Isa Rizk, CEO and co-founder of Reflow Medical, joins Life of Flow to share how he and his team built one of the most talked-about vascular device companies, without following the usual playbook. In this episode, Isa walks us through the evolution of Reflow Medical, from its earliest days to the development of the Spur stent: a mechanical innovation designed for tibial disease. He breaks down what led them to shift from a single-product mindset to building a full-scale company, why reimbursement planning is just as important as engineering, and what it’s like to scale a team while staying independent. 🎧 Tune in for a transparent conversation about innovation, growth, and long-term thinking in the world of vascular technology. 00:00 – Meet Isa Rizk & how Reflow started 04:45 – From engineer to CEO: lessons learned early on 10:25 – How the Spur stent came to life 16:40 – Feedback from physicians and the impact on design 20:29 – What patency really means in clinical practice 26:15 – Why reimbursement strategy is essential in medtech 34:00 – Scaling beyond 100 employees, and staying the course 💡 Who Should Listen? This episode is for vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, cath lab teams, and professionals working in or alongside medtech. If you’re interested in device development, clinical translation, or building a company in healthcare, you’ll take away valuable insights from Isa’s experience. It’s also helpful for founders, engineers, and anyone involved in innovation who’s thinking long-term, not just about building a product, but building something that can grow and support real change in patient care. About Isa Rizk Isa Rizk is the CEO and co-founder of Reflow Medical, the company behind the Spur stent. A temporary, mechanical scaffold designed to support vessel healing in below-the-knee interventions. He began his career in mechanical engineering before moving into medtech at Baxter and Edwards Lifesciences, later co-founding Reflow to focus on collaborative device development with physicians. Today, Reflow has grown into a team of more than 100 people with a strong pipeline of innovations aimed at improving outcomes in complex vascular disease. Connect with Isa Rizk and Reflow Medical 🌐 Website: reflowmedical.com 💼 LinkedIn: Isa R Connect with Life of Flow 📲 Instagram: @LifeofFlowPodcast 👍 Facebook: Life of Flow Podcast 💼 LinkedIn: Life of Flow Podcast 🐦 X: @VascularPodcast 🔔 Subscribe and leave a review to support thoughtful conversations in vascular innovation.

Dr. Anthony Back, MD, a renowned oncologist, communication pioneer, and leader in psychedelic therapy research, joins the Life of Flow Podcast to discuss one of the most urgent issues in medicine today: physician burnout and the unconventional tools that may help heal it. As a co-founder of the Center for Psychedelic Medicine at UW and an internationally respected palliative care expert, Dr. Back brings a special and unique perspective to the conversation on psilocybin therapy. In this episode, he shares what he’s seeing in physicians suffering from emotional exhaustion, the limitations of traditional wellness models, and how psychedelics, when used safely and intentionally, are offering a radical new approach to healing in the profession. He also reflects on the personal toll of practicing medicine during COVID-19, the cultural resistance to psychedelic therapies in healthcare, and the importance of setting, guidance, and reintegration for physicians navigating these experiences. 🎧 Listen now for a powerful conversation that blends science, experience, and hope for a system in need of healing. 00:00 – Meet Dr. Anthony Back: Oncologist, researcher, and co-founder of the Center for Psychedelic Medicine 08:45 – What burnout really looks like in physicians, and why current tools aren't enough 17:30 – Why Dr. Back turned to psilocybin as a possible treatment for emotional exhaustion 24:12 – Can psychedelics help doctors reconnect with purpose? 31:05 – The role of guidance, setting, and integration in medical psychedelic therapy 39:40 – What the future of healing could look like for physicians and the patients they serve 💡 Who Should Listen? This episode is a must-listen for physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals confronting the realities of burnout, emotional disconnection, and the limits of conventional wellness strategies. If you're a clinician, medical educator, or health system leader looking for real conversations about mental health in medicine, this is the one to hear. Medical students, residents, and early-career doctors will gain insight into the emotional side of clinical practice, while those exploring the intersection of psychedelics and healthcare will find a grounded, research-driven discussion on what’s possible and what’s next. About Dr. Anthony Back Dr. Anthony Back, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington, co-founder of VitalTalk, and a national leader in physician communication and palliative care. He co-directs the Center for Psychedelic Medicine, where he researches the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy to support clinician well-being. His work focuses on bridging clinical practice, emotional health, and the potential of psychedelic therapy in healing burnout and restoring connection in healthcare. Connect with Dr. Anthony Back 💼 LinkedIn: Anthony Back, MD 🔗 UW Faculty Profile: Center for Psychedelic Medicine – UW Connect with Life of Flow: 📲 Instagram: @LifeofFlowPodcast 👍 Facebook: Life of Flow Podcast 💼 LinkedIn: Life of Flow Podcast 🐦 X: @VascularPodcast 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support our mission of bringing transformative healthcare conversations to the forefront.