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 startups
• How to take calculated career risks without sacrificing financial security
• The real-world MBA you gain by building a company
• What value physicians bring to product, marketing, compliance, validation, and payer strategy
• How to leverage LinkedIn to land consulting and advisory opportunities
We also dive into imposter syndrome, physician risk tolerance, and the two beliefs that can fundamentally change your career trajectory:
1. Physicians are exceptional problem solvers.
2. 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.html
• Connect with Dr. Payel Gupta on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/payel-gupta-md-facaai-4b178411 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/payel-gupta-md-facaai-4b178411/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BPglRtjReQhi931kkdS56yw%3D%3D)
• Listen to her podcast: The Itch (All About Allergies & Asthma): https://www.itchpodcast.com/about-the-show
• Learn more about the Startup Physicians Launchpad (Advisory & Consulting Program): https://www.startupphysicians.com/launchpad
• Explore the Startup Physicians Incubator (For Physician Founders): https://www.startupphysicians.com/incubator
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Payel Gupta
01:30 – Global Health Sabbatical & Meeting Paul Farmer
05:00 – Taking Early Career Risks
07:00 – COVID, Pregnancy & A Career Pivot
09:30 – Becoming a Health Tech Co-Founder
11:30 – Telemedicine + Pharma Direct-to-Consumer Model
13:00 – Startup Acquisition in 2022
14:30 – Why Physicians Struggle with Risk
16:00 – The Two Beliefs That Change Everything
20:30 – The Physician Value in Health Tech
24:30 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
27:00 – How to Use LinkedIn for Consulting Opportunities
29:30 – Launchpad & Incubator Opportunities
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