Michael Yoo, CIO, RetireeFirst

“I’m eager to build on RetireeFirst’s stellar reputation as a top-performer by leveraging the latest industry trends to significantly accelerate our digital initiatives.” – Michael Yoo, CIO, RetireeFirst

MT LAUREL TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PRWEB)
May 22, 2023

RetireeFirst, the premier retiree benefit management solutions and advocacy service provider, today announced the appointment of industry veteran Michael Yoo as the company’s first Chief Information Officer.

The strategic hire further advances RetireeFirst’s ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing retiree benefits. As the benefit management industry’s digital transformation continues to take hold, the solutions and products offered must keep pace without sacrificing the element of customer service. As RetireeFirst looks to scale operations and expand its footprint to tend to a broader array of clients, Yoo will be instrumental in protecting data and retaining the legendary people-centric approach the company is known for.

“We are thrilled to have Michael join our executive leadership team,” said John Dulczak, CEO, RetireeFirst. “His deep understanding of technology, strategic vision, and leadership expertise will infuse our product roadmap with the technological advances needed to blaze new trails of innovative disruption.”

Yoo has over 15 years of experience in information technology with a background working in global enterprises, small, and hyper-growth mid-size organizations. He has a passion for creating and optimizing high-performing technology operation teams, identifying and reducing risk, creating scalable enterprise processes, and ensuring technology is aligned with business objectives to scale rapidly and positively impact the client experience.

“By joining the RetireeFirst team, I see a prime opportunity to combine my technology, information security, and compliance experience to enhance our position as an industry leader through elevated technological innovation,” Yoo said. “I’m eager to build on RetireeFirst’s stellar reputation as a top-performer by leveraging the latest industry trends to significantly accelerate our digital initiatives.”

To learn more about the company and how it creates a seamless benefits experience that drives value for group plan sponsors and their retirees, follow RetireeFirst on LinkedIn and Twitter. For more information on RetireeFirst, its team, services, and partnerships, visit http://www.retireefirst.com.

About RetireeFirst

RetireeFirst is the premier retiree benefit management solutions and advocacy service provider, proven to enhance the experience and outcomes for group plan sponsors and their retirees. Founded in 2005, the company partners with all major national health carriers and hundreds of labor unions, public sector entities, and private corporations nationwide. RetireeFirst designs solutions that preserve and enhance benefit quality while driving material cost savings. Its unparalleled advocacy service creates a seamless benefits experience and connects members to programs that improve their health and wellness. RetireeFirst is HITRUST certified and has been awarded a full URAC Core Accreditation for its commitment to upholding federal regulatory requirements and improving business processes. Headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ, RetireeFirst’s award-winning team, solutions, and services have received industry praise, world-class NPS scores, and a Philadelphia Biz Journal Best Places to Work award. For more information on RetireeFirst’s people-centric approach, our services, and our broker, consultant, or carrier programs, visit retireefirst.com and follow RetireeFirst on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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How can the feedback from participants in recent clinical trials help industry refine its decentralized clinical trial (DCT) approach to be even more inclusive and responsive to patient preferences?

TORONTO (PRWEB)
May 22, 2023

Today’s clinical trial landscape offers an unprecedented range of decentralized and hybrid options, including home health and community-based options. Digital solutions have been hailed as the path toward more inclusive trials yet many still struggle to recruit representative patient populations, despite clear regulatory guidance. How can the feedback from participants in recent clinical trials help industry refine its decentralized clinical trial (DCT) approach to be even more inclusive and responsive to patient preferences? How can industry work more collaboratively with advocates who possess distinct lines of site into their communities’ needs and experiences around trial participation? In this webinar, the featured speakers will explore solutions to maximizing participant engagement in DCTs.

The Patient Choice Centered Research Initiative (PCCRI) asked recent clinical trial participants across a range of patient communities to reflect on their satisfaction with the operational aspects of their trial experience through a 50-question survey. PCCRI then collaborated with five patient advocacy groups with distinct patient population needs to analyze the findings alongside what they’ve heard from their own communities to turn insights into actionable, feasible DCT strategies that align to patient choice.

This webinar will address how insights from this initiative and other patient-focused efforts can help to close geographic and digital health literacy gaps, decrease trial-related financial toxicities, improve participant engagement and minimize burden for sites and patients.

Register today and learn how incorporating patient insights and preferences into decentralized clinical trials can improve inclusivity and increase participant engagement.

