The Patients Speak

Welcome back, friends and colleagues, to the latest season and newest series of interviews on our podcast, "The Patients Speak." Today, I'm excited to have a conversation with RJ Kedziora, who is deeply involved in the digital health sector, specializing in data analytics and software development that impact the patient's journey.

RJ's company, Estenda Solutions, has a focus on patient-centered innovation in the digital health space. Key highlights of RJ's work include:

1. **Empowering Chronic Condition Management:** Estenda Solutions began by developing diabetes management solutions, recognizing that chronic conditions like diabetes can be significantly managed through patient behaviors. RJ emphasizes that proactive management can enhance well-being.

2. **Technological Progress:** Over the years, advancements in technology have transformed health management. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has evolved from 15-minute intervals to real-time data, enabling patients to understand their bodies' responses and make informed choices.

3. **Comprehensive Patient Insights:** RJ discusses the importance of integrating biometric data with behavioral and clinical information. Creating a holistic view of each patient's journey enables better care, encouraging healthier behaviors, and personalized treatment plans.

4. **Digital Therapeutics:** RJ introduces the concept of digital therapeutics, elevated digital health applications supported by clinical trials and regulatory approval. These applications can be prescribed by healthcare providers and even reimbursed by insurance, showcasing a shift toward more comprehensive digital interventions.

5. **Promoting Patient Engagement:** Estenda Solutions fosters empathy within its team by educating members about patients' conditions and experiences. The focus on empathy encourages developers to create software that truly addresses patients' needs and enhances their engagement with their own healthcare.

RJ also highlights the continuous evolution of technology, predicting that digital tools will seamlessly integrate into patients' lives, aiding them on their wellness journeys. The use of AI further expands the capabilities of these tools, providing exciting prospects for improving patient understanding and care.

Join us next time as we continue to explore conversations with healthcare leaders, patient advocates, medical professionals, and researchers about the insights gained when "The Patients Speak."

Hosted by Mark Stinson, and produced by BSB Media

www.BioscienceBridge.com

RJ 's Website

RJ on YouTube

@estendasolutions on Instagram

BSB Media

Welcome back to a new season of "The Patients Speak," where we're committed to listening to patients' stories and journeys, beyond just the medical aspect.

In this episode, we're joined by Jeanne-Mari Retief, CEO of Figgi Beauty and Healthcare, to discuss her experiences with panic disorders and anxiety, and how these challenges have intersected with her business journey.

When Jeanne turned 35, she experienced great change, contemplation, confusion, frustration, and joy. She invested so much of her energy in becoming an expert in her field, but realized that the career she had built with a single-minded focus no longer fulfilled or inspired her. It was a confusing and frightening realization. Facing a health and soul crisis she decided to make a big change. She integrated her human rights background into FIGGI which allowed her to seek serenity and still experience the adrenaline rush of creating something new. This is what FIGGI is to her! It is her Best Life – It is her FIGGI Life.

Jeanne shares how she was diagnosed with panic disorder after a frightening episode while traveling. She emphasizes the difficulty of conveying the complex nature of panic disorder to others, as it goes beyond mere stress or anxiety and impacts various aspects of daily life. She recalls a doctor's insensitive response that greatly affected her and highlights the need for medical professionals to approach patients with compassion and understanding, especially during vulnerable moments.

Discussing her pivot to create Figgi Beauty, Jeanne explains how her personal struggles with skin sensitivity due to anxiety-related symptoms led her to develop a skincare line. The brand represents self-acceptance and offers a holistic approach to self-care for individuals in high-stress professions.

Throughout the conversation, Jeanne emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the holistic nature of mental health issues. She encourages healthcare providers to approach patients with compassion, help them understand their condition, and explore treatment options with fewer side effects. She also touches on the idea of self-actualization by referring to her customers as "goddesses," aiming to inspire self-celebration and self-awareness.

Jeanne 's Website

@jeanne_figgilife on Instagram

Jeanne 's Facebook page

The episode ends with a reminder that patients are not defined solely by their medical conditions; they are individuals with dreams, aspirations, and lives beyond their illnesses. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on "The Patients Speak."

Hosted by Mark Stinson, produced by BSB Media

www.BioscienceBridge.com

Welcome back to "The Patients Speak" podcast, where we blend the science and business of healthcare with the patient voice to accelerate the journey from diagnosis to wellness.

