GGC’s Lyons Honored as a Telehealth Pioneer

GREENWOOD, SC – Michael Lyons, MD, Director of Clinical Services at the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), has been named the 2021 Telehealth Pioneer by Palmetto Care Connections. The award was presented at the organization’s 9th Annual Telehealth Summit of South Carolina on November 10.

The statewide award recognizes an individual champion in the areas of clinical care, education, or policy who implemented a telehealth program.

Fueled by a shortage of clinical genetics providers, Lyons developed the Center’s telehealth program in 2016 with the goal of improving patient access to genetics services.

“Thanks to Dr. Lyons initiative, in 2020, when telemedicine became the safest method for patient care, GGC’s infrastructure was already in place,” said Steve Skinner, MD, GGC Director. “Dr. Lyons’ leadership and encouragement helped all GGC clinicians quickly become comfortable and proficient with virtual visits as the primary means of care.”

Lyons also conducts research that has demonstrated high patient satisfaction and comparable diagnostic yields between virtual and in-person visits. Additionally, he is the principal investigator on a grant from The Duke Endowment to expand the use of telehealth into eConsults and eVisits, allowing for asynchronous provider consultations and patient care using novel technological platforms.

Lyons also works with the Southeast Regional Network (SERN) Telemedicine Workgroup, providing feedback, guidance, and mentorship about best practices in telehealth.