HIT Like a Girl Pod: Empowering Women in Health IT

In this episode, Joy engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Vanessa Villaverde, Senior Program Investor at the California Healthcare Foundation. They explore the critical need for mental health services for children, particularly during the pandemic, and discuss innovative approaches to bridging gaps in healthcare access for underserved communities. Vanessa highlights the importance of storytelling in healthcare innovation, emphasizing how personal narratives can drive impactful change. The episode also delves into the Making Waves in Health Tech podcast initiative, which aims to simplify complex healthcare topics and promote culturally competent care. Episode Highlights [00:02:30] Overview of California's Healthcare Landscape [00:11:00] Mental Health Services for Children During the Pandemic [00:15:00] Addressing Gaps in Healthcare Access for Underserved Communities [00:18:30] The Role of Technology in Enhancing Patient Care [00:21:45] The Importance of Storytelling in Healthcare Innovation [00:22:28] Making Waves in Health Tech Podcast Initiative [00:25:21] Culturally Competent Mental Health Care Access [00:30:00] Closing Thoughts and Future Directions Stay Connected with Vanessa Villaverde: LinkedIn | Twitter California Health Care Foundation | LinkedIn

In this episode Joy Rios sits down with Angela Jonsson, the Vice President of Public Affairs at Canada Health Infoway, to discuss the critical role of interoperability in healthcare systems. Angela shares her journey in the healthcare sector, highlighting her responsibilities in connecting various medical systems to ensure seamless communication and access to patient information. She emphasizes the importance of translating complex healthcare standards for policymakers and stakeholders, ensuring that they understand the implications for everyday patients. Episode Highlights [00:01:08] Understanding Interoperability in Healthcare [00:01:59] The Importance of Patient Information Transfer [00:07:41] Angela's Day-to-Day Responsibilities [00:09:40] The Unique Role of Canada Health Infoway [00:19:32] The Value of Learning from Others [00:20:51] Pathways to a Career in Healthcare Communications Stay Connected with Angela Jonsson: LinkedIn | Twitter Canada Health Infoway | LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy welcomes Doral Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs Strategy at Dermavant Sciences, to discuss her extensive experience in the biotech industry and the innovative dermatological product, Tama 1% cream, designed for adult plaque psoriasis. Doral emphasizes the critical role of medical affairs as a bridge between clinical development and product commercialization, while also shedding light on the importance of patient education and advocacy. Throughout the conversation, she shares valuable insights on skin care, the significance of proactive patient involvement, and practical tips for maintaining skin health, including the necessity of sunscreen and hydration. Episode Highlights [00:02:55] Role of Medical Affairs in Biotech [00:03:40] Understanding Psoriasis and Skin Care [00:04:30] Importance of Sunscreen in Skin Health [00:05:15] Overview of Psoriasis Symptoms [00:06:50] Resources for Psoriasis Patients [00:10:00] The Role of Healthcare Providers in Patient Education [00:12:30] The Need for Patient Advocacy [00:15:00] The Impact of Timely Medical Intervention [00:18:04] Importance of Patient Proactivity [00:19:12] Tips for Being a Good Patient Stay connected to Doral Fredericks: LinkedIn | Twitter Dermavant | LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy engages in a compelling conversation with Nadja Mannowetz, a pioneer in the development of a non-hormonal contraceptive pill for men. They discuss the innovative approach of this new product, which aims to provide an effective alternative to traditional hormonal birth control methods that have been predominantly available for women since the 1960s. Mannowetz shares insights from her extensive research on male fertility, including the rapid onset of the pill's effectiveness and the timeline for sperm recovery after discontinuation. The conversation also delves into the societal implications of male contraception, the challenges of building trust with potential users and regulatory bodies, and the importance of education in bringing this groundbreaking product to market within the next five to seven years. Episode Highlights [00:03:13] Interesting Facts About Sperm Cells [00:04:26] Biology of Male Reproduction [00:06:00] Founding YourChoice Therapeutics [00:13:13] Discussion on Male Fertility and Birth Control [00:21:00] Viability of the Male Pill and Challenges [00:21:25] Challenges in Developing Non-Hormonal Products [00:23:24] Building Trust in the Market Stay connected to Nadja Mannowetz: LinkedIn | Twitter YourChoice Therapeutics | LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy Rios and Dr. Brittany Barreto engage in a dynamic conversation recorded live at HLTH Europe in