The passion behind precision health — Get to know endocrinologist, Dr. Neeli Singh

Verily has a long, ongoing dedication to helping individuals better manage their diabetes, starting with Verily’s Onduo virtual chronic care solution, which was originally launched in 2016, and evolving to the recently announced, Verily Lightpath — comprehensive clinical care, enhanced by AI. These innovations grew out of the critical need for healthcare with greater impact and more personalized approaches to help the growing numbers of people with diabetes reach their health goals. Throughout the years, Verily has anchored these solutions with empathetic clinical experts so fitfully named — the care team. 

Verily’s diabetes care program members are guided by this deep bench of health coaches and licensed clinicians, such as Dr. Neeli Singh, MD, endocrinologist and Medical Director of Onduo P.C., the telehealth clinic Verily collaborates with to provide clinical services. Dr. Singh shares her story — how she can relate to her patients, and how she shares and helps fulfill Verily’s mission of more personal, precise diabetes care for all.

When you started your path in medicine, was endocrinology your goal?
I have a very strong family history of diabetes — all of my uncles and aunts, my father and my sisters have diabetes. So the choice of medical specialty was always very clear to me — I either wanted to be an endocrinologist, or a pediatrician.

Who inspires you in diabetes care, and why? 
Undoubtedly, it's my father. As my mother reminds me, my father was diagnosed with diabetes right after my birth. Growing up, I used to think that my father got diabetes because of me! Supporting my father through his experience with diabetes has helped to shape my life and career choices in such a profound way. The empathy that I feel for him drives my dedication to helping others manage their condition, too. My father is also a lung cancer survivor and on multiple daily insulin injections, he is doing great (my patients’ ongoing blessings help, too)!

What was your professional path to Onduo P.C., and working with Verily? 
After my fellowship in 2009, I started practicing at Mass General Brigham integrated health system. Other than caring for patients in person, I was deeply involved in providing virtual care through an innovative, questions-based system. This experience inspired me to become part of the Verily Onduo care team in December of 2018. And I became Medical Director of Onduo P.C. in 2022.

What first attracted you to virtual healthcare for diabetes? 
I’m immensely passionate about our virtual clinical team’s work because we touch so many patients in such a meaningful way. I was compelled early on in my career because of advancements in medical technology that shape the way we can support patients with diabetes, such as CGMs and other innovations (including the system at Mass General Brigham).

We offer virtual care to patients across all 50 states, increasing access to support one of the most vulnerable patient populations — even the most remote and under-served areas — in a remarkable way. And by leveraging data like blood sugar readings in combination with medical history, medication history, and overall health of each patient, we offer a more personalized approach to care, rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

This approach promotes more effective medical management because each care plan is tailored to each patient, with the added bonus of being in a flexible setting. And CGM real-time, remote patient monitoring and intervention can reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes.

Did diabetes care challenges, e.g., social determinants, influence this choice?
Absolutely. The prevalence of diabetes in all communities is rising significantly. Factors like food insecurity, lack of access to healthy food options, and transportation barriers play a huge role in successful diabetes management.

All of this increases the need for endocrinologist and diabetes educator access, especially in rural areas, but without a telehealth solution, people are experiencing longer wait times to be seen at doctors’ offices, and greater time for new patients to establish care. I know practices that are booking out at least a year; if they even have the capacity to accept new patients at all. These difficulties in accessing care deter patients from seeking it. It’s a vicious cycle. Untreated diabetes has many health consequences, including significantly impacting psychological health. Wait times and poor access compound psychological outcomes, like the burden of living with diabetes; which can lead to depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress.

This is why Verily Onduo, and the upcoming Verily Lightpath* chronic care platform, are crucial! We’re leveraging technology to bridge gaps in care. Virtual experiences increase care access for the underserved, improve health literacy, and integrate mental health support into diabetes care.

Individuals may think they know what doctors do. But how do you describe your role? 
Essentially, my role is to be a patient's trusted guide, mentor, and cheerleader, using data-driven insights and most importantly, empathy, to help them thrive while living their life with diabetes.

What are you most proud of with Verily diabetes care?
Verily's mission to make healthcare more personal and precise resonates deeply with me. Our programs are a holistic, tailored approach to medicine. We’re not just helping manage peoples’ diabetes; we also treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes distress and struggles with obesity. We take pride in collaborating with each patient's Verily care team, along with their primary care physicians and specialists, to develop an individualized care plan that can work best for them.

