Special guest Dr Tami Romano
Member of the Board, Spokesperson & Advocate of HealthNation

Tami Romano’s career path has been anything but traditional. Beginning her professional life as an emergency room physician, she was drawn to the challenges of medicine. Her roll-up-your sleeves attitude and drive to make things happen eventually led her to venture into the business world. Founding DODAZ al fresco, a Scottsdale-based luxury outdoor furniture company, in 2005 with business partner Teri Mulmed, Romano embraced her role as entrepreneur. Leaving her scrubs behind, Romano managed the company’s operations and manufacturing, while working closely with Mulmed on product development and sales.  

Growing up in New York, Romano attended State University of New York at Potsdam, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then went on to earn a Master’s in Physiology from the University of Houston. Her love of science and desire to help others inspired Romano to pursue a medical degree from the University of Texas. Selecting to specialize in emergency care, Romano enjoyed the fast-paced, high-energy environment and variety of patient issues.   

In 2000, Romano decided to retire from her medical profession to better meet the demands of her family. After four years of working at home and within the community, Romano’s interest in pursuing something new took hold. While working with an architecture firm on the design and construction of her own home, she discovered a passion for construction and a connection with her designer, Teri Mulmed. The two women soon began brainstorming on possible business ideas.  

When Romano learned of Mulmed’s concept for a highly durable and stylishly upholstered outdoor furniture line, the spark for the business partnership ignited. In 2005, the duo unveiled DODAZ al fresco’s first collection at market week in Chicago. While the response to the concept was met with raves, the products’ premium price points presented challenges. After limited success with distribution, the two partners made the decision to put the business on hold in 2010.

Looking for the next challenge, in late 2010, Romano was introduced to HealthNation founder, Scott Pendergast. She recognized the value in the company’s model, providing convenient and affordable healthcare services directly to the consumer and immediately saw a fit with her days spent caring for patients in the emergency room. After doing her research, she accepted the offer to become a member of the board, and signed on as an advocate to build membership. HealthNation is leading the way in telemedicine, with its 24/7 access to expert physicians, wellness care, and support services that help contain costs for those fully insured and uninsured.

Romano resides in Paradise Valley with her husband and two children. Away from the office she enjoys cycling, fitness training, gardening and spending time with her family.  

Telemedicine is 24/7 Health Care Access for Everyone 02/03/2012
Telemedicine is health care that's accessible to everyone, from the fully insured to the uninsured and from your own home. Find out how to you can get 24/7 access to expert physicians, wellness care and more using telemedicine from special guest Dr Tami Romano. As an emergency room physician, Dr Romano spent many of her days caring for patients in the emergency room and is now on a serious mission to get everyone, from the fully insured to the uninsured, 24/7 access to expert physicians, wellness care, and support services. Find out about HealthNation, a leader the way in telemedicine offering health-care to the uninsured to the fully insured.