In Episode 38, we kick off a new season by reviewing the book "Patient Activation: The Four Steps to Going from Awareness to Activation," co-authored by me and Bob Baurys. This resource aims to empower both healthcare professionals and patients, offering actionable steps to enhance patient engagement and activation.

This podcast was actually inspired by the book, providing a platform for real-life examples of patient activation and insights into patients' minds. I'll provide a sneak peek of key points from the book, covering the foundation of patient activation, steps to activate patients, the ongoing process of activation, collaboration between providers and patients, and the transformative potential of patient-centered care. Join us as we explore these concepts through interviews and experiences from our guests in the previous season and those to come in Season 2.

**Key Points from this Podcast Episode:**

1. Patient Activation: The book emphasizes helping patients become active participants in their healthcare journey, enhancing patient engagement and empowerment.

2. Steps of Patient Activation: The book outlines the patient activation process in stages, starting with locating and educating patients.

3. Ongoing Process: Patient activation isn't a one-time event but a continuous journey that requires ongoing support and engagement.

4. Collaborative Approach: Healthcare providers must shift from a paternalistic approach to a collaborative one, working with patients to develop personalized care plans.

5. Transformative Potential: Patient activation has the power to transform healthcare by placing patients at the center of care, improving outcomes and enhancing the overall experience.

*"Patient Activation" eBook Offer:*

As a special offer, you can grab a copy of "Patient Activation" for just 99 cents on Kindle. This limited-time offer provides you with practical strategies, insights, and real-world examples to enhance patient engagement and empowerment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how patient activation can revolutionize healthcare for the better.

https://a.co/d/bRho4Qb

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes in Season 2, featuring interviews with industry leaders, patient advocates, clinical researchers, and more. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we continue to amplify the patient voice and drive positive change in healthcare. Remember, when the patients speak, we all have a lot to learn.

Hosted by Mark Stinson, and produced by BSB Media

www.BioscienceBridge.com

Songs in Pharma Commercials with Guest: Patrick Smith, Creative Director (Connect with Patrick on Instagram @smithdidit)

In this podcast episode of "The Patient Speak," host Mark Stinson interviews Patrick Smith, a creative director, about the intersection of healthcare marketing and pop culture. The podcast explores how healthcare innovations are accelerating the patient journey and features discussions with healthcare leaders, patient advocates, medical providers, and researchers.

The episode begins with a playful reference to TV commercials interrupting tense moments in TV shows. It introduces the idea of cross-fertilization between healthcare brands and pop culture, particularly in the context of drug commercials using popular songs.

The episode features discussions on:

1. Music in Drug Commercials: Patrick Smith and Mark discuss the trend of using classic rock songs in pharmaceutical commercials. They highlight the use of popular songs to enhance brand recall and create synergies between the brand promise and the song's themes.
2. Branding and Borrowed Interest: They explore the concept of "borrowed interest" in advertising, where creative elements like jingles, characters, or illustrations are used to make the product more appealing. This approach is seen as a way to simplify complex healthcare stories and increase audience engagement.
3. Lessons in Leadership and Creativity: Patrick talks about his transition from focusing solely on creative work to honing his leadership skills and refining insights. He emphasizes the importance of being at the forefront of campaign ideas and developing core concepts.
4. Future Insights: Patrick shares his aspirations for his career, including increasing his role in leading campaigns and refining core ideas for clients. He talks about the importance of staying on the front lines of creative strategy.
5. Personal Touch: The podcast concludes with Patrick's personal choice of a rock song by Van Halen that would represent his career in a hypothetical commercial about himself.

Playlist of Featured Commercials:

1. Ozempic (Type 2 Diabetes)
2. Anoro (COPD)
3. Toujeo (Diabetes)
4. Trelegy (COPD)
5. Farxiga (Type 2 Diabetes)
6. Celebrex (Osteoarthritis)
7. Repatha (Cholesterol management)

This podcast episode provides insights into the creative and strategic aspects of healthcare marketing, specifically focusing on the use of music and pop culture elements to enhance brand recognition and engagement.

All music and commercials are copyrighted and used under fair use for critique.

Hosted by Mark Stinson, and produced by BSB Media

www.BioscienceBridge.com

Dr. James Doty is founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University, and author of the New York Times bestseller, "Into the Magic Shop."

