How Dr. Sanjeev Arora Helped Improve Care for 200 Million Patients

People around the world are living longer and healthier lives because of an innovative idea that became a global force for change. On this episode of Conversations on Health Care, hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter welcome back Dr. Sanjeev Arora, founder of Project ECHO, an approach that has already improved care for more than 200 million patients worldwide.

Project ECHO was born from one question Dr. Arora asked himself more than 20 years ago: How do we make sure no patient is left behind because they cannot reach a specialist? What began as a hepatitis C initiative in New Mexico is now used for more than 70 complex conditions across over 200 countries and territories.

In this new interview, Dr. Arora reflects on what inspired him, what surprised him, and what he believes is possible next. He explains how primary care providers became force multipliers for specialty expertise, how Project ECHO expanded through COVID-19, and why community health centers continue to lead the way in democratizing knowledge.

“If we are willing to democratize our expertise and work together as interconnected providers, we can rapidly improve the U.S. health care system,” Dr. Arora said.

He also shares why the ECHO model boosts the resilience and joy of primary care teams, improves outcomes for underserved populations, and has transformed mental health care in India, where one psychiatrist may serve hundreds of thousands of patients.

“I know this work is making a difference in the community and in the world,” he said.

Listen to the full interview to hear Dr. Arora’s reflections on scaling impact, building health care communities, and the hope he carries for the next chapter of Project ECHO.

This episode also marks a meaningful return. Dr. Arora first appeared on Conversations on Health Care in 2011, shortly after Project ECHO was recognized as a disruptive innovation in global health. You can revisit that early conversation, here.

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