Meet the COEDC – Mike Checkley

Meet the COEDC June 29, 2022

Editors Intro:

For those who may not know, the COEDC’s Advisory Council is a conduit of information between business, community leaders and government. The council meets monthly to share information and work together towards sustainable economic growth. It is made up of 45 influential members consisting of industry leaders, community shapers and elected officials. One of these such members being Advisory Council Chair, Mike Checkley!

The aim of the Meet the COEDC campaign, is to share with our community who the Economic Development Commission is and showcase the COEDC Advisory Council members who play a critical role guiding the regional economic development service.

Mike is the President of QHR Technologies, a healthcare technology company with the mission to unite healthcare providers and their patients through a connected healthcare experience. He is an EMR (Electronic Medical Records) software subject matter expert and one of the co-founders and developers of QHR’s flagship products, Accuro EMR. Prior to his current position, Mike led the Product Management and Development areas, and has been deeply involved in all aspects of the EMR Division since joining QHR in 2004. He also has experience working with and mentoring technology start-ups, offering them his guidance and expertise.

Continue reading to learn more about Mike’s outlook on industry specific trends and forecast for the region! And check back next Monday to meet a new member of the Advisory Council and learn why they love to live and work in the Central Okanagan!

 

Q: What organization are you from and what is your role?

I have the privilege of representing QHR Technologies as their President. QHR is a healthcare technology company with a mission to unite Canadian healthcare connecting providers and their patients to information and each other. QHR proudly employs a team of over 500 across the country with head office based in Kelowna. The team is very passionate about modernizing our pressured healthcare system including our patient app, Medeo, that supports videoconferencing, messaging, online booking, and records sharing between physicians and their patients!

Q: What excites you about the future of your respective sector?

Healthcare technology is making big gains in its adoption across clinics, hospitals, and patients. Both the technology and the user base are evolving as a partnership. It is a very niche space with specialized requirements which makes innovation slower than other industries, however the impact is significant. I am already seeing the reality of patients connecting to physicians online, sharing data and advice. Clinics are using the data within the systems to manage their patients pro-actively with reminders and alerts. Patients are more informed and more connected. It is progressing, and its a game changer.

Q: Why is participating in the Advisory Council important to you?

Running a business can be a lonely job. Connecting with your community helps with this, and although we may not share markets, we do face many of the same challenges. Sharing these issues and importantly the solutions is what the advisory council facilitates. I am also pleased that local government is represented to collaborate with. Intention across the room is aligned on supporting business health and growth through greater understanding of the community, our markets, our teams, and our social challenges, and programs. These leaders help me to think more broadly, and in some cases more grounded. I learn about local programs and initiatives that we could lean or help support. I make connections with people, and we share our ideas, concerns, and predictions. It is a great group.

Q: Why do you love living and working in the Okanagan?

The Okanagan ticks all the boxes for me. I want to be in a place where I can strike balance between lifestyle and career. We have grown a business here creating hundreds of careers for talented people. The International airport, the local University and College, the 600+ other tech companies, and a community of ambition all were key ingredients to make this possible. Thank you to my community and the great people that make it.

 

Learn more about QHR here!