Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/792660
THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY AND DIGITAL WORLD ARE MERGING MORE THAN E VER BEFORE, BUT STAYING ON TOP OF THE R APIDLY CHANGING DIGITAL L ANDSCAPE IS A CONSTANT CHALLENGE. CONSUMERS ARE MORE informed about health and are increasingly evaluating physicians by their online presence. In addition, the healthcare system has been slow to integrate technical advancements like big data solutions that incorporate predictive analytics and diagnostic tools, which is the future of value-based care. My desire to co-found a digital agency, Upstate Interactive, is driven by the need for hea lthcare professiona ls to find a reliable technica l partner to advance their business. During my experience in the healthcare information technolog y space, I was fortunate enough to work with a startup company that built a patient-engagement software platform for medical practices t o i mprove c a re c o ord i n at ion a nd communication during and in between oªce visits. I spent time communicating with ma ny hea lthca re professiona ls looking for ways to innovate their practices and engage with their patients online. I identified a consistent need for technical expertise, and pursued opportunities to learn software development, while building on my communications and marketing skills. My current goal at Upstate Interactive is to apply what I have learned about business, health care and computer science by working with healthcare professionals to understand and translate their pain- points into solutions that optimize their success. At Upstate Interactive, we do that by allowing our clients to focus on their expertise, while we provide the digital resources to help them grow their business. Whether it's custom software, custom content marketing, or both, we use technology to drive long-term success. As important as it is for healthcare professionals to stay current with advance- ments in the health industry, it's my job to stay current with modern technologies. I've realized that you have to focus on one area if you want to excel at it and stay on top Why I'm Focused on Advancing the Medical Industry Through Technology Upstate Interactive Partners (l-r): Doug Crescenzi, Kseniya Lifanova, Zoe Koulouris and Peter Smith BY ZOE KOULOURIS 1 0 1 0❱❱❱❱❱ S P E C I A L F E A T U R E