Innovate and Elevate

In this episode, Sharon is joined by Dr. Donald Ingber, Founding Director at Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. Dr. Ingber’s commitment to following his passion has led him to countless medical and technological breakthroughs, including organ-chip technology. These incredible chips recreate the structure and function of human organs. Drugs can be administered through organ-chips so that blood impact can be monitored. Once more widely adopted, organ-chip testing will be able to replace animal testing. As Dr. Ingber shares, the results will surpass those of animal testing. The organ-chip technology already includes women’s health models and holds great promise to revolutionize this under-invested area. Because animals, namely mice, do not have menstrual cycles, their biological environments are already skewed to test any women’s health-related projects. Organ-chips are a great solution to close the data gap. Dr. Ingber shares two projects underway in partnership with the Gates Foundation: to create a cure for bacterial vaginosis and to create a non-hormonal contraceptive. Dr. Ingber highlights the importance of nurturing the business side of scientific breakthroughs so that innovations can reach patients. Twenty percent of Harvard’s intellectual property comes out of the Wyss Institute, and both funding and mentorship play crucial roles in that success metric. Episode Outline (00:53) Meet Dr. Donald Inbger (02:11) Where Art Meets Science: Inside The Brilliant Mind of Dr. Ingber (07:08) What Is Organ-on-a-Chip Technology? (13:17) Reimaging Women’s Health with Organ-Chips (21:11) Think Outside The Box: Bringing Innovation to Life Connect with Sharon Sharon Kedarinnovateandelevatepodcast.comYouTubeInnovate and Elevate Newsletter Connect with Dr. Ingber LinkedInEmulate, Inc. Additional Resources The Wyss Institute The Wyss-Northpond Research And Innovation AllianceFirst rodent found with a human-like menstrual cycleThe White House Initiative on Women's Health Research This podcast is produced by the women at The Wave Editing.

Dr. Canan Dagdeviren is Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Director of the Conformable Decoders research group at the MIT Media Lab. In this episode, Dr. Dagdeviren shares the incredible story behind the lab’s wearable, conformable ultrasound breast patch that enables standardized and reproducible breast imaging. They’re developing a first-of-its-kind ultrasound technology for breast tissue scanning and imaging which offers a non-invasive method for tracking real-time dynamic changes of soft tissue. This technology is meant to be used in adjunct with current screening methods, addressing the various barriers that many women at high risk for breast cancer face when it comes to breast screening. Driven by her aunt's battle with breast cancer, Dr. Dagdeviren embarked on a journey to innovate breast cancer screening solutions. In our conversation, she shares the current prototype for The Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch (CUSBr-Patch), detailing the logistics of how it works and how she envisions the patient experience. Beyond product innovation, Dr. Dagdeviren emphasizes the need for elevating standards in clinical trials. She outlines the commitment she and her team have made to implement a diverse patient-centric approach in their lab. If you are a woman at high risk for breast cancer and currently on a breast cancer screening plan, please consider applying to be a part of the Conformable Decoders’ clinical trial. You can email Dr. Dagdeviren at canand@mit.edu for more information. Connect with Sharon Sharon Kedarinnovateandelevatepodcast.comYouTubeInnovate and Elevate Newsletter Connect with Dr. Dagdeviren: LinkedInConformable Decoders Additional Resources Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch (CUSBr-Patch) For Deep Tissue Scanning And ImagingThe Ultrasound Breast Patch Prototype VideoMIT Future Founders BBC 100 Women 2023: Canan Dagdeviren Credits This podcast is produced by the women at The Wave Editing.

