FemTech Focus

In this episode of FemTech Focus, Dr. Brittany Barreto sits down with the incredibly dynamic Akifa Khattak—a healthcare attorney, biotech expert, policy advocate, and Miss North Orlando 2025. With advanced degrees from Cornell and Johns Hopkins, Akifa is a powerhouse at the intersection of law, tech, and women's health.Akifa shares how her personal journey through a rare and severe case of endometriosis—including three surgeries, medical menopause, and fertility preservation—led her to co-found Her Health AI, a femtech company revolutionizing endometriosis diagnostics using artificial intelligence.Together, we explore:How AI is being trained to identify and map endometriosis more accurately and non-invasivelyThe regulatory, ethical, and privacy challenges of using AI in healthcareWhat makes Brazil a leader in personalized endometriosis careAkifa's work lobbying for the Find It Early Act and pushing to include endometriosis in ADA accommodationsWhy your data—and your story—can drive meaningful innovation in women's healthFrom deep sea diving to deep system change, Akifa is reshaping the narrative of what it means to be a woman in healthcare—both as a patient and a professional.Don't miss this empowering episode that proves healing, hope, and innovation go hand-in-hand.

In this episode, we are honored to host Miller Morris, the visionary Founder and CEO of Comma. Miller is reshaping period care by integrating sustainability, autonomy, and clinical science into menstruation products. A former women's health researcher and now a trailblazer in social entrepreneurship, Miller's journey has spanned continents—from transformative projects in South Africa to pivotal roles at the WHO in Switzerland.Comma has introduced Sara, a groundbreaking HIPAA-compliant period tracking app that empowers users to uncover and understand menstrual cycle patterns and connect with essential health resources. This level of security is vital for maintaining user privacy, a core value for Miller and Comma.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Comma is driving innovation in menstrual health through software, sustainable products, and laboratory diagnostics.The importance of data security in health apps and how Comma ensures user data is protected.Future plans for Comma and how they aim to personalize reproductive health care.Don't Miss Out:Head over to YourComma.com to create your Sara account today. Sara is not just any app; it's a Progressive Web App (PWA), ensuring seamless updates and superior privacy.

Join Dr. Brittany Barreto as she welcomes Dr. Mitzi Krockover, a vanguard in the field of women's health and angel investment, on the FemTech Focus Podcast. Dr. Krockover is the founder and CEO of Women Centered and the managing director at Golden Seeds Arizona chapter, where she champions the advancement of women's health through innovative education, consulting, and investing. This episode dives into the latest trends in women's health innovation, the empowerment of female entrepreneurs through angel investments, and the potential of Arizona as the next hub for femhealth innovation.Episode Highlights:Discuss the evolution of women's health innovation influenced by an increase in female engagement in STEM and finance.Unpack the challenges women face in healthcare and the power of education and advocacy in addressing these issues.Explore the significance of angel investing in supporting women-led health tech startups.Gain insights into personalized health strategies and the importance of more inclusive health research and funding.Call to Action:

The Origins and Importance of FemTech: Honoring the Mothers of GynecologyIn this episode of the FemTech Focus podcast, host Dr. Brittany Barreto introduces the concept of FemTech, an industry and movement dedicated to addressing women's health issues. She shares her personal journey and passion for the field and previews the 2025 season dedicated to Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy, three enslaved women who were pivotal in the early development of gynecology. Their stories of suffering and resilience underscore the importance of gender-informed, and sex-specific healthcare and the ongoing mission of FemTech to drive innovations that address female-specific health conditions. This episode calls for continued investment and advocacy in women's health.00:00 Introduction to FemTech Focus00:51 What is Femtech?01:21 The Movement for Gender-Informed & Sex-Specific Healthcare04:16 Meet Dr. Brittany Barreto05:13 The Birth of Femtech06:46 The Evolution of Femtech Focus09:46 Dedication to the Mothers of Gynecology11:11 The Story of Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy18:20 Continuing the LegacySubscribe & Comment@FemTechFocus @DrBrittanyBarreto

