Reaching the top isn’t always a straight road. In 2012, I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. From the base of the 19,341 ft. mountain, the peak seemed directly in front of us; however, our journey never took a direct path. Instead, we spent five days trekking, camping, and slowly making our way around the base. Tired and confused, I asked our guide why we didn’t just march straight towards it if that’s where we wanted to go.
He laughed and pointed out the dangers of marching directly towards the top, including falling rocks, the absence of water, lack of climbing gear, and altitude sickness, to name a few. I then left the journey in the hands of our trusted guide, and we eventually reached the top safely. However, it became clear that despite how simple something may appear, an experienced partner can help you navigate unforeseen challenges.
The same can be said for building a telemedicine program. It is important to have a guide that can help you understand the requirements, implementation timelines, and anticipate potential risks and roadblocks. Below is a look at some common misconceptions and how a telemedicine partner is needed when creating a successful telemedicine program.