From Allergy Practice to Startup Acquisition with Dr. Payel Gupta

What happens when a physician decides not to follow the traditional path?In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Payel Gupta, a board-certified allergist and immunologist who took a series of bold, intentional risks — from global health sabbaticals to becoming a health tech co-founder — ultimately leading to a successful startup acquisition.Dr. Gupta shares her journey from traditional clinical training to co-founding a telemedicine company in the allergy space during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as consulting turned into a co-founder role (after she boldly suggested they needed a physician at the table). The company partnered directly with a pharmaceutical manufacturer to deliver FDA-approved allergy immunotherapy via telemedicine — and was later acquired by LifeMD in 2022.This conversation is a masterclass in:Why physicians are uniquely positioned to succeed in startupsHow to take calculated career risks without sacrificing financial securityThe real-world MBA you gain by building a companyWhat value physicians bring to product, marketing, compliance, validation, and payer strategyHow to leverage LinkedIn to land consulting and advisory opportunitiesWe also dive into imposter syndrome, physician risk tolerance, and the two beliefs that can fundamentally change your career trajectory:Physicians are exceptional problem solvers.There are countless ways for doctors to create income and impact.If you've ever wondered whether there’s more beyond traditional clinical practice — this episode will expand what feels possible. Resources & Links:Partners in Health, Dr. Paul Farmer's Social Justice Health Care Organization: https://www.pih.org/Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder: https://www.tracykidder.com/mountains-beyond-mountains.htmlConnect with Dr. Payel Gupta on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/payel-gupta-md-facaai-4b178411Listen to her podcast: The Itch (All About Allergies & Asthma): https://www.itchpodcast.com/about-the-showLearn more about the Startup Physicians Launchpad (Advisory & Consulting Program): https://www.startupphysicians.com/launchpadExplore the Startup Physicians Incubator (For Physician Founders): https://www.startupphysicians.com/incubator CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Payel Gupta01:30 – Global Health Sabbatical & Meeting Paul Farmer05:00 – Taking Early Career Risks07:00 – COVID, Pregnancy & A Career Pivot09:30 – Becoming a Health Tech Co-Founder11:30 – Telemedicine + Pharma Direct-to-Consumer Model13:00 – Startup Acquisition in 202214:30 – Why Physicians Struggle with Risk16:00 – The Two Beliefs That Change Everything20:30 – The Physician Value in Health Tech24:30 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome27:00 – How to Use LinkedIn for Consulting Opportunities29:30 – Launchpad & Incubator Opportunities