Interview: Thierry Lyard, Founder and Managing Director, MedSTAR

Could you please provide us with more information about MedSTAR? Specifically, would you elaborate on your organisation's activities and the geographical regions it currently serves?

MedSTAR, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is Europe's pioneering medical transport network. Our comprehensive ground transportation services encompass a wide range of options, including ambulances, multi-person vans, and taxis, serving the ground transportation needs in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

You are the founder of MedSTAR. What inspired you to establish your own company, and how has it evolved since its inception?

Having spent many years in the global travel insurance industry, I've held diverse roles, including a position at one of Switzerland's leading ground transportation companies. During my time in this position, I acknowledged a significant demand among clients for ground transportation coverage across multiple regions, seeking a convenient one-stop solution and a single point of contact to streamline their arrangements.

From the inception of MedSTAR in 2016, my passion has been dedicated to delivering exceptional service and positioning ourselves as problem solvers for our clients. We take great pride in our achievements thus far, from pioneering the very first European-based ground transportation network to continually expanding our coverage areas. Throughout this journey, our unwavering focus has remained on ensuring our clients' satisfaction and ensuring seamless transportation experiences. To this day, every patient and every mission counts at MedSTAR.

As one of the most prominent players in the European ground transportation sector, what are the primary challenges you face while providing support to patients in this region?

Certainly, ensuring availability during peak seasons, particularly in the busy summer and winter periods, has been a noteworthy challenge. Additionally, recruiting top-tier partners and maintaining coverage in the most remote areas have presented their own set of complexities. However, I'm pleased to note that with our current system and our measured pace of growth, we have navigated these challenges effectively and are on the right path in managing this complex adventure successfully.

In terms of organising ground transportation across such a vast area, what advantages do you believe a Swiss-based provider has?

Our strategic location at the heart of Europe is a significant advantage. Being based in Switzerland provides us with a unique vantage point, enabling us to leverage our language skills and cultural understanding to navigate the complexities of the European landscape effectively. This is particularly valuable in a continent with diverse languages and customs.

Moreover, our ability to offer competitive pricing to our clients while ensuring adequate compensation for our providers is a key factor in our success. It allows us to strike a balance that benefits both parties.

Additionally, our central European location simplifies business travel – often by train – which is extremely convenient when it comes to expanding our provider network and nurturing partnerships effectively.

Reflecting on your journey, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and what insights do you wish you had possessed when you initially started?

My greatest source of pride lies in the exceptional team we've assembled and our steadfast commitment to ensuring our clients' satisfaction with our services. Despite our significant growth in terms of client numbers, we have remained a company that prioritises patient care over mere case numbers. Looking back on our journey so far, it has been a remarkable adventure filled with valuable lessons and the establishment of numerous invaluable partnerships along the way. 

Could you share with us your vision for the future of MedSTAR? What are your upcoming plans and aspirations for your company?

While our commitment to delivering exceptional service and patient care remains unchanged, we are actively exploring opportunities to expand our coverage by incorporating additional countries into our network. Furthermore, we are continually seeking out suitable providers in our existing regions and aiming to extend our network to even the most remote areas.

On a personal note, I look forward to continuing my fulfilling journey with MedSTAR for many years to come, driven by the passion for the work we do and the difference we make in the global industry.