Doctors as Innovators: How Physicians Can Shape Products, Policy, and Public Health with Dr. Tanya Altmann

As physicians, we're uniquely positioned to identify and solve real-world health problems—but how do we translate clinical insights into impactful industry partnerships?

In today's episode, I talk with pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann, who shares how she turned her passion for child health and safety into a dynamic career consulting with companies across the healthcare spectrum. From improving booster seat legislation to addressing coin battery hazards and the infant formula shortage, Tanya reveals her approach to collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

Episode Highlights:

[4:52] Balancing Medical Practice and Media Engagement  
[7:51] Innovative Solutions and Industry Collaborations  
[17:32] Challenges and Opportunities in Startup Collaborations  
[28:30] Navigating Payment Models and Negotiations  
[32:24] Building a Network of Physicians and Industry Collaborations  

Resources:

Baby and Toddler Basics, 2nd Edition: aap.org/Baby-and-Toddler-Basics-2nd-Edition-Paperback

What to Feed Your Baby: A Pediatrician's Guide to the Eleven Essential Foods to Guarantee Veggie-Loving, No-Fuss, Healthy-Eating Kids: amazon.com/What-Feed-Your-Baby-Healthy-Eating-ebook/dp/B011IT59U2

Website: DrTanya.com

Social Media: @DrTanyaAltman

Checkout our services at StartupPhysicians.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, rate, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow physicians who might be interested in startups. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare.

You're a physician with the power to do more. What if you could shape the future of healthcare without leaving medicine behind? Join The Startup Physicians Launch Pad, a 6-week course designed to help you break into healthcare innovation—whether you want to consult, advise, or launch your own venture. Spots are limited—register now at alisoncurfmanmd.com/startup-physician-launchpad.

In the free Physician Founder Roadmap webinar, we’ll share how physicians can begin evaluating their ideas and understand what it takes to bring them to market.

Mark your calendar for October 22 at 12 PM CT / 1 PM ET and join us for the webinar!

Create a venture-ready concept pitch in just 45 minutes! Join our free AI session designed for practicing physicians, where we guide you through the concept-assessment process used in the Startup Physicians Incubator.
 
Download the guide, open it with Claude, and you'll end up with a one-page pitch ready to share with an advisor, investor, or selection committee.

A six-month program that takes a practicing physician’s idea to an investor-ready company. Cohort 2 starts January 2027.