Best ER Doc Advisor Podcasts (2025)

1
From Pediatric ER Doc to FemTech Founder with Dr. Lara Zibners 34:08

Play Pause

4d 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…

1
Ep #267: Reflecting on Your 2025 Spending — and the Key Year-End Moves to Make Now 14:45

5d ago14:45

14:45

Here we are again — the final stretch of the year. Whether you're visiting family, traveling, or squeezing in some much-needed R&R, the end of the year naturally creates a pause — the kind that invites you to take inventory of your financial life, not just the numbers, but the behaviors behind them. So in today's episode, we're going to talk about …

1
[Re-Release] Rethinking Healthcare: Adapting to the Startup Mindset 18:38

11d 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,…

1
Ep #266: What ER Physicians Need to Know About a Potential Recession 16:27

12d ago16:27

16:27

Economic chatter has been getting louder, and whether it's on the news, on podcasts, or in group chats, the word "recession" gets thrown around a lot. But for ER docs, economic shifts don't just show up in the stock market—they eventually show up on shift, in your paycheck, and in the way hospitals operate. That means it's worth understanding what …

1
Transforming Pediatric Care Through Innovation with Dr. Janene Fuerch 31:32

18d 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…

1
Ep #265: Beyond the Portfolio: The Human Side of Financial Advising 15:31

19d ago15:31

15:31

There's a version of this job that would be a lot simpler. The kind where you manage portfolios, check performance once a quarter, and call it a day. No tax forms, no life events, no late-night texts — just markets and models. It sounds peaceful, almost efficient… until you realize that real people don't live their lives in neat, quarterly incremen…

1
From ER to Innovation: Building New Healthcare Paths with Dr. Kevin Baumlin 33:24

25d 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…

1
Ep #264: An ER Doc's Health Insurance Open Enrollment Survival Guide 17:58

26d ago17:58

17:58

We've officially entered open enrollment season — that short window when everyone from W-2 employees to business owners and locums physicians has to lock in their 2026 health coverage. And this year feels a little different. Between rising premiums and ongoing debate in Washington over healthcare subsidies — one of the major sticking points behind …

1
The Startup Leap: One Doctor’s Path from Medicine to Product Innovation with Dr. Kieran McLeod 44:41

1M 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 …

1
Ep #263: When Politics Pause and Portfolios Don't 18:25

1M ago18:25

18:25

It's been over three weeks since the government shutdown began — now one of the longest in U.S. history. By the time this episode airs, Congress may have reached a deal, but the uncertainty surrounding it mirrors the broader unease in today's markets. Inflation, rate policy, and concentrated stock performance have investors questioning what comes n…

1
Beyond the Clinic: Building Impact in Pharmaceutical Startups with Dr. Heather Lampel 27:17

1M 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…

1
Ep #262: Over-Contributed? Here's Exactly How to Fix It — IRAs, 401(k)s, and HSAs Explained 23:28

1M ago23:28

23:28

You'd be surprised how often people have an "oops" moment at tax time — realizing they've contributed too much to a retirement or HSA account. It's more common than you'd think, and the rules for fixing it depend entirely on when you catch the mistake. While these situations can cause some frustrating tax complications, the good news is they're alm…

1
Physicians Belong in AI: A Founder’s Path from Academia to Impact with Dr. Shakira Grant 31:35

2M 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…

1
Ep #261: From Residency to Riches: How to Handle Your First Attending Paycheck 15:21

2M ago15:21

15:21

Every year, thousands of new attendings experience the same shock: the overnight jump from residency income to real money. The excitement is real — but so are the risks of complacency, overspending, or simply drifting without a plan. What you do in that first year sets the tone for everything that follows. So today, we're breaking down the four thi…

1
[Re-Release] From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris 40:11

2M 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…

1
Ep #260: What a Fed Rate Cut Means for ER Doctors 14:31

2M ago14:31

14:31

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates has made headlines, and while it may seem like something that mostly affects Wall Street, the truth is these moves ripple through every household and profession. From mortgages and student loans to savings yields and the stock market, Fed policy plays a quiet but powerful role in your pers…

