Joan Melendez
ADVISOR, UDI EXPERT
National Harbor, MD
Last Modified: July 16, 2023
Joan Melendez is an accomplished entrepreneur and a driving force behind transformative change in the capture of Unique Device Identification (UDI) to ensure accurate clinical documentation and prevent the use of recalled and expired medical devices.
With a strong background in healthcare IT solutions and a passion for improving patient safety, Joan has made significant contributions to the industry. Recognizing the critical role of accurate clinical documentation and the potential risks associated with using recalled or expired medical devices, Joan founded Xcelrate UDI with a clear vision: to revolutionize the way UDI is captured and integrated into clinical workflows.
Her innovative approach aims to empower healthcare providers with streamlined processes that enhance documentation accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes, while simultaneously reducing the utilization of unsafe devices.
Under Joan's leadership, Xcelrate UDI has developed cutting-edge technology solutions that enable seamless UDI capture and integration into electronic health records (EHR) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
By leveraging advanced data analytics, automation, and interoperability, Joan's transformative solutions not only ensure that UDI information is accurately recorded and readily accessible, but also actively prevent the use of recalled and expired medical devices while allowing adverse events or product failures to be recorded against the accurate product both during use and post care.
Through real-time tracking mechanisms and integration with device recall databases, Joan's solutions provide healthcare providers with instant alerts and notifications when attempting to use devices with safety concerns. This proactive approach not only safeguards patients but also minimizes liability for healthcare organizations, while optimizing patient care.
Joan's unwavering commitment to driving change in UDI capture has resulted in improved patient safety, reduced errors, and enhanced decision-making for healthcare professionals. By ensuring accurate clinical documentation and actively preventing the use of recalled and expired medical devices, she has empowered clinicians to make informed treatment decisions and has facilitated comprehensive device tracking and recall management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joan is a dedicated advocate for data integrity, patient safety, and the importance of UDI in healthcare settings. She actively collaborates with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and healthcare providers to promote the adoption and standardization of UDI capture processes, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
Joan Melendez's entrepreneurial spirit, expertise in healthcare IT solutions, and dedication to patient safety have positioned her as a transformative leader in the capture of UDI for accurate clinical documentation and prevention of the use of unsafe devices. Through her visionary approach, she continues to drive positive change, improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the way UDI is integrated into healthcare practices.
Professional Experience
Xcelrate UDI — President and Founder
“I’m dedicated to the field of medical device safety and an active participant in breast implant advocacy with BISA.
Recognizing the need to address critical gaps in patient safety, I strive to raise awareness about the misconceptions surrounding reporting of adverse events and the "black box" warning on breast implants.
Unlike cigarette packaging, where warnings are visible on the outside, the black box warning is solely located on the Instructions for Use (IFU) inside the box. Surgeons, who are experienced with these medical devices (breast implants), often do not reference the IFU consistently.
Through my involvement with BISA, I’m determined to educate patients and healthcare professionals about the significance of UDI information, enabling improved tracking of breast implants, facilitating timely recalls, and ultimately enhancing patient safety in breast implant procedures.”