Nathan R. Blue, MD
Nathan Blue, MD is a maternal–fetal medicine specialist and physician–scientist at the University of Utah. His research explores how we can use technology such as AI and telehealth-integrated digital tools to improve risk management during pregnancy. His ultimate research goal is to make pre-natal and maternal care more individualized andproactive. Clinically, he provides high-risk obstetric services across the region, including in Jackson and Rock Springs, Wyoming. Dr. Blue is deeply committed to expandingaccess to high-quality obstetric care through telehealth and provider education programs like Project ECHO.
Dr. Blue first learned about telehealth during his medical training when it was still considered a niche tool for providers. He began regularly using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic but quickly realized the value of telehealth extended beyond the pandemic-era shutdowns. He has found telehealth to be highly impactful in expanding access to care- particularly for patients who face barriers to in-person visits. According to Dr. Blue, telehealth has improved patient access to specialty care by allowing providers to reach broader patient populations. Importantly, he’s found telehealth supports frontline providers in rural communities by giving patients access to the specialists they need.
Dr. Blue also believes that telehealth has created new opportunities for provider education. He highlighted programs such as Project ECHO, which is a learning-based model that combines didactic presentations with community discussions centered around real cases or challenges faced by providers. These trainings help rural providers feel more supported and confident in managing complex cases. This Spring, Dr. Blue presented at the University of Wyoming’s Rural Obstetrical Care ECHO, where he was able to educate Wyoming providers about pre-eclampsia patients.
For providers interested in initiating telehealth practice is to start small. Incorporating occasional virtual visits into an in-person clinic can help staff and patients become more comfortable with the process. If there is sufficient interest, providers can eventually transition to a fully virtual clinic, which can be run from a home or office setting. Though virtual clinics can provide operational and staffing benefits, Dr. Blue notes that it may take time to refine workflows since they differ from traditional care models. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and patient support when transitioning to and preparing for virtual appointments.
Lastly, Dr. Blue offers a practical tip: avoid conducting virtual visits from home during bad weather if there is a risk of losing internet or power. As he humorously adds, “Don’t ask me how I know!” Dr. Blue says his proudest accomplishment in telehealth is seeing patients receive high-quality care without the burden of traveling long distances. “Even though a virtual visit isn’t as fun as an in-person visit,” he says, “the benefits for patients make it worth it.”
Thank you for your commitment to telehealth excellence, Dr. Blue – we’re excited to see your reach continue to grow.
