Category Archives: Health

What is new in the field of Health. Trending topics, and cutting edge research in the are of Health. Press Releases that give us updates on Health.

Lifestyle: Self Help

Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing Appoints New Dean

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Dr. Glassman has been an outstanding leader in higher education administration and health care throughout her career at New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her roles there included clinical professor, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Partnership Innovation, and Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer of NYU Langone Medical Center.

“We are honored and excited to welcome Dr. Glassman to our leadership team. Her strategic vision will propel our academic programs, grow our future cohorts, and provide our nursing students with an excellent foundation that prepares them for a rewarding nursing career,” said, Beth Oliver, DNP, RN, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President, Cardiac Services, Mount Sinai Health System.

“I look forward to working with her closely to continue the momentum at the School,” Dr. Oliver continued. “We have invested in infrastructure and programs with innovative classrooms and simulation programs in upper Manhattan with close proximity to The Mount Sinai Hospital and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and have created partnerships with our Harlem community to create bridge programs for youth with interest in nursing careers. These efforts will grow a robust pipeline of nurses and nursing leaders who are mission-driven in bettering the health of all people and all communities.”

Dr. Glassman will create a dynamic and strategic road map for the future of the school. This will include identifying new areas of growth and innovation; establishing PSON as a leader in nursing education in New York City; developing a regional model for addressing the critical shortage of front-line nurses; identifying new avenues for attracting, retaining, and developing outstanding faculty; providing strong fiscal management of PSON; and building strong relationships across the Mount Sinai Health System and community. Additionally, she’ll look to design and advance interprofessional education alongside health system nursing leadership and ideate strategies to ensure best practices for clinical rotations and retention of graduates. Dr. Glassman will report to Dr. Oliver and PSON’s Board and will work in collaboration with faculty, students, and staff.

She has presented nationally on a variety of clinical and nursing leadership topics; coauthored the book Data Makes the Difference: The Smart Nurse’s Handbook for Using Data to Improve Care, published by the American Nurses Association; and written many chapters for textbooks and peer-reviewed journal articles. She also has received many prestigious awards, including the Rudin Award for Exemplary Service to New York City and the Distinguished Achievement Medal from the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Dr. Glassman has served on a variety of boards and advisory groups, including the advisory board for EBSCO Health, Nurses Improving Care for Health-systems Elders (NICHE) program, and the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine’s RN to BSN program. She is also the former president of the New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders and a former representative of the Nursing Alliance for Quality Care to the National Quality Forum Measures Application Partnership Hospital Workgroup, which advises performance metrics to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Dr. Glassman received both her PhD in Theory and Research Development and her Master of Nursing Administration from NYU. She was honored as an inaugural Fellow of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, is a graduate of the Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives at the University of Pennsylvania, and is an alumna of the Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Executive Fellow Program. She has been named a Fellow of both the New York Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Nursing; and is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Association of Leadership Science in Nursing, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.

About Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing

Founded in 1904, PSON is dedicated to the professional education of undergraduate nursing. In addition to the RN to BSN, the school offers an Accelerated BSN. The school has designed a variety of innovative curricula responding to the special needs of working adults interested in entering the nursing profession, nurses interested in advancing their careers, and foreign-educated physicians and nurses who wish to pursue nursing practice in the United States. In 2014, the National League of Nursing designated the school a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education in the category of Student Learning and Professional Development. Located in the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, convenient to public transportation, the school currently enrolls close to 300 students. In addition to CCNE, the School is accredited in nursing for its baccalaureate program by the New York State Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 43,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time—discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients’ medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 7,400 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. Hospitals within the System are consistently ranked by Newsweek’s® “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals, Best in State Hospitals, World Best Hospitals and Best Specialty Hospitals” and by U.S. News & World Report’s® “Best Hospitals” and “Best Children’s Hospitals.” The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the U.S. News & World Report® “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll for 2023-2024.

Media Contact

Emma Stoneham, Mount Sinai Health System, 212-241-9200, [email protected], https://www.mountsinai.org/

SOURCE Mount Sinai Health System

Health

Wooster Community Hospital’s Eric Gasser Earns the 2023 Stoltenberg Future Fund Health IT Leadership Scholarship

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“The Stoltenberg Future Fund Scholarship is a symbol of the ongoing support and investment in my aspirations. It is not just financial assistance for my MBA; it’s an endorsement of the transformative power of education in healthcare leadership,” Gasser said. “I’m profoundly grateful to both CHIME and Stoltenberg Consulting for their incredible support. This scholarship represents a significant step in my journey toward making a lasting impact on healthcare technology and patient care. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, with dedication and support, you can achieve remarkable heights in your career.”

