This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. —---------------------------------------------- In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco welcome Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, as he shares his unconventional journey: family-medicine training, a multi-year exit into software, return to medicine to keep his mom happy, and the decision to build his own practice rather than work for someone else. He grew a weight-loss practice into a longevity-focused med spa with three locations, then layered in telemedicine (both for his own patients and as medical director for startups). He discusses the flexibility and patient-connection advantages of telemedicine, the value of hybrid models, and why many established practices leave money on the table. The conversation covers real operational hurdles, getting staff (from Instagram-savvy nurses to flip-phone medical assistants) aligned across locations 50–60 miles apart, competition in the med-spa space, and the ongoing reality of faxes in healthcare. A candid segment explores peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, Semorelin, and emerging compounds), the gray-market risks for licensed physicians versus non-physician sellers, public demand, and state-level regulatory pushback. Mike closes with advice he would give his intern self: trust your gut and bet on yourself. Top 3 Takeaways: Hybrid models reduce friction: many consults (lab reviews, decision-making visits) can be efficient Zoom calls instead of patients driving to multi-story offices, better for both patients and practice economics. The human element is the hardest part of scaling: tech-savvy and non-tech staff, multi-location coordination, and disseminating entrepreneurial energy require deliberate systems and patience. Licensed physicians carry unique risk in the peptide and gray-market space; non-physician sellers face far less regulatory exposure, so doctors must stay informed on state rules (including telemedicine prescribing) and prioritize compliance. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine About the Guest: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming is a family-medicine-trained physician entrepreneur, practice coach, telemedicine doctor, and longevity/med-spa owner based in San Diego. He built a multi-location cash-based practice, serves as medical director for startups in the longevity space, and coaches physicians on growing independent practices without sacrificing personal freedom. He also runs a podcast network. Connect with Dr. Mike Woo-Ming: Website: bootstrapmd.com Strategy session:  Book via the website Podcast: BootstrapMD - Physicians Entrepreneurs Podcast About the Hosts:     • Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.     • Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:        https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez        phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com      (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    #84 - Brick to Click : How I Built a Hybrid Medical Practice | Dr. Mike Woo-Ming
  5. Aug 18

    What It Takes to Lead Virtual Care: Dr. Leo Damasco Shares His Journey From Military Medicine to Telehealth Leadership

    This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. _________________________ Think becoming a medical director means stepping back from clinical chaos? Think again. Phoebe Gutierrez turns the spotlight on Dr. Leo Damasco to unpack his journey from military medicine to leading virtual care teams as a telehealth medical director. Dr. Damasco shares what most don’t see—managing crises across time zones, navigating compliance landmines, and translating executive goals into frontline action. He breaks down the skills every virtual leader needs, how to spot red flags in telehealth companies, and why understanding the full business ecosystem is essential. If you’re a physician thinking about leadership in digital health, this episode is your roadmap—equal parts practical advice and behind-the-scenes truth. Three Actionable Takeaways: Build the Right Relationships – A successful medical director leans on a trusted compliance team and senior staff to navigate complexities and avoid burnout. Don’t go it alone.   Know the Business – Understanding how the gears of telemedicine startups turn—from marketing to multi-state regulations—gives you the edge to lead effectively.   Vet Companies Thoroughly – If a company doesn’t prioritize compliance or can’t support its physicians, that’s a red flag. Leadership starts with protecting your team.    About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the dynamic world of digital health, offering physicians insights into regulatory changes, compliance, and opportunities in telemedicine to enhance their practice and career. About the Hosts Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine physician turned telemedicine advocate, now a virtual medical director guiding physicians through the complexities of leadership in digital care. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator and telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and building sustainable, scalable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/ Email: phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com Connect with Leo Damasco Email: Leo@telemedicinetalks.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-damasco/   The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Aug 11

    #82 - Ownership, Flexibility & Solving Medication Access: The Refill Genie Story

    This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. __________________________________ In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Steve Kelly discusses his transition from emergency medicine to telehealth and entrepreneurship. After years of ER shifts, locum tenens, and per diem work, Steve eventually went all-in on virtual care. Steve explains how he founded Refill Genie to address a common, high-impact problem: patients losing access to essential chronic medications (especially blood-pressure meds) and ending up in the ER or simply going without. Drawing on experience across video and asynchronous platforms, he focused on “bridge” refills and chronic-care access that many telehealth companies avoid. The conversation covers the mental shift away from the “ER doc” identity, the value of meaning found in preventing unnecessary ER visits, and the practical steps of building a company: using existing HIPAA-compliant tools instead of custom software, hiring freelancers via Upwork, navigating multi-state licensing and corporate structures (PC/MSO), and prioritizing clinical quality amid regulatory gray areas. Steve emphasizes starting small, learning on the fly, and maintaining high standards so that any scrutiny finds good patient care at the core. Listeners will hear honest advice on risk tolerance, compliance realities across 49+ states, and why asking more questions (not fewer) is the advice he would give his intern self. Top 3 Takeaways: Reclaim ownership of time and career: Locums and telehealth offered control that full-time hospital work lacked; the shift from ER identity to telehealth entrepreneur was gradual but ultimately freeing and meaningful. Solve one tangible problem: Refill Genie grew from a recurring ER observation, patients off essential meds due to access barriers,into a focused telehealth service that prevents downstream harm. Bootstrap smart and prioritize quality: Use existing compliant tools, freelancers, and incremental growth instead of waiting for perfect systems or VC money; clinical quality remains the best protection when navigating multi-state rules.   About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine About the Guest: Dr. Steve Kelly is a former emergency medicine physician who trained at Baystate in Massachusetts. After years of full-time ER work, locum tenens, and part-time telehealth, he founded Refill Genie, a multi-state telehealth company focused on medication access and bridge refills for chronic conditions. He now works full-time in telehealth (roughly 60% running Refill Genie) and is actively hiring physicians with multiple state licenses. Connect with Dr. Steve Kelly: Email: stephenkelly@refillgenie.com LinkedIn: Search “Steve Kelly” / Refill Genie Currently hiring physicians with multiple state licenses About the Hosts: Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:   https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/    phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com  (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com)   The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Aug 4

