Branch Out

Dr. Gilbert Simon has been a practicing physician for over 50 years. Through the establishment of clinics serving low-income families, Dr. Simon learned how to operate a successful practice on a shoe-string budget. He joined Branch Out to share his ideas on how the healthcare system can change its practices to reach more people and eliminate wasteful spending. Tune in to hear this lively conversation regarding overtesting, overtreating, and overcharging, as he and Larson encourage physicians to remember their original oaths and callings. If you'd like to learn more, visit Dr. Simon's website: https://nofrillsqualityhealthcare.com/ 

Dr. Donna-Ann Thomas, Yale University’s Division Chief of Pain Management and Anesthesiology, migrated from Jamaica as a young adult and found herself in a life-changing accident that would alter the trajectory of her life and career. Believing that things don’t just happen by chance, Dr. Thomas has committed her life to taking care of others through medicine and service-based missions around the globe. Her story is unique, uplifting and engaging, tune in now! 

It’s never been easier to start building your personal brand as a physician and to take the steps towards financial freedom and career autonomy. Join Branch Out’s host, Larson Hicks, as he sits down with Dr. Ernesto Gutierrez, who coaches other physicians into monetizing their expertise and building a lucrative side gig. This episode is one you do NOT want to miss! In 2018, Dr. Ernesto Gutierrez left medicine to fully invest in his own company. He now coaches physicians in medical marketing and business development – helping burnt out doctors build a personal brand and monetize their expertise. His pursuit of a healthy work-life balance has given him a wealth of knowledge he now shares with others. He believes physician-entrepreneurs are the future of a healthy medical system and they simply need to take the first step to see where it will lead!  

Since 1997, Dr. Keith Smith has been pushing back against the status quo by creating America’s first free market surgery center (The Surgery Center of Oklahoma) and founding the Free Market Medical Association, now with more than 30 chapters throughout the country. Dr. Smith’s convictions for transparency and integrity caused him to thoroughly examine the “system” he was a part of and make changes where he could – even if that meant leaving modern medical practice to pursue a different ideal. Join us for this episode of Branch Out, as Dr. Smith and Larson (possibly Dr. Smith’s biggest fan) discuss the important ideologies behind direct care and physician independence. 

Like many other doctors we have interviewed, Dr. Diana Girnita's journey to become a physician began during her hospital stay as a young child. The compassion and care she received during that time translated into years of dedicated research, education and excellence in patient care. Ultimately, Dr. Girnita established Rheumatologist OnCall in 2019, a telemedicine Rheumatology DPC that is expanding across the country.  She joins Branch Out to share her story and the principles behind Rheumatologist OnCall that make her a truly unique physician! 

Dr. Travis Manasco may be newer to the scene than most, but he has already made more strides in pursuing entrepreneurship and technology in the medical field than many seasoned professionals. Tune in as Larson Hicks sits down with this future changemaker as he recounts the tips and tricks of entrepreneurship he is picking up along the way. If you’re not sure what to do with the innovative ideas you’ve had, let this episode motivate you to take the first steps and go for it! 

Dr. Uli K. Chettipally joins Larson Hicks in the newest episode of Branch Out. Dr. Chettipally began InnovatorMD with the vision to empower physicians to pursue technology and innovation in healthcare... believing that physicians could (and should) lead the way in advancing medicine on all fronts. He and Larson discuss how physicians are uniquely qualified to use their experiences in order to develop solutions to the challenges facing healthcare today. Moreover, they discuss how stepping into this space can often reignite a physician’s love for the field and breathe new life into one’s career. InnovatorMD offers regular workshops, meetups, and networking opportunities in addition to their semi- annual physician summits, the next of which will be held in January! Tune in to learn more about the work Dr. Chettipally and his team are doing! 

Sycamore’s host, Melissa Bain, is joined by Urologist, Dr. Diana Londoño, in this episode of Branch Out. Dr. Londoño has written for a number of websites and publications within the medical community with messages of self-awareness and hope to directly battle burnout. As a physician coach, her approach is straightforward - quickly challenging people to confront their reality and turn it into something positive. She’s used her personal bouts with burnout to create a company (and more importantly a community) of physicians helping each other through the trenches and demands of the job. Tune in as she and Melissa discuss some very real topics (and tell a few inappropriate jokes!)_________________________________Guest Bio:Dr. Diana Londoño is a board-certified Urologist from the L.A. area. She completed her Bachelors of Arts in Spanish and Biology from Claremont McKenna College. She attended medical school at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her 6-year Urology residency was well-spent at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. Dr. Londoño’s compassionate focus makes her the best advocate for her English and Spanish-speaking patients as they work together to find the best solutions for their health. Knowing how hard it is to be a healthcare provider, Dr. Londoño started Physician Care Support where medical professionals from all fields can reach out for support with stress, anxiety, and depression. She is also a proud mother to two girls. Top Things We Discuss: You’re right where you’re supposed to beTake the time for self-care so you don’t burnoutDidn’t see burnout coming and it took a huge toll on her physically as well as mentally Physician Coach Support has a mission to reach those doctors struggling with depresion and suicide. It is a network of physicians, for physicians. About Dr. Londoño:Embraces the challenge of being a Latiño woman in a male-dominated field Takes a great interest in human nature Allowed her story and compassion for other struggling physicians to change the trajectory of her life in a positive way  Links and MentionsWebsite: ⁠Dr. Diana Londoño's Website ⁠Physician Coach SupportSocial Media:  ⁠SoMe Docs Profile ⁠LinkedIn

