SEARHC has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a program that connects independent healthcare providers with Mayo Clinic’s expertise, digital tools, and resources. The partnership aims to improve access to specialized medical knowledge for patients in Southeast Alaska, where travel to consult specialists has historically been a barrier.
The move allows SEARHC, a Native-run health organization serving 26 communities, to integrate Mayo Clinic’s clinical support into its daily operations. Providers can now consult specialists remotely, access evidence-based guidelines, and participate in virtual case reviews without requiring patients to leave the region.
Dr. Cate Buley, SEARHC’s chief medical officer, said the partnership would bridge gaps in local care. “For patients across Southeast Alaska, accessing specialized expertise can sometimes require significant travel and time away from home,” says Cate Buley, M.D., chief medical officer at SEARHC. “Joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network gives our providers another way to bring leading medical knowledge into the care we provide here at home.”
Mayo Clinic’s evaluation highlighted SEARHC’s commitment to high-quality care, leading to its inclusion in the network. The program now includes over 50 organizations worldwide, representing nearly 20,000 physicians.
Through the partnership, SEARHC staff gain access to several Mayo Clinic tools, including:
- AskMayoExpert, a point-of-care resource with treatment protocols and medical references.
- eConsults, allowing direct specialist input on patient cases.
- eBoards, live video conferences for complex case discussions with Mayo Clinic panels.
- Healthcare consulting services to align clinical goals with subspecialty expertise.
- Patient education materials and continuing medical education opportunities.
For remote communities where specialists are scarce, this partnership could reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. Patients facing long trips for second opinions may now receive faster, localized care, though final decisions remain with SEARHC providers.
The collaboration also reflects broader trends in healthcare, where digital connectivity and shared expertise are reshaping how rural and underserved areas access advanced medicine. SEARHC, founded in 1975, has long prioritized culturally sensitive care, and this alliance extends those efforts with external support.
Mayo Clinic’s Platform initiative, which drives the network, focuses on data-driven innovation and AI to improve global healthcare delivery. The program’s growth, now spanning 15 years, shows its role in connecting smaller systems with larger medical institutions.