Join Keri McDonough, Head, Patient Voice Consortium, Vice President, Medical & Scientific Strategy, Syneos Health; Nicole Hemmenway, CEO, US Pain Foundation; Michelle M. Ouellette, Associate Director, Site & Patient Experience, Syneos Health; and Sarah Gillespie, Associate Director, Decentralized Clinical Trials, Syneos Health, for the live webinar on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 1pm EDT (10am PDT).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Participant Engagement and Realities in Decentralized Clinical Trials.

ABOUT SYNEOS HEALTH

Syneos Health® (Nasdaq:SYNH) is the only fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization purpose-built to accelerate customer success. We lead with a product development mindset, strategically integrating clinical development, medical affairs, and commercial capabilities to address modern market realities.

Together we share insights, use the latest technologies, and apply advanced business practices to speed our customers’ delivery of important therapies to patients. We support a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.

To learn more about how we are Shortening the distance from lab to life®, visit syneoshealth.com or subscribe to our podcast.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/

Contact:

Vera Kovacevic

Tel: +1 (416) 977-6555 x371

Email: vkovacevic@xtalks.com

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“Since opening our doors, our vision has been to provide the highest level of service to our patients and referring physicians throughout Central Louisiana. We are delighted that this partnership will allow us to continue this vision and reach more residents than before.” — Bart Jones CEO of Elite.

ALEXANDRIA, La. (PRWEB)
May 22, 2023

Elite Physical Therapy (EPT) has proudly announced its latest partnership with Injury Management Services (IMS), a therapist-owned physical therapy practice located in Alexandria, LA. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for both companies to expand their reach and provide even more comprehensive care to patients throughout the area.

“We have worked side by side with Elite for many years, and we are excited to formalize our relationship, capitalize on their resources and work together even more closely to continue along this growth trajectory. We are very excited to partner with Elite Physical Therapy,” said Bruce O’Dell, MOT, CEP, CFCE, CEO of IMS. “Their established practice, with a reputation for superior customer service and quality care, is the perfect fit for us. We can’t wait to see what this partnership will bring!”

IMS patients will continue to receive the same high-quality care from the same familiar faces they know and trust. However, the clinical team will now have access to Confluent Health’s established ecosystem of management services as well as education and musculoskeletal health resources. Support services include efficient community outreach, digital innovations, value-based care pathway models, and marketing and finance. Resources include best in brand physical therapy partnerships, such as the PTPN network, continuing education programs and staff development opportunities with Evidence in Motion, a nationally recognized residency, fellowship, and certification education provider in physical and occupational therapy programs and Fit For Work, the leading provider of employee safety.

“Since opening our doors, our vision has been to provide the highest level of service to our patients and referring physicians throughout Central Louisiana,” said Bart Jones, DPT, CEO of Elite. “We are delighted that this partnership will allow us to continue this vision and reach more residents than before.”

This partnership will further expand Elite PT’s footprint and clinical offerings and enhance its overall presence in the market. Confluent Health’s President and CEO, Larry Benz, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, MAPP, states, “We are proud to partner with Elite PT and are excited to welcome IMS into the Confluent Health family. Bruce’s team, along with the team at Elite, is made up of great clinical leaders, and bringing in IMS is going to add significant value as we grow together. Our partnership has endless possibilities.”

For more information about EPT, visit their website at eliteptla.com. To schedule an appointment with one of IMS’s expert therapists, visit their website at injurymanagementservices.com or call 318-880-0058.

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About Elite Physical Therapy: Elite Physical Therapy (EPT) is a Louisiana-based, private physical therapy practice group. As a proud member of the Confluent Health family, EPT positively impacts patients’ lives by delivering the best care and results through proven research, innovative treatments and technologies, and an approach that treats patients like family. For more information, visit eliteptla.com, or find them on Facebook at @elitephysicaltherapyalexandria.

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JUPITER, Fla. (PRWEB)
May 22, 2023

An upcoming segment of Advancements with Ted Danson will focus on recent innovations in telehealth technology.

With a look at certain disparities being felt throughout the healthcare industry, Advancements will explore the need for broadband and telehealth services today. Audiences will discover how the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the severity of the digital divide in South Carolina, especially in rural and low-income communities.

Audiences will learn how Palmetto Care Connections’ (PCC) Digital Inclusion Solutions are helping to close the digital divide for residents in rural and underserved areas by increasing internet access and affordability, and by connecting individuals to quality-of-life resources through digital literacy trainings.

“Through our digital inclusion program, PCC has reached over 1,200 South Carolinians in rural and underserved communities in 14 Counties with some of the highest health disparities,” said Kathy Schwarting, chief executive officer of PCC. “Each program participant received in person digital literacy training with a telehealth and health literacy segment, a laptop or tablet, and assistance with affordable internet solutions.”

