Podcast
Telemedicine Talks
Hosted by Phoebe Gutierrez, Dr. Leo Damasco, Doctor Podcast Network · EN
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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#69 - When AI Becomes a Doctor: Regulatory Battles in Pennsylvania & Utah
2d ago00:26:11Tap to summarizeIn this timely solo episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco explores the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and medical practice. Following last week’s conversation with Dr. Ashok Gupta on AI hallucinations, Leo examines two real-world cases making headlines in 2026. First, he dives into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s lawsuit against Character.ai, where an undercover investigator exposed a chatbot persona (“Emily”) that falsely claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist, provided fake credentials, and offered therapy and medication advice. Leo also analyzes the growing tension in Utah between the Department of Commerce’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and the Utah Medical Licensing Board over Doctronic’s autonomous AI platform for processing 30, 60, and 90 day prescription refills. Leo shares balanced commentary on the promise and dangers of AI in healthcare, the critical importance of physician involvement, regulatory gaps, and who should ultimately oversee AI-driven medical decisions. He discusses liability, patient safety, and the need for proper collaboration between innovators and medical boards. This episode is essential listening for clinicians, telemedicine practitioners, digital health entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future regulation of AI in medicine. Top 3 Takeaways: AI Must Not Impersonate Physicians: Chatbots claiming to be licensed doctors, even under a “fictional character” disclaimer, Cross a dangerous line, especially when interacting with vulnerable patients. Clear boundaries and accountability are urgently needed. Medical Boards Must Have a Seat at the Table: Regulatory sandbox experiments involving AI prescribing should involve state medical boards before launch, not after. Collaboration between innovation offices and practicing clinicians is essential for patient safety. AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement (Yet): Current AI models show promise in efficiency and standardization but still make errors at rates unacceptable for independent clinical decision-making. The safest path forward is strong physician oversight combined with transparent guardrails. 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. Connect with Leo Damasco: Email: leo@telemedicinetalks.com Website: 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.
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#68 -Building Trust with Safe AI: The Future of Hybrid Virtual Physical Therapy with Dr. Ashok Gupta
1w ago00:41:27Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build a compliant, clinician-friendly, and patient-centered virtual care platform in a highly regulated field like physical therapy? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Leo Damasco welcome Dr. Ashok Gupta, founder of TheraNow. Ashok shares his evolution from treating patients at the VA and in rural America to building a hybrid tele-physical therapy platform that integrates deeply with hospital systems and EHRs like Epic. The conversation explores the realities of telehealth adoption pre and post-pandemic, the importance of hybrid (omnichannel) care models, and thoughtful AI integration. Ashok provides real-world examples of safe AI use cases including computer vision for movement tracking, context-aware ambient listening scribes, and AI-powered clinician training/feedback tools ,while stressing patient safety, avoiding hallucinations, maintaining human oversight, and building transparent, accountable systems. Listeners will gain practical insights on regulatory navigation, deep workflow integration, equity/accessibility features, and why starting with clinician and patient needs leads to better outcomes and sustainable businesses in digital health. Top 3 Takeaways: Hybrid & Omnichannel Wins: Pure virtual models often struggle in physical medicine. Success comes from hybrid care that complements in-person services, deep EHR integrations and flexible visit options that fit patient and system needs. Safe, Accountable AI First: AI should augment clinicians, not replace them. Use contextual prompts, real-time review, evidence-backed scoring, larger context windows, and human-in-the-loop workflows. Examples include ambient scribes with prior session context and AI feedback tools that show exact evidence instead of just scores. Patient & Compliance Focus Pays Off: Build for equity (interpreters, ADA), accessibility, and parity with brick-and-mortar care. Deep integrations, risk-averse design, and clinician involvement from day one help navigate regulations and create scalable, trusted platforms. 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. Ashok Gupta is the founder and CEO of TheraNow, a leading virtual physical therapy platform that has supported over 70,000 patients across the US since 2021. A former VA physical therapist, he is a passionate advocate for hybrid care models and the safe, responsible integration of AI in telemedicine. Connect with Dr Ashok Gupta on: Website: TheraNow.com LinkedIn: Dr. Ashok Gupta 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.
