MedCity FemFwd

Inside Partum Health's partnership with UChicago Medicine with Meghan Doyle

Episode Summary In this episode of Med City Fem Forward, host Marissa Plescia sits down with Meghan Doyle, CEO and co-founder of Partum Health, to explore how innovative care models are reshaping maternal health. Meghan shares how her personal experience as a mother revealed critical gaps in the healthcare system, inspiring her to build a company focused on comprehensive, patient-centered support during pregnancy and postpartum. The conversation dives into Partum Health's new partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine, which provides 24/7 access to doula support during labor and delivery—at no cost to Medicaid patients. Meghan explains the measurable impact doulas have on birth outcomes, maternal satisfaction, and postpartum health, as well as the broader mission to integrate multidisciplinary care (including mental health, nutrition, and physical therapy) into the maternal journey. This episode highlights the importance of continuous, preventive care and the role of partnerships in addressing disparities and improving maternal health outcomes at scale. Links & Resources * Connect with Marissa Plescia * mplescia@medcitynews.com * https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/] Keywords Maternal health postpartum care doula support healthcare innovation Medicaid telehealth women's health birth outcomes healthcare access patient experience preventive care maternal mortality healthcare partnerships digital health care navigation lactation support behavioral health Episode Highlights * 00:00–01:00 – Introduction to Meghan Doyle and Partum Health's mission * 01:00–02:00 – How personal motherhood experience revealed gaps in maternal care * 02:00–03:00 – Overview of Partum Health's multispecialty care model * 03:00–04:00 – Origin of the University of Chicago partnership * 04:00–05:00 – Launch of 24/7 doula access during labor and delivery * 05:00–06:00 – Key benefits of doula care backed by research * 06:00–07:00 – Impact on C-section rates, birth outcomes, and patient satisfaction * 07:00–08:00 – Importance of postpartum care and maternal mental health * 08:00–09:00 – Navigating postpartum support and care continuity * 09:00–10:00 – Workforce challenges and scaling doula access * 10:00–11:00 – Why in-person support still matters in an AI-driven world * 11:00–12:00 – Addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes * 12:00–13:00 – Vision for full-spectrum maternal care access * 13:00–14:00 – Expanding beyond doulas: mental health, nutrition, PT * 14:00–16:00 – Future growth through partnerships with health systems

ACOG's new guidelines around endometriosis

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 [mplescia@medcitynews.com] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ [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

Inside Build Health International's new Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone

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 [mplescia@medcitynews.com] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ [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

Why women's health is a scalable sector

Summary In this episode of MedCity FemForward, reporter Marissa Plescia talks with Anna Jeter of AOA Dx. about a pivotal report on the booming potential of women's health sectors. Discover why this already lucrative field isn't just a niche but a smart investment, with 27 unicorns and over $100 billion in exits. Whether you're an entrepreneur or investor, tune in to learn why women's health is not only crucial for societal well-being but also a golden business opportunity.. Episode Highlights 00:10:47 - Misconception of women's health as niche. 00:11:59 - $100 billion in women's health exits. 00:17:26 - 27 unicorns in women's health. 00:31:28 - Diagnostics as a foundational pillar. 00:42:39 - Oncology as a hot spot in women's health. 00:53:11 - Women's health beyond maternal health. 01:15:45 - Response to JP Morgan presentation. 01:41:26 - Women's health as a significant business opportunity. Episode Resources * Anna Jeter * anna.jeter@aoadx.com * Connect with Marissa Plescia * mplescia@medcitynews.com [mplescia@medcitynews.com] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/] Keywords * MedCity FemForward * women's health * AOADx * biotech * ovarian cancer detection * diagnostic test * women's health exits * investments in women's health * healthcare sector * McKinsey report * trillion dollar opportunity * merge and acquisition * IPO * exit strategy * unicorns in women's health * oncology * breast cancer * cervical cancer * screening programs * capital efficiency * funding allocation * PitchBook * healthcare innovation * strategic buyers * investment opportunities

The importance of virtual maternal-fetal medicine with Dr. Blake Porter

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 [mplescia@medcitynews.com] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ [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