Transforming Pediatric Care Through Innovation with Dr. Janene Fuerch

In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Janene Fuerch, neonatologist, entrepreneur, and Director of the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship. Janene shares how her path in academic medicine unexpectedly led her to become a leader in healthcare innovation, and how she’s helping other physicians make a broader impact beyond the bedside.

We talk about how physicians can bring incredible value to startups, even without business or engineering backgrounds. Janene explains what it’s really like to go through the Stanford Biodesign Fellowship, how to identify unmet clinical needs, and why humility and collaboration are essential for success in the startup world.

We also dive into her work with Impact One, an organization focused on pediatric and maternal health innovation, and explore how physicians can help shape the future of healthcare technology, instead of just reacting to it.

If you’ve ever wondered how to combine your medical expertise with innovation, entrepreneurship, or leadership, this episode will show you what’s possible.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] – Welcome & Introduction

[02:00] – How Janene Found Her Way into Innovation

[06:00] – What Physicians Bring to Startups

[09:00] – The Importance of Humility and Teamwork

[11:30] – Creating Impact Beyond the Bedside

[15:00] – Driving Pediatric and Maternal Health Innovation

[18:30] – Why Physicians Need to Lead in Tech

[22:00] – Building Skills for Startup Success

[24:00] – Advice for Physicians Exploring New Career Paths

[25:30] – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

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.