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 valuat ...
…
continue reading
The Wealthy Mom MD Podcast is for high-achieving women who want to create wealth in all areas of their life. Join Master Certified Coach Bonnie Koo, MD, to gain the tools and confidence to create your wealthy life. Learn more at https://wealthymommd.com/ Instagram: @wealthymommd Facebook: wealthymommd
…
continue reading

1
Redefining Success: From Burnout to Breakthrough with Dr. Hansa Bhargava
30:47
30:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:47In this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. Hansa Bhargava—pediatrician, writer, and Chief Clinical Strategy and Innovation Officer at Helio—to unpack her journey from clinical burnout to a purpose-driven career in health media, technology, and innovation. We talk about what it really takes to step away from traditional medicine, why…
…
continue reading

1
Bridging Innovation and Clinical Insight: How Physicians Can Shape Healthcare Startups with Shelli Pavone
30:24
30:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:24In this episode, I sit down with Shelli Pavone, co-founder of Inlightened, a platform built to bridge the gap between healthcare innovators and professionals. Shelli shares her journey through healthcare and startup leadership, and we dive into why startups often miss the mark when they don't meaningfully involve clinicians in the innovation proces…
…
continue reading

1
233: You Can't Delegate Your Dream Life (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
24:43
24:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:43Your dream life isn’t on layaway—and no, you can’t outsource it. Bonnie shares why crafting a life you love starts with vision, bold money moves, and reclaiming your time. Plus, how she booked a $20K trip for free.By Bonnie Koo
…
continue reading

1
How Patient Care Prepares You to Work With Startups
25:03
25:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:03In this episode, I explore the powerful parallels between clinical care and startup innovation. As physicians, we are expert diagnosticians—trained to identify real problems, design strategic solutions, and build trust under pressure. Our ability to operate in uncertainty, assess risk, collaborate across disciplines, and drive continuous improvemen…
…
continue reading

1
The Physician's Guide to De-Risking your Startup Idea
24:25
24:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:25Summary This episode, I discuss the growing opportunities for physicians in the startup world and how to successfully transition from clinical roles to entrepreneurial ventures. I share why identifying real healthcare problems, designing thoughtful solutions, and building sustainable business models are critical steps—often without needing large am…
…
continue reading

1
Engineering Curiosity into Impact: Dr. Alyssa Abo on Translating Clinical Insight into Innovation
39:55
39:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:55When you think about startups and healthcare, it’s easy to feel like those worlds are galaxies apart — but Dr. Alyssa Abo shows us that they’re much more connected than you think. In this episode, Alyssa shares how her journey from engineering school to pediatric emergency medicine led her straight into the heart of healthcare innovation. We talk a…
…
continue reading

1
Translating Clinical Skills Into Startup Strategy with Dr. Rebecca Miksad
39:49
39:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:49This episode I’m joined by my friend and former co-consultant Dr. Rebecca Miksad. Rebecca is a powerhouse—Harvard-trained oncologist, health economist, startup executive, and now Chief Medical Officer at Color. We go deep into how she made the leap from academia to startups, how she navigated uncertainty and mentorship, and why your clinical skills…
…
continue reading

1
So You Want to Advise Startups? Here’s Exactly How to Get Started as a Physician Consultant
27:00
27:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:00In this solo episode, let’s work on getting past the most common mindset hurdles that keep physicians from stepping into the startup space. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have anything unique to offer, or that you’re “just a doctor” without a business background, this one’s for you. I unpack the top five limiting beliefs I hear again and again—…
…
continue reading

1
You’re Not Stuck: Mindset Shifts for Physician Innovators with Dr. Karen Leitner
40:57
40:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:57Have you ever felt like the system just wasn’t built for you? Like you’re in a role that no longer fits—but you don’t know what else is out there, or if you’re even allowed to want more? In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend and colleague, Dr. Karen Leitner, a physician, coach, and out-of-the-box thinker who’s reimagined what a meani…
…
continue reading

1
Turning Physician Pain Points into Business Opportunities with Dr. David Canes
45:24
45:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:24In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and down-to-earth Dr. David Canes—a practicing urologist who found himself burned out, uninspired, and stuck in the repetitive rhythm of clinic visits. But instead of staying stuck, he did something a lot of us dream about—he turned a real-life clinical inefficiency into a business. And get this—he did…
…
continue reading

1
Beyond Academia: Dr. David Lim on Building Healthcare Startups
33:46
33:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:46What happens when an infectious disease specialist decides to step off the academic path and jump headfirst into the startup world? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Lim, a physician-scientist turned healthcare entrepreneur, who shares his inspiring journey from UCSF to the boardrooms of Boston Consulting Group, and ultimately, into foundi…
…
continue reading

