Stephanie Suarez Gonzalez is an aspiring leader in the world of public health and a current MPH (Master of Public Health) Online student at Baylor University. With a background in clinical psychology, she has a passion for helping people by bridging gaps in healthcare communication. Stephanie’s drive to improve patient outcomes led her to help co-found MedCompanion, where she served as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Stephanie Gonzalez envisions herself as a force for change in the public health landscape. Her long-term goal is to advocate for policy changes that ensure better communication and care for patients across the board. She wants to drive transformations that improve health systems, focusing on the interplay between technology, public health, and patient care.
Why Did Stephanie Decide to Found This Business?
Stephanie recognized that the healthcare system often struggles due to poor communication. From her clinical experience, she saw that “no one was talking to each other,” leading to preventable issues in patient care. MedCompanion became her way of filling that gap and improving the patient experience by creating better tools for dialogue between patients and providers.
Leveraging Her Public Health Degree
For Stephanie, public health is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving, making it an exciting and rewarding career path. She enjoys the challenge of navigating its complexities and sees it as a field where she can continue to grow and make a difference. Stephanie intends to use her MPH degree to further her career and her impact in healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are. Her public health training enhances her ability to identify systemic problems and implement solutions that improve health outcomes for diverse populations.
What Experiences Have Shaped Her Work?
A key factor in Stephanie’s success has been her professors, particularly Dr. Benavidez, who has been a mentor and guide throughout her MPH journey. The encouragement and investment from her academic circle have been crucial in her development. Stephanie’s work with MedCompanion has also given her real-world experience in applying public health principles to tech-driven healthcare solutions. These experiences have even inspired her to pursue a DrPH to be more clinical in her future public health work. She attributes this future pursuit to all the Baylor Public Health faculty, but especially Dr. Benavidez.
Shifting Focus into the Future
In a recent shift, Stephanie has moved away from her role at MedCompanion to focus on building a security company called Stoic Guardian Group. Her decision was rooted in the realization that sometimes, it’s okay if things don’t work out as expected. She views her time building MedCompanion as an opportunity for growth, learning to pivot and continue moving forward in her career. During her time with MedCompanion, Stephanie learned that adapting and adjusting is key. She now plans to turn her focus toward nonprofit work, where she can have a meaningful impact on underserved communities. Her ultimate goal is to focus on philanthropy and advocacy, utilizing her skills and knowledge to build more public health companies that drive innovation and change, especially in the healthcare field.
Advice from Stephanie Suarez Gonzalez
For anyone starting out or navigating their own journey, Stephanie’s advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to try.” Taking risks and accepting change are essential parts of the path to success, especially in the evolving world of public health. As Stephanie continues her journey, her passion for healthcare, public health, and nonprofit work will no doubt guide her to further opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Keep an eye on her next ventures as she forges ahead, ready to face new challenges with determination and resilience.