In a recent episode of The Shades of Entrepreneurship, I had the opportunity to sit down with TJ Oshun, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur whose journey from practicing medicine to founding a digital healthcare platform is both inspiring and insightful.
TJ’s experience highlights the entrepreneurial spirit in healthcare, where innovation can truly change lives: How TJ Oshun is Revolutionizing Digital Healthcare with CallonDoc
From Physician Assistant to Digital Health Innovator
TJ Oshun started his career in healthcare as a Physician Assistant (PA), working hands-on in medical clinics. He later transitioned into running his own clinic in Dallas, but he soon saw the potential for a larger impact beyond the confines of a physical location.
This led him to create CallonDoc, an online platform that provides telemedicine, lab services, pharmacy access, and imaging for patients across the United States.
What sets CallonDoc apart is its comprehensive approach to digital health.
While telemedicine has become more popular, TJ knew that virtual doctor consultations were just one piece of the puzzle. His platform integrates at-home lab testing, pharmacy services, and imaging, offering patients a holistic healthcare experience without the need to visit a traditional clinic.
Good-bye congested hospital parking lots and confusing directions.
Removing Barriers to Healthcare Access
One of the standout features of CallonDoc is its focus on improving patient access to healthcare.
In traditional healthcare settings, barriers like transportation, taking time off work, or dealing with clinic no-shows can be significant obstacles to receiving care. CallonDoc removes these barriers by bringing services directly to patients’ homes, allowing them to manage their health more conveniently.
Digital health technologies like CallonDoc have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by making it more accessible and efficient. Imagine having the best care from home, not cloest to home.
As entrepreneurs, this is a powerful reminder of how technology can remove longstanding barriers in any industry, creating opportunities for improved services and customer satisfaction.
Building a Scalable, Patient-Centered Team
Building a company like CallonDoc from the ground up wasn’t easy. TJ faced numerous challenges, particularly around scaling operations across all 50 states.
One of his key strategies was to build a strong team of employed, W2 doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. This ensured continuity of care and availability across the country, something that can be challenging in a healthcare system that often relies on temporary or contracted providers.
For entrepreneurs, TJ’s experience is a reminder of the importance of building a solid team. By investing in his staff and ensuring they’re fully integrated into the business, TJ was able to create a company culture that prioritizes patient care and long-term growth.
As one CEO said, "what happens if we train them and they leave?" Well, what happens if we don't train them and they stay? Culture eats strategy for breakfast.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing the Entrepreneurial Mindset
TJ’s transition from running a private medical practice to scaling a digital healthcare platform wasn’t without its challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, he faced moments of self-doubt, wondering if he could truly make the leap into such a disruptive and rapidly evolving industry. However, his passion for improving patient access and his willingness to empower his team were key factors in overcoming those doubts.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, TJ’s story is a testament to the importance of continuous learning and adapting. Every business faces obstacles, but it’s the drive to keep improving and innovating that separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest.
An example I use often is Netflix:
When Netflix first launched, it was a DVD rental service delivered by mail. As the market changed and streaming technology became more prominent, they pivoted their business model to become a leader in online streaming (silly Blockbuster).
But they didn’t stop there—Netflix continued to innovate by producing original content, which helped them stand out in a crowded industry. Instead of staying comfortable with a successful DVD rental business, Netflix continuously improved, embraced new technologies, and ultimately revolutionized the entertainment industry.
This relentless drive to innovate is what has kept them at the forefront of the market.
Digital Health: A Growing Opportunity for Innovation
As TJ and I discussed, the healthcare industry is ripe for disruption. Digital health technologies like CallonDoc are just the beginning of what’s possible when entrepreneurs apply innovative solutions to age-old problems. From improving patient outcomes to reducing costs, there are endless opportunities for growth in this space.
TJ’s journey also highlights the potential for entrepreneurs to impact industries that may not seem like traditional playgrounds for innovation. Whether it's healthcare, finance, or another field, being willing to think outside the box can lead to transformative change.
Closing Thoughts
As we wrapped up our conversation, TJ emphasized the importance of preventative healthcare. Regular check-ups, lab tests, and monitoring of conditions like high blood pressure can make all the difference in preventing serious health issues down the road. With platforms like CallonDoc, patients can take charge of their health from the comfort of their homes, making preventative care more accessible than ever.
For entrepreneurs, TJ’s story serves as a reminder of the power of passion, innovation, and the willingness to embrace change. Whether you’re in healthcare or another industry, the opportunities for disruption and improvement are endless—you just have to be willing to take the leap.
Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode with TJ Oshun on The Shades of Entrepreneurship and explore more insights on how entrepreneurs are changing industries on The Shades of Entrepreneurship.
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