A Calling Born from Conflict
The decision to enter medicine was not one made lightly. Amidst the early days of the Iraq War, where news of battles and casualties dominated the headlines, Dr. Purdy felt a profound pull towards a career in healthcare. Married to a service member who deployed to Iraq during the battle of Fallujah in 2004, she witnessed firsthand the critical role military physicians played in supporting soldiers and their families. It was this experience that solidified her resolve to pursue family medicine, allowing her to serve in a capacity that transcended traditional civilian healthcare roles.
Bridging the Healthcare Divide
After fulfilling her military duties, Dr. Purdy transitioned to the civilian sector with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between conventional and virtual healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the potential of telemedicine, allowing Dr. Purdy to offer high-quality care from the comfort of her home. Managing a panel of 350 patients with depression and anxiety, she saw the immense gratitude and relief patients felt accessing care that was previously out of reach due to geographical and logistical barriers. Today, she champions a hybrid model of care, combining in-person visits with telemedicine, ensuring seamless communication and a unified system for patients nationwide.
A Unique Approach to Healthcare
What sets Dr. Purdy apart is her unconventional path through the medical field. Never bound by the constraints of traditional healthcare systems, she has forged a unique career, partnering with over 700 businesses in the innovative care industry. Her experience spans consulting, advising, and operational support for nearly 300 non-physician-owned small businesses. Dr. Purdy’s motto is simple yet profound: invest in every business with the same heart as her own. This philosophy drives her mission to transform American healthcare, one small business at a time.
Purpose-Driven Projects
Every project Dr. Purdy undertakes is designed to fill a gap in patient care. From the early days of basic urgent care online to the current landscape of virtual health services, her initiatives span a wide array of specialties. Whether addressing obesity, empowering women under 40 with breast health education, or providing care at music festivals, Dr. Purdy’s projects are as diverse as they are impactful. Her goal is clear: to ensure every person in America has access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their location or circumstances.
Motivated by Change
Dr. Purdy’s motivation is twofold. On one side, she is driven by a desire to dismantle the inefficiencies and injustices of the mainstream healthcare system. On the other, she is inspired by the relief and hope she sees in patients and colleagues who benefit from innovative care models. Her work opens doors and creates solutions that were previously unimaginable, making her a true innovator in the field.
Defining Success
For Dr. Purdy, success is straightforward: achieving what she sets out to do. Her organization operates with a future-focused mindset, constantly evolving to meet the needs of patients and partners. Whether it’s helping a small business owner gain financial freedom, providing a patient with previously inaccessible treatment, or enabling a healthcare worker to escape the constraints of traditional systems, each achievement is a testament to her impact on the world.
Celebrating Milestones
One of Dr. Purdy’s proudest milestones is the launch of JellyMed, a sub-brand providing healthcare coverage at events and music festivals. Born from a personal experience at a concert, JellyMed addresses the unique health needs of event-goers, offering virtual care tools and onsite support. This initiative exemplifies Dr. Purdy’s commitment to decentralizing healthcare, bringing it directly to those who need it most.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for Dr. Purdy and SWELL Medical PC. Upcoming projects include a comprehensive breast health company for younger women, practice management for mainstream clinicians transitioning to innovative care models, and leveraging virtual clinics for clinical trials. Additionally, JellyMed’s expansion into the sports industry and the introduction of internationally established medical devices in the U.S. promise to further revolutionize healthcare. Each initiative reflects Dr. Purdy’s passion for innovation and her unwavering dedication to improving healthcare access and quality for all.
Dr. Laura Purdy is not just changing the landscape of healthcare; she is redefining it, one innovative project at a time.
- Credits:
- CREATIVE: Nina Vargas @ninabvargas
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Mike Yi @mikeyiphotography
- STYLIST: Juanita Pelaez @juanitapelaezb
- TALENT MANAGER: Mariana Cardona @marianacadonae
- HnM: Diana Torroledo @dianatorroledo
- STUDIO: @y65studio
- TALENT: Dr. Laura Purdy @drlaurapurdy of @swellcare.health
- PR AGENCY: @thejkoagency