Amidst L.A. shutting down during the pandemic, Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Doctor, Candice Williams, left full-time practice and took a leap of faith to pursue her first love – music. Such a transition was not without pain or fear but Dr. Williams knew that at the end of the day, it is what she needed to do. Join Sycamore CEO, Larson Hicks, as he and Dr. Williams walk through a variety of subjects including physician independence, pursuing hobbies, and walking by faith in a world that says security is everything. 

Orthopedic doctor, Daniel Paull, joins Branch Out to discuss his pioneering efforts in direct specialty care and his mission to disrupt the current insurance and hospital systems by encouraging other doctors to seek independence and alternative ways of practicing. He and Larson discuss the nuances of quality metrics, practice apart from incentives, and the restrictions facing direct care physicians. His encouragement for those feeling inspired is best surmised in his closing statement, “It is more of a ready-fire aim mentality, where you just have to go and do it and take a risk and you could fail… But if you don't and a lot of people haven't, you'll end up being in a much better position than you ever thought.” Visit sycamoredocs.com/podcast to access this episode and more great interviews from Branch Out! Guest Bio: After surviving an accident in his youth, Dr. Paull knew orthopedics was something he wanted to pursue. It didn’t take long for him to realize the sort of traps physicians can fall prey to so he decided to do things his own way. He now owns America’s first mobile cash based orthopedic practice and regularly speaks out about the corrupt insurance and hospital systems with the main goal of disrupting the status quo. 

Dr. Elaine Stageberg, psychiatrist and real estate wizard, joins Branch Out to share her company’s unique approach to real estate investment! Dr. Stageberg’s company, Black Swan Real Estate, manages a real estate portfolio of over $250 million in assets spanning two different markets. Black Swan founders, Nick and Elaine, overcame great obstacles to achieve success and now work to share their knowledge with others. Not only does Black Swan manage and develop properties, they coach and invest in others looking to do the same. Their two-pronged approach encompasses a philosophy of putting people first and doing everything with excellence in order to create true, lasting, passive income and generational wealth. This podcast is an encouragement and inspiration to anyone involved (or looking to be involved) in real estate investing. Visit www.blackswanteam.com/black-swan-learning to see the excellent resources the Stageberg's have made available to investors. _____________________________________Dr. Elaine Stageberg is a trained psychiatrist, mother of four, and co-owner/founder of Black Swan Real Estate based in Rochester, MN. Though Dr. Stageberg found financial freedom through real estate while still in her residency, she went on to practice medicine until covid-19 hit and childcare issues forced her to reevaluate how she wanted to spend her time. Now, through Black Swan Real Estate, Dr. Stageberg is able to build her wealth and invest in others who are building their own real estate portfolio. 

Boulder native and practicing physician, Dr. Marica Pook, joins episode 72 of Branch Out to share the details of her recent trip to Poland and Ukraine. As the daughter of a Polish Immigrant freedom fighter, Dr. Pook felt a deep sense of obligation to extend the same support and hope that was afforded to her father in the 1950’s. As the conflict in Eastern Europe intensified, Dr. Pook began collecting medical supplies through every resource she had available, engaging audiences from all across the country. Her trip was full of eye-opening experiences that solidified her desire to return with more support for her colleagues, who are struggling and abundantly thankful for any help they receive.  As she prepares for her return trip, she continues to collect necessary and specially requested items that are scarce in Ukraine. Branch Out listeners have a special opportunity to be involved through a variety of means, including financial support, sending supplies, or possibly even joining the next team (which includes one of Sycamore's own) to go later this fall/winter! We’ve compiled a list of requested items and support on our website at sycamoredocs.com/ukraine. Please take a moment to look through the needs and consider supporting however you see fit. Guest Bio: Dr. Marica Pook is a Boulder, Colorado native and practicing physician with a heart for adventure and serving others. Dr. Pook began her entrepreneurial journey early in her career with the establishment of the first urgent care in her area, alongside two other female doctors. She went on to have a thriving career but soon realized that in order to achieve the work/life balance she desired, she needed to take her career into her own hands. She went on to create a local locums company that would allow her to be the “mommy-physician” she wanted to be. She considers herself to be a self-starter who is continually learning and pushing herself to be better. Her father’s own story of fleeing a war-torn country fostered a sense of responsibility within her to serve others in similar situations. So, when the Ukraine-Russia conflict escalated, Dr. Pook began her work to collect and deliver supplies to those doctors overseas. She continues to serve in this capacity and welcomes any and all support she can garner. 

