Founder Story:
Shelby Dabelich
Tulane University, MBA, Entrepreneurship & International Business '17
"Have you ever had to wait to see a doctor?"
This Tulane MBA grad has improved the patient experience and made healthcare practices more efficient.
Shelby Dabelich is the founder and CEO of DOCPACE, a healthcare company established in 2014. The company leverages innovative technology to assist healthcare providers in improving the patient experience. Through the use of data and AI, they address operational challenges, allowing providers to dedicate more time to addressing patients' needs.
Tell us about DOCPACE?
DOCPACE is a healthcare technology company dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of medical practices through data-driven solutions. By harnessing the power of advanced machine learning and AI, DOCPACE provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to identify and resolve inefficiencies in key operational areas such as Performance Analytics, Practice Coordination, and Communications.
At its core, DOCPACE focuses on optimizing patient flow and improving the overall efficiency of healthcare practices. The platform helps reduce patient wait times, enhance appointment adherence, and elevate the patient experience by utilizing real-time data and analytics. DOCPACE offers solutions that streamline scheduling, improve patient communication, and provide actionable operational insights, enabling practices to manage their workflow better, minimize no-shows, and ultimately increase revenue. Seamlessly integrating with existing EMR systems, DOCPACE is a powerful and essential tool for any healthcare provider.
What was your “ah-ha” moment when you realized DOCPACE could be a viable company?
The “ah-ha” moment for DOCPACE came when I realized that almost everyone can answer “yes” to the question, “Have you ever had to wait to see a doctor?” It’s a universal issue—one that’s frustrating for patients and equally problematic for healthcare providers. The real lightbulb moment was recognizing that this isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s also a significant financial risk for providers. The challenge is real and complex, but I couldn’t shake the idea that there must be a way to solve it and create a win-win situation for patients and healthcare providers. That realization was the driving force behind DOCPACE.
How did your MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Tulane help you with your entrepreneurial journey?
My MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Tulane was pivotal in my entrepreneurial journey with DOCPACE. Coming from a Pre-med background with a degree in Applied Physiology and Enterprise from Southern Methodist University, I had a strong foundation in math and science. However, when I decided to turn DOCPACE from an idea into a full-fledged company, I realized I needed to better understand the business side of things.
Entrepreneurship requires creativity, grit, and perseverance—traits that can be innate—but understanding how businesses operate is fundamental to success. The Tulane MBA program provided me with the tools to build this crucial part of my experience. I saw the program as an opportunity to accelerate my learning and absorb concentrated information quickly.
One of the most invaluable aspects of the program was the combination of theoretical knowledge and real-world application. I learned not just what makes businesses succeed but also why they fail. The program allowed me to dedicate time to learning what to do and, just as critically, what not to do.
Ultimately, my time at Tulane reinforced my belief that we stop growing when we stop learning, and it equipped me with the knowledge and experience to navigate the challenges of building a successful business.
You are very active in the community, helping local nonprofits with fundraising. How do you balance running a company and giving back?
When I was just eight years old, I had the opportunity to travel to parts of the world where life was vastly different from what I knew. Those experiences deeply shaped who I am today. I learned early on that even the smallest act can make a difference in someone else’s day. We all have something to give, whether it’s time, resources, or even just a smile to a stranger. These tiny actions can have a magnificent impact. For me, it's not about asking how to balance running a company and giving back—it's about understanding the why. When the "why" is strong enough, you find a way to make it happen. It’s non-negotiable.
I’m blessed to wake up every day, and with that gift comes the responsibility to do something that will positively impact someone else. Giving back doesn’t always require grand gestures or large sums of money. Sometimes, it’s the simplest actions that make the biggest difference. This life is all about perspective, and the experiences we go through shape how we see the world and how we choose to make an impact. For me, giving back is just as essential as running a company, and the two are deeply interconnected in my life.
What was your favorite MBA class (or professor) at Tulane?
My favorite MBA experiences at Tulane go beyond just the classes; they include the incredible faculty and administrators who made the journey memorable. Katie Hunter and John Silbernegal were particularly impactful—John even traveled with us, adding an invaluable dimension to our learning.
Regarding classes, Russ Robins’ Decision Models course stood out for its practical applications, Peter Ricchuti’s Burkenroad Reports for real-life investment research, and the international business trips to Italy, Argentina, and China. Those experiences broadened my global business perspective and opened me up to a better understanding of how the world operates. Another highlight was my Marketing class, where we had the opportunity to pitch to Blue Cross Blue Shield, which was both challenging and rewarding. The culmination of these things made my MBA experience at Tulane exceptional.
How will you celebrate 10 years of DOCPACE, and what’s next?
Celebrating 10 years? It feels like we’re just getting started! While it’s been an incredible journey, we’re more focused than ever on continuing to innovate and grow. As we listen to the needs of our customers and the healthcare industry as a whole, we know there’s always room for improvement. So, while we take a moment to celebrate our wins, we’re looking toward the future, driven by our mission to improve healthcare for patients and providers. The best is yet to come!
Learn more about DOCPACE.
