Dani GassnerIn the high-stakes world of neurosurgery, where precision and expertise are critical, Dr. Stacey Podkovik isn’t just mastering his profession—he’s also learning to strike a balance between medicine, entrepreneurship, and personal life. Working alongside his partner, Dr. Laura Purdy, at SWELL Medical PC, Dr. Podkovik sheds light on the unique dynamic of being both life partners and business partners. Their journey offers a fascinating glimpse into how love and business can not only coexist but thrive.
• Laughing Through the Challenges: The Key to Success in Business and Love
When asked about the challenges of working with his partner, Dr. Podkovik smiles. “You’ve got to keep a sense of humor,” he says. “It’s essential, especially when you’re making tough decisions both in the operating room and at home.” For many, working closely with a significant other can seem daunting, but for Dr. Podkovik, it’s a strength. “I’ve never felt intimidated by Laura’s success. If anything, her power motivates me. We’re a team, and when one of us excels, we both do.”
• From Operating Room to Boardroom: The Transition to Entrepreneurship
As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Podkovik has spent years mastering his craft, but stepping into the role of a business owner brought a whole new set of challenges. “They don’t teach you in medical school how to manage finances, negotiate contracts, or lead a team,” he says with a laugh. “But when you own your own practice, you learn fast.” Running a medical business, he admits, comes with more risks and responsibilities than being employed by a large institution. “You set the rules, but you also have to handle the payroll, insurance headaches, and everything in between. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.”
• Navigating the Healthcare System: The Challenges of Private Practice
For Dr. Podkovik, the rewards of owning a medical practice are tempered by the harsh realities of the healthcare system, particularly in dealing with insurance. “No one really prepares you for how difficult it can be working with insurance companies,” he notes. “The current system is more of a burden than a benefit for many practitioners, and that’s something that desperately needs reform.” Despite the challenges, Dr. Podkovik is driven by his passion for patient care and the desire to improve the healthcare experience. “At the end of the day, it’s about putting patients first, but the system often makes that difficult. It’s a constant balancing act.”
• Telemedicine: Expanding Access, Even in Surgical Fields
While neurosurgery is a hands-on field, Dr. Podkovik sees potential in telemedicine. “Obviously, I can’t perform brain surgery over a video call, but telemedicine has an important role in follow-ups, consultations, and monitoring patients after surgery,” he explains. “It increases access to care, especially for patients who don’t live near a specialist.” Though optimistic, he remains cautious about fully embracing remote care in such a specialized field. “Telemedicine is part of the future of healthcare, but we have to be smart about how we use it, especially in surgical disciplines.”
• Juggling Parenthood and Business: Setting Boundaries in a Busy Life
As a business owner and father, Dr. Podkovik has learned to set boundaries between his professional and personal life. “Starting a business and a family at the same time is no easy feat,” he admits. “There are days when it feels like I’m juggling too much, but you find ways to make it work.” With children in the picture, Dr. Podkovik has become more mindful of maintaining a work-life balance. “When I’m with my kids, I try to be fully present. It’s hard to disconnect when your phone is constantly buzzing with work, but I’ve learned that family comes first.”
• Behind the Scenes: The Realities of Medical Entrepreneurship
Running a medical business isn’t as glamorous as television might make it seem. “It’s not all about scrubbing in for surgery or saving lives,” Dr. Podkovik says. “There’s a lot of paperwork, financial stress, and even some tough moments dealing with vendors or billing issues.” But despite the less exciting aspects, he finds the work fulfilling. “It’s a side of medicine most people don’t see, but it’s just as important as what happens in the operating room.
Growth Through Challenges: Lessons from Medicine and Business Pivoting from neurosurgery to business hasn’t been without its hurdles, but for Dr. Podkovik, the journey has been one of growth. “Surgery has taught me discipline, patience, and resilience, and those skills have been invaluable in running a business,” he says. “But every day in business presents a new challenge and a new lesson.” Whether in the operating room or the boardroom, Dr. Podkovik’s approach remains the same: stay curious, stay humble, and keep pushing forward. “It’s the curiosity that keeps me going—always wanting to learn something new, to improve, and to build something meaningful, both in medicine and in life.
