Podcast Episode

Leading Care, Earning Trust with guest Dr. Kelly Rhone

May 7th, 2026 | S1E2 | 50:50



Meet the Host

Jessica Gaikowski, MBA, brings both heart and strategic insight to her role as host of Avel eCare: Virtual Health Connections. with a background in healthcare administration and business, she understands the complexities of healthcare delivery and now leads conversations shaping where the industry is headed.

As Executive Director of Marketing and Sales Operations at Avel eCare, Jessica has been part of the organization’s journey from its early foundation within a large South Dakota health system to its growth as a national virtual care leader. On the podcast, she connects with industry experts to explore how telemedicine is redefining access, supporting care teams, and strengthening communities.

When she’s not talking healthcare, you’ll find her spending time with her family or cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Meet The Guest

Kelly Rhone, MD serves as Avel eCare’s Chief Medical Officer. In this role, she is responsible for physician engagement and retention, program development of telemedicine services, and educating medical professionals on telemedicine and change management. Dr. Rhone has been practicing emergency medicine for more than 15 years and joined Avel eCare to help bring cutting-edge emergency and critical care to the patient’s bedside, regardless of location. Dr. Rhone previously held the position of Medical Director of eCare Emergency. She serves as an Associate Professor at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Rhone completed her medical education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and her emergency medicine training at HealthPartners-Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

Return To All Podcasts