Alumni Update: The Bright Doctor is making medical school preparation more accessible

By Mikayla Federchuk

Picture a world where comprehensive preparation tools for medical school are not just a privilege, but accessible to all. That is the vision behind The Bright Doctor, an innovative online platform for medical school preparation developed by Residency @ The Clinic alumnus Kevin Tabatabaei.

Tabatabaei’s idea for The Bright Doctor emerged from his personal challenges with medical school preparation costs. “The spark that ignited ‘The Bright Doctor’ came from my own struggles navigating the maze of medical school admissions,” He reflects. “Frustrated by sky-high fees charged by traditional admissions consulting companies for basic advice (often from first-year medical students), I envisioned an online platform brimming with hundreds of interview questions, simulations, and personalized guidance available at a low cost for students.”

Participation in The Clinic’s Health Innovation Bootcamp and Residency programs provided a nurturing environment for innovation and feedback, which was critical for refining Tabatabaei’s business model and clarifying his value proposition for The Bright Doctor. He particularly benefited from mentorship that helped him refine his business approach, such as switching to a subscription-based model, and the many curated resources his mentors shared with him. “The Clinic was a place where I could share my ideas, and get feedback,” says Tabatabaei. In addition, the guest lectures he attended at The Clinic helped him to gain an understanding of various companies and how to build a scalable business.

Since launching in Canada, The Bright Doctor has evolved into a platform that offers video courses for a variety of fields (i.e., medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, etc.), a large medical school directory, a CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) question bank, and a MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) question bank, crucial components of the medical admissions process. Recognizing the importance of regional nuances, the platform also includes global, provincial/state, and regional healthcare policies, ensuring applicants are well-prepared for any scenario.

Despite facing challenges, such as establishing credibility in a competitive market, The Bright Doctor has achieved growth through strategic marketing strategies and community engagement. Tabatabaei remains committed to expanding his company and continues to use his experience and the network he built at The Clinic.

The platform now aids over 7,000 users across North America, Asia, and Australia
generating a six-figure annual revenue.

Reflecting on his time with The Clinic, Tabatabaei emphasizes the impact of the support he received from his fellow participants. “It was certainly inspiring to speak with them, especially when they shared their successes, it was very motivating,” he acknowledges. He also advises other entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector to seek support from The Clinic as the experience provides both critical feedback, validation, and industry-specific resources.

As The Bright Doctor continues its growth trajectory, Tabatabaei, now himself a medical student at the renowned Mayo Clinic, remains dedicated to breaking down educational barriers in medical school admissions, ensuring that all aspiring medical professionals have the tools they need to succeed.