BootstrapMD - Physician Entrepreneurs Podcast with Dr. Mike Woo-Ming

BootstrapMD -A podcast for doctors and physician entrepreneurs who want to learn to increase their financial worth and bring balance to your work life. We discuss building side businesses, investment opportunities, and how to live life on your own terms. Forge your own path, by leveraging your current knowledge to educate others.

EP334 : Grow Your Email List to 1,000 Subscribers - What Works Now 02/25/2026

EP334 : Grow Your Email List to 1,000 Subscribers - What Works Now Building a physician newsletter that scales without stealing your life? It's possible. In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Michael Woo-Ming, builds on last week's newsletter startup advice, sharing proven strategies to reach 1,000 subscribers sustainably. He debunks ineffective tactics like daily social blasts or premature ads, emphasizing simplicity: pick 2-3 channels (LinkedIn, guest spots, content syndication) and show up consistently for 6-12 months. Dr. Woo-Ming outlines the "three-channel method" LinkedIn for credibility (2-3 posts/week with clinical-business-CTAs), guest appearances for trust transfers (50-200 subs per spot), syndication for compounding reach (repurpose emails to Medium/YouTube). He covers leverage cascades like welcome sequences, referral prompts, and newsletter swaps to amplify growth 30-40%. With a 6-month roadmap (setup in months 1-2, momentum in 3-4, doubling down in 5-6), this episode equips doctors to turn email into a business asset, filling webinars, validating courses, and gaining leverage, while maintaining clinical work. Three Actionable Takeaways: Master LinkedIn Basics: Post 2-3 times in a week with a clinical observation, business parallel, and CTA structure; pin your newsletter signup in the featured section and spend 15 mins per day commenting meaningfully to build engagement and visibility. Aim for 100-150 subscribers in the first 1-2 months. Book Guest Spots Strategically: Pitch 1-2 podcast, webinar, or medical society appearances quarterly; lead with your lead magnet and end with a signup CTA. Leverage alumni networks for easy yeses, targeting 200-800 subscribers over 6 months from trust transfers. Syndicate Smartly: Write one weekly email as core content, then repurpose to LinkedIn, Medium, YouTube monthly. Add PS referral prompts and track with custom links, expect 40-80 new subscribers per month as old content compounds, scaling passively. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/40221325

EP333 : Start an Email Newsletter That People Will Actually Want to Read 02/18/2026

EP333 : Start an Email Newsletter That People Will Actually Want to Read Tired of shouting into the social media void? What if your email list became your most powerful tool for building authority and staying connected? In this practical episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming draws from his experience running two newsletters to deliver a step-by-step guide on creating emails that people actually open and read. He breaks down common failure modes: writing like you're charting or only emailing when you want sales, and offers a repeatable structure for hooks, stories, and soft calls to action. Dr. Woo-Ming covers content buckets tailored for physician entrepreneurs, ideal sending frequency, simple tools like ConvertKit or Beehiiv, and organic growth strategies. Whether you're a doctor launching a side gig or a healthcare entrepreneur nurturing leads, this episode shows how newsletters foster trust and relevance without overwhelming your schedule. Perfect for busy physicians who want to own their audience and turn emails into meaningful conversations that drive opportunities. Three Actionable Takeaways: Newsletters Build Relationships, Not Just Lists Email is the only channel without algorithms blocking you, focus on staying relevant in readers' minds through consistent, value-driven content rather than sales pitches. Avoid Common Pitfalls Like Inconsistency and Self-Focus Write conversationally, not formally; send weekly to build habits; and reframe content around what helps your audience, not announcements about yourself. Use Simple Structures and Tools for Success Hook with provocative openers, share stories or insights, and end with soft CTAs. Tools like Beehiiv simplify workflows, while lead magnets like checklists grow your list organically. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/40144630

EP332: Should You Start a Business Solo or Find a Partner? 02/11/2026

EP332: Should You Start a Business Solo or Find a Partner? Should you launch your physician-led business alone or bring in partners? It’s a make-or-break choice that could lead to freedom, growth, or disaster. In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming shares insights from his dual experiences in successful solo ventures and partnerships, both triumphant and turbulent. He breaks down the advantages of going solo, like complete autonomy, faster decisions, and keeping 100% of profits, versus the challenges, such as burnout and limited skills. On the partnership side, he highlights benefits like complementary expertise, shared risks, and faster scaling, while warning about conflicts, diluted equity, and dissolution risks. Drawing from real physician stories, Dr. Woo-Ming illustrates solo successes in telemedicine, struggles in health tech, thriving concierge practices, and failed med spas. He provides a five-factor decision framework—business complexity, capital needs, time availability, personal style, and growth ambitions—to guide your choice. If partnering, he outlines seven non-negotiables, from legal agreements to aligned values. Whether you’re starting a side hustle or building an empire, this episode equips you with the tools to avoid common pitfalls and build sustainably. Three Actionable Takeaways: Assess Your Skills and Business Complexity Honestly: If your venture aligns with your expertise and can start small (e.g., online courses or telemedicine), go solo for autonomy. But for tech-heavy or high-capital needs (e.g., software or clinics), seek partners to fill gaps and share burdens. Use the Five-Factor Framework to Decide: Evaluate complexity/skills, capital requirements, time commitment, personal work style, and growth goals. Solo suits lifestyle businesses; partnerships accelerate scaling—be truthful about your risk tolerance and independence. If Partnering, Secure Non-Negotiables Upfront: Draft a comprehensive agreement covering equity, roles, profits, and exits; align on values, commitments, and communication; review quarterly to prevent conflicts and ensure fairness. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/40034600

EP331: Side Hustles for Physicians - 20 Ideas You Can Start This Month 02/04/2026

EP331: Side Hustles for Physicians - 20 Ideas You Can Start This Month Tired of relying solely on clinical shifts? Discover 20 practical side hustle ideas tailored for busy physicians, from telemedicine to real estate investing. Host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming shares actionable first steps, income potential, and tips to launch part-time without quitting your day job. He draws from his 20+ years as a physician entrepreneur to outline 20 viable side hustles you can start this month with minimal investment. Organized into four categories Clinical-adjacent (telemedicine, locum tenens, expert witness) Knowledge-based ( medical writing, online courses, podcasting, coaching) Tech/digital (app consulting, social media influencing, affiliate marketing) Business/investment ( real estate, practice consulting, med spa startups) He covers why each works for doctors, first steps like signing up for platforms or networking, realistic income ranges ($500–$50,000+/month), and quick tips for success. Emphasizing action over perfection, Dr. Mike encourages picking 2–3 ideas based on your time, capital, timeline, and passions to build extra $5K–$10K/month while preventing burnout and achieving independence. Three Actionable Takeaways: Explore Clinical-Adjacent Gigs for Quick Wins: Start with telemedicine or locum tenens: Sign up for platforms like MD Live or agencies this week, aiming for 5–10 hours/month at $100–$300/hour to test flexibility and fund other ventures. Monetize Your Knowledge Digitally: Create an online course or podcast. Outline a mini-course on Kajabi/Teachable or record your first episode in two weeks, targeting passive income of $5K–$50K annually through sales or sponsorships. Build Long-Term Assets Through Business: Invest in real estate or start a cash-based practice: Attend a local meetup or research franchises, focusing on high-margin niches like med spas for $100K+ post-expenses while diversifying income. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39985615