In this episode, we talk to Irene Laurora, SVP of Scientific Affairs, and Flavia Mason, global VP of women's health at Perrigo, a consumer health company. Their over the counter birth control, Opill, was the first to receive FDA approval in the US, a significant step towards decreasing barriers for women to access quality healthcare. Join us for a conversation where we discuss the societal role of hormonal birth control, Perrigo's journey to securing FDA approval for Opill, and whether Opill is right for you.Remember to like, rate, and subscribe. Enjoy the episode!Guest bioIrene Laurora is a pharmacist by training who has spent her career in the pharmaceutical industry working to build solutions that make people's lives better and healthier. She currently serves as the SVP of Scientific Affairs at Perrigo, where she has played an instrumental role in the development of products like Opill.Flavia Mason is the Global VP of Women's Health at Perrigo. She came to this role after many years in corporate America, where she proved herself to be a strong leader and capable operator. She joined Perrigo to help improve women's experiences when interacting with the healthcare system.Organization bioPerrigo is a consumer health company responsible for securing FDA approval for the first over the counter birth control in the US, the Opill. Perrigo is behind many of the personal health brands you may be familiar with and see at your local pharmacy. With the addition of the Opill, consumers are now able to walk into a pharmacy, big box retailer, or favorite e-commerce platform, and access hormonal birth control pills without doctor's appointment or prescription. It is a massive step forward in reducing barriers to accessing healthcare for women.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market. Time Stamps[02:10] Flavia and Irene's backgrounds[09:38] Description of Perrigo and explanation of connection to women's health[12:45] What is Opill?[16:02] Other forms of over the counter contraception[20:20] Stats around unintended pregnancy in the US[23:48] Effectiveness of OTC birth control[29:38] The FDA approval process for Opill [32:12] How Perrigo is helping increase access to birth control [35:10] Is Opill right for you?[37:12] Is OTC birth control new to the world? Or just new to the US? [38:50] Looking ahead: aspirations for Opill and Perrigo Episode ContributorsIrene Laurora LinkedIn: @Irene LauroraFlavia MasonLinkedIn: @Flavia Mason OpillWebsite: https://opill.com/ Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Gaia Salizzoni, founder of Hale, a community for women suffering from genito-pelvic pain, including vulvodynia. Her community is an important part of the care journey for patients going through treatment or dealing with genito-pelvic pain. Additionally, as an entrepreneur building a women's health company in the EU, Gaia has a unique view into the advantages and difficulties building in Europe. Join us for a conversation where we discuss the Hale community, genito-pelvic pain, and the current state of women's health innovation in the EU.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioGale Salizzoni is founder and CEO of Hale, a digital platform designed to help people living with genito-pelvic pain improve their quality of life. With a passion for women's health and a background in technology, Gaia founded Hale to provide support and resources for those navigating the challenges of pelvic and gynecologic pain. Through Hale, Gaia aims to empower individuals to better manage their condition and find relief from discomfort, fostering a community of understanding and support along the way.Organization bioHale is a supportive community tailored for women experiencing genito-pelvic pain, offering a safe space for connection, understanding, and shared healing journeys. Through online forums, resources, and expert guidance, Hale provides women with the tools and solidarity to navigate their pain experiences with empowerment and resilience. With a focus on holistic well-being and destigmatization, Hale fosters a compassionate environment where women can find comfort, validation, and hope amidst their challenges.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[02:00] Gaia's background[03:42] Founding story of Hale[05:22] What is vulvodynia? What causes it? [08:57] How is vulvodynia treated? [10:02] How does physiotherapy help with vulvodynia? [13:13] The role of community in treating chronic pelvic pain[15:18] What is Hale? [19:20] Who can access Hale? Where is it [22:08] FemTech in the EU[28:10] Marketing censorship of women's health companies in the EU[28:36] Women's Health trends and access to research funding in the EU vs US[30:40] Advice for european entrepreneurs wanting to build in women's healthEpisode ContributorsGaia SalizzoniLinkedIn: @Gaia SalizzoniHaleWebsite: https://www.halecommunity.com/LinkedIn: @Hale CommunityDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk with Michelle Carnahan, President of Thirty Madison. Thirty Madison is a direct-to-consumer healthcare company intended to provide specialized care to individuals with chronic conditions. They currently operate four unique brands: Keeps, Cove, Evens, and Picnic focused on treating hair loss, migraines, GI issues, and allergies respectively. Michelle and Brittany discuss Thirty Madison's leadership in delivering digital health for women through their portfolio of brands, including NURX. They also touch on some of the challenges women face in accessing quality healthcare and how Thirty Madison and NURX are helping solve these problems.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioMichelle Carnahan has spent her entire career ensuring patients get the treatments they need to live a happy and healthy life. After graduating from college, Michelle joined Eli Lilly as a pharmaceutical sales rep. Fast forward 26 years and she will have led two of their largest product lines before launching their international business unit in 2017. She joined Thirty Madison as President in July of 2020 — just as the pandemic was reaching its head and digital technology adoption was fueling rapid changes in the way consumers access care. Within a year of joining, Michelle helped Thirty Madison to a $140M Series C raise with a valuation of over $1BN led by HealthQuest Capital.Organization bioThirty Madison is a direct-to-consumer healthcare company intended to provide specialized care to individuals with chronic conditions. They currently operate four unique brands: Keeps, Cove, Evens, and Picnic focused on treating hair loss, migraines, GI issues, and allergies respectively. In 2022, Thirty Madison merged with Nurx, the leading digital healthcare platform for women. The combined entity now covers a wide range of chronic, sexual health, and women's health conditions through both digital and at-home care. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[05:50] How Michelle got into digital health[07:30] What is Thirty Madison? [09:12] ⅓ of women's health patients at Thirty Madison live in women's health desert[10:02] NURX is the leading digital healthcare company for women[11:48] Who is the ideal NURX customer?[14:40] Accessible and affordable – that's what NURX is about[18:52] Product offerings at Thirty Madison[20:40] Birth control side effects + finding the right birth control for you using digital health[23:40] What are some of the challenges faced? Capital, differentiation, scale.[31:03] Lessons learned at a large healthcare company that Michelle has brought to her role [35:24] Thirty Madison fundraising process [36:54] Make sure your investors understand and believe in the mission of your business [37:22] Future of Thirty Madison  Episode ContributorsMichelle CarnahanLinkedIn: @Michelle Carnahan Thirty MadisonWebsite: https://thirtymadison.com/LinkedIn: @Thirty Madison Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Daniela Pacheco, Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager at New Ventures Capital, where she leverages her 12 years of experience working with high impact entrepreneurs to identify and scale promising founders and startups. Join us for a conversation where we discuss the current state of women's health innovation in Latin America, cultural considerations unique to the region, and the areas that present the greatest opportunity for growth.You can connect with Daniela on LinkedIn through Empodera Impact Capital.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDaniela Pacheco is Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager at New Ventures Capital. She is actively deploying through her new fund Empodera Impact Capital, which is focused on women's health. She started her career at Endeavor in recruitment and services, managing the pipeline and portfolios for education, agriculture and health. At Endeavor, she found her purpose to support companies' scale.Prior to her role at New Ventures, she worked within tech startups and at venture capital funds in portfolio management. These experiences have helped her develop her skills as an operator and investor. She holds a degree of Business Administration with concentration in Economics Babson College, and a Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from USC.Organization bioBased in Bogota Colombia, New Ventures is an Impact Fund Manager that designs, operates, and oversees different impact-related assets. NVC supports both impact-driven entrepreneurs with disruptive business models and mission-oriented investors to connect in order to drive social and environmental wellbeing.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:30] Investment thesis for new fund focused on women's health[06:15] Startup opportunities in LATAM[08:50] Where Daniela and New Ventures are seeing the most opportunity within FemTech[09:35] 25% of women in Latin America have a child before the age of 18[11:28] Market size of FemTech in LATAM[13:10] Abortion legislation and access across LATAM[19:50] Who pays for healthcare in LATAM?[22:50] Key factors Daniela and New Ventures are looking for in deals[24:10] What are predominant business models for FemTech companies in LATAM?[25:50] What is the FemTech market size in LATAM?[32:38] Cultural considerations for expanding FemTech companies internationally[33:50] Groups, events, and organizations to connect with FemTech community in LATAM[39:05] Women's health is about more than women[39:30] How to get in touch with Daniela and New VenturesEpisode ContributorsDaniela PachecoLinkedIn: @Daniela PachecoNew Ventures + Empodera Impact CapitalWebsite: https://nvcapital.vc/LinkedIn: @Empodera Impact CapitalDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Alexandria DeVito, founder of Poplin. Poplin is the first preconception wellness testing company, designed to help couples understand their health and how it may impact their fertility long before they are interested in actively trying to have a baby. Join us for a conversation where we define “preconception wellness,” discuss how Alexandria leveraged her unique interests to create a company and change lives, and learn more about what it's like to write a book.Check out Alexandria's book 9 Months is Not Enough, here, and use code “femtech” for 10% off your Poplin kit.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioAlexandria DeVito, founder of Poplin, a preconception wellness testing company, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a background rooted in healthcare and a passion for empowering women, she's dedicated to revolutionizing the way we approach family planning. Her commitment to innovation and impact is evident not only in her work with Poplin but also in her book, "9 Months Is Not Enough," where she shares invaluable insights into navigating the journey to motherhood. With her blend of expertise, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit, Alexandria is a driving force in shaping the future of women's health.Organization bioPoplin is the first preconception wellness company, helping couples understand and improve their health in order to increase their odds of conceiving, whenever that may be. With fertility health as a leading indicator of overall health, Poplin's tests help users understand their overall health, not just in the context of getting pregnant. Additionally, Alexandria's book 9 Months is Not Enough provides readers with a comprehensive checklist on how to best prepare their bodies for pregnancy. A must-read for anyone interested in having a baby.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[02:45] Female investors as force multiplier in women's health[03:00] Alexandria's background[05:15] Discovering the power of nutrition in overall health [06:35] What is Poplin? Why should individuals and couples care about preconception health? [09:00] Preconception rituals in various cultures over time [12:12] Fertility is an extension of your overall health. Poplin is looking at 10x the biomarkers of other fertility companies. [13:01] Poplin testing often uncovers other underlying health conditions that are interfering with their ability to get pregnant, even if they feel well [14:23] Why “How you feel” is not a great indicator of health[15:37] Nutrient deficiencies that impact fertility[19:15] What does it look like to use Poplin? [22:01] How long does it take for interventions to be effective? [24:13] Alexandria wrote a book! [29:30] Who should read it? [31:09] Fertility is a marker of future health, so whether or not you want to have kids, you should focus on your reproductive health [32:37] Just because symptoms are common, does not mean they are normal [33:28] Biohacking your menstrual cycle and fertility journey [34:45] What are the biggest challenges you have faced in building Poplin? [36:18] When we are sick, we focus inwards on ourselves and getting ourselves better. When we are well, we focus outwards on others. More and more people today are being born sick (chronic conditions, etc.). Episode ContributorsAlexandria DeVitoLinkedIn: @Alexandria DeVitoPoplinWebsite: https://getpoplin.com/  LinkedIn: @PoplinDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Ikram Guerd, VP of Marketing at Aspivix. The Aspivix Carevix is dramatically improving the patient experience for IUD insertions and other procedures that require passage through the cervix. IUD insertions are notoriously painful but, as Ikram explains, they don't have to be.Join us for a conversation on medical device innovation, the history of gynecological care, and how to go viral on Tiktok. Additionally, whether you are a patient or physician, you can use the Aspivix Carevix in your procedures now. Find out how below. For Healthcare professionalsJoin our Ambassador Program to improve Women's care. Call to all OBGYNs, midwives, nurses interested in joining the program – Contact me via my profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikramguerd/For womenLooking for OBGYNs using Carevix? Check the map here as the list continues growing: https://www.aspivix.com/find-your-obgyn/ and feel free to download the brochure to engage a conversation with your OBGYNAnd check out Ikram and Brittany's viral TikTok! Brittany + Ikram go viral!Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioPassionate about young girls and women's empowerment in healthcare and in their careers, Ikram is dedicated through non-profit organizations and personally to support and advance Women's Health practices especially in gynecology with antiquated and traumatic procedures, as well as the role of women in leadership.Born in France, Ikram's career in marketing healthcare of 18+ years has led her to the US 7 years ago where she currently holds a position of VP of Global Marketing – Managing Director US for the innovative FemTech, ASPIVIX, whose mission is to modernize gynecology with care in mind by raising awareness around innovative solutions to reduce pain for women in gynecology.Organization bioAspivix is a Women's Health med device company based in Switzerland developing next-generation devices for gynecology.Their flagship product - Carevix™ - is the world's first suction cervical stabilizer clinically proven to reduce pain and bleeding associated with transcervical procedures commonly performed in gynecology e.g., IUD insertion, hysteroscopy, cervical biopsies, fertility treatments.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[2:50] The time Ikram and Brittany went viral on TikTok![6:55] What is Aspivix?[8:50] What is an IUD?[10:50] Being a woman has inherent pain, how can we combat this pain?[11:14] How IUDs are inserted[12:44] What is a tenaculum and what role has it played in the history of the gynecology[15:20] Use of pain medication in IUD insertions[22:30] Healthcare shouldn't be torture, it should be healthcare[22:45] How can women get access to Aspivix products?[27:20] Fundraising when investors don't have experience with the product[29:05] Other areas of gynecological care that need innovating[31:40] Future vision for Aspivix[33:36] The TSA vs the tenaculum[34:40] What does femtech most need right now to be successfulEpisode ContributorsIkram GuerdLinkedIn: @Ikram GuerdAspivixWebsite: https://www.aspivix.com/LinkedIn: @AspivixDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Nicole Sandford, CEO of Aspira Women's Health, a publicly traded women's health diagnostics company whose suite of non-invasive ovarian cancer blood tests are helping ensure women receive the best care. Nicole has an extensive background as a highly skilled operator and took the helm at Aspira in early 2022.In their conversation, Nicole and Brittany discuss the challenges unique to ovarian cancer detection and treatment, why Aspira's products are so revolutionary, and how the company is going after endometriosis next.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioNicole Sandford was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Aspira Women's Health in February 2022 after serving as a member of the company's Board since February 2021.Nicole brings more than three decades of executive and leadership experience to the role. Nicole has extensive experience as an innovator and business leader as well as a sought-after advisor to CEOs and Boards on strategy, operations, human capital, governance, and risk. At global consultancy Deloitte, Nicole was the executive sponsor of multiple new businesses in the life sciences/healthcare, financial services, and consumer industries where she consistently oversaw rapid, sustainable growth.Prior to joining Aspira, Nicole was the Global Board Services Leader for boutique human capital advisory and search firm, Ellig Group, where she advised multiple Fortune 500 companies. Prior to that, she spent 27+ years with global consultancy Deloitte, launching and leading all aspects of operations for multiple businesses. She has extensive experience with complex transactions including mergers and acquisitions, financing, and both private and public securities offerings.Organization bioAspira Women's Health Inc. is transforming women's gynecological health with the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative testing options for women of all races and ethnicities, starting with ovarian cancer. Their ovarian cancer risk assessment portfolio is marketed to healthcare providers as OvaSuite℠, which includes OvaWatch℠, a non-invasive, blood-based test intended for use in the initial clinical assessment of ovarian cancer risk in women with benign or indeterminate adnexal masses for which surgical intervention may be either premature or unnecessary. With a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99%, OvaWatch allows physicians to confidently rule out ovarian cancer malignancy and choose the appropriate clinical management for the right patient at the right time. Ova1Plus® combines our FDA-cleared products, Ova1® and Overa®, to detect risk of ovarian malignancy in women with adnexal masses planned for surgery.EndoCheck℠, Aspira's first-of-its-kind non-invasive diagnostic test for endometriosis, is currently in development.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[3:25] Nicole's background[10:13] Being a publicly traded women's health company[13:08] Educating the public (and public markets!) about the importance of ovaries for health[14:48] Aspira has the only complete suite of ovarian cancer blood tests on the market [15:13] Why Ovarian cancer diagnostics and treatment are differently challenging than other cancers[18:11] Why doesn't everyone just have their ovaries removed when they discover a mass?[19:37] Ovarian cysts vs masses[27:23] Risk factors for and symptoms of ovarian cancer[28:25] FDA clearance journey for novel diagnostic like Aspira's[32:43] Other tests in development at Aspira [36:22] Pain is not required for endometriosis [39:02] State of women's health care today [42:40] Economic burden of lack of access to diagnostics and treatments for these women's health conditions[43:43] Why Aspira is poised for success. What early-stage women's health startups can learn from public companies like AspiraEpisode ContributorsNicole SandfordLinkedIn: @Nicole SandfordAspira Women's HealthWebsite: https://aspirawh.com/LinkedIn: @Aspira Women's HealthDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Janna Meyrowitz Turner, co-founder of VCs for Repro. Dedicated to championing reproductive rights within the venture capital landscape, VCs for Repro strives to dismantle barriers and biases surrounding reproductive health, justice, and equity.Their coalition member firms are reshaping the conversation around reproductive rights, ensuring that entrepreneurs and innovators in the space have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioJanna Meyrowitz Turner is a strategist focused on systems change, leadership development, and communication in all its forms. She started her first company, Style House, at the age of 23 in 2006 which became an award-winning strategic communications and business development consultancy known for taking a holistic, progressive, and multicultural lens to brand building, strategic partnerships, platform development, marketing, and communications. With clients ranging from Estee Lauder to the WNBA, Janna became a trusted advisor to senior leadership teams on a broad range of issues - from internal and external affairs, preparation for board meetings, company retreats, and other pivotal public moments. Today she runs Synastry Capital with three main areas of focus – investing in and building startups, conducting Personal Brand Alignment with executives and entrepreneurs, high impact leaders, and other people who do lots of things, and incubating projects designed to change the ways money and power flow in the world. Janna is the co-founder of VCs For Repro, honored as a Fast Company “World Changing Idea” for 2023, and she also sits on the board of A CALL TO MEN, a national violence prevention organization training and educating men and boys on healthy manhood.Organization bioVCs For Repro is a coalition of venture capital firms that frames abortion as an economic and innovation imperative.The coalition began in early 2022 with a thesis that the venture capital community, with enormous power to shape society, and laser focused on innovation and the future, has an obligation to lead on reproductive rights.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[5:02] Janna intro[7:38] Defining personal brand alignment [15:25] Origin of VCs for Repro[16:10] Personhood laws and their impact to women and women's health companies[19:25] Role of risk in women's health investment [24:15] Who is part of VCs for Repro? Why do they join?[27:00] People underestimate their power and influence[29:18] Abortion as a tool of economic suppression[33:00] How to get involved in VCs for Repro[36:00] Financial impact of reproductive rights and misogyny [38:30] Call to action – fund abortion access, talk about abortion with others[41:30] ConclusionEpisode ContributorsJanna Meyrowitz TurnerLinkedIn: @Janna Meyrowitz TurnerBlog Post about Similarities between Marijuana and AbortionVCs for ReproWebsite: https://www.vcsforrepro.com/  LinkedIn: @VCs for ReproDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Rosanne Longmore, CEO of Coroflo. We discuss the latest research around breastfeeding, personal and cultural factors that may influence breastfeeding rates, and how Coroflo is giving parents data-driven confidence in their baby's milk consumption.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioRosanne Longmore is the CEO of Coroflo. Prior to Coroflo, Rosanne worked in financial services for 15 years, specializing in wealth management. She holds a degree from the University of Limerick, and further industry qualifications from the Institute of Project Management and the Institute of Bankers.Organization bioCoroflo is the company behind Coro - the world's first accurate breastfeeding monitor, enabling parents to know exactly how much milk their baby is getting. Founded in 2017, Coroflo holds the worldwide patent for Coro, and has won numerous European and global innovation awards. To date, the company has raised $8m in funding.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[2:17] Interview Start +1:12[3:14] Rosanne's background[06:15] What is Coroflo?[08:39] Demo - potentially good reel[9:43] Why women don't reach the 6 month mark of breastfeeding (UK - 1%)[11:46] Is there medical gaslighting in breastfeeding?[15:00] Blue whales… [20:32] Tongue-tie[27:20] Product launch timeline[28:18] Fundraising as a femtech business [33:24] Men as customer inbound [37:01] Navigating marketing censorship[39:40] Where we need innovation in women's health + wellness [40:45] What women's health needs to be successfulEpisode ContributorsRosanne LongmoreLinkedIn: @Rosanne Lomgmore CorofloWebsite: https://www.corobaby.com/LinkedIn: @Coroflo Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Priyanka Jain, Co-Founder and CEO of Evvy. We discuss what Evvy is, biomarkers in the vaginal microbiome and the future of vaginal healthcare. Don't forget, you can get $10 off your Evvy kit using promocode FEMHEALTH10.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioPriyanka is the co-founder & CEO of Evvy, where her mission is to close the gender health data gap. Evvy is unlocking precision female healthcare through researching novel female biomarkers, starting with the vaginal microbiome. Before founding Evvy, Priyanka was Head of Product at pymetrics, a startup using behavioral science and AI to make talent matching more effective and fair. She is also a spokesperson for the United Nations Foundation's Girl Up Campaign and on the Innovation Board for the XPRIZE Foundation. She received her B.S. from Stanford University, where she was a Mayfield Fellow and President of Stanford Women in Business.Organization bioEvvy is closing the gender health gap by leveraging overlooked female biomarkers, starting with the vaginal microbiome. Evvy's innovative vaginal healthcare platform, powered by their groundbreaking vaginal microbiome test, is the first to combine state-of-the-art testing, precision care, and coaching to give women and people with vaginas the care they deserve. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:03] Priyanka's background[08:16] The Evvy Product[09:20] Existing diagnostic process [15:39] Are doctors receptive to external data in their appointments?[16:53] Year of the patient[19:17] “Feminine Hygiene” products [23:45] Vaginal Microbiome research[32:31] Talking vaginas on TikTok[34:25] Talking vaginal microbiomes to investorsEpisode ContributorsPriyanka JainLinkedIn: @Priyanka Jain EvvyWebsite: https://www.evvy.com/LinkedIn: @EvvyInstagram: @evvyTikTok: @evvybio Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Wendy Strgar, Founder and CEO of Good Clean Love, and Vaginal Biome Science. We discuss Wendy's companies, and what led her to create them, an Institute for Women's Health - will they or won't they - and the importance of getting to know your own vagina.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioWendy Strgar is an award-winning entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Good Clean Love, a woman-owned B corporation and a pioneer in the organic personal care product industry.  She is also the founder and CEO of Vaginal Biome Science, a biotechnology company that develops vaginal microbiota-based therapies to protect and restore microbial health.  She was named in Top 25 Consumer HealthTech CEOs 2020  and has been recognized in the top 100 impact CEOs in 2022, 2021 and 2018.Strgar's commitment to innovation lead to the development of patented BioMatched technology for women's health. Strgar holds multiple US patents for Bio-Match technology, a leading scientific approach applying biomimicry to sexual health and hygiene products.Organization bioGood Clean Love products are distributed in more than 50,000 stores across the United States and Canada. As a leading sexual wellness brand, Good Clean Love products are found in top retailers such as Target, CVS, Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens and more. Its best-selling SKU is the #1 organic personal lubricant on the market.Under Wendy's leadership, Good Clean Love is a champion of sustainable business practices. In 2018, the company launched a carbon offset initiative; its flagship product, Almost Naked personal lubricant, became the first-ever Carbon Neutral intimacy product in the world. Good Clean Love is also one of the only personal care product brands whose products are packaged using bioplastic, a material made from recyclable sugar cane.Good Clean Love was included in the prestigious Inc 5000 awards in 2022.  FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:18] Wendy's background[16:50] Good Clean Love?[29:25] Microbiome Sequencing[34:03] Transfer of bacteria in same-sex relationships[38:31] Long term goal for Vaginal Biome Science[41:28] NIH[44:45] Getting involved with Wendy and Good Clean LoveEpisode ContributorsWendy StrgarLinkedIn: @Wendy Strgar Good Clean LoveWebsite: https://goodcleanlove.com/LinkedIn: @Good Clean LoveInstagram: @goodcleanloveTikTok: @goodcleanloveYouTube: @GoodCleanLove   Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

