Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissa McFarlane.
Chrissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in healthcare in high school researching at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. After seeing firsthand how fragmented patient data makes it difficult for people to access and control their own health information through my varied experiences in healthcare after my start as a medical researcher. That experience inspired me to found Patientory, with a mission to empower individuals through secure, transparent, and connected digital health solutions.
What began as an idea to give patients ownership of their data has evolved into a global company building blockchain- and AI-driven infrastructure for healthcare organizations, employers, and researchers. Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead Patientory through major innovation programs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia—expanding from our base in Atlanta to partnerships across France, Germany, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that meaningful innovation in health tech isn’t just about technology—it’s about building trust, equity, and empowerment into every layer of care. Patientory continues to grow on that foundation, connecting people and organizations around the world to a more secure, data-driven, and patient-centered future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the journey definitely hasn’t been smooth—but every challenge has been an essential part of the story. In the early days, one of the biggest hurdles was breaking into industries that weren’t quite ready for innovation, whether in health tech or entrepreneurship. Convincing investors, partners, and even users to trust something as complex as blockchain and digital health required relentless education and proof of value.
There were also the typical startup struggles—limited resources, regulatory barriers, and the constant pressure to deliver results while building from the ground up. As a woman of color in tech, there were moments when I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously or to get a seat at the table.
But each setback reinforced my resilience and vision. It taught me to pivot quickly, build stronger partnerships, and stay focused on the mission—to empower people globally through secure, accessible health data. What once felt like roadblocks have turned into defining milestones that shaped who I am as a founder and leader today.
We’ve been impressed with Patientory, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Patientory, Inc. is a pioneering digital health company revolutionizing how individuals and organizations manage healthcare data. We specialize in blockchain-secured health data infrastructure, empowering patients, providers, and enterprises to securely store, access, and exchange health information through our Patientory Digital Health Wallet and PTOYMatrix blockchain network.
Our technology bridges the gap between patients and healthcare organizations, making health data truly portable, private, and interoperable. We are known for being one of the first companies to bring blockchain into healthcare compliance frameworks, seamlessly integrating AI-driven chronic disease management, clinical trial diversity insights, and token-based health engagement incentives — all within a secure, HIPAA-compliant ecosystem.
What sets us apart is our mission-driven approach to health equity and empowerment. We’re not just building software — we’re reshaping how health data flows globally, ensuring that people have ownership over their personal health information while reducing inefficiencies for payors, providers, and employers. Our platform has been recognized for its ability to reduce healthcare costs, enhance patient outcomes, and unlock new models for value-based care.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of building trust in a complex industry. Patientory stands as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and purpose — from being featured in Forbes and International Business Times to being recognized on the global stage at the Prix Galien Awards, HLTH, and World Economic Forum. Our work reflects a deep commitment to digital transformation and social impact.
Ultimately, we want readers to know that Patientory is creating the future of connected health — one where technology and trust converge to make care smarter, safer, and more inclusive for everyone.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about our city is the energy — it’s a place where innovation, creativity, and community truly intersect. There’s a strong sense of collaboration here, and people genuinely want to see each other succeed. Whether it’s the thriving startup scene, the cultural diversity, or the abundance of local events and networking opportunities, the city inspires growth and new ideas every day.
What I like least — and this comes from a place of wanting to see the city continue to grow — is the sometimes limited access to consistent funding and infrastructure compared to traditional tech hubs like San Francisco or New York. There’s an immense amount of talent and innovation here that deserves more visibility and investment. But even that challenge fuels a lot of creativity and resilience among Atlanta entrepreneurs. We don’t wait for opportunities — we create them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/patientory
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patientory_inc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patientory/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissamcfarlane/
- Twitter: https://x.com/patientory
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PatientoryInc
