Podcasts about patient support

Have you ever considered that victims of human trafficking might be walking into your clinic, hidden in plain sight, longing for someone to notice their silent signals? In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, host Dr. Lia Gaggino sits down with Dr. Dena Nazer , a leading child abuse pediatrician, to dispel widespread myths and expose the heartbreaking realities of child trafficking. They dive deeply into what human trafficking truly looks like, why language and empathy shape outcomes, and how pediatricians can recognize and respond to red flags—even when victims don't or can't ask for help. If you've ever wondered how to protect the most vulnerable or questioned your own role in advocacy, this conversation mixes expertise and actionable strategies you can use today. Don't miss this essential episode—sometimes the most critical intervention is simply being prepared to see what others overlook.[00:00 - 06:25] Beyond Kidnapping: The Everyday Reality of Child TraffickingMedia Myths: trafficking is not always dramatic kidnappings—many victims are exploited by someone they know, sometimes in their own homes.Defining human trafficking per US federal law: for children under 18, any commercial sexual act (anything exchanged for perceived value) is trafficking, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion.Labor trafficking in children does require proof of force, fraud, or coercion, unlike sex trafficking.Children cannot legally consent to commercial sexual acts, a fact often misunderstood by practitioners.[06:26 - 18:33] Recognizing Vulnerability: Victims, Prevalence, and Persistent MythsAll children, regardless of socioeconomic status or geography, can be victimized; not just those from impoverished or unstable backgrounds.Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to developmental, social, and neurological factors—especially girls, though all genders are at risk.The covert nature and underreporting of trafficking, with true prevalence grossly underestimated—actual victims far exceed documented cases.Practitioners should avoid assumptions about victim profiles and recognize that trafficking does not discriminate by background or location.[18:34 -24:41] Language, Reporting, and the Power of EmpathyThere is an impact of language, advocating against terms like "prostitute" or "modern day slavery," as they distort public perception and can harm survivors.There are nuanced preferences between “victim” and “survivor,” emphasizing respect for self-identification.Addresses mandated reporting: outlines state-by-state differences, reminds clinicians to know their local laws, and suggests erring on the side of caution when in doubt.Discusses the complexities of reporting and intervention with 18+ patients, promoting support over “rescue,” and collaboration over dictating solutions.[24:42 - 47:58] Identification, Patient Support, and Multi-Agency CollaborationRed flags in clinical settings: domineering non-parental adults accompanying children, delayed care-seeking, lack of address knowledge, repeated STIs, or signs of fear and withdrawal.Ways to build trust and elicit disclosures: prioritize safety, establish boundaries about reporting, and use risk-factor-based screening questions.Trauma-informed care—responding with empathy, validation, and minimal dramatization—to avoid re-traumatizing patients.Connect with local Child Advocacy Centers and understanding local resources and procedures before a crisis arises.[47:59 - 59:59] Dr. G's TakeAwaysAdditional Resources Mentioned

Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy and Patient Support at the Irish Heart Foundation, reacts to the Government pausing the progression of legislation banning the sale of energy drinks to under 18s.

·       In this podcast a patient with sarcoma and a specialist sarcoma nurse discuss the patient's journey from initial diagnosis through to treatment and recovery. They will also discuss the physiological, emotional and mental impact that sarcoma had, as well as the critical role of the cancer nurse specialist within the treatment plan, alongside a patient support group. Listeners to the podcast will gain a better understanding of the challenges in diagnosing soft-tissue sarcoma, the tools that are already available to assist physicians in diagnosis, and the importance of providing patients with clear information throughout the treatment journey.   This podcast is published open access in Oncology and Therapy and is fully citeable. You can access the original published podcast article through the  Oncology and Therapy website and by using this link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40487-025-00342-6. All conflicts of interest can be found online. This podcast is intended for medical professionals.   Open Access This podcast is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, which permits any non-commercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The material in this podcast is included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.

Wellness Rising from the Wellness House of Annapolis welcomes Lydia Umlandt, Concierge Services Lead at Maryland Proton Treatment Center. Lydia tells how cancer patients getting  proton radiation treatment are given all the practical support - from scheduling to lodging to transport - to help make their course of treatment successful.

CF Dad Bob Coughlin see's a cure in the future for his son, and all of our kids. His high energy in this podcast is contagious. In this conversation, Laura Bonnell and Bob Coughlin discuss the journey of Bob's son, Bobby, who has cystic fibrosis. They explore the advancements in treatment, the importance of advocacy, and the intersection of policy and innovation in the biotechnology sector. Bob shares his personal experiences as a caregiver and advocate, emphasizing the need for continued support and education in the medical community. The conversation highlights the emotional rollercoaster of living with a chronic illness and the hope brought by new therapies. In this conversation, Bob Coughlin shares his emotional journey as a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, detailing the transformative impact of new treatments and the importance of community support. He discusses the hope brought by advancements in gene therapy and the future of cystic fibrosis treatment, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and innovation in healthcare. The conversation highlights the emotional highs and lows experienced by families dealing with chronic illness and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.Bob aligns real estate strategies with scientific business objectives. Which is very cool if you ask me. He's on numerous boards and is extremely involved in work, life and organizations.___________________________Bob Coughlin is a Managing Director at JLL and is the New England's Life Science and Healthcare Practice Group lead. He specializes in the representation of lab, GMP manufacturing and technology space. Robert delivers creative solutions that align real estate strategies with scientific business objectives. ExperienceRobert most recently operated as the President & CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, where his mission was to advance Massachusetts's leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry. Robert has spent his career in both the public and private sectors. Before joining MassBio, he served as the Undersecretary of Economic Development within Governor Deval Patrick's administration, where he prioritized both healthcare and economic development issues and was a strong advocate for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. Prior to that, he was elected as State Representative to the 11th Norfolk district for three terms. Robert has also held senior executive positions in the environmental services, capital management and venture capital industries.Board InvolvementFranciscan Children's Hospital, Vice Chair, Board of TrusteesTeam Impact,  Member of National Board of DirectorsMassBio, Member, Board of DirectorsBA Sciences, Member, Board of DirectorsAnagram, Member, Board of DirectorsNuvara, Member, Board of DirectorsCystic Fibrosis Foundation, Chair, MA/RI Board of DirectorsSchwartz Center for Compassionate Care, Lifetime Board Member Please like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.orgEmail us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com Thanks to our sponsors:Vertex: https://www.vrtx.comViatris: https://www.viatris.com/en

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Today's guest is Kimberly Powell, Vice President of Healthcare and Life Sciences at NVIDIA. Kimberly joins us to discuss how AI is reshaping the healthcare landscape. As generative AI adoption accelerates, Kimberly shares her insights on the major challenges the healthcare industry faces, particularly in terms of technology infrastructure. Together, we explore the critical need for hybrid strategies that blend on-premise and cloud computing, enabling real-time data processing for medical imaging, clinical operations, and more. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of developing infrastructure capable of supporting these advanced AI applications to improve patient care and operational efficiency. To discover more AI use cases, best practice guides, white papers, frameworks, and more, join Emerj Plus at emerj.com/p1.

In this episode of Nurse Converse, Courtney Thibeault and Nurse Courtney team up to address the often-avoided topic of death and dying in healthcare. They discuss the lack of standardized education on difficult conversations surrounding end-of-life care, highlighting the importance of equipping nurses with the skills to navigate these sensitive discussions with patients. Join them for an enlightening discussion that aims to empower nurses to navigate one of the most challenging aspects of patient care.>>The Talk Nurses Don't Talk About Enough: Death and DyingJump Ahead to Listen:[01:07] Death and Dying Conversations.[05:05] End-of-life patient care conversations.[09:23] Palliative care versus hospice care.[12:44] Hospice care benefits and misconceptions.[16:21] Difficult conversations in healthcare.[20:13] The importance of difficult conversations.[21:48] Palliative care resources for families.[25:09] Importance of hospice conversations.Connect with Nurse Courtney on social media:Instagram: @court.nurse Connect with Courtney Thibeault on social media:Instagram: @nursesofinstagram For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcastJoin our newsletter at nurse.org/joinInstagram: @nurse_orgTikTok: @nurse.orgFacebook: @nurse.orgYouTube: Nurse.org

Our Thanksgiving episode of Mercalis in Motion is now available!  In this episode, Mercalis team members Michael Turner, Terry Cato, and Blake Johnson join us to discuss the impact the introduction of biosimilars has made on the pharmaceutical marketplace and how pharma manufacturers are developing strategy for biosimilar patient support services.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Goli Ameri from COSM, a leading Toronto-based medical device company dedicated to revolutionizing pelvic health. Dr. Goli, Head of Research at COSM, holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering specializing in image-guided therapy and surgery from the Robarts Research Institute at Western University. She has played a crucial role in COSM's growth, contributing to 4 peer-reviewed publications and 11 conference presentations. We explore the limitations of traditional pessaries and delve into COSM's advanced technologies, such as 3D printing and AI-powered tools, which create personalized pessaries for conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. The discussion also highlights the potential of non-invasive ultrasound imaging and accurate measurement tools. But what truly sets COSM apart is its data-driven platforms, which offer comprehensive digital support to physicians and patients. We examine the integration of educational apps, peer support, and remote monitoring to enhance overall care. Discover how COSM transforms pelvic health with precision-based solutions for unique bodies and needs, all underpinned by its robust data-driven platforms. For more information, be sure to check out their:Website: https://www.cosm.careInstagram: @cosm.medicalFacebook: Cosm.medicalTimeline:00:00 Introduction to Golia Ameri and Cosm 00:04 The Problem with Traditional Pessaries 01:03 COSM's Innovative Solution 02:05 Custom Pessary Fitting Process04:21 Challenges and Measurements 09:27 Provider and Patient Support 13:27 Future Developments and Products 13:36 Future Innovations in Personalized Pastries 13:58 Postpartum and Post-Surgery Recovery Solutions 14:41 Clinical Trials and Studies 15:09 Personalized Devices for Different Needs 16:06 Stabilizing Tissue for Better Healing 17:37 Collaborations and Innovations 19:19 AI and Machine Learning in Women's Health 20:15 Advanced Measurement Tools 22:41 Challenges and Future Directions 23:32 Connecting with Cosm 24:57 Conclusion and Gratitude

