Finding New Opportunities In Health Care A recent job change points Melissa Hayden-Cook in the Internet’s direction

Originally nominated for 40 Under Forty recognition for her work as the senior vice president of marketing operations at Sharp HealthCare, Melissa Hayden-Cook has reluctantly left her job of six years for a new opportunity in the start-up world.

She won’t be too far away, however, as Sharp’s Mary Birch Hospital will serve as the pilot program site in her new venture. Hayden-Cook has joined Esin Technologies, which will endeavor to bring the Internet and entertainment amenities to the hospital bedside, i.e., “Get Well TV.” The goal is to create social connectivity, the lifelines that people depend on, into the hospital room. These services could be for the patient’s visiting family as well as for the patient.

Hayden-Cook, 38, has served two consecutive years as chair for WalkAmerica, which in 1999 reported record amounts of money raised. She also is active in the HealthCare Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties and served as the chair elect of Community Health Improvement Partners before leaving Sharp.

A native San Diegan, she received a YWCA TWIN award in 1996.

Health care expert Melissa Hayden-Cook
speaks at a March of Dimes event.