Bio: Erica has 10 years of clinical and healthcare IT experience. Erica is a clinical informatics consultant turned technology entrepreneur with over a decade of healthcare experience in health information technology, acute patient care, pharmacy, and oncology where she developed and implemented large and small scale software solutions in settings varying from one-doctor practices to 1000+ bed hospitals. Erica has served as a clinical informatics project leader with several well-respected health institutions and healthcare startups across the country including Epic Systems, Inova Health System, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Flatiron Health. Deeply-rooted in a community that is drastically affected by chronic diseases, Erica continuously strives to improve patient outcomes in poor and rural communities.

Org Info: MedHaul is an early-stage digital health company that enables safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for healthcare providers and clinical trial sponsors to ensure treatment adherence and visit completion.

What motivated you to pursue your current work?

I’ve always enjoyed finding opportunities to marry my love for healthcare and technology. I spent a decade building and deploying software solutions for startups and health systems including, Flatiron Health, Epic, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I became obsessed with transportation when I realized there was no easy way to find and book transportation for my grandmother who was a Type 2 Diabetic, double-leg amputee.

What distinct value does your work bring to the digital health field?

Our work brings innovation and technology to a very necessary yet, antiquated industry. At MedHaul, we’re also ensuring that marginalized patients’ experiences are at the forefront. By deeply embedding a focus on marginalized patients into everything we do, MedHaul is taking a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing healthcare disparities. This can not only help to improve patient outcomes, but also build trust and establish relationships with the communities you serve.

How does your work impact your target end-users or stakeholders?

For patients who may have difficulty accessing transportation due to physical or financial limitations, the ability to book transportation through MedHaul can be a critical factor in ensuring that they are able to receive the medical care they need. By providing this service, you are helping to reduce barriers to healthcare access and improve the health outcomes of your target audience.

What is one exciting update or near-term opportunity that you would like to share with the digital health community?

We’re excited to share that we’re partnering with and have received funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services to launch a postpartum care transportation program for African American and Native American mothers who are at greater risk for maternal mortality. MedHaul has also been chosen as a partner by Verizon to participate in the Verizon Forward for Good Health Equity Accelerator. This program is aimed at supporting and expanding the use of cutting-edge technology to eliminate obstacles to accessing high-quality healthcare.