Show notes
In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, host Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Joe Pazona, board-certified urologist and founder and CEO of VirtuCare, to explore his unconventional journey from traditional clinical practice to healthcare entrepreneurship.
After experiencing burnout, frustrating healthcare systems, and significant gaps in specialty care, Joe decided to take a different path. He founded VirtuCare to rethink how urology services are delivered through telemedicine, team-based care, and hospital partnerships.
Joe shares the challenges of building a healthcare company without a business background, why physicians need a seat at the table when designing new care models, and how technology can expand patient access without compromising clinical standards.
If you're considering launching a startup, exploring advisory opportunities, or simply looking for ways to make a bigger impact in medicine, this conversation will provide valuable insight into what's possible beyond traditional clinical practice.
Chapters
00:33Joe Pazona's journey into medicine and urology
02:50Recognizing opportunities to improve healthcare
03:50The reality of physician employment and burnout
06:11When speaking up leads to difficult career decisions
07:33Finding a new path in Nashville
09:22How COVID exposed weaknesses in traditional healthcare models
10:42The idea behind VirtuCare
12:50From direct-to-consumer telemedicine to a new business model
13:50Addressing the rural urology access problem
16:20Rethinking what quality healthcare delivery looks like
18:37The role of physician leadership in team-based care
22:08Why doctors need a seat at the table
24:17Balancing patient continuity with access and scalability
25:16Exploring different paths into healthcare innovation
26:34The realities of entrepreneurship and finding your purpose
28:37Final advice for physicians who want to make a difference
Resources:
Learn more about Startup Physicians:
https://startupphysicians.com
Connect with Startup Physicians on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-physicians/
Learn more about Virtucare: https://myvirtucare.com/
Connect with Virtucare on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myvirtucare
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