Ventured

How Investors are Partnering with Researchers to Advance Medicine

The lifestyle choices of people with chronic health conditions present a massive opportunity for health care organizations to address. Chronic diseases cause high rates of illness, disability, and death and are the leading driver of health care costs. An estimated 90% of the nation’s $4.5 trillion in annual health care spending goes to people with chronic and mental health conditions — and the costs from cardiovascular diseases alone are projected to top $1 trillion by 2035, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many organizations are pursuing digital health platforms as a solution to this problem, with the goal of driving positive behavior change and influencing patients to choose healthier lifestyles. In this episode of the Ventured podcast from UPMC Enterprises, we hear from two digital health experts — a clinical informatics leader from Verily and a behavioral scientist from UPMC Health Plan — on what they see as the most promising digital tools for improving the health of people with chronic health conditions. Join guest host Gretchen Mendoza, Vice President at UPMC Enterprises, as she leads an engaging conversation between Erich S. Huang, MD, PhD, Head of Clinical Informatics at Verily, and Ellen Beckjord, PhD, Vice President of Population Health and Clinical Optimization at UPMC Health Plan. This episode was recorded at the Top of Mind Summit: Digital Health in April 2024 at the Center for Connected Medicine (CCM) at UPMC where Dr. Huang and Dr. Beckjord were featured speakers. Download a recap report from the Summit from the CCM’s website. Discussion Topics The following topics are discussed by Dr. Beckjord and Dr. Huang in this podcast: The challenges and opportunities of using digital platforms to drive positive behavior change in patients. Lessons that can be borrowed from social media for influencing behavior and those that aren’t appropriate in health care. How digital health platforms can embody trustworthiness and competence in interventions. How digital health interventions can be dynamic and evolve as the patient’s journey evolves. The balance between just enough personalization to be engaging and too much personalization in a chronic care management. The potential role of AI and other technology solutions in driving a more personalized experience and greater engagement in health care.

On this episode of Ventured, your host Alexander Zorub sits down with William (Will) Kaigler, CEO of sovaSage, Inc. and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University, to explore the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and health care. Learn how Will’s background as an entrepreneur and professor, combined with his experience in building technology companies, has positioned sovaSage as a leader in the field. The two also discuss the current state of sleep apnea and how sovaSage’s unique products are revolutionizing the way this issue is treated. UPMC Enterprises is proud to support companies like sovaSage in their pursuit of improving the lives of patients around the world.

In the latest episode of Ventured, our host, Mary Beth Navarra-Sirio, sits down with Dr. Rima Abdel Massih, the President and CEO of Infectious Disease Connect (ID Connect). Dr. Abdel Massih shares her journey, transitioning from a dedicated UPMC clinician to leading ID Connect — and how she does both. We take a closer look at the company’s mission, which centers around providing innovative solutions for infectious disease management. Dr. Abdel Massih highlights the unique features that set them apart, including their patient-centric approach and emphasis on collaboration. Mary Beth and Dr. Abdel Massih then explore the company’s partnership with UPMC and UPMC Enterprises. This successful collaboration has facilitated groundbreaking initiatives, streamlined processes, and enhanced patient care. For aspiring entrepreneurs in the health care field, Dr. Abdel Massih offers valuable advice based on her experience both in the clinic and in the boardroom. Don’t miss this conversation on Ventured! Subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes and hear the latest from industry leaders like Dr. Rima Abdel Massih.

Join host Rob Moss as he welcomes guests Rick Pollick, Agilist Manager, and Mark Wuslich, Scrum Master, both from the MyUPMC team at UPMC Enterprises. In this episode, we dive into the role of the MyUPMC Agility team and their impact on the digital front door to the largest integrated health system in Pennsylvania. We discuss notable projects undertaken by the MyUPMC Agility team, exploring how Agile methodologies were implemented and the challenges encountered along the way. We also explore UPMC’s journey towards systemwide agility, including the broader implementation of Agile beyond MyUPMC and how UPMC Enterprises adopted Agile methodologies in various departments. The episode concludes with a discussion on how the team cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, sharing examples of collaborative efforts that contributed to organizational agility. Tune in to learn more about the power of Agile methodologies in health care innovation.

Embark on a transformative journey from 2023 to the anticipations of 2024 in this episode of Ventured. Your host, Rob Moss, is joined by health care experts Joe Pohl and Randall Dye as they discuss pivotal moments and emerging trends in the industry. Joe and Randall recap the key trends, investment signals, and takeaways from 2023, offering insights into what could lie ahead for health care in 2024. Join us for an insightful exploration of the past, present, and future of health care, where inspiration and foresight converge. This expert-guided journey navigates the evolving realms of medicine, biotech, and health care technology, providing a unique perspective on the ever-changing landscape of the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the future of health care. Stay up-to-date with the latest in health care innovation by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this episode, your host Rob Moss explores the genomics journey at UPMC with our guest, Ed Smith, Senior Director of Clinical Genomics Services, at the UPMC Genome Center. Rob and Ed dive deep into the transformative journey that takes us from DNA to diagnosis. Ed shares his insights into how UPMC is harnessing the power of genomics to revolutionize patient care and research. You’ll discover the profound impact of genomics on health care, as we unravel the story behind UPMC’s pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We’ll discuss the challenges, the milestones, and the incredible innovations that are paving the way for a brighter future in health care. Through collaborations with the University of Pittsburgh research community, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and other institutions, this journey becomes a collaborative effort, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in advancing genomic science. As we peer into the future, we uncover the trends and developments that promise to reshape the landscape of health care, one test at a time. Whether you’re a health care professional, a research enthusiast, or simply curious about the boundless potential of genomics, this episode offers a front-row seat to the extraordinary work happening at UPMC, The UPMC Genome Center, and the exciting path ahead. Join us for Episode 6 as we guide you through the UPMC Genomic Journey, unraveling the mysteries hidden within the strands of our DNA and bringing them to life in the form of diagnosis and patient care.

