Creative Growth at Work: How PocketHealth Inspires Innovation

PocketHealth, a Toronto-based cloud-based medical records startup, aims to revolutionize healthcare communication by addressing the inefficiencies prevalent in the Canadian medical records system. A staggering 90% of Ontario physicians still use outdated fax machines for transmitting crucial patient data, leading to excessive administrative burdens. Moreover, only 27% of Canadians have access to their own electronic health records, complicating care coordination across various healthcare providers. PocketHealth's platform offers a solution by allowing secure, efficient sharing of medical data, along with reminders, prep questions, lab results, and vaccination records, enhancing the overall patient experience. Co-founder and CEO Rishi Nayyar emphasizes the company's mission to ensure that no patient "falls through the cracks," with the service already implemented in over 800 hospitals and imaging centers across North America, serving more than 500,000 patients. Following a successful $45 million Series B funding round, PocketHealth is poised for further growth.

Working at PocketHealth is characterized by the fast-paced environment typical of startups, where quick changes are the norm, making it essential for employees to adapt and embrace uncertainty. While this can be destabilizing for those who prefer structure, it also offers immense opportunities for learning and professional growth, especially in a high-stakes healthcare environment where challenges directly affect patient care. Nayyar pitches the company to potential candidates by highlighting the direct impact their work has on patients, often visible within days of deploying new features. With consistent growth and attractive compensation packages, including equity, PocketHealth presents an appealing option for job seekers.

The company follows a hybrid work model, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration at least once a month, as face-to-face interactions often foster creative problem-solving. Nayyar actively encourages team members to challenge existing assumptions, leading to innovative workflows and solutions in the company. Located in the aesthetically pleasing MaRS Waterfront, PocketHealth benefits from convenient transportation options and a community of like-minded, innovative companies.

Employees enjoy various in-house perks, such as catered lunches, summer parties, and holiday celebrations that foster a sense of camaraderie. The company adopts a flexible dress code called "King Street chic," which allows for a diverse range of attire from formal suits to casual wear.

PocketHealth maintains a streamlined hiring process, typically consisting of one interview, a case study assignment, and a final executive screen. Beyond skills, the company looks for candidates willing to embrace rapid growth and accept the accompanying instability. Employees are expected to possess a high "give-a-s*** metre," indicating a deep commitment to the mission and a genuine passion for improving healthcare. The company's culture emphasizes a sense of purpose, necessitating that every team member is invested in the transformative work they do.

As PocketHealth continues to expand, it remains dedicated to modernizing Canada's medical records system while providing a dynamic and fulfilling work environment for its employees. For those interested in exploring opportunities in the Canadian startup landscape, the company represents an exciting prospect in the tech and healthcare sectors.