Effective Virtual Healthcare Delivery

Dr. Donna Zulman serves as Associate Professor in the Division of Primary Care and Population Health at Stanford University and Associate Director at VA Palo Alto's Center for Innovation to Implementation. After earning her MD from UCLA and completing internal medicine residency at the University of Michigan, she received her MS in Health and Health Care Research through the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program. Her research focuses on transforming healthcare delivery through innovative approaches, particularly for patients with complex medical and social needs. She leads several major initiatives including the Stanford Presence 5 research program promoting physician-patient connection and the VA Virtual Care Consortium of Research. Her work has earned significant recognition, including the Stanford McCormick Award for Advancement of Women in Academic Medicine in 2016 and an Exceptional Mentor Award from the American Medical Women's Association in 2020. As director of the VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, she evaluates virtual care implementation for veterans facing access barriers, while also serving as Associate Editor for both the Journal of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research. Her recent work has been particularly influential in advancing telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to VA's position as one of the nation's largest telehealth providers

Dr. Abraham Verghese, serving as the Linda R. Meier and Joan F. Lane Provostial Professor and Vice Chair for the Theory and Practice of Medicine at Stanford University, has established himself as a transformative figure in modern medicine. Born in Ethiopia to Indian parents and educated across multiple continents, he brings a unique global perspective to his work in medical education and patient care. As the founder of the Stanford Medicine 25 initiative, he leads a movement to revitalize bedside medicine and physical examination skills, challenging the growing trend of over-reliance on technology and what he terms the "iPatient" phenomenon. His innovative "5-Minute Bedside Moment" teaching method has revolutionized how medical professionals approach patient care, emphasizing the crucial balance between technical competence and human connection. Beyond his medical practice, Verghese has achieved acclaim as an author of bestselling books including "Cutting for Stone" and "My Own Country," which masterfully blend his medical expertise with compelling storytelling. His contributions to medicine and literature have earned him prestigious recognition, including the National Humanities Medal in 2015, while his ongoing work at Stanford continues to influence medical education globally through his advocacy for patient-centered care and the preservation of traditional bedside medicine skills. Through his teaching, writing, and clinical practice, Verghese champions a return to the fundamentals of doctor-patient relationships while adapting these timeless principles to modern healthcare challenges.

Sonoo Thadaney Israni serves as Executive Director of PRESENCE at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she has transformed her 25-year Silicon Valley technology experience into pioneering healthcare initiatives. As co-founder of the Presence Center alongside Dr. Abraham Verghese, she leads efforts to strengthen the human dimension in medicine while integrating technology thoughtfully. Her work spans multiple innovative programs, including co-chairing the National Academy of Medicine's AI in Healthcare Working Group and shepherding their Technology across the Lifecourse Group. At Stanford, she has launched numerous successful initiatives including the Stanford Medicine 25 program, MSc in Community Health and Prevention Research, Stanford Women and Sex Differences in Medicine Center, and the Diversity and First-Gen Office. Her expertise in AI ethics and healthcare equity is demonstrated through her leadership in developing the National Academy of Medicine's AI Code of Conduct, focusing on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare technology. As an educator, she teaches courses on conflict management, leadership skills, and mediation, while advocating for the responsible implementation of AI in healthcare through her work with the Presence Racial Justice Lab and various national initiatives

Juliana Baratta serves as a Social Science Researcher in Stanford University School of Medicine's Department of Primary Care and Population Health, where she combines her background in cell biology and public health to improve healthcare delivery. After earning her BA in Cell Biology with a minor in Global Health from Dartmouth College, she completed her MS in Community Health and Prevention Research at Stanford School of Medicine, where her research focused on improving diabetes management through precision health approaches. Her career path includes experience at a Silicon Valley biotech startup developing personalized cancer treatment diagnostics, demonstrating her commitment to advancing precision medicine. Currently, as Project Manager for the Presence 5 team, she works on implementing initiatives to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility. Her work spans health literacy interventions, physician-patient perspectives on precision health, and diabetes care management, reflecting her dedication to bridging the gap between clinical innovation and community health needs.