    #81 - From Burnout to Digital Nomad: Building a Freedom-First Career in Medicine | Dr. Kristine Goins

    This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. __________________________________ In this inspiring episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez welcome Dr. Christine Goins, board-certified integrative adult and pediatric psychiatrist, physician coach, and digital nomad. After years of extreme burnout (chest pain, insomnia, muscle spasms) while working in 10 clinics a week, serving as associate program director, and chairing a DEI committee, Dr. Goins realized the problem wasn’t serotonin, it was the lifestyle. She resigned from her academic position, booked a one-way ticket to Colombia, and began designing a career around the life she actually wanted. Today she runs Nomad MD, coaching burned-out physicians on how to create remote, location-independent practices (often cash-pay) so they can work less and live anywhere. The conversation covers the identity shift required to step away from traditional clinical roles, the financial fears that keep doctors stuck, practical realities of practicing medicine while living abroad (taxes, licensing, controlled substances), why owning your own practice gives the greatest autonomy, and how living in 17+ countries has reshaped her view of what a doctor’s life can look like. Top 3 Takeaways: Start with the life you want (where you wake up, how many hours you work, what Tuesdays look like), then design the career to support it, not the other way around. The financial fear is real, but living abroad can dramatically lower expenses while preserving (or increasing) income, accelerating financial freedom rather than jeopardizing it. Full autonomy comes from owning your practice (cash-based or contracted through your own LLC) rather than remaining an employee, especially when practicing across borders. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest Dr. Kristine Goins is a board-certified integrative adult and pediatric psychiatrist, physician coach, and digital nomad. After experiencing severe burnout in academic medicine, she founded Nomad MD to help physicians replace their income remotely and build freedom-first careers. She has lived and worked in 17+ countries and currently divides her time between locations such as Guadalajara, Italy, South Africa, and Bocas del Toro, Panama. Connect with Dr.Kristine Goins: Website: thenomadmd.com Instagram: @TheNomadMDs Facebook: The Nomad MDs About the Hosts:     • Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned  telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.     • Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:       https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/        phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com      (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    #81 - From Burnout to Digital Nomad: Building a Freedom-First Career in Medicine | Dr. Kristine Goins
  8. Jul 28

    #80 - Why Most Doctors Fail at Marketing (And How to Fix It) | Ashley Gay

    This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. __________________________________ In this practical episode of Telemedicine Talks, host Phoebe Gutierrez welcomes Ashley Gay as she shares her unique journey from graphic designer to physician marketing expert after supporting her husband through medical school, residency, fellowship, and the launch of his own practice. The conversation focuses on the critical (and often overlooked) marketing foundations that determine whether a private practice or telemedicine venture actually attracts and retains patients. Topics include naming and visual branding decisions that support long-term growth, the power of Google Business Profiles and local SEO, the importance of frictionless online scheduling, dual business-card networking strategies for referrals, realistic approaches to paid ads versus organic social, and the compliance minefield of healthcare marketing (HIPAA, BAAs, Stark, fake testimonials, and more). Ashley and Phoebe emphasize shifting from a physician-centric mindset to a true consumer/patient perspective, reducing friction, building trust, and creating an experience that makes patients choose (and stay with) you. Top 3 Takeaways: Lay the foundation first: correct naming, clear vision, strong visual brand, optimized website content, and a fully worked Google Business Profile before spending money on ads or socials. Patient experience is marketing. Easy online booking, fast responses, legible branding, and frictionless processes convert far better than clever logos or generic social posts. Marketing is not free and is not one-size-fits-all. Choose strategies that fit your personality and bandwidth (networking, local SEO, carefully managed ads) and always prioritize healthcare-specific compliance. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine About the Guest Ashley Gay is a branding and marketing strategist who has worked with both large companies and independent physician practices. With a background in graphic design and a marketing degree, she has supported her physician husband through training and private practice launch. She now helps clinicians build authentic brands, attract patients, and grow sustainable independent practices and telemedicine ventures through Digital Ash Agency. Connect with Ashley Gay: Website: digitalashagency.com Instagram:  @md.brand.pro About the Host:     Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:       https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/        phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com     (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    #80 - Why Most Doctors Fail at Marketing (And How to Fix It) | Ashley Gay
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Telemedicine isn’t the future—it’s happening now. But for physicians and startups, it’s a world filled with unanswered questions, regulatory landmines, and a steep learning curve. Welcome to Telemedicine Talks, where we cut through the chaos and give you the real story behind digital healthcare. Hosted by Dr. Leo Damasco, a pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor who built his career in telemedicine, and Phoebe Gutierrez, a former state regulator turned startup strategist, this podcast explores what works, what doesn’t, and what no one else is talking about. 🚀 How do you build a sustainable telemedicine career? ⚖️ What legal and compliance risks are lurking beneath the surface? 💡 How can startups and physicians work together without burning out—or blowing up? We don’t sugarcoat. We don’t do corporate jargon. We bring you real stories, hard-earned lessons, and expert insights from the front lines of telemedicine. If you're ready to navigate this space with confidence—whether you’re a physician looking for flexibility or a startup founder scaling your vision—this is the podcast for you. 🔹 No fluff. 🔹 No hype. 🔹 Just the raw, unfiltered truth about making telemedicine work. Welcome to Telemedicine Talks—let's get into it.

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