MiDoc is an at-home medical device that allows physicians to remotely conduct lung and heart physical exams, revolutionizing the patient-provider telehealth experience and improving healthcare access, affordability, convenience, and quality. The team at MiDoc includes Linda Wu (GB ’22), Lili Hostetler (GM, SI ’22), Michael Newbold (GB ’22), Shivaen Ahuja (EN ’22), Ben Graue (BU ’22). Austin Cahn (LA ’23). Darren Lee (LA, BU ’22). Founder Linda Wu (GB ’22) answered the questions for our blog.

Tell us your startup story – What is the problem you’re solving?

The COVID pandemic has impacted all of us in various ways. As a physician, I see patients come into the hospital too late as they were afraid to leave their homes. During this time, telemedicine has gained popularity; however, it is only able to replace the conversational component. Doctors are unable to perform heart and lung exams, and this lack of vital information results in ineffective care and poor health outcomes. MiDoc addresses the third dimension of telehealth: the physical exam.

What is your solution to that problem?

MiDoc is an at-home wearable product that the patient (consumer) wears like a vest, equipped with sensors for a remote heart and lung exam: like an at-home stethoscope. It also conveys electrocardiogram (EKG) readings, which evaluate the electrical health of the heart. It will automatically obtain medical-grade exam data to help doctors make medical decisions over telemedicine. MiDoc will revolutionize healthcare by improving access, convenience, and affordability to healthcare.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?

Do not give up. MiDoc started as a class project from the Introduction to Entrepreneurship course at WashU. It wasn’t a class favorite and I interpreted that as it was a poor idea. However, the professor saw potential in MiDoc and at the end of the course came up to me and encouraged me to continue pursuing it. Within a few weeks, we’ve received a lot of positive feedback and are in the finals of several pitch competitions.

What do you love about entrepreneurship?

I love the creativity of new solutions/methods to whatever questions comes your way, whether it be in the design, customers, or go-to-market strategy. There is so much room for pivoting and growth, and an endless possibility for creativity. Most importantly, entrepreneurship provides an opportunity to build innovative solutions to help our community and each other.

What advice would you give to someone considering creating a startup or entering an entrepreneurship competition?

Speak up and ask. I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur for years but didn’t do anything about it. It wasn’t until I got the courage to share my idea and ask for help did I realize the vast network of resources out there for a young entrepreneur. Also, I underestimated the number of eager people offering to help and the resources available for support, and this experience has been incredible.

What activities, student groups, professors, or classes had the biggest impact on you during your time at WashU?

The Skandalaris Center has been amazing, providing lectures and workshops to teach us about entrepreneurship. All the staff there has incredible knowledge and so eager to help. Special shout out to Cyril Loum for always being available to answer my panicked questions, and an entrepreneur’s biggest supporter. WashU Olin professors (Doug Villhard and David Poldoian) and staff (Rian Edwards) have been incredible teachers and resources during this process.

The winner of the Spring 2022 SVC will be announced at The Washington University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards Presented by the Skandalaris Center on April 14. All are welcome to attend the awards ceremony to see which teams will win non-dilutive funding for their venture.