The challenges we face in healthcare today cannot be changed with technology alone. It is the people behind the scenes, who are dedicated to advancing and pushing for change, that will make a real positive impact. This week we Meet the Orbiters – Vanessa, Orbit’s Patient Engagement Specialist.
Q: Why did you decide to join Orbit?
I can identify with the company’s values and I love working on something that can improve the lives of many people. Throughout my studies and early in my career, I’ve spent the majority of my time working directly with patients. As Orbit’s new Patient Engagement Specialist, not only will I have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow professionally, but I will also have the opportunity to continue doing what I enjoy most – working with people. After getting to know the team, it was clear to me: this is where I want to work.
Q: Since joining Orbit, what is something that surprised you about Parkinson’s or chronic diseases in general?
What really surprised me the most is the complexity of the disease itself, and the often lengthy diagnosis process. Apart from this, before joining Orbit, I didn’t realize how many small circumstances could affect a person’s motor condition and that everyone’s treatment is different. I am convinced that with our solution – Neptune – we can help provide critical insights to help simplify these processes and improve people’s lives.
Q: What makes you excited to come to work every day?
As I mentioned before, it’s the team! Although I work from home most of the time, I don’t have the feeling that I’m alone at home all day just looking at my screen. Rather, because the team is so international, you have a great sense of community. It’s also nice and fun to work on something you’re convinced of yourself.
Q: How can a person or organization develop a deep understanding of the needs of patients?
That’s a tough question because it’s not an easy task to get your head around something that, no matter how hard you try, you can only look at from the outside. I think the most important thing is to inform yourself, read blogs and talk to patients to get a good overview. Of course, it is also important to ask yourself, what would I want as a patient. However, the best people to answer such questions are the patients themselves. That is also something that I like so much about Orbit. The patients are at the center because the goal with Neptune is to develop a solution that is tailored precisely to their needs.
Q: How do you go about making someone feel comfortable when asking personal questions about their health? How do you build trust?
I think the most important thing is to meet the other person with understanding, honesty, and appreciation. I can only imagine what it’s like to be a person living with PD, which is why I have to be unbiased and cannot jump to conclusions because every person is different. It is also important to create an atmosphere in which both parties feel comfortable, especially when talking about such a sensitive topic. I think this can be achieved by not only asking questions but also giving the person on the other side the opportunity to ask questions that are answered honestly. This makes it more of a conversation at eye level and takes away the interview character.
Q: What is the one thing you can’t live without and why?
My Spotify subscription! I actually listen to music all day, be it while studying, cleaning or going for a walk. Since I also love listening to podcasts and audiobooks, I couldn’t do without Spotify.
Q: What is something you spend too much time or money on but don’t regret?
In terms of money, definitely plants! I can’t enter a plant store without walking out with a significantly lighter wallet, but I think it just makes a home cozy.
Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
That’s a tough question because I love to eat, but I think pasta because it’s so versatile.
Meet the Orbiters – Vanessa is part of our Meet the Orbiters is a series dedicated on highlighting Orbit team members. To learn why they joined Orbit, what they think is unique about the culture and some fun facts along the way. Find new amazing opportunities on our LinkedIn Page and to learn more about Orbit and our digital solutions, check out our website today. Don’t forget to follow us on Medium and LinkedIn for future updates and articles.