Join your host Rob Moss as we discuss the disparities that persist in women’s health care. According to recent studies, women often face a four-year lag in diagnosis for over 700 diseases, a 50% higher risk of heart attack misdiagnosis, and a seven-year journey to an endometriosis diagnosis. Rob is joined by his colleagues at UPMC Enterprises, Anna Mamo, Kathryn Heffernan, and Varsha Raj, who bring their expertise to the table. Together, they explore the pressing questions surrounding women’s health: What is women’s health exactly? Why do these disparities exist between women and men in health care? What does the future look like and how is UPMC Enterprises looking to change the trajectory? As we navigate this complex terrain, we’ll uncover the latest trends, initiatives, and innovations aimed at bridging the gender gap in health care. Whether you’re an aspiring health care entrepreneur, a conscientious investor, or someone curious about the evolving landscape of women’s health care, Ventured offers insightful discussions and eye-opening perspectives to help you better understand and contribute. Tune in to this episode “Ventured” and embark on a journey to empower women’s health care for a more equitable future.

In this episode, your host Judd Poeske, Lead Technical Product Manager on the Digital Solutions team at UPMC Enterprises, leads an insightful discussion with a panel of expert guests, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Joining Judd are Enterprises colleagues Jeff Jones, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Andrew Adrian-Karlin, Director of Service Development & Deployment, and Alexander Zorub, Entrepreneur in Residence. Together, they dive deep into the top challenges that health care startups face in 2023 and beyond. With their extensive experience and expertise, Jeff, Andrew, and Alexander provide valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs venturing into the health care industry. They discuss the complexities of navigating regulations, funding hurdles, technological advancements, and market demands. Listeners can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that lie ahead for health care startups and learn valuable strategies for overcoming them. Tune in to this episode of “Ventured” to hear firsthand from industry leaders as they shed light on the path to success for health care startups in an ever-changing landscape.

In this episode, your host Rob Moss is joined by two accomplished guests who bring their expertise in marketing and communications to the forefront. Joining Rob are Sara Fest, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at UPMC Enterprises and Executive Director of the Center for Connected Medicine, and Lindsay Crawford, Director of Marketing and Communications at UPMC Enterprises. Together, they dive into the topic of setting up health care startups for success through effective branding and marketing strategies. Sara and Lindsay share their insights and experiences, providing valuable guidance on how startups in the health care industry can navigate the intricacies of marketing and build strong, impactful brands. They discuss the unique challenges faced by health care startups and shed light on the best practices and innovative approaches that can propel these startups to success. Whether it’s creating compelling messaging, leveraging digital platforms, or establishing strong partnerships, Sara and Lindsay offer practical advice to help startups effectively communicate their value proposition and stand out in a competitive marketplace. Listeners can expect to gain actionable insights and strategies to elevate their marketing and branding efforts.

In this episode, your host Rob Moss sits down with James Bauersmith, JD, MS, a highly accomplished health care executive with extensive experience across multiple segments of the industry. Joining UPMC Enterprises as the Vice President of Translational Sciences in 2021, James brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Before his role at UPMC, he served as the Chief Strategic Officer and General Counsel of ByHeart, Inc., a leading infant formula company. At ByHeart, James played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s FDA strategy, overseeing legal affairs, and spearheading the acquisition and establishment of their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. With a robust background in the pharmaceutical sector, James spent over 15 years in various leadership positions at companies like Fresenius Kabi and Amneal Pharmaceuticals. Notably, he served as the Senior Vice President at Fresenius Kabi, responsible for overseeing the company’s portfolio and marketing strategy unit. Listen as Rob and James delve into the intriguing realm of how payers handle novel therapeutics in the pharmaceutical industry. They explore the complex dynamics and challenges involved in introducing innovative therapeutic treatments, providing valuable insights from the manufacturer, payer, and consumer perspectives. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of health care and uncover the critical role payers often play in shaping the future of novel therapeutics.

In this episode, your host, Eliza Swann, Chief Operating Officer, takes you on a journey to explore the pioneering work of UPMC Enterprises in shaping the future of health care. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Enterprises’ mission, vision, and the transformative work taking place within the innovation and venture capital arm of UPMC, a $26B health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh. Joining Eliza are two distinguished guests from UPMC Enterprises: Brent Burns, Executive Vice President of Digital Solutions, and Matthias Kleinz, Executive Vice President of Translational Sciences. Together, they provide an insider’s perspective, shedding light on the pivotal role their teams play in driving innovation across the health care industry. Brent offers insights into the digital solutions and technologies that Enterprises leverages to revolutionize health care delivery, enhance patient experiences, and empower care providers. Meanwhile, Matthias details the cutting-edge advancements in life sciences that Enterprises is spearheading. He shares how they bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, accelerating the development of life-changing treatments and therapies. This episode serves as an informative introduction to UPMC Enterprises, highlighting the team’s commitment to shaping the future of health care through innovation and collaboration. Join us as we discover the groundbreaking initiatives and forward-thinking strategies that make UPMC Enterprises a driving force in the industry. Listen to the conversation below and subscribe.