Nebraska Women in STEM talked to Jonell Tempero about career exploration and individual growth as a medical technology entrepreneur.
Jonell Tempero started her career as a Physician Assistant in pediatrics. Now, she is the Managing Director – U.S. Operations for RespirAI Medical, an innovative company specializing in remote patient monitoring for individuals with chronic respiratory disease. Jonell says making the transition took a lot of courage.
“I branched into a completely different career. One of the biggest challenges was getting out of my own way and having the courage to explore something new.”
Jonell’s use of telemedicine during the Covid-19 pandemic gave her the nudge she needed to take a risk and try something different. “I was really interested in that blend of technology and medicine and how we might be able to improve patient outcomes through the use of technology.”
This curiosity caused her to pivot and pursue a remote opportunity with 4YouandMe, a Seattle based startup that utilizes wearable devices for clinical research studies. Her desire for a local community– and hunger for adventure– led to an opportunity with RespirAI, which is where she is now.
“I was hired to get the business off the ground and establish the Omaha headquarters. I had no experience establishing a business, but I figured that I could learn just about anything.”
Although Jonell feels like a “newbie” at RespirAI, her long track record and love of patient care acts as a foundation for her role there.
She explains that her company strives to develop an algorithm that will help pulmonary disease (COPD) patients better understand their condition and avoid hospitalization. She sees this research, and other forms of medical technology, as vital for improving the way that healthcare professionals take care of people.
“I see this bridge between what I was doing as a PA in medicine and what I am doing now. I believe that we can use this platform to not only improve the lives of millions of people suffering with COPD, but maybe those with asthma, lung cancer, heart disease…”
Jonell says that her work would not have been possible without relationships.
In particular, she highlights how the coworking space at the Catalyst Building has been invaluable in connecting her with a vibrant, cross-disciplinary community of entrepreneurs in Omaha. “Since starting this job a year ago, my network has grown so much. What I love most is how easy it is to spark a conversation with someone and suddenly discover a new perspective or resource you hadn’t considered before. People are so generous with their ideas and advice – it makes collaboration exciting and fun.”
Her advice to other entrepreneurs is to put yourself in spaces where you can have those lightbulb moment conversations because, as she puts it, we all have a lot of knowledge to share.
Jonell also says that women, especially those with kids who have grown, shouldn’t be afraid to explore new challenges in their careers. “I’m at the point in my life when my kids have finished college and are doing their own thing. And now I can have something that’s more for me. If what you’re doing isn’t serving you anymore or you need more mental stimulation, don’t be afraid to take a risk.”