Virtual Health Connections is a podcast by Avel eCare, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive telemedicine network. It explores telemedicine networks, virtual integration, and what it takes to redefine healthcare delivery.
Each episode features leaders and clinicians from across Avel’s Virtual Health System, exploring the real challenges facing healthcare today and how innovative solutions are making a difference. From the care challenges rural and underserved communities face to the frontline perspectives of those delivering care every day, these conversations highlight how telemedicine is creating new possibilities.
Along the way, listeners gain insight into the advantages of virtual integration, the realities of today’s healthcare workforce, and the leadership decisions driving meaningful change, all while looking ahead to what the future of care can and should be.
Founded in 1993 as the nation’s first virtual hospital, Avel eCare continues to lead the way in virtual health services. This podcast extends that mission, connecting people, ideas, and innovation to improve outcomes and expand access to care across the U.S.
Tune in and be part of the conversation redefining healthcare delivery.
Jessica Gaikowski, MBA, is the host of Avel eCare: Virtual Health Connections and Executive Director of Marketing and Sales Operations at Avel eCare. With a background in healthcare administration and business, she brings a strategic, systems‑level perspective to conversations on the future of healthcare. Jessica has been part of Avel since its early beginnings and is passionate about expanding access to care through telemedicine.
.png)
Kelly Rhone, MD serves as Avel eCare’s Chief Medical Officer. In this role, she is responsible for physician engagement and retention, program development of telemedicine services, and educating medical professionals on telemedicine and change management. Dr. Rhone has been practicing emergency medicine for more than 15 years and joined Avel eCare to help bring cutting-edge emergency and critical care to the patient’s bedside, regardless of location.
Dr. Rhone previously held the position of Medical Director of eCare Emergency. She serves as an Associate Professor at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Rhone completed her medical education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and her emergency medicine training at HealthPartners-Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.
Mandy Bell, MHA serves as the Vice President of Product Innovation for Avel eCare. In this role, Bell oversees direct-to-consumer and school health telehealth programs. She also facilitates innovation within Avel and was instrumental in the development and launch of multiple service lines, including Avel’s nationally recognized Emergency program, Senior Care, and School Health.
Bell has advocated for telehealth and telemedicine, supporting education that helped lead to regulatory changes at the state and federal level, including publishing seven policy briefs and nine peer-reviewed publications related to virtual care.
Bell co-chairs Avel eCare’s Research Committee and led implementation of Avel eCare’s quality program, resulting in accreditation by The Joint Commission and the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). Bell received a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.
