"Wired Health 2018: spotlight on 'Femtech' and pioneering female scientists"
Unveiling the New Era of Women's Health Technology
As I stepped into the awe-inspiring new premises of the Francis Crick Institute, I couldn't help but think about the unsung heroines of science and medicine, like Rosalind Franklin, whose groundbreaking work often goes unnoticed. This thought wasn't far from my mind as the day's discussions unfolded and the focus on women's health took center stage.
The Dark Corners of Women's Health
"Navigating women's health can be a rollercoaster, wouldn't you agree?" asked Tania Boler, the vibrant co-founder and CEO of Elvie, as she addressed the audience. A PhD in women's health, multiple leadership roles, and a prolific author, Boler was a living testament to the challenges that women still face when delving into their own health.
She pointed out that the progress in technology has left women's health behind, and she experienced this firsthand when she became pregnant and found a shocking lack of information about her body and wellbeing. What is now shrouded in stigma—menstruation, vaginal atrophy, pelvic floor disorders—was once the taboo subject of breast cancer.
Pelvic floor disorders are common–1 in 3 women in the United States experience at least one–but the scarcity of technology to bridge the knowledge gap was cited by Boler as the major challenge.
The solution: Empowering Through Elvie
Boler and her team aimed to tackle this riddle with their creation, the Elvie Kegel trainer. This innovative device is equipped with sensors to gauge exercise precision and the mind-body connection, ensuring that women can confidently work towards improving their pelvic floor health.
Speaking of the device's success, Tania noted, "We've gone from being unknown startups at the corner of the Wired Health conference to a groundbreaking technology accessed by thousands of women across the globe, with support from the NHS and a presence in Hollywood’s Oscars goodie bags."
The Forces Driving Change
The rise of Femtech, according to Boler, can be attributed to three significant factors: the surge of the feminist movement, the modern-day revolution in technology that offers instant personal data, and the paradigm shift in health, which empowers individuals to take control of their own health.
However, the tech community was initially slow to embrace Elvie's mission. Now, though, change is taking place at an accelerated pace, making it increasingly clear to investors that women's health presents a significant opportunity.
Finding Her Place in the Sun
A few talks later, we heard from Dr. Claire Novorol, the chief medical officer of Ada Health, a company that boasts an AI doctor named Ada. With a background in pediatrics and clinical genetics, Dr. Novorol is a powerful advocate for using technology to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.
Dr. Novorol emphasized the need for AI-powered healthcare solutions, especially in areas with shortages of doctors, such as rural areas or developing countries. Ada, designed by doctors for both patients and practitioners, is poised to be a transformative force in healthcare, offering personalized consultations, initial diagnoses, and insights that can help bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers.
With 2 million users and over 3 million assessments performed to date, Ada is growing rapidly. The company is using data to refine their AI algorithms and tailor solutions specific to each user's needs, ultimately making healthcare more accessible and personalized for all.
Leaving a Legacy
While we still have a ways to go when it comes to the role of technology in healthcare, particularly for women, it is heartening to see more platforms like Wired Health focusing on women's health and empowering startups like Elvie and Ada to make their mark.
As we marked International Women's Day just days prior, the highlight on women's health at this conference was a powerful reminder that every step forward brings us closer to a world where all individuals have access to the medical advancements and empowerment they need and deserve.
- Tania Boler, a PhD in women's health, highlighted the problem of technology neglecting women's health issues, citing her personal experience during pregnancy.
- The Elvie Kegel trainer, an innovative device created by Boler's team, aims to address the issue of pelvic floor disorders by providing women with precision exercise data and mind-body connection insights.
- With support from the NHS and a presence in Hollywood's Oscars goodie bags, the Elvie Kegel trainer has grown from an unknown startup to a technology accessed by thousands of women globally.
- Tania Boler credits the rise of Femtech to three factors: the surge of the feminist movement, advancements in technology that offer instant personal data, and a paradigm shift in health that empowers individuals to take control of their own health.
- Dr. Claire Novorol, the chief medical officer of Ada Health, emphasized the importance of AI-powered healthcare solutions, particularly in areas with doctor shortages, such as rural areas or developing countries.
- Ada, a company with an AI doctor named Ada, developed by doctors for patients and practitioners, is poised to transform healthcare by offering personalized consultations, initial diagnoses, and insights that bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers.
- As we move forward in the realm of technology and healthcare, particularly focusing on women's health, platforms like Wired Health and innovative startups like Elvie and Ada help us progress towards a world where all individuals have access to the medical advancements and empowerment they need and deserve.
