In this episode of The Paradigm Concept, host Dr. David Rallis sits down with Dr. Mirela Memic, oral and maxillofacial surgeon and founder of Buckhead Oral Surgery in Atlanta. Dr. Memic shares her extraordinary journey—from leaving a war-torn country as a child, to serving in the U.S. military, to becoming a mother and opening a brand-new practice from the ground up.

Her story is one of discipline, resilience, and relentless forward momentum. She reflects on how military training shaped her approach to leadership, accountability, and teamwork; how immigration shaped her mindset around opportunity; and how the early months of building a de novo practice have tested and strengthened her resolve.

Together, they explore what it means to be the CEO of your practice, what actually drives early growth, how to build a culture from scratch, and why storytelling, patient experience, and personal authenticity matter more than ever. Dr. Memic also discusses the role her husband has played in the business, what it’s like raising a young child while launching a practice, and how she’s learned to balance discipline with vulnerability as a leader.

Her evolution—from trauma surgeon in the military to first-time practice owner—is a powerful example of what’s possible when grit meets opportunity inside the Paradigm ecosystem.

• From Bosnia to Buckhead: Dr. Memic’s early life in a war-torn country and how hardship shaped her perspective and drive.
• How military service built discipline: The structure, accountability, and expectations of military life—and how those lessons translate directly into running a practice.
• Trauma training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord: Years of 24/7 call, major trauma cases, and reconstructive surgery—and how that shaped her surgical confidence.
• Building a practice from scratch: The realities of opening a brand-new office in Buckhead, learning marketing for the first time, and navigating slow early weeks.
• Turning the corner: How her practice went from 1–2 new patients a day to 10+ once systems, consistency, and messaging clicked.
• The power of storytelling: Why patients respond to honesty, emotion, vulnerability, and a clear narrative about who you are and why you practice.
• Partnership with her husband: How blending personal and professional roles gives stability, marketing support, and shared ownership of the vision.
• Building and leading a team: Transitioning from military hierarchy to private-practice leadership—learning to coach rather than command.
• Motherhood and medicine: Navigating time, fatigue, and high expectations while raising a young child and launching a business simultaneously.
• Thriving inside Paradigm: How mentorship, culture, and the clinical-first structure accelerate new doctors and support their autonomy.
• Rapid iteration and change: Why perfection isn’t the goal—speed, adaptability, and decisive action matter more in the early stages of growth.
• Becoming a leader for others: Dr. Memic’s vision to mentor the next wave of doctors building their own practices.

In this episode of The Paradigm Concept, host Dr. David Rallis sits down with Dr. Hamza Al Atassi, oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Metrowest Oral Surgical Associates, to explore how authenticity, storytelling, and technology intersect in modern practice. Dr. Al Atassi shares his journey from dental training in Syria to establishing a thriving private practice in Boston, reflecting on the resilience and perspective that shaped his leadership style.

Together they discuss the evolution of social media as a professional tool—how it helps surgeons communicate values, earn trust, and humanize their expertise—and why personal growth, mentorship, and shared vision remain the foundation of success at Paradigm Oral Health.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Hamza Al Atassi’s journey from Syria to Boston and the lessons learned along the way
• How early experience as a dental assistant shaped his approach to teamwork and leadership
• Building rapid trust and growth through patient care and authenticity
• The evolution of social media—from showcasing skill to communicating purpose
• Overcoming stereotypes and connecting meaningfully with patients and referrals
• Why values, storytelling, and brand identity matter more than technical marketing
• The role of mentorship, collaboration, and culture at Paradigm Oral Health
• Looking ahead: leadership, education, and building the next generation of practices

In this episode of Paradigm, host Dr. David Rallis welcomes Dr. Derek Nelson, chief resident at the University of North Carolina, to explore the early career journey of a surgeon committed to mentorship, growth, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Dr. Nelson shares his background—from immigrating from Jamaica to pursuing both pastoral work and dentistry—and reflects on how those experiences shaped his drive. The discussion covers his nontraditional path into oral surgery, how he’s maximized residency through strategic learning and networking, and why mentorship and purpose-driven practice are central to his future with Paradigm. Together, they examine what younger surgeons seek from their careers, and how Paradigm supports them in designing meaningful, successful practices from the start.

• Derek Nelson’s upbringing, work ethic, and early experiences in education and construction
• His academic and spiritual journey, including ministry and dentistry
• Nontraditional path into oral surgery through public health and strategic proximity to UNC
• The value of mentorship and long-term commitment in earning trust and opportunities
• Learning from residency legends and the importance of recognizing their influence
• Creating cross-specialty study clubs and embracing collaboration with other disciplines
• How early exposure to practice management and case planning is accelerating his growth
• Derek’s mindset around balancing ambition, service, and personal values in career building
• Paradigm’s unique support model for young doctors entering practice
• Perspectives on practice autonomy, ongoing learning, and the future of resident onboarding

• David Rallis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rallis-374a071a8
• Paradigm Oral Health: https://paradigmoralhealth.com/