In addition, the show will explore how PCC’s Broadband Consortium helps eligible health care providers receive up to 65% savings on broadband, internet, and network equipment, connecting more people with vital care.

“PCC offers an array of technology and equipment solutions for implementing telehealth programs,” said Richard Lubin, senior producer for the Advancements series. “We look forward to sharing how PCC is helping to bring these solutions to patients in need.”

About Palmetto Care Connections:

Established in 2010, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) is a non-profit organization that provides technology, broadband, and telehealth solutions in rural and underserved areas in South Carolina in an effort to improve access to health care services to all. PCC assists health care providers in keeping health care local and increasing quality services to underserved South Carolinians.

For more information, visit https://www.palmettocareconnections.org/.

About Advancements and DMG Productions:

Advancements is an information-based educational television series that explores recent developments taking place across several industries and economies. Shining a light on important issues and topics impacting society today, the series features the cutting-edge improvements, state-of-the-art technologies, and innovative solutions responsible for shaping, molding, and transforming our world.

Backed by experts in various fields, DMG Productions is dedicated to education and advancement, and to consistently producing commercial-free, educational programming for viewers and networks.

For more information, please visit http://www.AdvancementsTV.com or call 866-496-4065.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (PRWEB)
May 20, 2023

Culinary leaders are coming together on Thursday, September 7th at the UNC Charlotte Marriott to benefit FORK Cancer, a chef-driven dinner experience supporting four local cancer non-profits. This is the second annual event between Charlotte’s Food & Beverage Social Club and Forever Oceans.

During the event, guests will enjoy a four-course meal prepared by leading Charlotte Chefs, as well as wine, signature cocktails, and dancing. This celebration of life will support cancer survivors and help fund cancer education and research in the Charlotte community while honoring the legacy of those who have been affected by cancer, a disease which will touch 1.9 million Americans and their families this year. FORK Cancer’s four non-profit partners are Teal Diva (Gynecological Cancer), Xander’s Acts of Kindness Foundation (Pediatric Cancer), The Meggs Foundation (Young Adult Cancer), and Nothing Pink (Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer).

Chef Mark Allison of Forever Oceans and founder of FORK Cancer was inspired by his own personal story in his vision for the event, “My beautiful wife Alison was diagnosed with stage-four Carcinoid Syndrome in 2008. Originally given three years to live, she courageously battled for eight years before passing away in 2015 at the age of 50. Not once did Alison complain about her condition or ask, “Why me?” She was such a driving force of inspiration. It has been eight years since she passed away and now is the time to help and support others in the same situation. Together, we can all make a difference in the lives of the people we love. FORK Cancer is a tribute to Alison and a celebration of life for all those affected by cancer.”

FORK Cancer tickets are $185 per person. Sponsor tables for eight guests are also available for purchase. FORK Cancer tickets can be purchased through F&B Social Club by clicking here:

https://buytickets.at/fbsocialclub/908260

About Food & Beverage Social Club

F&B Social Club partners with local restaurants, chefs and breweries to host multiple unique culinary experiences each month. F&B Social Club members connect over their love of fine food, drinks and social experiences while exploring the culinary scene of the Queen City.

About Forever Oceans

Forever Oceans is building the most sustainable, scalable, deep-water aquaculture platform on the planet—delivering premium, sashimi-grade fish to the world’s kitchens, ready to be prepared and served in any number of ways. Forever Oceans is changing the future of seafood while revitalizing the planet’s damaged oceans to provide a healthier future for all.

Contact

For more information about FORK Cancer, please contact Lucia Zats.

LZats@FBSocialClub.com

FBSocialClub.com

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Historically, addiction has been treated like a ‘personal’ or ‘private’ issue. But it affects every aspect of society.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (PRWEB)
May 20, 2023

Orange County resident and addiction treatment professional, Amber Vaughan, will attend the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)’s annual conference and Hill Day in Washington May 21 to 23, 2023. Vaughan, who is the admissions director for Asana Recovery, a local addiction treatment program, will benefit from lectures by more than 30 of the nation’s leaders in the field of addiction treatment at the 44th Annual Addiction Leadership Conference, titled “Meeting the Challenges of Our Time.”

“I’m excited for the chance to learn from authorities in the field and to grow as a professional,” Vaughan says.

The schedule of presenters at the NAATP Leadership Conference includes top medical professionals and industry leaders in addiction treatment such as:

• Ann Berger, MD, Chief of the Pain and Palliative Care Service at NIH Clinical Center
• Neeru Bakshi, MD, FAPA, CEDS, Staff Psychiatrist at Headspace Health
• Sam Bierman, Executive Director at Maryland Addiction Recovery Center
• John Kelly, PhD, Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School

The conference concludes with a public policy advocacy event where attendees will meet with members of Congress and other policy makers. Vaughan, along with the other NAATP Hill Day participants, will advocate for addiction education and treatment.