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#67 - Your License at Risk: How Zealthy Used Doctors’ Names Without Their Knowledge
2w ago00:35:27Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a telehealth founder moves from one controversy to the next, and doctors’ licenses get caught in the crossfire? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco dive into the latest FTC/DOJ actions against Zealthy, a GLP-1 and lifestyle telehealth company led by Kyle Robertson (former CEO of Cerebral). They discuss allegations of deceptive marketing, hidden subscription charges, and most alarmingly, using physicians’ names and NPIs to issue prescriptions without the doctors’ awareness or involvement. The conversation explores broader issues in telemedicine: the lack of upfront regulatory oversight for new companies, escalation of commitment in non-compliant operations, risks to PC owners and supervising physicians, and why physicians must actively engage in clinical oversight rather than taking passive roles. Phoebe and Leo emphasize the importance of proper CPOM structures, due diligence, and building compliant operations where physicians stay in the driver’s seat. This episode provides actionable advice for clinicians considering telehealth opportunities and a reminder that compliant, well-run models can still deliver strong results when done right. Top 3 Takeaways: Serial Issues in Telehealth Leadership: The same founder can move from one troubled company (Cerebral) to another (Zealthy) with limited personal repercussions, while clinicians and patients bear the consequences. Always research leadership and past regulatory history before joining. Protect Your License – No Ghost Supervision: Prescriptions issued under your name/NPI without your knowledge or proper evaluation are a major red flag. As a PC owner or supervisor, you must stay actively involved. Review protocols, know the clinical team, and ensure real evaluations occur before renewals or auto-charges. CPOM Is Your Gut Check: Corporate practice of medicine rules exist for a reason. Physicians need to drive clinical decisions, review marketing, verify money flow, and regularly check company operations. Passive roles or “one hour a month” promises often lead to compliance failures and board actions. 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.
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#66 - How Two Type 1 Diabetics Built Their Dream Telemedicine Practice
3w ago00:53:48Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode, Phoebe Gutierrez welcomes Savannah and Katie to share the raw, behind-the-scenes story of launching Type 1 Telehealth, a telemedicine practice created by Type 1 diabetics, for Type 1 diabetics. The duo opens up about the moment they decided to break away from traditional endocrinology, the surprisingly fast timeline from idea to seeing patients, and the key lessons learned in their first two months. They discuss their unique patient-centered model including longer visits, flexible membership options, and true education, creative marketing strategies like community involvement with Breakthrough T1D, staying current with diabetes technology, and why they chose a cash-pay telemedicine approach. Savannah and Katie also share honest reflections on the challenges of wearing every hat as new practice owners, the power of true partnership, navigating a supervising physician relationship, and how their lived experience as Type 1 patients helps them deliver care that patients have been desperately seeking. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivation for any clinician dreaming of building their own telemedicine practice, especially those passionate about a specific niche. Top 3 Takeaways: Build What You Wish Existed for Yourself: When you create a practice rooted in your own lived experience and passion, you naturally attract the right patients and stand out in a crowded market. Start Small, Stay Nimble, and Pivot Quickly: Be willing to wear every hat in the beginning, learn operations hands-on, and pivot fast when something isn’t working. Savannah and Katie credit their rapid progress to flexibility, constant learning, and support from communities like IPAC. Longer, Deeper Visits and True Advocacy Win Patients: Offering unhurried consultations, comprehensive education on technology and lifestyle, and acting as fierce patient advocates leads to high conversion rates and extremely satisfied patients who finally feel heard. 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 Guests: Savannah Elkins (PA-C) and Katie Wakeland (NP) are the co-founders of Type 1 Telehealth, a Texas-based telemedicine practice specializing exclusively in Type 1 Diabetes care. Both are practicing clinicians and Type 1 diabetics themselves. Passionate about providing personalized, accessible, and comprehensive care, they left traditional endocrinology to create a practice that delivers the level of time, education, and advocacy they always wished existed for patients like them. 🔗 Connect with Type 1 Telehealth: 🌐 Website: https://www.type1telehealth.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type1telehealth 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.
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#65 - The Hidden Risks of Medical Directors in Telemedicine
Apr 1400:42:42Tap to summarizeWhat if taking on a medical director role in telemedicine didn’t have to risk your license, but instead gave you clarity, proper compensation, and real impact on patient safety? In this practical and eye-opening episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez dive deep into one of the most requested, yet misunderstood roles in digital health: the virtual medical director. Drawing from real-world examples, enforcement cases, and Phoebe’s extensive compliance experience, they explain why many physicians are being sold “passive” roles that are anything but, and how the lack of proper structure leads to board actions and lost licenses. They discuss: The critical distinctions between PC Owner, Medical Director, and Collaborating Physician roles Why “ghost medical directors” are getting sanctioned and how to avoid becoming one The delegated risk model and the importance of checks and balances Red flags when evaluating telemedicine opportunities Proper compensation structures and why lumping roles together is risky How to build operational workflows, chart review processes, and documentation systems that actually protect you Phoebe also shares insights from her recent blog on medical directorships and highlights current enforcement trends that every telemedicine physician needs to know. This episode is essential listening for any physician considering or already serving in a medical director, PC owner, or collaborative role in telemedicine or digital health. Three Actionable Takeaways: Clearly Separate the Roles & Contracts: PC Owner, Medical Director, and Collaborating Physician are distinct positions with different responsibilities and risks. Always use separate contracts and compensation structures rather than bundling them into one “all-in” package. Build Real Oversight Systems, Not Just Paper Compliance: Don’t settle for “it’s passive” promises. Implement monthly meetings, chart review processes, provider onboarding, documentation logs, and visible acknowledgment of your role (website, clinic signage where applicable). Read your contract and operationalize every requirement. Vet Opportunities Aggressively and Walk Away if Needed: Ask key questions about services offered, oversight processes, hiring input, billing codes, and clinical pathway ownership. If the company lacks transparency, resists chart review, or tries to blur clinical vs. business decisions, it’s a major red flag, protect your license and walk away from deals that sound too good to be true. 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.
