#50: Phoebe’s Favorite Episode of 2025: From Handbag Designer to Telemedicine Trailblazer

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.__________________________When Chris Turtizin started his career designing high-end handbags in Berlin, he never imagined he’d end up shaping the future of telemedicine. But after a pivot from fashion to tech including a stint on Facebook’s growth team he found his calling in healthcare.In this episode, Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez talk with Chris Turtizin about his incredible journey: from growing Bicycle Health into a telemedicine powerhouse serving tens of thousands of patients with opioid use disorder, to launching Single Aim, a platform that helps clinicians navigate compliance and build their own practices.Chris shares how he leveraged the chaos of the pandemic to scale Bicycle Health, the lessons he learned about speed and access in healthcare, and why he’s now focused on empowering nurse practitioners, PAs, and physicians to take control of their careers. From underserved communities to regulatory minefields, this conversation dives deep into the intersection of health tech and human impact.Three Actionable Takeaways:Speed is Everything in Telemedicine – Chris found that getting patients treated within 4-8 hours doubled long-term outcomes at Bicycle Health. Fast access is a game-changer for patient care and business growth.Start with Leadership Roles – Physicians and providers can break into telemedicine through collaborating physician or medical director roles—great stepping stones to bigger opportunities.Transparency Builds Trust – Single Aim’s success comes from clear pricing, open data, and empowering clinicians to control their own paths. Healthcare needs less gatekeeping and more openness.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 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] the Guest:Chris Turtizin is a digital health innovator who transitioned from designing handbags in Europe to becoming a key player in telemedicine. With experience at Facebook’s growth team, Virta Health, and as a leader at Bicycle Health one of Time’s 100 Most Influential Companies in 2022, he scaled a telemedicine provider serving tens of thousands with opioid use disorder. Now, as co-founder of Single Aim, Chris is building tools to help nurse practitioners, PAs, and physicians launch their own clinical practices with ease and compliance. Passionate about the intersection of internet growth and healthcare, he’s dedicated to making telemedicine accessible and clinician-friendly.Website: https://www.singleaimhealth.com/LinkedIn: Chris Turtizin 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.