We recently connected with Vanessa Bedoya and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The Story Behind Choice MD: A Mission to Transform Healthcare Accessibility

At Choice MD, our mission is simple yet profound: to help our users achieve better health by providing seamless access to the healthcare resources they need. But this mission isn’t just about solving logistical problems. It’s deeply personal. For me, the journey that inspired Choice MD began over two decades ago when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in my early twenties.

Navigating the healthcare system while managing a chronic illness taught me countless lessons. From finding the right doctors to obtaining the necessary support, the process was often overwhelming and riddled with inefficiencies. These challenges inspired me to create Choice MD, a platform designed to help others avoid the pitfalls I experienced. Today, our website connects Miami-Dade residents to over 50 trusted nonprofit partners from The Children’s Trust to American Heart Association, including doctors, dentists, assisted living facilities, schools for children with special needs, and organizations offering ongoing support.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My Personal and Professional Journey

I’m originally from Houston, Texas, but my life has taken me across various cities in Bolivia, the U.S., and Switzerland. Each move presented the daunting task of navigating outdated insurance provider listings and piecing together information across multiple websites to schedule appointments. These experiences underscored the widespread need for a centralized platform like Choice MD, which simplifies access to healthcare information and services. Today, we’re proud to be recognized by Google as a trusted source connecting individuals to essential resources and organizations that provide ongoing support.

Building a Community-Centered Approach

In November 2024, we expanded our efforts to address one of the root causes of many health challenges: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Scientific research shows that ACEs significantly contribute to a range of physical and mental health issues. In collaboration with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Children’s Commission, Choice MD hosted the first inaugural ACEs Summit. This event brought together key stakeholders to create a comprehensive roadmap for preventing and mitigating ACEs in Miami-Dade County. As co-chair of the Mayor’s newly established ACEs Commission, I am honored to continue driving this vital work and it’s a true testament of our commitment to helping patients obtain better health.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What Sets Us Apart

Choice MD isn’t just about connecting people to healthcare; it’s about building a supportive ecosystem. We bridge the gap between finding resources and accessing the support necessary to thrive. What’s more, our commitment to community involvement has helped us build a strong reputation in the market. Since 2019, I’ve served on the Coral Gables Advisory Board for Disability Affairs, chairing it in 2020. I’m also a board member of the Advocacy Network on Disabilities and sit on Mayor Levine Cava’s Health Equity and Special Needs Commission. These roles, combined with our unwavering dedication to excellence, have garnered numerous accolades, including the George Merrick Innovator in the Making Award and Businesswoman of the Year for 2024. Most recently, I was honored with the Wil Blechman President’s Award from the Florida Alliance on Infant Mental Health, a testament to our commitment to creating meaningful change.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A Pivotal Moment in Our Journey

Like many businesses, Choice MD faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We launched the platform just six months before the world came to a standstill. Initially envisioned as a marketing platform for healthcare providers, our business model had to pivot when doctors paused accepting new patients and many elderly practitioners retired. Instead of focusing solely on the business aspect, we chose to support our community during its time of need. This decision reshaped our approach and reinforced the core values that define Choice MD today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://choicemd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choicemd.miami/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceMD
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vbedoya/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ChoiceMD