About Us
Troy Medical was founded by Ophthalmologist Dr. Kara Hartl. Dr. Hartl has been practicing medicine in Fairbanks, Alaska for almost 15 years where she has witnessed firsthand the challenges of obtaining medical treatment. She created Troy Medical with the belief that everyone should have access to excellent medical care, no matter where they live. Troy Medical is a new approach to Telemedicine with the goal of bringing medical specialists from all over the country to remote and medically underserved communities using technology. Troy Medical provides an enhanced telemedicine experience using a hybrid of online and in-person care.
Genesis Story
Dr. Hartl was inspired to start Troy Medical after witnessing one of her own patients become overwhelmed by a debilitating medical condition. After years of providing his eye care, she realized that this patient's health was rapidly declining. Unable to find a medical specialist in Alaska, his condition had progressed to the point where even walking was a challenge. His illness was taking over his life. Dr. Hartl was shocked by how much her patient's health had deteriorated, and she knew she had to take action. Because Interior Alaska is so remote, access to specialty care is extremely limited, if it is available at all. Recognizing the potential that telemedicine has to bring life-changing care to remote areas, Dr. Hartl chose to reach out to specialists across the country to organize a team of doctors who can provide world-class, personalized medical care to patients in any location. She chose to name this project after her patient, Troy.
Our Team
Dr. Kara Hartl
Founder & CEO
Educated at Harvard University and University of California-San Diego Medical School, trained at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Hartl grew a multi-specialty medical center and the most technologically advanced medical and surgical center in Alaska, including designing an ophthalmic technician training program for defining the hospital protocols. Dr. Hartl recognizes the power of telehealth and the ability to provide high-quality medical care to remote areas like never before. After 14 years living in rural Alaska, she is extremely aware of the limitations geography can have on access to medical care. Now, Dr. Hartl is revolutionizing the approach to telemedicine in rural America at Troy Medical.
Abbie Senesac Lopez
Chief of Operations
With a background in outpatient practice administration, Abbie was drawn to Dr. Hartl's vision and mission for medical care, telemedicine, and how it could be used to improve life in underserved groups. Born in Vermont - which boasts the country's second smallest state population - Abbie has witnessed how lack of access to care ripples through communities, including her own experienced difficulty accessing reproductive specialists after years of undiagnosed pelvic pain, for which she finally had to seek care outside of her home state. Abbie works remotely for Troy Medical overseeing clinic development and upstart from her small farm in Shrewsbury, Vermont. When not working to further Troy Medical's mission, she enjoys spending time with her husband Ober and their myriad of four-legged friends as they slowly and lovingly remodel their 1842 farmhouse.
Abhijay Saini
Technical Director
Abhijay is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a special interest in Bio Engineering, Business, and Philosophy. For the past 8 years, he has been running a non-profit youth robotics team that he founded in his sophomore year, under the mentorship of top serial entrepreneurs in Austin. Inspired by business leaders from a young age, Abhijay is driven to make a positive impact in the world. He sees a promising opportunity with Dr. Kara Hartl to achieve this goal. His unique combination of technical expertise and leadership skills equips him to tackle challenges in technology, marketing, and sales using a first-principles scientific approach. Abhijay is excited about the opportunity to develop innovative breakthroughs as part of Troy Medical, a rapidly growing company committed to making medical care accessible to everyone.
Stephanie Thompson
Director of Clinical Operations
Stephanie brings a wealth of experience from her extensive background in medical administration and ophthalmology assisting. A long-time Florida resident, she is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and seamlessly balances her remote work with an unwavering commitment to patient care. Passionate about helping others and providing top-notch medical care, Stephanie is excited to be part of the Troy Medical team. She looks forward to contributing to the company's growth and its mission to provide innovative healthcare solutions to underserved communities. Outside of her professional life, Stephanie enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her fiancé and their devoted dog, Benji. Her love for the outdoors fuels her enthusiasm for traveling, gardening, and photography. Connect with Stephanie at Troy Medical to experience her friendly and professional assistance.
Talen Curry
Medical Assistant, Fairbanks
Talen was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. She has worked in the medical field for 9 years in a multitude of positions from receptionist to surgical assistant along side Dr. Hartl and has followed her from ophthalmology to specialty telemedicine care. She enjoys spending time with her family. In the summer, she enjoys going to Birch Lake and soaking up the 24 hour sun. She likes to keep busy in the long winters with sports such as snowboarding and downhill skiing. She will be the new face to greet you as you arrive for your appointments.
Kristen Paterson
Medical Assistant, Sulphur Springs
With a diverse background in Washington State, Colorado and Florida, Kristen is a well-seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in healthcare. She is a passionate problem solver known for her innovative approach to tackling complex challenges. Outside of her professional life, Kristen is an avid reader and enjoys outdoor adventures which she believes fuels her creativity and keeps her problem-solving skills sharp. Kristen's extensive involvement in serving her local communities has given her a deep sense of compassion and empathy. Her exposure to the rapidly changing world of technology attracted her interest in Troy Medical's unique blend of telemedicine. Recognizing the challenges we face with healthcare access, she is resolved to contribute her expertise and knowledge to improve healthcare services in rural areas.
Kristina Haviland-Ring
Registered Nurse
Kristina Haviland-Ring is Troy Medical's dedicated Registered Nurse with 12 years of experience, previously specializing in Rheumatology, with additional expertise in Gastroenterology and Neurology. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Kristina has spent much of her career improving healthcare in rural communities, addressing the unique challenges faced by patients with limited access to specialists. Originally from small towns in Michigan and Arkansas, Kristina now resides in Ohio. Outside of work, she is a busy mom of four, supporting her children's activities in marching band, volleyball, and soccer. Kristina enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, and spending time with her two cats. Her passion for delivering comprehensive and compassionate care makes her a valuable addition to the team.
Kayonne Cade
Medical Assistant
Kayonne was in Healthcare Occupational Students of American (HOSA) when she attended Hart County Comprehensive High School before graduating in May 2017. Kayonne moved onto Medical Institute of Northeast Georgia when she earned her Diploma in Medical Assisting June 2022. Kayonne currently lives in Athens, GA with her boyfriend Brian & their son Brian III (B3). Kayonne has been in many different specialties including pediatrics, occupational medicine, pain care management, personal injury & general urgent care. Kayonne loves healthcare because of her cousin Dre Martin who died at the early age of 22, only 11 days after graduating from Clemson University before moving onto Emory University. He always inspired her with one of his favorite quotes, "Serving I Live". Kayonne lives to serve the community and public by providing the best healthcare experience remote telemedicine has ever seen.