# 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](https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-bergman-md-1b172436/), founder of [VocalMD](https://www.linkedin.com/company/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](https://www.linkedin.com/company/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](mailto:ben@vocaldocs.com). _Connect With Ben on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-bergman-md-1b172436/) and learn more about his company [here](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocalmd/)._ Download Offcall's New Referral Tool for Clinicians!