Dave Dookeeram never saw his career as a straight line. A leader who thrives on challenges, he built a journey that took him through the worlds of healthcare and technology, driving innovation and transformation every step of the way. Now, as the Chief Operating Officer of Pager, a company revolutionizing virtual care and healthcare navigation, Dookeeram brings his decades of experience to bear on a mission that aims to change how people experience healthcare.
Pager appointed Dookeeram as COO to steer the company’s ambitious growth plans. Tasked with refining Pager’s operations to meet its expanding scale, Dookeeram stands at the crossroads of technology and patient care, leading a company that serves over 23 million members. His appointment signals not just a new chapter for Pager but a deeper commitment to making healthcare more personal, connected, and affordable.
From Healthcare Beginnings to Leadership in Digital Health
Dookeeram’s career in healthcare didn’t start with startups or tech companies. His foundation in healthcare management began with traditional healthcare settings. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree in healthcare administration and policy from Emory University. His academic background gave him a strong footing in healthcare principles and set the stage for a career focused on transforming patient experiences.
In his early career, Dookeeram made his mark in roles that demanded a clear understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of healthcare delivery. He worked in leadership positions at Centura Health’s Porter Adventist Hospital, where he significantly improved the hospital’s financial performance, driving its EBITDA from $7 million to $42 million in four years. His results weren’t just about numbers; they reflected a deeper understanding of patient needs and how to align hospital services with those expectations.
Navigating the Shift to Digital Healthcare
As the healthcare landscape shifted toward digital and tech-enabled solutions, Dookeeram’s career evolved. He joined DispatchHealth, an in-home medical care provider, at the seed stage. As President of Diagnostics and Chief of Staff, he guided the company through rapid growth. Under his leadership, DispatchHealth expanded to over 75 cities, generating over $100 million in revenue and reaching a valuation exceeding $2 billion.
This phase of his career taught Dookeeram the value of blending high-tech solutions with high-touch patient care. His work with DispatchHealth involved not just scaling operations but also ensuring that growth translated into better outcomes for patients. This balance of technology and compassion became a guiding principle that he brought to his role at Pager.
Joining Pager: A Mission to Humanize Healthcare
When Walter Jin, Pager’s CEO and Chairman, approached Dookeeram about joining the company, it wasn’t just about the role—it was about the mission. Jin shared Pager’s vision of providing a “doctor-in-the-family” experience, a concept that struck a chord with Dookeeram.
He saw an opportunity to make a direct impact on how people interact with healthcare services.
“Pager’s approach to healthcare resonates with me because it aligns with my core belief that healthcare should be personal, seamless, and accessible,” Dookeeram said. “The company’s focus on integrating care navigation with digital solutions provides a path to better outcomes at a lower cost, which is the most pressing issue in the healthcare industry today.”
Dookeeram’s role at Pager involves steering the company’s operational strategy, scaling its capabilities, and ensuring that the technology-driven solutions truly address the needs of its users. His experience in both traditional healthcare and digital health positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between tech innovation and patient-centered care.
A Leader Focused on Culture and Growth
Dookeeram doesn’t just lead with strategy; he leads with a focus on culture. He believes that growth in any organization must start with a solid cultural foundation. His approach at Pager involves nurturing a work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving patient care.
Dookeeram emphasizes that a culture-first mindset drives better performance and engagement among team members. At Pager, he fosters a culture that encourages employees to think creatively, take risks, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital healthcare. This focus on culture aligns with his broader vision of creating an ecosystem where technology and human touch go hand in hand.
Tackling Challenges in a Complex Industry
Dookeeram’s journey to COO hasn’t been without its challenges. The healthcare industry, particularly the digital health sector, moves at a rapid pace, with constant shifts in technology and consumer expectations. One of the main challenges he faces is adapting Pager’s services to meet these evolving demands.
As the digital landscape grows, consumers increasingly prefer video consultations, interactive content, and personalized digital health experiences. Dookeeram aims to ensure Pager stays ahead of these trends by integrating AI-driven solutions with human expertise. He leads initiatives to expand Pager’s platform capabilities, focusing on areas like telemedicine, care navigation, and proactive health management.
A Commitment to Accessible, Value-Based Care
One of the pillars of Dookeeram’s leadership at Pager is his commitment to value-based care. He aims to drive the company’s strategy toward outcomes that not only improve patient health but also reduce overall healthcare costs. This focus aligns with the broader goals of many healthcare systems and payers that seek to deliver high-quality care without exorbitant expenses.
Dookeeram’s experience with value-based care models from his time at DispatchHealth and Centura Health equips him to lead Pager in this direction. His strategies involve creating integrated care pathways that guide patients through their healthcare journey, providing them with the right resources at the right time.
Vision for the Future: Transforming the Healthcare Experience
Dookeeram’s vision for Pager extends beyond growth; it’s about transforming the healthcare experience for millions. He believes that true innovation in healthcare lies not just in the technology itself but in how it’s used to enhance the patient journey. His goal is to make Pager the go-to platform for consumers looking for a more personalized and connected healthcare experience.
“Healthcare is at a pivotal moment where we can leverage technology to provide care that is not just efficient but also deeply personal and responsive to individual needs,” Dookeeram said. He sees Pager playing a crucial role in breaking down the silos that currently exist in healthcare, creating a unified platform that connects patients, providers, and payers seamlessly.
Also Read: The 10 Most Influential COOs in the Healthcare Industry in 2024
