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While telemedicine is growing rapidly, not every physician is eager to jump on board.

Dr. Hussain Mithaiwala shares why he prefers practicing in person. He discusses the importance of the "eyeball test" in patient care, the potential pitfalls of virtual-only evaluations, and his concerns about collaborating with unfamiliar providers.

Dr. Mithaiwala emphasizes that while telemedicine reduces barriers for patients, it also raises questions about quality, safety, and physician liability.

His biggest hesitation?

Trust—both in technology and the people providing care under his name.

Listen to his perspective on the burnout driving many doctors to telemedicine and why, for him, the trade-offs aren’t worth it (yet).

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Prioritize Patient Safety: Virtual care has its place, but certain conditions require an in-person evaluation. Always consider what could be missed without a physical exam.
Vet Your Collaborators: If you’re supervising other providers, know them personally. Trust is crucial when your license is on the line.
Consider Your Long-Term Goals: Burnout drives many physicians toward telemedicine, but ensure any career pivot aligns with what you value most in patient care.

About the Show:

Telemedicine isn’t just a side gig—it’s a movement. Telemedicine Talks empowers physicians to explore digital health, find sustainable work-life balance, and make informed decisions about their careers—without the hype.

About the Guest:

🔹 Dr. Hussain Mithaiwala is a board-certified anesthesiologist with years of experience in providing safe and effective anesthesia care. He completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic, where he trained in perioperative management, pain control, and optimizing patient outcomes in surgical and procedural settings. Dr. Mithaiwala is dedicated to ensuring patient comfort and safety while working closely with surgical teams to deliver the best possible care.

About the Hosts:
🔹 Dr. Leo Damasco – A pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor who transitioned into telemedicine, finding flexibility and new opportunities along the way.
🔹 Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned startup executive, now helping companies and physicians build smarter, compliant, and sustainable telemedicine businesses.

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.