It's been another year of major growth in the women's health innovation industry. In this annual end of year review with our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, we cover the major trends, wins, and challenges faced in 2023. We discuss societal shifts affecting our industry, review last year's predictions and see if they materialized, and make predictions for 2024. We look at the key industry influencers of 2023, investments, organizations, conferences, exits, startups that all shined this year and highlight ones to watch in 2024.We loved doing this episode to wrap up an incredible year for the podcast! Thank you for sticking with us throughout 2023, we can't wait to talk more about women's health innovation in 2024!Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Host bioDr. Brittany Barreto is a passionate advocate for advancing female health and wellness innovation. With a focus on building awareness, catalyzing investment and innovation, and providing data-driven insights and strategic advice, Dr. Barreto works tirelessly to positively impact women's lives.After earning her doctorate in Molecular and Human Genetics from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Barreto became a serial entrepreneur, most notably known for founding Pheramor, the world's first DNA-based dating app. She also served as a senior venture associate at Capital Factor and co-founded Coyote Ventures, gaining valuable experience in the investment space.Today, Dr. Barreto is a leading voice in the FemTech community. She hosts the FemTech Focus podcast, is a FemTech Forbes contributor, and founded FemHealth Insights, a boutique consulting firm with market research software specializing in women's health innovation.Episode SponsorGood Clean LoveWhen my vagina is feeling a little off–like a little out of balance–I go for Good Clean Love's Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel. It's made to help with vaginal dryness, itching and unusual odor; so it's my go-to before I feel like I should make a doctor's appointment. And I feel comfortable using it, because of their Bio-Match Technology. Good Clean Love's patented Bio-Match Technology taps into three factors that can maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome; which are osmolality, a healthy vaginal pH range and lactobacilli. Good Clean Love's products are iso-osmolar to help you retain moisture and not strip any away. They have a pH range of 3.5 to 4.5 so their products match your vaginal pH range. And they contain lactic acid to help maintain a healthy vaginal biome. Holiday travel and stress always throws me a little out of whack, so if you're like me, make sure to get yours before you travel! 10% off your first order using promo code FemTech. Shop products that are made to match your vaginal biome at goodcleanlove.com.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Organizations featured (in alphabetical order):AIVF, Amboy Street Ventures, Aveta Medical, BD, Cranberry, Daye, Ema, Essence, Evvy, FathomX, FemTech Association Asia, FemTech Canada, FemTech France, FemTech India, Fermata, HERA Biotech, Hertility, HLTH, HyIvy Health, iSono Health, kegg, Magee Women's Institute,MedFemTech Congress, Midi Health, Milkify, MiM Fertility, MobileODT, Mosie Baby, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rosy, Unfabled, Vitala Globa, We Seek Care, Women of Wearables, Women's Health Innovation Summit (WHIS)Individuals featured (in order of feature):Rachel Bartholomew, Susan Stover, Lindsay Davis, Navneet Kaur, Oriana Kraft, Valentina Milanova, Gila Tolub, Jamie White, Joanna Strober, Priyanka Jain, Dr. Helen O'Neill, Dr. Natalie Getreu, Deirdre O'Neill, Carli Sapir, Hannah SamanoEpisode ContributorsDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights ResourcesFemHealth Insights DatabaseFemHealth Insights Mentor NetworkFemHealth Insights Slack CommunityFemHealth Insights Deals Newsletter - Investor SignupFemHealth Insights Investor Newsletter - Founder/CEO Deal Submission FormAI Breast Cancer ArticleSilicon Valley Bank Report on Women's Health

This episode is a bonus episode, brought to you in partnership with Nyoo ("New") Health. Nyoo hosts the "What's Nyoo!" series, with monthly events that bring together women and experts to have engaging, honest, and educational conversations about women's health, and this one is all about Pelvic Health. This event blew us away, and we knew we had to share it. Special thanks to Priya Bathija - CEO of Nyoo - for allowing us to share this recording. We hope you enjoy it just as much as we did!Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest biosPriya Bathija is a nationally-recognized healthcare leader, attorney, and policy expert. She is currently Founder and CEO of Nyoo Health, an organization dedicated to improving health and healthcare for women. Previously, she was at the American Hospital Association where she led policy efforts and strategic initiatives on value, health equity and maternal health. She started her career as a healthcare attorney and served as in-house counsel and a member of the leadership teams at ProMedica and MedStar Health. Priya is also a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. In addition, she serves as a public board member for the American Board of Medical Specialties, the largest physician-led specialty certification organization in the U.S.Carine Carmy is CEO and Co-Founder at Origin, the leading provider of pelvic floor and women's physical therapy. She has focused her career on increasing access to products and services that improve lives, from healthcare to 3D printing. Carine's passion for women's health started in her twenties, when she struggled with painful sex for nearly a decade.  Following years of misdiagnoses, ineffective treatment options, and hearing “that's just the way it is,” Carine discovered the power of pelvic floor physical therapy to treat, not only pelvic pain, but dozens of conditions and symptoms that impact some 40 million U.S. women and individuals with vaginal anatomy, every year. Already a go-to-market leader in healthcare and technology — with leadership roles at Amino, Shapeways, MarketspaceNext and Monitor Group — she felt compelled to help make pelvic health the norm for women across the country. Outside of Origin, Carine is an avid writer and has been published in MIT Technology Review, Forbes, Ad Age, and PSFK, and serves as an advisor to startups and nonprofits in support of diversity and economic equality.Dr. Somi Javaid is a board-certified OB/GYN, leading women's sexual health thought leader, and menopause advocate. She is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of HerMD, a team on a mission to make women's healthcare exceptional by educating, advocating for, and empowering patients to take control of their health concerns. Dr. Javaid has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Well+Good, InStyle, Parents, Refinery29, Mashable, Adweek, and Popsugar. In August 2020 Dr. Javaid spoke about Gender Bias and the Female Sexual Health Revolution on the TEDx mainstage, and in January 2021 she was featured in Women on Topp for her work as a trailblazer and pioneer in women's sexual health.Dr. Rachel Rubin is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. She is an assistant clinical professor of Urology at Georgetown University and owns her private practice in the Washington DC region. She is one of only a handful of physicians fellowship trained in male and female sexual medicine. Dr. Rubin is a clinician, researcher, and vocal educator in the field of sexual medicine. In addition to being education chair for the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH), she also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. Her work has been featured in the NYT and PBS.Emma Schmidt, PhD, is a doctor in Clinical Sexology, a Professional Clinical Counselor, Supervisor, and Certified Sex Therapist, Supervisor through the American Association for Sex Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) as well as the American Board for Christian Sex Therapists (ABCST). She is the owner of Emma Schmidt and Associates in Cincinnati, Indian and Kentucky, a therapy group practice which focuses on sex and relationship therapy. Dr. Schmidt received her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Psychology as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University. She received her Doctorate from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. Her research and publications have focused on female sexual pain.Organization bioNyoo Health provides strategic and advisory support to startups, investors, providers, and others as they grow and scale new ways of delivering health and healthcare to women. Beyond that, Nyoo Health is building a movement that will redefine women's health and investing in women as they advocate for themselves in the healthcare system.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Episode ContributorsPriya BathijaLinkedIn: @Priya Bathija Carine CarmyLinkedIn: @Carine Carmy & @OriginInstagram: @carinerachelle & @theoriginway Dr. Somi JavaidLinkedIn: Somi Javaid, MD & HerMDInstagram: @somijavaidmd & @hermdhealth Dr. Rachel RubinLinkedIn: @Rachel RubinInstagram: @drrachelrubin Dr. Emma SchmidtLinkedIn: @Dr. Emma SchmidtInstagram: @heyemmatherapy Nyoo HealthWebsite: https://www.nyoohealth.com/LinkedIn: @Nyoo HealthInstagram: @nyoohealth  Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Jiwon Park, Founder of the SAIB & Co. We discuss the past, present and future of women's health in South Korea, how Korean culture has impacted the birth rate there, and unique challenges for femtech founders in Korea.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioJiwon Park is an award-winning designer, serial entrepreneur, and educator. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design(RISD), was a Fulbright Scholar, and has over 15 years of experience in design.In 2018, Jiwon founded the sexual wellness company SAIB & Co. in Korea, after witnessing persistent misrepresentation and patriarchal stances towards women's sexual activities. Since then, she has dedicated herself fully to challenging these stereotypes and empowering women to embrace a positive attitude toward their own sexual health.Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey of founding SAIB, she served as an Assistant Professor at UT Austin in Texas.Organization bioSAIB & Co. is a Korea-born FemTech company providing women with safe-to-use contraceptives and intimate hygiene products helping them to maintain their sexual wellness. The brand name SAIB flips the word BIAS, signaling the company's mission to overturn negative and patriarchal biases toward women exercising sexual agency.Our female-friendly brand provides a safe space for women and delivers high-quality sexual wellness products using only healthy and natural ingredients.With our discreet yet stylish design and shame-free experience, SAIB aims to normalize the perception of sexual wellness, redefining them as a natural and healthy part of life.Episode SponsorGood Clean LoveWhat's in my nightstand? Well, one thing I can tell you is Good Clean Love's Almost Naked personal lubricant. It's a water-based lube made of organic aloe vera and designed to mimic my body's natural lubrication, all thanks to their Bio-Match Technology.Good Clean Love's patented Bio-Match Technology taps into three factors that can maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome; which are osmolality, a healthy vaginal pH range and lactobacilli. Good Clean Love's products are iso-osmolar to help you retain moisture and not strip any away. They have a pH range of 3.5 to 4.5 so their products match your vaginal pH range. And they contain lactic acid to help maintain a healthy vaginal biome.