He discussed:

- The importance of compassion and altruism, not just for patients' well-being, but also for healthcare providers' positive physiological effects.

- The challenge of teaching compassion in medical schools and the positive impact of compassionate leadership on productivity and creativity.

- The power of self-compassion and mindfulness exercises to shift from fear mode to a state of calmness and openness.

- Dr. Doty's personal journey from despair to success, highlighting the transformative effects of self-compassion and positive intention.

Key Highlights:

1. Dr. Doty's journey from despair to success after learning mindfulness and self-compassion.

2. The positive impact of compassionate leadership on productivity and well-being.

3. The physiological benefits of being kind and caring towards patients in healthcare settings.

4. The role of self-compassion in shifting from a fear mode to a state of openness and connection.

5. The potential for everyone to develop and improve their compassion through mindfulness practices.

6. Resources and programs at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University.

"When someone acts with kindness versus just treating them like a disease, it has a profound positive effect on their physiology. Compassion boosts the immune system and promotes healing."

"The vast majority of people can improve their compassion. At Stanford, we've developed a compassion cultivation training program that fosters self-compassion and empathy for others."

"Leaders who authentically believe in compassion foster psychological safety, unleashing creativity and productivity among their teams."

"Each of us has the opportunity every day to make one person's life better. Let's create an environment that allows people to thrive."

For more information on Dr. Doty's work, visit

ccare.stanford.edu

intothemagicshop.com

jamesrdotymd.com

Tune in and change the world, one act of kindness at a time. Thanks for listening.

Episode 35 of The Patients Speak Podcast: Highlights from Interviews with Healthcare Authors

Guest 1 -- Surbhi Sarna, who began as an engineer but ultimately founded a company as its CEO, later becoming a partner at Y Combinator to mentor startups in the healthcare domain.

*Prioritizing Patients in Innovation: Surbhi emphasizes the importance of putting patients at the forefront, an approach ingrained in her journey, where patients waiting for solutions drive determination through challenges.

*Remembering Patients in the Process: Surbhi recalls that amidst late-night work and challenges, the reminder that patients were waiting for solutions motivated the team to persevere.

*Impact on Startup Culture: Surbhi addressed startups and founders at Y Combinator, highlighting that patients are the driving force behind innovation, and their needs should remain paramount.

*Personal Patient Experience**: Surbhi shares her personal journey with a health scare, leading her to advocate for women's health and wellness.

Surbhi-Sarna

Guest 2 -- Sushma Subramanian, a science and healthcare journalist and professor, discusses the sensory shift in medicine, from tactile-focused care to distant technology-driven examinations.

*Comfort and Communication: Sushma emphasizes the comforting role of touch in patient-doctor interactions and the potential to incorporate sensory experiences for more patient-centric care.

*Consumer Advocacy and Touch: Sushma explores the role of consumers in advocating for touch-centric care, suggesting that providers and patients can collaborate to enhance the patient experience.

Sushma's Website

Guest 3 -- Urvashi Bhatnagar, combining her Doctor of Physical Therapy background with a Yale MBA, addresses sustainability and health inequities within the healthcare system, underscoring patients' empowerment to drive change.

*Climate Change and Health: Urvashi highlights the interconnectedness of climate change and human health, emphasizing the need for health systems to address environmental factors affecting patients.

*Patient's Voice: Urvashi discusses patients' influential role in advocating for a sustainable and healthier environment, underscoring the importance of communication between patients and providers.

Urvashi's Website

Guest 4 -- Dr. Ann Hester, author of "Patient Empowerment 101," explains her motivation to bridge the gap between doctors' perspectives and patients' understanding, leading to better outcomes.

*Balancing Power Dynamics: Dr. Hester discusses the power dynamic between doctors and patients, emphasizing patients' ability to be better prepared for medical interactions and contribute to their care.

*Patients as Equipped Participants: Dr. Hester emphasizes the need for patients to be better prepared, allowing for more efficient medical visits, fewer unnecessary tests, and improved communication.

Ann's Website

Conclusion: The Patients Speak podcast is dedicated to amplifying the patient's voice within the healthcare landscape, engaging with leaders across various healthcare domains to facilitate meaningful change. Stay tuned for more episodes where we listen to … the patients speak.

