The evidence on digital health

In this episode of the Business of Allied Health series, we sit down with Professor Mark Merolli, an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, physiotherapist, and digital health pioneer. Mark shares his unique "polymath" career journey, starting as a traditional sports physiotherapist before a pivotal stint in London during the Global Financial Crisis exposed him to the broader worlds of technology, finance, and management consulting. Recognizing the untapped potential of tech in healthcare early on, he pivoted to pursue a PhD in health informatics long before "digital health" became an industry buzzword. The discussion unpacks how allied health professionals can build diverse, non-traditional careers that prevent clinical burnout and foster continuous growth. Mark details his hands-on education in practice management as a clinic director, his return to academia, and his patient, 18-year strategy to launch a micro-clinic inside his local gym. He also shares his insights on balancing multiple ventures—from running a clinic and mentoring his first hire, to developing a venture-funded wearable health startup, to teaching the next generation of clinicians. For any clinic owner or practitioner looking to diversify their career, Mark's perspective on utilizing automation, planting long-term seeds, and learning from industries outside of healthcare is a masterclass in career design. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Professor Mark Merolli and his early career in sports physio02:22 - The "London Story": Networking outside of healthcare during the Global Financial Crisis03:55 - Pivoting to digital health and pursuing a PhD in health informatics05:19 - Learning practice management and business operations as a clinic director06:23 - Balancing academia, clinical practice, and a digital health startup07:18 - Planting the seed: The 18-year conversation to open a micro-clinic in a gym10:32 - Hiring strategies: Managing entrepreneurial clinicians vs. loyal team members12:56 - Mentorship and the value of informal networks in business14:00 - The "polymath" approach: Diversifying your career to avoid clinical burnout15:16 - Final words of wisdom: Embrace technology, automate systems, and feed your soul