Employee Spotlight: Yahya Soliman
Meet Yahya Soliman, a patient advocate and operations team member at Tono Health. His role emphasizes closely working with each of the teams within Tono to ensure that they are fully supported. In this role, he translates patient feedback to inform Tono on how best to build software features to help patients as they navigate care. Prior to Tono, Yahya was a student at Boston College Morrissey School of Arts and Sciences, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science and a minor in Finance. Yahya also competed in Division 1 Cross Country and Track & Field at Boston College.
What do you do at Tono?
At Tono, I am the first point of contact for all patients — new and returning. My job is to answer any questions about Tono and teledermatology to help them get prepared for their first visit. I help patients stay connected to their care team in between visits. That means helping patients understand our platform and what teledermatology can and cannot do. I also support patients with pharmacy, billing and insurance. If patients don't have insurance, I help them connect with assistance programs so that they can still get care. I am with the patients through every step of their care journey. They can always reach out to me for support or with any questions.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is the experience of meeting new people. Healthcare is a truly personal experience. I learn a lot from the conversations I have with patients about their care journeys before Tono and with Tono. The breakthroughs, the struggles, the frustrations are all part of that experience, and I feel privileged to be able to hear these personal stories. It’s even more of a privilege to help people feel heard and get them the care they deserve.
What drew you to Tono Health?
The big draw to working at Tono is being able to make a difference in such the most important aspect of people's lives every single day. We can all relate to the humbling feeling we get from being sick and then frustrated with the lack of adequate care options.
Early in college, I developed an intense skin rash that covered my whole body. I spent over a month between the various care providers while each tried to figure out my rash and how to treat it. I eventuallyI turned to my sister, who was still in med school at the time, out of frustration. Within minutes she figured out it was just a chlorine rash. I couldn’t believe it, so I returned to the university’s medical staff to confirm. They did confirm that it was in fact a simple chlorine rash; they just had never seen it on someone with my skin color before.
To be working for a company whose mission is to expand specialty care to all patients — regardless of location, wealth, ethnicity etc. — means a lot to me because I know I'm doing something right.
What have you learned from the patients at Tono?
The patients we treat at Tono are some of the strongest, most courageous people I’ve ever met. Each conversation I have with new patients provides some sort of fresh perspective on life and what we do at Tono. What I've learned from their stories is a lesson in being resilient, optimistic and passionate in fighting for what you deserve, for what’s right. It’s a real motivation to always strive to go above and beyond.
What are you most excited about regarding your role at Tono?
We’ve gotten some great feedback from patients about features and tools they hope to see from Tono. I am really excited to work with the Tono engineers as we continue to build around those expectations. We’re growing a community of passionate people coming together to change the healthcare experience. That in itself excites me everyday.
What do you like to do when you’re not at Tono?
I love being outdoors as much as possible. I play soccer a few times a week and go running most days as well. I also enjoy biking, swimming and playing tennis. Sometimes I bring a hammock to one of the parks and dive into a book. Working with my hands brings me a lot of joy, so I absolutely love cooking and sewing. I’m constantly trying to learn more about cooking new recipes and clothes making techniques.