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#64 - The Intentional Doctor: Dr. Dany Accilien on AI, Awareness & the Soul of Medicine
Apr 700:48:09Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like when an emergency physician steps beyond the bedside into healthcare innovation, operations, and AI? In this insightful episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Leo Damasco sit down with Dr. Dany Accilien as he opens up about his unconventional path: born in Haiti, moving to the US as a young child, bouncing between countries, and eventually finding his way into medicine through a love of teaching and learning. He shares how his early interest in exercise physiology and biomedical engineering evolved into a career that now spans clinical care, telemedicine, AI-driven innovations, and physician leadership. The conversation dives deep into Rely MD’s unique telemedicine platform, including its work on 911 EMS diversions with Global Medical Response (GMR), ambient AI scribing, and building a modular, physician-centered marketplace. Dr. Accilien explains how emergency medicine trained him to read people quickly, a skill that translates powerfully into leadership and product development. This episode is packed with career advice, leadership lessons, and honest insights for any clinician interested in expanding beyond traditional medicine. Three Actionable Takeaways: Be intentional with your career moves: Explore opportunities and say “yes” to growth, but stay focused on what truly aligns with your values and strengths. Intentionality helps prevent burnout and keeps you moving forward. Treat AI as a powerful tool, not a replacement: Use AI to reduce cognitive load and improve efficiency, but actively guard against over-reliance that can erode core clinical skills, especially when training residents and fellows. Build real relationships and networks: Success in healthcare innovation often comes from people and genuine connections. Prioritize being a good human, collaborating across silos, and surrounding yourself with driven, growth-minded individuals. 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. Dany Accilien is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, healthcare leader, and innovator. He serves as Chief Medical Officer of Rely MD, Vice President of AI and Innovation at Apollo MD, and Director of Apollo MD’s Administrative Fellowship program. He is also affiliated with WellStar Health System and helps train future physicians through the WellStar Kennestone Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Accilien is passionate about clinical care innovation, operations, telemedicine, and the responsible integration of AI in healthcare. LinkedIn: Dany Accilien, MD, MBA 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.
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#63 - Convenience Over Care: My Wake-Up Call with Asynchronous HRT
Mar 3100:23:13Tap to summarizeWhat if the ultra-convenient telemedicine experience you signed up for actually put your health at risk because no one ever spoke to you? In this candid episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco dive into the consumer side of trendy wellness treatments in telemedicine. Phoebe recounts her recent experience as a 38-year-old woman seeking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) through a major asynchronous telemedicine platform. She filled out a dynamic questionnaire, selected her preferred treatment, and received estradiol patches shipped to her door after a quick physician review, with no live consultation required. Phoebe and Leo explore the broader tensions in telemedicine wellness, the pressure of competitive marketing, the rise of self-directed care, asynchronous “store-and-forward” models, and the fine line between patient convenience and responsible medicine. They discuss how some platforms disincentivize thorough follow-up or pushback from providers, the predatory nature of wellness marketing targeting perimenopausal women, and why even highly compliant companies can still fall short when human conversation is removed from the process. The episode stresses that while telemedicine offers incredible access, patients, especially those pursuing hormones, peptides, or longevity treatments, must be cautious about what “convenience” really costs. Three Actionable Takeaways: Demand more than convenience. Insist on personalized care: As a patient, don’t assume a quick questionnaire and fast shipping equals good medicine. Ask whether you’ll have a live consultation, proper dosing education, and follow-up support before starting hormone therapy or similar treatments. Providers and platforms must prioritize clinical judgment over speed: Asynchronous models should include robust, dynamic protocols with age-appropriate starting doses, step therapy options, and clear pathways for live discussion when needed. Physicians should never feel penalized for refusing to prescribe or requesting more information. Beware of wellness marketing that skips the human element: Social media and direct-to-consumer ads often push quick fixes for perimenopause, weight loss, or longevity. Take time to understand your options, get labs, and speak with a qualified clinician rather than self-directing complex treatments. 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.
