BTS Health Digest #55 - Bridging Medicine and Innovation: Transforming Healthcare Through Tech - The MamaDoc Story -Dr. Yusuf Shittu MBBS, MSc, MRCGP
In this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Yusuf Shittu, a medical doctor turned health tech entrepreneur. His story is one of transformation, resilience, and innovation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the health tech space.
Dr. Shittu’s journey began with a passion for helping others, but he soon realized that traditional clinical practice had its limitations. Driven by a desire to make a broader impact, he ventured into the world of health tech, launching startups that address healthcare accessibility issues, particularly for underserved communities. One of his most notable ventures, MamaDoc, is dedicated to supporting black migrants in the UK by improving their access to healthcare services.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Health Tech
One of the key insights from our conversation was the importance of filling knowledge gaps. Transitioning from medicine to health tech requires more than just passion—it demands an understanding of the digital health landscape, business strategy, and product development. Dr. Shittu emphasized that while formal education can be helpful, hands-on experience often outweighs academic qualifications in this field.
“You don’t necessarily need an MSc to be successful in health tech,” he shared. “What matters is engaging in live projects and acquiring practical experience.”
The Power of Community and Networking
Another crucial takeaway from our discussion was the significance of community building. Migrants, particularly those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, often struggle with navigating the healthcare system. By creating MamaDoc, Dr. Shittu not only provided a solution to this challenge but also fostered a community where people feel supported and heard.
Beyond supporting vulnerable populations, he highlighted the role of networking in career growth. In health tech, relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders can be more valuable than formal education. “Quality of connections is more important than quantity,” he noted. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn can open doors to collaborations, mentorship, and career advancements.
Lessons from the Startup World
Starting a health tech business is no easy feat. Dr. Shittu shared that pivoting is often necessary when an initial idea doesn’t work as expected. Implementation and execution are where the real work lies—not just in having a great idea.
“You can’t be too stuck to a way of doing things,” he said. “You have to fall in love with the problem, not just your solution.”
This mindset shift is critical for entrepreneurs looking to make a lasting impact in the industry. Identifying the right resources, seeking mentorship, and engaging with real-world users can significantly improve the chances of success.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Health Tech
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, professionals must adapt. Whether through entrepreneurship, medical advisory roles, or digital transformation projects, clinicians have a wealth of transferable skills that can drive innovation.
Dr. Shittu’s journey is a testament to the fact that stepping outside traditional career paths can be rewarding. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference in health tech.
The key takeaway? Experience matters more than credentials, and success comes from continuous learning, adaptability, and building the right networks.
If you’re considering a move into health tech, take Dr. Shittu’s advice: get involved in live projects, seek out your community, and always ask the right questions.
Watch Full Episode Here.
See you in the next episode.
Cheers!
Dr. Ron
Behind The Scenes in Health with Dr. Ron is managed by MRI Medic Consulting, a healthcare consulting and creative digital agency. If you would love to sponsor an episode, send an email to admin@mrimedic.com
Do you want to book a one-on-one session with Dr. Ron to discuss your career transition and alternative pathway options, click here.
Our goal is to help healthcare brands become better with their social media presence, and we do this through training webinar sessions with clients, health content creation, and social media management. Would you like us to hold a training webinar for your staff? Please send an email to admin@mrimedic.com
Do you happen to know a friend who is all about healthcare, health tech, alternative careers, and social media as a healthcare professional? Share this newsletter by clicking the refer button below.
Join over 6000+ subscribers at Behind The Scenes in Health with Dr.Ron’s substack where we share insightful information around healthcare and health tech.
Help us grow on YouTube channel by subscribing, commenting and sharing as we post new videos every Friday by 7pm (WAT). Give us a follow on TikTok
If there are topics you would love to read about or guests you would like to see and hear on the podcast, please email me at ronald@mrimedic.com or podcast@mrimedic.com
Here is our linktree. Feel free to explore our pages.