Professional Communication Professor’s healthcare network platform acquired by Physicians Weekly

Leading healthcare content provider Physicians Weekly (external link)  has acquired Figure 1, a revolutionary healthcare network platform founded by Professional Communication Professor Gregory Levey. 

Figure 1 is a collaboration platform where clinicians can post medical queries, transforming how medical professionals around the globe share and discuss cases. Founded in 2012 and incubated at TMU’s Digital Media Zone (DMZ), Figure 1 quickly became known as the “Instagram for doctors”. By 2022, the network had documented 100,000 cases, solidifying its status as the world’s largest library of medical cases.

From startup to success

The idea for Figure 1 came to life when Levey completed his MBA at Columbia Business School. Levey and peers Dr. Joshua Landy and Richard Penner collaborated on the concept of a mobile platform for physicians and other healthcare professionals to collaborate on interesting medical cases. Figure 1 found its first home at the DMZ as a startup, with Levey as CEO. Its first employees included a former student of Levey’s and interns from the Master of Professional Communication (MPC) program offered by The Creative School. 

“Initially, our goal was just to get the basic product out as fast as possible and into the hands of doctors to see if they actually wanted to use it,” said Levey. “Only later did we start trying to optimize the product and scale it across the world.”

Figure 1 went on to employ over 100 people, with offices in four countries and three continents, and grow its user base into the millions. The platform’s promise and early success led to significant financial support and attracted attention from major investors such as Samsung NEXT, Union Square Ventures, Version One Ventures, and Manulife. Figure 1 received $2 million in seed funding in 2013, which grew to a robust $13 million in Series B funding by 2017. It has partnered with the CDC, the American Medical Association, and healthcare giants like Novartis and Roche. 

"One thing that was particularly gratifying about this whole experience, which spanned over a decade, was that the company employed many students and alumni of the school of Professional Communication, several of them for many years after they graduated. This just solidified in my mind how the skills and agile mental models developed in the School's programs are directly applicable to innovation and, in some ways, particularly to technology and healthcare."

Paving the way in medical communication

As Figure 1 begins its new journey under the wings of Physician's Weekly, the partnership is poised to continue enhancing the quality of medical communication and problem-solving. From Levey’s academic achievements to hands-on experience as a trailblazing entrepreneur, the success of Figure 1 encourages students and aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in their ideas.

With the proper support, determination, and passion, transformative innovations can flourish.

“I'm glad that Figure 1 now has a permanent home at a place that respects it and wants to keep growing its capabilities and scope -- a platform for the company to continue its mission,” expressed Levey. “It all began at the DMZ, with the understanding and support that we so readily found there, and the memories of those early days still mean the most to me.” 

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.