Gasser is a seasoned HIT professional with 19 years of information systems experience. He, however, began his healthcare career as a registered nurse before discovering a passion for informatics and clinical technology. Following this direction, Gasser quickly advanced within Wooster Community Hospital’s IT department. Early in his tenure, Gasser led the organization in implementing CPOE (Computerized Physician Order Entry), electronic physician documentation, and the MEDITECH emergency department application. Upon promotion to director of information systems, Gasser effectively led the conversion from MEDITECH Magic to MEDITECH 6.0, with which Wooster Community Hospital achieved Meaningful Use Stage 1 and Stage 2 certifications.

Now, serving as vice president and CIO, Gasser has spearheaded initiatives for increasing EHR satisfaction, reducing physician burnout, and optimizing the use of technology to facilitate meaningful patient interactions. At home, Gasser and his wife Lisa are raising six children, having recently officially adopted their 6-year-old daughter into their family. Gasser plans to utilize the Stoltenberg Future Fund Scholarship toward his MBA education at the University of Akron this fall.

Stoltenberg Consulting committed to hosting the annual CHIME Education Foundation scholarship over a span of 25 years. Gasser is the 14th scholarship recipient of the Stoltenberg Future Fund program since its inception in 2009. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be CHIME members in good standing, express need for financial support for continuing education, and describe their professional accomplishments and aspirations in the healthcare IT industry. Previous recipients include IT leaders from UC Davis Health, Ascension Saint Thomas, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, UNC Health Care, Brooke Army Medical Center, UPMC Chautauqua, and Jackson Health System.

To learn more about the Stoltenberg Future Fund Scholarship, visit stoltenberg.com.

About Stoltenberg Consulting

For over 28 years, Stoltenberg Consulting has exclusively served the healthcare industry by providing customizable IT support solutions. FlexSourcing, Stoltenberg Consulting’s three-time Best in KLAS Partial IT Outsourcing program, delivers day-one ROI through a versatile, certified health IT support workforce — including Tier 1+ help desk services — that can scale up at any time. Averaging 15 years of experience, Stoltenberg analysts are skilled in both financial and clinical EHR systems with best practice expertise for Epic, Oracle Cerner, MEDITECH, NextGen, Veradigm (Allscripts), Altera, and eClinicalWorks. To see how Stoltenberg simplifies healthcare technology, visit stoltenberg.com.

Media Contact

Shana Tachikawa, Stoltenberg Consulting, 1 (412) 854-5688, [email protected], https://www.stoltenberg.com 

Twitter

SOURCE Stoltenberg Consulting



health and fitness

“A Deeper Connection” Releases Today to Provide New Approach and Guide to Managing Conflict in All Relationships

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“A Deeper Connection” delves into the complexities of conflict and presents a fresh perspective on how to transform the way we think about it. By offering this unique approach, the author encourages readers to use conflicts as opportunities for learning and growth, and creating connections with others, rather than viewing them as negative experiences. In addition to a system for addressing conflict, readers will learn from practical examples to help them apply the mindset and principles to various relationship scenarios. Whether it’s a conflict with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, the strategies presented can be adapted to any situation.

Even before its official release, “A Deeper Connection” has received accolades from relationship experts and leaders around the world:

“With four generations currently trying to effectively deal with each other, conflict frequently arises. ‘A Deeper Connection’ presents clear communication tools to resolve the issues. An important read!”

––Dr. Allan Colman, Author, Speaker, and Revenue Generator

“Most people avoid conflict. Few thrive on it. This book offers the tools to build the confidence you need during any conflict. Use these tools and keep the relationship intact even after conflict occurs.”

––Janelle Bruland, Bestselling Author of The Success Lie, 9x Inc. Fastest Growing Company

“A Deeper Connection” is available at all major bookstores and online retailers.

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About the Author:

John Sherrodd is a licensed counselor, Emotionally Focused Therapist, and life coach, helping couples and individuals improve their mental health and live their best lives. Learn more at www.johnsherrodd.com.

