Veteran and healthcare professional Keli Callaghan, alongside co-founder Justine DeVine, is transforming the battle against toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water through their innovative medical consulting firm, Mass Tort Medical Consultants (MTMC), bringing decades of combined medical expertise to one of America’s most pressing environmental health crises.
The dynamic duo, whose backgrounds include emergency flight nursing and neonatal intensive care, have emerged as leading advocates in the fight against PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. Their groundbreaking approach combines medical expertise with legal advocacy, partnering with top attorneys and forming an influential PFAS consortium to tackle these issues at both state and federal levels.
MTMC’s Revolutionary Approach to Forever Chemicals
“PFAS has been found in almost every living creature, in our drinking water, and in the blood of approximately 98% of the U.S. population,” explains Justine, MTMC’s co-founder. “What’s particularly terrifying is that these chemicals are in our food, air, and drinking water – something vital to our survival. The prevalence of these substances in everyday items, from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing, has created an invisible crisis affecting millions.”
The company’s efforts have already gained significant traction, including their work with various state attorneys general pursuing legal action against manufacturers for allegedly misleading advertising about PFAS-containing products’ safety. These legal actions represent crucial steps forward in their two-year campaign to educate public officials and communities about PFAS contamination.
From Emergency Room to Environmental Justice
Before founding MTMC, Kei served as a flight nurse, handling critical emergency medical situations, while Justine specialized in neonatal intensive care, caring for society’s most vulnerable patients. The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment for both professionals, prompting their transition to Legal Nurse Consulting, where they discovered their shared passion for medical advocacy.
“We always felt we were meant to do something important that would positively affect many people,” Keli reflects. “That’s what drove us into nursing initially, but the pandemic revealed deeper systemic issues that required a different approach to advocacy.”
After meeting at the CAALA conference in 2022, they founded MTMC with a mission to revolutionize mass tort management. Their first case resulted in an eight-fold increase in settlement value for a terminally ill client, confirming their innovative approach’s effectiveness.
The Science Behind PFAS Concerns
MTMC’s research and advocacy work has highlighted how PFAS chemicals mirror fatty acids in structure, influencing cell and tissue metabolism in ways that can devastate human health. “These chemicals are incredibly stable, taking years to break down,” Keli explains. “They accumulate in our bodies, affecting our immune and thyroid systems, and are linked to multiple cancers including kidney, testicular, breast, and prostate cancer.”
Their work has revealed particularly concerning effects on children, including developmental delays and neurological disorders. The team’s patent-pending process for case evaluation has become instrumental in combating fraud while ensuring qualified cases receive proper attention, setting new standards for mass tort management.
Vision for Clean Water Future
As a veteran, women, and nurse-owned company, MTMC has revolutionized traditional approaches to mass tort cases. “We’re dedicated to not only fighting for PFAS-free water across the U.S. but also helping those diagnosed with cancer and related diseases caused by PFAS exposure,” says Justine. “Our commitment extends beyond individual cases to advocating for historically excluded communities.”
The company’s innovative approach includes developing Guard Dog telehealth, a separate initiative addressing healthcare accessibility issues for veterans and underserved populations. This comprehensive approach to healthcare advocacy distinguishes MTMC from traditional consulting firms.
Multi-Faceted Impact on Environmental Justice
MTMC’s influence extends beyond individual case management. Their work includes:
- Leading educational initiatives about PFAS contamination risks
- Developing new protocols for identifying and validating PFAS-related health claims
- Creating partnerships between medical experts and legal professionals
- Advocating for stricter regulations on chemical manufacturing and disposal
- Supporting community-based initiatives for water quality monitoring
Moving Forward
“The recent legal actions across multiple states represent just the beginning,” Keli emphasizes. “We’re seeing increased awareness and action at both state and federal levels, but there’s still much work to be done to protect our communities from these dangerous chemicals.”
Connect with MTMC
Those seeking more information about PFAS contamination or medical consultation can visit www.mtmc1.com or follow their work on social media @masstortmedicalconsultants. The team regularly shares updates and resources through their Facebook page at facebook.com/masstortmedicalconsultants.
For individuals concerned about PFAS exposure, MTMC offers specialized consultations with their team of dedicated nurses and medical professionals, who can evaluate potential cases and guide individuals through the complex process of seeking legal remedies for PFAS-related health issues.
As PFAS contamination continues to emerge as a critical public health issue, MTMC stands at the forefront of combining medical expertise with legal advocacy, setting new standards for how environmental health crises are addressed in the modern era.