INAUGURAL 2026

STARTUP PHYSICIANS

RISING STARS

A recognition list spotlighting physicians in co-founder roles
who are transforming healthcare through early-stage ventures.

Nominations Open — Deadline April 24, 2026

Expert Nomination Form
Self-Nomination Form

WHAT ARE THE RISING STARS?

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

No existing recognition program in healthcare focuses specifically on the physician as founder. The Rising Stars list changes that — identifying and celebrating the physicians building the next generation of healthcare companies.

The inaugural list will be curated through nominations from ecosystem leaders, reviewed by a Selection Council of industry experts, and published in May, 2026.

Nominees must meet all four criteria to be considered for the Rising Stars list.

  1. Physician (MD/DO): The nominee holds an MD or DO degree.

  2. Co-Founder Role: The nominee serves as a founder / co-founder of a healthcare startup.

  3. Founded Within 5 Years: The venture was founded in the U.S. within the last five years.

  4. Meaningful Traction: The venture demonstrates measurable progress: revenue, clinical evidence, equity funding, or patient impact.

Council Chair

Alison Curfman

Founder & CEO, Startup Physicians. Practicing pediatric emergency physician. Co-founded Imagine Pediatrics (multi-nine-figure valuation).

SELECTION COUNCIL

The shortlist will be reviewed by a council of ecosystem leaders who bring distinct vantage points on physician-led innovation.

Council Member

Council Member

Kimberly Sharp

Chief Capital Officer, Thinkhat Venture Studio. 30 years in healthcare and life sciences capital strategy, investor pipeline development, and deal structuring.

David Strickler

Operating Partner, Chicago Pacific Founders. CEO, Qoros Health. Former CEO of Imagine Pediatrics, HarmonyCares, and Evergreen Nephrology. Healthcare operator and growth strategist.

Council Member

Peter Alperin

Co-lead, DxAngels. Former commercial and product leader, Doximity. UCSF faculty physician. Digital health leader with 25+ years of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Anyone in the healthcare ecosystem can submit a nomination: investors, accelerator operators, health system leaders, fellow founders, academic faculty, journalists, and physicians themselves. Expert nominations carry the most weight in the selection process.

  • Yes. Self-nominations are accepted and reviewed with the same criteria as expert nominations. The Selection Council evaluates all nominees based on traction, clinical background, and venture stage — not the source of the nomination.

  • You can nominate up to five physicians per submission. Each nominee requires a name, company, and a brief rationale (2–3 sentences).

  • The Selection Council interprets traction broadly. It can include revenue, equity funding, clinical evidence or research milestones, measurable patient impact, strategic partnerships, or notable pilot programs. Early-stage ventures are welcome — this list recognizes momentum, not maturity.

  • No. The nominee must hold an MD or DO degree, but active clinical practice is not required. Physicians who have transitioned fully into their venture are eligible alongside those still seeing patients.

  • No. There is no cost associated with any part of the nomination or selection process. The Rising Stars list is an earned recognition, not a pay-to-play list.

  • The inaugural Rising Stars list publishes in May, 2026. Selected honorees will be notified in advance.

  • Honorees receive a digital recognition badge and physical recognition kit, are featured in the published list profile, and gain access to podcast and media spotlights.

  • Most healthcare lists focus on executives, health system leaders, or late-stage companies. The Rising Stars list is the only recognition program focused specifically on physicians in co-founder roles at early-stage healthcare ventures.

  • Yes. The Rising Stars is designed as a recurring recognition program. The 2026 list is the inaugural edition, with future editions planned annually.

LIVE WEBINAR — MAY 18, 2026

From Clinical Insight to Company: A Founder’s Roadmap

A free session for physicians exploring the path from idea to healthcare startup — led by Alison Curfman, MD, MBA. Learn what it takes to move from clinical practice to co-founder, and how the Incubator accelerates that journey.

Ready to Build What Comes Next?

Explore the Incubator
Register for the Webinar

The Startup Physicians Incubator is a six-month program for physician-founders ready to move from idea to execution. Applications close June 30, 2026.