WelTel's Executives

Dr. Gabrielle Serafini

Gabrielle Serafini is a healthcare professional whose passion to serve has taken her around the globe. Through two decades of cultural and professional engagement, experiences in Africa embedded an appreciation for diversity and a deep understanding of the health challenges faced by millions. Inspired by a vision to provide equitable access to health care, she co-founded WelTel Health, a company focused on leveraging digital technology to provide quality health care for all, including the world’s most marginalized, leaving no one behind. Gabrielle’s lived personal experience drives her to lead authentically, in directions that improve the way health care is delivered around the world. Expanding WelTel’s reach has become one of the most exciting and important journeys of her life.

Dr. Richard Lester, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Richard Lester is an Infectious Diseases physician and Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, Canada, and Co-Founder of WelTel Health (www.weltelhealth.com), a digital health social enterprise company. Dr. Lester provided the world’s first evidence that text messaging directly with patients could improve treatment outcomes in the WelTel Kenya1 trial of patients with HIV/AIDS starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kenya, which was supported by PEPFAR and published in The Lancet in 2010. WelTel’s patient follow-up and engagement service has since been used to support and monitor patients with HIV, TB, chronic and non-chronic diseases in both primary and specialty care, mental health problems, and maternal and newborn child health (MNCH) globally, including several countries in Africa, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Peru. In 2020, WelTel was adopted by the Rwanda government to support outpatients in the national COVID-19 Home-Based Care program and later for Ebola. WelTel is a registered company in Rwanda. Dr. Lester is a Member of the Roster of Experts of the World Health Organization Digital Health Task Force, and recipient of Digital Health Canada’s Clinical Innovator of the Year Award in 2020. WelTel is currently working to improve outcomes and save lives for all, including women, children, and vulnerable people, leaving no one behind. ‍

Joaquin Ruiz

With over 30 years of experience in the technology sector, Joaquin Ruiz is a passionate product innovator, entrepreneur, and leader who exemplifies a wide range of valuable qualities and skills. Having successfully exited 6 start-ups in Silicon Valley, Joaquin understands the challenges of start-up culture and the importance of focus for mission-driven companies. He places a high value on design, technology, data, and company culture, recognizing their pivotal role in creating exceptional product experiences. As a hands-on leader, Joaquin demonstrates his expertise in shaping product vision, defining strategies, and executing plans with precision. His extensive technical background and extensive experience in product development, marketing, and business operations provide him with a comprehensive perspective, enabling him to navigate various aspects of the industry adeptly.

Our Leadership

"We're saving lives one text message at a time."

Dr. Gabby
CEO, WelTel Health

WelTel's Executives

WelTel's Board of Advisors

Our Leadership

"We're saving lives one text message at a time."

Dr. GabbyCEO, WelTel Health

WelTel's Executives

WelTel's Board of Advisors

Dr. Gabby
CEO, WelTel Health