Startup Physicians

Alison Curfman, M.D.
  • 5.0 (9)
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StartUp Physicians is the podcast for doctors who dare to think beyond the clinic and hospital walls. Hosted by Dr. Alison Curfman, a practicing pediatric emergency physician and successful healthcare startup founder, this series empowers physicians to explore dynamic career opportunities in the healthcare startup world. Dr. Alison Curfman brings a wealth of experience to the mic, having founded and grown a healthcare company that served over 25,000 patients and achieved a nine-figure valuation in just two years. She has worked as a consultant, advisor, and chief medical officer, helping early-stage companies secure major funding and develop innovative clinical models. Now, she’s passionate about sharing the lessons she’s learned to help other physicians thrive in the startup space. Whether you’re looking to launch your own venture, become a consultant, or join a forward-thinking healthcare team, this podcast is your go-to guide. Each episode is packed with actionable advice on topics like personal branding, creating marketable services, and navigating the startup landscape. You’ll also hear from trailblazing physicians and industry leaders in private equity and venture capital, sharing their insights on why physician voices are essential in shaping the future of healthcare. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and build a career that excites and inspires you, StartUp Physicians will show you the way. New episodes drop every Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Visit StartupPhysicians.com for resources, transcripts, and to connect with a community of like-minded doctors. It’s time to reimagine what’s possible for your career—and for healthcare.

  1. 12H AGO

    AI, Entrepreneurship & the Physician Advantage with Dr. Daniel Kraft

    In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with renowned physician-scientist, entrepreneur, and futurist Dr. Daniel Kraft to explore what it truly means to build at the intersection of medicine, technology, and innovation. From launching an online medical bookstore as a resident during the early days of the internet, to co-founding Stanford Biodesign innovations, advising and investing in digital health startups, leading conversations on AI in healthcare, and even serving as a flight surgeon and astronaut finalist—Daniel’s career defies the traditional medical path. Together, Alison and Daniel discuss how physicians can identify real pain points, why beginner’s mind is such a powerful advantage, how AI will reshape clinical care faster than any previous innovation, and what doctors must do now to remain relevant, ethical, and impactful in the next decade of medicine. This conversation is a must-listen for physicians curious about entrepreneurship, digital health, AI, venture, or simply expanding their impact beyond the exam room—without leaving medicine behind. In this episode, we cover: How Daniel became an entrepreneurial physician before it was mainstreamTurning clinical frustration into a million-dollar startup during residencyThe power of identifying real pain points in medicineStanford Biodesign and why structure matters in healthcare innovationWhy early-career physicians often see opportunities others missThe current explosion of AI and digital health tools—and why it’s overwhelmingHow AI will change medicine faster than EMRs or telehealth ever didThe importance of physician voices in AI ethics and guardrailsFeature vs company: how founders should think strategicallyCapital strategy advice for non-technical physician foundersAerospace medicine, flight surgery, NASA work, and astronaut selectionWhy crossing disciplines creates the most meaningful innovationHow physicians can expand impact without abandoning clinical work Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Dr. Daniel Kraft 01:05 – An Entrepreneurial Mindset Before It Was “Allowed” 02:10 – Building an Online Medical Bookstore as a Resident 04:00 – Lessons from an Early Startup Exit 06:00 – Stanford Biodesign & Finding Clinical Pain Points 07:40 – Creating a Medical Device from Bedside Frustration 09:50 – Digital Health Overload & Why Clinicians Feel Behind 11:35 – Design Thinking in Healthcare Innovation 13:45 – Physician Fears Around AI (and Why They Matter) 15:40 – AI Guardrails, Ethics, and Patient Safety 18:40 – Why Healthcare Can’t Innovate at a 17-Year Pace Anymore 20:00 – Venture Capital, Startups & Feature vs Company 22:00 – Advice for Non-Technical Physician Founders 26:30 – Aerospace Medicine, NASA & Becoming an Astronaut Finalist 29:00 – Final Advice for Physicians Expanding Beyond Clinical Care   Resources Mentioned: Daniel Kraft's website: DanielkraftmdDaniel Kraft M.D.NextMed Health: NextmedNextMed Health: Re-imagining the Future of Health and Medicine digital health platformContinuum Health Ventures: ContinuumhealthContinuum Health Ventures | Healthspan Venture CapitalStanford Biodesign Program StanfordPrograms

    31 min

  2. FEB 4

    Why Healthcare Startups Need Physicians Who Understand the System with Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas

