This episode is sponsored by Lightstone Direct LLC.

Lightstone Direct LLC connects you to institutional-quality real estate investments backed by a $12-billion AUM firm that co-invests alongside you—your partner in building lasting wealth. All investments involve risk.

Please visit LightstoneDirect.com for a full list of disclosures.

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This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health
Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit RyzeHealth.com/BootstrapMD today and see how simple running your practice can be.

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How can doctors launch their first practice in 2025—without going into debt or depending on outside investors?

Host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, shares his five-step launch blueprint for building a lean, profitable clinic from scratch. He begins by debunking the myth that doctors need investors, massive loans, or fancy offices to succeed. Instead, he emphasizes focusing on action, simplicity, and profitability from day one. Step one: pick a profitable niche by identifying exactly who you want to serve and the urgent problem you can solve now. Step two: build your Minimal Viable Clinic (MVC) — a streamlined version of your practice that allows you to start seeing patients quickly using low-cost tools like telemedicine, subleasing spaces, and affordable EHR systems.

Dr. Woo-Ming explains how to craft an irresistible offer centered around transformation, not just services—helping patients achieve measurable outcomes in 90 days or less. He shares proven marketing insights inspired by Alex Hormozi and offers examples of “unicorn offer statements.” Finally, he details how to attract your first patients, leverage partnerships, and systematize your operations through automation, virtual assistants, and tracking key business metrics.

This episode is a must-listen for physicians seeking independence, sustainability, and control over their medical careers—without waiting for permission or capital.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Pick a Profitable Niche: Define exactly who you serve, what urgent problem you solve, and ensure you can deliver results profitably. Avoid broad audiences—clarity drives success.
2. Build Your Minimal Viable Clinic (MVC): Start lean using telemedicine, subleased spaces, and low-cost tech tools. Focus on momentum, not perfection—launch now, refine later.
3. Automate and Scale Early: Use systems like EHR automation, virtual assistants, and follow-up sequences to streamline operations. Track metrics weekly to identify growth opportunities.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career.

Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!

This Episode is sponsored by Ryze Health

Running your own practice shouldn’t mean struggling with rising health insurance costs. That’s why a physician designed Ryze Health Premium Insurance—exclusive coverage crafted for independent doctors, their teams, and families. Imagine lowering costs while gaining the freedom to focus fully on patients and the people who matter most. Discover how much you could save at ryzehealth.com and join the growing network of doctors choosing smarter coverage.

Follow @RyzeHealth on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Can hiring a virtual assistant transform your entrepreneurial journey?

In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming sits with Lesley Pyle, as she discusses her 30-year evolution in remote work, starting from 1996 as a freelancing mom. Drawing from her experiences in PR, motherhood, and building virtual networks, she explores barriers entrepreneurs face—time constraints, trust issues, and hiring fears—and how platforms like hers connect businesses with talented remote professionals. Lesley offers practical ways to outsource tasks, create SOPs, and build efficient teams, fostering growth through delegation and work-life balance.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• Identify and Outsource Time -Draining Tasks: Track daily activities like email or scheduling, estimate hours spent (e.g., 10 hours/week), and hire a virtual assistant to handle these, freeing time for patient care or strategic growth.

• Leverage Trusted Platforms for Hiring: Use services like HireMyMom.com to find vetted professionals with skills in bookkeeping, social media, or project management; conduct interviews and trial periods to ensure alignment with your practice’s needs.

• Prevent Burnout Through Delegation: Regularly assess where you’re overextended, consult family or mentors for perspective, and outsource non-core tasks to maintain faith, family, and personal well-being alongside business success.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career.

Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

About the Guest:

Lesley Pyle is the founder and CEO of Hire My Mom, with a Master’s in Public Relations and Marketing. Named one of 50 Women Entrepreneurs Who Inspire Us by Self-Made Magazine, she has 30 years of experience helping moms find remote work and small businesses hire virtual talent. Starting with Home-Based Working Moms in 1996, she empowers professionals to balance career and family through flexible opportunities.

Connect with Lesley Pyle:

Website: HireMyMom.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lspencerpyle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleypyle

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!

