Project ECHO's story
Launched in 2003, Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) grew out of one doctor’s vision. Sanjeev Arora, MD, a social innovator and liver disease specialist at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, was frustrated that he could serve only a fraction of the hepatitis C patients in the state. He wanted to serve as many patients with hepatitis C as possible, so he created a no-cost, virtual mentoring platform and mentored community providers across New Mexico in how to treat the condition.
With his support, organizations all over the world have replicated this model, enabling more people in rural communities to get the expertise they need for a broad range of health conditions. Learn more about Project ECHO® at the University of New Mexico. In recent years, the model has expanded to create pathways for mutual learning between health care experts and community-based systems to improve the health of populations.
Watch a video about Project ECHO® and clinical care
What do you need to participate?
- A computer with a webcam, a smartphone, or a tablet
- An internet connection
What can you expect participating in an ECHO?
ECHO courses usually consist of a series of sessions provided over several weeks or months. Each session focuses on a specific issue within the broader topic of the ECHO series and usually includes a short didactic presentation, followed by a case or scenario that serves as a foundation for lively discussion aimed at applying the information presented. ECHO is considered an “all teach all learn” model in which it is expected that speakers, panelists and participants all learn from each other through sharing of knowledge and experience. Participants usually gain increased confidence in addressing the topic at hand and a greater sense of community in their work. Enduring materials, including AVs of didactics, slide sets, and a compilation of resources identified in the course are usually posted publicly to expand access to the course material.
Our team
- Megan Colgan, Product Manager, Project ECHO at Dartmouth Health
- Ariel Pike, Program Coordinator, Project ECHO at Dartmouth Health
- Christopher Colgan, Program Coordinator, Project ECHO at Dartmouth Health
- Seddon Savage, MD, MS; Education Director, Project ECHO at Dartmouth Health
- Barbara Dieckman, RN, MBA, MS; Business Manager for Project ECHO; Director Knowledge Map and Patient Education, Dartmouth Health
- Sally Kraft, MD, MPH; Population Health Officer, Dartmouth Health
For more information email echo@hitchcock.org.