What if securing capital for your healthcare practice didn't mean drowning in paperwork or facing endless rejections?

In this engaging kickoff to 2026, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco chat with Sharmeen Aqeel, about demystifying finances for independent healthcare providers. From breaking down P&L statements into simple cash inflows and outflows to navigating options like big banks versus private lenders, they explore how to track key metrics like patient statistics and fixed costs without needing an accountant. Sharmeen shares real-world examples of clinics overcoming funding hurdles for marketing, equipment, and growth, emphasizing the role of revenue-based funding and quick capital. Drawing from her design background and fintech expertise, she highlights Lyyvora's AI-driven platform that matches borrowers with multiple lenders for the best offers, plus tools for assessing readiness and improving financial health. Phoebe and Leo add insights from their experiences in telehealth and startups, discussing bottlenecks like cash flow for marketing and scaling tech.

If you're a physician, clinician, or entrepreneur building a practice in telemedicine or beyond, this episode provides practical advice on raising capital, avoiding high-interest traps, and pursuing your business dreams with confidence.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Simplify your financial tracking: Focus on key basics like patient statistics (e.g., cost per patient vs. revenue), fixed vs. variable costs, and cash inflows/outflows—use tools like bank statements and calendars to project growth without complex spreadsheets.
Explore funding options wisely: Compare big banks (for larger, slower loans like acquisitions) with private lenders (for fast capital on marketing or payroll, with rates 8-15%); shop multiple offers and consider revenue-based funding that flexes with your monthly earnings.
Assess and prepare for loans: Use platforms like Lyyvora to match with lenders based on your revenue, bank health, and business tenure—get a readiness score, improve weak areas with templates, and persist through rejections by refining your story around clientele growth.

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:

Sharmeen Aqeel is the founder and CEO of Lyyvora, a fintech platform simplifying capital access for independent healthcare practices via AI-matched loans from private lenders (8-15% rates). With a design background in UX and product leadership, she focuses on human-centered solutions, demystifying finances like P&L statements and patient metrics. Her Advice: Take risks, persist through rejections.

LinkedIn: Sharmeen Aqeel

Website: https://lyyvora.com

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.