Physician Spotlight: Dr. Amy Schiffman, MD, MHS, HMD

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amy Schiffman, MD, MHS, HMD. Dr. Schiffman is a board-certified emergency physician with expertise in aging and Medicare. I’m particularly thrilled to share this interview, because Dr. Schiffman also heads up AgeTech DC, a sister organization to AgeTech NYC. Our conversation delved into the physician’s perspective on the needs of aging adults, with some actionable guidance for AgeTech startup founders. 

— Sarah Richard

P.S. - If you’re an AgeTech founder, investor, or operator based in the NYC area, please consider joining us at September’s AgeTech NYC panel and networking event, very kindly hosted by Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures. 

Could you share a bit about your background?

Amy Schiffman: I’m a board-certified emergency physician who became fascinated by the aging space, which led me to start a home-based primary care practice for frail and homebound individuals. Over time, my work evolved to include overseeing larger organizations in senior care, hospice, and home care. This journey gave me unique insights into aging, healthcare, and technology, including the complexities of Medicare, caregiving, and how big data can drive better care. Now, I focus on bringing all these elements together.

What are you working on right now?

Amy Schiffman: I’m working with startups and established companies entering the senior space, helping them navigate the complexities of original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, care in the home and post-acute care spaces, and device innovation. I also serve as CEO of AgeTech DC, a community platform for people in the age tech space. Additionally, I co-host the "Mastering Medicare" podcast, where we provide educational content about the healthcare ecosystem, which has been well-received by top MBA programs and entrepreneurs and senior serving professionals for its clear and synthesized approach to healthcare complexities.

What excites you most about AgeTech in the next five years?

Amy Schiffman: I’m excited about finding solutions that keep people healthy in place and fostering a clear understanding of what it means to age well. The goal is to bring together diverse voices in healthcare, technology, and supportive services to avoid redundant efforts and create scalable solutions. Another area I’m passionate about is changing how hospice is perceived. There’s room for innovation in end-of-life care, and I believe we need to blur the lines between care levels to honor patients' wishes as they age in place.

What are the biggest needs for those aging in place?

Amy Schiffman: We need to elevate the conversation around aging and help people understand what they’ll need in retirement, post-retirement, and beyond. Too often, families are shocked by the realities of aging, like the cost of assisted living or the limitations of Medicare. As a society, we need to better prepare for these stages, integrate aging into our everyday lives, and ensure that resources match those needs. It's about breaking down the complexity of the system so that it doesn’t come as a surprise.

What are the common mistakes early-stage AgeTech founders make?

Amy Schiffman: One major mistake is not considering development partners early enough. I see many engineers creating devices without a clear way to test their solutions in the real world. Founders must validate their products with the market from the start. Another issue is focusing on Medicare billing codes without understanding how challenging it is to get providers to use their products. Physicians are overstretched, and adding more to their workload—even for additional revenue—isn’t always realistic. Founders need to be practical about integration and scalability.

What advice do you have for the AgeTech NYC community?

Amy Schiffman: Stay curious about how the healthcare system works, from top to bottom. You must understand where the money flows in the system to succeed. Be ready to ask tough questions and seek out subject matter experts who can help navigate early challenges. Above all, stay resilient. Hearing “no” can often be the push needed to find success.

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