#24 - How Dr. Anna Chacon Built a Telemedicine Empire Across the U.S. and Territories (and Stayed Sane)

Can telemedicine offer physicians the work-life balance traditional medicine often denies? Host Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Anna Chacon,  as she recounts her shift from hospital-based roles to owning a medical office building, spurred by her father’s sudden job loss during COVID when his pediatric ICU closed. She delves into the complexities of compliance, the stigma of lacking a brick-and-mortar presence which led to rejections from pathology groups, and the relentless connectivity of virtual care, even during hikes or flights. With insights on navigating regulatory hurdles, diversifying practice models, and setting boundaries, this episode equips doctors with strategies to thrive in telemedicine while addressing the emotional and financial burdens of maintaining multiple licenses and insurances costing tens of thousands annually.Three Actionable Takeaways:Prioritize Compliance – Stay updated on telemedicine regulations and invest in legal support to protect your license.Diversify Practice – Combine telehealth with in-person care to gain respect and flexibility in the medical community.Set Boundaries – Establish clear expectations with patients and employers to manage the 24/7 accessibility of telemedicine.About the Show:Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.About the Guest:Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist and telemedicine pioneer, offering services across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico. A double Ivy League graduate from Brown University, where she earned her medical degree through the Program in Liberal Medical Education, she completed her dermatology residency at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center, serving as chief resident. Her passion for teledermatology emerged during the pandemic, driven by a desire to serve underserved and rural populations, a mission inspired by her father, a critical care pioneer in South Florida. With over a decade of experience, she balances an in-person surgical practice in Florida, California, and Alaska with a virtual platform, addressing conditions like acne and psoriasis. Fluent in five languages—English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Hebrew—she leverages her multicultural background to care for diverse patients. An influencer and author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, she also works with indigenous communities in Alaska and advocates for physician autonomy through her social media presence.Website: https://drannachacon.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm?igsh=djl6YzJzM3Ztd3I0About the Hosts:Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/[email protected] (mailto:[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.