Join us as we talk to Christine Cockburn.Christine says that caring for her mum was one of the great privileges of her life, then when she had her own cancer experience, she realised that her Mum's rare diagnosis had been a whole different world. Now every day Christine gets to work with the rare community, and she couldn't feel more fortunate. After six years as Head of Patient Support, and then General Manager at Rare Cancers Australia (RCA), she now holds the position of Chief Executive Officer.Christine combines her expertise in sociology and public health with her drive to be bold and brave in leading RCA's advocacy efforts and its dedicated team in their mission – to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare and less common cancers. She sits on several advisory bodies including for Australian Genomics and Patient Voice Initiative; and is proud to be supervising an industry PhD project in partnership with LaTrobe University on rare cancers and the provision of information.Visit https://www.rarecancers.org.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a Text Message.Both patients and providers are more than familiar with the headaches associated with collecting payments.But what solutions are there that support both patients and providers?In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Tom Furr, CEO of PatientPay reveals how things like the Affordable Care Act are driving out-of-pocket costs and what the solutions are for supporting providers in collections without damaging patient opinions in the process.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

On Passion Struck, John is joined by Michael Marquardt, former Chair of the American Cancer Society and CEO of Epi-One, to explore groundbreaking breakthroughs in early cancer detection. The two dive deep into how epigenetic signals in the DNA molecule are revolutionizing how we diagnose cancer, offering hope for earlier and more effective treatments. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of cancer detection!His personal experiences with cancer, including the loss of his first wife, have driven his dedication to revolutionizing cancer detection and treatment. The episode shed light on the advancements in cancer research and the critical role of early detection in improving outcomes for cancer patients.Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/michael-marquardt-breakthroughs-cancer-detection/SponsorsBabbel is the new way to learn a foreign language. The comprehensive learning system combines effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology! Right now, get SIXTY percent off your Babbel subscription—but only for our listeners, at Babbel dot com slash PASSION.Stop hair loss before it's gone for good. Hims has everything you need to regrow hair. Start your free online visit today at “Hims dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.”Quince brings luxury products like Mongolian Cashmere, Italian Leather, Turkish Cotton and Washable Silk to everyone at radically low prices. Go to “Quince dot com slash PASSION” for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.--► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to:https://passionstruck.com/deals/JUST $0.99 FOR A LIMITED TIMEOrder a copy of my book, "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life," today!  Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, the book has won the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, the International Book Awards for Best Non-Fiction, the 2024 Melanie P. Smith Reader's Choice Contest by Connections eMagazine, and the Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Medal. Don't miss the opportunity to transform your life with these powerful principles!In this episode, you will learn:The American Cancer Society has funded grants for 50 young researchers who have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.The American Cancer Society focuses on three pillars: research, patient support, and advocacy.Sedentary lifestyle and Western diets are contributing factors to the rise in cancer cases.EpiOne, a biotech startup, is pioneering early cancer detection through epigenetic signals on the DNA molecule.Early detection is crucial in improving cancer survival rates and treatment outcomes.EpiOne's technology can detect cancer signals at stage zero, allowing for early intervention and treatment.All Things Michael Marquardt: https://marquardtglobal.com/Catch More of Passion StruckCan't miss my episode withJulie Fleshman on How PanCAN Is Raising the Pancreatic Cancer Survival RateListen to my interview withDr. Lynn Matrisian on the Frontlines of Pancreatic Cancer – Education, Awareness, and ProgressWatch my episode with Bill Potts on Beat Cancer by Being Your Own Best AdvocateCatch my interview with Dr. Michael Pishvaian on Why Hope Is the Key to Fighting Pancreatic CancerLike this show? Please leave us a review here-- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Isabelle Tran, a medical student and writer, to explore the intersection of technology and health. Inspired by her poem "AI Ally," Isabelle delves into the emotional journey of patients receiving a serious diagnosis like thyroid cancer. We discuss how AI and search engines can be both a lifeline and a source of anxiety, the balance between digital and human support, and the role of narrative medicine in understanding patient experiences. Isabelle Tran is a medical student. She discusses the KevinMD article, "A modern tale of thyroid cancer: AI, haikus, and healing." Our presenting sponsor is Nuance, a Microsoft company. Do you spend more time on administrative tasks like clinical documentation than you do with patients? You're not alone. Clinicians report spending up to two hours on administrative tasks for each hour of care provided. Nuance, a Microsoft company, is committed to helping clinicians restore the balance with Dragon Ambient eXperience – or DAX for short. DAX is an AI-powered, voice-enabled solution that helps physicians cut documentation time in half. DAX Copilot combines proven conversational and ambient AI with the most advanced generative AI in a mobile application that integrates directly with your existing workflows. DAX Copilot can be easily enabled within the workflow of the Dragon Medical application to bring the power of ambient technology to more clinicians faster while leveraging the proven and powerful capabilities used by over 550,000 physicians. Explore DAX Copilot today. Visit https://nuance.com/daxinaction to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. Discover clinical documentation that writes itself and reclaim your work-life balance. VISIT SPONSOR → https://nuance.com/daxinaction SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus

In this episode, Paul Hoffman, CEO and founder of inTandem Health, discusses his innovative approach to patient support. Drawing from personal experience, Hoffman explains how inTandem Health connects patients and caregivers with mentors to navigate life-changing diagnoses, enhancing patient experience and fostering a compassionate healthcare environment.

In part 1 of this 2-part podcast series, HMP MAI Director of Payer Insights Chris Van Denburg and special guest Tina Valbh – pharmacist and oncology patient – explore her experiences with and advice for oncology patient support services programs, emphasizing those provided by biopharmaceutical companies.

 In part 2 of this 2-part podcast series, HMP MAI Director of Payer Insights Chris Van Denburg and special guest Tina Valbh – pharmacist and oncology patient – continue their exploration of oncology patient support services programs, with several key pieces of advice for biopharmaceutical companies.

Send us a Text Message.AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare as providers look to cut costs and speed up patient response times.However, a study by the Pew Research Center found that 57% of patients say using artificial intelligence to diagnose diseases and recommend treatments would worsen the patient-provider relationship.So how does AI bridge the disconnect between effective patient care and streamlined operations?Join us for this week's Care Talk episode as David E. Williams and John Driscoll meet with Israel Krush, co-founder of Hyro, to discuss how they're revolutionizing conversational AI and improving the AI experience in healthcare. TOPICS:0:55 How chatbots relate to healthcare2:45 What are the advantages and challenges of chat boxes?5:07 The role of empathy in chat boxes7:50 What is responsible AI?10:04 How healthcare AI differs from other AI systems13:48 Experts' thoughts on responsible AI15:15 How AI can tap into medical knowledge16:48 How AI can find new treatments19:23 Why nurses are raising the alarm on AI

Welcome back to "Your Mouth Matters," the podcast where we dive into everything related to oral health and well-being! In today's episode, we'll delve into the world of orthognathic surgery with our expert guest, Rebecka Clark, who shares her personal journey. We're going to explore the vital resources and support systems available for those considering or recovering from jaw surgery. Dr. Taylor will shed light on the crucial role of assessing tongue function and non-surgical options before making such a life-changing decision. Plus, we've got some fascinating insights into how other countries like Japan handle post-surgical care, and why the U.S. could learn a thing or two. Whether you're curious about jaw surgery or passionate about dental health, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice. So, grab your headphones, and let's get started on this journey to better oral health!

In episode 2, we examine financial assistance or case management: What is a case management approach and the importance of looking at the whole patient journey. 

In this episode, we examine the needs of patients in the current health systems and the role and potential of patient support programs to improve patient access to reliable and innovative treatments.

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, right? For a lot of SLPs, it can be hard to do that. Maybe we think our job would crumble without us. Maybe we think we have no other choice but to just accept the sour situations life throws at us. If you're feeling trapped in a particularly unsavory situation right now, let THIS episode serve as your inspiration and motivation to follow your passion and make the career pivot you're meant to make.  Melissa Grassia Chisholm, M.S. CCC-SLP, was working full-time in a hospital when her son was diagnosed with leukemia. With her world completely flipped upside-down, she made the decision to leave her job and build a virtual voice clinic instead so she could be with her son while pursuing her passion. Tune in to this week's episode of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast to hear how Melissa did it, what her virtual clinic looks like, her goals to expand globally, and the EXACT moment she knew that leaving her hospital was the right move. If you or someone you know is searching for affordable and accessible voice therapy, you're invited to check out Melissa's virtual clinic at TheVoiceRehab.com. Use the promo code “swallowyourpride” to get 10% off the first month of her Voice Rehab Program! Episode Website: https://syppodcast.com/328 Listen to more episodes of the Swallow Your Pride Podcast TIMESTAMPS: Melissa's Career Background (00:01:05) Melissa's Vocal Health Struggles (00:06:14) Leadership Role at Cleveland Clinic (00:08:33) Transition to Private Practice (00:10:53) Balancing Family and Career (00:13:06) Blood Test Results and Hospital Visit (00:15:11) Leukemia Treatment Journey (00:19:07) Career Transition and Growth (00:20:04) Mentorship and Team Building (00:22:01) Addressing Healthcare Cuts and Virtual Clinic (00:25:42) Live Group Coaching (00:30:16) Affordable Teletherapy (00:31:23) Legal and Medicare Guidelines (00:32:55) Patient Support and Navigation (00:34:33) Care in Healthcare (00:36:39) Inspiring Passion and Support (00:38:45) Finding Melissa and Future Plans (00:40:27) The post 328 – The Ultimate Exit Plan: An SLP Who Left Her Facility to Start a Global Virtual Voice Clinic with Melissa Grassia Chisholm appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy and Patient Support with the Irish Heart Foundation discusses plans to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21.