The holidays are coming up, and it's not too late to get your stocking stuffers, like their travel-size Balance wash! 10% off your first order with promo code FemTech.Shop products that are made to match a vaginal biome at goodcleanlove.comFemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[05:52] Jiwon's background[08:20] Differences between US and Korean culture towards sex[11:22] SAIB & Co. [16:00] Response to the product in Korea[19:56] Unique challenges as a femtech founder in South Korea[25:30] History of women's health in South Korea[32:40] Women's attitudes[33:26] Changing attitudes in society[34:38] What would you change if you had a magic wand?[36:36] Fertility rates in South Korea[43:23] The future of SAIBEpisode ContributorsJiwon ParkLinkedIn: @Jiwon Park   SAIB & Co.Website: https://www.saib.co/LinkedIn: @SAIB & Co.Instagram: @saib.global, @saib.officialTwitter: @SAIBnCo Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Katie Schubert, President and CEO of the Society for Women's Health Research, or SWHR. We discuss the 3 pillars of SWHR's work, the potential for an Institute for Women's Health and methods of increasing the participation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioKathryn (Katie) Schubert joined the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) as President and CEO in April 2020. Under Katie's leadership, SWHR developed a strategic plan focused on fulfilling the organization's mission of promoting research on biological sex differences in disease and improving women's health through science, policy, and education.She has served in multiple Board roles, including as Chair of the Board of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, advisor to the John E. Lewy Fund for Children's Health, and past president of Women in Government Relations. She previously worked for the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), CRD Associates, and on Capitol Hill. She received her BA from Mary Washington College and her Masters of Public Policy from George Washington University. Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three children, and dog George.Organization bioThe Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) is a national nonprofit and thought leader dedicated to promoting research on biological sex differences in disease and improving women's health through science, policy, and education. Founded in 1990 by a group of physicians, medical researchers, and health advocates, SWHR is making women's health mainstream by addressing unmet needs and research gaps in women's health. Episode SponsorGood Clean LoveWhen my vagina is feeling a little off–like a little out of balance–I go for Good Clean Love's Restore Moisturizing Vaginal Gel. It's made to help with vaginal dryness, itching and unusual odor; so it's my go-to before I feel like I should make a doctor's appointment. And I feel comfortable using it, because of their Bio-Match Technology. Good Clean Love's patented Bio-Match Technology taps into three factors that can maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome; which are osmolality, a healthy vaginal pH range and lactobacilli. Good Clean Love's products are iso-osmolar to help you retain moisture and not strip any away. They have a pH range of 3.5 to 4.5 so their products match your vaginal pH range. And they contain lactic acid to help maintain a healthy vaginal biome.Holiday travel and stress always throws me a little out of whack, so if you're like me, make sure to get yours before you travel! 10% off your first order using promo code FemTech.Shop products that are made to match your vaginal biome at goodcleanlove.com.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:26] Katie's background[08:32] What is SWHR?[13:44] Should there be an Institute for Women's Health at the NIH? [22:20] Is tech and investment involvement helping the conversation at Government level?[26:54] Organization pillars:  policy, science and education[30:38] SWHR Resources[33:25] Policy Pillar[29:20] Methods of getting lactating & pregnant women into clinical trials[42:15] Education Pillar[46:15] Upcoming Events and vision for the future of SWHRCall to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsKatie SchubertLinkedIn: @Kathryn Godburn Schubert Society for Women's Health ResearchWebsite: https://swhr.org/LinkedIn: @Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)Twitter: @SWHR Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Lanna Last, Co-Founder and CEO of AIMA (pronounced “eh-ma”). We discuss why pain has been considered normal - or simply ignored - for so long, how CBD and CBG have been proven in pre-clinical studies to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and - believe it or not - the link between Art History and Women's Health!Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioLanna is a queer ecofeminist and advocate for gynecological health. She started AIMA in 2019 in response to a lack of safe solutions for her period pain and has since led AIMA through IndieBio New York accelerator 2022-23, the incubator lab-2-launch at e@ubc, and Herstory for the top 30 female founders hosted by The51. Currently, Lanna is leading AIMA through a pre-seed fundraising round. Lanna is also on the board of Femtech Canada, and Endoville NY.Organization bioAIMA is empowering menstruators to manage their pain with freedom and dignity. AIMA has an LGBTQ+ female-led team, and has developed clinically tested patent-pending products for personalized period pain management. Their first OTC product, OVY is a vaginal suppository directing targeted high-dosage CBD and other active agents with proven pain relieving efficacy to reduce period pain and inflammation safely and effectively.Episode SponsorGood Clean LoveWhat's in our nightstand? Well, one thing we can tell you is Good Clean Love's Almost Naked personal lubricant. It's a water-based lube made of organic aloe vera and designed to mimic my body's natural lubrication, all thanks to their Bio-Match Technology.Good Clean Love's patented Bio-Match Technology taps into three factors that can maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome; which are osmolality, a healthy vaginal pH range and lactobacilli. Good Clean Love's products are iso-osmolar to help you retain moisture and not strip any away. They have a pH range of 3.5 to 4.5 so their products match your vaginal pH range. And they contain lactic acid to help maintain a healthy vaginal biome.The holidays are coming up, and it's not too late to get your stocking stuffers, like their travel-size Balance wash! 10% off your first order with promo code FemTech.Shop products that are made to match a vaginal biome at goodcleanlove.com.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:40] Lanna's background[05:01] Relation between art history and women's health[07:17] Laparoscopic surgery in Canada VS the US[09:31] Contraception and TIA[14:03] The Farm Bill[19:41] Studies on Pain[27:47] The Gender Pain Gap[32:25] The Pain Gap and Cannabis[48:51] Using AIMA products[51:46] Next for AIMA[52:18] Paid Period Leave Campaign[53:00] Affiliate Program  Episode ContributorsLanna LastLinkedIn: @Lanna LastTwitter: @last_lanna AIMA IncWebsite: https://www.femtechfrance.org/LinkedIn: @AIMA IncInstagram: @thisismyaimaTwitter: @thisismyaimaTikTok: @thisismyaima   Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights ResourcesBecome an AIMA AffiliateCapitalizing on the Curse: The Business of MenstruationUse promocode FEMTECH10 for 10% off your first order with AIMA

In this episode, we talk to Delphine Moulu, co-founder of FemTech France. In this interview, we discuss the role of the French government in women's health, the importance of teaching the science of female health to founders with non-medical backgrounds, and the goals of FemTech France.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDelphine has always worked in the startup world, and was formerly Head of Events at STATION F, the world's largest startup campus based in Paris. Here she had the opportunity to co-create the STATION F Femtech Program and hasn't been able to get her mind of the femtech industry since!Organization bioFemTech France was launched in September 2022, with a mission to accelerate women's health innovation in France. To do this, they support the development of French femtech startups, create synergies between different players of the ecosystem, and take part in the debates and strategic reflections on the political, technological and societal challenges of our sector.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[02:41] Delphine's background[06:49] STATION F program[07:44] FemTech France[08:31] The French FemTech Ecosystem[13:57] President Macron's Endometriosis Strategy[16:38] How FemTech in France differs from other countries [20:07] Abortion in France[21:10] Advice to companies looking to expand to France[22:22] Contacting French FemTech Companies[23:23] Government Grants for women's health[24:44] French Government support for entrepreneurs[27:06] Media Censorship of Women's Health[30:45] FemTech School: training for aspiring founders who don't have a medical background[38:15] Contraception innovation in France[39:11] The future of femtech France[41:57] What's an area of women's health and wellness that still needs innovating[42:33] What does femtech as a whole need the most right now in order to be successful?Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsDelphine MouluLinkedIn: @Delphine Moulu FemTech FranceWebsite: https://www.femtechfrance.org/LinkedIn: @FemTech FranceInstagram: @femtechfrance Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights ResourcesRead the FemTech France Report

In this episode, we talk to Smita Asrani, VP of Partnerships at UE LifeSciences. In this interview, we discuss the devices created to improve early detection of breast cancer, how to make breast care something that women are excited about, and the One Balloon One Life Campaign to provide Breast and Cervical cancer exams for women.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioSmita lost her sister at the age of 44 to late stage triple negative breast cancer. Since then, she has made it her life's mission to ensure women understand the importance of early detection and how it relates to increased chances of survival. Organization bioUE LifeSciences, is a femtech company that creates screening devices for the early detection of women's cancers. We have the iBreastExam and the Selfi, both portable, radiation-free devices that use sensors to detect small lumps through changes in skin elasticity.Globally, with the assistance of Pfizer, Siemen's Healthineers in the United States, and in the near future, Roche, we currently provide proactive breast screenings in 13 countries through hospitals/clinics in rural, underserved and underprivileged areas.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:38] Smita's background[04:59] UE Life Sciences[06:53] Stages of cancer[10:31] The ‘iBreastExam' device[12:35] The ‘Selfi' device[17:47] Device Availability[20:11] Doctor attitudes to the devices[21:55] Working with underserved areas[23:33] Dense breasts[24:55] Could the devices help women advocate for themselves?[26:28] #OneBalloonOneLifeCampaign[28:02] CervAIcal device[30:48] What's next for UE Life Sciences?[37:12] What does women's health need the most right now? Call to Action!Join in with the #OneBalloonOneLife campaign! Share a picture of yourself holding a pink balloon on social media with the hashtag #OneBalloonOneLife, and UE LifeSciences will provide a breast and cervical exam to one woman for every photo.Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review! Episode ContributorsSmita AsraniLinkedIn: @Smita AsraniInstagram: @smitaasrani   UE Life SciencesWebsite: https://www.uelifesciences.com/LinkedIn: @UE LifeSciencesTwitter: @UELifeSciencesInstagram: @ibreastexam Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: @FemTech FocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Ula Sankowska, Co-Owner and Co-CEO of MIM Fertility. In this interview, we discuss the use of machine learning to analyze IVF imagery, and how this software can expand access, & increase success rates for women.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioUla is an Economist, and graduated from the Warsaw School of Economics and University College Dublin, in Ireland. She has 15 years of professional experience in business and government and at MIM Solutions, she is responsible for the company's business strategy, marketing and customer contacts.Organization bioMIM Fertility was founded in 2015 as the first spin-off of the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Mechanics at the University of Warsaw. They combined the most advanced machine learning, imaging solutions, and data mining algorithms with clinical knowledge of reproductive medicine. Their goal is to empower doctors and patients to make well-informed decisions about fertility treatments.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[02:39] Femtech in Poland[03:43] Women's health issues specific to Poland[06:20] IVF treatment in Poland[08:04] Ula's background[15:15] MIM Fertility[18:30] MIM's software[23:46] Training an AI algorithm on something subjective[29:56] Quirks when training an algorithm[33:11] Utilizing the software in clinics[35:59] Will AI replace embryologists?[38:20] Folliscan[46:25] At-home scanning[48:55] Future direction for MIM fertilityCall to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Sponsor InfoThis episode is brought to you by Guidea your go-to UX design consultancy specializing in digital health innovation. Guidea isn't just any design firm. They're a women-owned, women-led powerhouse team that's partnered with 20 of the Fortune 100 companies and impacted over a billion lives through dozens of live products, clinical trials, and even FDA approvals.Speaking from personal experience, the Guidea team excels in translating your vision into transformative solutions that not only win awards but significantly improve outcomes. And, driven by their passion for health equity, Guidea is also the team behind Femovate, a sponsorship program focused on uplifting underrepresented founders and reaching underserved populations. They've already collaborated with over 30 Femtech startups across 14 different verticals, offering personalized, one-on-one mentorship and guidance in UX research, strategy, and design.So, if you're in the Femtech space—whether you're just starting out or scaling up—Guidea wants to hear from you.Don't miss this chance to work with a team that's as committed to your vision as you are. Visit www.guidea.com and let's raise the standard for digital healthcare, together.Episode ContributorsUla SankowskaLinkedIn: @Ula Sankowska MIM FertilityWebsite: https://www.mimfertility.ai/LinkedIn: @MIM SolutionsTwitter: @SolutionsMimInstagram: @mim_solutions_pl Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Theresa Neil, Founder of Guidea. In this interview, we discuss easy improvements femtech founders can make to enhance their pitch decks, trends in branding design for femtech companies and how Femovate is truly backing the women's health movement.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioTheresa is an O'Reilly author and is recognized as a “Top Designer in Technology” by Business Insider. Her client list includes Humana, Cigna, Johnson & Johnson and global biopharma companies. Her company Guidea, is an award-winning women-owned UX design consultancy specializing in Digital Health and FemTech. Organization bioGuidea, is an award-winning women-owned UX design consultancy specializing in Digital Health and FemTech. Alongside the day-to-day of Guidea, the team also apply their digital health expertise to advance the femtech industry and the wellness of 1 billion women through their Femovate program. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:37] Theresa's background[07:13] Guidea's services[09:59] What is Femovate?[16:22] Trends in Femovate applications[21:00] Feedback from Femovate clients and applicants[26:34] Unique UI & UX features specific to women's health [35:08] User research for women's health compared to other industries[39:18] Brand design trends in FemTech[43:17] Stereotypical feminine imagery[44:33] Future vision for Femovate[46:00] What's an area that still needs innovating?[48:55] What does femtech need to be successful?Call to Action!Apply to Femovate by September 18! femovate.comDon't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Sponsor InfoThis episode is brought to you by Guidea your go-to UX design consultancy specializing in digital health innovation. Guidea isn't just any design firm. They're a women-owned, women-led powerhouse team that's partnered with 20 of the Fortune 100 companies and impacted over a billion lives through dozens of live products, clinical trials, and even FDA approvals.Speaking from personal experience, the Guidea team excels in translating your vision into transformative solutions that not only win awards but significantly improve outcomes. And, driven by their passion for health equity, Guidea is also the team behind Femovate, a sponsorship program focused on uplifting underrepresented founders and reaching underserved populations. They've already collaborated with over 30 Femtech startups across 14 different verticals, offering personalized, one-on-one mentorship and guidance in UX research, strategy, and design.So, if you're in the Femtech space—whether you're just starting out or scaling up—Guidea wants to hear from you.Don't miss this chance to work with a team that's as committed to your vision as you are. Visit www.guidea.com and let's raise the standard for digital healthcare, together.Episode ContributorsTheresa NeilLinkedIn: @Theresa NeilGuideaWebsite: https://guidea.com/LinkedIn: @GuideaTwitter: @TeamGuidea  FemovateWebsite: https://www.femovate.com/LinkedIn: @Femovate by GuideaDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

