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Everyone who has solved a jigsaw puzzle knows the difference—completing the picture takes more than finding a piece that fits the shape. It must have the right image, too. In healthcare, building a strong team demands the same precision. A resume may check the right boxes—degrees, licenses, experience. But true alignment comes from deeper qualities—communication, collaboration and a shared commitment to patient-centered care. That’s where PryorCare stands apart. It looks beyond credentials to understand what healthcare organizations genuinely need and what professionals truly value. By thoughtfully matching both sides, PryorCare not only delivers hires who fit on paper, but people who strengthen th... Read more
For far too many seniors and veterans, getting to a doctor’s appointment can feel like an insurmountable hurdle. With no public transit, family too far away (or out of reach), and unfamiliar roads to navigate, each journey raises questions: Who will help me through the door? Who will be there if I feel anxious or unsteady? Wheels for the Wise reimagines that journey as part of the care itself. More than just drivers, their veteran- and community-focused teams become trusted companions— calling the day before, checking in on wellness, even arranging direct billing—so that a simple pickup becomes an opportunity to restore independence and connection, one mile at a time. Founded in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2011, the company was born out of one simple but profound insight: people living in isolation need tailored support to regain their independence. Its founder, Jana Mitchell, recognized these struggles firsthand and initiated focus groups to understand the true barriers faced by isolated individuals—especially veterans, who often battle intertwined physical and mental health challenges. From a modest start with one car, she grew Wheels for the Wise into a national service that now operates across nearly every Canadian province. “What sets us apart is our constant commitment to a client-centered experience that prioritizes human dignity, safety, and comfort every step of the way. This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about fostering trust and companionship in vulnerable moments,” says Mitchell. The company customizes services for each individual. Whether clients need a low-to-theground sedan, an SUV, or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, Wheels for the Wise provides options. It offers proactive phone calls the day before pickups to gently remind clients who may need that extra nudge. For regular clients—especially veterans—the service extends to wellness checks when appointments are missed, ensuring no one falls through the cracks. Personal preferences like language, driver gender, or the desire for a veteran driver are honored, creating an environment where clients feel seen, safe, and respected. .
Excellence in patient care is achieved by building a workforce defined by reliability, specialized expertise, and adaptability. For America’s leading healthcare providers, hospitals and specialty care centers, collaborating with an industry leader in staffing is crucial to achieving these objectives. As the nation’s top provider of tech-powered staffing solutions, Aya Healthcare combines innovative workforce technology with an expansive network of highly qualified clinical and non-cl... Read more
Brian Barnett, Director of Operations & Business Development, Transport Medicine and Neonatology, Children’s National Hospital
Phillip Kotanidis, MHRM, Vice President People & Chief Human Resources Officer, Michael Garron Hospital
Abby Losinski, Director of Telehealth, St.Luke’s Health System
John MacIsaac MEd, B Tech, Director of Professional Development for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) - Canada Council, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Carlos Cabrera, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition, MetroPlusHealth
Future-Proofing Healthcare Through Operational Innovation
This combined focus improves care consistency and fosters stronger patient engagement. A well-coordinated model reduces wait times, enhances continuity of care and lowers system-wide costs associated with missed appointments and unfilled shifts.
Digital transformation is playing a key role: cloud-based scheduling systems, real-time driver tracking, digital credentialing for staff and integrated patient portals are aligning the logistics of people and practitioners. Emerging trends include hybrid models where staffing agencies partner directly with NEMT providers, bundled service platforms and mobile command centers that centralize dispatch and workforce deployment. Collectively, these shifts are reshaping efficiency standards in community-driven and value-based care.
This edition of Healthcare Business Review Canada explores how foundational systems like staffing, NEMT and supply chain management are evolving to support a more connected, patient-centered healthcare ecosystem.
It features insights from Ernest Verdecia, director of transportation at Jackson Health System. He emphasizes that establishing clear protocols and professional standards in non-emergency hospital patient transportation is essential to ensure patient safety, efficient hospital operations and responsible use of healthcare resources. Ali Kheirandish, VP of supply chain contracting at U.S. Renal Care, highlights the urgent need to strengthen healthcare supply chain talent to meet the growing complexities of care delivery and systemwide demands in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
We hope this edition offers valuable perspective on the operational forces driving better healthcare delivery and inspires new approaches to integrated solutions that benefit both patients and providers.