Ep 60. Physician Entrepreneurship, Failure, Perfectionism, and Pivoting with Dr. Zhen Chan
Dr. Zhen Chan is a pediatrician, entrepreneur, and the founder of Grapevyne, a digital community built to give physicians and medical students the professional development, networking, and resources that medical training never taught them. In this episode, Zhen takes us through his journey from a residency that left him questioning the purpose of modern medicine, to catching the startup bug through venture capital, to building and pivoting a company in real time. We get into the messy, honest truth about perfectionism in medicine, what it costs doctors to chase external validation, and what it actually looks like to redefine success on your own terms. Zhen also shares why vulnerability is a leadership skill, how to build emotional resilience as a physician entrepreneur, and his take on why AI will make better doctors, not fewer of them. If you are a doctor, a med student, or anyone navigating a non-traditional path, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.
Episode Takeaways:
- Career pivots as critical data points
- AI is not replacing doctors, it is raising the bar for what a great doctor looks like.
- Medical training is a perfectionism factory, and breaking out of it is the first step toward sustainable success.
- You cannot pour from an empty cup, and trying to be 100% at everything will burn you out fast.
- Vulnerability is not a weakness in leadership, it is your most powerful trust-building tool.
About the guest:
Dr. Zhen Chan is a graduate of the University of Miami with his MD and MBA in Health Management and Policy. He completed his pediatrics residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, where his work in quality improvement and advocacy projects revealed a career path to impact healthcare at scale beyond the exam room. Currently, Dr. Zhen is a practicing pediatrician in Washington, DC, and the Founder of Grapevyne, a community dedicated to helping physicians and medical students network and find resources for professional development and personal well-being. Additionally, he advises and consults for startups in the healthcare industry looking to bridge innovation with patient care.
Connect with Dr. Zhen Chan:
Visit his website: Https://grapevyne.health
Connect with him on LinkedIn: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmd
Follow him on Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/zhen_md
Check out his TikTok: Https://www.tiktok.com/@zhenmd
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
Connect with Dr. Shabbir
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization?
Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking
✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir?
Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy
❌ Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.
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