Health Education via Telemedicine

Guest Bio: Gerald Stansbury & Thomas Updike, PhD

Dr. Thomas Updike has over 50 years of professional experience ranging from direct clinical services to senior executive management and leadership positions of non-profit as well as for profit organizations. Dr. Updike founded several commercial companies providing long term managed care as well as telemedicine services nationwide. He has served as the Governor’s Appointee heading Mental Health and Substance Abuse in several states. He is a proven leader and is skilled in developing boards of directors, strategic planning and community collaborations. Dr. Updike’s personal qualities of patience and warmth, exceptional work ethics and inspiring energy, along with his decisive and purposeful leadership style are congruent with the philosophy and core values which support the goal of creating a strengths-based work environment which is respectful of all. Dr. Updike’s company, TeleMedVIP, exemplifies his values and ethical principles.

Dr. Updike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lynchburg, his Master of Science Degree in rehabilitation counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University, his Doctorate degree in counseling with cognate in psychology and human medicine from Michigan State University, and has extensive post-graduate education from Harvard University, University of Virginia, Rice University, University of Richmond and New York University Post Graduate School of Medicine in the areas of executive leadership, mental health, forensic psychiatry, geriatrics, emergency services, fund raising and quality assurance.


Gerald Stansbury has dedicated the majority of his professional career to the behavioral health arena in Arizona and Texas through a variety of roles. These have included providing direct care services, developing programs and policies for managed care organizations as well as advocating for innovative ways to deliver quality services that make a difference to people’s health. Gerald joined TeleMedVIP as Chief Administrative Officer/ Vice President after spending the past couple years working with inpatient psychiatric hospitals here in Texas.

Gerald graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology while minoring in Religious Studies from Arizona State University. He received his Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix. He is a Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona and is a National Certified Counselor. When not working for TeleMedVIP, Gerald spends his time with his family, manages his behavioral health consulting agency, and contributes to the Uber Rock music website.