Dr. Matthew Thompson Takes the TEDx Stage to Share a Vision for a Better Healthcare Future
Millions of Americans rely on the emergency room as their primary source of care—not by choice, but because they have nowhere else to turn. The ER, while critical for life-threatening emergencies, was never designed to support long-term care, chronic conditions, or preventative health. Dr. Matthew Thompson, board-certified emergency physician and CEO of Telescope Health, has seen this crisis play out day after day from inside the ER. His professional and personal experiences led him to ask an important question: What if we could meet patients where they are—before they ever had to visit the ER?
In his recent TEDxJacksonville talk, Dr. Thompson shares how that question sparked a new path: one that led from the ER to innovation in virtual healthcare. His journey inspired the creation of solutions that reduce barriers, foster collaboration, and put patients at the center of care.
One of the most powerful examples of this vision in action is Healthlink JAX—a groundbreaking initiative made possible through Telescope Health’s partnership with the City of Jacksonville, local health systems, and safety net clinics. Through this program, uninsured Duval County residents now have access to free virtual care and care navigation services. Healthlink JAX is more than just a virtual clinic—it’s a model for how healthcare can be reimagined through technology, empathy, and community collaboration. By connecting patients to high-quality care from the comfort of home and guiding them through the complex healthcare system, Healthlink JAX is helping transform outcomes for some of the community’s most vulnerable populations.
Watch Dr. Thompson’s TEDx talk to learn more about the journey that inspired this work—and how partnerships like Healthlink JAX are paving the way for a more connected, accessible healthcare future.