It's the fourth and final summer throwback! This week, we're replaying our episode with Dr. Roopan Gill, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Vitala Global. We discuss reproductive health for adolescent girls, self-managed medication abortions and did some abortion myth-busting.This episode was first released in 2020, so there may be one or two references that are slightly out of date. There's some golden content here though, so let's get into it.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Roopan Gill is an obstetrician gynecologist with expertise in family planning and abortion care and also the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Vitala Global. Dr. Gill is a Women's Health Advisor for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Paris section and has worked as an emergency obstetrician gynecologist in Nigeria and Yemen and has supported projects in countries such as Malawi, Chad and Pakistan. Her research interests include human-centered design, innovative approaches to improving abortion access, sexual and reproductive health in humanitarian contexts and knowledge translation to improve health policy. She completed her training in Canada and holds a Masters in Public Health in Global Health from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Organization bioVitala Global Foundation is a Canadian non-profit seeking to understand the challenges women and adolescent girls identify when accessing SRH tools and services. Through user-centered and in-depth contextual and cultural research, Vitala co-creates and implements digital solutions that allow women and girls to make healthy, informed choices and to engage in appropriate self-care. 25 million unsafe abortions occur every year worldwide, leading to over 22,000 avoidable maternal deaths and millions of serious complications.  Accessible and reliable safe comprehensive abortion care and family planning reduces maternal mortality and morbidity from unsafe abortions. Vitala's projects provide people with evidence-based digital platforms to support their safe abortion and family planning journeys.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsDr. Roopan GillLinkedIn: @Roopan Gill MD MPH FRCSC (ObGyn)Twitter: @Roops22VitalaWebsite: https://www.vitalaglobal.org/LinkedIn: @Vitala Global FoundationTwitter: @VitalaGlobalInstagram: @vitalaglobalDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth InsightsResourceshttps://www.vitalaglobal.org/

It's the third of our summer throwbacks! This week, we're replaying our episode with Kristen Carbone, Founder and CEO of Brilliantly, a company improving the lives of women that have been impacted by breast cancer. Their wearable, Brilliantly Warm, helps women who have had implant reconstruction after a mastectomy and feel constantly cold. We discussed breast implants, preventative mastectomies and fundraising during a pandemic.This episode was first released in 2021, so there may be one or two references that are slightly out of date. There's some golden content here though, so let's get into it.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioKristen spent ten years working in the curatorial departments of museums throughout New York and New England, founded an artists' advocacy business and acted as the project manager for two business consulting companies. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Art History from Skidmore College. Shen then founded Brilliantly in 2018 in an attempt to solve a problem that was personal - feeling cold after having a preventative mastectomy and implant reconstruction. Organization bioBrilliantly is a company improving the lives of women that have been impacted by breast cancer. Their wearable, Brilliantly Warm, helps women who have had implant reconstruction after a mastectomy and feel constantly cold. Brilliantly Warm was developed with medical device engineers to create the most innovative and effective warming product for women. Studies show that feeling physically comfortable improves cognition, focus, and enhances women's overall sense of wellbeing.The patent pending technology delivers safe, natural-feeling warmth for the whole body with no stickies, no chemicals, and no cords. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsKristen CarboneLinkedIn: @Kristen CarboneTwitter: @k_carbonInstagram: @k_carbon   BrilliantlyWebsite: https://www.brilliantly.co/LinkedIn: @BrilliantlyTwitter: @HBrilliantlyInstagram: @brilliantly.coYouTube: @brilliantlycoFacebook: @Brilliantly.coPintrest: @BrilliantlyCo    Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

It's the second of our summer throwbacks! This week, we're replaying our episode with Jackie Rotman, Founder of the Center for Intimacy Justice. A social entrepreneur for over 15 years, Jackie has also worked in venture capital with a particular focus on women's health and sexual wellness. In 2019 she wrote a New York Times investigative op-ed on the sexual wellness market, which made the NY Times "Most Popular" list and was the Opinion section's display piece. Center for Intimacy Justice is leading the movement to rewrite corporate advertising policies in tech companies to allow sexual health and wellness ads for women and people with vulvas. These ads are systematically censored which causes huge barriers for femtech companies. The Center for Intimacy Justice believes in catalyzing greater technological innovation and investment, education, and cultural understanding toward female sexual health - and building a culture of greater equity, agency, and wellbeing. This episode was first released in 2022, so there may be one or two references that are slightly out of date. There's some golden content here though, so let's get into it.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioJackie Rotman is the Founder and CEO of Center for Intimacy Justice, a nonprofit that works to expand equity and wellbeing in people's intimate lives. Jackie led an investigation that was published in 2022 in The New York Times and 80 other media outlets, highlighting that of 60 women's health businesses interviewed or surveyed, 100% of them experienced Facebook or Instagram rejecting their ads. Within months of this investigation being published, Meta changed multiple of its global advertising policies towards sexual health.Jackie holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, and BA in Public Policy with University Distinction from Stanford. She founded her first nonprofit aged 14, and during her MBA, worked in women's health investing with Rhia Ventures, on investments in contraception technology and online sex education.Today, Jackie speaks around the world on topics including digital censorship of sexual and reproductive rights, and other topics at the intersections of sexuality, gender and technology. She regularly briefs US Congressional officies, state Attorneys General. And other tech and human rights leaders on the findings of CIJ's investigations.Organization bioCenter for Intimacy Justice is leading the movement to rewrite corporate advertising policies in tech companies to allow sexual health and wellness ads for women and people with vulvas. These ads are systematically censored which causes huge barriers for femtech companies. The Center for Intimacy Justice believes in catalyzing greater technological innovation and investment, education, and cultural understanding toward female sexual health - and building a culture of greater equity, agency, and wellbeing. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsJackie RotmanLinkedIn: @Jackie RotmanTwitter: @jackierotmanInstagram: @jackierotman1YouTube: @jackierotman9082 Center for Intimacy JusticeWebsite: https://www.intimacyjustice.org/LinkedIn: @Center for Intimacy JusticeTwitter: @IntimacyJusticeInstagram: @intimacyjusticeFacebook: @Center for Intimacy Justice Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights ResourcesSign CIJs petition urging the FTC to take action against Meta's discrimination. The petition asks the US Federal Trade Commission to investigate and act on Meta's discriminatory censorship of sexual health information for women and people of underrepresented genders.

In this episode, we talk to Kristina Cahojova, Founder and CEO of Kegg, the world's first 2-in-1 fertility tracking kegel ball. We discuss the biology of cervical mucus and why it's important for fertility and can be used as a measure of a woman's health. This episode was first released in 2020, so there may be one or two references that are slightly out of date. There's some golden content here though, so let's get into it.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioKristina Cahojova had always struggled with tracking her fertility. Stress and traveling meant that ovulation tests and temperature methods provided limited information and none about her fertile window. After refusing to “fix the problem” with hormonal contraceptives, Kristina was told by a fertility specialist to track her cycles. But as is so often the case in women's health, there was no technology to help. So, after more than 7 years working at Amazon and eBay, Kristina decided to launch Kegg - the worlds first 2-in-1 fertility tracking kegel ball. For decades, women have not been taught that fertility is about more than just making babies. In fact, our fertility is our fifth vital sign.Organization bioKegg is an intuitive fertility tracker that measures changes in electrolyte levels of the cervical mucus —the golden metric to pinpointing your fertile window within each menstrual cycle. By using advanced sensing technology known as impedance, kegg can reveal your fertile window using your unique cycle data.Following the 2 minute daily reading, kegg will send your reading data to the cloud for analysis. In real-time, the kegg app displays your daily kegg readings, cyclical trends, and fertility predictions. With consistent, once a day use, you can gain deeper insight into your own unique fertility pattern.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsKristina CahojovaLinkedIn: @Kristina CahojovaTwitter: @KristinCahojovaKeggWebsite: https://kegg.tech/LinkedIn: @keggTwitter: @kegg_techInstagram: @kegg_techDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth InsightsResourceshttps://kegg.tech/

In this episode, we talk to Missy Lavender, Founder and CEO of Renalis Health. In this interview, we discuss what an Overactive Bladder is, how it differs from other pelvic health conditions such as incontinence and the cost of the condition to the economy and women's lives.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioMissy Lavender is the founder and CEO of Renalis Health; an innovator, patient, researcher, author, advocate and public speaker about the often difficult, but pervasive issues of pelvic health. She has partnered extensively with academic partners across the country to design ground-breaking products in the field of women's pelvic health, specifically in the areas of digital therapeutics and pelvic wellness.Missy has been an innovator and activist in the space of women's pelvic health for over 20 years since experiencing symptoms following a difficult childbirth. Her experience allowed her to witness first-hand some of the largest challenges that females face in this area of medicine, including the shame and stigma around any of these conditions. Furthermore, she was driven by the lack of relevant and accessible treatments for most people, especially those outside of major metropolitan markets and lower income people. Using her background and skills in business, she first founded a successful non-profit, wrote three books for various audiences of females from seniors to adolescents, and was instrumental in creating award-winning, evidence-based pelvic wellness programs for persons assigned female called Total ControlTM, In 2017, she founded Renalis Health to create evidence-based digital therapeutics for pelvic health disorders, starting with Overactive Bladder (OAB) in females+. Organization bioRenalis Develops FDA-Cleared Prescription Digital Therapeutics For The Treatment Of Pelvic Health DisordersFemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:23] Missy's background and Renalis Health[11:16] Pelvic health definitions[12:48] Overactive bladder[15:14] Leaky VS Overactive [15:44] What's normal?[17:35] Take 2 minutes[22:20] Typical OAB patient[24:44] Causes of OAB[24:30] Aims of Renalis[27:43] What is a digital therapeutic?[29:39] Bladder irritants [37:32] “Nurses/teachers bladder”[39:49] Incontinence VS period pads[44:00] Cost to the economy[47:07] Cultural relevance[49:43] How to get involved Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsMissy Lavender LinkedIn: Missy Lavender (she/her)Twitter: @parisfan0316Instagram: @missylavender Renalis HealthWebsite: renalis.healthLinkedIn: @Renalis HealthTwitter: @RenalisHealthInstagram: @renalishealth Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights ResourcesVisit the Renalis Health website

June 2023 marks 30 years since the Revitalization Act was passed. So in this episode, we deep-dive into the history of women in clinical trials, finding out more about the scandal that led to our removal in the first place and the long-term consequences that occurred as a result. We'll also be looking at what the Revitalization Act was, the changes it made, and what we have today as a result.Remember to like, rate, subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Brittany Barreto is a trailblazer in the field of FemTech, using her scientific background, entrepreneurial spirit, and investment expertise to raise awareness of women's health issues and showcase the importance of this vital industry.Dr. Barreto is a proud advocate of FemTech founders and the FemTech Focus podcast is a space for honest and thought-provoking conversations about the past, present, and future of female health. Informative, shocking, and candid, this podcast exposes the truth about the status of female health globally and brings to light the opportunities and current innovations striving to achieve health equality.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market. Time Stamps[03:13] Thalidomide[04:54] Morning sickness [09:30] Thalidomide production and distribution[10:52] Thalidomide tragedy[15:05] The aftermath[17:15] Consequences[18:07] History of clinical trials in the US[22:25] Women in clinical trials from 1977-1993[28:30] The Revitalization Act SourcesWe have done our absolute best to verify all of the information contained within this episode. However, due to the nature of women's health - in that it is so under researched - there are some conflicting sources of information. A full list of sources is below.The Embryo Project EncyclopediaScience MuseumMayo ClinicTommy'sMorning Sickness: A mechanism for protecting mother and embryoThe Thalidomide TrustBirth Defect Research for ChildrenThe Importance of Good Clinical Practice guidelines and its role in clinical trialsHistory of Women's Participation in Clinical ResearchThe More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same: A Study to Evaluate the Compliance With Inclusion and Assessment of Women and Minorities in Randomized Controlled TrialsWomen's involvement in clinical trials: historical perspective and future implications Additional ResourcesCall The Midwife - Season 5 Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review! Spotify users can also drop a question in the Q&A box below. Episode ContributorsDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto Apoorva SudiniLinkedin: @Apoorva SudiniInstagram: @apoorvasudini Megan FullerLinkedIn: @Megan Fuller FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Danika Kelly, Co-Founder and CEO of My Normative. In this interview, we discuss the male default, how data collection methods can change outcomes for health research and how femtech founders could benefit from utilizing My Normative. Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode! Episode SponsorThis episode is sponsored by our friends at Guidea, a women-owned, women-led design consultancy that specializes in bringing femtech innovations to life. They have extensive expertise in healthtech and medtech and are a trusted partner to 20 Fortune 100 companies. They've launched more than 300 products to date, including the flagship products for 7 unicorn status startups. Guidea is known for creating research-driven products and services that are engaging, useful and easily integrated into customer lives and provider workflows. Guidea's deep knowledge of medtech, IOT, wearables, population health insights, digital therapeutics and healthcare software, they can help you prioritize opportunities, and focus on key features for clinical studies and MVPs. They also have extensive experience with regulated device approval and can help you plan and prepare for the process. Learn more at Guidea.com.  Guest bioDanika Kelly is a health and wellness professional and trained socio-cultural scholar in issues around female health and representation. For the past 14 years she's worked globally focusing on health advancement and knowledge translation in developing economies. Danika has a strong history of leadership excellence in the social innovation space —winning awards and recognition from Telus and The Future of Good, DMZ Woman of the Year, Rainforest Alberta, FemTech Analytics, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, and more. Organization bioMy Normative is a female-focused health research platform driving innovation in the life sciences through validated data management & analysis. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:57] Danika's background[08:10] What is My Normative[14:54] Male Default[21:21] The My Normative Product[25:32] Benefits of the app[31:16] Female participation benefits[32:24] Current projects[34:38] Diversity[35:41] Spreading the word[37:01] Interesting research outcomes[39:22] Potential My Normative studies[42:03] Benefits to FemTech FoundersCall to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsDanika KellyLinkedIn: @Danika KellyTwitter: @NikaKellyInstagram: @danikaincMy NormativeLinkedIn: @My NormativeTwitter: @MyNormativeInstagram: @my.normativeDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth InsightsResourcesVisit the My Normative website