1
Doctors as Innovators: How Physicians Can Shape Products, Policy, and Public Health with Dr. Tanya Altmann
39:33
39:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:33As physicians, we're uniquely positioned to identify and solve real-world health problems—but how do we translate clinical insights into impactful industry partnerships? In today's episode, I talk with pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann, who shares how she turned her passion for child health and safety into a dynamic career consulting with companies ac…
…
continue reading

1
Finding Your Why: How Physicians Can Build Careers by Solving the Right Problem with Dr. David Johnson
39:02
39:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:02In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. David Johnson, to talk about his unconventional career path from urologic oncology to health services research, payers, and now healthcare startups. David shares his journey of discovering the misalignment in healthcare incentives, particularly in value-based care, and how that realizati…
…
continue reading

1
Startups, Strategy, and Serendipity: Navigating Healthcare Innovation with Dr. Paige Bhansali
36:19
36:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:19What 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 episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dr. Paige Bhansali, a pediatrician with an incredible journey through consulting, healthcare startups, and value-based care. Paige has carved…
…
continue reading

1
Bridging Gaps in Pediatric Readiness with Dr. Alana Arnold
38:00
38:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:00In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Alana Arnold, a pediatric emergency physician, innovator, and startup founder, to the show. Alana shares her journey from working in community hospitals to launching two groundbreaking companies aimed at addressing gaps in pediatric healthcare. We dive into her passion for improving pediatric readiness i…
…
continue reading

1
232: DPC vs. Concierge Medicine: A Deep Dive with Dr. Jessica Mendelsohn
34:40
34:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:40Have you ever dreamed of starting your own direct primary care (DPC) practice? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jessica Mendelsohn, a family medicine physician who owns New South Family Medicine, The MedSpa at New South, and Echelon Contrast Suites in Fort Mill, SC. With over 13 years of experience in family medicine and hospice, Jessica opened h…
…
continue reading

1
From Pediatric Cardiologist to Health Tech Innovator with Dr. Bronwyn Harris
41:03
41:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:03Ever 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 healthcare innovator. From her early days in biomedical engineering to pioneering a digital health startup that was later acquired…
…
continue reading

1
231: How to Break Free from Autopilot and Pursue the Life You Really Want
12:15
12:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:15Do you ever feel like life is passing you by while you're stuck on autopilot? It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and put off the things that truly matter. In this episode, I share a personal story about how I almost missed out on two incredibly special moments because they felt "inconvenient" at the time. Join me as I explore the…
…
continue reading

1
Building Your Personal Brand in the Startup Ecosystem with Sarah Johnston
32:53
32:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:53Are you a physician considering a career pivot or wanting to explore opportunities outside traditional medicine? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Johnston, a career branding expert and founder of The Briefcase Coach, who has helped hundreds of executives, including myself, navigate career transitions. We explore practical strategies to optimi…
…
continue reading

1
230: PSLF, SAVE, and More: Your Guide to Student Loan Relief with Sim Terwilliger
36:43
36:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:43I sit down with Sim Terwilliger, a Certified Financial Planner and student loan expert from Student Loan Planner. She breaks down the latest changes to student loan forgiveness programs, including the recent administration change and the ongoing legal battles surrounding the SAVE plan. Whether you're pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) …
…
continue reading

1
Rethinking Healthcare: Adapting to the Startup Mindset
19:28
19:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:28In this episode, 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, creativity, and disruption, and w…
…
continue reading

1
229: Maximize Your Income: Tax Strategies Every Physician Must Know with Doc Wealth
34:27
34:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:27In this episode, I talk with Dr. Mark Applegate and Laxman Pichappan, the founders of Doc Wealth, a tax strategy and CPA firm tailored specifically for physicians. As a physician, you have unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to taxes, whether you're a W-2 employee or a business owner. Mark and Laxman share their expertise on how physi…
…
continue reading

1
How Physicians Can Bring Clinical Expertise to the Startup World
33:06
33:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:06Today, we’re exploring the many ways physicians can break into the startup world and make an impact. Whether you’ve considered founding a company, consulting for innovative health-tech startups, or joining an advisory board, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you get started. I’ll share why startups are hungry for our clinical e…
…
continue reading

1
228: Pivoting with Purpose: Aligning Your Money and Life Goals
17:46
17:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:46In this episode, I share some exciting changes happening in my business and how they reflect the importance of evolving and living life intentionally. I'm retiring my main money program and launching a new six-month mastermind called the Happy and Rich Club for Women Physicians, as well as a business program for female physicians starting their own…
…
continue reading

1
Breaking the Mold: How Physicians Can Thrive in Startups
23:32
23:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:32Welcome to the very first episode of Startup Physicians! I’m Alison Curfman, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. This podcast is for physicians who are curious about diving into the dynamic world of startups—whether you’re considering launching your own company, consulting for innovative health-tech initiatives, or just exploring new opportunities. In…
…
continue reading

