Why does this doctor think physicians are "born entrepreneurs" with natural grit?

Dr. Anna Chacon hosts emergency medicine physician and serial entrepreneur Dr. John Shufeldt, who has built an extraordinary career spanning clinical practice, business ventures, and education. Board-certified in emergency medicine with an MBA and JD, Dr. Shufeldt founded NextCare (expanding to 60 locations across seven states), established MeMD (a telemedicine company sold to Walmart in 2021), and currently leads Tribal Health, staffing over 50 Native American facilities. He also manages Xcellerant Ventures and partners with VivaMed Biopharma. His philosophy? Physicians are "born entrepreneurs."

The conversation explores Dr. Shufeldt's journey from starting NextCare with three mortgages on his house to scaling across seven states. Topics include navigating medical board complaints, the evolving role of advanced practice providers, and strategic urgent care location selection. What drives someone to pursue law school while practicing emergency medicine? How did early telemedicine pioneers convince skeptical patients and insurers? Dr. Shufeldt shares hard-won insights about failure, resilience, and finding your entrepreneurial "and."

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Building NextCare from startup to 60 locations across seven states

• (07:40) The importance of finding your entrepreneurial "and" to prevent burnout

• (16:07) Pivoting from urgent care to MeMD telemedicine before it was mainstream

• (19:52) Launching Xcellerant Ventures to invest in physician entrepreneurs

• (20:48) Addressing healthcare disparities in Native American communities

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field.

About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services.

Resources:
Xcellerant Ventures: https://www.xcellerantventures.com
Tribal Health: https://tribalhealth.com
Dr. John Shufeldt's email: john@johnshufeldtmd.com
Dr. John Shufeldt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shufeldt/
Dr. John Shufeldt Instagram: @johnshufeldtmd

• (00:00:00) - Skin Deep: Exploring Epiglottitis
• (00:01:06) - This entrepreneur built a telemedicine company from scratch
• (00:03:54) - Post-Bacc MS, JD in Business
• (00:05:12) - George Clooney on Medical Board Complaints
• (00:09:49) - Expert on the Importance of Urgent Care
• (00:14:20) - Flying Around the World in a Helicopter
• (00:16:26) - How Walmart Went From Telehealth to Inpatient Care
• (00:20:07) - Focus on Tribal Health and Venture Capital
• (00:23:24) - Accelerant Ventures: How Do We Pitch Companies?
• (00:24:08) - Have We Reached Virtual Care?
• (00:24:55) - Dermatologist in Tribal Health

"Opening up our own private practice together has been such an incredible experience. It's so meaningful that we're able to help so many people and make a difference in so many lives." - Marly Gaitan

Dr. Anna Chacon interviews Dr. Sergio Gaitan and his wife Marly, the dynamic duo behind Certified Cosmetics, a Miami-based cosmetic dermatology practice. Dr. Gaitan brings a unique engineering background to dermatology, focusing on data-driven treatment selection and cutting-edge laser technology. Their innovative self-pay, patient-centric model emphasizes efficiency and minimal downtime treatments while building a nationwide clientele through robust social media marketing strategies. With advanced laser technology and streamlined appointment booking systems, they've revolutionized the traditional dermatology experience in West Kendall.

The interview explores their biggest challenges: educating patients about the self-pay model and maintaining work-life balance as a couple running a business together. Their successes include positive patient feedback, strong reputation building, and attracting clients nationwide through platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Google My Business. They discuss measuring patient satisfaction through direct feedback and before-and-after photos, which serve as crucial screening tools. Future goals include service expansion, continued community engagement including Nicaraguan community outreach, and maintaining personalized care with transparent pricing.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Why insurance companies prevent doctors from being experts

• (02:17) From preschool sweethearts to dermatology power couple

• (05:22) Choosing Miami and cosmetic dermatology as their artistic calling

• (07:49) Data-driven approach over trends: selecting the best laser technology

• (10:22) The main challenge of educating patients about self-pay dermatology

• (13:54) Working as a married couple: boundaries and balance advice

• (17:36) Transparent pricing and eliminating surprise medical bills

• (21:47) The red flag that makes them turn away cosmetic patients

• (25:15) Community engagement and serving the Nicaraguan population

• (28:07) Biggest startup expenses and the cost of cutting-edge equipment

• (30:02) Social media strategy across all platforms for nationwide reach

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field.

About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated...

