#73 - From Disordered Eating to Fertility Freedom: Haley Smith’s Holistic Journey

#73 - From Disordered Eating to Fertility Freedom: Haley Smith’s Holistic Journey

What if your fertility struggles were actually the start of your empowerment? In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Haley Smith joins hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to discuss her journey into women’s health and fertility. A functional nutritionist and certified fertility awareness practitioner with a master’s in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine, Haley founded the Holistic Fertility Clinic and hosts the Fertility Freedom Podcast. She opens up about overcoming disordered eating, limiting family beliefs around entrepreneurship, and the “insane” decision to start her own practice with no roadmap. The conversation covers the power of taking imperfect action, unwinding negative self-talk, the freedom (and challenges) of practicing in a less-regulated holistic space, and how telemedicine has allowed her to serve clients worldwide. Haley also explores her interest in expanding her clinic through a PC MSO model to bring on PAs/NPs, provide more comprehensive care (including diagnostics and prescriptions when needed), and maintain the heart-centered approach her patients love. Listeners will hear powerful success stories of women conceiving after years of struggle and gain insight into root-cause, whole-person fertility care. Top 3 Takeaways: * Take Imperfect Action: You learn the most by starting before you feel ready. You can’t fail if you don’t quit  consistent small steps and “winks from the universe” compound over time. * Overcome Limiting Beliefs: Family narratives and internalized self-doubt are major barriers for first-generation entrepreneurs. Building self-trust and positive self-talk directly fuels business growth. * The Third Door in Telemedicine: Virtual care removes traditional overhead and geographic limits. Collaborative models (like MSOs) allow holistic providers to partner with licensed clinicians for well-rounded, patient-centered care while staying compliant. About the Show   Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.   About the Guest Haley Smith is a functional nutritionist, fertility awareness practitioner, and podcaster. She is the founder of the Holistic Fertility Clinic and host of the Fertility Freedom Podcast. With a master’s degree in nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine, Haley helps women communicate with their bodies, understand their cycles, and overcome fertility challenges through a holistic, root-cause approach. Connect with Haley Smith on: Instagram: @haleysmith.hfc [https://www.instagram.com/haleysmith.hfc?igsh=ZmN0bjNsbm1sZ3oy] New Official Clinic Page: @HolisticFertilityClinic [https://www.instagram.com/holisticfertilityclinic?igsh=MXB3bzk0N2ZvNzVkNg==] About the Hosts: * Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. * Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.   Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:   https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/]   phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com   (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com [phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com]) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#72 - Mastering Mindset: Coaching, Dreams & Luxury Cruising with Dr. Krystal Sodiatis

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Krystal Sodaitis joins hosts Dr. Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to discuss her remarkable career evolution from academic pediatrician to health plan leadership and certified life/leadership coach. Dr. Saditis reveals how her love for luxury cruising and personal growth led her to launch the Luxury Cruising podcast on the Doctors Podcast Network. The conversation dives deep into the mindset challenges many physicians face, especially negative self-talk ingrained during medical training,  and how coaching helps reframe it. Dr. Saditis shares actionable advice on allowing yourself to dream, the benefits of positive inner dialogue, finding the right coach, and creating luxurious experiences even on a budget. She also highlights must-do cruises, including Antarctica and Alaska/Norwegian fjords. TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS: * Dreaming is Valuable: Even if you never execute on a big idea (like starting a podcast), simply allowing yourself to dream provides real psychological benefits and keeps possibilities open. * Replace Negative Self-Talk with Compassion: Medical training conditions harsh inner critics. Awareness, kinder self-dialogue (like top athletes), and coaching are powerful tools to break this cycle. * Coaching Benefits Every Physician: Having an external, nonjudgmental observer helps with clarity, accountability, and breaking old patterns, especially valuable for those with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. ABOUT THE SHOW Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a board-certified pediatrician who transitioned from academic medicine to health plan leadership in 2013. She is a certified life and leadership coach with advanced certifications in physician coaching. Her coaching practice focuses on physicians with neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. She is also the host of the Luxury Cruising podcast on the Doctors Podcast Network. Podcast: Luxury Cruising [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/luxury-cruising-podcast-come-explore-the-world-in-style/id1798831077] Website: https://luxurycruising.net [https://luxurycruising.net]   About the Hosts: * Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. * Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.     Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:     https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/]     phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com   (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com [phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com]) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#71 - How Physicians Can Redefine Success and Reclaim Work Life Balance with Dr. Michael Hersh