Media Contact

John Sherrodd, John Sherrodd, Author of A Deeper Connection, 1 206-295-8772, [email protected], www.johnsherrodd.com

SOURCE John Sherrodd, Author of A Deeper Connection

Health: Psychology

AristaMD and Sitka Form Single Company, Secure Series C of $16.5M for the Expansion of Specialty Care Access via Electronic and Video Consultation Services

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“To succeed in value-based care, an industry-wide strategy to improve population health and reduce total healthcare cost, providers must utilize tools to match patients with care in the most appropriate setting,” said Brooke LeVasseur, CEO of AristaMD. “Primary care providers prioritize digital health solutions, like ours, that alleviate the expense and time associated with referring patients for a face-to-face specialist appointment. With the addition of Sitka’s service offering and provider group, AristaMD will now offer more ways for primary care providers to expand their scope of services, work at the top of their license and improve patient access.”

The solutions offered by AristaMD and Sitka facilitate provider enablement, care coordination and navigation, and timely access to care. These solutions support organizations in their quality measures, including Medicare Star Ratings. AristaMD and Sitka partners report that digital health consults improve patients’ ability to get timely access to care, which is critical to Medicare Star Ratings.

“Together, we are untangling the economic incentives and bottlenecks that prevent patients from obtaining timely and cost-effective care,” said Kelsey Mellard, founder and former CEO of Sitka and the new president of AristaMD. “PCPs are often at risk for the cost of care but have no visibility to what happens when they refer a patient. Patients may not make it to the appointment at all, or the appointment could take place 6–8 weeks after the PCP referral. These challenges inflate costs as patients turn to costly care settings, like the ER, or experience worsened outcomes due to delayed or lack of specialist guidance.”

“With timely diagnosis and treatment available through eConsults and vConsults, PCPs can deliver care without delay to improve health outcomes and patient experience,” said Dr. Julia Jezmir, Chief Medical Officer, AristaMD. “Together, we will expand care pathways, promote health equity and deliver accessible care for patients. These efforts are particularly important as Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers roll out more robust value-based payment models that prioritize patient outcomes and rein in healthcare spending.”

AristaMD referral nurse navigators, a team of registered nurses that curate eConsults on behalf of PCPs, and Sitka’s referral coordination team will provide complementary skills to reduce provider burden and support accessible care. The combined company’s joint software platforms lay a foundation to build comprehensive specialty services and expand offerings that improve efficiency and simplify the eConsult and vConsult request process.

“I am thrilled to join forces with a team of talented professionals motivated to improve healthcare delivery,” said LeVasseur. “We look forward to the evolution of our service offering. Our customers will benefit from state-of-the-art technology, increased functionality and the innovation of the combined entities.”

MTS Health Partners, L.P. acted as the exclusive financial advisor, and Fenwick & West LLP acted as legal counsel to Sitka in connection with the transaction.

About AristaMD

AristaMD’s care transition solutions now include eConsult, vConsult and referral management tools, empower providers to conduct electronic physician-to-physician consultations to inform patient diagnoses and care, facilitate the selection and scheduling of in-person specialist visits, and schedule peer-to-peer reviews for insurance authorization. Electronic referral management and digital consults significantly improve the patient referral process and deliver greater access to timely, equitable, high-quality care. The company’s virtual specialty provider group offers primary care providers nationwide access to specialist advice. For additional information, visit http://www.aristamd.com or follow AristaMD on LinkedIn and X.

Media Contact
Kate McDonald, AristaMD, 1 7703284919, [email protected], www.aristamd.com
Kate McDonald, AristaMD, 1 7703284919, [email protected], AristaMD

Twitter, LinkedIn

SOURCE AristaMD



Health: Mental Health

Kimberley R. Alexander Named Executive Director Of Moms Of Black Boys United, Inc. (MOBB United) And M.O.B.B. United For Social Change, Inc. (MUSC)

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With a remarkable 30-year career in healthcare, Alexander steps into her role as Executive Director with a multifaceted understanding of operations, management, and communications. Her experience as an Assistant Director of Nursing at East View Healthcare and Zion Healthcare, her tenure as an Assisted Living Manager at Brazos Towers Assisted Living, and serving in significant roles of increasing responsibility at Texas Children’s Health Plan exemplifies her capacity to lead with compassion and efficiency.