Can you talk more about your connection to diabetes, and how it’s inspired your career?
Along with my family history of diabetes, I live with diabetes, too. When a patient says, “Doc, you don't know what it feels like when I'm having low blood sugar,” I smile and reply, “Actually, I do”. This may sound funny, but I feel like this creates a deeper connection with my patients. They trust that I understand what they’re going through — and they’re absolutely right!

Sharing in each patient’s experience — challenges, successes, lows, highs — it cultivates a special bond which many would not expect to develop in a virtual setting. Our care model offers patients flexibility, but it also does for care teams. Work and personal life balance makes me a better doctor.

Living with diabetes is my superpower when it comes to treating people with diabetes. My personal experiences offer a unique perspective and insight that I leverage to support our patients. As a patient, I want to be involved in my own treatment plan with my doctor. That’s another reason why I advocate for my patients to be engaged in their own care. Plus, the more vocal they are, the more I learn about them, and the more personalized their care plan will be.

Endocrinologist numbers are decreasing. What key ways does Verily virtual care give the tools and support specialists need to make a greater impact with less workforce?
I love this question! Our virtual clinic allows us to increase accessibility to quality care, and to reach patients all over the nation. With Verily Lightpath*, AI-powered insights will help enhance patient data analysis for even greater personalization of care. And overall, remote monitoring through CGMs enables us to provide timely interventions, helping reduce the risk of complications as we adjust medications or insulin regimens in-between clinic visits, and target care to each patient, along with optimizing visits for those in greatest need.

What diabetes-management concerns do patients share with you most?  
Most of our patients have concerns about their blood sugar control and fluctuation, managing their medications and unintended side effects of some of those medications. Weight management is another big issue, as well as prioritizing diet and nutrition planning, mental health, and stress. Plus, access to resources and support is another key concern. 

How does Verily diabetes care best support these concerns? 
In addition to the technology that helps us deliver better care, our vast team of health coaches, diabetes educators, nurse care managers, nutritionists, and pharmacy team are very involved in providing fit-for-member care. This includes lifestyle guidance — diet, exercise and stress reduction — with regular check-ins and progress monitoring. Our care team is constantly assessing each person’s Diabetes Distress Score, and escalating to our clinicians, as needed, along with connecting people to resources.

When we prescribe a new medication, our clinical team sends the patient a short questionnaire after a week to proactively check-in, confirming if they filled it. If yes, is there a cost barrier? If not, do the prescriptions need prior authorization through their insurance? And we ask if they’re having any side effects, then take steps to help manage them. 

As Verily evolves its care offering, what Lightpath* features are you looking forward to in helping people lead healthier lives with metabolic conditions?
With Verily Lightpath*, I’m most excited about the integration of AI-powered predictive analytics and machine learning capabilities that will help support our mission to provide:  

• personalized risk identification and prevention strategies
• smart alerts and recommendations for care teams 
• enhanced patient engagement and empowerment
• continuous learning and improvement of care pathways

What are your other passions, interests, projects or hobbies?
I take pride in working with NEBAF — New England Bangladeshi American Foundation —  empowering migrant women. I have enjoyed working with some great folks to help Afghan refugees and Honduran flood victims. I have also been honored for supporting public services for South East Asians by Massachusetts Governor, Charlie Baker. 

Perhaps my greatest dedication is being a mother to my two sons, and raising awareness about autism, as my youngest son has autism. I also enjoy taking vacations with my family, and exploring different cuisines.

Disclaimers 
*Verily Lightpath to be available for open enrollment in 2026

The information contained on this page is intended to outline Verily’s general product direction and is not a commitment or legal obligation to deliver any functionality. Product capabilities, timeframes and features are subject to change and should not be viewed as commitments.

Verily Life Sciences LLC (“Verily”) offers virtual care management programs for eligible individuals, as further described in these materials and within the Verily Lightpath solution page within this website. Verily collaborates with Onduo Management Services LLC (“OMS”), Onduo LLC, and a network of affiliated Professional Entities to offer the services. These services are meant to be used in conjunction with regular in-person clinical services and not intended to replace routine primary care.

Statements related to Rx treatments are for members receiving telemedicine services with licensed health care providers through Onduo P.C.

Testimonial is in regard to the Verily Onduo program The opinions reflect our members' personal experiences with the program. Results may vary and are not guaranteed.