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Michael Hersh to discuss the challenges physicians face when transitioning careers, particularly into telemedicine. Dr. Hersh explains how the “physician personality”,  marked by achievement addiction, poor boundaries, and tying self-worth to productivity  often travels with doctors into new practice models, leading to the same burnout they were trying to escape. The conversation dives into the myth of work-life balance, the importance of self-awareness, identity shifts, and the power of physician coaching. Dr. Hersh shares practical insights on noticing unhelpful patterns, clarifying what you truly want, setting boundaries, and building a life where medicine is part of the “chocolate milk” rather than something to be extracted. Top 3 Takeaways: * The Physician Personality Travels With You:  Changing your job or switching to telemedicine won’t fix burnout if you bring the same habits, lack of boundaries, and achievement addiction with you. * Work-Life Balance is a Myth: Instead of trying to separate work from life, physicians should learn how to integrate medicine into their lives while creating intentional boundaries that protect what matters most. * Coaching Helps You See What You Can’t See: Doctors often can’t read the label from inside the jar. Coaching provides an outside mirror, helps uncover true desires, and supports meaningful identity shifts. About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest Dr. Michael Hersh is a full-time practicing gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He helps doctors create better work-life integration, set meaningful goals, reduce overwhelm, manage stress, and feel more present at home. He is the creator and host of the Better Physician Life podcast, focused on helping physicians who feel stuck in their medical careers. Connect with Michael  Hersh: Website: betterphysicianlife.com [http://betterphysicianlife.com] Podcast: Better physician life [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-physician-life-how-to-get-unstuck-in-your-medical/id1828495724] About the Hosts: * Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. * Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.  Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/]   phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com [phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com])   The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#70 - Why ER Doctors Are Ditching the ER for Telemedicine

In this episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Steven McDade joins Leo Damasco and Phoebe Gutierrez to discuss his transition from full-time emergency medicine to a flexible, primarily telemedicine-based career. After 13 years in the ER, Dr. McDade sought more time at his mountain home in Colorado and discovered telemedicine as the solution. He opens up about overcoming skepticism and imposter syndrome, the massive reach and positive impact of virtual care, building a diverse portfolio that includes medical directorships, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), weight loss medications, men’s/women’s health, and unique collaborations (including with a boutique gym and a breastfeeding NP). Dr. McDade highlights the lifestyle benefits, no commute, working from anywhere (including Portugal), schedule flexibility, reduced burnout, and renewed excitement for medicine, while still practicing some ER shifts. The conversation also covers the expanding opportunities in telehealth, AI’s role, and advice for physicians considering the transition. Top 3 Takeaways: * Lifestyle Freedom is Real: Telemedicine eliminates commutes, allows you to live where you want (mountains, travel), block time for the gym, and even work from vacation, dramatically improving work-life balance. * Bigger Reach & More Positive Impact: One physician can see thousands more patients per month in telemedicine than in the ER, shifting from reactive crisis care to preventive, wellness-focused medicine that genuinely improves lives. * Build a Diverse Portfolio: Don’t be a one-trick pony. Explore medical directorships, HRT/weight loss, niche collaborations, and entrepreneurial opportunities, telemedicine lets you learn new fields and create a fulfilling, resilient career. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Guest: Dr. Steven McDade is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 13 years of experience. After practicing in Colorado, he transitioned to primarily telemedicine (80/20 split) to gain flexibility and spend more time in the mountains. He serves as a medical director for a telehealth company handling 911 diversions, works in men’s/women’s health, HRT, weight loss, and various clinical collaborations. Connect with Dr. Steven McDade: You can reach out to  Dr. Steven McDade via the Telemedicine Talks team at info@telemedicinetalks.com [info@telemedicinetalks.com] About the Hosts: * Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. * Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.   Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:   https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkgutierrez/]   phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com   (mailto:phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com [phoebe@telemedicinetalks.com]) The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#69 - When AI Becomes a Doctor: Regulatory Battles in Pennsylvania & Utah

In this timely solo episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco explores the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and medical practice. Following last week’s conversation with Dr. Ashok Gupta on AI hallucinations, Leo examines two real-world cases making headlines in 2026. First, he dives into the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s lawsuit against Character.ai, where an undercover investigator exposed a chatbot persona (“Emily”) that falsely claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist, provided fake credentials, and offered therapy and medication advice. Leo also analyzes the growing tension in Utah between the Department of Commerce’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and the Utah Medical Licensing Board over Doctronic’s autonomous AI platform for processing 30, 60, and 90 day prescription refills. Leo shares balanced commentary on the promise and dangers of AI in healthcare, the critical importance of physician involvement, regulatory gaps, and who should ultimately oversee AI-driven medical decisions. He discusses liability, patient safety, and the need for proper collaboration between innovators and medical boards. This episode is essential listening for clinicians, telemedicine practitioners, digital health entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future regulation of AI in medicine. Top 3 Takeaways: * AI Must Not Impersonate Physicians: Chatbots claiming to be licensed doctors, even under a “fictional character” disclaimer, Cross a dangerous line, especially when interacting with vulnerable patients. Clear boundaries and accountability are urgently needed. * Medical Boards Must Have a Seat at the Table: Regulatory sandbox experiments involving AI prescribing should involve state medical boards before launch, not after. Collaboration between innovation offices and practicing clinicians is essential for patient safety. * AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement (Yet): Current AI models show promise in efficiency and standardization but still make errors at rates unacceptable for independent clinical decision-making. The safest path forward is strong physician oversight combined with transparent guardrails. About the Show: Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine. About the Hosts: * Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. * Connect with Leo Damasco: Email: leo@telemedicinetalks.com [leo@telemedicinetalks.com] * Website: https://www.telemedicinetalks.com [https://www.telemedicinetalks.com]   The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.