#84 - Brick to Click : How I Built a Hybrid Medical Practice | Dr. Mike Woo-Ming

This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. —---------------------------------------------- In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco welcome Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, as he shares his unconventional journey: family-medicine training, a multi-year exit into software, return to medicine to keep his mom happy, and the decision to build his own practice rather than work for someone else. He grew a weight-loss practice into a longevity-focused med spa with three locations, then layered in telemedicine (both for his own patients and as medical director for startups). He discusses the flexibility and patient-connection advantages of telemedicine, the value of hybrid models, and why many established practices leave money on the table. The conversation covers real operational hurdles, getting staff (from Instagram-savvy nurses to flip-phone medical assistants) aligned across locations 50–60 miles apart, competition in the med-spa space, and the ongoing reality of faxes in healthcare. A candid segment explores peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, Semorelin, and emerging compounds), the gray-market risks for licensed physicians versus non-physician sellers, public demand, and state-level regulatory pushback. Mike closes with advice he would give his intern self: trust your gut and bet on yourself. Top 3 Takeaways: Hybrid models reduce friction: many consults (lab reviews, decision-making visits) can be efficient Zoom calls instead of patients driving to multi-story offices, better for both patients and practice economics. The human element is the hardest part of scaling: tech-savvy and non-tech staff, multi-location coordination, and disseminating entrepreneurial energy require deliberate systems and patience. Licensed physicians carry unique risk in the peptide and gray-market space; non-physician sellers face far less regulatory exposure, so doctors must stay informed on state rules (including telemedicine prescribing) and prioritize compliance. 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. Mike Woo-Ming is a family-medicine-trained physician entrepreneur, practice coach, telemedicine doctor, and longevity/med-spa owner based in San Diego. He built a multi-location cash-based practice, serves as medical director for startups in the longevity space, and coaches physicians on growing independent practices without sacrificing personal freedom. He also runs a podcast network. Connect with Dr. Mike Woo-Ming: Website: bootstrapmd.com Strategy session:  Book via the website Podcast: BootstrapMD - Physicians Entrepreneurs Podcast 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]      (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.