This episode features host Dr. Mark Hoffman and guest Dr. Jessica Ritch as they discuss the lack of menopause education and research during medical training, and the necessity for practitioners to learn more about menopausal symptoms and management strategies. The episode begins with Dr. Ritch, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, describing her path into menopause care, including the development of her podcast, EnRitched Menopause. She touches on the role of laboratory workup in menopause, but emphasizes the patient's symptoms are more important to address than numerical values on labs. She then delves into treatment options, including the complexities of hormone replacement therapy, and the multifactorial nature of sexual function issues. Most importantly, the physicians emphasize listening to patients, offering comprehensive care beyond hormone therapy, and utilizing resources like podcasts to educate both practitioners and patients. Finally, they explore new treatments and the potential future advancements in menopause care. --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/I7Ougz --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 08:52 - The EnRitched Menopause Podcast: A Resource for Patients and Practitioners 15:22 - Common Patient Presentations of Menopause 20:43 - The Role of Laboratory Evaluation of Hormone Levels 24:20 - Testosterone in the Menopausal Patient 27:13 - Navigating Hormone Therapy: Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone 31:03 - Physiologic Hormonal Changes in Menopause 35:00 - Shared Decision-Making 39:00 - Exploring Sexual Function and Libido in Menopause 45:38 - The Power of a Physician's Support and Trusted Advice 50:09 - Innovative Approaches and Future Directions in Menopause Care --- RESOURCES EnRitched Menopause Podcast: https://podtail.com/en/podcast/enritched-menopause/welcome-to-enritched-menopause/ Rosy App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rosywellness&pli=1 (Google) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rosy-womens-sexual-health/id1444780510 (Apple)

Tomorrow will mark 20 years since the smoking ban was introduced in Ireland. The initial outrage slowly turned to acceptance and eventually smoke free sighs of relief. Speaking to Shane this morning Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy and Patient Support, Irish Heart Foundation.

