Dee Armstrong‘s creation, the ECHO Project Management Group, may not have
revolutionized the world, but it undeniably stands as a beacon for improving patient
healthcare services. Motivated by the challenges her grandmother and uncle faced in
receiving adequate care for Alzheimer’s disease and severe Schizophrenia, respectively, Dee
made a solemn promise to change the way healthcare providers interact with patients. The
birth of ECHO is a testament to her dedication and commitment to this cause.
Advancing Processes:
ECHO focuses on enhancing patient-centered medical research by recruiting patients and
caregivers willing to share their experiences with uncommon illnesses and mental health
conditions. Acting as a bridge between patients and the healthcare community, ECHO
provides visibility and a connection that has often been absent in the past. The shared
information becomes a valuable resource for doctors, drug manufacturers, and healthcare
organizations, contributing to improved patient care and advancements in the healthcare
industry.
Life before ECHO:
Dee’s upbringing, marked by her parents’ success in building prosperous businesses, instilled
in her the values of integrity and a strong work ethic. These principles form the bedrock of
her success. Driven by a passion to bring about positive change, Dee embarked on a journey
with a clear vision, emphasizing the transformative impact each individual’s experience can
have on healthcare and the community.
Championing Challenges:
Dee embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. At ECHO, challenges are
met with passion and persistence, especially when it comes to recruiting audiences for rare
medical conditions. Dee emphasizes the life-changing impact of giving a voice to those often
unheard in the healthcare industry.
ECHO Project Management Group:
ECHO’s unique approach involves various study methods, such as nationwide telephone
interviews, in-depth face-to-face interviews, in-facility sessions, in-home ethnography, online
forums, and additional avenues. The organization stands out by providing personal attention
to each panelist, cultivating strong connections with patients, caregivers, and medical
specialists.
Leading to Make a Difference:
ECHO distinguishes itself by going the extra mile, whether in organic panel growth or
maintaining strong relationships within its panel, support groups, foundations, and external
recruitment avenues. The team prioritizes human connection in the medical industry,
emphasizing care, and a genuine desire to make a difference in each person’s future
healthcare needs.
Senior Project Manager of ECHO:
In her role, Dee’s primary focus is to inspire and instill passion in the team daily. Recognizing
the diverse roles and experiences of team members, ECHO fosters a supportive environment
where colleagues are not just coworkers but also each other’s biggest supporters and mentors.
Understanding Balance:
Dee acknowledges the delicate balance between work and life, emphasizing the importance
of taking breaks and recharging. She encourages the team to prioritize self-care, family, and
friends, recognizing the necessity of downtime for personal and professional well-being.
Women in Healthcare:
As a female leader, Dee celebrates the progress women have made in healthcare. ECHO, a
woman-owned and operated company, has achieved significant milestones by rethinking how
it reaches medical patients with rare conditions and providing high-quality pre-vetted
respondents to physicians.
Dedication to Making a Difference:
Dee Armstrong’s unwavering commitment to making a difference in healthcare is not just a
professional endeavor but a personal mission. The inspiration drawn from the struggles of her
own family members fuels her dedication to transforming the patient experience. ECHO’s
efforts extend beyond the realm of research; they represent a heartfelt endeavor to honor the
memories of Dee’s grandmother and uncle by ensuring that others facing similar challenges
receive the care and attention they deserve.
ECHO Project Management Group’s Comprehensive Approach:
ECHO’s comprehensive approach to medical research sets it apart from traditional models.
The organization engages in various study methods, ranging from nationwide telephone
interviews to in-home ethnography, ensuring a diverse and inclusive representation of patient
experiences. By utilizing hybrid methods and alternative research collection, ECHO
maximizes its understanding of the patient journey, recognizing that each individual’s story
contributes uniquely to the broader healthcare narrative.
Building Strong Connections:
The strength of ECHO lies not only in its innovative research methodologies but also in the
strong connections fostered within the organization. Weekly group calls provide a platform
for team members to share personal experiences, creating a supportive environment that
transcends professional boundaries. At ECHO, colleagues are more than just coworkers; they
are a close-knit community dedicated to uplifting one another.
The Future of ECHO:
Dee Armstrong envisions a future for ECHO that goes beyond traditional research
boundaries. The company is actively working on expanding its services to connect patients
across conditions, offering a platform for mutual support and valuable feedback. ECHO’s
plans for the future reflect a dynamic and evolving approach to healthcare that prioritizes the
individual, acknowledging the intricate interplay between medical conditions, personal well-
being, and community support.
In Conclusion:
ECHO Project Management Group stands as a beacon of change in the healthcare landscape,
driven by a profound commitment to improving patient care. Dee Armstrong’s vision,
coupled with the dedication of the entire ECHO team, positions the organization as a
transformative force in the industry. As they continue to amplify the voices of those who
often go unheard, ECHO is not just shaping the future of healthcare but redefining what it
means to be heard, understood, and cared for in the world of medical research.