EP330: 4 Ways Doctors Can Use AI to Create Extra Income 01/28/2026

EP330: 4 Ways Doctors Can Use AI to Create Extra Income What if AI could turn your medical expertise into passive income streams, without adding a single hour to your day? In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, breaks down how AI serves as an "insurance policy" for your medical career, helping you build assets, generate new revenue streams, and reclaim time. Drawing from real-world examples in his community, he outlines four actionable "lanes": Content and Authority: Turning voice memos into podcasts, social posts, and leads; Education and Digital Products: Packaging patient FAQs into 24/7 programs; AI as Digital Assistant: Automating admin tasks to cut costs; Vibe Coding: Building simple tools like client qualifiers. Dr. Mike emphasizes picking one lane that matches your personality, avoiding common pitfalls like overbuilding or waiting for confidence, and challenges listeners to a 14-day experiment: build one asset and measure time saved, income potential, and stress reduced. This episode empowers physicians to shift from trading time for money to ownership, using AI to practice on their terms. Three Actionable Takeaways: Leverage AI for Content Creation: Record a 10-15 minute voice memo on patient questions or research insights during your commute. Feed it into an AI tool to generate podcasts, social posts, emails, and scripts. Use this content to attract patients, build authority, and launch coaching programs, saving hours while boosting income. Build Digital Education Products: Compile common patient FAQs and your standard answers into an AI-structured program. Create a self-paced digital course or guide that patients can purchase. This passive asset generates 24/7 revenue, helps patients manage conditions, and adds value to your practice without extra daily effort. Implement AI as a Digital Assistant: Use AI to automate admin tasks like intake summaries, follow-ups, and email workflows. Start by replacing a virtual assistant's duties, saving $2,000-$5,000 monthly. Focus on efficiency to reduce overhead, increase profit, and free time for high-value work or personal life. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39867715

EP329: Testing Your Offer Before You Build Anything - a 30 Day Plan 01/21/2026

EP329: Testing Your Offer Before You Build Anything - a 30 Day Plan What if you could validate your side business idea and earn your first $10,000 before building a website or content empire? In this practical solo episode, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming draws from his entrepreneurial experience to guide physicians away from common pitfalls like overcomplicating launches with unnecessary infrastructure. He explains the "credentialing mindset" that holds doctors back and advocates for a minimum viable test: Define a specific audience and transformation, run a free webinar with a framework and offer, and promote it via your existing network. Real examples, including his own $32,000 validation for Bootstrap MD, illustrate how to iterate based on results. Whether you're eyeing telemedicine, coaching, or consulting, discover how to get paid customers in 30 days without burnout or perfectionism. If you're a physician entrepreneur ready to test ideas leanly, this episode provides a clear 30-day plan for validation, pivoting, and scaling with confidence. Three Actionable Takeaways: Define your MVP offer: Identify a specific target audience,for example, hospitalists launching telemedicine, promise a measurable transformation (e.g., see your first 5 patients in 90 days), and set a price, focus on implementation support like coaching or cohorts. Run a test webinar: Create a simple landing page, outline 30-45 minutes of framework content (what/why, not how), promote to 50 network contacts via personal messages and LinkedIn, and make your offer in the last 10-15 minutes. Analyze and iterate: Track attendance, questions, and conversions; if buyers emerge, deliver and refine; if not, interview attendees for feedback, adjust variables (audience, promise, price), and retest in 1-2 weeks to validate before building infrastructure. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39784510

EP328: Why Most Physician Podcasts Stall - And What Actually Moves Them Forward 01/14/2026

EP328: Why Most Physician Podcasts Stall - And What Actually Moves Them Forward This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ Join us for Doctor PodFest in Florida! Go here to secure your ticket: ______________ What if your physician podcast isn't failing, it's just stuck in the "quiet plateau" phase, and the key to breaking through is community, not better content? In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming shares insights from his experience and talks with countless physician podcasters. He explores why so many physician podcasts hit a wall and quietly fade away. Drawing from conversations with hundreds of doctors, he breaks down the three phases of podcasting, the pitfalls of isolation, and proven strategies to build momentum. He outlines the three phases: The excited beginner: Episodes 1-20, full of energy and early wins The quiet plateau: Episodes 20-75, where downloads flatline and motivation wanes due to lack of feedback The leverage podcast: where clarity and connections lead to opportunities like speaking gigs and collaborations. Mike explains why physicians stall more than other creators, due to a focus on competence over visibility, rare creative feedback, and a solo mindset from medical training. He emphasizes four key levers: audience clarity, feedback loops, peer collaboration, and identity. Drawing from real examples, he shows how repositioning can reignite growth without changing content quality. Mike also introduces Dr. Podfest, an event he co-created with Dr. Anne Truong, happening in Orlando, a one-day physician summit with awards, networking, and access to Podfest Expo for building media platforms without isolation. Go here to secure your ticket: If you're a physician podcaster feeling the plateau or contemplating starting one, this episode delivers practical advice to turn your show into a compounding asset, avoid common traps, and find the validation needed to keep going. Three Actionable Takeaways: Identify your phase and build clarity: Assess if you're in the excited beginner, quiet plateau, or leverage stage; define your audience niche in one sentence e.g., "hospitalists building side income" to make content more resonant and avoid speaking to "everyone." Create feedback loops and collaborate: Move beyond download metrics by seeking direct listener responses, peer episode reviews, and conversations with other physician podcasters to refine positioning, intros, and topics, start this from episode one to prevent isolation. Join or build community for momentum: Seek rooms like Dr. Podfest for live connections, validation, and shared insights; focus on specificity in your identity ("What am I known for?") to open doors, and remember that momentum comes from peers reflecting your impact, not just more episodes. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39721220

EP327: Predictions for 2026: A Playbook for Physician Entrepreneurs 01/07/2026

EP327: Predictions for 2026: A Playbook for Physician Entrepreneurs EP327: Predictions for 2026: A Playbook for Physician Entrepreneurs This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ Join us for Doctor PodFest in Florida! Go here to secure your ticket: ______________ What if 2026 rewarded clarity over hustle, narrow niches over broad scaling, and high-conviction bets over scattered diversification? In part two of our 2025 retrospective series, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming shares bold predictions for 2026 in physician entrepreneurship. wraps up the 2025 retrospective with forward-looking predictions for physician entrepreneurs. He breaks down business and practice trends like hyper-specialization, education-clinical hybrids for leverage, and AI workflows as staff multipliers. On the investment side, expect demands for more control, shifts to real assets with operational upside like healthcare real estate or media brands, and fewer but deeper convictions. Drawing from his own businesses and consulting experiences, Dr. Mike shares real examples and challenges physicians to rethink their strategies. Discover why specialization trumps scaling, how education-clinical hybrids will explode, AI as a staff multiplier, shifts in investments toward control and real assets, and a three-step playbook to thrive. This episode delivers actionable insights to own your future. The episode ends with a practical 2026 playbook: one business to double down on, one asset to exit, and one skill to master. If you're a physician building businesses or wealth, seeking autonomy, passive income, or scalable ventures beyond traditional medicine, this is your roadmap to building leverage, wealth, and freedom in the year ahead. Three Actionable Takeaways: Specialize deeply: Narrow your niche to one core expertise (e.g., hormone optimization for perimenopausal women in high-stress careers) for clearer marketing, premium pricing, and less competition. Avoid broad scaling; focus on being the go-to for a specific problem and patient type. Layer education on clinical care: Build hybrid models like group coaching, memberships, or workshops to extend patient value, prevent issues, and scale revenue without adding hours. This creates stickier relationships, higher referrals, and leverage—start small with a monthly Q&A series. Consolidate investments: Demand control, transparency, and optionality in deals; shift to real assets like improvable real estate or physician-led media (e.g., podcasts with sponsorship revenue). Pick fewer high-conviction bets where you add value, exit underperformers, and master one skill like AI integration or content creation for compounding gains. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39634580

EP326: 2025 Retrospective - What Actually Worked (And Flopped) for Physician Entrepreneurs. 12/31/2025

