MedCity FemFwd

Summary In this episode of the Med City Fem Forward Podcast, host Marissa Plescia speaks with Dr. Barbara Levy about the latest clinical guidance on endometriosis from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The conversation highlights a major shift in how endometriosis is diagnosed—from invasive surgical confirmation to a clinical, symptom-based approach centered on listening to patients. Dr. Levy explains the systemic nature of the disease, its widespread impact (affecting ~10% of women), and the historical challenges women have faced due to dismissal and lack of objective diagnostic tools. The episode also explores modern, multidisciplinary treatment approaches, the importance of addressing chronic pain holistically, and the urgent need for better medical training and research into root causes. Ultimately, this discussion reframes endometriosis care as a patient-centered, whole-body experience. Links & Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Keywords Endometriosis women's health chronic pain ACOG guidelines pelvic pain Diagnosis healthcare innovation Gynecology Inflammation Fertility patient-centered care virtual health Visana Health chronic illness medical education pain management OB-GYN holistic care Episode Highlights 00:00–00:28 – Introduction to new endometriosis guidelines and guest 00:00:37–00:01:11 – Dr. Levy's background and overview of Visana Health 00:01:50–00:02:28 – What endometriosis is: a systemic inflammatory condition 00:02:28–00:03:26 – Key shift: diagnosis no longer requires surgery 00:03:26–00:03:54 – Importance of validating women's symptoms 00:04:17–00:04:49 – Prevalence: ~10% of women affected globally 00:04:49–00:05:52 – Historical dismissal and impact on quality of life 00:06:45–00:07:48 – Modern treatment: from diet to hormonal therapy 00:07:48–00:08:42 – Chronic pain, muscle tension, and mind-body connection 00:08:53–00:10:01 – Personalized care approach at Visana Health 00:10:01–00:11:19 – Education gaps in medication usage 00:11:37–00:12:10 – Why diagnosis has been historically difficult 00:13:47–00:15:02 – Need for research into root causes and biomarkers 00:15:52–00:17:28 – Gaps in physician training on chronic pain 00:17:47–00:18:53 – Final message: listening to women is key to better care

Episode Summary In this episode of Med City Fem Forward, host Marissa Plescia speaks with Allison Adamson, architect at Build Health International, about the creation of a Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone — a project designed to transform maternal healthcare delivery in one of the world's highest-risk regions for childbirth. Allison explains how healthcare infrastructure directly impacts patient outcomes, why design choices influence trust and dignity in care, and how global partnerships are addressing preventable maternal mortality. The conversation explores how architecture, community collaboration, and sustainable healthcare systems come together to support women before, during, and after childbirth. Listeners will gain insight into how thoughtful healthcare design can save lives, empower communities, and reshape global health equity — and why American healthcare stakeholders should pay attention to these efforts. Links & Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Allison Adamson Guest Email aadamson@buildhealthinternational.org Keywords Maternal health Global health infrastructure Healthcare architecture Women's health equity Maternal mortality prevention Build Health International Partners In Health Sierra Leone healthcare Global nonprofit healthcare Healthcare design innovation Maternal Center of Excellence Healthcare access Equitable healthcare systems Global public health Hospital design Community-centered healthcare Medical infrastructure development Women's healthcare systems Nonprofit healthcare partnerships Healthcare sustainability Episode Highlights 00:04–00:21 – Introduction to the episode and focus on global women's health infrastructure 00:26–01:15 – Allison Adamson introduces Build Health International and its global mission 01:15–02:44 – Origins of the Maternal Center of Excellence and partnership with Partners In Health 02:44–03:32 – Sierra Leone's healthcare challenges and maternal mortality crisis 02:53–05:26 – Inside the 120-bed maternal facility and range of care services offered 03:32–04:40 – Designing dignity, trust, and comfort into healthcare environments 03:50–04:13 – Mother dormitories supporting families with babies in NICU care 04:13–05:03 – Education spaces and community health engagement within the hospital 05:29–06:50 – Lessons learned from healthcare projects in Haiti and other countries 06:58–08:12 – Community collaboration and clinician input shaping the design process 08:12–08:47 – Partners In Health's operational role in delivering care 09:02–10:42 – Why global healthcare infrastructure matters to American audiences 10:09–10:42 – Repurposing medical equipment to expand global healthcare access 10:50–11:57 – Future projects supporting women's health and healthcare systems worldwide

Anna Jeter, co-founder and chief regulatory officer of AOA Dx and ovarian cancer diagnostic developer. She discusses a report showing women's health is scalable with $100B+ in exits and 27 unicorns. Diagnostics, especially screening and oncology, are highlighted as anchors. The conversation urges investors and entrepreneurs to see women's health as a broad, capital-efficient market with major M&A and IPO activity.

