MedCity FemFwd

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected]  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 [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  Allison Adamson Guest Email [email protected] 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  

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 [email protected] Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected]  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  

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 [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  Connect with Dr.Blake Porter [email protected] 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 [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  Connect with Liz Powell [email protected]   

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 [email protected]  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   

In this episode, I interviewed Priyanka Jain, cofounder and CEO of Evvy. We discussed the state of women's health research, the Milken Institute's Women's Health Network and what's ahead for Evvy.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

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 [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  Connect with Abbie Clary https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailclary/   

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Keith Berkle, chair of Privia Women's Health. We discussed the need for value-based care in women's health and the ways Privia is supporting OBGYNs.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  Connect with Keith Berkle https://virginiawomenscenter.com/doctors/dr-keith-p-berkle/   

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 [email protected]  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   

I interviewed Margaret Malone, principal at Flare Capital Partners. We discussed the latest investment trends in the women's health space.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  Connect with Margaret Malone https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretgmalone/   

In this episode, I interviewed Maggie McCullough, CEO of PolicyMap. We discussed the ways the federal government can improve the collection of maternal health data. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Maggie McCullough https://www.policymap.com/about/our-team#maggie-mccullough  

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Audrey Jiricko, Intermountain Health's senior medical director of women's health. We discussed the organization's screening initiative for intimate partner violence. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Audrey Jiricko https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-jiricko-68569326a/  

In this episode, I interviewed Pam Pure, co-founder and CEO of Posterity Health, and Khaled Kteily, founder and CEO of Legacy. We talked about why infertility is a male issue as well as a female issue. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  

In this episode, I interviewed Emily Lindemer, an executive director at Morgan Health. We discussed a report she co-authored that examines maternal health in employer-sponsored insurance.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Emily Lindemer https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lindemer  

I interviewed Kathryn Schubert, president and CEO of the Society for Women's Health Research, about the women's health trends that defined 2024 and what the healthcare industry can expect in 2025. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Kathryn Schubert https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/  

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim, founder and CEO of Celmatix, one of the recipients of ARPA-H's Sprint for Women's Health program.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim https://www.celmatix.com/our-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/pirayebeim/  

I interviewed Dr. Tiffany Inglis, national medical director for women and children's health at Carelon Health, a subsidiary of Elevance Health. We discussed Elevance's new paper on doulas. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Tiffany Inglis https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-davis-inglis-md-b2b01183/ 

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, a practicing physician and founder of Beyond Clinical Walls. We discussed how the maternal health crisis goes beyond access, and ways the healthcare industry can improve maternal health disparities. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchel https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbcw/  

In this episode, I interviewed Carolee Lee, CEO and founder of WHAM, and Ash Shehata, KPMG U.S. sector leader for healthcare. We spoke about the two organizations' new women's health partnership. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/  Connect with Carolee Lee and Ash Shehata [email protected] [email protected]  

I interviewed Stacey Missmer, professor and associate chair for epidemiology and translational research at the University of Michigan. We talked about a new report she co-authored that calls on the NIH to improve research efforts on chronic conditions affecting women. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Stacey Missmer https://obgyn.msu.edu/research/research-faculty/stacey-missmer-sc-d  

In this episode, I interviewed Rabia Muqaddam, senior staff attorney of the Center for Reproductive Rights. We talked about the Supreme Court's recent decision that preserved access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Rabia Muqaddam [email protected] https://reproductiverights.org/profile/rabia-muqaddam/ 

I interviewed Randa Deaton, vice president of purchaser engagement at Purchaser Business Group on Health. We talked about the organization's new resource that aims to help employers improve maternal health outcomes.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Randa Deaton https://www.pbgh.org/ https://www.pbgh.org/staff/randa-deaton/  

I interviewed John Auerbach, SVP of federal health at consultancy ICF. We talked about preeclampsia rates in the U.S. and what needs to change. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with John Auerbach https://www.icf.com/company/about/our-people/a/auerbach-john https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-auerbach  

I interviewed Millicent Gorham, CEO and Board Chair of the Alliance for Women's Health and Prevention. We talked about the EveryBODY Covered campaign, which aims to improve insurance coverage of obesity treatment.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Millicent Gorham https://everybodycovered.org/ [email protected] https://womenshealthandprevention.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/millicent-gorham-51116210 

I interviewed Régine Sitruk-Ware, a distinguished Scientist at the Population Council's Center for Biomedical Research, and Chelsea Polis, Senior Scientist of Epidemiology at the Center for Biomedical Research at the Population Council. We talked about innovations in the male birth control space and what it means for women's health.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Régine Sitruk-Ware [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sitruk-ware-regine-b0291311 https://time.com/collection/health-care-50/5425091/regine-sitruk-ware/ Connect with Chelsea Polis [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseapolis https://www.chelseapolis.com/index.html 

I interviewed Dr. Bruce Dorr, an OB-GYN. We talked about the lack of training for menopause care.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Bruce Dorr https://www.mountain.commonspirit.org/provider-search/bruce-dorr-md https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-bruce-dorr-xjcn9 

I interviewed Marielle Farina, Senior Manager of Deloitte. We talked about a recent report that Deloitte put out, which found that women have higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs than men.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Marielle Farina https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/life-sciences-and-health-care/articles/womens-health-equity-disparities.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariellefarina 

I interviewed Melissa Tran, a Marriage and Family Therapist and the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator at the Orlando VA. We spoke about women's health initiatives the VA has rolled out at its Lake Nona campus in Orlando.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Melissa Tran [email protected] https://www.innovation.va.gov/ecosystem/views/programs/fellow-melissa-tran.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-tran-b4b18611 

SCAN Health Plan recently launched SCAN Inspired, a Medicare Advantage plan designed for insurers. I interviewed Nancy Monk, chief operations officer of the insurer, about the plan.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Nancy Monk https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-monk-181207a  

Marissa interviewed Michelle Long, senior policy analyst for the Women's Health Policy program at KFF. We discussed the FDA's decision to approve the first over-the-counter birth control and if it will be covered by insurance.   Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Michelle Long https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-long-6351197b https://www.kff.org/person/michelle-long/  

MedCity FemFwd podcast, hosted by reporter Marissa Plescia, explores the historical neglect of women's health and how this is gradually changing. The host emphasizes that, until as late as 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical research, and funding for women's health has been consistently inadequate. Plescia indicates that this is shifting, as a growing number of startups are focusing on areas such as female fertility, menopause, and heart health. Despite ongoing legislative action restricting abortion access in certain states, the podcast highlights an important counter-trend: more employers are providing support for women's reproductive health. The series aims to further unpack these developments by interviewing leaders in the women's health space, helping listeners understand the issues women face in navigating a healthcare system that has often been unresponsive to their needs.