• (00:00:00) - Taking insurance off my patients' hands
• (00:00:31) - Meet Dr. Sergio Gaetan
• (00:03:14) - Married Dermatologists: How to Work Together as a Cou
• (00:05:11) - What motivated you to start a cosmetic dermatology practice in Miami?
• (00:06:15) - How to care for hyperpigmentation with a laser
• (00:09:11) - What are the biggest challenges facing your practice?
• (00:12:05) - How has cosmetic dermatology changed recently?
• (00:13:48) - Brian and Sergio: Going into Business Together
• (00:15:20) - What are the differences between private dermatologists and hospitals?
• (00:16:45) - Beyond the Dentist: Future Goals
• (00:17:28) - dermatologist: No surprise bills under Medicare or Medicaid
• (00:21:24) - How to get the best result from your cosmetic dermatology patients?
• (00:24:25) - How to Get Botox
• (00:25:04) - Dermatologist and Nicaraguan doctor volunteer in Miami
• (00:27:52) - Start a New Practice
• (00:31:20) - A Taste of Private Practice

Could one injection treat your rare skin condition, severe asthma, AND eczema all at once?

Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and host of Skin Deep, welcomes Jacob Edwards, a 35-year-old patient from the West Coast who has been courageously battling Kimura's disease for over a decade. Jacob was among the first Caucasians diagnosed with this rare condition in the United States, making his journey particularly unique in the dermatological landscape. His experience with innovative off-label Dupixent treatment offers hope for others facing this challenging diagnosis.

The discussion explores Jacob's decade-long journey from misdiagnosis to finding effective treatment through Dupixent. How did a patient-driven research approach lead to breakthrough results? The conversation covers the intense itching that accompanies Kimura's disease, the psychological impact of visible facial lesions, and the remarkable improvement achieved through biologic therapy. Jacob shares candid insights about living with a rare condition that affects quality of life, relationships, and self-esteem in ways most people never consider.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Patient reveals shocking misdiagnosis that changed everything

• (01:46) From baseball-sized lump to surgical surprise: Jacob's diagnostic journey

• (05:49) Mother's research leads to breakthrough Dupixent discovery

• (07:37) Dupixent success story: treating three conditions with one medication

• (14:01) Finding the right doctor and managing the psychological impact

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field.

About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services.

Resources:

Dupixent Information:

• Official prescribing information: https://www.dupixent.com/

• Healthcare provider resources: https://www.dupixenthcp.com/

• FDA prescribing information: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/761055s064lbl.pdf

Kimura's Disease Research:

• Frontiers in Immunology case study:

• (00:00:00) - What is Kimura's Disease?
• (00:03:50) - Dupixent for cystic dysentery
• (00:05:34) - Duplumab as a treatment for facial cancer
• (00:07:27) - What's Your Experience With Dupixent?
• (00:10:15) - Chimera's disease on dupixent
• (00:13:30) - Kimura's disease patient on his treatment
• (00:16:41) - One of the patients on the Dupixent podcast speaks out about

Why do successful dermatologists say owning real estate is more important than patient volume?

Dr. Anna Chacon hosts Dr. Kristin Haushaulter, a board-certified dermatologist and entrepreneur who has built successful practices across multiple states before establishing her current partnership in Miami. Dr. Haushaulter brings unique insights into private practice management, having navigated the challenges of frequent relocations while maintaining work-life balance as a mother. How does she maintain a four-day work week while running multiple businesses? Her expertise extends beyond clinical dermatology into fashion entrepreneurship with her sun-protective clothing line, BelaSol, and clinical research partnerships.

The conversation explores critical business strategies for dermatologists in South Florida's challenging market. They discuss the advantages of MSOs versus independent practice, the importance of owning real estate, and effective delegation strategies. Dr. Haushaulter shares candid insights about insurance network challenges, particularly with Medicare Advantage plans, and offers practical advice for managing overhead while maintaining quality patient care. The episode also covers her entrepreneurial journey creating sun-protective fashion and sustainable sunscreen products.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Dr. Haushaulter reveals the number one thing dermatologists must own to succeed financially

• (03:04) The reality of practice management being harder than patient care and achieving work-life balance

• (08:20) Why MSOs offer better insurance contracts but come with trade-offs in South Florida

• (11:23) Creating BelaSol: fashionable sun protection for Miami lifestyle and developing sustainable sunscreen

• (18:22) Essential strategies for profitable medical dermatology including real estate and delegation

• (24:56) Navigating clinical research partnerships and avoiding fraud in South Florida

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field.

About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services.