EP326: 2025 Retrospective - What Actually Worked (And Flopped) for Physician Entrepreneurs. EP326: 2025 Retrospective - What Actually Worked (And Flopped) for Physician Entrepreneurs. This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ Join us for Doctor PodFest in Florida! Go here to secure your ticket: ______________ Dr. Mike Woo-Ming pauses the usual Bootstrap MD format for a candid two-part series. In Part 1, he delivers a no-hype 2025 retrospective: the biggest wins (cash/hybrid models, content as infrastructure, smarter investing), the brutal flops (commodity telehealth, passive income myths, unused AI tools), and the quiet trends most doctors missed entirely. 2025 stripped away the illusions for physician entrepreneurs. While some chased shiny objects and got burned, others built real leverage, freedom, and wealth. In this raw year-in-review, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming shares exactly what crushed it, what crashed hard, and the under-the-radar shifts that separated the thriving doctors from the overwhelmed ones. No fluff, just the real lessons from coaching hundreds of physicians through the year’s chaos. Top 3 Actionable Takeaways Own the patient relationship with niche cash/hybrid models: Stop competing on price in commoditized markets. Build a practice where you choose patients, control scheduling, and have pricing power, whether full cash, membership, or strategic hybrid. Micro-niches like executive perimenopause, endurance athletes, beat generic telehealth every time in 2025. Treat content as infrastructure, not marketing: One consistent long-form platform (podcast, YouTube, newsletter) compounds trust and authority faster than rented social algorithms. Patients who consume 10+ episodes arrive pre-sold, not price-shopping. Start owning your distribution now, consistency beats perfection. Go deep on fewer bets instead of wide and scattered: Spreading across 10 mediocre ventures creates overwhelm with no leverage. The 2025 winners picked 1–2 interconnected things (niche practice, community, content and membership) and mastered them. Depth creates moats; breadth creates burnout. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39571095

EP325: What If Wiping Out Was the Key to Rising Stronger in Medicine? 12/24/2025

EP325: What If Wiping Out Was the Key to Rising Stronger in Medicine? This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ What if a life-altering accident on the beach redirected your entire career, and a mental health crisis became the catalyst for resilient leadership? In this inspiring episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming welcomes Dr. Scott Ellner, as he shares his journey from witnessing a roadside trauma that sparked his path to medicine, to practicing in New England, facing burnout and suicidal thoughts, and pivoting to executive roles like leading Integris Health Medical Group. Drawing from surfing metaphors, he discusses mental health stigma, the addiction to identity, finding purpose beyond the OR, and practical tips for physicians navigating pivots, startups, and leadership in chaotic healthcare. Perfect for doctors feeling stuck or seeking nonclinical transitions, this conversation offers hope, transparency, and actionable insights on grit, resilience, and reaching out. Three Actionable Takeaways: Embrace Mental Health Openly: Physicians face immense stressors—discuss it like physical health. If you're in crisis (e.g., burnout, cynicism), reflect on purpose: "What intimidates me motivates me." Reach out to a trusted person; a simple "Are you okay?" can save lives, as it did for Scott during a dark night on call. Redefine Purpose Beyond Identity: Don't tie your worth to "surgeon" or "physician"—identity addiction fuels burnout. Pivot by exploring passions (e.g., leadership, startups); spend time journaling or in "executive residencies" to learn business acumen, funding pitches, and health system buy-in for new ventures. Use Surfing as a Leadership Metaphor: Adversity builds grit. Paddle through discomfort like cold water or wetsuits. In healthcare chaos (post-COVID), lead by contributing meaningfully; for pivots, seek VC insights on exit strategies and physician influence (e.g., CMO buy-in) to make ideas stick. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Guest: Dr. Scott Ellner is a former general and trauma surgeon, now President of Integris Health Medical Group in Oklahoma City. A leadership strategist and TEDx speaker, he transitioned from clinical practice after a mental health crisis, drawing from surgery, surfing, and executive roles to help physicians combat burnout and lead sustainably. He's the author of Wipe Out, Rise Up: A Practical and Deeply Human Guide to Leadership, Grit, and Redefining Success in Medicine. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Scott Ellner: 🌐 Website: 📘 Book: About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39523005

EP324 : Why Physicians Are Co-Investing in $55M Deals with a $12B Real Estate Giant 12/17/2025

EP324 : Why Physicians Are Co-Investing in $55M Deals with a $12B Real Estate Giant This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ What if physicians could co-invest in $55M industrial parks alongside a $12B family office without $100K consultants or high-risk leverage? In this insightful episode, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming interviews Jonathan Spitz from Lightstone Direct, the new direct-to-investor arm of 40-year-old powerhouse Lightstone Group. Jonathan shares the firm’s vertically integrated model (25K apartments, 12M sq ft industrial, 5K hotel keys), why they commit 20% of their own capital first (5-10x industry norms), and how physicians can diversify beyond stocks or DIY rentals. He breaks down direct vs. passive CRE, asset class pitfalls (office flops vs. industrial wins), and red flags like inexperienced managers or 85% debt. With examples like their Greenville industrial deal, Jonathan proves alignment and conviction drive better outcomes empowering busy doctors to build legacy wealth safely. If you’re a high-income physician eyeing real estate for tax efficiency and passive income, this is your guide to investing like institutions without the headaches. Three Actionable Takeaways: Decide direct vs. passive: If time-strapped, skip hands-on rentals for platforms like Lightstone Direct, vet managers on track record, cycles navigated, and skin in game (aim for 20%+). Passive reduces risks like tenant concentration; focus on assets like industrial for steady returns over volatile office or retail. Qualify and evaluate: As accredited (200K/300K income or 1M net worth), request decks/PPMs/operating agreements. Ask: Debt levels? Exit strategies? Risk mitigation? Compare projected IRRs realistically—avoid 20%+ promises tied to high leverage. Prioritize alignment where sponsors invest heavily first for shared incentives. Start the process: Visit lightstonedirect.com or email jspitz@lightstonedirect.com for discovery calls. Define goals (income vs. growth, liquidity horizon). Use a special link lightstone.com/dpn for Bootstrap MD listeners. Early incentives like 6% on parked funds make starting seamless, build long-term partnerships for 3-5 year holds. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Guest: Jonathan Spitz is the Head of Capital Formation at Lightstone Direct, where he connects individual investors, especially physicians, to institutional-quality real estate opportunities. With over a decade of experience spanning brokerage, lending, and private equity, Jonathan has navigated multiple market cycles and capital-raising environments. He focuses on transparency, education, and aligned incentives, helping professionals understand how private real estate can diversify portfolios, reduce taxes, and build long-term wealth. Website: Email: About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39431545

EP323 : Never Split the Difference: The FBI Negotiator’s Playbook Every Physician Needs 12/10/2025

EP323 : Never Split the Difference: The FBI Negotiator’s Playbook Every Physician Needs This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ Host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming breaks down why Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference is the single most important book most physicians will never read in school yet use dozens of times every single shift. From salary negotiations and admin battles to convincing patients to get the CT, these FBI-level tactics will immediately make you more money, save you time, and reduce daily frustration. Doctors are brilliant clinicians but notoriously terrible negotiators. We say “yes” to terrible contracts, extra shifts without extra pay, and patients who refuse life-saving care all because no one ever taught us how to negotiate like our life or livelihood depends on it. In this rapid-fire Book Club episode, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming distills the core lessons from Chris Voss’s bestseller Never Split the Difference and shows exactly how to apply them in real medical life: getting the raise you deserve, pushing back on unpaid admin duties, reading the room with anxious patients, and never again leaving money or sanity on the table. If you only read one negotiation book in your career, make it this one. Three Actionable Takeaways: Never make the first offer: Force the other side to name their number first (salary, rate, raise). Respond with “What do you think would be fair?” or “I’m open to any offer you feel is appropriate.” Their silence works for you they’ll often low-ball themselves or surprise you with more than you expected. Use tactical empathy and labeling: Start every tough conversation with “It sounds like…” or “It seems like you’re frustrated that…” You’re not agreeing, just naming the emotion. This instantly calms patients, admins, or partners, builds trust, and makes them far more open to your actual request or plan. Turn “No” into your ally: When they say “No” to your raise, extra pay, or patient’s refusal of care, respond with “What would need to happen for us to revisit this?” or “How could we make this work?” A “No” protects them; calibrated questions turn it into the real negotiation. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39348250