In addition to her extensive healthcare background, Kimberley has made significant contributions to M.O.B.B. United as a national leader and board member, demonstrating her dedication to empowering and advocating for Black boys and young men. She created vital mental health and autism awareness programs, offering invaluable support to families facing the unique challenges presented by having children with special needs. Kimberley has counseled families navigating the challenges of loss, and played a key role in advocating for initiatives such as criminal justice reform in Louisiana; ‘Raise The Age’ Legislation in New York; and Bail Reform in California. She also spearheaded a successful internship program, promoting opportunities and nurturing the growth of 13 interns since its inception.

Kimberley’s dedication to advocacy is deeply rooted in her role as a mom of four, especially as the parent of children with special needs. This personal experience informs and fuels her unwavering commitment to the mission of M.O.B.B. United, as she intimately understands the unique challenges and injustices faced by Black boys and men. It’s this empathy and firsthand understanding that propels her to strive for a more inclusive and just society for all.

“I am honored to take on the role of Executive Director at Moms of Black Boys United. Our mission is close to my heart, and I am committed to empowering Black boys and young men to navigate a world that often misunderstands them. Together, we will make a difference,” said Alexander.

Kimberley’s relationship with M.O.B.B. United began when her then 9-year-old son faced the unwarranted threat of arrest, prompting her to channel her outrage into action. This pivotal moment inspired Alexander – whose path to motherhood began as an unwed teen – to join the organization and advocate not just for her son, but for all children facing systemic racism and a lack of voice.

Now, as the new Executive Director of M.O.B.B. United, Kimberley is steering the organization toward a future defined by inclusivity, justice, and empowerment. Her vision includes strategic initiatives such as a new podcast titled “The New Talk: For Moms Of Black Boys,” which will launch on November 28, focused on empowering moms to change how they talk to, about, and for their Black sons to navigate our world. The podcast will be available on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Spotify.

In line with M.O.B.B. United’s organizational pillars, Kimberley will advance critical mission directives rooted in these core principles:

  • Change Perceptions: continuing efforts to challenge and transform prevailing societal perceptions of Black boys and young men, fostering a world where they are seen through a lens of humanity and equity.
  • Influence Policy: advocating for policy reforms that address systemic issues affecting Black boys and young men.
  • Demonstrate Our Power: mobilizing the M.O.B.B. United community to collectively assert its influence and advocate for meaningful change.
  • Partner Strategically: seeking alliances and partnerships that amplify M.O.B.B. United’s impact and reach.
  • Promote Self-Care: developing programs that support the well-being and resilience of the M.O.B.B. United community.

With Kimberley R. Alexander at the helm, M.O.B.B. United is destined for an even greater impact as she galvanizes moms in their work to foster a society that sees their Black sons through the lens of humanity, dignity, and respect that they undeniably deserve.

For more information, visit M.O.B.B. United at mobbunited.org and join the conversation on social @mobbunited.

Press Contact:
Tosha Whitten | FrontPage Firm | [email protected] | 909.741.6835

About Moms of Black Boys United, Inc. (MOBB United) & MOBB United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC)

Moms of Black Boys (MOBB) United, Inc. and MOBB United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC) are sister organizations on a dedicated mission to positively influence the perception and treatment of Black boys and men, particularly in their interactions with law enforcement and society at large. MOBB United is a nationwide coalition of concerned moms of Black sons, representing diverse races, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, marital statuses, and education levels. The common thread among the membership is an unwavering love for their Black sons and the shared desire for others to perceive them through the same proud eyes.

Founded by Depelsha Thomas McGruder, a mother of two Black sons, MOBB United began as a supportive Facebook group in July 2016, growing to more than 180,000 members. Since then, it has evolved into a national movement with 17 chapters around the U.S. that instills hope, empowerment, and an unyielding commitment to action.

Moms of Black Boys United, Inc. (MOBB United) provides critical information and support to moms of Black sons, emphasizing positive images of Black boys and men. The organization is dedicated to changing perceptions, promoting self-care, and fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Black boys and men in America. This is achieved by sharing their stories, celebrating their achievements, and facilitating connections to meaningful opportunities.

MOBB United for Social Change, Inc. (MUSC) stands as the advocacy arm, steadfast in influencing policy at federal, state, and local levels to ensure fair and equitable treatment of Black boys and men. MUSC is particularly dedicated to eradicating harassment, brutality, and the unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement.

