From Allergy Practice to Startup Acquisition with Dr. Payel Gupta

What happens when a physician decides not to follow the traditional path?

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Dr. Payel Gupta, a board-certified allergist and immunologist who took a series of bold, intentional risks — from global health sabbaticals to becoming a health tech co-founder — ultimately leading to a successful startup acquisition.

Dr. Gupta shares her journey from traditional clinical training to co-founding a telemedicine company in the allergy space during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as consulting turned into a co-founder role (after she boldly suggested they needed a physician at the table). The company partnered directly with a pharmaceutical manufacturer to deliver FDA-approved allergy immunotherapy via telemedicine — and was later acquired by LifeMD in 2022.

This conversation is a masterclass in:

• Why physicians are uniquely positioned to succeed in startups
• How to take calculated career risks without sacrificing financial security
• The real-world MBA you gain by building a company
• What value physicians bring to product, marketing, compliance, validation, and payer strategy
• How to leverage LinkedIn to land consulting and advisory opportunities

We also dive into imposter syndrome, physician risk tolerance, and the two beliefs that can fundamentally change your career trajectory:

1. Physicians are exceptional problem solvers.
2. There are countless ways for doctors to create income and impact.

If you've ever wondered whether there’s more beyond traditional clinical practice — this episode will expand what feels possible.

Resources & Links:

• Partners in Health, Dr. Paul Farmer's Social Justice Health Care Organization: https://www.pih.org/
• Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder: https://www.tracykidder.com/mountains-beyond-mountains.html
• Connect with Dr. Payel Gupta on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/payel-gupta-md-facaai-4b178411
• Listen to her podcast: The Itch (All About Allergies & Asthma): https://www.itchpodcast.com/about-the-show
• Learn more about the Startup Physicians Launchpad (Advisory & Consulting Program): https://www.startupphysicians.com/launchpad
• Explore the Startup Physicians Incubator (For Physician Founders): https://www.startupphysicians.com/incubator

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Payel Gupta

01:30 – Global Health Sabbatical & Meeting Paul Farmer

05:00 – Taking Early Career Risks

07:00 – COVID, Pregnancy & A Career Pivot

09:30 – Becoming a Health Tech Co-Founder

11:30 – Telemedicine + Pharma Direct-to-Consumer Model

13:00 – Startup Acquisition in 2022

14:30 – Why Physicians Struggle with Risk

16:00 – The Two Beliefs That Change Everything

20:30 – The Physician Value in Health Tech

24:30 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

27:00 – How to Use LinkedIn for Consulting Opportunities

29:30 – Launchpad & Incubator Opportunities