Episode 149 - From Med Student to Startup Founder with Ronan Payinda

In the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Ronan Payinda, a medical student who didn’t just stop at mastering anatomy but decided to build a whole digital health startup called SurgReady. But what really stood out was his heart for the community, especially his work with refugees and advocating for health equity.Ronan's passion for supporting refugees was sparked by the incredible example of Dr. Fahema Saiyad, a former Doctors Without Borders physician who now leads an organization in Auckland that helps newly arrived refugees and vulnerable migrants settle into their new lives. Inspired by her story and dedication, Ronan jumped in, first as a volunteer and then as a board member of the same organisation. His work focuses on making healthcare accessible and understandable for refugees, ensuring they aren’t left behind by a system that can often feel cold and overwhelming.Through initiatives like peer support groups and community health education, Ronan is helping refugees navigate everything from managing chronic conditions to understanding the healthcare system. For him, it’s not just about treating symptoms but about tackling the bigger issue of health equity. This isn’t just a side project; it’s a core part of who Ronan is and what he wants to build in the healthcare space.And that spirit of community is woven into everything he does, including SurgReady, a platform that helps patients prepare for surgery months in advance through personalised care plans. It’s about making sure everyone, no matter where they come from, gets the support they need to thrive.Key Takeaways from Ronan’s Journey:Community is everything: Whether it’s creating peer support groups for refugees or surgery patients, Ronan proves that healthcare is a team sport.Health equity matters: Ronan’s work highlights the gaps in healthcare for marginalized communities—and how tech can help bridge them.Find your purpose early: His journey shows that discovering what drives you, helping refugees, building startups, or public health, can set the course for everything else.Embrace uncertainty: Ronan didn’t plan to become a founder, but leaning into the unknown is what led to SurgReady’s impact.Balance Stress with gratitude: His approach to managing the chaos of med school and a startup? Gratitude, nature, and stepping back to appreciate the journey.Talking to Ronan was a masterclass in how true leadership is about lifting others as you climb, whether it’s through innovative healthcare solutions or making sure refugees feel seen and supported.If you’re ready to dive into Ronan’s world of medicine, community, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship…👉 Check out the full episode of Baskets of Knowledge on Spotify and YouTube!And drop your thoughts or key takeaways in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going! 🎧🔥

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