This Episode is sponsored by Ryze Health

Running your own practice shouldn’t mean struggling with rising health insurance costs. That’s why a physician designed Ryze Health Premium Insurance—exclusive coverage crafted for independent doctors, their teams, and families. Imagine lowering costs while gaining the freedom to focus fully on patients and the people who matter most. Discover how much you could save at ryzehealth.com and join the growing network of doctors choosing smarter coverage. Follow @RyzeHealth on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Why do physicians work 60-hour weeks yet feel unfulfilled?

In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming shares a powerful lesson from PIMD Con 2025, where Dr. Peter Kim’s rock jar demonstration—using rocks, pebbles, sand, and water—illustrated the cost of filling life with trivial tasks instead of meaningful priorities. Reflecting on his decision to prioritize school pickups for his son and a colleague’s near-fatal health scare, Dr. Woo-Ming explores how urgency and metrics trap physicians in “sand.” He offers a practical five-step “doctor’s orders” plan to schedule big rocks, set boundaries, and reassess priorities, empowering physicians to combat burnout and design sustainable, joy-filled careers.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• Big Rocks First: Schedule non-negotiable priorities like health, family time, and personal purpose before less critical tasks, ensuring they fit into your life’s “jar.”

• Sweep Out the Sand: Identify and eliminate time-wasters like excessive emailing, doom-scrolling, or unproductive meetings by setting boundaries and delegating tasks.

• Reassess and Reflect: Regularly evaluate your energy, mood, and relationships to ensure your “big rocks” remain protected as life’s priorities evolve, preventing existential burnout.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career.

Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!

Tags:

Physician Burnout, Work-Life Balance, Physician Entrepreneurship, Prioritization, Sustainable Careers, Gratitude, Resilience, Personal Growth

This Episode is sponsored by Ryze Health

Running your own practice shouldn’t mean struggling with rising health insurance costs. That’s why a physician designed Ryze Health Premium Insurance—exclusive coverage crafted for independent doctors, their teams, and families. Imagine lowering costs while gaining the freedom to focus fully on patients and the people who matter most. Discover how much you could save at ryzehealth.com and join the growing network of doctors choosing smarter coverage. Follow @RyzeHealth on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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How can physicians make the most of PIMD Con 2025 to transform their careers and achieve financial freedom?

In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, dives into practical strategies for attending PIMD Con, holding September 25–27, 2025, in Newport Beach, California. Founded by Dr. Peter Kim, this conference brings together 700+ physicians to explore real estate investing and entrepreneurship, offering CME credits, 30+ expert speakers, and tracks like Entrepreneurship Acceleration.

Mike shares tips on setting clear goals, researching speakers, effective networking, and avoiding common pitfalls like information overload or comparison traps. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, this episode offers actionable advice to maximize your conference experience and build meaningful connections for long-term success.

To register, visit: https://passiveincomemd.com/conferences/

Three Actionable Takeaways

1. Set Clear, Specific Goals – Before attending PIMD Con, write down three specific objectives, such as learning rental property analysis or connecting with three key speakers. Review the conference website to align your goals with sessions and speakers to stay focused and intentional.

2. Network Strategically with Value – Aim for 10–15 meaningful conversations with attendees and speakers. Ask unique questions like, “What brought you to PIMD Con?” or “What’s your biggest business challenge?” and lead with value by sharing resources or connections without expecting immediate returns.

3. Plan for Post-Conference Action – Block time after the conference to decompress and implement insights. Follow up with new contacts within 48 hours, using notes or photos to recall key details, and prioritize 1–2 focus areas to avoid overwhelm and maintain momentum.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career.

Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!

How can military-honed resilience and positive psychology supercharge physician leadership?

In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming interviews Dr. Christopher Colombo, as he shares his path from elementary school dreams of medicine to active-duty training, and his post-retirement "Lego break" before embracing part-time ICU night shifts and executive coaching. Inspired by a fellow physician's transition, he pursued training in executive and positive psychology coaching to address the personal-professional overlaps that frustrated him—like compartmentalizing life domains without recognizing the "you" as the common denominator.

