#22 - Behind the Screens: The Realities of Leading in Telemedicine

Think becoming a medical director means stepping back from clinical chaos? Think again. Phoebe Gutierrez turns the spotlight on Dr. Leo Damasco to unpack his journey from military medicine to leading virtual care teams as a telehealth medical director.Dr. Damasco shares what most don’t see—managing crises across time zones, navigating compliance landmines, and translating executive goals into frontline action. He breaks down the skills every virtual leader needs, how to spot red flags in telehealth companies, and why understanding the full business ecosystem is essential.If you’re a physician thinking about leadership in digital health, this episode is your roadmap—equal parts practical advice and behind-the-scenes truth.Three Actionable Takeaways:Build the Right Relationships – A successful medical director leans on a trusted compliance team and senior staff to navigate complexities and avoid burnout. Don’t go it alone. Know the Business – Understanding how the gears of telemedicine startups turn—from marketing to multi-state regulations—gives you the edge to lead effectively. Vet Companies Thoroughly – If a company doesn’t prioritize compliance or can’t support its physicians, that’s a red flag. Leadership starts with protecting your team. About the Show:Telemedicine Talks explores the dynamic world of digital health, offering physicians insights into regulatory changes, compliance, and opportunities in telemedicine to enhance their practice and career.About the HostsDr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine physician turned telemedicine advocate, now a virtual medical director guiding physicians through the complexities of leadership in digital care.Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator and telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and building sustainable, scalable virtual care models.Connect with Phoebe GutierrezLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/ Email: [email protected] The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.