EP322: Who Am I Without the White Coat? Leaving Clinical Medicine Without Losing Yourself 12/03/2025

EP322: Who Am I Without the White Coat? Leaving Clinical Medicine Without Losing Yourself This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ That quiet voice asking, “What if I walked away from patient care forever?” isn’t weakness, it’s clarity. In this powerful episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming tackles the question almost every burned-out physician has asked in silence: “What if I leave patient care… for good?” With physician burnout at an all-time high and more doctors quietly exploring nonclinical exits than ever before, Mike delivers the real-talk conversation you won’t hear in the doctors’ lounge. He walks through the emotional rollercoaster; grief, fear, guilt, and the full-blown identity crisis, then flips the script: your MD isn’t a life sentence to the exam room. It’s a superpower you can take anywhere. From pharma and biotech roles to CMO tracks, education and content empires, and full-blown entrepreneurship, Mike maps the proven nonclinical paths and shares exactly how to test the waters without blowing up your life or your license. If you’re burned out, questioning your identity, or wondering what’s on the other side of clinical medicine, this episode is your permission slip to explore what’s next—without guilt, without shame, and with a real plan. Three Actionable Takeaways: Journal the truth today: Answer these three questions honestly (1) If I weren’t a doctor, what would my ideal workday look like? (2) What parts of medicine do I genuinely love vs. dread? (3) What am I most afraid people will think if I step away? Clarity starts on paper. Talk to people ahead of you: Talk to 2 or 3 physicians who have already left patient care and are genuinely thriving, not just complaining;. Ask about their emotional journey, money realities, and the one thing they wish they knew sooner. Come meet dozens of them at DrPodFest.com this January. Calculate your exact financial runway this weekend; how many months of expenses do you have saved? Knowing your real number turns “What if I fail?” into “I have X months to experiment.” Then start one tiny nonclinical side project (chart review, an article, a paid consult) to gather evidence there’s life beyond the bedside. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39251035

EP321: How to Set Your 2026 Goals Now (Yes Now!) - A 6 Week Jumpstart for Physician Entrepreneurs 11/26/2025

EP321: How to Set Your 2026 Goals Now (Yes Now!) - A 6 Week Jumpstart for Physician Entrepreneurs This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ It’s November 2025; why wait for January resolutions that fizzle? Recorded just before Thanksgiving 2025, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming urges physicians to ditch January goal-setting chaos and start now for a powerhouse 2026. Drawing from his experience building multiple seven-figure businesses, he explains why early planning reduces pressure, leverages seasonal lulls, and builds unstoppable momentum. Review 2025 like a patient chart: symptoms (what drained you?), labs (numbers and ROI), diagnosis (patterns to fix), prognosis (where you’re headed if nothing changes). Define 2-3 vital outcomes: specific, measurable, emotionally charged. Use the next six weeks for a jumpstart: fix bottlenecks, map content, or validate offers. Subtract energy-drainers like low-margin services or endless courses. Build a support system: accountability partners, mentors, or masterminds. End with a “simple wins” plan—3-5 consistent actions for January. Whether scaling a business or starting one, this episode delivers actionable steps to treat your career like “You Inc.” Plus, get the scoop on Dr. Pod Fest 2026—a capped, high-value event for physician creators. Stop reacting; start dominating your year early. 🔗 Dr. Pod Fest 2026: Three Actionable Takeaways: Conduct a 2025 Year-End Self-Review: Treat it like a patient chart—note symptoms (drains/energy leaks), labs (revenue, ROI, time blocks), diagnosis (patterns to retire/scale), and prognosis (2026 trajectory if unchanged). This clarity helps business owners refine offers and aspiring entrepreneurs pinpoint niches for a strong start. Launch a 6-Week Pre-2026 Jumpstart: Fix one bottleneck, map 90 days of content, update an offer, or build a lead magnet. For new entrepreneurs: pick a niche, create a landing page, choose one content channel, and have 5 real conversations. Lay the runway now for January takeoff. Subtract Drainers & Build Support: Ditch low-profit services, unused marketing channels, perfectionism, or course-hoarding. Create space for wins by subtracting what doesn’t serve. Then scaffold success: find an accountability partner, hire a mentor, join a mastermind, set up minimal tech (AI, email, scheduler), and track one weekly metric like leads or revenue. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39173605

EP320: Ten Reasons Why Every Physician Needs a Mentor 11/19/2025

EP320: Ten Reasons Why Every Physician Needs a Mentor This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ In this episode of BootstrapMD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming opens up about the breaking point that forced him to ask for help. Bad location, useless equipment, $5,000 Valpak disasters, and exactly one patient looking for free advice until one desperate phone call to a mentor turned everything around. From avoiding the crushing “stupid tax” and compressing years into months, to getting ruthless accountability, emotional support through the lows, real-world playbooks no CME ever teaches, instant network expansion, burnout prevention, borrowed confidence, and staying ethical while scaling — Mike proves mentorship isn’t optional for physician entrepreneurs. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving. If you’ve ever thought “I’m a doctor I should be able to figure this out alone,” this episode is your wake-up call. Three Actionable Takeaways: Stop paying the “stupid tax” on your own: Find a mentor who has already lost the money and time on the exact mistakes you’re about to make — wrong EMRs, useless marketing agencies, bad locations and shortcut years of expensive trial-and-error in a single conversation. Make a list today of three physicians who are 2–5 years ahead of where you want to be: Reach out and book a paid 60-minute consultation, never ask for free advice. Respect their time, get laser-focused answers, and start implementing immediately. Audit your business honestly: if you got hit by a bus tomorrow, would it survive without you? Build systems, hire replaceable team members, cut clinical hours, and create a practice that serves your life instead of chaining you to it — that’s the real freedom entrepreneurship promises. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/39085445

EP319: Inside the Room - What Really Happens in Millionaire Masterminds 11/12/2025

EP319: Inside the Room - What Really Happens in Millionaire Masterminds This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ In this revealing episode, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, dives into his experiences inside millionaire masterminds—exclusive groups of founders who share strategies, wins, and wisdom. From investing thousands of dollars to join these rooms to building lifelong connections, Mike explains why masterminds are one of the best professional investments he’s ever made. He walks listeners through the traits that set successful entrepreneurs apart: they execute fast, think big, rebound from setbacks, manage their finances with precision, and network intentionally. Through personal stories and real-world examples, Mike shows how these same principles can help healthcare entrepreneurs expand their vision, accelerate growth, and avoid costly mistakes. If you’ve ever wondered whether joining a mastermind is worth it, this episode offers clear, actionable insight into how to make it work for you. Three Actionable Takeaways: Speed Wins — Execute Fast and Refine Later: In the world of high-performing entrepreneurs, perfectionism is the enemy of progress. The most successful mastermind members Dr. Mike met don’t wait for every variable to align — they take action, test quickly, and adjust based on results. Think Bigger — Start with a Niche, Then Scale Beyond It : The entrepreneurs dominating their industries didn’t stay confined to narrow niches — they used them as launching pads. Many began by focusing on a small, well-defined audience (like women physicians or local clients), but once they gained traction, they expanded strategically into broader, more lucrative markets. Know Your Numbers — Financial Awareness Builds Freedom: Entrepreneurship without financial literacy is like driving blindfolded. The most successful business owners Dr. Mike has encountered track their profit and loss daily, scrutinize expenses, and question every dollar spent. They don’t delegate financial awareness — they own it. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38999560