In this episode, we talk to Tora Abrahams, Project Lead for the Black Women's Reproductive Health Project. In this interview, we discuss stigmas around menstruation for Black communities, paid period leave and how to get men involved in the conversation.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioOriginally working in human rights law, Tora led a judicial review claim against the prison service for forcing a strip-search of her female client whilst she was menstruating. Following this successful claim, Tora identified other repeated misogyny within public services recognising that services were designed by men and for men, but failing women. After leaving the law, Tora moved to a charity specialising in gender specific services and soon after she found her passion in advocating for stronger conversations and attention to female reproductive rights. It was whilst managing a charity focusing on period poverty during the pandemic and following the global attention to BLM, Tora spearheaded the first ever UK project that looks into the menstrual-reproductive health journeys and needs of Black and Black-mixed British women.Tora is a mixed-race woman of South African heritage and speaks proudly of her family's ethnicity and history in leaving apartheid South Africa and setting themselves up in a small working class town of North West England. She is a passionate advocate for marginalised people, working her day job as a Business Development Consultant for non-profits specialising in racial and gender equality. She also designed the first menstrual health empowerment education programme delivered in Uganda, East Africa that engages both boys and girls to talk about periods. Tora is passionate about work in this space and welcomes conversations from men and women on topics of female reproductive health and racial injustice. Organization bioThe Black Women's Reproductive Health project supports African and Caribbean women with access to information, advocacy, peer support and has created the first ever UK report that details the menstrual-reproductive needs and experiences of Black and Black-mixed women. We sit under T.A.P The African Pot Project who are a Manchester based non-for-profit working to empower and liberate African people across the diaspora, under 4 main pillars of practice: business, community, education and health.(The BWRH project represents women and people with female reproductive systems.)FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:35] Tora's background[07:12] A magic wand to change the prison system for women[13:12] The Black Women's Reproductive Health (BWRH) Project[19:45] Consulting on UK period poverty[22:37] Stigma within the Black community[27:14] Changing the narrative[30:28] Paid period leave[32:38] Tora's work in Uganda[35:23] What is motivating Ugandan  men to be interested in the subject of menstruation?[37:30] What can we learn from Uganda in getting UK or US men involved? [39:47] What's an area of Women's Health and Wellness that still needs innovating?[40:37] What does femtech need the most in order to be successful?Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review! Episode ContributorsTora AbrahamsLinkedIn: @Victoria Abrahams T.A.P Project (BWRH Project)LinkedIn: @T.A.P ProjectTwitter: @TAP_PROJECT_MCRInstagram: @t.a.p.project Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Ariela Marshall, a hematologist specializing in disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis (bleeding and clotting) in women. In this interview, we discuss blood thinners, the role of estrogen in blood clots and disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis throughout a woman's life.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Marshall is a hematologist specializing in disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis (bleeding and clotting) in women.  She is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania followed by a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Massachusetts General Hospital.  She worked as a hematologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota from 2015-2021 and in 2021 she moved to Philadelphia to became the Director of Women's Thrombosis and Hemostasis at the University of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Marshall is currently planning to move back to Minnesota in summer 2023 and will establish educational platforms and advocacy initiatives centered on women's health, particularly women's blood disorders.  In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Marshall is a medical educator with a focus on career development, leadership, mentorship, and work-life integration.  She has a particular interest in gender equity for patients as well as for physicians.  She leads several national advocacy initiatives, co-chairs several national working groups and task forces, and speaks regularly on a national scope to discuss her efforts to advance fertility/infertility awareness, parental health, and gender equity.  FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:10] Ariela's background[06:00] Definitions - hematology, hemostasis and thrombosis[07:52] How does bleeding and clotting affect women?[09:25] Disorders in younger women[11:50] Contraception[13:06] Blood clots[20:39] Blood thinning[22:58] Sex specific recommendations [24:24] The role of estrogen in blood clots[30:40] Bleeding and risk factors for menopausal women[32:33] Bleeding PSA's for women's health[36:48] What's an area of women's health and wellness that still needs innovating?[38:03] Insurance for blood thinners[38:58] What does the femtech industry as a whole need the most right now in order to be successful?[39:37] Are medical schools starting to have the conversation about sex as a biological variable?Call to Action!Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review!Episode ContributorsDr. Ariela MarshallLinkedIn: @Ariela Marshall, MDTwitter: @AMarshallMD Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Carolee Lee, Founder and CEO of Women's Health Access Matters (WHAM). We discuss the need for more female-specific research in autoimmune, heart disease, brain health, and cancer, the returns to the economy when women's health is invested in, and the best ways for femhealth founders to influence policymakers.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioCarolee is an innovator, entrepreneur and thought leader dedicated to improving women's health and wellbeing, and their opportunities to succeed.After the sale of her accessories business, Carolee focused her energies on women's health and life planning. In 2008, she founded AccessCircles, a global, by-invitation network committed to bringing women access to leaders, resources and experiences that can help transform their lives. Carolee then launched WHAM in July 2018, as an initiative to focus on increasing awareness of women's health issues, investing in women's health research and implementing strategies to improve the inequities and bias in research while accelerating scientific discovery. Organization bioWomen's Health Access Matters (WHAM), a 501(c)(3), was launched by Carolee Lee in July 2018 as an initiative to focus on increasing awareness of women's health issues, investing in women's health research and implementing strategies to improve the inequities and bias in research while accelerating scientific discovery. A board of 25 leading businesswomen supported and steer this initiative. The Connors Center at Brigham/Harvard is WHAM's Lead Scientific Partner. Women's health is an economic issue we can't afford to ignore. WHAM works to increase awareness of and funding for women's health research by accelerating scientific discovery in women's health in fourprimary disease verticals – autoimmune disease, brain health, cancer, and heart health. The WHAM Report quantifies the economic opportunity for investing in women's health, looking across diseases that impact women differently and differentially. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:03] Carolee's background[07:08] Women drive economies[08:04] The WHAM Report[11:00] The four verticals[12:53] Areas that WHAM is supporting research in[15:55] Calculating the economic impact of health[18:43] Understanding the influence of women[19:48] How to get policymakers to make change[20:59] The experience of going to Congress to make change[22:36] Gender differences in receptiveness to WHAM's mission[24:50] WHAM's future goals for Government[29:28] WHAM's goal for the next 3 years[31:32] An area of Women's Health that still needs innovating[33:05] What femtech needs the most in order to be successful (aside from funding) Remember...Read The WHAM report and check out their #3not30 campaign.Don't forget to subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast, and leave us a review! Episode ContributorsCarolee LeeLinkedIn: @Carolee LeeTwitter: @caroleewham Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto WHAMWebsite: https://whamnow.org/LinkedIn: @Women's Health Access MattersInstagram: @whamnowTwitter: @WHAMnow FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights Megan Fuller (Show Producer)LinkedIn: @Megan Fuller