Laura Yecies, CEO of Bone Health Technologies, shares her journey from a tech and marketing background to leading a company that's revolutionizing the treatment of osteoporosis with Osteoboost, a wearable device using NASA-proven vibration technology. Laura's diverse professional experiences highlights her personal motivation to improve people's lives. Her story illustrates a passionate commitment to developing non-pharmacological treatments and fostering better patient support, emphasizing the significance of technology in advancing healthcare. Guest links: www.bonehealthtech.com Charity supported: Equal Justice Initiative Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at podcast@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host: Lindsey Dinneen Editing: Marketing Wise Producer: Velentium   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 026 - Laura Yecies [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. [00:00:50] Hello, and welcome to The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host Lindsey, and I'm excited to introduce you to my guests today, Laura Yecies. Laura is the CEO of Bone Health Technologies, makers of Osteoboost, which is the first clinically proven, safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment for low bone density. Osteoboost puts NASA proven vibration in a wearable, comfortable, convenient belt form factor. Laura, thank you so much for being here today. I'm so excited to chat with you. [00:01:23] Laura Yecies: Me too. Really happy to be here. [00:01:25] Lindsey Dinneen: Wonderful. I would love, if you wouldn't mind starting off by telling us a little bit about yourself and your background and maybe what led you to the medtech industry. [00:01:35] Laura Yecies: Sure. My background's in business and tech primarily. I went to college on the east coast and after business school, in 1988, I came to California. I grew up in New York, but my husband was from California and so we decided to give it a shot out here for a little bit. And I started working in tech doing marketing, first in enterprise software, relational databases, and developer tools. And then I moved into consumer softwares, started off at Netscape. And when I was at Netscape, I took on larger roles and responsibilities. I was Vice President of the browser division, managing a group of over 200 engineers, and we were responsible for Netscape 6.1 and 7.0 and the Mozilla spin out. I then led the mail team at Yahoo, when we were sort of the number one email provider. [00:02:30] And then I also worked at a tech startup and spent some time at Checkpoint, which is a large internet security company heading up marketing there as well. And then I was CEO of two different tech startups, Sugar Sink, which is a sink and share company, and that's now owned by J2 Global. And then I became CEO of a small company called Catch. We had a note taking app and we were able to sell that company to Apple and the Catch team became the core part of the Apple Watch team. So that was very exciting. [00:03:03] And after that when I was thinking about what I wanted to do next, I worked on some ideas for my own startup with some colleagues and, some things that happened in my life that really drew my attention to healthcare. And also I grew up in a family of doctors, both my parents, two of my siblings. And then at that point, my two older sons were in medicine, and I'd always been interested in that and had a bit of flexibility because of this exit and decided that, I'm gonna, I'm gonna make a pivot. And so I switched and started looking for roles in the healthcare area. [00:03:40] And everyone sort of wanted me to work in more of the pure software side of healthcare more of the billing and receiving and revenue cycle management and staffing and logistics. And that's interesting and important. But I found that I really wanted to work on something that had directly a health or therapeutic or diagnostic benefit for patients. And so I started consulting. I consulted with companies in the genomics field, MS. And then I was lucky to get my first CEO role at a concussion diagnostic company. And that company, now called NeuroSync had great science. I think they went on to get an FDA clearance for diagnosing concussions. But after a couple years, the board and I had different ideas of what to do. It sometimes happens. [00:04:26] And so I left, I spent a year consulting at Achille Interactive and at Fabric Genomics and a couple of other companies while I was looking for my next CEO role, and I was really excited to have the opportunity, just over three years ago, to join Bone Health Technologies. I knew a marketing consultant that had been there and was connected to the company, and as soon as I saw what they were trying to work on and solve and have, frankly really make a dent in this issue of osteoporosis, I was interested. [00:05:01] I mentioned that my parents were doctors. My dad had been Medical Director of a nursing home, and I worked a couple of summers during college as a nurse's assistant. And people seemed, my recollection was that they were in the nursing home typically for one of two reasons: Alzheimer's, or they broke their hip. And, my grandmother had osteoporosis. I'm a small person. It certainly runs in my family. And so I recognized that it was an important problem, a big problem, an unsolved problem. [00:05:30] And so my really, my only question for the company was, does it work? We had this innovative treatment for osteoporosis and the founders shared the data with me. It was not a sure thing, but I found the data to be very compelling and so I joined and we're three years down the line from that point in time. And one of the most important things that's happened is we finished our pivotal trial and we got the results. Now it takes a while to do a trial for osteoporosis, but we had excellent results from the treatment. [00:06:03] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. First of all, thank you so much for telling us a little bit about your background. You have such an incredibly diverse background. So many questions just emerge from that, but I would love to hear about your current device and the way that it works and whatnot. [00:06:18] Laura Yecies: Sure. So it's a wearable treatment. It's a belt that has a vibration pack that you wear over your lumbar spine, specifically at the sacrum. And so we're applying vibration to the hips and lower back, and those are to the key areas that experience fractures from osteoporosis. So hip fractures are very life impacting, deadly for almost 30% of people. Spine fractures, you can imagine, are very painful and debilitating. And so we're focusing vibration, which has been proven to improve bone density on the vulnerable anatomy. And, there's a body of evidence from NASA where they did whole body vibration to try to reduce bone loss for astronauts. [00:07:05] So when astronauts spend time in space, they lose bone. And what they proved was that standing on a whole body vibration platform can improve bone density. But those companies that make these platforms, they have very good products. I'm a believer in the science, but those products haven't gone mainstream. They're people that tend to not comply very well with them, and the good ones are expensive. And so we're aiming to take this proven science-- and by the way, before NASA did the whole body vibration studies, there's a lot of studies in animals and cellular research showing the same thing. There's really a lot of science to support this. [00:07:45] But our device, we aim to solve the ease of use challenge by making it something wearable. And then most importantly, the vibration is applied locally to the vulnerable anatomy. So that's what we do. And what we showed in our pivotal trial is that we reduced bone loss by over 80%. So we measured the lumbar vertebra with a CT scan at baseline in one year. And the patients who were on the active treatment lost about a half a percent of their bone strength. And those on the placebo or sham treatment lost just under 3%. Our patients, we kept them clinically, essentially stable and slow this bone loss so you don't outlive your bones. [00:08:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. That's incredible. I am. . I . I say this a lot and I know it's used as sort of a more tongue in cheek manner, but for real, what a time to be alive. That is so cool how so much innovation is just constantly coming through and the, there's this, people like you are doing this incredible work to bring new devices that are really impacting patients' lives. So that sounds like incredible results. You guys must have been thrilled with those numbers [00:09:03] Laura Yecies: Yes. And this was really our first attempt. We had done a pilot study, but this was our first one year study and we just applied for a grant to do another study with in basically a longer treatment duration, essentially a higher dose of vibration. So from my point of view, this is a great result, but this is like the beginning. [00:09:26] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yes, which is so exciting too, because it just leaves room for so much more as you continue to go down this path. So that is exciting. And so that's your next step. I'm imagining, is this, next level of treatment and what do you envision the company to, to do or be doing in say, three, five years from now? [00:09:50] Laura Yecies: So in three to five years, my goal is first of all, that we have this device very widely used in the market or with patients. So there's 52 million patients with osteopenia and other 12 million with osteoporosis. Our trial was for patients with osteopenia, and so there are a lot of patients out there who I think would benefit from this device. We also want to start to develop a relationship with those patients. Not just sell them a device, but support them in their overall bone health optimization. So we today have created an OsteoBoost application. So we help patients remember and comply and we remind them and give them encouragement to use the device. We help them get the optimum amount of calcium by tracking that exercise. [00:10:41] And then, our vision is to add community and other elements of optimizing bone health and potentially to have other services. We never wanna get in the way of a patient's relationship with their doctor. So if their personal physician is supporting their treatment of their bone density issues, that's great. But in many cases they're not. And so we wanna have services available for that as well. And it's interesting if you look in the app store or look at a lot of startup activity, there's many companies doing these kinds of solutions for diabetes or cardiovascular disease or asthma or depression, but there's really not much out there for bone health. And yet it's really a key part of staying well and independent and living, living healthily, and it's such a common problem. So we're excited, that we have something unique, yet very much needed and not in a, in a small group it's not a rare thing. It's very common. [00:11:46] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes. Yes, absolutely. And is your plan to sell directly to the consumers or will you be going through, insurance companies, doctors, whatnot, or do have you gotten that far yet? [00:12:00] Laura Yecies: We haven't finalized the details of that. So we're not ready to share them. But but what I will say that I think we are quite certain about is first of all, it is a prescription device, so there will be a doctor involved to write prescription and some of the details, and we will certainly have a way where the personal physician can write that prescription. We may have some other options for patients, but a doctor's involved, which is appropriate because they have a condition that puts them at risk of fractures and other health issues. [00:12:34] But the other thing that I am confident about is that we are going to want to appeal to patients to generate interest. We have seen tremendous inbound interest into the company with not a lot of marketing. I mean, I've done things like this podcast and I speak at conferences, but we have not spent money on advertising or things like that because the product's not on the market yet. And I hear from patients all the time, they are searching for an innovative treatment. They're searching for ways safely to slow their bone loss. I, I'm a member of a number of Facebook groups for osteoporosis and hear how patients talk about this, and so I believe there's tremendous interest by patients and that we wanna tap into that to build the business. [00:13:24] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yes. And part of the reason I brought it up, the question in the first place was exactly for that reason. I was thinking there's gotta be so many people who are searching for a solution and yours is so innovative and accessible. I'm so excited to see where it leads. Yeah, that's gonna be incredible. And it really struck me, you talked about your background being heavily in marketing back in the day and so obviously those skills are still very present today. So it's fun to see how, elements of things that you've done throughout your life will lead to this success, in this next endeavor. [00:14:01] And I'm actually very curious also. yoU talked about some really amazing positions that you had, and then those led you to have these CEO roles. So I'm curious, how was that transition for you stepping into your first CEO opportunity? Was that exciting, daunting, energizing? How are you feeling in those moments? [00:14:25] Laura Yecies: Those, you captured many of the feelings. So you know, a bit of context. So it was the very end of 2008. And so the world from a financial markets point of view was kind of falling apart. I had led large groups. I had been a general manager, but I'd not been CEO. I had never raised money before, and so I stepped into a company that had been through some trauma. They were supposed to be acquired. The acquisition, the plug got pulled out because of the markets collapsing. The founder had left before I got there. So it was, the company was really in a crisis, I would say. The employees were very afraid for their jobs. We didn't have money and, the financial markets were terrible. It was really challenging to go in and stabilize things and kind of pull the team together and then, build the business in a challenging environment. [00:15:23] Existing investors gave us some runway, but it was limited. They had already kind of been in investing quite a while, and so I had to find outside money, which in 2009 was challenging. But it was exciting. I loved the product that I was working on. I had been a user of it. It was something that was in my wheelhouse of, I had worked quite a bit on productivity tools for workers and business people and consumers. And, and I, we had great technology. So it was exciting. But it was It was intense. But we built that business. When I joined we had essentially zero revenue and we got to essentially in the 20 million run rate in four years. [00:16:07] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. [00:16:08] Laura Yecies: That was great. [00:16:09] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes. That is great. That is kudos to you and your leadership for being able to step into such a challenging situation and it around. Yeah. [00:16:19] Laura Yecies: You know, one thing I learned then, because we did have all these challenges, but we also had a market where the latent demand and need was growing. It was a rising tide. Just to be specific a bit-- and then I'm gonna give an analogy to bone health technologies. So at that time we had a sink and share solution. We were a little bit more niche, but you could think of it as it was quite similar to a Dropbox or a box.box, what was then box.net, and that was also the time that iPhone sales, laptop, Netbook sales were growing very quickly, and so the need to get your data into the cloud was I mean, you could argue that it was always useful to be able to access your data remotely. And there, there were always kind of some niche solutions like, Go To My PC. [00:17:12] But suddenly, because the environment was changing where people were having these devices the market demand and the market opportunity was growing. Okay, so fast forward, oh, 14 years, 13 years, and osteoporosis and osteopenia is growing. But the other thing that's growing is awareness. And our target demographic, postmenopausal women, I'd say our typical patients are in their sixties. I don't know, what's the joke? Sixties is the new fifties or the new forties. Like these are women who wanna stay active, right? They may be still working if they're not working. They're very involved in the community, they're very involved with their family. They may have, they may be at a point where they've educated their children, they've saved some money, so they have disposable income that they want to take care of their health. And so it's a demographic that spends money on their health. They also are very social and community minded. [00:18:16] Let's imagine a six year old woman with osteopenia and she's going on a hike or a walk with her girlfriends. What are the chances that her female friends also have osteopenia That's probably 80%, right? If similar in age, and so I see this set of patients and who we're going after as being very interested in safe non-pharmacological solutions that are easy to access. You can call it the Amazon effect. They're used to things being convenient and seamless. And they, they want this type of solution to help them stay kind of active and healthy and be in a way preventative of the need for medication. So I see this as in a very different way than Sugar Sink, still a rising tide market. [00:19:08] And oh, by the way, at the same time talking about health concerns related to menopause is suddenly, and as it should be not just socially acceptable. It's a hot topic, right? Oprah, Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, they're all talking about menopause symptoms. And by the way, osteopenia is very much a result of menopause. You're losing bone density slowly typically starting your thirties, but in the five years after menopause, there's rapid bone loss, and that's typically when women get into that osteopenia stage. [00:19:44] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. [00:19:46] Laura Yecies: Oh, by the way the women who are in their sixties today, when they were going through menopause 10 years ago, or 12 years ago, or 15 years ago, they were told no. Hormone replacement therapy unless you're completely miserable because of findings in the Women's Health Initiative. And that pendulum has now swung back to a more moderate position. But today's 60 somethings are less likely to be on HRT or to have even been on HRT, so they're more likely to have bone loss. [00:20:21] Lindsey Dinneen: . Yeah. And. Speaking of this, and you were talking about thankfully, there's much more awareness, there's much more conversation happening about women and menopause and going through symptoms and whatnot. I've just been reading lately how much it is still a struggle despite that for women founders, especially of medtech companies to get the funding that they need. And I'm curious, what was your experience when you were fundraising, what were your challenges? What were your triumphs and maybe even suggestions for other women founders who are gonna be going through this soon too? [00:21:01] Laura Yecies: There's no controlled experiments on these questions, right? So if my fundraise on a difficulty from zero to 10 was a seven. Right? Would it have been easier or harder if I were a man? I really don't know. I know that women, there's less funding going to women, but I have felt that, at least for this company, I don't have any reason to assume that to be the case. If anything. I believe that investors, many of them, they even talk about this, they're looking for founder product or founder market fit. And I'm not the founder of the company. I was brought in as CEO after it started, but I feel like a founder. I operate that way. This is my adopted child. And I love it no less than if... [00:21:56] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, of course. [00:21:58] Laura Yecies: ...if I gave birth to it. [00:21:59] Lindsey Dinneen: Right, right. [00:22:00] Laura Yecies: I am a user of our product, right? And I empathize with very deeply and connect with our patients. And I think if a, a 25 year old man were sitting in my shoes trying to raise money, maybe he would've even had a harder time. So I, I know. I don't know. Women's health has been under invested in, I believe it still is under invested in. And why is that? It's very hard to tell. I will also say that devices are a harder field to raise money for, independent of gender. There's more investors investing in digital solutions or pharma than devices for a variety of reasons. The size of the device investor market has shrunk. [00:22:51] And I think that's unfortunate and because I think there are a lot of solutions that are less invasive, less systemically invasive. Osteoporosis or osteopenia is one example. But we see devices for other women's health areas like pelvic prolapse or stress urinary incontinence, or a number of things that are of concern to women, but also things that affect everyone like migraine and these device solutions are very safe. They don't completely replace pharmacological solutions, but I think it's really important to have other options and so I do think it has been challenging, especially in the early stages in that field. [00:23:37] Lindsey Dinneen: Yes, exactly. Yeah. But I thank you for your perspective too. It is, I think quite refreshing to hear from somebody who was a woman who went through this raising capital and actually did have a really good experience, 'cause you hear so many of the opposite, so sometimes it's easy to go, "oh gosh, it's not changing fast enough." But it is so encouraging to hear from somebody who has had a really good experience, so I appreciate your telling me about that. [00:24:03] Laura Yecies: Yeah. And for women's health if most of the investors are men, a good investor should be able to appreciate concerns outside of their personal experience. But I think human nature is such that we tend to connect with problems that we've had. And so the fact that most of the VCs and investors are men makes the whole women's health field, I think, more challenging for fundraising. But we'll see. That's changing too. [00:24:35] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. . So what are some things that you are excited about, either personally or professionally in the coming, coming couple of years? What are, what's gonna, what's gonna get you up and ready to just tackle the day? [00:24:52] Laura Yecies: Yeah. It kind of goes back to what we were talking about before that most of my career I've spent more on the commercial and marketing and sales side. And since I've been at BHT, we've been very much in sort of science and research mode, which has been very interesting, fascinating. I've enjoyed it, but I'm really looking forward to this next phase where we can get the product on the market. I mean, I hear from patients multiple times per week. "When is this gonna be available?" And I don't like saying "it's not available today." [00:25:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. . Yeah. [00:25:29] Laura Yecies: I wanna say today, and that feels tantalizingly close. I'm very much looking forward to that. And, first doing it at a small scale, we have a waiting list of patients. And I wanna, kind of put a shout out on that. We will first go to the waiting list. To make the product available and people can sign up at bonehealthtech.com and the front of the line are the patients who, the citizen scientists who participated in our pivotal trial, and they're, we have another trial going on. They're first in line. They have contributed so much and did it really out of a total generosity of spirit. They had minimal compensation. And then of course to get to the next level of, hitting the gas and growing the availability and distribution of the product. I'm imagining, I talked about hiking before and that's because I love to hike and I'm imagining, osteo boosting hiking groups or something like that. I know that sounded corny, but. [00:26:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, I love it. . No, it's fun. And that is so exciting. I am really cheering you on as this next phase comes to reality. That's, yeah. That's incredible. Pivoting just for fun, imagine you were to be offered an opportunity to teach a masterclass on any subject you want. It doesn't have to be in your industry, but it can be, and you'd get a million dollars for doing so. What would you choose to teach and why? [00:27:00] Laura Yecies: I think I would want to teach around marketing and commercialization, sort of product management, and then really the full life cycle of bringing products to market. I've been doing it for 35 years. I hate to say that. Sounds like a long time in various formats. I mean, I've, some of it has leaned heavily on the digital marketing. Some of it has been more B2B sales, business development. So I feel like I've spent a lot of time in that area and I have lessons learned to share. I actually enjoy teaching. I spent some time, when I first came out to the Bay Area, I taught marketing at Santa Clara Business School. I enjoyed it, but I enjoyed working in the marketing field more, and I had young kids, and so between a full-time job and kids, there wasn't also time for teaching. But I would love to get back and do more teaching. And I do executive coaching and I informally coach and that's a very rewarding part of my job. [00:28:07] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. That sounds like a great masterclass and very needed. So we would sign up for that one. [00:28:13] Laura Yecies: Thank you. [00:28:15] Lindsey Dinneen: And how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:28:22] Laura Yecies: Oh I mean, I'm a family first person and I am lucky to have great husband, four kids and today's six grandchildren. And the first thing that goes through my mind when you ask that question is, to have had just a really positive impact on them and the other family members and friends in my life. And then, work-wise if this device or our solution is effective it provoke small changes, but in our field, small changes over time can have big results. And, if we've prevented fractures and help people, I would be really honored to be able to be known for that. [00:29:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, of course. And final question. What is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:29:10] Laura Yecies: My grandchildren getting to play with 'em when they want, when they come through the door every Friday. [00:29:16] Lindsey Dinneen: Aw. [00:29:17] Laura Yecies: We have a family dinner almost every Friday night. And I look forward to it all week and when they walk through the door. So that's my mental image and I for sure smile with that one. [00:29:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, I love that . What a great tradition. And I, it's so lovely that all your families, or at least some of your family, is close enough to be able to do that. How fun. [00:29:40] Laura Yecies: Yes, it's really fun. It's fun. And I grew up with that so I'm trying to continue, with the next generation. [00:29:47] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yes. That's fantastic. Laura, thank you so much for joining us and sharing about yourself, your background, and the incredible work that you and your company are doing. I'm so excited to see it come to market and just really impact lives. Thank you for the work you're doing. [00:30:06] Laura Yecies: Oh, my pleasure. And thanks for the chance to share it with people and for inviting me onto your show. [00:30:11] Lindsey Dinneen: Of course, and we're so honored to be making a donation on your behalf as a thank you for your time today to the Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal representation to prisoners who may have been wrongfully convicted of crimes, poor prisoners without effective representation, and others who may have been denied a fair trial. So thank you so much for choosing that charity to support. We just wish you continued success as you work to change lives for a better world. [00:30:40] Laura Yecies: Thank you very much. [00:30:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Thank you, and thank you also to our listeners for tuning in and if you're feeling as inspired as I am right now, I'd love it if you'd share this episode with a colleague or two, and we will catch you next time. [00:30:55] Ben Trombold: ​ The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium. Velentium is a full-service CDMO with 100% in-house capability to design, develop, and manufacture medical devices from class two wearables to class three active implantable medical devices. Velentium specializes in active implantables, leads, programmers, and accessories across a wide range of indications, such as neuromodulation, deep brain stimulation, cardiac management, and diabetes management. Velentium's core competencies include electrical, firmware, and mechanical design, mobile apps, embedded cybersecurity, human factors and usability, automated test systems, systems engineering, and contract manufacturing. Velentium works with clients worldwide, from startups seeking funding to established Fortune 100 companies. Visit velentium.com to explore your next step in medical device development.

