
#221 How an ER Doctor Found Freedom Through Telemedicine and Digital Health ft. Takashi Nakamura, MD
In this episode, Dr. Peter Kim interviews Dr. Takashi Nakamura, an ER doctor who discovered a revolutionary path to freedom through telemedicine and digital health. Learn how this innovative physician transformed his career and life by harnessing the power of technology. From overcoming the challenges of traditional medicine to building a fulfilling practice remotely, Dr. Nakamura shares his inspiring journey along with some tips for his fellow physicians.
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Episode Highlights
Now, let’s look at what we discussed in this episode:
- Dr. Takashi and Telemedicine
- How do you find opportunities?
- What challenges did you overcome?
- What are the possibilities of telemedicine?
- What is the potential of physicians to get started?
- Connect with Dr. Takashi
Here’s a breakdown of how this episode unfolds.
Episode Breakdown
Dr. Takashi and Telemedicine
Dr. Takashi Nakamura began practicing telemedicine during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as a side gig while working full-time in the emergency department.
Initially, he took on urgent care and workmen’s compensation jobs during his free time, earning extra income that allowed him to expense business-related costs. After gaining additional national licensure, he discovered various opportunities in telemedicine, including partnerships with startups, which significantly increased his earnings.
Realizing he could make more than twice his emergency room salary, he ultimately decided to resign from his ER position and focus solely on telemedicine, which he has been doing for over two years and enjoys greatly.
How do you find opportunities?
Dr. Takashi shares his journey into telemedicine, highlighting how he found opportunities primarily through community connections and referrals rather than job ads.
Despite initial fears during his transition from clinical medicine, he emphasizes the importance of research and planning for a successful shift. As the telemedicine field expands, he expresses confidence in his decision to pivot. Initially accepting assignments, he later established partnerships that allowed him to choose his hours, balancing work with family life.
He notes that telemedicine is well-suited for non-surgical specialties and believes that physicians from various fields can transition effectively with the right training. Responding to requests from colleagues experiencing burnout, Nakamura began coaching others in telemedicine and subsequently formalized a coaching program with fellow physician entrepreneurs to help doctors achieve a better work-life balance.
Through structured guidance and shared strategies, he aims to support more physicians in transitioning to telemedicine.
What challenges did you overcome?
Dr. Nakamura discusses the challenges he faces in building his telemedicine coaching business, particularly addressing skepticism among physicians who view telemedicine negatively, often associating it with burnout or lower income compared to traditional practices.
He finds it difficult to convince peers that telemedicine can be a viable and lucrative alternative, as many are hesitant to leave the stability of their current roles, which he describes as “golden handcuffs.” Nakamura stresses the need to shift these mindsets to showcase the flexible opportunities telemedicine offers for both part-time and full-time work.
While he enjoys telemedicine, he misses the social interaction and hands-on experience of traditional urgent care. He notes that practicing strictly in urgent care can feel limiting and encourages those with entrepreneurial interests to explore other specialties or opportunities, such as skin care. By diversifying their practice, physicians can enhance their telemedicine experience and remain engaged in their work.
What are the possibilities of telemedicine?
Takashi discusses the possibility of starting a telemedicine practice quickly, noting that one can launch a telemedicine company within 48 hours.
He advises aspiring telemedicine practitioners to consider their desired income and time commitment, recommending that they obtain at least ten state licenses to ensure flexibility in their practice. He suggests applying for jobs through platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, and encourages working with multiple companies to maximize opportunities.
Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community to combat the isolation often felt in telemedicine. Dr. Nakamura expresses his satisfaction with his current career, highlighting the freedom and flexibility it provides, allowing him to balance work with family life while pursuing his passions.
What is the potential of physicians to get started?
Dr. Takashi Nakamura emphasizes the significant potential for physicians, particularly those in non-surgical specialties, to engage in telemedicine, highlighting its ease of integration into existing practices.
He believes that the future of telemedicine is promising and will continue to expand, encouraging physicians to start incorporating it into their routine.
By obtaining additional licenses, practitioners can enhance their income without the need for extensive changes to their workload. Nakamura advocates for telemedicine as a straightforward way to supplement earnings, making it an attractive option for healthcare providers.
Connect with Dr. Takashi
Dr. Takashi Nakamura encourages individuals interested in telemedicine to visit his website, allinremote.com, to explore opportunities for transitioning into this field.
His big advice is to surround oneself with like-minded individuals to foster growth and innovation, whether in telemedicine or business. By engaging with a supportive community, aspiring professionals can accelerate their progress and achieve their goals more quickly.
Overall, he advocates in helping fellow physicians find a balance between their careers and personal lives while pursuing new directions.