Affordable access to healthcare has been a consistent topic amongst users, and MD Ally is here to help. Through discovery virtually, MD Ally is able to decipher if further treatement is needed or can be treated at home, untimely eliminating a large hospital bill. We sat down with Ivan Whittaker, VP of Customer Success to learn more about how MD Ally is here to help, and how the medical industry has evolved over the past decade.
Can you describe the work you do for MD Ally?
My role is to execute customer and partner success, communicate to understand needs, and collaborate across and lead multiple cross-functional teams (including marketing, sales, onboarding, and partner success) to implement comprehensive business strategies to increase market penetration and improve customer experiences.
Are there any exciting products/projects MD Ally is working on right now?
MD Ally offers virtual care to patients experiencing low acuity illnesses and injuries that would otherwise be treated via ambulance and emergency rooms. Many of these patients can receive treatment conveniently from their homes, bypassing the need for an ER visit. Through two-way video monitoring, MD Ally’s emergency physicians conduct medical assessments and are authorized to write prescriptions, arrange medicine deliveries, schedule visits to urgent care or doctors’ offices, provide transportation assistance, offer mental health and substance abuse support, educate citizens about available community services, and connect patients with essential social services. Integration with 911 emergency dispatchers and EMS field providers streamlines the patient’s access to MD Ally. Excitingly, MD Ally also plans to implement AI in the future, enhancing quality assurance and customer service.
How have you seen the medical industry evolve over the past 10 years?
Public safety and EMS, which is the medical field MD Ally serves, has made significant advancements over the last 10 years. To name a few:
Technology Integration: mobile data terminals, GPS tracking, and real-time communication systems have enhanced response times and coordination between emergency responders.
Telemedicine and Triage: In the wake of COVID, telemedicine has become an integral part of EMS, allowing paramedics and patients to consult with physicians remotely.
Medical Equipment and Techniques: EMS teams now have access to more sophisticated medical equipment and techniques, such as portable ultrasound devices, enabling better on-site diagnosis and treatment.
Community Paramedicine: The concept of community paramedicine has gained traction, empowering EMS personnel to provide preventive care and health education in underserved communities.
Disaster Preparedness: With increased natural disasters and emergencies, there has been a heightened focus on disaster preparedness and response planning, leading to more efficient and organized crisis management.
Public Awareness and Training: Public education campaigns and CPR training initiatives have increased awareness of emergency response procedures, enabling bystanders to play a crucial
role in saving lives. Additionally, some EMS agencies are including citizens in their response plans to get hands-to-chest (CPR) to the patient quicker.
Data-driven Decision Making: The use of data analytics and predictive modeling has helped EMS agencies optimize their resources and identify patterns for better emergency response planning.
Drone Technology: Drones are being integrated into public safety and EMS operations, providing valuable situational awareness, delivering medical supplies, and aiding in search and rescue missions.
Mental Health Response: There is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health emergencies. EMS personnel are being trained to respond to such crises with empathy and appropriate interventions.
What is your favorite part about working at The Shop?
The Shop effectively meets the challenge of creating a professional and productive workplace environment while also offering a leisurely and laid-back atmosphere. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among individuals, making it feel like colleagues are working together. Simultaneously, The Shop ensures privacy for concentrated thinking, essential for completing projects. Its distinctive approach ensures a seamless balance between privacy and teamwork. This innovative approach fills the void and addresses the sense of emptiness that remote workers might experience, enhancing overall productivity and well-being.
How has working at The Shop benefited your overall workflow?
Since joining The Shop, my productivity has soared significantly. Although I once adored remote work, I now comprehend the challenges of sustaining productivity and achieving deep focus. For me, the business atmosphere of The Shop, devoid of the typical distractions found in a home office, has made a notable difference in my work performance. While I still believe in the value of remote work, I now maintain a judicious equilibrium, ensuring a healthy balance between my home office and the stimulating environment provided by The Shop. This approach allows me to harness the advantages of both settings and optimize my productivity effectively.