The discussion dives into military lessons on resilience (e.g., Army-adopted programs from UPenn's Barbara Fredrickson), the pitfalls of large-organization training, and why authenticity matters in leadership. Dr. Colombo offers mindset shifts for new leaders: acknowledge emotions and relationships, control primitive responses via storytelling, and use techniques like drafting "flame emails" to yourself. He emphasizes building trust through personal "why" alignment and avoiding cognitive traps like "should" or "must." A vital listen for physicians eyeing leadership or coaching, blending clinical credibility with life-changing insights.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Acknowledge Emotions in Leadership – Suppress less, embrace more: Build relationships by understanding your team's personal "why" and framing missions accordingly. Control reactions by pausing to re-story stimuli (e.g., "That driver isn't plotting against me") before responding.

2. Draft 'Flame Emails' to Yourself – When rage hits from an email, reply to your own address, vent fully, then step away. Return calmer to craft (or delegate) a measured response—preventing regrettable sends and honing emotional regulation.

3. Pursue Authentic Alignment – Identify your core values (e.g., excellence over winning) to bridge personal and professional life. Seek a "cognitive sparring" partner for breakthroughs, ensuring you're effective, not just right.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career.

Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

About the Guest:

Dr. Christopher Colombo is a retired Army critical care physician with 24 years of service, including deployments, is co-founder and president of Functional Mentoring (functionalmentoring.com). A former department chief and program director, he blends executive and positive psychology coaching to mentor physicians, focusing on resilience, emotional control, and aligning personal-professional values.

Email: chris@functionalmentoring.com

Website: https://functionalmentoring.com
Book a free 45-minute cognitive sparring session via the website.

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!

What does it take for a geriatrician to become a healthcare innovator impacting millions?

In this episode, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming sits down with Dr. Michael Fang to share his journey from practicing medicine to co-founding Base10, an infection control software that saved lives in 150 nursing homes during the COVID pandemic, generating over $35M before its acquisition. He also co-founded Inosphere, impacting 7M mental health patients in the UK, Ireland, and Scotland. Now, as Chief Strategy Officer at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and CEO of Rise Health, Dr. Fang is redefining health insurance for independent physicians and medical practices. He discusses leveraging physician skills for entrepreneurship, the unmet need for affordable health plans, and the power of community through WeCare IPA. This episode is packed with insights for physicians looking to break free from traditional practice and create scalable impact.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Leverage Your Physician Skills for Entrepreneurship – Apply your ability to process information, communicate effectively, and make quick decisions to entrepreneurial ventures. Start small, using your clinical income to fund initial projects, and don’t wait for an MBA to jump in.

2. Explore Health Plan Solutions for Independence – If you’re an independent physician or running a small practice, investigate Rise Health’s health captive model to reduce insurance costs for you, your staff, and their families, removing barriers to starting your own practice.

3. Join a Supportive Community – Engage with communities like WeCare IPA to access benefits like discounted specialty medications for your patients, even if you don’t need Rise Health’s insurance, to enhance your practice’s efficiency and impact.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career.

Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

About the Guest

Dr. Michael Fang is a geriatrician, internist, and serial entrepreneur with a passion for democratizing healthcare. As co-founder and CEO of Base10, he developed infection control software used by 150 nursing homes during the COVID pandemic, generating $35M in revenue before its acquisition. He co-founded Inosphere, addressing social determinants of health for 7M mental health patients in the UK, Ireland, and Scotland. Currently, Dr. Fang serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine Institute of AI in Medicine and leads Rise Health, a health plan for independent physicians. His expertise lies in healthcare innovation, informatics, and creating scalable solutions for systemic challenges.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-fang-md-382b2341

• Website: base10genetics.com

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!

This episode is sponsored by: My Financial Coach
You trained to save lives—who’s helping you save your financial future? My Financial Coach connects physicians with CFP® Professionals who specialize in your complex needs. Whether it’s crushing student loans, optimizing investments, or planning for retirement, you’ll get a personalized strategy built around your goals. Save for a vacation home, fund your child’s education, or prepare for life’s surprises—with unbiased, advice-only planning through a flat monthly fee. No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity.

Visit myfinancialcoach.com/bootstrapMD.com to meet your financial coach and find out if concierge planning is right for you.