Resources:
Dr. H LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-haushalter-m-d-66089121b/
BelaSol Clothing: https://www.belasolclothing.com/
Website: www.drannachacon.com

• (00:00:00) - How to make a living in medicine
• (00:00:35) - Skin Deep Miami
• (00:01:44) - Post-Residency doctor starts her own practice
• (00:03:49) - Working without a doctor's license in Miami
• (00:08:13) - Do MSOs Work for Dermatologists?
• (00:11:15) - Miami-based dermatologist creates sun protective swimsuits
• (00:16:04) - How a doctor and his dermatologist wife started a skincare
• (00:17:48) - Dermatology Practice Manager on Working in South Florida
• (00:22:21) - dermatologists on the need to own their own practice
• (00:27:46) - A Minute With Dr. Ranjee

How does someone turn personal struggles into a mission of cultural preservation and community support?

Dr. Anna Chacon, MD FAAD, welcomes world-renowned Alaskan Native ivory carver Leon Misuk Kinneeveauk from Point Hope, Alaska. Leon runs the Alaska Art Alliance nonprofit, providing space and resources for Alaskan Native artists facing challenges like homelessness and reentry from incarceration. Learning walrus ivory carving at age seven from his uncle, Leon comes from a distinguished family of carvers and has won numerous accolades at international art festivals.

This fascinating interview explores the complex world of Alaskan Native carving communities, from federal regulations that protect walrus ivory carving rights exclusively for Alaska Natives to the economic challenges threatening traditional arts. Leon discusses the declining youth participation in carving, unique regional styles across different Alaskan Native communities, and his own journey through incarceration to sobriety and community leadership. From the spiritual significance of hunting amulets to the upcoming Kivgiq festival in Barrow, Leon reveals how traditional art serves as both cultural expression and economic survival in modern Alaska.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Leon reveals the magnetic pull of walrus ivory carving

• (00:42) Meet Leon Misuk Kinneeveauk: world-renowned carver and Alaska Art Alliance founder

• (03:19) Federal regulations: exclusive walrus ivory rights for Alaska Natives

• (06:14) Declining youth participation in traditional Alaskan Native carving

• (11:01) Leon's personal journey: incarceration to community leadership

• (14:42) Alaska Art Alliance: supporting artists facing homelessness and reentry

• (17:52) International recognition and awards at art festivals

• (21:45) Regional carving styles across different Alaskan Native communities

• Share with a dermatology pro you know, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

About the show: Welcome to Skin Deep, a podcast designed for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon, a distinguished dermatologist and author, shares her unique experiences and offers valuable insights on the future of dermatology, including telemedicine and teledermatology in reaching underserved communities. Dr. Chacon provides actionable recommendations for dermatology practices, emphasizing compassion, patient education, and staying current with advancements in the field.

About the host: Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializes in treating patients in remote and rural communities. As the first dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, she travels by bush plane to reach isolated communities. Dr. Chacon holds medical licenses in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing both in-person and teledermatology services.

Resources:
Alaska Art Alliance: https://www.facebook.com/p/Alaska-art-alliance-100068050321346/
Misuk Inupiaq Art: https://www.facebook.com/p/Misak-inupiaq-art-100077567029373/

• (00:00:00) - Alaskan Carvers
• (00:05:04) - Is walrus ivory mostly an Inupac thing?
• (00:10:07) - Carving classes for Alaska Natives
• (00:14:42) - Anchor Carving
• (00:20:26) - Carving by First cousins
• (00:22:31) - Carvers on 4th Avenue
• (00:24:28) - Alaskan Native Carvers Tell Their Story

"What happens when healthcare stops rewarding volume and starts rewarding value?"

Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and host of Skin Deep, welcomes Jonathan Gruner, CEO of Salud Healthcare. With over 15 years of healthcare experience, Gruner leads a premier Managed Service Organization supporting independent primary care physicians transitioning from fee-for-service to value-based care. This father of four married at 21 and built a 75-person company while staying true to his Orthodox Jewish values. "We are all created in God's image," Gruner explains.

Gruner breaks down fee-for-service medicine's problems and presents compelling alternatives. The conversation explores Medicare Advantage mechanics, capitation rates, and risk-sharing arrangements. How can independent physicians survive the mandated 2030 transition to value-based care? Gruner offers practical solutions, explaining how his company serves as "the backbone for primary care practices." As he puts it: "The future of healthcare must be within a value-based care setting."