Hosted by Mark Stinson, and Produced by BSB Media

www.BioscienceBridge.com

In this episode, we have a heartfelt conversation with Lee Tomlinson, author of the book "Compassion Heals: From Self-Care to Healthcare." Lee shares his personal journey as a patient and the importance of compassion in healthcare. His story sheds light on the need for human connection and empathy between physicians and patients.

Lee starts by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences and insights with the listeners. Having spent a significant amount of time in hospitals, Lee understands the dynamics between healthcare professionals and patients. His book aims to bring the patient's perspective and promote compassion in healthcare.

Lee's journey began when he visited his ear, nose, and throat doctor for breathing problems before participating in a golf championship. Unexpectedly, he received a devastating diagnosis of stage three to stage four throat cancer. The subsequent intensive treatment and the additional challenges of a septic infection pushed Lee to the brink of despair.

Feeling unsupported and lacking compassion during this difficult time, Lee contemplated ending his life. However, a pivotal moment came when his Doctor (and brother-in-law) visited him in the hospital. The doctor's heartfelt apology and encouragement to fight reignited Lee's will to live and inspired him to advocate for compassion in healthcare.

Lee emphasizes that compassion is not just a heartfelt sentiment, but a scientifically proven force that can enhance healing outcomes. He cites studies and references the book "Compassion-omics," which explores the healing power of compassion and its positive impact on patients, healthcare providers, and the overall bottom line of healthcare organizations.

Throughout his journey, Lee has shared his story and mission with various pharma companies, physician organizations, and hospitals, including Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and UCLA Hospital. He finds therapeutic value in sharing his experiences and witnessing how his message resonates with others. His storytelling abilities, honed through his background in Hollywood studios and the film institute, allow him to convey his story in a compelling and impactful manner.

Lee's ultimate goal is to ensure that patients receive the compassion they deserve while also advocating for the well-being of healthcare providers. He believes that compassion is a powerful tool for preventing burnout among healthcare professionals and urges them to prioritize self-care and kindness. Lee's mission has touched the hearts of many, prompting them to reflect on their own experiences and commit to being more compassionate in their roles.

Highlight Quotes:

• "If you're lucky enough to live, how about you use your voice to communicate to healthcare professionals the absolute necessity of being treated with compassion and the power it has to heal you when it's present and the horrible impact when it's not."
• "When you are burned out, one of the greatest tools is just to go out and be kind... Being kind will heal you and your burnout."
• "It's nice to be nice. But it has immense, sometimes lifesaving and life-giving power that we ought to use for ourselves."
• 
  

If you're having an immediate suicidal crisis or emotional distress, I do want to remind you of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US. It's 1-800-273-TALK, and if you're listening elsewhere, please find your local suicide prevention line.

Episode 33 -- Patient Perspectives: Smell & Taste, Genetic Diseases, Cancer, and Multiple Myeloma

In this episode of "The Patients Speak" podcast, host Mark Stinson engages in insightful interviews with four inspiring individuals who share their experiences as patients and advocates in different health conditions.

·     Katie Boateng, head of the Smell and Taste Association of North America, discussing the importance of understanding the impact of smell and taste conditions on patients' daily lives.

·     Seth Rotberg, an HD (Huntington's Disease) patient advocate, emphasizes the need for genetic counseling and collaboration between patients and clinicians in the treatment and research of genetic and rare diseases.

·     Howard Brown, a two-time cancer survivor and author, shares his journey of resilience and hope in his memoir "Shining Brightly." He highlights the importance of forming a collaborative team and maintaining optimism while dealing with cancer.

·     Yolanda Brunson Sarrabo, a multiple myeloma patient advocate, emphasizes the significance of patient empowerment and effective communication with healthcare providers. She encourages patients to ask questions, express emotions, and consider participating in clinical trials.

Here are key quotes from each guest:

1. Katie Boateng:

"People want others to understand the enormous impact that smell and taste conditions have on their day-to-day lives. There seems to be a lack of empathy or understanding for how impactful these conditions can be."

2. Seth Rotberg:

"Genetic counseling is becoming more prevalent and important to know about the next steps. It's crucial to have the right resources and support when facing genetic and rare diseases."

3. Howard Brown:

"You gotta get up out of bed every day and push further and keep going. It's okay to sleep in bed one day; you gotta get back up the next day. Keep moving."

