Dr. Holly Mintz: Leading Innovation at Elliot Health System

Dr. Holly Mintz, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Elliot Medical Group Ambulatory Services, has had a remarkable journey in medicine. She is driven by a lifelong passion for science and a love for working with children and their families. In this position, she can focus on innovation, engagement, and the delivery of high-quality healthcare.  

Following Her Passion 

“I always knew I wanted to be a pediatrician,” says Dr. Mintz. “Combining my love for science and my desire to work with children felt like the perfect path.” Initially planning to return to the state of Washington after her residency, Dr. Mintz's first job out of residency brought her to Elliot Health System. “I never intended to settle long-term in New Hampshire, but by the end of my second year, I was hooked. I loved my patients and the community I served.” 

Dr. Mintz's path to becoming chief medical officer was not a straightforward one. After a decade of practice, Elliot Health System underwent a structural change. Her passion for improving office operations led her to take on administrative responsibilities despite initial reluctance. “It was never about me being focused on serving in this role. It was about finding passion in what I was doing and letting things evolve. Life is not a straight line, with its share of successes and disappointments,” she reflects. Her dedication and drive led to her appointment as executive medical director of all primary care, an exciting new challenge that inspired her to further her education with leadership courses and an MBA, which she completed in 2022. Though giving up her practice was a difficult decision, the joy she finds in continuing education, professional development, and being a woman in a leadership role fuels her passion. 

Finding Inspiration at Elliot Health System 

Dr. Mintz's tenure at Elliot has been marked by her commitment to innovation and excellence. “I love working for the system because it’s an exciting place that is always looking to be better tomorrow than we are today. We are open to new initiatives and programs,” she shares. “I have immense pride in working for a system that is community-focused and mission-driven.” She credits Elliot Health System’s president and CEO, Dr. Greg Baxter, and his vision for making The Elliot “the first choice to give and receive care,” a guiding principle in her daily work. 

When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Dr. Mintz highlights the opportunity to impact the community on a larger scale. “I love developing programs and understanding what practitioners need. Healthcare is constantly changing and evolving, and it is important to keep up with the pulse of the needs of the healthcare teams,” she says. One of her proudest achievements has been expanding access to behavioral health services.  

Using AI to Improve Patient Care and Work/Life Balance for Providers 

Dr. Mintz is dedicated to preventing burnout and helping healthcare professionals enjoy their practice and deliver the highest possible level of care. “People need to find joy in the work that they do, and we need to continue to evolve to allow for a supportive environment that allows for this joy,” she says. Innovation plays a crucial role in Dr. Mintz's vision for improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. This fall, Elliot Health System will launch an AI program to track incidental findings on chest exams, ensuring that patients receive timely follow-ups. “This new technology will develop a registry of everyone who has had an incidental finding on a chest x-ray or CT scan, ensuring there is follow-up,” Dr. Mintz explains. 

Additionally, advancements in remote patient monitoring will enhance patient-provider interactions and improve patient outcomes. “Programs that flag readings from a patient’s home that need immediate attention will allow for better care,” she says.  

The Dragon Ambient Experience, another innovative AI tool, captures office visit interactions between providers and patients and converts them into notes, allowing providers to focus on patient care without the distraction of documentation. This allows the provider to capture every detail while having a focused conversation with the patient. “It’s about making patients, providers, and nurses’ lives better. We are on the brink of a culture change,” Dr. Mintz emphasizes. 

Dr. Mintz’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in healthcare. Through her leadership, Elliot Health System is poised to deliver even greater care and support to the community it serves. As she says, “It has been such an honor and pleasure to have been here for 28 years and experience the growth of services that are provided to our community. We have a bright future ahead.”