Executive Director of Information Technology at UNC Health
We are proud to introduce Mike Plesh, our NCTNA Board Chair, and UNC Health’s Executive Director of Information Technology. As Board Chair, Mike represents UNC Health and provides a larger health system perspective to NCTNA’s leadership. He facilitates all board meetings and serves as a trusted advisor to our Board President and Chief Executive Officer. In his role at UNC Health, he oversees critical areas such as data interoperability, data exchange (both internal and external), data infrastructure, and research technology.
MIKE PLESH
NCTNA BOARD CHAIR
Mike is a Greensboro, North Carolina native with a dedication to healthcare technology that is deeply rooted in his extensive experience. With over 20 years in the healthcare tech field, he has seen firsthand how the industry has continuously evolved. His passion lies in leveraging the resources of large organizations like UNC Health to grow support in communities across the state, while also collaborating with state and county health partners to streamline and further each other’s missions. Mike’s commitment to data sharing ensures that patients receive the best care possible, regardless of where they are seen.
Outside of working hard to serve others at UNC Health and NCTNA, Mike has a few incredibly unique hobbies that speak to his dynamic abilities and multi-faceted personality. He enjoys playing the mountain dulcimer, a traditional string instrument that originated in the Appalachian Mountains 150-200 years ago. He is also an accomplished Polaroid Photographer and Artist (you can view some of his work HERE!). Some of his Polaroid work will be featured at an exhibit in Milan later this year.
ABOUT UNC HEALTH
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 15 hospitals, including UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and Holly Springs, 19 hospital campuses and more than 900 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. UNC Health provided more than $522 million in charity care during the last five years. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
UNC Health was one of the original members and early adopters of the NC Telehealth Network prior to NCTNA becoming an independent non-profit organization. Now, NCTNA proudly provides broadband connectivity services to almost all UNC Health sites and we consider the health system a true pillar of our organization.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND FOR HEALTHCARE & NCTNA’S VALUE
“NCTNA and MCNC are both always available and open to conversations, which means that UNC Health can pick up the phone and get things addressed very quickly—faster than we can with any other commercial provider.”
From Mike’s perspective, broadband is central and foundational to UNC Health’s operations. “If we don’t have solid, redundant broadband capabilities, we can’t provide the essential technology and resources our clinicians and business teams need to deliver care to patients,” he said.
According to Mike, there are three “tier-zero” applications critical to their operations:
- The Broadband Network
- The Electronic Health Records (EHR) System
- The UNC Health Data Interoperability System, which facilitates external data exchange via the Health Information Exchange (HIE)
Mike acknowledged the significant impact NCTNA’s services have had on UNC Health in connectivity, strategic partnerships, and cost-savings.
“First, we have definitely benefited financially from the streamlined process offered by NCTNA for securing the Healthcare Connect Fund discounts and reimbursements. That’s a great benefit to UNC Health,” he said.
Additionally, he appreciates the strong partnership with NCTNA and MCNC because, in part, it allows UNC Health to consistently provide excellent patient care.
“MCNC (NCTNA’s integrated services provider and fiber network) is a proactive participant in the services we provide. NCTNA and MCNC are both always available and open to conversations, which means that UNC Health can pick up the phone and get things addressed very quickly—faster than we can with any other commercial provider. This responsiveness plays into how we’re able to serve our patients and communities.”
THE INTERSECTION OF BROADBAND AND HEALTHCARE
Beyond the hospital walls, one of UNC Health’s core missions is to improve health and accessibility to care in underserved and unserved areas. Mike is passionate about leveraging technology to achieve this goal. Telehealth, the use of technology to provide care remotely to patients, depends greatly on high-quality broadband connectivity.
“Telehealth is a game-changer for us,” he shared. “Our medical center in Chapel Hill offers many specialties, but we can’t grow those out in rural areas as easily. Telehealth helps us extend that expertise to those communities. We’re always trying to ensure patients get the care they need without having to drive for hours to get it. Telehealth capabilities can improve their care and the livelihood of their families and caregivers.”
CHALLENGES IN HEALTHCARE AND BROADBAND
When discussing the many challenges the healthcare industry is facing today, Mike said that rising technology costs and a shrinking pool of new clinicians are becoming significant hurdles.
“We’re competing as service providers just as much as we’re offering services. We must stay focused on finding ways to streamline how we provide services without reducing the level of care, and in fact, while increasing it,” he said.
Mike also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, noting that while AI is still in its early stages, UNC Health is committed to ensuring that future AI implementation and projects will prioritize keeping clinicians in control.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Mike envisions a future where seamless information sharing across disparate organizations becomes commonplace.
“Continuity of care means that a patient can go anywhere, and their full health history will be fully understood by whatever clinician is helping them at that time,” he explained. This vision aligns with the ongoing drive towards value-based care, which further emphasizes the need for reliable connectivity (such as NCTNA’s services!) and data standards to support comprehensive care.
We are honored to have Mike’s expertise, dedication, and passion on our board, and we look forward to the continued collaboration and partnership between UNC Health and NCTNA. Stay tuned for future Direct-Connections with our accomplished and diverse member-led board!
Photo pictures Mike with some members of the NCTNA board and leadership from both NCTNA and MCNC.
Mike Plesh has worked with data interoperability and analytics in health care for over 20 years. His current work as Executive Director at UNC Health has involved bridging data gaps across North Carolina for the improvement of patient care with hospitals, clinics, and government entities. He also provides the leadership for enterprise reporting, technical oversight of the Carolina Data Warehouse for Health, and clinical research build within the health system’s flagship electronic health record application.
COULD YOUR ORGANIZATION BENEFIT FROM NCTNA’S BEST IN CLASS BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY SERVICES? REACH OUT TO US TODAY!
If you’re interested in learning more about the NC Telehealth Network Association, and/or receiving a free, no-obligation quote for our broadband connectivity services, please reach out today to set up an introductory call!
Jordan Rogers
Director of Relationship Marketing
Jordan.Rogers@NCTNA.org