1
227: Massive Action: The Key to Achieving Your Hopes and Dreams in 2025
13:29
13:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:29In this episode, I'm diving deep into the difference between passive and massive action. I explain why we get stuck in passive mode and how it's actually a form of failure in itself. Plus, I share strategies for overcoming your fear of failure and taking the massive action required to achieve your goals. If you're ready to stop letting perfectionis…
…
continue reading
Are you a physician wondering if there’s more to your career than the hospital or clinic walls? Welcome to StartUp Physicians! I’m Dr. Alison Curfman, your host, and I’m here to help you explore how doctors like us can break into the exciting world of healthcare startups. In this trailer episode, I’m sharing my journey—how I built a healthcare comp…
…
continue reading

1
226: Rethinking Retirement: Are You Chasing the Wrong Goal?
10:09
10:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:09I still can’t believe it’s 2025. Time seems to fly, especially when raising kids. My child is about to turn eight, and I can’t help but wonder how it happened so fast. It got me thinking about the stories I hear from clients - how childhood feels short. Many parents say they want to spend more time with their kids but feel money is the obstacle. Th…
…
continue reading

1
225: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life
10:19
10:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:19What if the way you see the world isn’t about the circumstances around you, but the lens you’re looking through? Two people can go through the same experience yet describe it completely differently - one sees endless challenges, the other sees possibilities. The secret lies in something we all have but rarely think about: mindset. It’s not just who…
…
continue reading

1
224: From Medicine to Startups: Dr. Alison Curfman’s Leap Into Innovation
53:12
53:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:12Dr. Alison Curfman’s story is about recognizing problems in the system and deciding to solve them. From co-founding Imagine Pediatrics, a company built to improve care for children with chronic conditions, to working with developers on tech-driven solutions, she’s learned what it takes to bring ideas to life in ways most physicians haven’t imagined…
…
continue reading
Reflection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be as simple as setting aside time to write about your favorite memories or jot down lessons from the challenges you’ve faced. I share some practical ways to reflect on the positives, the meaningful moments, and what you’d like to carry forward into the new year. Whether it’s creating a photo album…
…
continue reading

1
222: Navigating Perimenopause and Beyond: A Guide to Women’s Health with Dr. Shieva Ghofrany
1:01:39
1:01:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:39I’m joined by Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, a board-certified OB/GYN with over 14 years of experience, to explore the often-overlooked aspects of women’s health. Dr. Shieva shares her personal experience of navigating postpartum life after having her third baby at 41, while also entering perimenopause. She sheds light on how unpredictable and transformative…
…
continue reading
I'm thankful for you. I hope you're enjoying this week. Thanksgiving is a powerful reminder of the power of gratitude. Listen to this short message to get my best tip for beating money scarcity. Also, this Sat-Sun, 11/30 & 12/1 - we have our 48 hr FLASH SALE for the 2025 Live Wealthy Conference. It's our biggest sale of the year. Mark your calendar…
…
continue reading

1
220: Raising Financially Savvy Kids with Hope Seidel, MD
54:42
54:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:42Do you struggle with knowing how to talk to your kids about money? Are you worried they'll grow up feeling entitled? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Hope Seidel, a pediatrician and parenting coach, to discuss strategies for raising financially savvy kids. We dive into topics like allowance, separating chores from money, modeling restraint, and u…
…
continue reading

1
219: Smart Shopping Strategies for Black Friday
12:14
12:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:14When it comes to Black Friday, it's easy to get caught up in the buzz and spend beyond what you planned. I know the feeling all too well. So let’s start by setting up a game plan to avoid those common pitfalls. Whether it’s gifts for loved ones or items you’ve been eyeing all year, taking stock of what you need - and sticking to it - can make all t…
…
continue reading

1
218: Identify & Change Your Overspending Habit
21:28
21:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:28How many of us believe that earning more will automatically solve our money issues? I certainly did. I often hear from six-figure earners who think the same way. We assume we just need to cut back, but the reality is, it’s not just about spending less or staying within our means. It’s about aligning our spending with what we want to create in life.…
…
continue reading

1
217: Manage Time Like a Pro: How to Stay Focused in a Busy World
21:49
21:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:49In today’s world, with our phones constantly demanding our attention, we’ve become a distracted generation. It’s tough to be fully present. That’s why I’m encouraging you to rethink your relationship with your phone and offering practical strategies to sharpen your focus. In this episode, I share a powerful system to help you manage your time effec…
…
continue reading

1
216: Leveraging ChatGPT: Step-by-Step Solutions for Your Mental Load
25:01
25:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:01When I first encountered ChatGPT, I was intrigued but didn’t see its full potential. That changed when I realized how effective it could be, not just in business but in managing everyday tasks. From meal planning to task management, I found the key was in how I prompted the AI. Learn how to use AI like ChatGPT to lighten your mental load, from meal…
…
continue reading