Learn more about MOBB United or get involved at mobbunited.org, and follow on social @mobbunited.

Media Contact

Tosha Whitten, FrontPage Firm, 1 202.246.7875, [email protected], www.frontpagefirm.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

SOURCE Moms of Black Boys United (M.O.B.B. United)



Health

Batshaw Foundation Names Ayisha Issa First-Ever Ambassador

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Star of CTV’s Transplant experienced challenging adolescence and directly benefited from Batshaw’s services

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Batshaw Youth and Family Centres Foundation (Batshaw Foundation), which provides direct support to clients of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres (Batshaw), today named Canadian television and film actor Ayisha Issa as its first-ever Ambassador.

Born in Montreal, Ayisha is celebrated for her roles in English- and French-language television series and films, including her portrayal of Dr. June Curtis in Transplant, the CTV medical drama now in its fourth season. Last year, she won the ‘Canadian Screen Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series’ for this role.

Ayisha faced challenges in her adolescence and consequently experienced Batshaw’s services firsthand. Determined and resilient, Ayisha got into sports, continued her studies and found a way through a very difficult time. Today, Ayisha is a passionate advocate for youth in-care and children at-risk. She understands the importance of empowering and nurturing these young individuals. Her unique life experience illustrates the remarkable outcomes that may occur when youths facing adversity are given the necessary tools and support to overcome major obstacles.

As Batshaw Foundation Ambassador, Ayisha is committed to helping vulnerable youth reach their full potential. Through advocacy, outreach and collaboration, Ayisha will play a vital role in helping break the stigma of being a former youth in care. She will also increase awareness of the Batshaw Foundation’s ongoing work and success in support of children, youth and families. Additionally, Ayisha will join Batshaw’s Youth Advisory Council, where she will serve as an advocate for Batshaw clients.

“We are delighted to welcome Ayisha to the Batshaw Foundation,” says Wendy Khan, Executive Director, Batshaw Foundation. “Her extraordinary journey, commitment, perseverance and vision make her a uniquely qualified advocate for at-risk youth. Ayisha is an inspiration to everyone at Batshaw.”

“I am honoured to be joining the Batshaw Foundation,” adds Ayisha Issa. “As Ambassador, I would like to tell vulnerable youth that hope and resilience – combined with the right support – can change lives. I understand this because I am living proof that bright and promising futures are real possibilities.”

Notes to Editors

About the Batshaw Foundation

The Batshaw Youth and Family Centres Foundation (Batshaw Foundation) is a charitable organization whose mission is to empower the vulnerable children, youth and families served by youth protection and other services for youth in difficulty, by providing them with funding, tools and opportunities so that they can unlock their potential and achieve success — now and into the future. Founded in 1978, the Batshaw Foundation has a long history of providing financial support, where public funds are not available, to those served by the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres. Through various fundraising initiatives and the generosity of its community, the Batshaw Foundation funds programs in the following areas: family emergency and prevention, well-being, education and employability, and aging out of care. To learn more about the Batshaw Foundation, please visit www.batshawfoundation.ca

Media Contact

Mark Lowe, PRagmatic Communications

mark.lowe(at)pragcom.com / (514) 576-2519

Media Contact

Mark Lowe, Batshaw Foundation, 1 (514) 576-2519, [email protected], https://www.batshawfoundation.ca/

SOURCE Batshaw Foundation

Health

Intelerad to Reveal Product Enhancements at RSNA, Unifying Imaging Data Across Health Systems

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As part of the ongoing efforts to seamlessly connect their product lines, Intelerad is also focused on unifying the Life Image and Ambra platforms to enhance access to the world’s largest image exchange network, created last year with Intelerad’s acquisition of Life Image. Life Image clients will be able to natively connect with Ambra clients and vice versa, offering a smooth, uninterrupted exchange experience that encourages true collaboration and optimal patient outcomes.

Intelerad will also offer RSNA attendees a more in-depth look at its AI-enhanced solutions, which offer the best of both worlds – access to regulatory-approved AI algorithms and the flexibility to choose an AI vendor without being concerned about compatibility. Intelerad vendor-neutral solutions provide clients with workflow-complementary access to a wide and growing range of advanced AI algorithms.

