Meet Ivan Islamaj | Physician Assistant, co-founder and CEO of iCare Mobile Medicine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Islamaj and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In my prior professional experience, I recognized an urgent need for an innovative alternative to the traditional healthcare system. The typical experience of visiting a doctor—characterized by lengthy wait times, overcrowded waiting rooms, complicated insurance processes, opacity in service provision, high costs, and the consequent dissatisfaction of patients and stress on healthcare workers—highlighted a system overwhelmed and impersonal, akin to an assembly line. This insight led us to establish our startup with a singular focus: to streamline healthcare delivery and recenter it around the paramount goal of patient care.

Our solution was to develop a service that brings medical care directly to patients’ homes, addressing the demand for simplicity and efficiency in healthcare. We grounded our approach on three fundamental healthcare pillars: quality of care, access to care, and cost of care. By providing care in the comfort of the patient’s home within one to two hours of request, we offer unparalleled access. This setting ensures a one-on-one, undisturbed interaction between patient and provider, enhancing the quality of care. Research supports that such an approach not only improves outcomes but is also preferred by patients. Addressing the critical issue of soaring healthcare costs, our model eliminates the expenses associated with traditional physical healthcare facilities. This significant reduction in overhead allows us to lower the cost of care substantially, making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible without compromising quality or access. As our service volume and market competition increase, we anticipate further cost reductions.

Drawing parallels with the rising popularity of at-home services such as Uber Eats, we are convinced that at-home healthcare represents the future of medicine, meeting the growing demand for more personalized and convenient care options.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My name is Ivan Islamaj, and as the co-founder and CEO of iCare Mobile Medicine, I’ve had the unique opportunity to lead a pioneering mobile urgent care, servicing south and central Florida. Our journey began in the throes of the pandemic, where our clinic played a critical role in combating COVID-19 by providing tests, vaccinations, treatments, and monitoring to patients in their homes. This approach not only minimized the risk of viral transmission but also alleviated the strain on traditional healthcare facilities. A standout achievement for us was managing to keep 99% of our COVID-19 patients out of the hospital, with a 100% survival rate, thanks to early interventions like monoclonal antibodies and diligent patient care. iCare Mobile Medicine was one of the first clinics in the nation to efficiently administer the preventative monoclonal antibody, Evusheld, to highly immunocompromised patients. As a result, we have been featured in news articles, such as Miami Herald, STAT, and Tampa Bay Times.

Beyond COVID-19, iCare Mobile Medicine offers a comprehensive range of urgent and primary care services. Our model emphasizes follow-up care through telemedicine, ensuring patients recover fully while reducing the need for hospitalization. We’re set apart by our ability to provide at-home diagnostics like lab tests, X-rays, ECGs, and more, operating 24/7 to offer care beyond the usual business hours, which significantly cuts down on unnecessary hospital visits.

Since opening in January 2021, we’ve cared for over 4,000 patients, including high-profile individuals and those underserved by traditional healthcare due to financial constraints. Our growth has been remarkable, with revenue tripling from our first to second year, and we’re planning to expand our reach further into additional cities and states.

One of the keys to our success has been the demonstrated ability of mobile health clinics to lower healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. This is particularly true for elderly patients and those in assisted living, where our mobile and remote care services can prevent hospital admissions.

Our diverse, minority-owned team has earned a stellar reputation, reflected in our 5-star ratings across major review platforms. Our innovative approach to healthcare has even captured the interest of the mini-series documentary, “Viewpoint Project” with Dennis Quaid, which will feature iCare Mobile Medicine in an upcoming episode on concierge and home health services.

In essence, iCare Mobile Medicine is redefining the delivery of healthcare by providing efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality care directly to patients’ homes. Our story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless commitment to patient care, setting a new standard for what is possible in the healthcare industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is my favorite question, and I will share with our readers the itinerary that I shared with our 200+ out-of-town guests attending our wedding:

Miami is a such a vibrant city, with its stunning beaches, lively culture, and diverse culinary scene. I would recommend experiencing the essence of this lively city through a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.

