What 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.

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