Intelerad’s solutions integrate and interface seamlessly with clients’ preferred AI solutions. For example, Clario SmartWorklist can now intelligently drive which cases should be sent to AI Platform based on defined criteria. Following recent enhancements, customers can also more easily define how AI results will impact the worklist prioritization.

Intelerad’s newly enhanced streaming capabilities will also be on display at its RSNA booth # 6104. Clients can now stream images from the Intelerad Cloud Long-term Archive at speeds comparable to those from on-premise PACS. Organizations get the superior scalability, security and cost-savings synonymous with cloud hosting and paired with the fastest streaming available, eliminating the need to choose one set of benefits over the other.

“Intelerad’s platform is the backbone of our clients’ imaging strategies, and at RSNA 2023, we’ll share more about our ongoing efforts to unify our solutions, connecting with EHRs throughout the ecosystem and expediting the delivery of improved patient care,” Intelerad President Morris Panner said. “We look forward to connecting with colleagues and peers to discuss product innovation, medical imaging developments and initiatives for improving the overall patient experience.”

To learn more about Intelerad’s portfolio of fully integrated solutions and the company’s commitment to providing innovative technologies, book a demo with the team today. To request a media briefing with Intelerad at RSNA 2023, please email [email protected].

About Intelerad
Intelerad is one of the leading providers of medical imaging software and services for the healthcare industry. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC and Montreal, Quebec, Intelerad has over 900 employees located in offices across six countries. Nearly 2,500 healthcare organizations around the world rely on Intelerad products to manage patient data, helping them reduce time and workload while improving patient outcomes. Intelerad’s award-winning enterprise imaging solutions have been recognized globally by KLAS, with Intelerad’s Image Exchange ranked #1 for eight consecutive years. To learn more, visit intelerad.com.

Media Contact

Hollie Barnidge, Alloy on behalf of Intelerad, 855-300-8209, [email protected], https://www.intelerad.com/en/

SOURCE Intelerad

health and fitness

Memorial Neuroscience Institute Performs Livestreamed Brain Aneurysm Procedure

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“Memorial’s Neuroscience Institute is one of the first pilot sites selected by the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) for a global tele-observership program using virtual proctoring software such as Proximie,” said Dr. Mehta. “It’s an innovative technology that has the potential to train physicians around the world, especially in developing countries, on the latest stroke treatments and neurointerventional techniques.”

Drs. Mehta and Delgado utilized a minimally-invasive, endovascular treatment on Stephane Desjardins to treat the brain aneurysm, one that had a high probability of being fatal if it had ruptured and bled in the brain. The catheter-based image navigation procedure enabled the placement of the WEB device to secure the aneurysm. The procedure was a success due to the real-time virtual proctoring made possible with the Proximie system.

Approximately 30,000 people in the United States suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each
year, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

“I had worsening headaches, was dizzy, nauseous, and had no energy,” said Desjardins, whose aneurysm was discovered during a CT scan when he presented to the Memorial Regional Hospital emergency room. “Dr. Mehta got me in right away and I’ve haven’t had any issues since the procedure.”

The 53-year-old Desjardins was discharged from the hospital a day after the cutting-edge surgery without any neurological impairments and returned to a meaningful quality of life with his family.

Memorial Neuroscience Institute offers advanced diagnoses, comprehensive treatment, compassionate care, and rehabilitation for complex neurological conditions. Few centers can match the depth of its neurological expertise or the wide range of available services.

Part of the Memorial Healthcare System and recognized for its quality and safety, the institute treats conditions of the brain that include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, stroke, and subarachnoid hemorrhages, as well as issues of the neck, back, and spine.

To learn more about the complete continuum of neurological care Memorial provides, visit http://www.mhs.net/neuroscience.

Media Contact

Yanet Obarrio Sanchez, Memorial Healthcare System, 954-265-1136, [email protected], www.mhs.net 

SOURCE Memorial Healthcare System

Health: Psychology

VGXI Celebrates Successful Completion of Neurophth Engineering Run to Advance Ocular Gene Therapy Candidate

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VGXI, Inc. proudly announces the successful completion of the engineering run for plasmid DNA used in Neurophth’s AAV ocular gene therapy.

CONROE, Texas , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — VGXI, Inc., a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in nucleic acid biopharmaceuticals, including gene therapies and DNA vaccines, proudly announces the successful completion of the engineering run for plasmid DNA used in Neurophth’s AAV ocular gene therapy candidate, NFS-01.

