Startup Physicians
About Startup Physicians
Founded by Alison Curfman, MD, Startup Physicians is a leading physician-led initiative transforming how clinicians envision and build their careers beyond the traditional exam room. Dr. Curfman — a practicing pediatric emergency physician who co-founded a successful digital health company — combines deep clinical experience with real-world entrepreneurial success to guide physicians from medicine into innovation. Through her firsthand journey building and scaling a venture that served tens of thousands of high-needs children, she brings a unique blend of clinical authenticity, business insight, and practical mentorship to others seeking to chart a new path
Startup Physicians doesn’t merely offer inspiration — it provides a concrete blueprint for change. The program helps physicians leverage their clinical expertise into consulting, advisory, or startup roles by teaching fundamentals such as venture capital and private equity terminology, building marketable services, defining value propositions, and creating scalable business models. By offering both a self-paced Launchpad course and an active community network, Startup Physicians furnishes the tools, structure, and support needed to launch a meaningful side-gig or full-time startup, all while preserving your identity and integrity as a clinician.
About Startup Physicians Launchpad
The Startup Physicians Launchpad is an intensive, physician-led program designed to help clinicians translate their medical expertise into strategic roles in healthcare innovation, consulting, or startup leadership. Created by Alison Curfman, MD, the Launchpad delivers a clear, step-by-step roadmap—covering everything from legal setup and branding to understanding venture capital, building high-value service offerings, and launching a consulting or startup venture. Participants gain access to a private network of physician innovators, live coaching sessions, and lifelong access to comprehensive course materials that support sustainable growth beyond clinical practice.
What sets Startup Physicians Launchpad apart is its emphasis on bridging clinical insight with business strategy — helping doctors design offerings rooted in real patient and system needs, rather than “just another startup idea.” The curriculum draws on Dr. Curfman’s own journey: from practicing pediatric emergency medicine to founding a successful digital-health company — a path that included navigating private equity, scaling operations, and creating value-driven care models. The Launchpad is tailored for physicians at any career stage — whether you’re a resident exploring possibilities, a seasoned clinician, or already involved in a startup and looking to sharpen your role. With flexible, self-paced modules complemented by optional live sessions and a supportive community, the Launchpad equips physicians to pivot meaningfully — while preserving their identity and integrity as caregivers.
How Pinnacle Supported Startup Physicians Through Joint Providership
Through joint providership, Pinnacle partnered with Startup Physicians to deliver accredited continuing education that empowers clinicians seeking to expand their roles beyond traditional practice. Pinnacle supported the full accreditation process—from ensuring CME/CE compliance and managing all required documentation to validating credit eligibility for participating physicians and healthcare professionals.
By overseeing the regulatory and administrative requirements, Pinnacle enabled Startup Physicians to focus entirely on delivering high-impact, physician-led education in entrepreneurship, consulting, innovation, and healthcare leadership. This collaboration reflects Pinnacle’s commitment to making accreditation seamless and accessible while upholding the highest standards of educational integrity. Together, we created a transformative, fully accredited learning experience that equips clinicians with the skills, strategy, and confidence to build meaningful ventures and redefine their careers.
