Women's Health: What it is, how it's funded and what changes do we need? (Joy Rios)
For a long time, female bodies have been perceived as male bodies with differ reproductive organs. However, differences go beyond that: 80% of people with autoimmune conditions are women. 66% of patients with Alzheimers diseases are women, symptoms of cardiovascular diseases present themselves differenly in women and men, and more.
Debates around equity and equality, especially when it comes to men and women and female representation, can get heated and divisive very quickly. As part of the Healthcare Business Women Association Ljubljana, Slovenia women’s health was discussed.
If women have health issues, that trickles down to their productivity.
Joy Rios, founder of HIT Like a Girl Media joined the discussion on women’s health and how the specifics of women are impacting digital health companies and businesses. While there are still less than a quater of CEOs among the ranks of leaders of digital health companies, if we look at femtech companies, 76% of founders, co-founders and CEOs are women.
In this episode you will hear a recording from the Healthcare Business Women Ljubljana meetup.
Recap version of the discussion:
How did you then get into amplifying women's voices, and why did you choose the name "HIT Like a Girl" for the podcast and community?
Joy Rios: After several years of supporting medical practices and attending healthcare conferences, I noticed that while many women were doing the work, the people on stage at these events were mostly men. I wanted to highlight the expertise of women in the field. The name "HIT Like a Girl" was chosen to reclaim the phrase and reflect the strength and expertise of women in health IT. The podcast focuses on amplifying women's voices and showcasing their knowledge and achievements.
You mentioned earlier the need for more research and investment in women's health. Can you elaborate on the significance of recent initiatives, such as the White House's $100 million investment in women's health research?
Joy Rios: The investment is an acknowledgment of the historical neglect in studying the female body. We lack data on why women experience certain health issues differently. For example, pain and cardiovascular diseases present differently in women. Although $100 million is a start, more funding is needed. Melinda French Gates has also committed $2 billion to remove barriers for women, which will positively impact women's health research and advancements.
Can you explain the new Political Action Committee (PAC) focused on women's health and its implications?
Joy Rios: In the United States, PACs raise money to support candidates who align with their beliefs. The new women's health PAC focuses on all aspects of women's health, except abortion, to gain bipartisan support. It aims to advance research, funding, and awareness of various women's health issues.
How do the recent restrictions on abortion impact startups and digital health companies focused on women's health?
Joy Rios: The restrictions exacerbate existing issues, such as maternal deserts where women already have limited access to care. Different state laws create challenges in providing consistent healthcare. Digital health companies are trying to navigate these regulations to support women, for example, through telemedicine and mail-in prescriptions. However, punitive measures against providers complicate this further.
Despite the challenges, what has inspired you lately in the field of women's health?
Joy Rios: One inspiring development is the policy change in Mexico, which now requires political parties to include women on the ballot. This has resulted in increased female representation in politics, with 50% of Congress members now being women. It shows how policy can drive significant change in a relatively short time.
What advice would you give to women wanting to start a business in healthcare or health IT?
Joy Rios: First, identify areas that are not yet being worked on, as there's more opportunity there. Second, understand regulations and compliance, as they will work in your favor. Lastly, build a supportive community and collaborate with peers who are passionate about the same goals.
Show notes:
[00:02:00] Guest Speaker: Joy Rios
[00:03:00] Current State of Women's Health
Common associations with women's health: menstrual health apps (Clue), pelvic floor training (Elvie), sexual health (Rosy).
Innovations in women’s health: apps for sexual assault victims, and addressing menopause and ovarian health.
[00:04:00] Research and Development
Only 4% of R&D budgets historically went into women's health topics.
Inclusion of women in clinical trials has improved, but gaps remain in medical device trials.
[00:05:00] Challenges and Biases
[00:06:00] Policy and Investment
White House initiative and Melinda French Gates’ $2 billion investment in removing barriers for women.
[00:16:00] Impact of Abortion Rights on Women's Health
Roe v. Wade overturned, affecting access to abortion and impacting startups in the field.
Differences in state laws create challenges in providing consistent healthcare.
[00:22:00] Inspiring Developments
Policy changes in Mexico leading to increased female representation in politics.
Mexico’s progressive stance on women in leadership positions.
[00:26:00] Advice for Women in Healthcare Business
Identify unique opportunities and unmet needs in healthcare.
Understand regulations and compliance.
Build a supportive community and collaborate.