Jamie Frew, CEO, Carepatron

This interview is with Jamie Frew, CEO of Carepatron.

Jamie, for our readers who may not be familiar, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming the CEO of Carepatron?

Growing up, my family ran a community hospital, and living on-site fostered a deep connection to healthcare from a young age. Often, after school, I'd find myself around the facility. This eventually led me to pursue a career in psychology.

My career path took a bit of a detour after university, tackling major projects and strategic work at Telstra and ANZ. Even so, my burning desire to increase healthcare access never wavered. I dreamed of a world where healthcare tools were readily available to all practitioners, no matter their background or location. In late 2021, that vision became reality with the co-founding of Carepatron, alongside David Pene, Carepatron's CTO.

Your background is fascinating, spanning psychology, product development, and healthcare. How have these diverse fields shaped your vision for Carepatron and its mission to make healthcare more accessible?

Fueled by my deep experience in organizational psychology, strategic leadership, and a burning passion for healthcare innovation, I envisioned Carepatron to be a comprehensive healthcare operating system that enables field professionals to engage clients, manage appointments, and automate payments seamlessly in one workspace.

Since we launched it in 2020, Carepatron has become more than just a healthcare platform. It embodies the transformative power of combining human empathy with cutting-edge innovation. Through Carepatron, our team is on a mission to revolutionize healthcare delivery and redefine the very concept of care in the digital age. Every interaction facilitated by Carepatron goes beyond a simple transaction; it fosters a healing, supportive, and uplifting connection.

Carepatron aims to bridge the gap between healthcare practitioners and patients globally. Can you share a particularly rewarding experience where you witnessed this impact firsthand?

Initially, a team providing virtual services to remote and regional clients reached out to us. Their clients faced significant mental health challenges and often lacked access to critical support. We partnered with them, and within eight weeks, by implementing the right tools, software, and workflow, they saw a staggering 217% increase in services delivered. This not only reduced the burden on their clinical team but also improved access to care, potentially saving lives.

This, among many stories of improved efficiency, passion, and care, fuels us to improve our platform even more.

Building a global, remote-first company like Carepatron comes with unique opportunities and challenges. What's one key learning you'd share with other leaders considering a similar approach?

A company's greatest asset is its people. Investing in your team isn't just the right thing to do; it's a smart financial decision. A strong internal workforce is the backbone of any organization, driving innovation and maximizing long-term profitability.

Many companies fail by focusing on short-term incentives and neglecting to reward top performers with competitive salaries, promotions, and growth opportunities. While smaller incentives may offer a temporary boost, they fail to create a loyal and engaged workforce.

You've emphasized the importance of telehealth in Carepatron's strategy. How do you see telehealth evolving in the future, and what role can companies like yours play in shaping that future?

The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly with the rise of telehealth platforms. These platforms allow registered nurses and licensed doctors with strong communication and clinical skills to offer consultations and basic care remotely. Benefits for providers include flexible schedules and the elimination of the daily commute.

Advancements in health tech will also be crucial in improving healthcare delivery. Better data analysis will enable us to examine trends, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately deliver better patient care.

Finally, health tech relies heavily on online resources. Creating effective copy, informative yet easy-to-understand texts, and well-researched content are essential elements. These clear and concise supplementary resources will become the norm, supporting both patients and healthcare providers in remote care settings.

These are things we at Carepatron continue to work on in order to usher in a better, more efficient, more accessible healthcare environment for both practitioners and patients.

Many healthcare providers struggle with the administrative burden of running a practice. How does Carepatron alleviate these challenges while maintaining a focus on patient care?

Carepatron offers a flexible platform that is accessible from anywhere and has features to personalize workflows and boost efficiency. But it's not just about functionality; it's been a labor of love. Our team has poured heart and energy into creating a platform that acts as a supportive companion in care. By meticulously considering the needs of both healthcare professionals and patients, we've strived to develop a system that extends to features like AI voice transcription and seamless telehealth consultations, designed to feel intuitive and almost natural, ultimately strengthening the patient-provider connection instead of hindering it.

Carepatron emphasizes both technological innovation and a strong company culture. How do these two aspects complement each other in achieving your mission?

We embrace a 100% remote workforce, fostering a culture of flexibility and trust. Our team members manage their schedules and work hours, empowering them to thrive in different time zones and prioritize their well-being. This autonomy, paired with our results-oriented approach, fuels exceptional performance.

We've witnessed firsthand how this structure fosters a deep connection to the work. Autonomy and a focus on results ignite a sense of ownership and purpose. Work transforms from a daily grind into a mission driven by a passion for healthcare and a commitment to extending that positive well-being beyond the company walls.

Looking ahead, what are some of the biggest opportunities you see for Carepatron to further revolutionize the healthcare industry?

Democratizing access to healthcare tools and resources has become my driving force. That's the very foundation upon which Carepatron was built. We equip practitioners with modern software, empowering them to revolutionize healthcare for their patients and themselves. By working together, we can all become stewards of a healthier future. This vision hinges on supporting each other—practitioners, patients, and innovators alike.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those passionate about using technology to make a positive impact on healthcare?

Embrace setbacks, because setbacks allow for feedback, which is a great tool for learning and improving. This isn't limited to healthcare technology and applies to everything else in life.

When we started Carepatron, we launched it in version 1 and gathered as much feedback as possible. We evolved and grew steadily from that, maybe even faster than if we had developed something for way too long before launching it publicly. We were never afraid to confront our mistakes and worked hard to fix them.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

You can connect with me, Jamie Frew, on LinkedIn and support our mission for accessible, affordable, and global healthcare by checking out Carepatron.