The Doctor Saving Other Doctors From Drowning in Paperwork

Walk me through your childhood—what about it shaped you as the founder you are today?

Santhosh’s early years were anything but conventional. “Until I was nine, I lived with my grandmother while my parents worked abroad. That time taught me independence and gave me space to explore,” he explained. When he moved back to live with his parents, they were adapting to their new roles with three young children, and Santhosh, as the eldest, naturally became the problem-solver. “It wasn’t something I thought much about at the time, but looking back, I was always figuring things out on my own,” he said. That problem-solving mindset carried into his adolescence. Whether it was assembling and selling computers or trading Pokémon cards to fund his Sega Genesis games, Santhosh learned how to create opportunities for himself. “It wasn’t about the money—it was about figuring out how to be self-reliant.”

What inspired you to start Medtrics?

The idea for Medtrics didn’t come from a grand vision—it grew out of frustration with inefficiency. “During my medical training, I saw physicians bogged down by administrative tasks,” Santhosh shared. One faculty member, in particular, caught his attention. “He was filling out evaluations on paper because the software available to him was so poorly designed. It didn’t make sense.” Santhosh, who had experience in technology, mocked up a solution for him. The response was immediate and encouraging. “He showed it to the program director, and soon, they both wanted to use it,” Santhosh said. That initial interest led to funding, and Medtrics was born. For Santhosh, the goal was clear: “Physicians shouldn’t have to choose between focusing on their patients and struggling with clunky software. If we can save them time and energy, we’re doing something meaningful.”

How do you juggle being both a practicing physician and a founder?

“It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to compartmentalize,” Santhosh admitted. Being a physician gives him invaluable insight into the challenges Medtrics aims to solve. “When I’m working in the hospital, I see firsthand how much time and energy goes into managing education and compliance. It keeps me grounded.” On the other hand, running Medtrics requires a different kind of focus. “I rely on my team to help balance things. Delegation and setting clear boundaries are essential.” His ability to manage both roles speaks to his discipline and his deep understanding of the industry.

What’s a common misconception about your industry?

“Most people think healthcare software is all about patient care,” Santhosh explained. But Medtrics focuses on a different but equally important aspect—education and compliance for healthcare professionals. “When you’re training to become a physician or a nurse, there’s so much administrative work that happens behind the scenes—scheduling, tracking performance, logging cases. That’s where we come in,” he said. Medtrics helps streamline these processes, freeing up time for both trainees and educators. “We’re not directly involved in patient care, but by making education more efficient, we’re improving the healthcare system as a whole.”

How do you see AI and automation shaping healthcare education in the next decade, and how is Medtrics preparing?

Santhosh sees AI and automation as transformative forces. “AI can make education more personalized. Imagine a system that adapts to a trainee’s progress, offering tailored feedback and helping them focus on areas where they need improvement,” he said. Medtrics is already exploring how to incorporate AI into its platform. “We’re looking at ways to use AI to optimize workflows, improve compliance tracking, and make education more dynamic,” he shared. For Santhosh, the goal is to embrace these advancements in a way that feels intuitive and empowering for users.

What does competition look like in your space, and how does Medtrics stay ahead?

“The competition is fierce,” Santhosh acknowledged. But he believes Medtrics has a distinct advantage. “We’re not just building software—we’re solving real problems that I’ve experienced myself,” he explained. Medtrics also prioritizes user feedback, constantly iterating to meet the needs of its audience. “We stay agile, and we listen to our users. That’s what keeps us ahead,” Santhosh said. By staying focused on their niche and avoiding the temptation to chase trends, Medtrics continues to lead in the healthcare education space.

Who were some key mentors or supporters on your journey?

Santhosh credits much of his success to the mentors who believed in him early on. “During medical school, my faculty mentors were incredibly supportive. They saw the potential in what I was doing and helped me connect with the right people,” he said. Those connections, combined with his own experience working in technology before medical school, gave him a strong foundation to build on. “I’ve been lucky to have people who guided me and gave me opportunities when I needed them most.”

What’s been one of the most rewarding experiences with Medtrics?

For Santhosh, the greatest rewards come from seeing the real-world impact of Medtrics. “I remember a program director telling us how much time they saved using our platform. That time was reinvested in mentoring trainees and improving education,” he shared. Stories like these remind him why he started Medtrics in the first place. “When you hear that your work is making someone’s life easier, it’s incredibly fulfilling.”

If you had to start over, what would you do differently?

“If I could go back, I’d focus on building a team earlier,” Santhosh admitted. Like many founders, he tried to do everything himself in the early days. “It’s tempting to think you can handle it all, but the reality is that a strong team can accelerate your progress and bring perspectives you might not have considered,” he said. That lesson has shaped how he approaches leadership today.

If you had to start over, what would you do differently?

“If I could go back, I’d focus on building a team earlier,” Santhosh admitted. Like many founders, he tried to do everything himself in the early days. “It’s tempting to think you can handle it all, but the reality is that a strong team can accelerate your progress and bring perspectives you might not have considered,” he said. That lesson has shaped how he approaches leadership today.

Do you have a favorite quote or source of inspiration?

Santhosh didn’t hesitate: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” For him, this quote is more than just words—it’s a guiding principle. “Building Medtrics has been a team effort from the beginning. Success isn’t about individual achievement; it’s about what we can accomplish together,” he said.