Breaking Financial Barriers for Doctors with Dr. Zwade Marshall

The journey through medical school and residency is tough, and it often feels like there’s no time for anything else. But once the white coat is on, life outside of medicine starts to matter more. The pandemic forced many to rethink everything, showing that being a doctor isn’t just about treating patients—it’s also about handling personal finances, making smart investments, and taking control of your future.

Financial literacy, something many of us didn’t learn early on, became a real game-changer. Talking about money, real estate, and managing debt should happen sooner, not later. The truth is, many doctors face financial struggles in silence. Acknowledging this is the first step to changing that.

It’s time to open up the conversation about money in medicine, learn about finances, and empower the next generation to succeed in both their careers and personal lives. Success is more than just the work inside the white coat—it’s about building a life outside of it too.

Dr. Zwade Marshall is an Emory and Harvard-trained, double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist. He serves as Chief Medical Officer of Regenerative Spine and Pain Specialists. With a background in Economics from Emory and clinical training from Harvard, Dr. Marshall co-founded Doc2Doc Lending to create physician-focused financial solutions after recognizing how traditional banks often misjudge the risk profile of early-career doctors.

In this episode with Dr. Zwade Marshall of Doc2Doc Lending, we talk about the financial realities physicians face—from student loan debt and low early-career incomes to the challenges of building credit. We explore the importance of financial literacy and how destigmatizing debt can empower physicians to build wealth, stability, and peace of mind.

"The beauty of companies that are started by folks who are a part of the community who understand the pressures, is that you get empathy with the business." – Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Welcome to TimeOut with the SportsDr Podcast

(00:00:35) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

(00:04:27) Who's on the Team?

(00:06:26) Support from behind

(00:08:17) Partnering with people you truly believe in

(00:10:17) Who is Dr. Zwade J. Marshall?

(00:13:58) Financial literacy is a life skill

(00:15:43) Destigmatizing debt in Medicine

(00:19:06) Advertisement: Are you prepared for life's unexpected challenges? Dr. Stephanie Pearson and her team of skilled advisors at Pearson Ravitz are here to help you guard your most valuable asset. Go to https://pearsonravitz.com/ to make sure you are protected today.

(00:20:50) When can you start applying for a loan?

(00:22:29) Understanding doctors' needs in finance

(00:24:21) Solving problems for doctors by doctors

(00:25:26) Loan tips for new doctors

(00:28:47) Financial literacy matters

(00:30:17) Explaining key loan terms 

(00:31:24) Final TimeOut with Dr. Zwade J. Marshall

Key Takeaways:  

"Sometimes in medicine, we want everything to be perfect right away, but in entrepreneurship, you have to have imperfect action to grow and to continue to learn."

"You’re gonna continue to make mistakes as individuals but as companies as well, and be forgiving of yourself but be dogged in the pursuit of perfection."

"People that you start with and the people you grow with might be totally different and you have to be willing to accept that."

"In entrepreneurship, we often have to learn a new skill of leading from the back and training your leaders to become their own leaders."

"Sometimes the interest rate is not the most important thing, but the terms might be."

Connect with Dr. Zwade J. Marshall:

Website: https://www.doc2doclending.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doc2doclending/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc2doclending

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doc2doclending

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doc2doclending/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.