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In this episode, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming exposes the "great physician money lie"—that high income automatically leads to wealth—and shares transformative insights from the book "The Wealth Ladder." Drawing from his 20+ years as a physician entrepreneur, he explains why many doctors earning $300,000+ live paycheck to paycheck, trapped in lifestyle inflation and employee mindsets.

Dr. Woo-Ming breaks down the four levels of the wealth ladder, from financial insecurity to true freedom, and provides a simple formula to calculate your net worth. He emphasizes shifting from trading time for money to building income-producing assets, like businesses or investments, while avoiding common pitfalls like overspending. With practical advice on developing an owner mindset, pursuing financial education, and taking action—such as attending conferences like PID Con—this episode empowers physicians to reclaim control, reduce stress, and build lasting wealth beyond their salaries.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Calculate Your True Net Worth: Subtract all liabilities (debts, loans) from assets (savings, investments, property) to determine your wealth level; aim to match your lifestyle to net worth, not income, to avoid financial stress.

2. Shift to an Owner Mindset: Stop trading time for money by building skills for income-producing assets, like consulting, online courses, or cash-pay practices; focus on value creation untied to hours worked.

3. Invest in Financial Education: Read books like "The Wealth Ladder," join physician groups on financial independence, attend conferences (e.g., PID Con), and learn from mentors to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate asset-building.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career.

Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!

This episode is sponsored by: My Financial Coach
You trained to save lives—who’s helping you save your financial future? My Financial Coach connects physicians with CFP® Professionals who specialize in your complex needs. Whether it’s crushing student loans, optimizing investments, or planning for retirement, you’ll get a personalized strategy built around your goals. Save for a vacation home, fund your child’s education, or prepare for life’s surprises—with unbiased, advice-only planning through a flat monthly fee. No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity.

Visit t https://myfinancialcoach.com/bootstrapmd/ to meet your financial coach and find out if concierge planning is right for you.

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In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming welcomes Andrew Newland, to share his entrepreneurial journey from landscaping to marketing, driven by personal health challenges that led him to focus exclusively on the functional medicine space. He breaks down key SEO pillars—technical, content, and local optimization—explaining how practices can rank higher on Google by creating valuable, patient-focused content like blog posts on symptoms and treatments. The discussion covers common pitfalls, the importance of community involvement beyond digital efforts, and adapting to AI's impact on search rankings. Andrew offers practical tips, including free website evaluations and his book on digital marketing for functional practices. This episode is essential for physician entrepreneurs seeking to grow their visibility, attract ideal patients, and achieve sustainable business success.

Three Actionable Takeaways

1. Optimize Your Website for SEO Basics – Ensure your site has fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and HTTPS security; integrate keywords naturally into content like blog posts on common symptoms (e.g., fatigue, hormone imbalance) to improve Google rankings without over-optimizing.

2. Create High-Quality, Patient-Focused Content – Write or outsource educational articles and videos addressing patient pain points, such as "What causes chronic fatigue?" or location-specific issues like altitude sickness in Colorado, to build trust and drive organic traffic.

3. Get Involved in Your Community – Beyond digital marketing, sponsor local events, host talks at gyms on health topics, or network to gain face-to-face exposure; combine this with AI-adapted SEO to stand out in search results and attract ideal patients.

About the Show:

Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com

Andrew Newland is the founder and CEO of Functional Medicine Marketing, a digital agency dedicated to helping functional and integrative medicine clinics grow their visibility and attract ideal patients. With a background in communications and entrepreneurship, Andrew transitioned from running a landscaping business in Colorado Springs to focusing on marketing after personal health challenges led him to embrace functional medicine. His agency, previously Six IT Marketing (inspired by Alice in Wonderland’s “six impossible things”), specializes in SEO-first strategies designed for longevity, leveraging technical optimization, high-quality content, and local SEO. Andrew is also the author of Digital Marketing & SEO for Functional Medicine Practices, available on Amazon and as a free e-copy at functionalmedmarketing.com, where he offers free website evaluations to help physicians optimize their online presence.

Website: https://functionalmedmarketing.com

About the Host:

Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy.

Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com

Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network!