Risk, Learn, Lead: My Journey from Entry-Level to CEO

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and my journey within it has been anything but linear. Ten years ago, I started my career as a medical scribe—an entry-level role where I was responsible for documentation and supporting physicians. Today, I lead a healthcare company as its CEO. This article isn't just about titles and positions but about a mindset of never settling, constantly adapting, and understanding that every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to something bigger.

The Humble Beginnings: A Scribe’s Eye-Opening Experience

Being a medical scribe was my first real exposure to the inner workings of healthcare. It was here that I learned the value of precision, the importance of communication, and the overwhelming challenges that healthcare providers face daily. I wasn't just an observer; I was involved, gaining firsthand knowledge of what really goes on in clinics and hospitals.

While others may have seen it as a job to "get by," I saw it as a stepping stone. I absorbed everything—the technical jargon, the workflows, the ways doctors handled pressure, and, most importantly, the inefficiencies that plagued healthcare systems. I didn’t want to just participate in this industry; I wanted to change it.

The Decision to Keep Moving Forward

After a few years of working as a scribe, many of my colleagues were comfortable continuing in similar roles. But for me, stagnation wasn’t an option. I decided to expand my skill set. I dabbled in healthcare technology, understanding the software doctors were using. I sought opportunities in project management, learned the basics of data analysis, and spent hours researching healthcare policies. Every new skill I acquired allowed me to view healthcare from a different perspective. It was like piecing together a puzzle.

This phase taught me something invaluable—your current role should never define your future. The key is to constantly evolve, take calculated risks, and push yourself beyond the limits of what’s comfortable.

Taking Risks and Building a Diverse Skill Set

Transitioning from one role to another can be daunting, but it’s essential if you want to lead effectively. I decided to jump into healthcare consulting, a space where I could influence the decision-making processes of medical practices. With no formal business background, I had to learn about revenue cycles, operational management, and the business side of healthcare. I took online courses, attended seminars, and reached out to industry leaders for mentorship.

These shifts were not without challenges. Some projects failed, and I made mistakes. But each failure was a lesson, and every setback prepared me for the next big move. The willingness to step into unknown territories was the most critical part of my journey.

The Leap to Leadership

Leadership isn’t about reaching the top, it’s about bringing value wherever you are. The more I learned about the inefficiencies in healthcare, the more driven I became to address them at a larger scale. With the knowledge I gained from multiple roles—scribe, project manager, consultant—I was ready to spearhead a venture that could transform healthcare systems globally.

This desire eventually materialized in the form of CareTrotter , a healthcare optimization company that I now lead as CEO. Our goal is to ease the burden on doctors, clinics, and hospitals by optimizing their processes so they can focus on what truly matters—patient care. The transition to CEO was not instant. It was a culmination of years spent understanding every layer of the healthcare ecosystem and, more importantly, not being afraid to take the leap when the opportunity presented itself.

Lessons Learned: Never Get Too Comfortable

If there’s one takeaway from my journey, it’s that comfort is the enemy of growth. Every time I felt I had reached a level of mastery, I pushed myself to learn more. And every new skill, every risk I took, added another dimension to my expertise.

It’s easy to settle into a routine, but the real breakthroughs happen when you move beyond what you know and into the unfamiliar. Had I stayed comfortable as a medical scribe, I would never have seen the bigger picture of healthcare and the change that I could help drive. Had I avoided learning about healthcare technology or business management, I would not be leading a company today.

Inspiration for the Future: Take Risks, Learn Relentlessly

To anyone reading this—whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a shift—I hope my journey illustrates the importance of resilience, risk-taking, and never stopping. You may not know where your path will lead, but every role, every skill, every risk will shape you into a more versatile and capable leader.

Healthcare, like many industries, demands innovation. It needs people who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, to acquire new skills, and to think in ways that haven’t been thought before. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity—create it. And above all, never allow yourself to get too comfortable.

What lies ahead for me and for CareTrotter is a future filled with more challenges, risks, and opportunities. But that’s exactly where I want to be—outside the comfort zone, striving to make a difference.

This journey from medical scribe to CEO was not easy, but it was absolutely worth it. If I can leave you with one final piece of advice, it’s this: take risks, acquire diverse skills, do your best at every step, and don’t stop pushing forward. The comfort zone is where potential goes to die—step out of it, and you’ll discover how far you can really go.

Rohit Sharma

Chief Executive Officer, CareTrotter

Healthcare Innovator and Visionary Leader