EP318: Seven Steps to Building a Patient Funnel That Converts (Without Ads) 11/05/2025

EP318: Seven Steps to Building a Patient Funnel That Converts (Without Ads) This episode is sponsored by . 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. _____________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. ______________ How do you attract more patients—without spending a fortune on ads or hiring a marketing agency? In this episode of BootstrapMD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming demystifies the concept of marketing funnels and reveals how any doctor can build a simple, trust-based system to bring in patients organically. Whether you’re running a cash-based practice, launching a telemedicine brand, or just starting out, Dr. Woo-Ming shares a step-by-step process that turns awareness into engagement—and engagement into conversion. He begins by redefining the “funnel” not as a piece of software, but as a relationship journey—a path that guides potential patients from discovery to booking. Using his signature mix of practical teaching and relatable analogies, Dr. Woo-Ming explains how building an organic funnel is simply about building trust before the sale. He listed seven-step framework for creating an organic funnel: Understand the Funnel Journey, Start with One Irresistible Offer, Create a Value Magnet (Not Just a Lead Magnet), Build the Trust Loop, Add a Clear Conversion Path, Promote Organically, Measure and Refine Through these seven steps, physicians learn how to stop chasing patients and start creating systems that attract and nurture them naturally. Dr. Woo-Ming emphasizes that effective funnels don’t rely on complicated tech—they rely on empathy, clarity, and consistent follow-up. He wraps up by reminding listeners that they don’t need a big budget, marketing degree, or social media fame to grow. What they truly need is a repeatable system that builds trust and invites action—one small step at a time. Whether you’re a physician tired of depending on word-of-mouth referrals or a healthcare entrepreneur ready to scale your practice, this episode gives you the tools, mindset, and motivation to start attracting more patients organically today. Three Actionable Takeaways: Simplify Your Offer: Focus on One Clear Transformation:One of the biggest mistakes physicians make in marketing is trying to promote every service at once—weight loss, hormone therapy, aesthetics, telemedicine, and more. But as Dr. Woo-Ming explains, “a confused mind never buys.” When your messaging is scattered, your patients don’t know what to focus on—and they leave before taking action. Build Relationships Before Revenue: Trust Comes Before Transactions: Funnels aren’t just about automation—they’re about authentic connection. Patients today are looking for more than quick fixes; they want to know who you are, what you believe in, and whether they can trust you with their health. Track and Tweak Consistently: Measure What Matters: In marketing—and in medicine—what gets measured gets improved. Many physicians struggle with patient acquisition because they’re guessing at what’s working. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38914425

EP317: Five Emerging Business Models for Physician Entrepreneurs 10/29/2025

EP317: Five Emerging Business Models for Physician Entrepreneurs This episode is sponsored by 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. _________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. _______________ What does the next generation of physician entrepreneurship look like? In this episode, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, physician entrepreneur and founder of multiple medical ventures, explores five high-potential business models for doctors looking to innovate in medicine and build scalable, meaningful businesses. Drawing from conversations with physicians, conferences, and his own entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Woo-Ming introduces a practical roadmap—starting with accessible models that require minimal capital and progressing toward ambitious, tech-driven opportunities. These five emerging business models reshapes physician entrepreneurship They include; - Micro-Niche Cash Practice – Telemedicine Specialty Brand – Knowledge Commerce Practice – Licensing & Partnership Model – AI Healthcare Company Through these progressive five-step journey, physicians gain a clear understanding of which model fits their current stage of career and risk tolerance—and how to start moving toward entrepreneurial independence today. Three Actionable Takeaways: Start Small, Think Big: Begin with a micro-niche cash practice or telemedicine brand before scaling to advanced ventures. Focus beats scale—define your patient, your problem, and your promise. Build Leverage, Not Labor: Shift from trading time for money to building scalable systems—digital products, licensed methods, and automated practices that create recurring revenue. Choose Courage Over Comfort: Entrepreneurship demands boldness. Whether launching a course or founding an AI startup, your medical expertise is your foundation—pair it with persistence and innovation. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38816030

EP316: Protecting Your Medical Career: The Legal Blindspots Physicians can’t Afford to Miss 10/22/2025

EP316: Protecting Your Medical Career: The Legal Blindspots Physicians can’t Afford to Miss This episode is sponsored by . Lightstone Direct LLC connects you to institutional-quality real estate investments backed by a $12-billion AUM firm that co-invests alongside you—your partner in building lasting wealth. All investments involve risk. Please visit for a full list of disclosures. _________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. _______________ What if a single oversight could jeopardize your medical practice? In this vital episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming dives into the rarely discussed topic of protection for physician entrepreneurs. Drawing from personal experiences, like NPI misuse and a costly ADA lawsuit, he covers safeguarding credentials, supervising mid-level providers, ensuring digital compliance, and structuring legal defenses. From quarterly NPI audits to HIPAA-compliant tools and crisis plans, Dr. Woo-Ming shares practical strategies to prevent regulatory traps and litigation—urging physicians to act before issues arise. A must-listen for practice owners seeking to protect their name and legacy. Three Actionable Takeaways: Guard Your NPI Like Your House Keys: Dr. Woo-Ming learned the hard way about NPI misuse leading to fraud allegations. Audit your NPI quarterly via the NPPES registry, check CMS PECOS for unauthorized enrollments, and set Google Alerts for your name + NPI to catch misuse early. Supervise Mid-Levels Actively: Supervising NPs/PAs means legal accountability—Dr. Woo-Ming stresses customized agreements, documented chart reviews, and malpractice coverage for supervisory roles. Start by maintaining logs of reviews and communications to prove oversight, avoiding liability gaps. Prioritize Digital Compliance: A five-figure ADA lawsuit over uncaptioned videos taught Dr. Woo-Ming to ensure website accessibility. Use tools like WAVE Accessibility Checker, add captions to all videos, and work with vendors for accessible patient portals to avoid litigation. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38733515

Ep315: The BootstrapMD Blueprint: Launch Your Practice in 14 Days (No Investors Required) 10/15/2025

Ep315: The BootstrapMD Blueprint: Launch Your Practice in 14 Days (No Investors Required) This episode is sponsored by . Lightstone Direct LLC connects you to institutional-quality real estate investments backed by a $12-billion AUM firm that co-invests alongside you—your partner in building lasting wealth. All investments involve risk. Please visit for a full list of disclosures. _________ This Episode is also sponsored by Ryze Health Every minute counts in medicine—so why waste it on clunky admin work? With Ryze Health, practice management becomes effortless. Our all-in-one platform streamlines scheduling, patient communications, and insurance verification, giving you fewer no-shows, faster check-ins, and happier patients. Free yourself from paperwork and phone tag so you can focus on what truly matters: providing care. Visit today and see how simple running your practice can be. _________ How can doctors launch their first practice in 2025—without going into debt or depending on outside investors? Host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, shares his five-step launch blueprint for building a lean, profitable clinic from scratch. He begins by debunking the myth that doctors need investors, massive loans, or fancy offices to succeed. Instead, he emphasizes focusing on action, simplicity, and profitability from day one. Step one: pick a profitable niche by identifying exactly who you want to serve and the urgent problem you can solve now. Step two: build your Minimal Viable Clinic (MVC) — a streamlined version of your practice that allows you to start seeing patients quickly using low-cost tools like telemedicine, subleasing spaces, and affordable EHR systems. Dr. Woo-Ming explains how to craft an irresistible offer centered around transformation, not just services—helping patients achieve measurable outcomes in 90 days or less. He shares proven marketing insights inspired by Alex Hormozi and offers examples of “unicorn offer statements.” Finally, he details how to attract your first patients, leverage partnerships, and systematize your operations through automation, virtual assistants, and tracking key business metrics. This episode is a must-listen for physicians seeking independence, sustainability, and control over their medical careers—without waiting for permission or capital. Three Actionable Takeaways: Pick a Profitable Niche: Define exactly who you serve, what urgent problem you solve, and ensure you can deliver results profitably. Avoid broad audiences—clarity drives success. Build Your Minimal Viable Clinic (MVC): Start lean using telemedicine, subleased spaces, and low-cost tech tools. Focus on momentum, not perfection—launch now, refine later. Automate and Scale Early: Use systems like EHR automation, virtual assistants, and follow-up sequences to streamline operations. Track metrics weekly to identify growth opportunities. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38587310

