Physician Builder Spotlight: Micah Levine

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 Micah Levine, Co-Founder and CMO of PulmaCare (more on the company’s mission below!). You can connect further with Micah on LinkedIn.

1. Micah, what inspired you to become a physician entrepreneur? I’ve always had an interest in business and making a meaningful impact in the world. I became a physician because of my passion for science and my love of caring for those who are ill and in need of support; not only through medical expertise, but also with kindness and compassion along the way. While our health system has many strengths, it also has significant flaws that affect both patients and providers. I found the lack of autonomy challenging when it came to getting patients the care they needed, which also at times led to a lack of fulfillment in my daily work.

Seeing patients, especially those in rural communities or elderly patients without transportation, struggle to access care fueled my drive to break down these barriers through virtual pulmonary rehab.

Being a physician entrepreneur allows me not only to help one patient at a time, but also to change outcomes for the health system at large, exponentially expanding my impact.

2. Tell us what your company does and what problem you're trying to solve. PulmaCare is a virtual telehealth platform delivering pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) to people with chronic lung diseases such as COPD. PR is an insurance-reimbursable, multidisciplinary program that combines aerobic and resistance exercise, disease education, and psychosocial support to improve health and quality of life.

COPD is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and research shows PR can reduce shortness of breath, improve exercise tolerance and walking distance, lower hospital readmission rates, and improve overall well-being. Yet, fewer than 5% of eligible patients receive it, despite insurance coverage, due to significant barriers to access.

Virtual PR breaks down these barriers by meeting patients where they are. Our completion rates are around 90%, compared to less than 60% for in-person rehab. The benefits extend beyond physical health. Patients often tell me they feel less depressed and less lonely through connecting with others facing similar challenges. Our care team is deeply committed, and our patients feel that. As a result, we improve outcomes for both the individual and the health system at large.

3. What's your advice to anyone who's thinking about entrepreneurship or a nontraditional career in medicine? If your heart is in the right place, your team shares your values, and your service gives more than it takes, you'll be successful. Keeping the patient’s well-being at the center of your “why” drives both growth and financial reward.

Start something that fulfills an unmet need, or take an existing model and improve it. Build a team that fits your culture and values, even if it means delaying hiring until you find the right people.

There are countless ways to make a difference, and a nontraditional physician career can be just as fulfilling — sometimes more so. Listen to your own wishes, not societal expectations. Protect yourself from burnout, which is widespread in healthcare. Take care of yourself first so you can be your best for others. Being a physician can be a calling, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a rewarding career you can shape to fit you and your family.

4. How can a physician overcome their biggest fear to start a company/organization? Fear often comes from inaction. The best cure is to start. Spend less time over-planning and more time taking action. The fear of failure is real, but the rewards go to those who try, especially those who try first.

It’s a bigger failure to never try and fail by default than to try and not succeed the first time. You control your own narrative. Care less about the opinions of others and more about your own values and those of your loved ones. And remember, you’re not alone - surround yourself with a team whose expertise complements your own.

5. What's the #1 lesson you've learned since building your company that wasn't obvious to you before? Building a company is hard. Problems will arise — if it were easy, everyone would do it. It costs more than you expect, in both time and money, and obstacles must be pushed through. As your company grows, there may be fewer obstacles, but the ones that remain are often bigger. With them, however, come greater growth and momentum.

Momentum compounds. Success begets success. So focus on small wins.

6. Name the top resources you found most helpful to get going as an entrepreneur that others would benefit from? My top resource has always been reading. It allows me to step into the mind of an expert and out of my own head. Two books I’ve especially enjoyed are Zero to One by Peter Thiel and The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene.

Second, YouTube shorts and videos from other founders, visionaries, and thought leaders have been invaluable.

Lastly, it’s not just what you know, it’s who you know. Leveraging your network is key. When you are genuine and sincere, people want to see you succeed and be part of it. And as a corollary, always look for ways to help others succeed, too.

7. How can other physicians support you? Let others know how to get in touch.

A) If you're a pulmonologist or primary care physician, consider referring your patients to PulmaCare!

B) If you’re part of a health system, we’d love to partner with you to improve COPD outcomes and reduce 30-day readmission rates. Together, we can improve patient outcomes, lower the cost of care, and save lives. Our team is always ready to connect with others on best practices and to listen to any thoughts/ideas you may have to continue to deliver quality care.

Bonus! Just for Offcall's Members: Tips on Using AI in Medicine

We're making a few of Micah's answers about how he uses AI in medicine available exclusively for Offcall's community. For example, what Micah's top resources to get going with AI as a physician are that others could benefit from.

Read below.