1
[Re-Release] Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali 35:27

2M 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…

1
Ep #259: Boom, Bubble, or Both? The Truth About AI Investing 15:57

2M ago15:57

15:57

Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the headlines, and many are calling it the biggest boom since the internet revolution. Some compare it to the dot-com bubble, while others see it as a lasting shift that will reshape how businesses, investors, and individuals operate. What's clear is that the ripple effects go far beyond tech companies — the…

1
Say Yes Before You’re Ready: A Physician's Path from Medicine to Tech with Dr. C.K. Wang 30:38

2M 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…

1
Ep #258: The Wrong Question About Retirement: Why "How Much Do I Need?" Misses the Point 14:34

2M ago14:34

14:34

We get asked all the time by ER doctors: "How much do I need to retire?" Surprisingly, the answer to that is actually, "You're asking the wrong question." The real question is: How do you build a career and financial structure that doesn't just pay you—but frees you? Assets are only half the equation; the other half is designing a life and financia…

1
A Physician’s Leap from ER to Startup: Curiosity, Clarity, and Impact with Dr. Anurag Gupta 34:00

2M 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…

1
Ep #257: Contracts 101 for EM Docs: What to Know Before You Sign 25:47

3M ago25:47

25:47

Every job offer looks different on the surface, but what really matters is buried in the fine print. Sometimes the details that don't make it onto the headline page end up shaping your career more than the pay rate ever could. Today we're going to pull back the curtain and talk about the hidden levers inside EM contracts that can determine whether …

1
From Inspiration to Impact: A Physician’s Journey to Scalable Solutions with Dr. Manju Dawkins 31:33

3M 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…

1
Ep #256: Why ER Doc Savers Struggle to Spend in Retirement 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Most ER docs spend their careers building discipline — grinding through debt, maxing out retirement accounts, and making sure the numbers always work. By the time they reach financial independence, the nest egg is there, but something unexpected happens: the habits that carried them here don't always translate into the next phase. Retirement brings…

1
From ICU to AI: How One Physician Made the Leap from Clinical to Startup Leadership with Dr. Darren Klugman 31:19

3M 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…

1
Ep #255: Decade by Decade: The Real Net Worth Trajectory of Emergency Physicians 24:30

3M ago24:30

24:30

When ER doctors talk about building wealth, the stories often sound like night-and-day—one physician hits millionaire status by 40, while another is still digging out of debt. What explains the difference? It usually comes down to a handful of consistent choices around debt management, savings rates, and lifestyle creep. To see how those decisions …

1
From ER to CEO: How One Physician Built a Med Device Company by Solving What Others Ignored with Dr. Liz Clayborne 32:39

3M 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…

1
Ep #254: Our Favorite Tax Strategies Under OBBB — These Will 100% Save You Thousands 27:13

3M ago27:13

27:13

If you're a business owner or high-income earner, the difference between a good year and a great one often comes down to what you keep — not just what you make. The tax code is filled with opportunities that go unnoticed by most, especially those who don't have time to dig deep or plan ahead. But when structured correctly, even small adjustments ca…

1
Mini Episode: 3 Things You Can Do Now 14:53

3M 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…

1
Ep #253: The Equity Sweet Spot: Why ER Doctors Can't Afford to Miss It 14:38

3M ago14:38

14:38

When it comes to long-term success, nothing moves the needle quite like exposure to the equity markets. For most professionals, the sweet spot for taking on that market risk happens in their 30s and 40s — when income is steady, savings are growing, and there's still plenty of time to ride out volatility. But for ER doctors, that window looks differ…

1
Mini Episode: 3 Mistakes to Avoid 12:32

4M 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…

1
Ep #252: Doomscrolling vs. Doom Planning: The Hidden Traps in Life and Money 15:08

4M ago15:08

15:08

Sometimes the smallest changes in our environment can dramatically shift the way we think, choose, and live. One subtle adjustment to something we use every day can break old patterns, quiet distractions, and help us act with more intention. And the interesting thing is, these changes often go far beyond the original purpose—they can influence how …

1
Ep #251: The 5 Levels of Financial Wealth: Where Are You Now — And What's Next? 18:22

4M ago18:22

18:22

Today's episode offers a different lens on money — one that goes beyond income, account balances, or net worth. We're exploring the stages of financial life that shape how we live, spend, save, and feel about money. It's not just about how much you have, but what that money is doing for you — and what it's freeing you from. Let's get started.…