Biosimilars are entering the market at their fastest pace ever. In this episode, we interview a renowned health economist and an expert consultant in biosimilar distribution and patient support to explore the complex landscape of biosimilars, including examining the hurdles and breakthroughs in achieving acceptance by payers and providers and how best to improve patient access and affordability in a market dominated by established brands. Dr. Jason Shafrin, Senior Managing Director, Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy at FTI Consulting Marina Allen, SVP, Fingerpaint Market Access, Patient Support & Access Strategy Leader in Pharma-Biotech Biosimilars The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) Medicare Advantage Humira (biosimilars) 340B program Inflation Reduction Act Medicare Part D "brown bagging and white bagging" Mark Cuban (CostPlusDrugs) GoodRx average sales price (ASP) electronic health record (EHR) system Questions or comments?Email us at comments@prescriptionforbetteraccess.com.Find us on social media! Follow us on X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Threads.

In this first episode of Fempower Health's four-part series on endometriosis, Margaret Melville of Lasa Health joins to discuss this underrepresented condition. Margaret transformed her decade-long struggle with endometriosis and celiac disease into a mission to improve women's healthcare today. She talks about the alarming shortage of OB-GYNs and primary care providers who have specialized training in endometriosis and the importance of early diagnosis of endometriosis to manage this progressive disease. We explore common misconceptions and myths about endometriosis, the dangers of false cures, and the importance of patient advocacy and clinician education. We also cover the many applications of Lasa Health, a technology platform designed for women with chronic pelvic pain. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of endometriosis and pelvic pain or find endometriosis support.Key Takeaways The importance of early diagnosis for effective management of endometriosis and prevention of chronic pain or organ lossThe need for clinicians to educate themselves and their patients about endometriosis, self-advocacy, and treatment optionsMargaret's background in global health innovation and the founding of Lasa Health, which improves diagnosis and pain management of endometriosis through technology and educationReal-life applications of AI in improving patient care qualitySystemic issues in healthcare that hinder effective diagnosis and treatment of endometriosisFalse “cures” of endometriosis to be aware ofThe future of endometriosis care, including further innovation and community advocacyA preview of upcoming episodes, including interviews with endometriosis specialists, advocates, and surgeons"You have bias and you have years of things being done a certain way that we're fighting against. Getting doctors and healthcare administrators who are so busy and have so many [responsibilities]... Getting them to care about pelvic pain, or changing the way things are done at their hospital or clinic to improve care for pelvic pain patients, that is a monumental hurdle." - Margaret MelvilleRelated to this episode:Resources for EndometriosisLearn more about Lasa Health: www.lasahealth.com Follow Margaret on LinkedInIf you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in...

