Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats: as a physician, a CEO, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for causes that matter to me. Each of these roles is deeply fulfilling, but juggling them all requires a lot of balance, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. In reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned that integrating medicine, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy isn’t just possible—it’s incredibly rewarding when done with the right mindset.
As I look back at how I arrived where I am today, it’s clear that each part of my career has influenced the others. Whether it’s using my medical expertise to innovate in healthcare or leveraging my entrepreneurial experience to support causes I care about, the journey has taught me invaluable lessons. Here are a few key insights I’ve gained from balancing these three aspects of my life.
The Foundation: Medicine as the Core
At the heart of my career lies my passion for medicine. From my early days at the Bronx High School of Science, through my medical studies at SUNY Downstate, and later in my radiology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, I knew that helping people through healthcare would always be my calling.
But as much as I loved the clinical side of things, I soon realized that medicine alone wasn’t enough to make the kind of impact I aspired to. I found that by stepping outside the traditional boundaries of healthcare, I could be part of more innovative solutions, not just as a doctor but as a leader who could help drive real change. That’s when I took my first steps toward entrepreneurship—starting my own radiology group, which ultimately grew into something much bigger than I had initially imagined.
Medicine gives you the tools to heal, but entrepreneurship gives you the tools to scale, to think outside the box, and to help entire communities—not just individual patients. I realized that to make the kind of impact I wanted, I needed to think of healthcare beyond just the patient in front of me.
The Challenge of Entrepreneurship: Leading with Purpose
Running a company is no small feat, especially in an industry as complex and regulated as healthcare. As a co-founder and CEO of a radiology group, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship requires a balance of vision, risk-taking, and constant adaptation. The challenges are endless—navigating healthcare policies, building a cohesive team, investing in technology, and ensuring that patients receive top-quality care are just a few of the hurdles I face on a daily basis. But despite the complexity, the rewards of entrepreneurship are immense.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that a business needs to be built on purpose. When I first founded the company, it wasn’t just about creating a successful business—it was about solving a problem. Radiology is an essential part of healthcare, and I wanted to ensure that our services could make a real difference in diagnosing and treating patients. This sense of purpose has helped me push through the tough times and has kept me grounded in my ultimate mission.
At times, the responsibilities of being a CEO can feel overwhelming. You need to focus on long-term strategy, team management, operations, and customer service, all while staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements in radiology. I’ve learned that time management and delegation are essential, and that’s where having a strong, capable team around me has been invaluable. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to manage the demands of both the business and the philanthropic side of things.
Philanthropy: Giving Back with Intent
One aspect of my career that I’m particularly proud of is my involvement in philanthropy. Throughout my life, I’ve been deeply moved by the importance of giving back to causes that make a meaningful difference. My family’s background in both medicine and engineering taught me the importance of not just pursuing success for the sake of success, but using that success to support the greater good.
I’ve been fortunate to support initiatives that are close to my heart, particularly in areas like women’s leadership in sports, mental health, and various cancer research causes, such as those focusing on pancreatic cancer, ALS, and pediatric cancer. In my own way, I try to be a force for change by leveraging the resources and platforms I’ve built through my business to help others.
Philanthropy has also shaped the way I approach leadership. I believe that success isn’t just measured by financial gain or professional milestones—it’s also about the positive impact you can make on your community. Whether it’s donating to causes, volunteering time, or using the influence of my organization to drive awareness, I see philanthropy as an extension of my role as a leader. It’s not just about making money—it’s about making a difference.
The Art of Balancing It All
Balancing the demands of medicine, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy isn’t easy. There are moments when I feel stretched thin, trying to meet the needs of my team, my patients, and my philanthropic initiatives. But the key is prioritization and knowing when to say “no” or “not right now.” Time is one resource I cannot replenish, and being mindful of how I spend it is critical to avoiding burnout and maintaining focus.
The other challenge is making sure that none of these roles—medicine, business, and philanthropy—lose their sense of personal meaning. In my case, I’ve found that staying true to the core values that led me to each of these pursuits is essential. I didn’t go into medicine just to treat patients, and I didn’t start my company just to make money. I want to create real change in the healthcare system and, by extension, in society.
Another important factor in balancing these roles has been finding harmony between work and life. I’ve learned that taking time for myself—whether through hobbies like golfing or snowboarding—helps me reset and re-energize. It’s not just about putting in hours at work; it’s about maintaining a sense of well-being so that I can give my best to everything I do.
A Constantly Evolving Journey
Looking back on my journey, I can confidently say that balancing medicine, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my life. It’s a journey that’s constantly evolving, and I’ve learned that the most fulfilling work comes from finding ways to integrate these passions in a way that aligns with my values and goals.
At the end of the day, whether in medicine, business, or philanthropy, what keeps me going is the desire to help people and make a meaningful impact. My journey may not have followed a traditional path, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Each aspect of my work feeds into the others, creating a dynamic and fulfilling life where I’m able to grow as a leader, make a difference in the lives of others, and continue to push for innovation in everything I do.