Teresa Tyson
St. Mary’s Health Wagon, USA
Abstract Title:
Bridging the Gap: A Nurse-Led, Mobile, Digitally Enabled Care System Advancing Universal Health Access in Rural Appalachia, USA
Biography:
Dr. Teresa Owens Tyson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Health Wagon, one of the
oldest and most respected mobile healthcare organizations in the United States, dedicated to providing
comprehensive healthcare services to underserved rural communities throughout Central Appalachia.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, she is a nationally
recognized leader in rural healthcare innovation, public health, and healthcare equity.
Born and raised in the Appalachian region, Dr. Tyson has devoted more than three decades to improving
access to quality healthcare for vulnerable and medically underserved populations. Under her visionary
leadership, The Health Wagon has expanded from a mobile clinic into a comprehensive healthcare
network offering primary care, dental services, pharmacy, telehealth, specialty care, and multiple mobile
medical units that collectively serve thousands of patients annually.
An internationally respected advocate for health equity, Dr. Tyson has pioneered innovative models of
rural healthcare delivery, including telehealth initiatives and the first FAA-approved drone delivery of
medications in the United States. Her groundbreaking work has been recognized globally, leading to
invitations to speak at prestigious forums, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization,
where she champions equitable healthcare access for underserved communities worldwide.
Dr. Tyson is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and has received numerous
honors for her outstanding contributions to healthcare innovation, leadership, and community service.
She is also deeply committed to mentoring future healthcare professionals and fostering collaborative
partnerships that strengthen rural healthcare systems.
As a visionary leader, accomplished speaker, and passionate advocate, Dr. Teresa Owens Tyson continues
to transform the landscape of rural healthcare through innovation, compassion, and an unwavering
commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of geographic or economic
barriers.