Wondering How to Navigate the Complex Emotions and Decisions Involved When a Loved One Faces Cancer? This week's Bonus episode is a rerelease of a conversation Dr. Katie Deming M.D. had on the Compliance Guy Podcast.You'll gain valuable tips on fostering positive communication, understanding the significant role of empathy, and the importance of aligning with your loved one's treatment desires, not just your own. She sheds light on the groundbreaking ACE Study, offering a new perspective on the link between trauma, chronic illness, and disease. This conversation is a must-listen if you're seeking to deepen your understanding and approach to supporting someone through their cancer journey.  Remember, perfect communication isn't the goal; it's about connecting with heart and understanding.Press play and listen to a conversation that could change how you view the healing journey. Please Follow the Born to Heal Podcast as we are Set to Release to Episodes starting next week! More Episode with Sean M. WeissCompliance Guy Podcast MORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Take a Deeper Dive into Your Healing JourneyFollow Dr. Katie Deming's Substack HereFollow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram:The.Conscious.OncologistPlease Support the Show Share this episode with a friend or family member Give a Review on Spotify Give a Review on Apple Podcast

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech Daily, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the Pharma and Biotech world. Today, we have some exciting news to share with you.## Artificial Intelligence in HealthcareLet's start with a discussion on the benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry. AI has the potential to revolutionize patient care and support in several ways.Firstly, AI can streamline the patient experience by automating processes such as appointment scheduling and prescription refills. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces treatment time.Secondly, AI can relieve the burden on healthcare professionals (HCPs) by assisting them in tasks like data analysis and diagnosis. This allows HCPs to focus on providing personalized care to patients.Lastly, AI can help optimize resource allocation and improve cost-effectiveness in healthcare systems. By leveraging AI tools for patient support, pharmaceutical brands can provide more comprehensive services without significantly increasing costs.Overall, AI has the potential to enhance patient care and support while alleviating the burden on HCPs. It creates better connections between pharma brands and patients and improves treatment outcomes.## Key Developments in BiopharmaMoving on to some key developments in the biopharma industry, we have several exciting updates to share with you.Firstly, there is growing interest in using CAR-T cell therapy to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus. Several drugmakers have initiated clinical trials targeting lupus, indicating the potential of this therapy.Secondly, Vertex has developed a non-opioid drug that has shown positive results in reducing pain. While it fell short compared to a widely prescribed opioid in a secondary goal, this highlights the ongoing challenge of developing effective non-opioid pain treatments.Regeneron is also making strides in the biopharma industry by acquiring 2seventy's cell therapy pipeline. This acquisition reflects their focus on advancing cell therapies and signals the growth of this field.Additionally, Gilead is deepening its investment in Arcus and TIGIT drugs, demonstrating their belief in the potential of the TIGIT pathway.Lastly, a startup called Cour has received significant funding to develop nanoparticle technology for treating autoimmune diseases. This innovative approach aims to "reprogram" the immune system.These developments showcase advancements in cell therapy, non-opioid pain treatments, and autoimmune disease research.## Latest News in BiopharmaIn recent news, there has been a surge in cell therapy trials for lupus following a landmark paper in 2022. This shows promising progress in finding treatments for autoimmune diseases.Furthermore, CG Oncology's successful IPO raised $380 million, indicating positive prospects for other companies planning to go public.Arrivent, a cancer drugmaker, also had a successful IPO, raising $175 million. This highlights strong investor demand for late-stage drugmakers.Accent, a startup working on RNA-targeting cancer drugs, secured funding from pharma giants J&J and Bristol Myers. This further emphasizes the interest and support for innovative therapies.Novo Nordisk has struck a deal with startup Eracal Therapeutics to develop obesity drugs. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing healthcare solutions.Alto Neuroscience and Fractyl Health are preparing for IPOs this week, adding to the momentum of biotech IPOs in the industry.Overall, these developments highlight the ongoing progress and investments in biopharma, particularly in areas such as cell therapy, cancer research, and innovative drug development.That's all for today's episode of Pharma and Biotech Daily. Join us next time for more important news from the world of Pharma and Biotech.

Get inspired and motivated with "2023 Highlights 2: Advice & Encouragement by Health Professionals!" This captivating episode showcases snippets from interviews with esteemed health professionals who provide invaluable advice and uplifting words. Hear first-hand from these experts as they share their insights and encouragement, helping you navigate kidney disease. Don't miss out on this empowering collection of wisdom straight from the experts in the field.   This episode features encouragement and advice from: •           Ravinder Sagoo, Clinical Lead Renal Dietitian (Episode 77: The South Asian Diet & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) •           Professor Ibi Erekosima, Consultant Renal Physician & Professor of Medicine (Episode 82: Sickle Cell & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) •           Dr Javeria Peracha, Renal Registrar & Clinical Research Fellow (Episode 84: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Primary Care, What do I Need to Know?) •           Dr Jeremy Crane, Consultant Transplant and Vascular Surgeon (Episode 86: Save Your Vein) •           Aunty Pat Simoyi BEM, Advanced Practitioner of Kidney Disease (Episode 87: 10 Signs You May Have Kidney Disease) •           Dr Sam, Consultant in Diabetes & Weight loss (Episode 89: The Latest Medical Strategies For Weight Loss) •           Katie Fielding, former Haemodialysis Nurse (Episode 91: Needling for Beginners Part 3: Listener Led Episode) •           Ovie Azanuwha, Specialist Podiatrist (Episode 96: Podiatry & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) •           Lisa Ancliffe, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist for the Renal & Urology Team (Episode 97: Occupational Therapy & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) •           Aunty Pat Simoyi BEM, Advanced Practitioner of Kidney Disease (Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast Episode 100 Part 1) •           Sarah Oakley, Director of Patient Support at Kidney Care UK (Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast Episode 100 Part 1) •           Dr Frank Dor, Consultant Transplant Surgeon (Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast Episode 100 Part 2) •           Paul Bristow, Kidney Care UK CEO (Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast Episode 100 Part 2)     For updates and more, follow Dee Moore on:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  Twitter: www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw  Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofakidneywarrior/   Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing list to get new episode reminders, episode links, Vlogs, newsletters and more!   diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47      Kidney Care UK   •           Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org •           Email: info@kidneycareuk.org •           Tel: 01420 541 424 •           Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org •           Instagram: @kidneycareuk •           YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A   To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org  

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech Daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the Pharma and Biotech world. Today, we have a jam-packed episode with the latest news and trends in the industry. Let's dive in!In the pharmaceutical industry, drugmakers are facing five important questions in 2024. These include competition in obesity, the next era of oncology, and the impact of a contentious drug pricing law. Pfizer had a difficult year in 2023, but we had the opportunity to hear from Albert Bourla, the company's CEO, about their plans for the future. PureTech's Daphne Zohar is also making waves with her neuroscience startups. Despite layoffs in the biotech industry, recent deal-making and stock market momentum have brought some optimism. Biotech mergers and acquisitions are picking back up, with $45 billion worth of deals announced in the past six weeks. We also have sponsored content about leveraging artificial intelligence in patient support and real-world data in clinical trials.Switching gears to healthcare, hospitals are facing slim operating margins and experts predict they will focus on trimming unnecessary expenses and investing strategically in labor. The Department of Health and Human Services has published an updated provider conscience rule, balancing religious freedom rights with patients' access to care. The Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement with a data broker to protect patients' privacy. Sutter Health has appointed a new CFO, Raju Iyer, who will be responsible for financial planning. And don't forget about FedEx Office's sponsored content on how high-quality printed materials can boost patient relationships.In biotech news, Myrobalan has raised $24 million to advance its neurorestorative drugs for neurological disorders. Alcon has reported promising data from a Phase III trial for its drops to treat dry eye disease. Taco Bell is hosting a Las Vegas fan experience ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, showcasing new products and partnerships. Walmart+ has enlisted TV personality Andy Cohen for its "Quitter's Day" campaign. Honda has launched its "Chasing Greatness" campaign featuring indie artist Bishop Briggs. And we have the top 50 content marketing brands and eight predictions for 2024 in the marketing industry.Two biotech companies, 4D Molecular Therapeutics and Arbor Biotechnologies, have announced a collaboration to develop treatments for central nervous system diseases. We also discuss the potential of artificial intelligence in drug discovery and development. And we wrap up with news on pharmaceutical companies using tactics to maintain high drug prices, Clarivate's "drugs to watch" list for 2024, and various acquisitions and layoffs in the biopharma industry.Abzena is offering a new application note for its Thiobridge™ technology in ADC development, highlighting improved stability and efficacy. Medtronic is focused on delivering durable revenue and profit growth, while Dexcom plans to launch a new CGM device. Amazon has launched a chronic condition management portal, and Walgreens has settled a drug pricing dispute with Humana. Nonprofit hospitals and health systems are financially stable despite declining operating margins. And digital health funding reached its lowest level since 2019.That's all for today's episode of Pharma and Biotech Daily. Stay tuned for more news and updates in the industry. Remember, we give you only what's important to hear!

2022-04-08 What do we need to think about beyond individual technical needs in trials? How far does support need to extend to be meaningful and impactful, especially as we explore studies with less interaction with a traditional site using decentralized methods? Hosts Craig Lipset and Amir Kalali were joined by Animesh Pandeya (IQVIA), Jen Horonjeff (Savvy Cooperative), and Graham Wylie (MRN) for the conversation.Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and Twitter. Learn more about Membership and our work at www.dtra.org.

Join Matt Watson and Luke Buchanan, CEO of Redi.Health, for an exciting conversation about navigating the pharmaceutical industry as a startup founder. Uncover the challenges and triumphs of navigating the big pharma industry, patient support, and the nuances of pre-product fundraising for VC-backed startups. Gain valuable insights on managing growth, investing in talent, and building a team poised for success.