Board certified General and Vascular Surgeon and founder of UBERDOC, Dr. Paula Muto, joins Branch Out to share her inspiring story of running a successful practice and pursuing entrepreneurship towards the betterment of her community. Her company’s convenient approach to direct-pay-patient/physician opportunities cuts out the middleman  and provides much needed price transparency in healthcare. Instead of working to maintain an infrastructure that is no longer relevant, Dr. Muto seeks to lead the way in what will undoubtedly be the future of medical care. 

Episode 70 of Branch Out features Dr. Amy Fogelman, a board-certified Internal Medicine doctor and founder of MED LAW Consulting, a company that matches qualified medical experts to attorneys’ litigation needs. Dr. Fogelman started MED LAW Consulting as a venture to battle burnout and put her skills to use in the non-clinical setting. Realizing that people may not feel equipped to make this move professionally,  MED LAW Consulting began offering courses to train physicians who are interested in making additional income “using what they already know.” Tune in to hear her journey towards independence and the lessons she learned along the way. Guest Bio:Dr. Amy Fogelman is a board-certified Internal Medicine doctor with over 15 years of experience. She currently works at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA and is the founder of MED LAW Consulting. Daughter of a physician, Dr. Fogelman grew up watching her father “fix people” and knew that medicine was her future. Eventually the current system took its toll, leading to her burnout and Dr. Fogelman knew she needed to diversify. With a lawyer husband and a network of non-clinical physicians supporting her, she launched her own business and hopes to pass along her knowledge to others. 

Hand surgeon and tech builder, Dr. Jeff Cole, has long pursued entrepreneurial opportunities throughout his career in medicine. He has been on the forefront of medical technology and now sits on the board of Planet Wealth, a self-proclaimed “disruptive company hell-bent on democratizing capitalism.” Their mission is to “bring Wall Street to Main Street so anyone can gain financial independence through access to capital.” This hour-long podcast delves into Dr. Cole's past experiences - successes and failures - that led him to be on the board of an up and coming investment company while juggling a full time career as a hand surgeon. Join us for this episode of Branch Out to learn about your opportunities to diversify investments, build wealth, and claim your independence! 

Dr. Bill Brandenburg is the physician and owner behind Wander Medicine in Boise, Idaho. Wander Medicine specializes in DPC, occupational medicine, iv therapy, travel medicine & more. Dr. Brandenburg’s experiences as a rural medicine doctor have allowed him to cross-train in a variety of medical needs so he can best serve his community. His unique approach to medicine and running a successful business are an encouragement for all those wondering if there may be a better way out there. Dr. Bill Brandenburg is a hospitalist, community doctor, and businessman running his DPC in Boise, ID. With a background in rural medicine, Dr. Brandenburg caters to a wide range of patients seeking care in the areas of wilderness medicine, travel medicine, and occupational medicine in addition to his primary care practice. Dr. Brandenburg’s vision for healthcare takes a bold stance against the status quo and seeks to improve healthcare for future generations. 

Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo is the founder of Melanin & Medicine and co-founder of Strong Children Wellness, an integrated-care practice in NYC.  Dr. Uwemedimo has taken great steps to revitalize the healthcare industry through her innovative approach to treatment, community building, fundraising, and mentorship. In this episode of Branch Out, we talk about impacting the community you've been called to and how to engage your local organizations to build a collective to care for that community. Dr. Uwemedimo's creative funding philosophy is an inspiration to all doctors seeking to enter the entrepreneurial world. 

Dr. Jessica Lubahn is a board-certified Urologist with over a decade of experience in the medical field and creator of the first luxe line of incontinence underwear, ONDR. Tune into the conversation as she discusses pay discrepancies in the billing world, the lifestyle benefits of her surgical field, and the entrepreneurial hurdles she faced during the creation of her underwear line. Dr. Jessica Lubahn is a board certified Urologist residing in the Portland, OR area. She received her degree from the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine and completed her residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. She’s been practicing Urology for nearly a decade. With a heart for her patients’ struggles and the desire to see practical change where she can affect it, she created a high quality line of incontinence underwear. With her free time, Dr. Lubahn enjoys spending time with her family, running her business, spending time outdoors, and working on her book about the often humorous and outrageous experiences as a urologist. 

Join Larson Hicks and guest, Dr. Saurin Gandhi, as they discuss his experiences in Internal Medicine, the research and contributions he made during COVID, and his art hobby turned side business! Check out his work at thedoctordoodles.com. 

Larson Hicks and our guest, Behind the Knife host, Dr. Patrick Georgoff,  discuss different aspects of acute care, running an educational platform, and how entrepreneurship keeps things interesting!