Day 1: South Beach & Art Deco District:
Start with a leisurely breakfast at News Café on Ocean Drive for some people-watching. Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming at South Beach–it is an experience. Explore the Art Deco Historic District, perhaps with a guided tour to appreciate the architecture. Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab for their legendary seafood. End the night with drinks at The Broken Shaker, known for its inventive cocktails.

Day 2: Wynwood Walls & Little Havana:
Breakfast at Zak the Baker in Wynwood, known for its delicious sourdough and pastries. Visit the Wynwood Walls to view iconic street art and galleries. Excellent place for taking pictures. Lunch at Panther Coffee for some of the best coffee and light bites. Head to Little Havana in the afternoon, visit the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park, and grab a mojito at Ball & Chain. Dinner at Versailles, the famous Cuban restaurant, for authentic local cuisine is a must-do.

Day 3: Biscayne Bay & Coconut Grove:
Rent kayaks or a boat to explore Biscayne Bay in the morning. Bring lots of sunblock, because the sun here is not to be taken lightly. Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for a glimpse into Miami’s glamorous early 20th-century history. Lunch at GreenStreet Café in Coconut Grove, a laid-back outdoor dining spot. Afternoon stroll through the Grove – check out the boutiques and CocoWalk. Great place for shopping as well. Dinner at Bombay Darbar for some of the best Indian cuisine.

Day 4: Everglades Adventure:
Early departure for a day trip to the Everglades National Park. There you can take an airboat tour to see alligators and the unique ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Return to Miami for a casual dinner at Kush Wynwood, offering great burgers and local craft beer.

Day 5: Key Biscayne & Brickell:
Morning visit to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne for beaches and the historic lighthouse. Lunch at The Rusty Pelican, offering hands-down the best views of the Miami skyline. Bring your camera. Explore Brickell in the afternoon, including the Brickell City Centre for shopping. Dinner at La Mar by Gastón Acurio for exquisite Peruvian cuisine.
Drinks at Sugar, a rooftop bar in Brickell with panoramic views of the city.

Day 6: Coral Gables & Sunset Cruise:
Breakfast at Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile, followed by a visit to the Venetian Pool. Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Lunch at Hillstone in Coral Gables for American classics in a sophisticated setting. Relax in the afternoon, then embark on a sunset cruise from Bayside Marketplace. Dinner at Casa Tua for a luxurious Italian dining experience.

Day 7: Leisure and Departure:
A relaxed breakfast at The Local House on Ocean Drive. Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps a final stroll on the beach or last-minute shopping. Enjoy a farewell lunch at Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard for health-focused Mediterranean dishes with waterfront views.

Seven days may just not be enough, and I realize that I am barely scratching the surface with the long list of incredible places to experience in Miami. This is a great segue to my final point: while you are taking an Uber to the airport, call my brother, Silvio Islamaj, who is a realtor, and start planning your move to Florida. There is no better city to live in than Miami, Florida.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The journey to success is never a solitary one, and my story is a testament to the collective support, mentorship, and encouragement I’ve been fortunate to receive. Foremost, I extend my deepest gratitude to my wife, Stefanie Sass, for her unwavering love, support, and understanding, especially given the demands of my schedule. My immigrant parents from Albania, deserve immense recognition for their sacrifices in search of the American Dream, setting the foundation for my aspirations.

My exceptional team at work has become my second family, consistently delivering their best and embodying the spirit of collaboration and excellence. A special shoutout to our office manager, Anila Nicklos; our Miami lead PA, David Doirin; and our Orlando lead PA, Shad brown. Dr. Nicholas Suite, my business partner, mentor, and friend, has been instrumental in nurturing my vision with his kindness, intelligence, and professionalism—qualities that have become the pillars of our company’s culture.

Additionally, I must acknowledge our patients, who have placed their trust in us, becoming our most vocal advocates. Their faith in our mission has been crucial to our success. Each of these individuals and groups has played an indispensable role in our journey, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Website: www.icaremm.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/icare_mobile_medicine

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/icare-mobile-medicine

Twitter: @IcareMedicine

Facebook: www.facebook.com/icaremobilemedicine

Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/icare-mobile-medicine-hollywood-2

Youtube: @icaremobilemedicine

Other: TikTok: @icaremobilemedicine