Frida Velcani, MD, MBA

Undergraduate Education: Vassar College, BA, Science, Technology, & Society 
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, MD
Graduate School: Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, MBA

Originally from the Northeast, Dr. Velcani was raised in Queens, New York, and Fairfield, Connecticut. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Science, Technology, and Society and a minor in Hispanic Studies. After college, she joined The diaTribe Foundation in San Francisco, where she co-led a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on advancing standards of care in diabetes alongside patient advocacy groups, medical device manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.

During medical school, Dr. Velcani conducted health systems research through the Levy Health Care Delivery Incubator, reported on emerging findings for Ophthalmology Advisor, and interned at Fogarty Innovation, a leading Silicon Valley MedTech incubator. She also co-led the Design for Health group and served on the committee for the Upper Valley MedTech Collaborative, convening interdisciplinary teams to address clinical challenges. In business school, she was involved with the Center for Business, Government & Society (CBGS) and served as a Nonprofit Board Fellow, further reinforcing her commitment to mission-driven leadership. 

Dr. Velcani is driven by the belief that healthcare innovation should close the gap between patients, providers, and systems, and aims to improve patient outcomes within ophthalmology.

In her free time, Dr. Velcani enjoys preparing Mediterranean cuisine, high-intensity interval training, skiing, and mixing music. Her family has since relocated to Stuart, Florida, where she enjoys being on the water and taking long walks with her goldendoodle, Milo.

• Payson-Wilson-Hampers MD-MBA Scholars Award (Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; 2026)
• National Eye Institute Travel Grant (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO); 2026)
• Nonprofit Board Fellow (Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth; 2025 – 2026)
• Health Equity Scholar (Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; 2022 – 2024)
• Medical Education Scholar (Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; 2021 – 2026): 
• Phi Beta Kappa (Vassar College; 2019)
• Departmental & General Honors (Vassar College; 2019) 

Chronic disease management, retinal pathology, pediatrics, and ocular trauma

Healthcare disparities, emerging therapeutics, healthcare innovation