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the Pharma and Biotech world. In the commercialization news for the biopharma industry this week, there are several key updates. Novartis has delayed the FDA filing for its radiopharma drug, Pluvicto, due to mixed survival data from a study in earlier prostate cancer. This has led to a slower regulatory timeline. Merck has made a significant investment in the field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) through a deal with an alliance. This move follows similar investments by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Gilead, highlighting the potential for ADCs to reshape cancer treatment. Pfizer has also received FDA approval for its new meningococcal vaccine, Penbraya, which adds to its infectious disease portfolio as it adjusts to declining sales of COVID-19 vaccines. Roche reported growing sales of its eye drug Vabysmo in the US market, while Regeneron tries to catch up after a delay in its high-dose Eylea. The CDC has asked doctors to ration the supply of Sanofi and AstraZeneca's new RSV drug, Beyfortus, due to high demand outstripping supply. Additionally, PTC Therapeutics has agreed to sell spinal muscular atrophy drug royalties for $1 billion in order to retire debt and have more cash for future operations. These updates highlight the ongoing developments and challenges in the biopharma industry as companies navigate regulatory timelines, make strategic investments, and address supply shortages.Moving on, Cardinal Health's Sonexus Access and Patient Support program is being promoted as a solution for improving patient hub strategies. The program aims to reach more patients and help them start therapy more quickly while also reducing labor costs through digital interactions. Cardinal Health facilitates smooth program transitions to ensure minimal disruptions in treatment journeys and improve patients' lives. A 3-step guide to patient hub transition is available online. This information is provided as part of a complimentary newsletter subscription from Biopharma Dive, a product of Industry Dive.Amgen is set to lay off 350 employees from its Horizon subsidiary, bringing its total number of job cuts this year to over 1,000. This move comes just weeks after Amgen closed a $28 billion deal to acquire Horizon. Meanwhile, there is a supply shortage of the infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody drug Beyfortus. The CDC has asked doctors to ration the supply of the drug as demand has exceeded supply. Excision, a biotechnology company, has given a first look at its gene editing therapy for HIV. Although the results are from a small study with only three participants, they offer insight into how one of the few in vivo CRISPR therapies in human testing in the US is working. Patient groups have become increasingly influential in drug research and development (R&D), with their funding influencing drug development, according to the director of the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. J&J MedTech Head Ashley McEvoy is set to step down from her position after 27 years with the company to pursue other opportunities. Tim Schmid will now lead J&J's MedTech business.These updates provide valuable insights into the current happenings and trends in the Pharma and Biotech industry. Stay tuned for more important news in our next episode.

In this episode, we hear from 2 people living with HIV: Melanie Reese from the United States and Marc Thompson from the United Kingdom. Both Melanie and Marc have done important work in the HIV field as patient advocates. Today, they will be discussing their experiences in accessing and navigating their own HIV care, with a focus on some of the barriers that can complicate and even block a person's journey across the HIV care continuum. In reviewing these challenges, Marc and Melanie share their insights on key strategies that can help to facilitate HIV care for patients, making the experience more straightforward and minimizing the impact that HIV has on their daily lives. Presenters:Melanie ReeseSubject Matter Expert, Older Women Living and Aging with HIV, HIV North America Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS BureauExecutive Director, Older Women Embracing LifeBoard Secretary, International Community of Women Living with HIVBaltimore, MarylandMarc ThompsonDirector, The Love TankCo-founder, PrepsterLondon, EnglandContent based on an online CME/CPE/CE program supported by an independent educational grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc. Link to full program:https://bit.ly/3Pas4zn

In this episode of the Spine & Nerve Podcast, Dr. Brian Joves has the distinct pleasure to welcome Dr. Andrea Furlan to the show. Dr. Furlan is a pain specialist in Toronto Canada. She is a physiatrist (specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation). She holds a medical degree from the University of Sao Paulo and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Toronto. She has 30 years of experience helping people with chronic pain to get better quality of life. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Furlan shares her vast experience in managing chronic pain, addressing key aspects of pain management that are crucial for medical providers to understand. Key Takeaways: 1. The Complexity of Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is a multifaceted condition with complex neurobiological and psychosocial components. Understanding the diverse factors contributing to chronic pain is essential for medical providers to provide effective care. 2. The Role of Empathy and Communication: Dr. Furlan emphasizes the importance of empathy and active listening when interacting with patients in pain. Effective communication skills are crucial for building trust and facilitating patient-doctor relationships. 3. Educating Patients: Educating patients about their condition and treatment options is a fundamental aspect of pain management. Medical providers should learn how to explain complex medical concepts in simple terms to ensure patient comprehension. 4. The Value of Multidisciplinary Approaches: Chronic pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving various healthcare professionals such as physiatrists, psychologists, and physical therapists. 5. The Impact of Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, play a significant role in pain management. 6. Emotions and Pain Perception: Emotions can influence pain perception, making it essential for medical students to consider the emotional well-being of patients. 7. Patient Support and Online Communities: Dr. Furlan discusses the value of patient support groups and online communities, where individuals with chronic pain can share their experiences and learn from one another. Medical providers can explore these resources to better understand patient perspectives. 8. Dr. Furlan's Book - A Resource for providers: Dr. Furlan's book, which outlines eight steps for managing chronic pain, is recommended for medical providers looking to deepen their knowledge of pain management. The book provides practical insights and strategies for patient care. Medical providers should embrace the holistic approach to chronic pain management, considering both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Dr. Furlan's expertise and insights shared in this episode offer valuable lessons for aspiring healthcare professionals in the field of pain medicine. This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical or career advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek council with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, they may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve. You can find Dr. Furlan at: https://www.youtube.com/ @DrAndreaFurlan  https://www.doctorandreafurlan.com/ X  @adfurlan  IG @dr.andrea.furlan

Imagine being able to use A.I. text interaction with a patient who recently began to use a continuous glucose monitoring device and was able to ask questions and recieve contexual human-like responoses which were documented and tied into the medical records for pharmacist and physician reference?  Artifical intelligence (AI) is impacting virtual every aspect of society in one form or another, including through the transformation of the health care industry and all of its sectors. Pharmacy practice is no exception. Medication and treatment plan adherence will be impacted and patients will have access to a first level reference guides backed by human follow up from Providers.  Pharmesol Inc. delivers an automated and intelligent HIPAA compliant SMS text message assistant to support all conversations with patients. References:  The Rise of AI in Pharmacy Practice Presents Benefits and Challenges  https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/the-rise-of-ai-in-pharmacy-practice-presents-benefits-and-challenges by Ned Milenkovich, PharmD, JD What are smart inhalers? https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Smart-Inhalers.aspx By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Sophia Coveney

Last week SurfingNASH offered a final re-focus on an episode that originally aired during Season 1. Continuing on the focus around allied health, this session dives into the role of nurses, physicians and allied health professionals in supporting NASH patients - a topic of increasing relevance as the field grapples with new nomenclature for liver disease and the imminence of therapeutic approvals. Specifically, the group explores whether healthcare systems can be as effective as companies like Noom and WeightWatchers. This fascinating conversation features ideas shared by Stephen Harrison, Peter Traber (Chief Medical Officer at Selecta Biosciences ), Louise Campbell and Roger Green. Roger begins by framing the discussion around three questions: 1) For allied professionals how much of their focus lies in maintaining and enhancing wellness as compared to treating illness? 2) How do these two concepts differ both in the minds of professionals and in terms of what information and guidance they present to patients? 3) What are the keys in supporting patients' focus on wellness, both during the office visit and afterwards? Louise responds based on her own experience as she recently moved out of the NHS to focus on more early stages of the disease, where it's ultimately easier to change behavior and encourage wellness and preventative practices in general. Louise connects the idea that liver patients tend not to get information until later in their disease to the announcement that the British government made on creating a far reaching policy around obesity and its likely impact on patient health. In response to one of the questions from Roger, Louise goes on to discuss how we present information in ways that empower patients to take better care of themselves. Done right, this can extend beyond the individual patients and to their families and other supporters. Peter agrees and comments based on his own past experiences in medical practice. He notes that patients have extensive care teams with multiple areas of expertise and patients are best served when the care team members actually act as a team (keeping in mind especially that 2020 was mid-pandemic).If you have questions or comments around our From the Vault series, allied health, education or any other ideas addressed in this episode, we kindly ask that you submit reviews wherever you download the discourse. Alternatively, you can write to us directly at questions@SurfingNASH.com. The Surfing the NASH Tsunami will be back next week with more original content.Stay Safe and Surf On!

SurfingNASH is offering something different for Season 4, Episode 37 while the co-hosts are off enjoying a well-deserved holiday amid a busy year. Rather than leaving a gap in the podcast's program, this week we are revisiting an episode From the Vault that, now more than ever, maintains its relevance. As the field grapples with new nomenclature for liver disease and the imminence of therapeutic approvals, education and educational resources are critically needed. This session, led by Louise Campbell, focuses on the roles that allied health can play in prevention, early stage management and clinical trial recruitment for NAFLD/NASH. Allied health is our primary interface for the education and support within the clinical setting of patients with any disease. Allied health professionals are a vastly experienced resource supporting both physicians and patients in the delivery of care and efficacy. Stephen Harrison also joins Louise and guest panelists (Kathryn Jack, Michele Clayton, Pam O'Donoghue and Patrizia Kunzler) to consider the many ways that liver nurses and advanced nursing practitioners can do more to support NASH education and patient management and where they should fit into the paradigm. This conversation explores the different challenges that liver nurses and advanced practitioners face when providing NASH patient support. It focuses on issues including health discrimination, the general challenges in deploying nursing care early in the disease progression and the mismatch of needs and resources. In the end, we learn about nurses who make their own recordings and encourage patients to create their own discussion groups in the medical office.If you have questions or comments around our From the Vault series, allied health, education or any other ideas addressed in this episode, we kindly ask that you submit reviews wherever you download the discourse. Alternatively, you can write to us directly at questions@SurfingNASH.com.Stay Safe and Surf On!

