The C-List Podcast Episode 5

Guest: Dr. Matthew Thompson, CEO and Co-Founder of Telescope Health

On this episode, hosts Jen and Arash interview Dr. Matthew Thompson, CEO & Co-Founder of Telescope Health, a physician-led virtual care company focused on breaking down barriers to healthcare and advancing health equity. Dr. Thompson shares his unique journey and how his experiences in the ER inspired the creation of Telescope Health which has partnered with county programs like Healthlink Jax, which provides free virtual care service to uninsured residents in Jacksonville, Florida. Their conversation explores the power of partnerships, the impact of telehealth in reducing ER visits and costs, and the growing importance of virtual care in solving the physician shortage crisis. View all episodes at https://nlplogix.com/c-list-podcast/ 

0:00 – 2:00 | Welcome & Introduction
Jen and Arash kick off the episode by introducing Dr. Matthew Thompson and the innovative work being done at Telescope Health.

2:00 – 10:00 | From Musician to Medicine: Dr. Thompson’s Journey
Dr. Thompson shares how he originally aspired to be a professional musician, even receiving a college xylophone scholarship. He talks about his love for both people and science, which ultimately led him to work as an ER physician, and how his passion for technology sparked his interest in telehealth.

10:00 – 18:30 | The Inspiration Behind Telescope Health
Reflecting on his ER experience, Dr. Thompson describes how he noticed that many patients came to the emergency room not out of necessity, but because they didn’t know where else to go. 

18:30 – 24:00 | How the Healthlink Jax Program Works
Dr. Thompson explains how Telescope Health follows up with patients after virtual appointments and the critical role partnerships play in that process. He also introduces Healthlink Jax, a groundbreaking program by the City of Jacksonville that Telescope Health has partnered with.  

24:00 – 27:00 | Collaboration and Cost Savings
The conversation shifts to how Telescope Health collaborates with local organizations.

27:00 – 30:50 | Building Strong Public Health Programs
Dr. Thompson discusses why successful public health initiatives require collaboration and cannot be handled by a single company alone. 

30:50 – 34:00 | The Future of Telehealth and Physician Shortages
Looking ahead, the group discusses the growing importance of virtual care in addressing healthcare needs. 

34:00 – 42:00 | Insights into Dr. Thompson’s Medical Training
 Dr. Thompson reflects on his own experience in medical school and what drew him to emergency medicine. 

42:00 – 46:10 | Expanding Access: Direct to Consumer & Behavioral Health
The conversation turns to how much of healthcare can now be delivered virtually. 

46:10 – 48:30 | A 10-Year Vision for Telescope Health
Dr. Thompson shares his vision for the future of Telescope Health, including the use artificial intelligence and data automation to deliver even more efficient, accessible care.

48:30 – 57:50 | Real or Ridiculous? ER Stories Game
Dr. Thompson plays “Real or Ridiculous,” telling some wild stories from his 14-year ER career and leaving Jen and Arash to guess whether the stories are true or completely made up.

57:50 – 1:05:30 | Advice for Entrepreneurs & Spreading the Word

1:06:30 – End | Final Thoughts & Takeaways