Episode #70: “Healthcare & Home: A 2-Way Impact on Doctors” With Dr. Mark Smiley & Dr. Ramin Rafie

Dr. Mark Smiley is an ER physician, investor, and CEO of Beyond Equity Group. Dr. Ramin Rafie is a primary care and hospice physician, healthcare consultant, and leader. In this episode, we have quite an impactful conversation about how the environments that Smiley and Ramin grew up in have influenced the doctors they’ve become, and how their work in healthcare, in turn, impacts the environments their patients live in. Smiley says that the block he grew up on “Changed my life, changed my trajectory for so many different reasons, even how I see medicine and business today….I really believe that I’m here for a purpose, because he didn’t pull the trigger…I just remember being home. Home was my safe place….” Smiley speaks to his mission with Beyond Equity Group, how he is using medicine and real estate to serve communities by simultaneously providing affordable housing, an investment opportunity for physicians, and tracking the health impact.Ramin talks about his work with the Independence at Home model, and how he helped establish the Hospital at Home model of care. He is also looking to become a leader in AI for healthcare, “I’m always looking for new and interesting opportunities!” Ramin also says, “It goes to show even as a physician there’s so many other things you can do outside of medicine. There’s no boundaries; the boundaries are only your imagination!” Speaking to AI, “AI is not only here to stay, it’s going to lead the change for practicing physicians…ultimately I think it’s up to us to help shape that future!”Smiley and Ramin both speak to what their parents had to overcome to provide them with the opportunities that led to them becoming physicians, and how “It’s a privilege to be in a seat where we can be creative and innovative to solve some of these complex issues!” There is so much wisdom shared in our conversation, it is inspiring! Smiley says, “I have a vision that we can change how things work!” Ramin offers, “If the public wants a working healthcare system, they need to appreciate the healthcare workers!”