SurfingNASH is offering something different for Season 4, Episode 37 while the co-hosts are off enjoying a well-deserved holiday amid a busy year. Rather than leaving a gap in the podcast's program, this week we are revisiting an episode From the Vault that, now more than ever, maintains its relevance. As the field grapples with new nomenclature for liver disease and the imminence of therapeutic approvals, education and educational resources are critically needed. This session, led by Louise Campbell, focuses on the roles that allied health can play in prevention, early stage management and clinical trial recruitment for NAFLD/NASH. Allied health is our primary interface for the education and support within the clinical setting of patients with any disease. Allied health professionals are a vastly experienced resource supporting both physicians and patients in the delivery of care and efficacy. Stephen Harrison also joins Louise and guest panelists (Kathryn Jack, Michele Clayton, Pam O'Donoghue and Patrizia Kunzler) to consider the many ways that liver nurses and advanced nursing practitioners can do more to support NASH education and patient management and where they should fit into the paradigm. In this conversation, we meet the four key nursing opinion leaders who have joined Louise and Stephen and learn about the broad sets of skills and experiences each brings to the table. At the start of the episode, Stephen responds to a question that a patient e-mailed to SurfingNASH.com during the previous week. If you have questions or comments around our From the Vault series, allied health, education or any other ideas addressed in this episode, we kindly ask that you submit reviews wherever you download the discourse. Alternatively, you can write to us directly at questions@SurfingNASH.com. Stay Safe and Surf On!

If you are taking one of Vertex's medications, you may be aware that the GPS program at Vertex recently made changes to its co-pay assistance program. In September of 2022, a patient advocate at Vertex reached out to The Bonnell Foundation. The reason for the Zoom meeting was to explain how the co-pay assistance program would change in 2023. It's my understanding (Laura Bonnell) that Vertex reached out to many CF nonprofits so that in addition to communicating directly with enrolled patients, foundations like mine would also help spread the word and know where to direct people if they had any questions. Vertex has communicated that they oppose any programs or initiatives that increase costs for patients. This means for example, an insurance company taking funds that were provided to patients as part of the GPS program. Co-pay accumulators and maximizers work this way. Let me explain: You take your assistance or coupon from your pharma and give it your pharmacy. The insurance company gets those funds, but they don't go toward your out-of-pocket responsibility. So, the insurance company actually gets paid twice. In Michigan, advocates like myself are trying to change this law so that co-pay assistance gives credit to the consumer. You may have seen press releases or posts on social media from other foundations or patients regarding these changes, some of which express concern that people taking Vertex medicines will literally pay the price. Vertex has assured their enrolled patients that no one will go without their medication. I'm here with Jenna Harrington- who is the Head of Vertex's Guidance and Patient Support Program - to help us understand more about these changes, who is impacted, and why these changes were made.  I also have another guest with us- Amit Sachdev- who is the Chief Patient Officer at Vertex. These changes are being made due to restrictive insurance practices and ultimately, we need a systemic solution for people living with chronic diseases. He will be talking about the policy aspect and what we can do to get more involved to support policies that are beneficial to the CF community.   To be transparent, Vertex is a sponsor of this podcast and our Night of Hope Event. My foundation remains objective in getting out information and will call out any person or partner if we believe they are harming or not addressing our CF community properly. To reach GPS with any questions: 1-877-752-5933, press option 2 when calling. Vertex GPS™: Guidance and Patient Support is committed to helping all enrolled patients maintain access to their Vertex medicine through the January 2023 Co-pay Assistance Program changes. To help in the fight to make healthcare fair get in the fight with The Bonnell Foundation.  Help us fix what is wrong with the co-pay accumulator in Michigan.  To help in Michigan or elsewhere go to: Allcopayscount.org   A Federal solution is also needed read up on H.R 5801 The HELP Copays Act bill.The Bonnell Foundation website: https://thebonnellfoundation.orgEmail us at:  thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com Thanks to our sponsors:Vertex:  https://www.vrtx.comGenentech: https://www.gene.com/Viatris:  https://www.viatris.com/en 

You can now make sure you're getting the best bargain on price and quality when it comes to your healthcare! In this episode, Jeff Spafford, CEO, and President of AssistRx talks about how his company uses technology to help patients and providers be better informed to make decisions on medications and treatments, improving access and cost efficiency. Patients are becoming aware of the cost of their healthcare and AssistRx provides them a way to look into the different options available to choose one that fits them better. With AI tools like CoAssist, administrative processes can now be done electronically, and thanks to its connectivity with EHR systems, tailored insights are produced for every patient, facilitating decision-making. He discusses the role of AI and patients' data in healthcare and how it might be the key to ending siloes and instilling proactive workflows. Tune in to learn how AssistRx uses data infrastructure to help patients make decisions regarding their treatments! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: outcomesrocket.health

About This Episode:Cancer Patient Advocate Joe Bullock returns for the second installment of his interview with the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins. This episode picks up from where Part-1 of our interview with Joe left off ( #009 – From Caregiver, to Surviving Cancer, to Patient Support Advocate Part 1 – Joe Bullock ).In this episode, Joe and Bruce discuss the challenges of being a caregiver for an estranged parent, how Joe overcame those barriers to provide meaningful support to his father, and how Joe found forgiveness and strength in his heart. When cancer arrived in Joe's life, he use those lessons from being a caregiver to help ensure his relationship with his spouse and his children was as healthy as possible. Joe also shares the challenges he faced as a typical man in dealing with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.Surprisingly, this episode is exceptionally positive, so much so that host Bruce Watkins and Joe laugh almost continuously through the show at the absurdity an irony of many of the situations cancer patients face. The end of the episode introduces Joe's motivation to get involved with helping others. In an upcoming episode, Joe will return to discuss how he became involved with the Man Up to Cancer patient advocacy support group, and his passion for helping pediatric cancer patients and their families.Hear Episode #009 - PART-1 of the OCJ Podcast interview with Joe Bullock:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/06/08/009-from-caregiver-to-surviving-cancer-to-patient-support-advocate-part-1-joe-bullock/References and Resources mentioned in this Episode:Man Up To Cancer - The Howling Place Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/manuptocancer/Man Up To Cancer Podcast with Trevor Maxwell: https://manuptocancer.captivate.fm/Colontown: https://colontown.org/We Have Cancer Podcast with Lee Silverstein: https://wehavecancershow.com/ Episode Host: Bruce WatkinsA Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all. After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. https://www.brucewatkins.comAbout the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life. The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/Follow Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcastSubscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/

Folks, WOW — what a great conversation on all things hormone testing with Dr. Laura Neville from Doctor's Data! We share the same alma mater, National University of Natural Medicine, as well as extensive experience in clinical lab testing, so had lots to talk about! On this episode of New Frontiers, we discuss what different testing methods tell us about patient's hormone status, which specimens are best for monitoring hormone replacement therapy and non-HRT interventions, why high dose progesterone carries risks, and what makes liquid urine testing stand out from the rest. Dr. Neville shares many clinical pearls from her experience reviewing thousands and thousands of tests with physicians from around the world. You'll absolutely want to bookmark for future reference! Thanks for listening and please share, comment, and leave us a starred review if you wouldn't mind! ~DrKF

On this episode we welcome guest host Janie Davis. Janie is the Associate Director of Patient Advocacy for Agios Pharmaceuticals and is here to discuss myAgios. myAgios is a customized patient support program for patients and caregivers who are living with pyruvate kinase deficiency. Janie speaks with Nefar Moran and Elisabeth Herdic who are part of the patient support team for myAgios®. We also meet Pramesh Sharma who is a patient living with PKD and active user of myAgios®.   SHOW DESCRIPTION Just Listen: Voices of PK Deficiency is a podcast about Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) and is intended for patients, caregivers, providers, and the greater community of people who are impacted by PKD.  Each episode, Just Listen: Voices of PK Deficiency strives to provide listeners with critical education, the latest scientific updates, and voices from the PKD community.  Learn more about PKD by visiting KnowPKDeficiency.com or connect with KnowPKDeficiency on Facebook: bit.ly/KnowPKD and Instagram shorturl.at/gmFT4.   TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT Just Listen: Voices of PK Deficiency and KnowPKDeficiency.com are made possible by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. Visit Agios.com to learn more. The following Agios-supported programs are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any treatment decisions. Janie Davis, Nefar Moran and Elisabeth Herdic are employees of Agios Pharmaceuticals. Guest Nefar Moran has been compensated for his time.

This week on The Integrative Palliative Podcast you'll learn 6 wisdoms that came directly from people near the end of their life. They share things that they want us to know so that we can best support them as they face their illness. Some of these came from my own patients, and some came from the loved ones of physicians who received 1:1 mentoring with me to learn how best to support their loved one.There is great wisdom here.Share with someone who needs to hear this message.- Dr. Chiaramontewww.integrativepalliative.comDownload  the guide for helping a loved one make a tough medical decision at www.integrativepalliative.com under freebies When your patient is crying do you know just what to do? Can you confidently help patients manage anxiety or pain without controlled medications? Come learn with Dr. Chiaramonte and improve your integrative symptom management skills!- evidence supported patient care skills- self care for you- patient resources for your office- group case-based discussionswww.integrativepalliative.com/training

This episode features Stephen Downey, Chief Supply Chain & Patient Support Services Officer at Cleveland Clinic. Here, he joins the podcast to discuss his two roles at Cleveland Clinic, key pain points in supply chain management, how to have a modern agile resilient global supply chain, and more.

Drs. Goldberg and MacCumber discuss the importance of patient support and access in patients who have potentially blinding retinal disease. They discuss how they utilize these programs in their practices, how important these programs help patients get treatment and they share several examples how important it was to preserve these patients' vision.