Dr. Medha Kapoor, BDS

"Growing up in a country with the highest population, limited healthcare resources, and a high patient-doctor ratio, I was deeply driven to be a part of a system where I could contribute to society."

Interviewed by Konrad Lautenschlager

6/16/20232 min read

Growing up in a country with the highest population, limited healthcare resources, and a high patient-doctor ratio, I was deeply driven to be a part of a system where I could contribute to society. Motivated by my desire to help others and fueled by my passion for healthcare, I pursued a career in dentistry. My goal was to improve patient health by increasing accessibility, providing early care, and empowering people to make informed decisions about their well-being However while working in private clinics and state-funded facilities, I encountered a significant challenge - despite having doctors and resources, many patients struggled to access healthcare due to lack of awareness of treatments, healthcare ailment, limited accessibility, and financial constraints. This led me to explore the intersection of health and technology to improve accessibility and ultimately, to join the University of Michigan as a Master's candidate in Health Informatics.

During my first month in the United States, I had a fall and injured my knees. As an immigrant in a new country with a complex healthcare system, especially a daunting insurance landscape, I found myself facing accessibility constraints firsthand. I was unsure whether my insurance coverage had begun, and I lacked information about the clinics that could provide the services I needed at nominal prices. Fearing exorbitant medical bills, I refrained from seeking hospital care. Fortunately, with my healthcare background, I had a basic understanding of first aid and access to essential antibiotics to treat any potential infections. However, I quickly realized that not everyone possesses the knowledge and skills required to self-treat in such situations.

In my quest to improve healthcare accessibility, I came across Immihealth, a startup that aims to address the gaps in the current healthcare system by providing healthcare resources and empowering uninsured individuals, asylum seekers, and immigrants to make informed decisions about their health. Immihealth's mission resonated with me on a personal level, as it directly tackled the challenges faced by most immigrants when it came to healthcare. It is a crucial bridge between immigrants and the healthcare they desperately need. By leveraging technology and providing digital solutions, Immihealth seeks to eliminate barriers to care and ensure that vital resources are accessible to those who would otherwise go without proper medical attention. Through their platform, uninsured individuals and asylum seekers can easily find information about available clinics and services. Immihealth's commitment to empowering immigrants aligns perfectly with my own aspirations of making healthcare accessible for all. Hence, began my journey with Immihealth.

I am confident that Immihealth's efforts will have a far-reaching impact. By centralizing healthcare resources and providing accurate information, the platform will empower immigrants to make informed decisions about their health. This increased accessibility will not only improve the overall well-being of individuals but also contribute to public health on a larger scale. Moreover, Immihealth's digital solutions have the potential to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and those in need, ensuring that medical professionals can reach underserved populations efficiently.

Joining Immihealth has given me the opportunity to contribute to a cause that I am deeply passionate about - improving healthcare accessibility for immigrants such as myself. Through this platform, I hope to make a meaningful impact by ensuring that healthcare resources are readily available to those who need them the most.