Summary Join MedCity FemForward with Marissa Plescia and Dr. Blake Porter, Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Access Telecare. Discover how telemedicine revolutionizes access to maternal care in rural areas, improving outcomes and fostering local births. A must-listen for healthcare enthusiasts!. Episode Highlights 00:00:11 - Introduction of Dr. Blake Porter. 00:00:17 - Expanding virtual maternal fetal care in rural areas. 00:00:37 - Definition of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM). 00:01:48 - Promise of telehealth in maternal care. 00:02:21 - Populations benefiting from telemedicine. 00:05:00 - Virtual MFM care mimicking in-person services. 00:05:56 - Impact of advanced practice sonography team. 00:08:00 - Support for local physicians in complex pregnancies. 00:11:00 - Partnering with local providers to keep care local. 00:14:20 - Tech-enabled healthcare at Access Telecare. 00:15:59 - Mental health's impact on pregnancy. 00:17:00 - Collaborative approach in mental health and pregnancy care. 00:18:04 - Expanding virtual MFM in rural maternity deserts. 00:19:45 - Telehealth as a solution for rural healthcare needs. 00:21:00 - Final thoughts on expanding access and women's healthcare spotlight. Episode Resources The podcast episode mentions two resources: 1. **Access Telecare**: A company offering virtual maternal fetal medicine (MFM) care. Their technology platform, "teleMedIQ" (TIQ), and proprietary telemedicine cart are highlighted. 2. **Rural Health Transformation Fund** and **Rural Health Transformation Program**: Initiatives aimed at improving rural healthcare, specifically mentioned as a step in the right direction for expanding access to care for rural patients. Summary Join MedCity FemForward with Marissa Plescia and Dr. Blake Porter, Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Access Telecare. Discover how telemedicine revolutionizes access to maternal care in rural areas, improving outcomes and fostering local births. A must-listen for healthcare enthusiasts!. Episode Highlights 00:00:11 - Introduction of Dr. Blake Porter. 00:00:17 - Expanding virtual maternal fetal care in rural areas. 00:00:37 - Definition of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM). 00:01:48 - Promise of telehealth in maternal care. 00:02:21 - Populations benefiting from telemedicine. 00:05:00 - Virtual MFM care mimicking in-person services. 00:05:56 - Impact of advanced practice sonography team. 00:08:00 - Support for local physicians in complex pregnancies. 00:11:00 - Partnering with local providers to keep care local. 00:14:20 - Tech-enabled healthcare at Access Telecare. 00:15:59 - Mental health's impact on pregnancy. 00:17:00 - Collaborative approach in mental health and pregnancy care. 00:18:04 - Expanding virtual MFM in rural maternity deserts. 00:19:45 - Telehealth as a solution for rural healthcare needs. 00:21:00 - Final thoughts on expanding access and women's healthcare spotlight. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr.Blake Porter blake.w.porter@gmail.com Keywords MedCity FemForward Dr. Blake Porter Maternal Fetal Medicine Access Telecare Virtual Maternal Fetal Medicine Rural Healthcare Telemedicine High-Risk Pregnancy Care MFM Specialists Underserved Areas OB-GYN Telehealth Patient Access Inpatient and Outpatient Care Sonography Technology in Healthcare Consultation Services Local Provider Support Behavioral Health Mental Health Rural Health Transformation Fund Maternity Care Deserts Pregnancy Outcomes Healthcare Access Women's Healthcare MedCity FemForward Dr. Blake Porter Maternal Fetal Medicine Access Telecare Virtual Maternal Fetal Medicine Rural Healthcare Telemedicine High-Risk Pregnancy Care MFM Specialists Underserved Areas OB-GYN Telehealth Patient Access Inpatient and Outpatient Care Sonography Technology in Healthcare Consultation Services Local Provider Support Behavioral Health Mental Health Rural Health Transformation Fund Maternity Care Deserts Pregnancy Outcomes Healthcare Access Women's Healthcare

In this episode, I interviewed Liz Powell, founder of Women's Health Advocates. We discussed the organization's policy priorities in the women's health space. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Liz Powell lpowell@g2gconsulting.com

In this episode, I interview Dr. Renee Wittemyer, vice president of program strategy at Pivotal Ventures, and Dr. Regina Dugan, CEO of Wellcome Leap. We discussed the organizations' recent $100 million commitment to women's health research. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Renee Wittemyer and Dr. Regina Dugan https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-kuriyan-wittemyer-39a64a/?skipRedirect=true https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-dugan-321687121/?skipRedirect=true

Priyanka Jain, cofounder and CEO of Evvy, discusses pivotal issues in women's health research, emphasizing historical exclusions and the importance of the vaginal microbiome. She highlights how Evvy's at-home tests translate microbiome data into personalized care. Jain also addresses fundraising challenges for women's health startups and the need for increased funding and innovation. With the Milken Women's Health Network, she aims to unite experts to accelerate solutions, while advocating against misinformation in the field.

In this episode, I interviewed Abbie Clary, executive director of Health for All at CannonDesign. We discussed how healthcare spaces and products have traditionally not been designed with women in mind — and what needs to change. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Abbie Clary https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailclary/

Dr. Keith Berkle, Chair of Privia Women's Health and advocate for equity in healthcare, dives into the pressing need for value-based care in women's health. He discusses innovative technologies that enhance patient outcomes and critiques existing reimbursement metrics. The conversation also touches on the disparities female physicians face and the establishment of the Women's Physician Advocacy Committee. Additionally, Berkle highlights the importance of accessible health tools and the necessity of incorporating women's voices in healthcare discussions.

I interviewed Amani Bright, senior program manager of Springboard Enterprises, and Julia Lasater, management consulting analyst at Accenture, about Part 2 of their State of Women's Health report. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Amani Bright and Julia Lasater https://www.linkedin.com/in/amani-bright/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-lasater-027354180