Profiles in Telehealth: An NP Believes Virtual Care Enables Healthcare Access
We interviewed Nurse Practitioner, Donnie G., to learn more about his journey in telemedicine, which started back in the early 2000s, and why he thinks telemedicine may be the most impactful change in healthcare.
What’s your background? What did you do before practicing telemedicine?
I am board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, but I have never practiced family medicine. I have always gravitated towards emergency medicine. My professional areas of interest lie in both emergency medicine and telemedicine. Overall, I have been practicing for 4 years as an NP.
What’s your life like outside of work?
Life outside of work is hectic! My family and I reside about 20 miles north of Ithaca, NY, on beautiful Lake Cayuga in the Finger Lake region. I have four biological children and am in the process of obtaining guardianship for my fifth. I previously hosted a foreign exchange student from Brazil and am in the process of doing this again with a student from Belgium. I love to travel but am unable to at the moment because of the COVID-19 pandemic, though I hope to begin again soon! Outside of traveling, my hobbies are varied-- I love both sports and sitting down with a book. Above all, I appreciate spending time with my family the most.
What brought you to telemedicine?
I started practicing telemedicine in the early 2000s with a friend and physician colleague of mine, Dr. Phil Johnson, at a start-up called EMDTransfer. I had the unique pleasure of eventually working as the CEO of the start-up and assisting with the growth and expansion of the company. Subsequently, I helped facilitate the successful sale of the business to GlobalMed, a global telemedicine manufacturer. My telemedicine and entrepreneur drive has only grown since this opportunity.
What’s your recent Wheel Moment of Freedom?
I joined Wheel in January 2020, and since then, it has consistently enabled my flexibility to work from home. Being able to work at home with my family around has been priceless. Thank you, Wheel Team!
What do you think the future of healthcare holds?
Being able to reach patients in their homes via telemedicine during a pandemic is extremely exciting. In addition to increased, easier access, we are meeting patients where they are-- enabling healthcare that is truly needed for all.
I think the innovation of telemedicine will be the most impactful change in healthcare, not just in the present but for the years to come, too.
I very much look forward to growing professionally with Wheel.
Thanks, Donnie, for being an essential member of the #WheelCareTeam!
Interested in joining us? Sign up to learn more about working in telehealth with Wheel. We need clinicians more than ever during the COVID-19 national crisis.
Learn more about provider experiences in our previous spotlight interviews with a nurse practitioner finding that virtual care enables quality patient time, a nurse practitioner homeschooling while caring for patients, and a nurse practitioner providing care during COVID19.
