Teresa Tyson

Dr. Teresa Owens Gardner Tyson, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP, is a transformative leader in rural healthcare, dedicating her career to advancing medical access and quality in the underserved Appalachian region. As the President and CEO of St. Mary’s Health Wagon, she has redefined healthcare delivery for thousands in rural Virginia, combining innovative solutions with compassionate care. Growing up as the daughter of a coal miner in Appalachia, Dr. Tyson experienced firsthand the dire healthcare needs of her community. This profound personal background instilled in her a firm resolve to improve the healthcare landscape in one of the poorest regions in the United States. Her journey led her to spearhead the Health Wagon, which began as a modest mobile clinic and has grown under her leadership into a vital healthcare network with multiple stationary clinics, mobile units, a pharmacy, and a dental clinic. In 2024 alone, the Health Wagon recorded nearly 29,000 patient interactions, a testament to its critical role in providing care to over 10,000 individuals, many uninsured or underinsured. Dr. Tyson’s work is particularly impactful given the stark disparities in health outcomes and economic conditions in Appalachian Virginia, where many residents face significant obstacles to accessing essential healthcare services. Dr. Tyson’s strategic initiatives have significantly increased the accessibility and quality of healthcare through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and services. She was a key figure in launching the first FAA-approved drone delivery of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. This pioneering approach has set a precedent for using technology to overcome geographical barriers in healthcare delivery. Furthermore, her efforts in telehealth have established one of Virginia’s most comprehensive remote medical consultation services, connecting patients with specialists they would otherwise struggle to access.