1
215: Taking Control of Your Money: A Simple Starting Point
29:33
29:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:33I didn’t always have a solid understanding of money. In fact, there was a time when I was living paycheck to paycheck, racking up debt, and not fully grasping why my money seemed to disappear so quickly. As a female physician, managing finances can feel overwhelming or even embarrassing when you haven’t taken control yet, but the truth is, it’s nev…
…
continue reading

1
214: The Power of Slowing Down: Lessons from a Month in Greece
18:25
18:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:25Today, I want to talk to you about my experience in Greece and how it completely shifted my perspective on productivity and life. We spent a month living at a slower pace that made me rethink what it means to truly live and work. This wasn’t about packing in activities or sightseeing - it was about embracing a slower pace and seeing what life looks…
…
continue reading

1
213: Moving Smarter: Managing Costs and Adjusting to a New Life
17:57
17:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:57When my family and I moved, it was more than just a change of scenery—it was a whirlwind of new challenges. We barely had time to settle in before I jetted off to Greece for five weeks. The new house felt overwhelming with its extra space and unexpected tasks like dealing with the humidity. The move wasn’t just about a new address; it was a complet…
…
continue reading

1
BONUS | Testimony Tactics: Dr. Gretchen Green’s Guide for Medical Experts
38:36
38:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:36Earning extra income from home while staying clinically active is possible through expert witness work. Join Radiologist, Expert Witness, and coach Dr. Gretchen Green as she shares her journey and insights. Many physicians hesitate to explore other options due to the fear of a pay cut. Dr. Green is here to demonstrate the opportunities available fo…
…
continue reading

1
212: Financial Planning for Special Needs Children with Britta Koepf
33:46
33:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:46Britta Koepf is a certified financial planner and special needs consultant who has dedicated her career to helping families navigate these complex waters. In our discussion, Britta shares her expertise on the intricacies of financial and special needs planning, from setting up various types of trusts to exploring ABLE accounts. We dive into why it'…
…
continue reading

1
211: What You Need to Know About Cash Flows with Nick True, Owner of Mapped Out Money
51:22
51:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:22I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nick True, the founder of Mapped Out Money, to dive into the often overlooked world of cash flow management. Unlike the often glamorized world of investing, Nick argues that mastering your cash flow is fundamental - it's the backbone that supports everything from budgeting to long-term financial security. Tun…
…
continue reading

1
210: Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance with Wallis Tsai, CEO of AboveBoard Financial
51:35
51:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:35Wallis Tsai, the founder and CEO of AboveBoard Financial, is driven by a passion for ethical insurance practices. She transitioned from a high-powered role at Goldman Sachs to start her own independent insurance brokerage. Her mission is to provide transparent, informed guidance on long-term care insurance, a topic that can often feel overwhelming …
…
continue reading

1
208: How to Protect Yourself in Today’s Digital Landscape
21:55
21:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:55In today's fast-paced digital world, safeguarding your personal and family's online security has become paramount. It’s like ensuring the doors are locked before we step outside. Security breaches, particularly within larger corporations, consistently remind us of the vulnerabilities we all encounter. As a result, it prompted me to reevaluate my ow…
…
continue reading

1
207: Building Your Dream Outside of Medicine with Tiffany Moon, MD
52:14
52:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:14Dr. Tiffany Moon is a board-certified anesthesiologist, a social media personality, ex Real Housewife, and a mom of twins. She’s built an amazing career outside of her clinical work, and she’s here to discuss the many opportunities that exist for physicians outside of practicing medicine. Discover how Tiffany Moon is creating opportunities for hers…
…
continue reading

1
206: How to Start Thinking like an Entrepreneur
26:25
26:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:25This week, you’re getting a preview of my talk on entrepreneurship at the 2024 Money and Wellness Conference for Women Physicians! Learn why everyone needs to know how to think like an entrepreneur, even if you have no desire to start your own company. I'm showing you the differences between the mindset of an entrepreneur versus an employee, what g…
…
continue reading

1
205: How Physicians Can Start Their Real Estate Journey with Peter Kim M.D.
36:15
36:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:15My guest this week is Dr. Peter Kim, a practicing anesthesiologist with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to real estate investing. He started sharing about his journey to financial freedom on his blog, Passive Income MD, with the hopes of helping other physicians do the same through his online course and physician-only community. Discover the di…
…
continue reading

1
204: Lessons from the Money and Wellness Conference for Women Physicians
26:34
26:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:34The first-ever Money and Wellness Conference for Women Physicians in 2024 just concluded at the Miraval Arizona! This is the first and only money conference specifically for women physicians that I know of, and it’s something I feel very strongly about. There is so much power and magic in meeting in person to discuss all things money and wellness, …
…
continue reading