TORONTO – Laurie Poole (pictured), RN, vice president, telemedicine solutions, Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). Established in 1993, the ATA is the leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies.

The ATA and its membership work to fully integrate telemedicine into healthcare systems to improve quality, equity and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. “I’m eager to contribute to this diverse group dedicated to supporting research and innovation in telemedicine,” said Ms Poole.

“Extending the reach of telemedicine is critical to increasing access to care – and quality of life – for patients.”

Over the years, Ms Poole has assumed leadership roles with increased responsibility in health system transformation, particularly in the area of chronic disease management. She currently oversees the expansion of Telehomecare, a remote patient monitoring and health coaching program that brings virtual healthcare to communities and homes.

Her portfolio also supports clinical innovation and other specialty programs. A Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s in Nursing and a Master’s in Health Services Administration, Ms Poole is the past president of the Canadian Society of Telehealth.

In 2015, she was named to the Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network. She is also involved in a number of community initiatives and sits on the Board of Directors for the South Riverdale Community Health Centre.

About OTN

The world leader in telemedicine, OTN helps Ontarians get more out of the healthcare system by bridging the distance of time and geography to bring more patients the care they need, where and when they need it. Using innovative technology, OTN streamlines the healthcare process, while also expanding the way knowledge is shared and how the medical community interacts with each other and with patients. An independent, not-for-profit organization, OTN is funded by the Government of Ontario and Canada Health Infoway. For more information please visit www.otn.ca.