Show notes
What happens when a physician decides not to follow the traditional path?
In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Payel Gupta, a board-certified allergist and immunologist who took a series of bold, intentional risks — from global health sabbaticals to becoming a health tech co-founder — ultimately leading to a successful startup acquisition.
Dr. Gupta shares her journey from traditional clinical training to co-founding a telemedicine company in the allergy space during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as consulting turned into a co-founder role (after she boldly suggested they needed a physician at the table). The company partnered directly with a pharmaceutical manufacturer to deliver FDA-approved allergy immunotherapy via telemedicine — and was later acquired by LifeMD in 2022.
This conversation is a masterclass in:
- Why physicians are uniquely positioned to succeed in startups
- How to take calculated career risks without sacrificing financial security
- The real-world MBA you gain by building a company
- What value physicians bring to product, marketing, compliance, validation, and payer strategy
- How to leverage LinkedIn to land consulting and advisory opportunities
We also dive into imposter syndrome, physician risk tolerance, and the two beliefs that can fundamentally change your career trajectory:
- Physicians are exceptional problem solvers.
- There are countless ways for doctors to create income and impact.
If you've ever wondered whether there’s more beyond traditional clinical practice — this episode will expand what feels possible.
Resources & Links:
- Partners in Health, Dr. Paul Farmer's Social Justice Health Care Organization: https://www.pih.org/
- Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder: https://www.tracykidder.com/mountains-beyond-mountains.html
- Connect with Dr. Payel Gupta on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/payel-gupta-md-facaai-4b178411
- Listen to her podcast: The Itch (All About Allergies & Asthma): https://www.itchpodcast.com/about-the-show
- Learn more about the Startup Physicians Launchpad (Advisory & Consulting Program): https://www.startupphysicians.com/launchpad
- Explore the Startup Physicians Incubator (For Physician Founders): https://www.startupphysicians.com/incubator
CHAPTERS
00:00Introduction to Dr. Payel Gupta
01:30Global Health Sabbatical & Meeting Paul Farmer
05:00Taking Early Career Risks
07:00COVID, Pregnancy & A Career Pivot
09:30Becoming a Health Tech Co-Founder
11:30Telemedicine + Pharma Direct-to-Consumer Model
13:00Startup Acquisition in 2022
14:30Why Physicians Struggle with Risk
16:00The Two Beliefs That Change Everything
20:30The Physician Value in Health Tech
24:30Overcoming Imposter Syndrome