Neurophth, China’s leading clinical-stage, in-vivo gene therapy company dedicated to combatting opthalmic diseases, has collaborated closely with VGXI since 2020. VGXI played a pivotal role in the development of NFS-01, by supplying all three essential plasmid constructs to formulate the AAV candidate. Neurophth selected VGXI as a manufacturing partner to expand U.S.-based manufacturing in support of ongoing clinical production. VGXI’s achievements include the generation of GMP Master Cell Banks (MCBs) and a seamless transition into Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) bulk plasmid manufacturing.

NFS-01 is China’s first self-developed AAV-based gene therapy to treat Leber hereditary optic neuropathy caused by ND4 mutation (ND4-LHON), a condition currently lacking an effective treatment or cure. It was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and EMA. It received China IND clearance from the NMPA in March 2021‥and U.S. IND clearance from the FDA in January 2022. Neurophth has completed patient enrollment for the Phase III clinical trial and announced positive data from the Phase I/II clinical trial in China recently. Meanwhile, the first patient has been dosed in the international multi-region, multi-center Phase I/II clinical trial in the U.S.

In addition to NFS-01, Neurophth successfully administered the first dose of NFS-02 to patients in August 2023 as part of an international multi-region, multi-center Phase I/II clinical trial. This trial aims to treat Leber hereditary optic neuropathy caused by ND1 mutation (ND1-LHON), another condition currently lacking an effective treatment or cure. This product is Neurophth’s second gene therapy to enter clinical trials and the only ND1-LHON treatment in development worldwide. The material produced by VGXI will not only be integral to the ongoing clinical trial but will also provide crucial support for late-stage testing and eventual commercialization upon regulatory approval.

The progress made thus far exemplifies the dedication and expertise of both Neuropthth and VGXI in advancing groundbreaking gene therapies.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Neurophth in their journey towards bringing innovative ocular gene therapies to patients worldwide,” stated Young Park, CEO of VGXI. “This successful engineering run is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our teams and the commitment to excellence that drives our work. We look forward to continuing our partnership and remain dedicated to supporting Neurophth as they continue their pursuit of commercial approval for their AAV ocular gene therapy.”

“Thank you to VGXI’s cutting-edge plasmid DNA platform. Our new drug development and clinical trials are progressing smoothly.” said Bose Kalampanayil, CTO of Neurophth. “It is a significant step toward addressing unmet medical needs in ocular diseases. We eagerly anticipate further collaboration in expediting the commercial manufacturing of our gene therapy, delivering safe and effective treatments to patients worldwide.”

ABOUT VGXI, INC.

VGXI is a leader in plasmid DNA contract manufacturing, with 20+ years of experience providing high quality products to biomedical researchers worldwide. We support clients that develop DNA vaccines, immunotherapies, cell therapies, and gene therapies. VGXI’s manufacturing process and quality controls are coupled to a continuous, low-shear AIRMIX® patented lysis technology, and optimized purification processes that provide highly supercoiled plasmid and exceptional purity. VGXI’s portfolio includes high quality plasmid for preclinical research, Highly Documented (HD) plasmid as a critical raw material for GMP viral vector production or pharm/tox studies, cGMP plasmid DNA for clinical through commercial supply, and custom services. VGXI, Inc. is a GeneOne company.‥To learn more, visit‥https://www.vgxii.com.

ABOUT NEUROPHTH.

Neurophth is China‘ leading in-vivo gene therapy company for ophthalmic diseases. With subsidiaries in China (Wuhan, Shanghai, and Suzhou) and US (San Diego, California), Neurophth, a fully integrated company, is striving to discover and develop genomic medicines for patients suffering from genetic diseases globally. Our validated AAV platform, which has been published in‥Nature – Scientific Reports, Ophthalmology, and EBioMedicine, has successfully delivered proof-of-concept investigator-initiated trials data of 186 subjects with investigational gene therapies in the retina. Our most advanced investigational gene therapy drug candidate, NFS-01 (rAAV2-ND4), in development for the treatment of mtND4-mediated LHON, has been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) by the U.S. FDA and EMA. After the IND clearance by the China NMPA in March 2021‥and the U.S. IND by FDA in January 2022, Neurophth has completed patient enrollment for Phase III clinical trial in China and dosed the patient in the U.S. Phase I/II clinical trial. Recently, our second gene therapy NFS-02, has dosed the patient in China-U.S. Phase I/II clinical trial. The pipeline also includes autosomal dominant optic atrophy, optic neuroprotection, vascular retinopathy, and five other preclinical candidates. To learn more about us and our growing pipeline, visit http://www.neurophth.com.