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Barreto takes a deep-dive into the topic of Osteoporosis - a disease that affects over 10 million people in the US alone, 80% of which are female. We'll be going back to basics and learning what bones actually are, what happens to them throughout a persons life, what osteoporosis is and why it impacts females so disproportionately.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Brittany Barreto is a trailblazer in the field of FemTech, using her scientific background, entrepreneurial spirit, and investment expertise to raise awareness of women's health issues and showcase the importance of this vital industry.Dr. Barreto is a proud advocate of FemTech founders and the FemTech Focus podcast is a space for honest and thought-provoking conversations about the past, present, and future of female health. Informative, shocking, and candid, this podcast exposes the truth about the status of female health globally and brings to light the opportunities and current innovations striving to achieve health equality.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[02:38] What are bones?[04:17] What are bones made of?[06:16] How are bones maintained?[10:10] The role of estrogen in bone formation[11:06] How broken bones heal[13:20] What bone diseases exist?[15:09] What is osteoporosis?[16:20] Osteoporosis risk factors[18:30] Rates of broken bones and osteoporosis in females[22:01] Economic impact of osteoporosis[23:43] Diagnosis and Prevention[25:46] Funding for Osteoporosis[26:25] Treatment SourcesDenver HealthHackensack Meridian HealthBone Health and Osteoporosis FoundationEconomic burden of Osteoporosis in the world: A systematic reviewThe socioeconomic burden of fractures: Today and in the 21st CenturyOsteoporosis: impact on health and economicsOsteoporosis: Diagnosis, treatment and steps to take | National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesEstimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories (RCDC) | NIH RePORTCost Helper HealthMayo Clinic Additional ResourcesOsteoporosis | National Institute on AgeingInternational Osteoporosis FoundationOsteoporosis | NHSRoyal Osteoporosis Society Call To Action!Let us know what you think of these new episodes. Tell us what you want to learn about in future!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review! Episode ContributorsDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto Apoorva Sudini (Episode Researcher)Linkedin: @Apoorva SudiniInstagram: @apoorvasudini Megan Fuller (Show Producer)LinkedIn: @Megan Fuller FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Swarnima Bhattacharya, Chief Product Officer at Gytree. In this episode, we discuss the history and current state of women's health in India, government thinking around women's health in the country, and the flourishing Indian femtech industry. Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioSwarnima is the Chief Product Officer for Gytree, a virtual women's health clinic for total care. She is an AstraZeneca Young Health Scholar working on the digital future of women's health. She created the award-winning AR-based toy "Youterus" for interactive storytelling for comprehensive sexuality education in schools. She previously founded Thea, an advocacy platform to map Indian women's journey towards correct diagnosis of chronic illnesses. Organization bioGytree is a venture-backed virtual women's health clinic in India, providing integrated care from menarche to menopause. We are trusted health partners for women for gynaecology, therapy, nutrition, fitness and more. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:42] Swarnima's background[06:12] Women's health at the UN[06:56] Gytree[12:39] Female population in India[15:23] History - maternal mortality, female is an afterthought, etc. GOOD REEL. Abortion legalised in the 70s. 1992 commission for women. India is very forward thinking. REALLY GOOD REELS![18:18] Why the Indian healthcare system is different from the US[20:15] Does India have women's health deserts?[22:07] Unique challenges facing women in India[24:38] Health literacy before the internet[26:53] How involved are men in women's healthcare in India? 26:30 - endo/PCOS not suitable for marriage!![30:40] The femtech ecosystem in India[33:36] Where is investment coming from for femtech in India?[36:25] What area of Indian women's health still needs innovating?[38:55] What does Indian femtech need the most to be successful?  ResourcesSheThePeople Call To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review! Episode ContributorsSwarnima BhattacharyaLinkedIn: @Swarnima BhattacharyaInstagram: @swarnima.b Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto GytreeWebsite: https://gytree.com/LinkedIn: @GytreeInstagram: @askgytree FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Karyn Frick, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Estrigenix Therapeutics.  In this episode, we discuss Types of memory loss in humans, the relationship between estrogen and the brain and  the link between hot flashes and dementia. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the science behind menopause and memory loss.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Karyn Frick is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a co-founder and the Chief Scientific Officer of Estrigenix Therapeutics, Inc. She has nearly 30 years of experience studying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation, with a particular focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which estrogens regulate memory, hot flashes, and mood. She has published >110 articles and book chapters and edited the 2020 book "Estrogens and Memory: Basic Research and Clinical Implications” (Oxford University Press). Dr. Frick is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and Association for Psychological Science, and has been awarded the Society for Women's Health Research/Medtronic Prize for Scientific Contributions to Women's Health. Organization bioEstrigenix's mission is to develop drugs, based on our platform technology and expertise in estrogen biology, that can help women live healthier and longer lives. We aim to dramatically improve women's health by developing safe, clinically proven treatments for the physical and mental effects of menopause. We are developing compounds to reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes and memory dysfunction without the adverse health risks associated with traditional estrogen therapies. Because there is a correlation hot flash severity in the 50s and increased risk of dementia in the 60s and beyond, safe treatments for hot flashes may also alleviate women's increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:52] Dr. Frick's background[06:33] Measuring memory in rats and mice[10:27] Do rats and mice go through menopause?[11:50] Context of memory loss in humans[19:00] Scientific history of estrogen and the brain[23:07] Can we see memory changes in human women throughout the menstrual cycle?[25:29] Contraception and memory[28:44] Why has dementia previously not been researched very well?[33:35] What is estrogen telling a cell?[36:55] Funding this research[41:42] Estrigenix[53:10] What's next?ResourcesCheck out this recent article on Alzheimer's in women:Alzheimer's Association Call To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review! Episode ContributorsDr. Karyn FrickLinkedIn: @Karyn Frick Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto Estrigenix TherapeuticsWebsite: https://www.estrigenix.com/LinkedIn: @Estrigenix Therapeutics, Inc. FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Yesmean Wahdan, Vice President for U.S. Medical Affairs in the Bayer Women's HealthCare division. In this episode, we discuss the prevalence, causes and treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Bayer's new women's health strategy which emphasizes partnerships with startups, and which companies they're interested in working with.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Yesmean Wahdan, MD is the Vice President for U.S. Medical Affairs in the Bayer Women's HealthCare division. She is the eldest of 6 children and was born and raised in the Northern Virginia area not far from the Nation's Capital – Washington, DC. She received her bachelor's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and her Medical Degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. She completed her OB/GYN residency at a combined program at Georgetown University Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. She has also published several abstracts and articles in the field of Women's Health. In her time at Bayer, Dr. Wahdan has served as Medical Science Liaison, a Medical Director, and most recently as head of the U.S. Medical Affairs group for Women's HealthCare.  Dr. Wahdan is passionate about the care and health of women and is proud to work with an organization dedicated to advancing the health of women through science, research, and creating accessibility to options that impact the lives of women throughout their life journey. She believes that when women are healthy, informed, and can realize their full potential, their families, communities, and ultimately the world can have better tomorrows.Dr. Wahdan is based in the US Bayer Headquarters office in Whippany, New Jersey, and lives in Northern New Jersey with her family.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:10] Dr. Wahdan's background[06:49] What is Bayer?[09:10] Why is Bayer deprioritizing women's health Research & Development?[12:45] What is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?[15:14] Indicators of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding[16:06] Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding[16:55] Prevalence of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding[19:27] Disproportion based on race, ethnicity, age and location[20:10] Are you born with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding or does it develop?[20:32] Treatment options[23:30] Hormonal contraceptive impact on bleeding[24:43] Non-hormonal options[25:34] Bayer's clinical trials for endometriosis treatments[28:03] What kind of partnership is Bayer looking for?[28:35] What's an area of Women's Health that still needs innovation?[30:42] What does the femtech industry as a whole need the most in order to be successful? ResourcesBayer's commitment to Women's Healthcare - Episode 141 Episode ContributorsDr. Yesmean WahdanLinkedIn: @Yesmean H. Wahdan, MD Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto BayerWebsite: https://www.bayer.com/en/us/bayer-united-states-of-americaLinkedIn: @BayerTwitter: @BayerInstagram: @bayerofficial   FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Barreto takes a deep-dive into the topic of Mifepristone - a drug that is used in almost half of US abortions, but is currently at risk of being removed from the US market. We dive into the detail of Mifepristone, finding out exactly where it came from, how it works, and the truth behind the debate on its safety.Guest bioDr. Brittany Barreto is a trailblazer in the field of FemTech, using her scientific background, entrepreneurial spirit, and investment expertise to raise awareness of women's health issues and showcase the importance of this vital industry.Dr. Barreto is a proud advocate of FemTech founders and the FemTech Focus podcast is a space for honest and thought-provoking conversations about the past, present, and future of female health. Informative, shocking, and candid, this podcast exposes the truth about the status of female health globally and brings to light the opportunities and current innovations striving to achieve health equality.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market. Time Stamps[03:17] Context [05:29] Abortion in the US[08:09] How does Mifepristone work?[10:25] Progesterone[17:05] Misoprostol [24:23] What's it like to have a medication abortion?[29:00] The history of mifepristone and misoprostol[32:47] Who should not take mifepristone?[33:25] FDA approval of mifepristone[37:15] Side effects of mifepristone[38:12] Safety of mifepristone[39:59] Utilization of mifepristone[42:03] The cost of a medicated abortion[46:46] The Court debate about mifepristone ResourcesWatch the episode livestream on instagram!  Call To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review! Episode ContributorsDr Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto Apoorva SudiniLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apoorva-sudini/Instagram: @apoorvasudini FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Barreto talks to Lauren Orlick, Co-Founder of HeartSnug. They discuss the benefits of providing privacy in medical settings, what medical privacy garments have looked like up to now and how HeartSnug is changing the status quo. Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioLauren's childhood best friend (and HeartSnug co-founder Sara), has a complex congenital heart defect which resulted in her undergoing open-heart surgery as a baby and throughout her life. She has therefore experienced first-hand the challenges inherent with being subjected to countless medical exams and procedures. Lauren also saw how dispiriting the medical process can be when her mother went through a battle with cancer. Lauren saw firsthand how dispiriting the medical process can be when her mother went through a battle with cancer. Always looking to be a part of the solution, Lauren was inspired to search for ways for patients to feel comfortable during procedures that are awkward and associated with physical exposure and emotional vulnerability. Lauren's extensive Human Resources background includes executing all levels of HR. She lives in San Francisco with her teenage twin boys.Company bioHeartSnug is the first of its kind - a patented, adjustable (front Velcro closure & elastic at the bottom) disposable medical bra.  It is X-RAY safe, making it viable for ultrasound and MRI procedures, and comes in three sizes. HeartSnug can be worn by itself or under a medical gown for an additional layer of support.The mission driven business was launched two years ago from Co Founder Sara Dorband's lifelong challenges living with a chronic heart condition and being in and out of the hospital and undergoing procedures. She wondered why medical advancement hadn't caught up to include women's chest privacy. Heartsnug was  created with the goal of positively impacting female patients both mentally and physically. We aim to help patients feel dignity with an emphasis on patient privacy. We have conducted extensive research and utilized patient surveys to confirm that both medical facilities and patients have an increased focus in 2023 on patient satisfaction, and that is what HeartSnug offers.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:52] Lauren's background[07:32] Why HeartSnug is needed[12:11] What is HeartSnug?[16:27] Why do we need medical garments?[17:34] The history of medical garments[19:24] The impact of not having a privacy garment[24:45] Guidelines for physicians around consent[32:05] Other areas of improvement for respecting a female patient during exams[33:00] Benefits of making the healthcare system feel safer for women[36:22] How to get HeartSnugResourcesFor more information on the work in Isreal mentioned by Brittany - check out https://www.briah.org/Call To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Episode ContributorsLauren OrlickInstagram: @sflauren HeartSnugWebsite: https://www.heartsnug.com/Instagram: @heartsnug Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Barreto talks to Dr. Jessica Gaulton, Founder and CEO of FamilyWell Health. They discuss how mental health disorders can manifest in birthing people, why 1 in 3 moms is experiencing post-partum depression and what FamilyWell is doing about it. This is a truly insightful episode, we learned a LOT - let us know what you think!Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Correction: Reference was made to "DHHS" Department of Health and Human Services. This should have been "DCF" Department of Children and Families.Guest bioDr. Gaulton is a physician-entrepreneur whose expertise lies at the intersection of maternal & newborn health and healthcare innovation. She is a practicing Neonatologist at Harvard and also Founder and CEO at FamilyWell Health. Her inspiration to start FamilyWell comes from her own experience overcoming postpartum depression and struggling to find mental health resources as a patient herself. FamilyWell's mission is to solve the maternal mental health crisis and provide equitable access to mental health services for pregnant and postpartum patients. Dr. Gaulton received specialized training in Innovation and Design at the Penn Medicine Center for Health Care Innovation. She completed her Clinical Fellowship in Neonatology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia / Penn Medicine. Dr. Gaulton received her medical degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard School of Public Health, and completed her pediatric residency at the Boston Combined Residency Program at Boston Children's Hospital / Harvard Medical School. Jessica graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Cornell University.Company bioFamilyWell is a digital behavioral health company that integrates perinatal mental health services in Obstetric practices using a tech-enabled collaborative care model. FamilyWell's mission is to solve the maternal mental health crisis and provide equitable access to mental health services for pregnant and postpartum patients. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:32] Dr. Gaulton's background[06:54] How FamilyWell came about[08:20] Intrusive thoughts[13:14] Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) [15:20] What is FamilyWell?[22:21] Mental Health crises before, during and after pregnancy[27:17] Why are Mental Health disorders showing up during pregnancy?[29:01] The current Mental Health of females in the US[33:14] The impact of COVID-19[35:07] How FamilyWell works[38:00] OB/GYN providers and FamilyWell[40:11] The Collaborative Care Model and Medicaid [44:52] Creating a Medicaid modelCall To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Episode ContributorsDr. Jessica GaultonLinkedIn: @Jessica (Schiffman) Gaulton MD, MPH FamilyWell HealthWebsite: https://familywellhealth.com/LinkedIn: @FamilyWellInstagram: @familywellhealthTwitter: @_familywell Dr Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr. Brittany Barreto talks to Professor Christine Metz, Co-Director of The ROSE Study. They discuss menstrual effluent, what it is, how it can be used as a diagnostic tool and what this means for people with endometriosis. This is an awesome episode - let us know what you think!Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Christine N Metz is a Professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Her research primarily focuses on identifying mechanisms that underlie dysfunctional inflammatory responses. Most of this work centers on women's health. Dr. Metz is the author of more than 160 peer-reviewed scientific research papers and more than a dozen review articles and book chapters. She was recently recognized as one of the top 100,000 scientists in the world (among 7 million) based on her productivity and the impact of her work (PLoS Biology, 2019). Company bioThe ROSE study was developed in 2013 by Peter K Gregersen, MD and Christine N Metz, PhD, who serve as co-directors. The ROSE study enrolls menstruators ages 15-50 years to participate in research studies focused on using menstrual effluent (or menstrual blood) as a tool to study endometriosis (as well as as other uterine-health disorders). We are focused on 1) developing non-invasive methods for screening/diagnosing endometriosis (as well as uterine-health disorders) to reduce the delay in diagnosis and 2) better understanding endometriosis to develop more effective and tolerable treatments, which are sorely needed.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:03] Professor Metz's background[06:59] What is endometriosis?[08:09] The ROSE Study[10:02] Progress in understanding endometriosis[10:53] Menstrual Effluent[12:55] The uterus is not a closed system[14:25] Research on Menstrual Effluent[17:36] How to collect Menstrual Effluent[20:23] Study findings so far[22:49] How to get involved[25:37] How quickly could a diagnosis be given with the tool?[26:15] How soon could a tool be on the market?[29:32] Attitudes to studying menstrual effluent[32:19] Funding for endometriosis research[34:23] What would be the impact if we could diagnose endometriosis earlier?[36:00] Current endometriosis treatments[38:33] What is an area of women's health and wellness that still needs innovating?[39:55] Potential law changes in Florida and the impact for endometriosis[41:22] What does the femtech industry as a whole need the most to be successful?Call To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Episode ContributorsProfessor Christine MetzLinkedIn: @Christine MetzTwitter: @CN_METZ The ROSE StudyWebsite: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/institutes-researchers/institute-molecular-medicine/robert-s-boas-center-for-genomics-and-human-genetics/rose-research-outsmarts-endometriosisEmail: rose@northwell.edu Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell HealthWebsite: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/LinkedIn: @Northwell HealthTwitter: @northwellhealthInstagram: @northwellhealthYoutube: @NorthwellHealth Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr Brittany Barreto talks to Kimberly Haven, Executive Director of Reproductive Justice Inside. They discuss all aspects of an incarcerated woman's healthcare experience, from access to menstrual products to what happens if you're pregnant, to experiences with menopause. This is a truly fascinating and highly educational episode.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioKimberly Haven is a powerful voice and force in the social justice movement. She is a sought-after expert and a frequently called-upon speaker on issues such as Women in Prison, Women's Reproductive Justice, and a broad range of criminal justice reform and advocacy issues. She is uniquely familiar with the criminal justice system because of her own incarceration. She has the unique distinction of being the only formerly incarcerated woman in Maryland who has written and gotten passed into law, several pieces of legislation.She has a strong passion for all justice issues, with a special focus on the reproductive justice issues facing incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. She is the Executive Director of Reproductive Justice Inside (RJI) where she wrote the first-in-the-nation law prohibiting the forced solitary confinement of pregnant and post-pregnant individuals. This law ended an archaic practice that was tantamount to punishing a woman for being pregnant.Company bioThe mission of Reproductive Justice Inside was initially to address the needs of systems-involved individuals in Maryland seeking quality and timely sexual and reproductive healthcare. Reproductive Justice Inside is now the go-to organization in Maryland on these issues.  Our mission has expanded to support and protect, as a fundamental right and value, reproductive freedom for the entire reproductive lifespan of incarcerated individuals and to address the conditions of confinement where systems-involved individuals are not in complete control of their reproductive futures and freedom. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[03:46] Kimberly's background[05:47] Kimberly's personal experiences[12:14] Availability of menstrual products to incarcerated women[15:11] Expansion of Reproductive Justice Inside[16:46] Birth Control whilst incarcerated[22:10] Pregnancy whilst incarcerated[29:15] Boober[34:00] Post-partum care whilst incarcerated[35:00] Lack of care = increased healthcare costs[37:00] Menopause whilst incarcerated[42:22] How to help, get involved or find out moreCall To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Don't forget to download the 2022 Landscape Report! Available via the link, or on our website: femhealthinsights.comEpisode ContributorsKimberly HavenEmail: kimberly@reproductivejusticeinside.orgLinkedIn: @Kimberly HavenInstagram: @kimberlyhavenReproductive Justice InsideInstagram: @rjinside Dr Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr Brittany Barreto talks to Dr. Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer at Maven Clinic. They discuss how Maven Clinic is reducing employer healthcare costs, the challenges in serving women in over 175 countries, and what the future is for this FemTech Unicorn.Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!Guest bioDr. Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG, is Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic, the largest virtual clinic for women's and family health, and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School. He is the co-founder of the March for Moms Association, a coalition of more than 20 leading organizations dedicated to increasing public and private investment in the wellbeing of mothers, and the founder of Costs of Care, an NGO that curates insights from clinicians and patients to help delivery systems provide better care. His work to build equitable, trustworthy systems of care is featured in the documentaries “Color of Care,” produced by Oprah Winfrey, and “Aftershock,” produced by Yance Ford. Dr. Shah serves on the advisory board of the National Institutes of Health, Office of Women's Health Research.Company bioMaven is the largest virtual clinic for women's and family health, offering continuous, holistic care for fertility and family building through maternity, parenting, pediatrics and menopause. Maven's award-winning digital programs are trusted by leading employers and health plans to reduce costs and drive better maternal health outcomes, as well as enhance DE&I in benefits programs. Founded in 2014 by CEO Kate Ryder, Maven has been recognized as Fast Company's #1 Most Innovative Health Company and has 15 million lives under management. Maven has raised $300 million in funding from leading investors including General Catalyst, Sequoia, Oak HC/FT, Dragoneer Investment Group and Lux Capital. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[02:52] Dr. Neels Shah's background[04:27] Academics and Startups[08:04] All about Maven Clinic[18:38] Advice for founders thinking about business models[10:50] How medical insurance works in the US[22:28] Maternal care costs[26:43] Challenges of serving women in 175+ countries[28:36] Male usage of Maven[32:18] Maven and Menopause[36:12] Building Maven[38:25] Focus V Marketplace[39:48] Maven's Exit StrategyResourcesMaven ClinicMarch for MomsCosts of CareThe Color of CareAftershockCall To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Sponsor InformationToday's episode is sponsored by Guidea, a women-owned, women-led UX design consultancy that specializes in bringing FemTech innovations to life. This incredible team has extensive product and design strategy expertise in HealthTech and MedTech and is a trusted partner to 20 of the Fortune 100 companies. They've launched more than  300 products to date including the flagship products for seven unicorn-status start-ups. Guidea is known for creating research-driven products and services that are engaging, useful, and easily integrated into patients' or customers' lives and care providers' workflows. Drawing on their deep knowledge of MedTech, IoT, wearables, population health insights, digital therapeutics, and healthcare software, they help founding teams prioritize opportunities and focus on key features for clinical studies or MVPs. The team also has extensive experience with regulated device approval and can help you both understand and plan for this rigorous testing and approval process. To learn more about Guidea and get to know their team, visit guidea.com. Episode ContributorsDr. Neel ShahLinkedIn: @Neel ShahTwitter: @neel_shahMaven ClinicWebsite: https://www.mavenclinic.com/LinkedIn: @Maven ClinicTwitter: @mavenclinicInstagram: @mavenclinicDr Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

