Physician Builder Spotlight: Ben Bergman

We’re shining light on MD-entrepreneurs! Each week, we feature an entrepreneurial doctor who’s building a cool product, company, or working on a big idea that you definitely want to know about. This week, meet Ben Bergman, founder of VocalMD (more on the company’s mission below!). You can connect further with Ben on LinkedIn.

1. Ben, what inspired you to become a physician entrepreneur?

The persistence of patient care problems and medical access problems with little change in 20 years. I felt responsible, and I did not feel like a good doctor if I continued to sit back and watch others continue to do things that felt wrong to me.

2. Tell us what your company does and what problem you're trying to solve.

VocalMD is direct virtual care with a longitudinal approach: Same doctors all the time, for the rest of your life! Deep patient knowledge and access begets deeper, more effective long-term medical care. We donate product and services to non-profits and our long term goal is: all 800,000 unhoused individuals under longitudinal virtual care, which would re-establish physicians as the most knowledgeable and effective stakeholder for marginalized groups and help direct resources toward better situations for patients in need.

3. What's your advice to anyone who's thinking about entrepreneurship or a nontraditional career in medicine?

Get ready for sleepless nights, conflict, and self-doubt in addition to high points and wins.

4. How can a physician get over the "start" problem and overcome their biggest fear to start a company/organization?

Don't confuse the cold start problem and the start problem. Start problem has a solution - just start. Cold start problem is entirely different. There is no way. Just start, plus coffee.

5. What's the #1 lesson you've learned since building your company that wasn't obvious to you before?

I didn't fully realize how misaligned most for-profit health systems are with companies that seek mission-driven objectives. It reminds me of trying to take candy away from a 5 year old.

6. Name the top resources you found most helpful to get going on your entrepreneur journey that others would benefit from?

Best resource is other entrepreneurs and founders, by far. Find your business and clinical partners through baring your soul, going forward with your mission with quasi-reckless abandon, mourn the previous life you used to live, and pursue your dreams with all your might.

7. How can other physicians support you? Are you open to connection/investment/user feedback, etc.?

Physicians can support the VocalMD mission by thinking hard and long about why patients cannot access care in many circumstances. Join a network like ours that offers more open access and get involved through pilots, advocacy, investment, feedback, all of the above. I can be reached at ben@vocaldocs.com.

Connect With Ben on LinkedIn and learn more about his company here.