Building His Legacy
Dr. Stacey Podkovik may be a neurosurgeon, but he’s the first to admit he’s still making his mark in an industry that demands precision, endurance, and countless hours. Billing time in the clinic, tackling complex cases in the operating room, and gaining the trust of families and colleagues alike, Stacey knows he’s still in the trenches, paying his dues as he builds a name for himself. But what makes his story unique isn’t just his medical career; it’s the balancing act between his work as a surgeon and the passion project he’s building with his fiancé, Dr. Laura Purdy.
Balancing Two Passions
While many would be content to focus solely on a demanding career like neurosurgery, Dr. Podkovik is driven by a dual purpose. Alongside Laura, he’s helping to launch JellyMed, a healthcare initiative aimed at providing medical support and education at high-traffic events like festivals. It’s a project they both believe in deeply, but if there’s one thing they’ve learned while building this business, it’s that passion doesn’t necessarily make it easier.
Lessons in Leadership
“There are days where I’m billing hours at the clinic, working with patients, and then turning around to work on JellyMed,” Dr. Podkovik says. “It’s exciting, but it’s also a different kind of challenge. In surgery, you have protocols, you have training, and you have a team that knows how to operate under pressure. In business, especially when you’re just starting out, you’re still figuring out who your real team is.”
And that’s been one of the toughest lessons so far: understanding that while passion can fuel you, professionalism is what makes things work. “In business, you quickly realize there are only a select few who truly have your best interests at heart and are willing to help you build,” Dr. Podkovik explains. “Some people might seem eager to jump on board, but not everyone has the level of commitment or expertise to stick it out when things get tough. You have to be able to remove emotion from those decisions and focus on finding the right people to scale.”
Challenges of Entrepreneurship
JellyMed is not just a side project—it’s something that Stacey and Laura genuinely believe will change how medical care is handled in large event spaces, where emergency care, preventative measures, and education are crucial. But they’ve had to learn the hard way that believing in your mission isn’t enough. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in the passion, but when you’re building something, you have to be strategic. Laura and I have had to take a step back and really evaluate the people we bring on board. We need those who are just as committed and professional as we are,” Stacey admits.
And it’s that kind of realism that has helped keep him grounded. As he continues to work long hours in the OR, Dr. Podkovik is also navigating the steep learning curve that comes with entrepreneurship. “I’m still paying my dues as a neurosurgeon, but I’ve come to realize that in business, you’re also paying dues—just in a different way. There’s no handbook for this. You’re building the plane as you’re flying it.”
Focused on the Future
Despite the challenges, Dr. Podkovik is focused on the bigger picture, both in his medical career and with JellyMed. “I believe in the work I do in the hospital, and I believe in what we’re building with JellyMed,” he says. “It’s just about finding that balance, keeping your emotions in check, and surrounding yourself with people who are really there to help you succeed.”
For now, Stacey remains committed to his dual roles—honing his skills in neurosurgery while learning the ropes of entrepreneurship. There may be long hours and tough lessons ahead, but he’s in it for the long haul. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about making a name—it’s about building something that lasts.
