Michael Gordon: My career started in an unexpected way. I originally studied studio arts and worked as an executive assistant. In 2006, I became the Creative Services Director for an event management company, marking my entry into the marketing world. I spent about 15 to 16 years in event marketing, focusing on conferences, trade shows, and incentive travel.
Incentive travel is all about creating an experience, and that perspective has significantly influenced my approach to patient care. In healthcare, just like in event marketing, it's about crafting an experience before the experience itself—using multiple touchpoints to guide people. Patients need to empower themselves towards better patient outcomes, really understanding the qualitative benefits they will get from their improved care rather than solely understanding the technology behind the healthcare product.
Event marketing and patient experience share commonalities. Both require a deep understanding of individuals, strong communication, and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. My experiences with global incentive travel heightened my cultural competence—whether it’s dietary habits, religious considerations, or past experiences, understanding these factors is crucial in providing effective patient care.
Michael Gordon: The turning point came during COVID-19. The international event and incentive travel industry collapsed, and shortly before that, I spent over a month with a family member hospitalized in intensive care. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for nursing and the critical role healthcare professionals play.
Determined to make a change, I went back to community college and completed nearly two years’ worth of prerequisites in just three semesters during COVID. I then applied to nursing programs and, through a competitive process, was accepted into the University of Arizona, where I graduated in 2023. From there, I started working at Duke University Hospital and eventually transitioned to Codex Health.
Michael Gordon: Even while in nursing school, I knew I didn’t want to be a traditional floor nurse. I was more interested in research and specialized areas of care. I trained as a cardiothoracic surgery nurse, but my goal was always to find a way to make a broader impact.
Aimee, a colleague, spoke highly of Codex Health and its mission to improve cardiometabolic health proactively. What drew me in was the opportunity to help guide the product, provide input from a nursing perspective, and be a voice for patients. Codex empowers patients to make lifestyle changes that lead to lifelong, reversible improvements in their health.
Michael Gordon: Most of my time is now focused on direct patient care. My day typically starts at 9 AM with patient appointments and there’s a lot of follow-up involved, ensuring that patients stay engaged through consistent touchpoints.
As Codex has grown, maintaining those personal connections has become more challenging, but that’s where follow-up visits and continuous care play a crucial role. It’s exhausting but incredibly rewarding. Lately, I’ve been working primarily with hypertension program patients and some with diabetes.
One of the most fulfilling moments is when a patient tells me, “I did what you suggested, and I saw a huge difference.” That’s why I do this.
Michael Gordon: The biggest impact comes from a combination of patient engagement and technology. Patients who stay actively involved—tracking their blood pressure, following up on their progress, and scheduling their next appointment—are the ones who see the most significant improvements.
The blend of technology and human empathy is where Codex makes a difference. Data tracking and virtual tools help, but at the end of the day, human connection matters. A virtual hug is not the same as real human support. What’s most important is that patients recognize their own progress rather than just relying on a doctor’s validation.
We focus on “proactive care between primary care.” The goal is to bridge the gap between doctor visits and ensure patients feel supported every step of the way.
As I like to say, "Allie is your ally."