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#62 -Peptides in Telemedicine: Gray Areas, Regulations, and the Wellness Boom
Mar 2400:26:32Tap to summarizeWhat if the peptides you're injecting for wellness, recovery, or anti-aging came from a shady overseas lab with zero oversight, would you still take them? In this candid episode of Telemedicine Talks, Hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Leo Damasco unpack the realities behind the hype. They explore: The recent HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announcement (late Feb 2026) signaling intent to move ~14 of 19 restricted peptides back to Category 1, potentially allowing licensed 503A compounding pharmacies to produce them legally under prescription which is still pending full FDA implementation. Why the industry feels "gray": Many peptides were previously Category 2, restricted from routine compounding due to safety concerns, leading to black-market "research only" sales. Risks of unregulated sources: Potential impurities, toxicity, and patient harm from poor-quality compounding or non-pharma-grade products, and shady marketing tactics on social media. Telemedicine pitfalls: Providers approached for "medical director" roles with minimal oversight, asynchronous prescribing, or protocols that skip deep history and labs, versus compliant models requiring thorough evaluations. The bigger picture: Wellness trends driven by social media, unmet patient needs, and access bypassing traditional care, balanced against real safety, compliance, and ethical concerns. Whether you're a provider considering peptides or a patient exploring options, this episode stresses caution, research, and compliant infrastructure in a space that's heating up and getting more regulated. Three Actionable Takeaways: Ask the hard questions on sourcing: For providers or patients, always verify where peptides come from, licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies? Human-grade? Avoid anything with vague "research only" labels or overseas origins that skip quality controls. Prioritize thorough evaluations: Don't jump to peptides for fatigue, recovery, or performance, require detailed history, labs, and rule out organic issues first. Compliant models involve longer consults and ongoing monitoring, not quick sign-offs. Stay updated on regulations: Check FDA warning letters, HHS/FDA announcements (like the ongoing peptide reclassification), and recent actions, the "wild west" of telehealth compounding is shrinking fast, with real enforcement risks. 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.
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#61 | One Year of Telemedicine Talks: Lessons from 58 Episodes
Mar 1700:34:06Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to launch and sustain a healthcare podcast? In this special one-year anniversary episode of Telemedicine Talks, Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco reflect on the journey from a simple idea to 58 episodes featuring clinicians, founders, and healthcare innovators. They discuss the behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting—from finding the right co-host and booking guests to balancing busy careers while producing weekly episodes. Along the way, the show has become a platform for honest conversations about telemedicine, entrepreneurship, compliance, and the evolving healthcare landscape. Phoebe and Leo share lessons for clinicians interested in podcasting, including the importance of knowing your audience, staying authentic, and building the right support systems. Looking ahead, they preview upcoming conversations on AI, compliance, new models of care, and the real journeys of healthcare professionals building businesses in telemedicine.Three Actionable Takeaways: Find the right podcast partner: A co-host with a different background or perspective can create better conversations and make episodes more dynamic and engaging. Know your audience before you start: Whether your podcast targets patients, clinicians, or entrepreneurs, understanding your audience helps shape the topics, format, and frequency of your episodes. Outsource the technical work when possible: Editing, production, and distribution can quickly become overwhelming. Using a podcast network or production team allows hosts to focus on conversations and content. 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 physician turned telemedicine advocate, helping clinicians explore new models of digital healthcare. Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive specializing in compliance, healthcare regulation, and sustainable virtual care models. Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/ Email: 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.
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#60 - Building Compliant Health Tech: Why Compliance Drives Revenue and Growth
Mar 1000:29:15Tap to summarizeWhat if prioritizing compliance in your health tech startup could unlock contracts, funding, and growth instead of hindering it? In this episode, Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco explain how compliance, often delegated from federal rules to states, contractors, and companies, impacts health tech founders aiming to sell to hospitals, insurers, or consumers. She emphasizes building around certifications like HITRUST for privacy and security, which can take 7-12 months and involve audits, interviews, and demos, warning that skipping it leads to rework (up to 70% of a product) and lost opportunities. For telemedicine services selling peptides or GLP-1s, LegitScript certification is essential for Meta ads and Stripe payments, preventing suppression or payment issues. Phoebe highlights that even direct-to-consumer models evolve toward B2B, where HITRUST, SOC 2, FedRAMP, or PCI compliance become mandatory for series funding or government contracts. She advises starting with checklists, mapping workflows early, and understanding buyer contracts to avoid negative optics or pipeline shutdowns, noting offshore dev teams may miss healthcare standards. They share real-world examples of certification delays and costs, underscoring the need for informed decisions from the MVP stage. Three Actionable Takeaways: Review certification checklists early: Download HITRUST or LegitScript requirements and incorporate them into your roadmap, like user roles and permissions, to avoid costly rework later. Understand your buyers' contracts: Get sample obligations from target clients (e.g., hospitals, payers) to identify needed certifications like SOC 2 or PCI, ensuring you meet them before pitching. Plan for audits and timelines: Budget 7-12 months for certifications, prepare policies/procedures, and demo functionalities to pass third-party assessments without delays. 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.
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