1
From Clinic to Cutting Edge: How Physicians Can Lead in AI and Innovation with Dr. Mark Allen 35:01

4M 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…

1
No MBA Needed: A Pediatrician’s Path to VP in Health Tech with Dr. Jennie Berkovich 34:06

4M 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…

1
Ep #250: Health Insurance Hacking for the Early Retired 14:25

4M ago14:25

14:25

If you're thinking about early retirement, there's one cost that tends to catch high earners off guard. The paycheck may stop, but your expenses certainly don't — and one of the biggest line items is health insurance. What many don't realize is that how you fund your lifestyle in retirement can dramatically affect what you pay for coverage. In toda…

1
From Function to Value: Why Startups Pay for Physician Expertise 25:57

4M 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…

1
Ep #249: The Student Loan Shake-Up: Who Needs to Panic (and Who Doesn't) 15:04

4M ago15:04

15:04

You've probably seen some student loan headlines recently. Pending your situation, you may be thinking this doesn't affect you — and you could be right — but if you've got federal student loans, are in public service, are a parent considering college costs for children, or just trying to figure out your next money move, this change could impact you…

1
The 7 Startup Functions Physicians Can Support 32:06

5M 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…

1
Ep #248: From Speculation to Law: What Made It Into the Big Beautiful Bill 20:55

5M ago20:55

20:55

The One Big Beautiful Bill has officially passed, and it's packed with massive updates to your tax life — from permanent brackets and deductions to brand-new accounts and surprising repeals. We're talking about a $6,000 deduction for seniors, big wins for business owners and 1099 earners, and a powerful SALT + PTE combo that high earners need to he…

1
Breaking the Mold: How a Practicing Physician Became a Startup Insider with Dr. Gina Clark 27:49

5M 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…

1
Ep #247: Rethinking the 60-40 Portfolio 14:04

5M ago14:04

14:04

As retirement planning evolves, the old 60/40 rule is starting to feel outdated—especially for emergency physicians eyeing early retirement and facing decades of life beyond medicine. With longer life expectancies, volatile markets, and the growing relevance of crypto and international diversification, building a resilient portfolio requires new th…

1
Beyond the White Coat: Building a Startup Career from Private Practice with Dr. Payal Adhikari 32:01

5M 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 …

1
Ep #246: Caught in the Middle: Practicing Medicine During Corporate Uncertainty 12:06

5M ago12:06

12:06

If you're an ER doc, there's a lot happening behind the scenes in healthcare finance that could directly impact your day-to-day. A recent story caught our attention that ties into some of the broader trends we've discussed in the past — and it's worth unpacking. It involves ownership models, shifting priorities, and what it all means for the future…

1
Design Is Deconstruction First: Why Your Life, Business, and Startup Idea Need a Blank Page 18:48

5M 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…

1
Ep #245: What If You're Wrong? The Risk of Paying Off the Wrong Debt First 12:59

5M ago12:59

12:59

Emergency physicians often juggle multiple financial goals—from building wealth to eliminating debt—but choosing where to direct extra payments isn't always straightforward. Should you attack your student loans or put more toward the mortgage? Each path has trade-offs in risk, flexibility, and long-term impact. In this episode, we break down how to…

1
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…

1
Ep #244: Emergency Medicine Meets Early Retirement: The Social Security Playbook 14:37

6M ago14:37

14:37

Social Security might be the most universally recognized piece of the retirement puzzle, but that doesn't make the decision around it any easier. Whether you're planning to claim early or wait it out for a bigger monthly check, the debate is louder than ever—especially for high-income ER docs who might not "need" the benefit right away. Is there a …

1
Rethinking Risk: What Startups Miss Without Physicians at the Table with Isaac Edrah 30:52

6M 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…

1
Ep #243: The Financial Personalities Of Emergency Physicians 2.0 16:31

6M ago16:31

16:31

Ever wonder why some people obsess over every financial detail while others just want someone to handle it all for them? Money isn't just about math — it's deeply tied to how we're wired. In this episode, we're diving into how your personality shapes your financial decisions — and why knowing yourself might be the key to getting (and staying) ahead…