    Physicians are trained to follow clear pathways—but innovation, advisory work, and startup leadership rarely come with a playbook. In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas, urologic surgeon, former private practice CEO, MIT MBA, and healthcare innovation leader at Northwestern Medicine. Jennifer shares how she navigated the transition from academic medicine to private practice, led a large surgical group through the COVID-19 crisis, and ultimately moved into system-level innovation, incubators, and startup advising. This conversation is a grounded look at how physicians create value outside of patient care—without burning out, giving work away for free, or abandoning medicine altogether. In this episode, we discuss: Why physicians underestimate their value in startups and innovationWhat becoming a CEO during COVID taught Jennifer about leadership and pivotingHow private practice prepares doctors for entrepreneurshipWhy AI and data literacy matter for physicians—without needing a tech backgroundHow to start advisory work without getting taken advantage ofThe role of incubators and health system innovation programsPractical ways physicians can explore non-clinical impact while staying groundedThis episode is especially relevant for physicians who feel ready for more impact, creativity, or system-level influence—but want to move intentionally.   Chapters: 00:00 – Why Physicians Belong in Innovation 00:53 – Academic Medicine vs Private Practice Reality 02:59 – Becoming CEO in January 2020 03:43 – Pivoting During COVID 04:55 – Why an MBA (and Why MIT) 06:05 – AI Isn’t Magic—It’s Math 08:25 – Moving Into Health System Innovation 10:45 – The Hidden Value of Physicians in Startups 13:00 – How to Start Advisory Work 17:59 – Avoiding Exploitation in Business 21:56 – Defining and Pricing Your Value 25:23 – Incubators, Accelerators & Health System Opportunities 29:13 – Final Advice for Physicians Exploring What’s Next   🔗 Connect with Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermiles-thomas

    30 min

  3. JAN 28

    From Accidental Discovery to Market-Ready Innovation with Adam Friedman

    In this episode of Startup Physicians, host Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with dermatologist, researcher, and inventor Dr. Adam Friedman to explore what happens when physicians lean into curiosity instead of rigid career plans. Dr. Friedman shares how an accidental discovery during medical school—creating nanoparticles in a basic science lab—ultimately reshaped his entire professional trajectory. What began as an effort to strengthen a residency application evolved into a long-term commitment to invention, dermatology, and translational research, culminating in market-ready skincare products and an ongoing clinical pipeline. The conversation explores the reality of physician innovation beyond buzzwords: the role of observation, the importance of teams and mentors, and the nuance of intellectual property when building physical products. Dr. Friedman offers practical insight into how ideas become protected, validated, and scaled—while also emphasizing that sharing ideas thoughtfully is often essential to progress. Together, Dr. Curfman and Dr. Friedman discuss why many physicians remain stuck at the idea stage, how early-career “yes phases” create unexpected opportunities, and why abundance—not scarcity—drives sustainable innovation. The episode also highlights Dr. Friedman’s work with cannabinoid-based dermatologic products and what it means to see something invented in training become part of patients’ daily lives. This episode is a grounded, honest look at physician entrepreneurship—one rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to follow what’s interesting, even when the path isn’t clear. Takeaways Dr. Friedman describes himself as having 'career ADHD' due to his diverse interests in dermatology.Curiosity is essential for innovation; asking 'why' can lead to discoveries.Accidental discoveries can lead to significant advancements in medicine.Saying yes to opportunities can open doors to new paths in one's career.Building a supportive network is crucial for success in any field.Intellectual property is important for protecting innovative ideas.Sharing ideas with trusted individuals can enhance the development process.Mentorship plays a vital role in career development and innovation.There is an abundance of opportunities in the medical field.Technology can significantly enhance treatment options in dermatology. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-friedman-0340778/ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Adam Friedman, dermatologist & inventor 01:30 – Why curiosity shaped his career 03:45 – Accidental discoveries that change everything 06:50 – Saying yes early in your career 10:55 – Why many physicians stay stuck 14:10 – From lab discovery to real products 18:55 – The role of mentors and teams 22:40 – Intellectual property myths for physicians 26:10 – Why companies need physicians early 30:05 – Seeing patients use what you invented

    34 min

  4. JAN 21

    Do You Really Need an MBA to Work in Startups? A Pediatrician’s Path to VC + Founding Grapevyne with Zhen Chan