EP314: How to Hire Your First Virtual Assistant (Without Getting Burned) with Lesley Pyle 10/08/2025

EP314: How to Hire Your First Virtual Assistant (Without Getting Burned) with Lesley Pyle This Episode is sponsored by Ryze Health Running your own practice shouldn’t mean struggling with rising health insurance costs. That’s why a physician designed Ryze Health Premium Insurance—exclusive coverage crafted for independent doctors, their teams, and families. Imagine lowering costs while gaining the freedom to focus fully on patients and the people who matter most. Discover how much you could save at ryzehealth.com and join the growing network of doctors choosing smarter coverage. Follow @RyzeHealth on Instagram and LinkedIn. _________________ Can hiring a virtual assistant transform your entrepreneurial journey? In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming sits with Lesley Pyle, as she discusses her 30-year evolution in remote work, starting from 1996 as a freelancing mom. Drawing from her experiences in PR, motherhood, and building virtual networks, she explores barriers entrepreneurs face—time constraints, trust issues, and hiring fears—and how platforms like hers connect businesses with talented remote professionals. Lesley offers practical ways to outsource tasks, create SOPs, and build efficient teams, fostering growth through delegation and work-life balance. Top 3 Takeaways: Identify and Outsource Time -Draining Tasks: Track daily activities like email or scheduling, estimate hours spent (e.g., 10 hours/week), and hire a virtual assistant to handle these, freeing time for patient care or strategic growth. Leverage Trusted Platforms for Hiring: Use services like HireMyMom.com to find vetted professionals with skills in bookkeeping, social media, or project management; conduct interviews and trial periods to ensure alignment with your practice’s needs. Prevent Burnout Through Delegation: Regularly assess where you’re overextended, consult family or mentors for perspective, and outsource non-core tasks to maintain faith, family, and personal well-being alongside business success. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Guest: Lesley Pyle is the founder and CEO of Hire My Mom, with a Master’s in Public Relations and Marketing. Named one of 50 Women Entrepreneurs Who Inspire Us by Self-Made Magazine, she has 30 years of experience helping moms find remote work and small businesses hire virtual talent. Starting with Home-Based Working Moms in 1996, she empowers professionals to balance career and family through flexible opportunities. Connect with Lesley Pyle: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38504785

EP313 - The Big Rocks Philosophy: What Really Matters in Medicine 10/01/2025

EP313 - The Big Rocks Philosophy: What Really Matters in Medicine This Episode is sponsored by Ryze Health Running your own practice shouldn’t mean struggling with rising health insurance costs. That’s why a physician designed Ryze Health Premium Insurance—exclusive coverage crafted for independent doctors, their teams, and families. Imagine lowering costs while gaining the freedom to focus fully on patients and the people who matter most. Discover how much you could save at ryzehealth.com and join the growing network of doctors choosing smarter coverage. Follow @RyzeHealth on Instagram and LinkedIn. __________ Why do physicians work 60-hour weeks yet feel unfulfilled? In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming shares a powerful lesson from PIMD Con 2025, where Dr. Peter Kim’s rock jar demonstration—using rocks, pebbles, sand, and water—illustrated the cost of filling life with trivial tasks instead of meaningful priorities. Reflecting on his decision to prioritize school pickups for his son and a colleague’s near-fatal health scare, Dr. Woo-Ming explores how urgency and metrics trap physicians in “sand.” He offers a practical five-step “doctor’s orders” plan to schedule big rocks, set boundaries, and reassess priorities, empowering physicians to combat burnout and design sustainable, joy-filled careers. Top 3 Takeaways: Big Rocks First: Schedule non-negotiable priorities like health, family time, and personal purpose before less critical tasks, ensuring they fit into your life’s “jar.” Sweep Out the Sand: Identify and eliminate time-wasters like excessive emailing, doom-scrolling, or unproductive meetings by setting boundaries and delegating tasks. Reassess and Reflect: Regularly evaluate your energy, mood, and relationships to ensure your “big rocks” remain protected as life’s priorities evolve, preventing existential burnout. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! Tags: Physician Burnout, Work-Life Balance, Physician Entrepreneurship, Prioritization, Sustainable Careers, Gratitude, Resilience, Personal Growth /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38416980

EP312 - PIMD Con 2025: Your Roadmap to Winning Big as a Physician Entrepreneur 09/24/2025

EP312 - PIMD Con 2025: Your Roadmap to Winning Big as a Physician Entrepreneur This Episode is sponsored by Ryze Health Running your own practice shouldn’t mean struggling with rising health insurance costs. That’s why a physician designed Ryze Health Premium Insurance—exclusive coverage crafted for independent doctors, their teams, and families. Imagine lowering costs while gaining the freedom to focus fully on patients and the people who matter most. Discover how much you could save at ryzehealth.com and join the growing network of doctors choosing smarter coverage. Follow @RyzeHealth on Instagram and LinkedIn. __________________ How can physicians make the most of PIMD Con 2025 to transform their careers and achieve financial freedom? In this episode of Bootstrap MD, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, dives into practical strategies for attending PIMD Con, holding September 25–27, 2025, in Newport Beach, California. Founded by Dr. Peter Kim, this conference brings together 700+ physicians to explore real estate investing and entrepreneurship, offering CME credits, 30+ expert speakers, and tracks like Entrepreneurship Acceleration. Mike shares tips on setting clear goals, researching speakers, effective networking, and avoiding common pitfalls like information overload or comparison traps. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, this episode offers actionable advice to maximize your conference experience and build meaningful connections for long-term success. To register, visit: https://passiveincomemd.com/conferences/ Three Actionable Takeaways Set Clear, Specific Goals – Before attending PIMD Con, write down three specific objectives, such as learning rental property analysis or connecting with three key speakers. Review the conference website to align your goals with sessions and speakers to stay focused and intentional. Network Strategically with Value – Aim for 10–15 meaningful conversations with attendees and speakers. Ask unique questions like, “What brought you to PIMD Con?” or “What’s your biggest business challenge?” and lead with value by sharing resources or connections without expecting immediate returns. Plan for Post-Conference Action – Block time after the conference to decompress and implement insights. Follow up with new contacts within 48 hours, using notes or photos to recall key details, and prioritize 1–2 focus areas to avoid overwhelm and maintain momentum. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38333570

Ep311 - Resilience Redefined : From Battlefield ICU to Physician Coach 09/17/2025