Media Contact

Justin Smith, Director of Marketing, VGXI, (936) 304-2333, [email protected], vgxii.com

SOURCE VGXI

Health

#ThxBirthControl Campaign Continues to Empower and Inform Amidst Challenges in Reproductive Health

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“Thanks, Birth Control is a movement that’s needed now more than ever,” said Power to Decide’s CEO, Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley. “In the wake of the Dobbs decision, as abortion is banned or restricted in half the U.S. and birth control access and sex education are under attack everywhere, young people are telling us that they do not have the birth control information they want and need. By sharing so many stories – proudly and publicly – about all that birth control makes possible, #ThxBirthControl combats shame and stigma and brings birth control information directly to young people where they are – on social media. Today is a kick-off, not a one-off. We will continue to shine the national spotlight on the importance of birth control access for all and we encourage everyone to say Thanks, Birth Control with us.”

Power to Decide has released its annual survey findings ahead of this year’s #ThxBirthControl campaign. The survey, conducted among 1,150 individuals aged 15-29, assigned female at birth, sheds light on young people’s access to quality information about birth control in 2023.

Here are some key findings from the survey:

Lack of Information: Over one-third (34.5%) of young people aged 15-29 have not received information about birth control in the past 12 months. (Power to Decide, 2023)

Concerns about the Safety of Hormonal Birth Control: 28% of all respondents disagree or strongly disagree that hormonal birth control is safe. (Power to Decide, 2023)

Influence of Social Media: 25% of 20-29-year-olds received information about birth control from social media in the last year. (Power to Decide, 2023)

Disconnect Between Actual and Preferred Sources of Information: While 86% of 20-29-year-olds want to receive birth control information from health care providers, less than 47% actually did in the past year. (Power to Decide, 2023)

Information Gap for Teens: 24% of 15-19-year-olds feel they lack enough information to make decisions about the birth control method that is best for them. (Power to Decide, 2023)

Benefits Outweigh Side Effects: Despite concerns about the safety of hormonal birth control, nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents believe that the benefits of birth control outweigh the side effects. (Power to Decide, 2023)

Implications and Recommendations:

1. Social Media Education: The survey highlights the role of social media in providing young people with information about birth control. As misinformation looms, there is a growing need for accurate and educational birth control content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

2. Strengthening Patient-Provider Communication: The disconnect between what young people want and what they receive from health care providers underscores the urgent need for improved communication. In a post-Roe era, where access to contraception is paramount, building trust and ensuring access to accurate information becomes even more crucial.

3. Harnessing Social Media for Health Care Providers: Recognizing the power of social media, health care providers are encouraged to provide trusted, high-quality information through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide, leads by example with her viral Ask Dr. Raegan series on TikTok.

#ThxBirthControl Day Ahead:

As #ThxBirthControl Day approaches on November 15, this year’s campaign aims to amplify the voices of those impacted by the issues revealed in the survey. The 2023 Thanks Birth Control Survey serves as a vital resource for understanding the current state of young people’s experiences with birth control information and services in the U.S., especially during a critical time for reproductive health care access.

For further information, interviews, or collaboration opportunities, please contact Chelsea Leibow, Chelsea Leibow Communications ([email protected]).

About Power to Decide
Power to Decide is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for all by providing trusted information, expanding access to quality services, and catalyzing culture change.

About the Survey:
This study was conducted for Power to Decide using Ipsos probability-based online panel, KnowledgePanel. Data were collected from September 29, 2023 – October 6, 2023 among individuals 15 to 29 years of age, assigned female at birth. A total of 1,150 surveys were completed with a margin of error for total respondents of +/- 3.5 percentage points adjusted for design effect, at the 95% confidence level.

Power to Decide would like to thank the following partners for their support and commitment to contraceptive access: Bayer Pharmaceuticals and JPB Foundation.

Media Contact

Chelsea Leibow, Power to Decide, 925-209-9838, [email protected], powertodecide.org

SOURCE Power to Decide