    What does it actually take for a physician to break into startups or venture capital—and do you need an MBA to do it? In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman talks with Dr. Zhen Chan, a practicing pediatrician and founder of Grapevyne. Zhen shares how he moved from a traditional training path to venture work, what “due diligence” looks like in the real world, and why clinical insight is often the missing piece in healthcare products. They also discuss why physicians often overvalue credentials, how networking creates opportunities faster than another degree, and how Zhen pivoted Grapevyne from a job marketplace into a community built to help clinicians expand their skills and impact in 2025 and beyond. Takeaways Zhen Chan transitioned from clinical medicine to startups.Networking is crucial for career development in healthcare.Experience can be more valuable than formal education.Venture fellowships provide exposure to the startup ecosystem.Clinical perspectives are essential in evaluating healthcare startups.Grapevyne aims to empower physicians and medical professionals.The importance of adaptability and pivoting in entrepreneurship.Understanding regulatory pathways is vital for healthcare innovation.Building a community can enhance professional growth.Physicians have unique insights that can drive startup success. Connect with Zhen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmd) Learn more about Grapevyne: https://grapevyne.health) https://instagram.com/zhen_md https://www.tiktok.com/@zhenmd Chapters 00:00 – Intro + Zhen’s background 01:30 – MBA vs real-world experience 03:10 – Why he pivoted from fellowship plans 05:55 – Networking as the unlock 12:05 – Venture fellowships + due diligence explained 16:10 – Unpaid roles, equity, and value exchange 21:05 – What he learned: how investors think 24:50 – The unique value of physician perspective 28:15 – What Grapevyne is building now 30:45 – Pivot story + closing

    33 min

  5. JAN 14

    Designing a 50-State Telemedicine Career on Your Own Terms with Dr. Takashi Nakamura

    In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman interviews Dr. Takashi Nakamura, an emergency physician whose search for a simple telemedicine side gig evolved into a fully remote, 50-state clinical career and a leadership role in digital health. Takashi shares how wanting to be more present for his young family in Hawaii led him to explore telemedicine, ultimately becoming licensed in all 50 states plus DC. That national licensure opened unexpected opportunities: medical group ownership, corporate practice of medicine (PC) leadership, compliance roles, and executive positions within rapidly scaling digital health startups. The conversation explores: How telemedicine side work grew into a high-leverage, location-independent physician careerWhat PC ownership and corporate practice of medicine mean for early-stage startupsThe path from clinician to executive without an MBA or formal business trainingWhy an abundance mindset is essential in the physician innovation communityThe lifestyle transformation that telemedicine can offer—holidays off, nights at home, flexibility, and autonomyHow Takashi’s program, All In Remote / ER Physician Academy, helps physicians obtain multi-state licensure and uncover both clinical and non-clinical roles in digital healthHow physicians can transition into advisory roles, administrative positions, executive leadership, or even launch their own companiesThe episode highlights the vast—and often unseen—career landscape available to physicians beyond traditional brick-and-mortar practice, and how telemedicine can serve as both a bridge and a springboard to greater freedom, fulfillment, and impact. Listeners who are contemplating career redesign, craving flexibility, or seeking meaningful work beyond conventional practice will find a roadmap filled with possibility. 00:01 – Welcome & Introduction to Dr. Takashi Nakamura 00:45 – From ER Shifts to Telemedicine as a Side Gig 02:20 – Getting Licensed in All 50 States and DC 03:56 – PC Ownership, Corporate Practice of Medicine, and Compliance 08:13 – Executive Roles, Medical Groups, and Learning on the Job 14:42 – Creating All In Remote and ER Physician Academy 17:40 – Helping Physicians Replace Income and Expand Opportunities 22:04 – From Virtual Clinical Work to Executive and Founder Paths 23:52 – Redesigning Career, Holidays, and Lifestyle Around Your Values 26:14 – The Upside of 1099 Work and Working on Your Own Terms 27:51 – Final Advice: Find Like-Minded Physicians and Positive Community website: airphysicianacademy.com

    28 min

  6. JAN 7

    How Physicians Become Health Tech Founders with Dr. Jhonatan Bringas Dimitriades

    In this episode of Startup Physicians, Dr. Alison Curfman interviews Dr. Jhonatan Bringas Dimitriades, a Peruvian physician whose global journey led him from clinical practice in Latin America to recertifying in the Netherlands and ultimately becoming a health tech CEO. Jhonatan shares how he navigated the challenge of learning Dutch, rebuilding his medical career abroad, and entering the world of health tech without a formal business background. His curiosity and clinical expertise propelled him through roles in product management and business development before co-founding Keiku, an AI-powered digital stethoscope and ambient scribe designed to transform how clinicians capture and interpret patient data. Together, they explore the realities of building hardware as a physician founder, the power of partnerships, the importance of embracing imperfect MVPs, and the many translatable skills physicians already possess that prepare them for startup leadership. This episode offers a clear, inspiring look at what’s possible when physicians step into innovation. 00:00 – Introduction & Global Background 01:10 – Training in Latin America & Moving to Europe 03:05 – Recertifying in Dutch 04:55 – Entering Health Tech as a Medical Advisor 07:15 – Physicians’ Translatable Skills 10:20 – Growing into Business & Startup Roles 13:35 – The Origin of Keiku 18:10 – What Keiku Is & What It Does 22:50 – AI, Auscultation, and Documentation 26:15 – How Hardware Gets Built 29:25 – Advice for Physician Innovators 30:50 – Startup Physicians Pathways & Closing Jhonathan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbringasd/ Keikku Smart Stethoscope - https://www.keikku.health/

