ResourcesPodcast

Say Yes Before You’re Ready: A Physician's Path from Medicine to Tech
with Dr. C.K. Wang

Episode 37 · October 1, 2025 · 33 min

Hosted by Alison Curfman, MD

AIFundraisingAdvisingCareer paths

Show notes

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I sit down with Dr. CK Wang, a medical oncologist who made the leap from clinical practice into the tech world. We talk about his transition from traditional oncology to leading roles at IBM Watson Health and Coda, where he’s working on some of the most exciting applications of AI in healthcare.

CK shares candid reflections on what it really takes to move from the clinic to the boardroom, including the challenges of stepping into unfamiliar territory and the mindset shifts that helped him thrive. We explore how clinical expertise plays a critical role in product development, why more physicians are needed at the table in tech, and how we can bring physician voices into spaces like sales, strategy, and innovation without losing our identity in the process.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible beyond clinical medicine or how to bring your medical lens into startups and AI, this conversation is full of insight, clarity, and real-world advice.

Episode Highlights:

00:00Introduction to CK Wang's Journey

02:37Transition from Clinical Practice to Innovation

05:20The Role of Clinicians in Tech

08:10Supporting Sales and Product Development

11:02Embracing a Growth Mindset

13:27Navigating Financial Discussions in Healthcare

16:08The Value of Clinical Knowledge in Business

18:58Conclusion and Future Opportunities

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