Ep311 - Resilience Redefined : From Battlefield ICU to Physician Coach How can military-honed resilience and positive psychology supercharge physician leadership? In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming interviews Dr. Christopher Colombo, as he shares his path from elementary school dreams of medicine to active-duty training, and his post-retirement "Lego break" before embracing part-time ICU night shifts and executive coaching. Inspired by a fellow physician's transition, he pursued training in executive and positive psychology coaching to address the personal-professional overlaps that frustrated him—like compartmentalizing life domains without recognizing the "you" as the common denominator. The discussion dives into military lessons on resilience (e.g., Army-adopted programs from UPenn's Barbara Fredrickson), the pitfalls of large-organization training, and why authenticity matters in leadership. Dr. Colombo offers mindset shifts for new leaders: acknowledge emotions and relationships, control primitive responses via storytelling, and use techniques like drafting "flame emails" to yourself. He emphasizes building trust through personal "why" alignment and avoiding cognitive traps like "should" or "must." A vital listen for physicians eyeing leadership or coaching, blending clinical credibility with life-changing insights. Three Actionable Takeaways: Acknowledge Emotions in Leadership – Suppress less, embrace more: Build relationships by understanding your team's personal "why" and framing missions accordingly. Control reactions by pausing to re-story stimuli (e.g., "That driver isn't plotting against me") before responding. Draft 'Flame Emails' to Yourself – When rage hits from an email, reply to your own address, vent fully, then step away. Return calmer to craft (or delegate) a measured response—preventing regrettable sends and honing emotional regulation. Pursue Authentic Alignment – Identify your core values (e.g., excellence over winning) to bridge personal and professional life. Seek a "cognitive sparring" partner for breakthroughs, ensuring you're effective, not just right. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Guest: Dr. Christopher Colombo is a retired Army critical care physician with 24 years of service, including deployments, is co-founder and president of Functional Mentoring (functionalmentoring.com). A former department chief and program director, he blends executive and positive psychology coaching to mentor physicians, focusing on resilience, emotional control, and aligning personal-professional values. Email: Website: Book a free 45-minute cognitive sparring session via the website. About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38241210

Ep310 - From Bedside to Boardroom: Dr. Michael Fang’s Quest to Revolutionize Healthcare 09/10/2025

Ep310 - From Bedside to Boardroom: Dr. Michael Fang’s Quest to Revolutionize Healthcare What does it take for a geriatrician to become a healthcare innovator impacting millions? In this episode, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming sits down with Dr. Michael Fang to share his journey from practicing medicine to co-founding Base10, an infection control software that saved lives in 150 nursing homes during the COVID pandemic, generating over $35M before its acquisition. He also co-founded Inosphere, impacting 7M mental health patients in the UK, Ireland, and Scotland. Now, as Chief Strategy Officer at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and CEO of Rise Health, Dr. Fang is redefining health insurance for independent physicians and medical practices. He discusses leveraging physician skills for entrepreneurship, the unmet need for affordable health plans, and the power of community through WeCare IPA. This episode is packed with insights for physicians looking to break free from traditional practice and create scalable impact. Three Actionable Takeaways: Leverage Your Physician Skills for Entrepreneurship – Apply your ability to process information, communicate effectively, and make quick decisions to entrepreneurial ventures. Start small, using your clinical income to fund initial projects, and don’t wait for an MBA to jump in. Explore Health Plan Solutions for Independence – If you’re an independent physician or running a small practice, investigate Rise Health’s health captive model to reduce insurance costs for you, your staff, and their families, removing barriers to starting your own practice. Join a Supportive Community – Engage with communities like WeCare IPA to access benefits like discounted specialty medications for your patients, even if you don’t need Rise Health’s insurance, to enhance your practice’s efficiency and impact. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Guest Dr. Michael Fang is a geriatrician, internist, and serial entrepreneur with a passion for democratizing healthcare. As co-founder and CEO of Base10, he developed infection control software used by 150 nursing homes during the COVID pandemic, generating $35M in revenue before its acquisition. He co-founded Inosphere, addressing social determinants of health for 7M mental health patients in the UK, Ireland, and Scotland. Currently, Dr. Fang serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine Institute of AI in Medicine and leads Rise Health, a health plan for independent physicians. His expertise lies in healthcare innovation, informatics, and creating scalable solutions for systemic challenges. LinkedIn: Website: About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38148730

Ep309 - The Wealth Ladder: 6 Levels Every Physician Must Climb to Escape the Hamster Wheel 09/03/2025

Ep309 - The Wealth Ladder: 6 Levels Every Physician Must Climb to Escape the Hamster Wheel In this episode, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming exposes the "great physician money lie"—that high income automatically leads to wealth—and shares transformative insights from the book "The Wealth Ladder." Drawing from his 20+ years as a physician entrepreneur, he explains why many doctors earning $300,000+ live paycheck to paycheck, trapped in lifestyle inflation and employee mindsets. Dr. Woo-Ming breaks down the four levels of the wealth ladder, from financial insecurity to true freedom, and provides a simple formula to calculate your net worth. He emphasizes shifting from trading time for money to building income-producing assets, like businesses or investments, while avoiding common pitfalls like overspending. With practical advice on developing an owner mindset, pursuing financial education, and taking action—such as attending conferences like PID Con—this episode empowers physicians to reclaim control, reduce stress, and build lasting wealth beyond their salaries. Three Actionable Takeaways: Calculate Your True Net Worth: Subtract all liabilities (debts, loans) from assets (savings, investments, property) to determine your wealth level; aim to match your lifestyle to net worth, not income, to avoid financial stress. Shift to an Owner Mindset: Stop trading time for money by building skills for income-producing assets, like consulting, online courses, or cash-pay practices; focus on value creation untied to hours worked. Invest in Financial Education: Read books like "The Wealth Ladder," join physician groups on financial independence, attend conferences (e.g., PID Con), and learn from mentors to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate asset-building. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/38066200

EP308 - Digital Marketing Demystified: A Roadmap for Growing Your Practice with Andrew Newland 08/27/2025

EP308 - Digital Marketing Demystified: A Roadmap for Growing Your Practice with Andrew Newland This episode is sponsored by: My Financial Coach You trained to save lives—who’s helping you save your financial future? My Financial Coach connects physicians with CFP® Professionals who specialize in your complex needs. Whether it’s crushing student loans, optimizing investments, or planning for retirement, you’ll get a personalized strategy built around your goals. Save for a vacation home, fund your child’s education, or prepare for life’s surprises—with unbiased, advice-only planning through a flat monthly fee. No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity. Visit t to meet your financial coach and find out if concierge planning is right for you. ——————— In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming welcomes Andrew Newland, to share his entrepreneurial journey from landscaping to marketing, driven by personal health challenges that led him to focus exclusively on the functional medicine space. He breaks down key SEO pillars—technical, content, and local optimization—explaining how practices can rank higher on Google by creating valuable, patient-focused content like blog posts on symptoms and treatments. The discussion covers common pitfalls, the importance of community involvement beyond digital efforts, and adapting to AI's impact on search rankings. Andrew offers practical tips, including free website evaluations and his book on digital marketing for functional practices. This episode is essential for physician entrepreneurs seeking to grow their visibility, attract ideal patients, and achieve sustainable business success. Three Actionable Takeaways Optimize Your Website for SEO Basics – Ensure your site has fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and HTTPS security; integrate keywords naturally into content like blog posts on common symptoms (e.g., fatigue, hormone imbalance) to improve Google rankings without over-optimizing. Create High-Quality, Patient-Focused Content – Write or outsource educational articles and videos addressing patient pain points, such as "What causes chronic fatigue?" or location-specific issues like altitude sickness in Colorado, to build trust and drive organic traffic. Get Involved in Your Community – Beyond digital marketing, sponsor local events, host talks at gyms on health topics, or network to gain face-to-face exposure; combine this with AI-adapted SEO to stand out in search results and attract ideal patients. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Guest: Andrew Newland is the founder and CEO of Functional Medicine Marketing, a digital agency dedicated to helping functional and integrative medicine clinics grow their visibility and attract ideal patients. With a background in communications and entrepreneurship, Andrew transitioned from running a landscaping business in Colorado Springs to focusing on marketing after personal health challenges led him to embrace functional medicine. His agency, previously Six IT Marketing (inspired by Alice in Wonderland’s “six impossible things”), specializes in SEO-first strategies designed for longevity, leveraging technical optimization, high-quality content, and local SEO. Andrew is also the author of Digital Marketing & SEO for Functional Medicine Practices, available on Amazon and as a free e-copy at functionalmedmarketing.com, where he offers free website evaluations to help physicians optimize their online presence. Website: About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/37973065