It's our 200th episode! And it's a really great one. In this episode, Dr Brittany Barreto talks to Heidi Morin, Founder and CEO of Parity Healthcare Analytics. They talk all about the importance of hospital staffing to outcomes for women's health. From the current system, to causes of burnout in nurses, to US maternal healthcare deserts - this is a truly fascinating episode. Remember to like, rate and subscribe, and enjoy the episode!Episode NotesGuest bioHeidi Morin is founder and CEO of Parity Healthcare Analytics. Heidi has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years, specializing in Women's Health and Neonatal Intensive Care. Heidi has been actively involved in the inside operations of healthcare - from the frontlines to Board Rooms, and is an expert in clinical care, multi-million-dollar business operations and labor productivity. Heidi is passionate about providing high-quality patient care and has a profound interest in how hospitals measure this care. As a result, Heidi founded Parity Healthcare Analytics Inc. in 2020.Company bioParity Healthcare Analytics is challenging the status quo of how hospitals currently calculate and budget for nurse staffing in perinatal units (Obstetric & NICU).  The inaugural product is Parity, a cloud-based SaaS program with multi-purpose features to address the complex nurse staffing and patient needs uniquely found in the perinatal setting.  We have a mission to improve maternal health outcomes by providing the clinical frontlines with real-time and objective data to ensure staffing levels and nurse-to-patient ratios are appropriate to provide safe patient care. Ultimately, Parity Healthcare aims to revolutionize nursing productivity in healthcare, starting in the maternal health space.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women's Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:19] Heidi's background[05:39] Parity Healthcare Analytics[06:45] Correct terminology for women's healthcare[11:16] The relationship between hospital staffing and outcomes for women's health[14:08] Staffing requirements of a women's health ward in comparison to other wards[17:39] Maternal Care Deserts[19:30] Malpractice Insurance[21:45] Burnout in Women's Health Nurses[27:13] Reasons for the current nursing shortage?[28:52] Race implications[32:58] Benefits of the Parity Healthcare Analytics Tool[37:50] Payouts and Unconscious Biases[39:28] What's an area of women's health and wellness that still needs innovating?[42:07] What does women's health as a whole need the most in order to be successful?ResourcesParity Healthcare AnalyticsCall To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Episode ContributorsHeidi MorinLinkedIn: Heidi E. Morin, MSN, MBA, RN, FABCEmail: hmorin@parityapp.healthParity Healthcare AnalyticsWebsite: https://www.paritystaffing.com/LinkedIn: @Parity Healthcare Analytics, IncDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr Brittany Barreto talks to Surbhi Sarna, Author of Without A Doubt and Partner at Y Combinator. They discuss Surbhi's company, which exited in 2018 for $275 million, advice for networking and pitching investors, plus how to recognise burnout and what to do about it. Enjoy the episode!Remember to like, rate and subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast!Guest bioSurbhi Sarna is the healthcare partner at Y Combinator, and is the founder and former CEO of nVision Medical, which sold to Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) for $275M. nVision developed a first-in-kind microcatheter for the detection of ovarian cancer. After raising $17M in venture funding, completing three clinical trials, and obtaining two first-in-class FDA approvals, nVision was acquired by Boston Scientific for more than 15X money-in. Surbhi then stayed at Boston Scientific for two years, running the 150+ person commercial organization in preparation for launch. She is now Y-Combinator's only and first partner focused exclusively on healthtech, medical devices, and therapeutics and sits on both private and public company boards.Company bioIn Without a Doubt, Sarna gives us an inside look at her entrepreneurial journey and shows how she proved her naysayers and doubters wrong using the very qualities that had made her feel different her whole life. Instead, she leveraged these qualities to help her surpass the expectations of others and achieve her dream. In her book, she shares the practical skills and tools that are needed to face setbacks, not let impossible standards get in the way, lead empathetically, empower others to think differently, and how to convince the right people to help you accomplish your goal.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[04:48] Background to the book. [07:32] What is the book about?[08:29] Teenage cancer scare[11:33] Advancement in ovarian cyst research or solutions.[12:17] Why is it always birth control?[15:05] Networking advice[16:45] Making connections.[17:41] Be excited about your business![22:20] Advice to founders who are being laughed at.[27:45] What do you think of the word femtech?[28:40] Using words to make people comfortable.[30:20] Know your pitch and read the room.[32:58] Handling insecurities about pivoting.[36:49] Burnout. [43:08] What Surbhi is up to now. ResourcesWithout A Doubt: How to Go from Underrated to Unbeatable Call To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review! Episode ContributorsSurbhi SarnaLinkedIn: @Surbhi SarnaTwitter: @SurbhiSarnaSF Y CombinatorWebsite: https://www.ycombinator.com/LinkedIn: @Y CombinatorTwitter: @ycombinatorInstagram: @ycombinatorFacebook: @Y CombinatorYoutube: @ycombinator Dr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarreto FemTech FocusWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus FemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr Brittany Barreto talks to Dr. Sarita Maturu, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and Board Member at My Epilepsy Story, a non-profit for women with epilepsy. They talk all about exactly what a seizure is, when women may be more susceptible to seizures, and what the female-specific impacts of an epilepsy diagnosis are. Enjoy the episode!Remember to like, rate and subscribe to the FemTech Focus podcast!Guest bioSarita Maturu is an Epileptologist at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Epilepsy Division and is the Director of Specialty Clinics within the Neurology department. She has a special interest in women with epilepsy along with young adults and adolescents with epilepsy. Pursuant to this passion, she has developed the Epilepsy Pregnancy Clinic at OSU and has helped start the Epilepsy Transition Clinic that is done in conjunction with Nationwide Children's Hospital.  She currently is a board member of My Epilepsy Story which is the only nonprofit organization for women with epilepsy. Company bioMy Epilepsy Story (MES) is an international, non-profit organization that serves to bridge the gap for women and girls diagnosed with epilepsy, as well as the children impacted by their mother's epilepsy, by Collaborating, Advocating, Researching, and Educating (C.A.R.E.) people everywhere about women's health and epilepsy. FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.FemHealth Insights bioLed by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women's health market.Time Stamps[02:26] Dr. Sarita Maturu's background[05:41] What is a seizure?[07:15] What is epilepsy?[11:10] Consequences of seizures[12:40] Causes of epilepsy[13:44] Prevalence of epilepsy[15:09] Epilepsy in females[17:27] Epilepsy medication[20:59] Interactions with hormones[24:46] Research[27:13] My Epilepsy Story[29:27] Female-specific impacts of living with epilepsy[31:55] What is an area of women's health and wellness that still needs innovating?[34:29] What does the femtech industry need the most in order to be successful?ResourcesMy Epilepsy StoryCall To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Episode ContributorsDr. Sarita MaturuMy Epilepsy StoryWebsite: https://myepilepsystory.org/LinkedIn: @My Epilepsy StoryTwitter: @myepilepsystoryInstagram: @myepilepsystoryFacebook: @My Epilepsy StoryYoutube: @myepilepsystory9968Dr Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech Focus PodcastWebsite: https://femtechfocus.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocusFemHealth InsightsWebsite: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, Dr Brittany Barreto talks to Maurissa Bell, VP of Private Equity and Clairvest Group Inc. They take it back to basics and discuss what Private Equity actually is, how it works and how it can help a company. Maurissa also gives us the 411 on the relationship between Private Equity and FemTech, why Clairvest sees opportunity in the sector, and what they see as the future of women's health and wellness.Guest bioMaurissa Bell is Vice President of Private Equity at Clairvest Group Inc. She joined Clairvest focusing on Women's Healthcare and is involved in all areas of the investment process. She is a Chartered Accountant and has held various roles in investment and corporate banking, and Maurissa is also a recipient of the Women in Capital Markets 2021 Emerging Leader award.Company bioClairvest is a top performing private equity management firm with over CAD $3.2 billion of capital under management. Founded in 1987 by a group of successful entrepreneurs, Clairvest's mission is to partner with entrepreneurs to help them build strategically significant businesses.FemTech Focus Podcast bioThe FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women's health and wellness.Time Stamps[01:26] Maurissa Bell and Clairvest[05:39] What is Private Equity?[13:15] How does a Private Equity fund actually work?[19:44] Why does Clairvest want to invest in Women's Health?[28:29] The relationship between Women's Health and Private Equity today.[33:53] Women's Health in the future.[38:43] Advice for founders considering Private Equity in their company's future.[44:31] What is an area in women's health and wellness that still needs innovating?[45:13] What does the femtech industry need the most right now to be successful?Call To Action!Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, and if you like the show please leave us a review!Episode ContributorsMaurissa BellLinkedIn: @Maurissa Bell, CPA, CAClairvest Group Inc.LinkedIn: @Clairvest Group IncWebsite: https://www.clairvest.com/Twitter: @clairvest_groupDr. Brittany BarretoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanybarreto/Twitter: @DrBrittBInstagram: @drbrittanybarretoFemTech FocusLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocusTwitter: @FemTech_FocusInstagram: @femtechfocus