Dr. Teresa Owens Gardner Tyson, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP, is an influential leader in the field of healthcare, serving as the President and CEO of St. Mary’s Health Wagon in Central Appalachia. Raised in the challenging environment of a coal miner’s family, she developed a profound understanding of the obstacles faced by her community, particularly in accessing adequate healthcare. This deep-rooted awareness drove her to dedicate her career to transforming healthcare delivery in one of America’s most underserved regions.
Under Dr. Tyson’s leadership, the Health Wagon has evolved from a modest initiative into a cornerstone of healthcare for rural Appalachian communities. The organization now operates two fixed clinics, four mobile units, a pharmacy, and a comprehensive dental clinic, reaching thousands of uninsured or underinsured residents across southwestern Virginia. In 2024, the Health Wagon facilitated 28,795 patient encounters, clearly demonstrating the significant impact of its services on the region.
Dr. Tyson’s commitment to healthcare equity is evident in her efforts to bridge Virginia's significant health and income disparities. The stark contrast between the health outcomes in impoverished counties and wealthier areas is a driving force behind her work. She employs a multifaceted approach to healthcare, which includes providing medical services and addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect rural populations.
Her innovative strategies have significantly enhanced healthcare accessibility in Appalachia. Dr. Tyson played a pivotal role in the first FAA-approved drone delivery of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. This project has since gained national attention. It is featured in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. This initiative is just one example of how she leverages technology to overcome geographical and logistical barriers to care.
Moreover, Dr. Tyson has been instrumental in implementing a robust telehealth program, making it one of the most utilized in Virginia. This program has been crucial in connecting patients in remote areas with specialist care that would otherwise be inaccessible. Her forward-thinking approach also includes the first tele-cystoscopies via telehealth worldwide, an initiative undertaken in collaboration with the University of Virginia for early bladder cancer detection.
The Health Wagon’s annual Move Mountains Medical Mission, which Dr. Tyson oversees, is another cornerstone of her approach to community healthcare. This massive outreach provides thousands of individuals free medical, dental, and vision care each year, underscoring her belief in healthcare as a fundamental human right.
Nationally and internationally recognized, Dr. Tyson’s work has been featured on major media outlets and has brought her to speak at prestigious platforms like the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Her efforts have garnered multiple awards, highlighting her role as a crucial advocate for rural health.
Educationally, Dr. Tyson has fostered partnerships with over 50 academic institutions, enhancing the training of future healthcare providers with a real-world understanding of rural health challenges. Many of these students continue to serve in underserved areas, perpetuating the legacy of her commitment to community-based healthcare.
As she looks toward the future, Teresa Tyson is focused on expanding the Health Wagon’s capabilities even further, introducing more cutting-edge health services and continuing to innovate to break down the barriers to healthcare access. Her life’s work not only changes lives today but also lays a foundation for sustainable health improvements in Appalachia for generations to come.