“Historically, addiction has been treated like a ‘personal’ or ‘private’ issue. But it affects every aspect of society,” Vaughan says. “Our elected leaders need to understand that fact. And our legislation should reflect it. I’m inspired to spur action in Congress to move the issue of addiction out of invisibility and into the spotlight.”

For more information about Amber Vaughan, visit asanarecovery.com/amber-vaughan/

For more information about NAATP or the 2023 conference, visit http://www.naatp.org.

Asana Recovery is recognized as one of the country’s top substance abuse treatment programs, leading the industry in providing successful outcomes through clinical excellence. Asana Recovery is fully accredited by the three top accrediting bodies in the United States and is certified by Legitscript. For more information on Asana Recovery’s addiction treatment program and services, visit http://www.asanarecovery.com

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Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellows

IRVINE, Calif. (PRWEB)
May 19, 2023

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation announced today its 2023 class of Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellows in Chemical Sciences, individuals who underscore the Foundation’s mission of supporting basic research in the chemical sciences and chemical instrumentation. They were selected after a three-part review led by a panel of scientific experts.

The Foundation will award more than $4.7 million in funding over the next three years for 16 exceptional research fellows from 11 universities and research institutions:

Chemical Instrumentation Development

• Suman Gunasekaran, Ph.D., Cornell University

Chemical Sciences

• Ashley Arcidiacono, Ph.D., The University of Chicago
• Alexander Hurben, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
• Christian Oswood, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Clorice Reinhardt, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Grigorii Skorupskii, Ph.D., Princeton University
• Jakob Dahl, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Jake Jagannathan, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• James Law, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Jonathan Shultz, Ph.D., Duke University
• Kelsie Wentz, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
• Matthew Hannigan, Ph.D., New York University
• Neil Razdan, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stephanie Hart, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
• Steven Chapman, Ph.D., Northwestern University
• Steven Chavez, Ph.D., Stanford University

“Congratulations to the 2023 class of Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellows!” shared Dr. Anne Hultgren, Executive Director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. “We are inspired by their innovative chemistry and instrument development projects, and excited to provide this group of excellent scientists with support to help them transition to independent research careers.”

The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship provides salary and research support to postdoctoral scholars with the highest potential for success in an independent academic career in the chemical sciences, and to assist in their moves from mentored yet independent researchers to tenure-track positions. Funds for 2023 awardees will be issued this summer and extend over a period of up to three years.

About the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

Located in Irvine, California, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports researchers and nonprofit research institutions in making the next generation of breakthroughs in chemistry and the life sciences. Founded in 1978 by 20th century scientific instrumentation pioneer Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, the Foundation supports United States institutions and young scientists whose creative, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research will lead to innovations and new tools and methods for scientific discovery. For more information, visit http://www.beckman-foundation.org/.

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Basic research and clinical translation in ophthalmology face many difficulties, such as complicated operations, a long production period for experimental models and expensive equipment.

TORONTO, Ontario (PRWEB)
May 19, 2023

There are a large number of patients with hereditary ophthalmic diseases worldwide, with gene therapy drugs emerging as a powerful therapeutic tool in ophthalmology due to the limited efficacy of traditional treatments. As of 2021, ophthalmology ranks second in the gene therapy pipeline according to the number of treatments in development. There are many gene therapy drugs currently on the market, but basic research and clinical translation in ophthalmology face many difficulties, such as complicated operations, a long production period for experimental models and expensive equipment.

With the continuous progress of gene-editing technology and the development of new delivery methods, the future of gene therapy for ocular diseases is very promising. Despite the complicated operations, a long production period for experimental models and expensive equipment, companies and institutions are actively investing in research and development, and increasing numbers of clinical trials are being conducted to validate the safety and efficacy of these new treatments. The goal is to bring more effective and affordable treatments to patients with hereditary ophthalmic diseases and to improve their quality of life.

Register for this webinar to learn about the rapid advancements in preclinical ophthalmic gene therapy research, such as how AI-guided AAV design tools can help accelerate development of effective therapeutics to patients with ophthalmic diseases.

Join Joseph Wekselblatt, Senior Scientific Business Development Manager at Cyagen Biosciences, for the live webinar on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 1pm EDT (10am PDT).

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Accelerating Gene Therapy for Ophthalmic Diseases.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/

Contact:

Vera Kovacevic

Tel: +1 (416) 977-6555 x371

Email: vkovacevic@xtalks.com

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