    32 min

  7. 12/17/2025

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

    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, high-quality virtual care model for kids. Alison and Lyndsey explore what children actually need from care, why telehealth can enhance safety when designed well, and how creativity becomes an antidote to burnout for physicians. They also break down what CMO roles look like inside startups and offer practical paths for doctors who want to get involved in digital health or leadership. Whether you’re a pediatrician, a parent, or a physician curious about the startup world, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible beyond traditional practice. 00:00 — Welcome & Reconnecting 01:48 — Lyndsey’s Path to Pediatrics & Startups 03:37 — Staying Clinical While Founding 05:05 — Founding Blueberry Pediatrics 07:30 — Building Safe Pediatric Telehealth 08:56 — Challenging Traditional Medical Dogma 11:05 — What Families Really Need in Pediatric Care 12:23 — Telehealth Safety & Continuity 14:08 — “Attending… Now What?” 15:34 — Blueberry’s Model & Quality Measures 19:11 — What a CMO Does in a Startup 22:57 — Pathways Into Startup Roles for Physicians 26:01 — Academia vs. Industry Growth 29:04 — Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout 30:59 — Advice to Pediatricians: Ask for What You Need 32:37 — Closing & Where to Find Lyndsey website: www.blueberrypediatrics.com @blueberrypediatrics on socials

    33 min

  8. 12/10/2025

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

    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, what medical affairs and clinical development roles actually look like, and how physicians can build the business and regulatory skill sets needed to thrive in biotech. She explains how to communicate across cross-functional teams, design clinical trials, and navigate both the highs (like successful IPOs) and the lows (like program shutdowns). Alison and Nerissa also dig into imposter syndrome, confidence, humility, and why physicians must embrace learning and ask for help—just like they do in clinical practice. Nerissa also highlights her work developing first-in-human transfer RNA therapies and discusses her coaching program, Pharma Industry MD Coach, which supports physicians exploring industry roles. This episode is packed with tactical insights and mindset shifts for any physician curious about biotech, pharma, or leadership roles beyond clinical medicine. 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Nerissa Kreher 01:08 – A Career Pivot That Changed Everything 04:01 – Entering Pharma + Early Mindset Shifts 07:14 – Building New Skills Beyond Medicine 11:23 – Clinical Development & Designing Trials 13:59 – Moving Through Companies & Becoming a CMO 16:18 – Handling Setbacks in Drug Development 18:27 – Mindset, Imposter Syndrome & Asking for Help 23:05 – Inside the IPO Experience 28:04 – What She’s Building Now 29:35 – Supporting Physicians Through Coaching 30:57 – Closing Thoughts Pharma Industry MD Coach Website: www.industryMDCoach.com IG: PharmaindustryMDCoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-industrymdcoach-b501301ba/

    32 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

StartUp Physicians is the podcast for doctors who dare to think beyond the clinic and hospital walls. Hosted by Dr. Alison Curfman, a practicing pediatric emergency physician and successful healthcare startup founder, this series empowers physicians to explore dynamic career opportunities in the healthcare startup world. Dr. Alison Curfman brings a wealth of experience to the mic, having founded and grown a healthcare company that served over 25,000 patients and achieved a nine-figure valuation in just two years. She has worked as a consultant, advisor, and chief medical officer, helping early-stage companies secure major funding and develop innovative clinical models. Now, she’s passionate about sharing the lessons she’s learned to help other physicians thrive in the startup space. Whether you’re looking to launch your own venture, become a consultant, or join a forward-thinking healthcare team, this podcast is your go-to guide. Each episode is packed with actionable advice on topics like personal branding, creating marketable services, and navigating the startup landscape. You’ll also hear from trailblazing physicians and industry leaders in private equity and venture capital, sharing their insights on why physician voices are essential in shaping the future of healthcare. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and build a career that excites and inspires you, StartUp Physicians will show you the way. New episodes drop every Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Visit StartupPhysicians.com for resources, transcripts, and to connect with a community of like-minded doctors. It’s time to reimagine what’s possible for your career—and for healthcare.

Information

  • Creator
    Alison Curfman, M.D.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Startup Physicians
  • Show Website
    Startup Physicians

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