Empowering Doctors to Invest in Their Communities
For decades, physicians have been the financial backbone of their communities—trusted professionals, community leaders, and high earners. Yet, when it comes to start-up investment, particularly in the regions where they live and practice, many doctors have remained on the sidelines. Del Mar Medical Devices is working to change that.
We believe doctors not only have the capital but also the insight, community influence, and personal stake necessary to drive regional innovation—especially in life sciences. But despite having the resources, many have not invested locally.
Why?
The reasons are simple and human: financial unsophistication, fear of principal loss, and contentment with a comfortable lifestyle.
Del Mar Medical Devices exists to help physicians move beyond these barriers—not just for personal financial gain, but for the broader benefit of their communities and future generations of medical innovators.
Unlocking the Potential: Why Doctors Make Great Investors
Doctors understand clinical pain points better than anyone. They know which devices and diagnostics improve patient outcomes, reduce time to diagnosis, or improve clinical workflows. But that insight hasn’t always translated into investment.
We’re here to help physicians apply their knowledge in ways that not only generate wealth but also uplift the community and accelerate innovation. Our team has studied and participated in the patterns that consistently yield success for physicians who invest. Three tried-and-true models stand out.
1. Early-Stage Investments in Medical Startups They Understand
One of the most effective strategies we've seen is simple: small investments in early-stage medical companies whose products the doctor already uses—or would use—in their own clinic. When doctors back a product they believe in, they bring more than capital. They offer validation, clinical feedback, and even early customer traction. This de-risks the company and increases the chance of success.
"The smartest capital is clinical capital," says Robert Mowry, a member of the Investment Committee at Del Mar Medical Devices. "When doctors invest in technologies they already trust and use, they're not just betting—they're building."
Better yet, this approach allows doctors to invest in what they know—an age-old principle of good investing. Rather than trying to time markets or chase trends, they put money behind tools and technologies they trust and understand.
2. Real Estate with Reciprocal Medical Use
Another common success story involves real estate. Many physicians invest in commercial properties—medical office buildings or clinics—and offer space to colleagues, especially those from medical school or residency. Reciprocity is a powerful force in the medical community. Colleagues are happy to support one another, and the investor benefits from stable tenants who are less likely to default.
This kind of investment builds durable wealth, supports local practitioners, and keeps capital circulating within the medical ecosystem. It also fosters a deeper connection to the region and its growth.
3. Intellectual Property Investments That Power Startups
Some physicians have access to proprietary ideas—whether through clinical experience, academia, or research—that can form the foundation for a startup. Even if they don't commercialize the idea themselves, they can license it out and hold equity.
We help doctors navigate this process—connecting them with commercialization teams, startup founders, and legal support—so their ideas can come to life. Whether the company is built from the ground up or launched via a licensing deal, the result is the same: wealth creation through innovation.
Beyond the Investment: Vehicles to Match Appetite and Goals
Del Mar Medical Devices recognizes that no two doctors are alike. Some are risk-tolerant and eager to dive into direct startup investing. Others prefer diversification or are primarily focused on safe, guaranteed retirement income.
We offer three tailored investment vehicles:
1. Straight SPV Investments for High-Risk Appetite
For doctors who want to swing for the fences—and have the means to diversify across several deals—we structure special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that allow direct investment into compelling medical startups. These are best suited for investors who understand the volatility of startups and can absorb potential losses across a portfolio.
2. Regional Medical Investment Fund
Our pooled fund vehicle provides access to a broader set of regional medical deals, allowing for diversification, institutional-level terms, and less administrative burden. It’s ideal for doctors who want exposure to the space but prefer a more hands-off approach.
3. Defined Benefit Plans with PBGC Insurance
For physicians focused on retirement planning, we partner with pension specialists to structure ERISA-compliant defined benefit (DB) plans. These plans can be insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), giving doctors confidence that their retirement payouts are secure. Better yet, a portion of the DB plan capital—within ERISA-approved limits—can be allocated to mission-aligned medical investments. It’s a powerful combination of financial security and community impact.
"We’re not just solving for return—we’re solving for meaning, mission, and legacy," Mowry emphasizes. "When you align physician capital with physician values, incredible things happen."
Doctors as Regional Stakeholders: A New Mindset
Historically, doctors have been cautious with investments—particularly when it comes to illiquid or regional ventures. Many have focused solely on practicing medicine, accumulating wealth slowly and securely. There’s nothing wrong with that. But we believe the next generation of physician-leaders will do more.
By stepping out of their comfort zones, doctors can become regional stakeholders—funding the very companies that will transform patient care in their own backyards. These investments do more than generate returns. They create jobs, retain talent, improve healthcare infrastructure, and keep innovation rooted in the community.
With the right structure, strategy, and support, doctors can invest with confidence—knowing their capital is not only working for them, but working for San Diego.
Helping Founders Succeed—and Gaining Perspective Along the Way
Investing isn’t just about money. It’s also about relationships, perspective, and legacy. Our work puts doctors in direct contact with startup founders—often younger entrepreneurs who need guidance, mentorship, and clinical validation as much as they need capital.
These relationships are mutually enriching. Founders benefit from seasoned insight, while physicians gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges of building a company. Many doctors find that working with founders reinvigorates their own sense of mission and reminds them of why they went into medicine in the first place.
A Call to Action for Physician Investors
San Diego is one of the world’s leading hubs for medical innovation—but it needs capital that stays local. Doctors are uniquely positioned to provide that capital in a way that benefits everyone: themselves, their colleagues, their communities, and the startups that will shape the future of medicine.
Del Mar Medical Devices is proud to lead this movement. Whether through SPVs, real estate, defined benefit plans, or early-stage investments in products you use every day—we’re here to help you invest with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
Let’s build something lasting together. The region is ready. The opportunity is here. And you have everything it takes to lead.