From Scalpel to Startup
From PEMBA ON-DEMAND: Real Stories from Physician Leaders by Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee
November 13, 2025 · 50 min
About this episode
Dr. Mark Soliman shares his journey from surgeon to entrepreneur, discussing the creation of a networking platform for surgeons and the impact of business education on his leadership.
How does a practicing surgeon turn a simple idea into a global platform transforming how surgeons connect, learn, and lead? In this episode of “PEMBA On Demand,” host Dr. Norman A. Chapin interviews Dr. Mark Soliman, surgeon, entrepreneur, and graduate of the University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA (PEMBA) program. Dr. Soliman shares his inspiring journey from clinical surgery to co-founding Surgeon, a secure social networking and education platform built exclusively for surgeons. He discusses the rapid growth of the platform, how it’s transforming peer-to-peer collaboration in surgical practice, and the realities of leading a healthcare startup. Dr. Soliman also reflects on how business education reshaped his leadership mindset, empowered his entrepreneurial goals, and provided the tools to innovate in an evolving healthcare ecosystem. His story offers valuable lessons for physicians seeking to combine clinical expertise with business acumen to create lasting impact. Key Topics Covered The founding story and mission behind Surgeon, a secure networking and education hub for surgeons Challenges and rewards of transitioning from clinical practice to entrepreneurship…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Norman A. Chapin
Guest: Dr. Mark Soliman
Topics covered
- entrepreneurship
- healthcare innovation
- surgeon networking
- leadership
- business education
Keywords
- surgeon
- startup
- networking
- healthcare
- entrepreneurial journey
- PEMBA
- leadership skills
- medical education
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA, Surgeon
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