Jonathan Gruner is CEO of Salud Healthcare, revolutionizing how independent primary care physicians transition to value-based care. Originally from Far Rockaway, New York, this Orthodox Jewish entrepreneur leads a 75-person team while raising four children in Miami. His leadership philosophy centers on treating all people equally, bringing both innovation and values-driven leadership to healthcare transformation.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction - the young generation, value-based care
• (01:08) Growing up in Far Rockaway and journey to Miami healthcare
• (05:13) Value-based care versus fee-for-service healthcare models
• (08:42) Understanding Medicare Advantage and Government Insurance
• (12:31) How doctors and capitation rates work in value-based care
• (17:15) Jonathan's entry into healthcare transformation
• (19:37) Orthodox Jewish values in business leadership

About Skin Deep: A podcast for dermatology professionals. Host Dr. Anna Chacon shares insights on dermatology's future, telemedicine, and serving underserved communities.

About Dr. Chacon: Board-certified dermatologist, founder of Indigenous Dermatology, specializing in remote/rural communities. First dermatologist serving Alaska's Bush region, licensed in all 50 states.

Resources:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gruner
Salud Healthcare: saludhealthcare.com
Dr. Chacon: drannachacon.com
Social: @miamiderm (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok)

• (00:00:00) - Skin Deep: Value-
• (00:00:58) - How Married People Balance Their Lives
• (00:05:13) - What is Value-Based Care in Healthcare?
• (00:07:50) - Medicare Advantage vs. Straight Medicare
• (00:15:27) - Health Insurance Companies' Capitations
• (00:17:11) - How Microsoft is helping primary care doctors navigate the value-based care
• (00:18:37) - How big is your team at your company?
• (00:19:37) - Importance of treating everyone equally in the workplace

How did a young man from a Cuban immigrant family in Miami navigate his way to becoming a successful medical entrepreneur in the Florida Keys?

Welcome to another episode of Skin Deep with Dr. Anna Chacon. Today we’re joined by Dr. Miguel Diaz, M.D. a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician. Today’s discussion is focused on medical practice management. Dr. Diaz shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as a Cuban-American in Miami to becoming a successful multi-practice owner and family medicine residency program director. His path was anything but conventional – starting as a 16-year-old orderly in the ER, serving in the Navy, completing nursing school, and eventually attending medical school in the Dominican Republic where he met his wife. Dr. Diaz's story emphasizes the importance of having backup plans and being willing to take calculated risks, illustrated by his transition from ER medicine to private practice ownership in the Florida Keys.

You’ll hear valuable insights into the business aspects of medical practice, particularly regarding SBA loans, practice acquisition, and scaling operations. Dr. Diaz details how he grew from a small 1,000-square-foot office to managing four clinics, emphasizing the importance of keeping overhead low and reinvesting in the business. He shares candid advice about the advantages of private practice ownership over hospital employment, including greater autonomy, better work-life balance, and more financial opportunities through real estate and business expansion. The episode concludes with his perspectives on exit strategies and the importance of balancing business success with family time, offering practical wisdom for physicians considering private practice ownership.

Dr. Miguel Diaz, M.D., is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with over 11 years of experience and a passion for both healthcare and practice management. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, his early exposure to the mechanics of business and structure shaped his career. Dr. Diaz's journey into medicine began at 16, and after serving in the Navy and completing nursing school, he earned his medical degree in 2011. As an entrepreneur, he grew his practice in the Florida Keys from one to four clinics. Dr. Diaz is also the Director of the Larkin Residence Program and a strong advocate for physician-owned practices.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction of guest Dr. Miguel Diaz, his life growing up in Miami with Cuban parents who immigrated in 1962, including influence of grandfather - who participated in the Cuban Revolution
• (04:57) Dr. Diaz’ path to medicine, working in an ER at age 16, joining the Navy, attending nursing school, family pressures
• (08:06) Medical school in Dominican Republic, meeting his wife in medical school, having five children, attempting adoption, and balancing family with medical career
• (14:35) Buying & building a practice in the Florida Keys, sharing expenses with previous owner, growing the business
• (31:30) The ease of obtaining SBA loans, starting an LLC, expanding to new buildings, scaling up patient capacity, journey from teaching medical students to becoming a family medicine residency program director
• (37:00) Becoming a teacher after residency, selling a practice, growing fro...

Great skin doesn’t stop at the face—your scalp and hair deserve just as much attention. In this episode of Skin Deep, Dr. Anna Chacón sits down with Todd Da Silva, an elite L6 stylist and the Senior Technical Trainer for Bellus Academy in San Diego, CA, to talk all things scalp health, haircare science, and how dermatology and hairstyling go hand in hand. From preventing scalp conditions to maintaining luscious, healthy locks, Todd shares expert insights on the connection between skincare and haircare, the biggest myths in the industry, and pro tips for keeping your scalp and strands at their best.