Ep307 - The 4P Framework for Physician Branding Success 08/20/2025

Ep307 - The 4P Framework for Physician Branding Success This episode is sponsored by: My Financial Coach You trained to save lives—who’s helping you save your financial future? My Financial Coach connects physicians with CFP® Professionals who specialize in your complex needs. Whether it’s crushing student loans, optimizing investments, or planning for retirement, you’ll get a personalized strategy built around your goals. Save for a vacation home, fund your child’s education, or prepare for life’s surprises—with unbiased, advice-only planning through a flat monthly fee. No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity. Visit to meet your financial coach and find out if concierge planning is right for you. ——————— In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, shares his proven Four P Framework to revolutionize physician branding: Positioning, Presence, Proof, and Premium. Through real-world examples, he contrasts two dermatologists—one struggling with low-cost deals and outdated facilities, the other thriving with premium pricing and a six-month waitlist—highlighting how branding shapes perception and profitability. Dr. Ming explains how to position yourself as a specialist for a specific audience, maintain a consistent online and offline presence, build trust with compelling proof like patient testimonials and media features, and deliver a premium experience that justifies higher rates. He also warns against common pitfalls like appealing to everyone, inconsistent messaging, and competing on price alone. This episode is a must-listen for physicians aiming to attract better patients, increase revenue, and enjoy a fulfilling practice. Three Actionable Takeaways: Define Your Positioning – Use the formula "I help [specific audience] achieve [specific result] without [specific pain point]." For example, "I help women over 35 regain energy through hormone therapy without endless doctor visits." Write your positioning statement using this framework to clarify your niche and attract ideal patients. Ensure Consistent Presence – Audit your website, Google My Business, LinkedIn, and social media for inconsistencies in photos, messaging, or visuals. Fix the three biggest discrepancies this week to create a cohesive brand that builds recognition and trust. Build Trust with Proof – Reach out to three recent patients with measurable outcomes and request testimonials or video reviews. Write a three-sentence personal story using the Challenge-Journey-Mission framework to share why you became a physician, fostering an emotional connection with patients. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the Doctor Podcast Network! /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/37883995

Ep306 - Why Smart Doctors Stay Poor (And How to Instantly Fix It) 08/13/2025

Ep306 - Why Smart Doctors Stay Poor (And How to Instantly Fix It) This episode is sponsored by: My Financial Coach You trained to save lives—who’s helping you save your financial future? My Financial Coach connects physicians with CFP® Professionals who specialize in your complex needs. Whether it’s crushing student loans, optimizing investments, or planning for retirement, you’ll get a personalized strategy built around your goals. Save for a vacation home, fund your child’s education, or prepare for life’s surprises—with unbiased, advice-only planning through a flat monthly fee. No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity. Visit to meet your financial coach and find out if concierge planning is right for you. ____________ In this episode, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, explores the mental barriers preventing physicians from thriving as entrepreneurs. Dr. Woo-Ming shares his wake-up call from a grueling Christmas morning ER shift, highlighting the pitfalls of a risk-averse, perfectionist mindset ingrained by medical training. He outlines three transformative mindset shifts: moving from perfectionism to iteration, transitioning from clinician to CEO, and embracing collaboration over scarcity. Through stories of building cash-based clinics and a test-prep company, he emphasizes creating systems for value-based revenue, delegating tasks, and learning from competitors. Dr. Woo-Ming offers practical tools like the Goal Getting Six system and CEO time-blocking to help physicians build sustainable businesses while maintaining clinical excellence. This episode is vital for healthcare professionals seeking to overcome burnout, regain autonomy, and build wealth through entrepreneurship. Three Actionable Takeaways: Embrace Iteration Over Perfection – Start your business imperfectly and refine it with real patient feedback. Done beats perfect; focus on solving problems rather than flawless execution to build momentum and grow sustainably. Transition to a CEO Mindset – Delegate routine tasks to staff and create systems to work on your business, not in it. Invest in training mid-level providers to free up time, ensuring your practice runs without you as the bottleneck. Adopt a Collaborative Approach – Shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance by learning from competitors’ successes and failures. Research market demands and differentiate your services to create value and build lasting relationships. About the Show: Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at http://bootstrapmd.com About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: www.https://www.bootstrapmd.com /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/37786590

Ep305 - Ten Ways I Use ChatGPT as a Physician Entrepreneur 08/06/2025

Ep305 - Ten Ways I Use ChatGPT as a Physician Entrepreneur This episode is sponsored by: My Financial Coach You trained to save lives—who’s helping you save your financial future? My Financial Coach connects physicians with CFP® Professionals who specialize in your complex needs. Whether it’s crushing student loans, optimizing investments, or planning for retirement, you’ll get a personalized strategy built around your goals. Save for a vacation home, fund your child’s education, or prepare for life’s surprises—with unbiased, advice-only planning through a flat monthly fee. No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity. Visit to meet your financial coach and find out if concierge planning is right for you. ——————— In this episode of Bootstrap MD, host Dr. Mike Woo-Ming talks about how ChatGPT can help doctors and other healthcare professionals in their work. Addressing skeptics, he outlines 10 real-world applications of AI in his practice, including telemedicine documentation, patient education, email responses, and marketing content creation. Dr. Woo-Ming emphasizes using ChatGPT as a tool to work smarter, not harder, while maintaining strict privacy standards (no patient data input). From crafting simplified patient instructions to drafting legal agreements and analyzing business expenses, he demonstrates how AI saves time, reduces burnout, and enhances productivity. This episode is a must-listen for physicians seeking practical ways to integrate AI into their workflows and reclaim time for what matters most. Three Actionable Takeaways Streamline Documentation with Templates – Use ChatGPT to create de-identified SOAP note templates for common conditions (e.g., erectile dysfunction, weight management) to cut charting time from 10 minutes to under 2 minutes, ensuring compliance with workplace AI policies. Enhance Patient Education – Prompt ChatGPT to explain treatments like tirzepatide at a sixth-grade reading level to improve patient compliance and reduce side-effect-related dropouts, tailoring outputs to your practice’s needs. Optimize Business Operations – Leverage ChatGPT for financial analysis (e.g., identifying overspending in software subscriptions) or drafting job postings and SOPs to save costs and improve hiring efficiency, always reviewing outputs for authenticity. About the Show Bootstrap MD is the ultimate podcast for physician entrepreneurs looking to escape traditional healthcare and control their financial futures. Hosted by Dr. Mike Woo-Ming, a successful physician, entrepreneur, and investor, the show delivers actionable insights on starting businesses, creating passive income, and navigating healthcare entrepreneurship. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, physicians, and experts in telemedicine and digital health, it’s your guide to building a profitable, fulfilling career. Tune in weekly at About the Host: Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has over 20 years of experience as a physician entrepreneur. He’s built and sold multiple seven-figure companies and now leads Executive Medical, a group of clinics specializing in age management and aesthetics. Through BootstrapMD, he mentors physicians in business, content creation, and autonomy. Let’s Connect: Want to start a podcast? Check out the /episode/index/show/bootstrapmd/id/37695385

BootstrapMD - Physician Entrepreneurs Podcast with Dr. Mike Woo-Ming

TOPICS