4. Yolanda Brunson Sarrabo:

"Everyone isn't a public speaker, but you can write down questions and use the nurses and healthcare team as resources. We need providers and researchers to find us, as there is a diverse range of patients with unique perspectives."

Tune in to this enlightening episode as patients share their insights and advocate for better understanding and communication within the healthcare system.

(c) 2023 BSB Media

In this episode, host Mark Stinson interviews 4 digital health innovators who are making significant advancements in healthcare.

• Cassandra Hui from HealMary
• Matt Schwartz from Virgo
• Olga Sasonova from Nutrisense
• Navid Alipour from AI Med Global

Each guest shares their unique insights and experiences in using technology to improve patient outcomes and transform the healthcare industry. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:

Guest 1: Cassandra Hui from HealMary

Cassandra Hui, the founder of HealMary, shares her personal motivation behind creating the company. Having experienced the challenges of navigating treatment options for her family members who had cancer, she recognized the need for an easier way for patients and caregivers to access information and support. HealMary utilizes technology to simplify the process of finding treatment options and connecting patients with clinical trials.

Quote: "It's not a technology play. It's about using technology to make it easier for people like myself who don't have a science background." - Cassandra Hui

Guest 2: Matt Schwartz from Virgo

Matt Schwartz, co-founder of Virgo, discusses how their company aims to improve patient outcomes in endoscopy procedures. They provide a cloud-based video capture and analysis platform that enhances the documentation and management of endoscopic procedures. By automating the video capture process and utilizing AI analysis, Virgo enables doctors to effectively review and utilize endoscopy videos for various purposes.

Quote: "We provide the leading cloud video capture management and AI analysis platform for endoscopy." - Matt Schwartz

Guest 3: Olga Sasonova from Nutrisense

Olga Sasonova, an expert in data science and analytics, emphasizes the importance of utilizing data to gain a comprehensive understanding of patient experiences and outcomes. She explains how data can help uncover patterns and insights that may not be apparent through anecdotal experience alone. Olga focuses on the potential of tracking glucose levels as a vital sign in clinical trials and treatment efficacy prediction.

Quote: "Data, if gathered across the right dimensions, can help you understand why you may be seeing certain outcomes." - Olga Sasonova

Guest 4: Navid Alipour from AI Med Global

Navid Alipour, co-founder of AI Med Global, highlights the significant advancements in precision medicine and the role of technology in improving patient outcomes. He discusses the importance of early detection, treatment, and monitoring in enhancing patient care. AI Med Global specializes in developing detection technologies for breast cancer and heart disease, as well as providing personalized treatment recommendations based on a patient's specific molecular profile.

Quote: "Early detection is so critical... knowledge is power, and that allows decades of life to that individual." - Navid Alipour

These digital health innovators are revolutionizing healthcare by leveraging technology and data to improve patient care, enhance treatment outcomes, and simplify access to medical information. Through their innovative solutions, they are addressing the needs and challenges faced by patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

(c) 2023 BSB Media

Episode: Physicians' Views on Overcoming Obstacles to Patient Communications

Summary:

In this episode of Patient Speak Healthcare Innovations, host Mark Stinson interviews healthcare leaders and advocates on overcoming obstacles to patient communications -- and improving patient care.

Host:

Mark Stinson - Bestselling author

Guests:

Dr. Alen Voskanian - Physician and Medical Executive, Author of "Reclaiming the Joy of Medicine"

• Viewpoint: Addressing physician burnout is crucial for improving the patient experience.
• Quote: "Burnout causes a lack of ability for physicians to extend compassion and empathy to their patients when their tank is empty."

Dr. Maria DeLeon - Physician and Parkinson's Disease Patient, Advocate

• Viewpoint: Listening to patients and improving access to essential medications is crucial for better care.
• Quote: "If we can't even have the basic medications available, then we're in trouble."

Dr. Peter Small - Chief Medical Officer at Hyfe

• Viewpoint: Real-time monitoring of symptoms, such as cough, can improve patient selection for clinical trials.
• Quote: "The ability to know passively and in real time how much people are coughing... I think this is something that contract research organizations will jump on."

Dr. Mark Pimentel - Gastroenterologist, Researcher, and Founder of a new breath test for IBS

• Viewpoint: Advancements in understanding the microbiome can lead to precision medicine for IBS patients.
• Quote: "We now know exactly who the bugs are... the treatment window for better and new things is wide open."

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