First Responders Protect Us: Let’s Help Them Heal!
Gerry Stanley, M.D.
SVP & Chief Medical Officer, Harvard MedTech
Gerry Stanley gives his expertise and experience on ways to identify injuries or trauma encountered by first responders. He states that larger events are easier to identify, while smaller or day-to-day traumas are harder to track due to incremental buildup.
An example of trauma experienced by first responders centers around COVID-19. Many of the initial needs of the public during the pandemic were shouldered by first responders when hospitals and family members were unable to meet the needs of people.
Identification may be tricky when treating first responders, as many of them don’t feel comfortable self reporting. At times, it should be considered by supervisors to maintain the attention to detail and wherewithal to identify and address the stress their responders may be facing. It is important to maintain a holistic perspective or a wellness element within the organization.
There are also new solutions that provide help for individuals while at home, including virtual check ins. Organizations need to ensure consistency with regards to first responder access to counselors and other wellness professionals.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Gerry Stanley, M.D.
SVP & Chief Medical Officer, Harvard MedTech
Responsibilities
Gerry leads a digital health technology company that focuses on utilizing a biopsychosocial model to deliver trauma informed care to patients by utilizing virtual reality technology in the patient’s home coupled with personalized behavioral health intervention strategies to assist employers and insurance carriers in managing patient populations to ensure optimal outcomes while containing costs. He coordinates contracts between payers, employers, providers, adjusters and case managers to drive optimal triple aim outcomes for all involved parties while aligning emerging and evolving markets. Gerry facilitates capital discussions between early investors, Series A and venture partners as part of a strategic initiative for corporate growth. He also leads fundraising efforts between $1M and $20M per engagement. He represents the company as the thought leader and market facing presence for onsite and virtual speaking engagements, podcasts, television appearances and partner/corporate strategy sessions. Gerry develops content for the virtual reality platform, including but not limited to authorship, narration and visioning of virtual worlds/visual presentations. In addition, Gerry develops and leads a multi-specialty group of physicians in the HMT Medical Advisory Board.
ERM Experience
Gerry developed and maintained a national health system utilizing PRM and claims data to minimize risk, lower cost and improve patient outcomes. He also develops software and a platform to serve patients and payers to minimize opioid risks and serve patients dealing with the bio-psycho-social aspects of trauma and injuries. Gerry consults with health systems and enterprise-level employers to review benefits plans and risk strategies to develop new and innovative strategies.
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Risk and Insurance Management Society
Education
- Northwestern University: Kellogg School of Management - Physician CEO certification
- Northern Colorado Medical Center: Family Medicine Residency
- Creighton University School of Medicine
- Creighton University College of Arts and Sciences