Amsterdam. They explore the significance of authenticity in content creation, particularly on platforms like TikTok, and discuss the groundbreaking advancements in Femtech, including the integration of gendered medicine into educational curricula. Brittany shares her innovative approach to writing her book, "Unlocking Women's Health," utilizing AI to enhance productivity and clarity. The discussion also delves into the critical need for policy changes in women's health, emphasizing the importance of education and advocacy in creating lasting impact. Episode Highlights [00:00:12] Introduction to HLTH Europe in Amsterdam [00:02:10] The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation [00:09:02] Exciting Developments in Femtech Education [00:10:29] Utilizing AI in the Book Writing Process [00:24:36] Advocating for Policy Changes in Women's Health [00:25:04] The Legacy of Education and Policy in Femtech Stay connected to Brittany Barreto: LinkedIn | Twitter FemTech Focus | LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy Rios talks with Laura Okafor Crain, the founder and CEO of Perry, a leading platform dedicated to supporting women through the often-overlooked phase of perimenopause. They discuss the critical role of community in navigating this transition, emphasizing the importance of peer support and access to vetted information. Laura shares insights about the resources available through Perry, including a physical journal designed to help women track their symptoms and emotions, as well as the most frequently asked questions from the community. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical challenges of perimenopause, the transition to menopause, and the need for increased awareness and education to empower women during this significant life stage. Episode Highlights [00:00:41] Meet Laura Okafor Crain: Advocate for Perimenopause Education [00:01:22] The Role of Community Support in Navigating Perimenopause [00:04:00] Resources and Tools for Managing Perimenopause Symptoms [00:08:20] Common Questions and Concerns in the Perimenopause Journey [00:16:21] Understanding the Transition from Perimenopause to Menopause [00:18:15] Promoting Awareness and Connection Among Women Stay connected to Laura Okafor Crain: LinkedIn | Twitter Perry | LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy Rios delves into a profound discussion with Carolyn Starrett, CEO of Flatiron Health, unveiling the intricate puzzle of healthcare and the pivotal role of data in transforming cancer patient care. Carolyn shares insights on Flatiron Health's mission to improve and extend lives by leveraging real-world patient data to drive advancements in clinical treatment decisions and therapy development. The conversation explores the founding principles of Flatiron Health, the challenges and opportunities in healthcare data management, and the empowering impact of sharing patient stories for research and learning. It further discusses how data-driven solutions are shaping the future of personalized healthcare and enhancing patient outcomes. Episode Highlights [00:01:31] Discussion on Flatiron Health's Impact and Objectives [00:04:02] Founding of Flatiron Health and Utilization of Data [00:08:13] Importance of Clinical Trials in Understanding Safety and Efficacy [00:10:45] Leveraging Real-World Data for Personalized Healthcare [00:15:20] Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare Data Management [00:18:50] Enhancing Patient Outcomes through Data-Driven Insights [00:22:37] Empowerment through Real-World Data and Patient Stories [00:22:55] Conclusion and Contact Information Stay connected to Carolyn Starrett: LinkedIn | Twitter Flatiron Health | LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy Rios welcomes Britteny Matero, Vice President at Innsena, a women-owned consultancy specializing in healthcare technology. Britteny shares her passion for maternal health and discusses the impactful work of Innsena in the healthcare space, focusing on improving patient outcomes and supporting the healthcare ecosystem. The conversation delves into the challenges of the healthcare system, the importance of event notifications for high-risk conditions, and the team's formalized approach to sharing subject matter expertise. They highlight team members' diverse passions, such as reproductive health rights and substance use disorder, emphasizing the power of collaboration and networking for driving positive change. Episode Highlights [00:00:36] Britteny Matero's role at Innsena and passion for maternal health [00:01:06] Impactful work of Innsena in the healthcare space [00:08:24] Discussion on fixing the broken healthcare system [00:09:08] Implementation of event notifications for high-risk conditions [00:16:38] Formalized sharing of subject matter expertise within the team [00:17:38] Team members' passions including reproductive health rights and substance use disorder [00:18:12] Emphasis on networking and collaboration for positive change Stay connected to Britteny Matero: LinkedIn | Twitter Innsena | LinkedIn