On this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon is joined by Dr. Rachel Brem. Dr. Brem is board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology. She is a Professor of Radiology, the Vice Chair of Radiology, and Director of Breast Imaging & Intervention at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. In this conversation, Dr. Brem shares how to understand your risk for breast cancer and her recommended imaging strategy for those with dense breast tissue. She also emphasizes the importance of co-creating a personalized healthcare plan with a doctor that suits your needs. Note that other risk factors may influence your individual situation. For a comprehensive understanding, explore additional resources at breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors. Cancer in a dense breast is exponentially more difficult to detect in a mammogram, which is why Dr. Brem is a strong advocate for breast ultrasound and/or MRI. In fact, breast imaging specialists can find 25% more cancerous cells with ultrasound screening in women with dense breasts than they can with mammography. Dr. Brem doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all breast healthcare approach. Instead, she urges women to get the knowledge they need to make the right choices for their health and find a doctor that can tailor a plan for their unique needs. Finally, Dr. Brem shares her hope in the technologies currently in development to help detect cancer before imaging, such as liquid biopsy and breath analysis. Connect with Sharon Sharon Kedarinnovateandelevatepodcast.comYouTubeInnovate and Elevate Newsletter Connect with Dr. Rachel Brem Dr. Rachel Brem Additional Resources No Longer Radical by Dr. Rachel Brem and Dr. Christy TealBrem Foundation to Defeat Breast CancerCheckMate by The Brem FoundationTyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment CalculatorBreast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (The Gail Model) Glossary Prophylactic mastectomy:BRCA mutation:Liquid biopsy:

On this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon is joined by Dr. Janet Storella, Medical Director of Breastlink Maryland at RadNet. Dr. Storella is a breast imaging specialist and a board-certified diagnostic radiologist with over 40 years of radiology experience. In this conversation, Dr. Storella shares deeper insight into the practice and art of mammography, contemporary issues in the field, spaces for improvement, and aspects of mammography where quality makes all the difference. There are differing opinions on when women should start annual mammography screening, but Dr. Storella emphasizes that understanding one’s risk factors is key to determining when to start screening and collaborating on a personalized plan with their doctor. She highlights how diagnostic imaging centers are working on lowering barriers to compliance, particularly through strategic partnerships like RadNet’s with Walmart. Dr. Storella shares that determining if a mammogram shows cancer can be extremely difficult because of the variable nature of breast tissue. She expands on her experiences using AI to interpret test results and the journey to convincing insurance companies to cover this impactful new practice. Even though mammograms are continuously critiqued by doctors and patients alike, Dr. Storella reminds us that ultimately mammograms save lives, help individuals detect cancer earlier, and are what we have available right now. Finally, Dr. Storella explains the technical factors that contribute to high-quality breast imaging and why an uncomfortable mammogram is a positive sign of adequate compression. She also highlights the rigorous standards that mammography technologists are required to meet, reinforcing her message that breast cancer screening is an advanced and highly artful skill. Guest Bio Dr. Janet Storella is board-certified in diagnostic radiology and spent her residency at Beth Israel Hospital (Harvard Medical School). She earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Harvard College. She has a special interest in breast imaging and helped introduce several pioneering technologies such as digital mammography and image-guided breast biopsy to the D.C. area. She was also named Bethesda Magazine's 2023 Top Doctor! Connect with Dr. Storella Dr. Janet Storella Connect with Sharon Sharon Kedarinnovateandelevatepodcast.comYouTubeInnovate and Elevate Newsletter Additional Resources American Cancer Society - Survival Rate for Breast CancerMammogramNow™ at WalmartDeepHealth, a RadNet AI subsidiary

On this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon is joined by Dr. Janet Storella, Medical Director of Breastlink Maryland at RadNet. Dr. Storella is a breast imaging specialist and a board-certified diagnostic radiologist with over 40 years of radiology experience. In this conversation, Dr. Storella shares deeper insight into the practice and art of mammography, contemporary issues in the field, spaces for improvement, and aspects of mammography where quality makes all the difference. There are differing opinions on when women should start annual mammography screening, but Dr. Storella emphasizes that understanding one’s risk factors is key to determining when to start screening and collaborating on a personalized plan with their doctor. She highlights how diagnostic imaging centers are working on lowering barriers to compliance, particularly through strategic partnerships like RadNet’s with Walmart. Dr. Storella shares that determining if a mammogram shows cancer can be extremely difficult because of the variable nature of breast tissue. She expands on her experiences using AI to interpret test results and the journey to convincing insurance companies to cover this impactful new practice. Even though mammograms are continuously critiqued by doctors and patients alike, Dr. Storella reminds us that ultimately mammograms save lives, help individuals detect cancer earlier, and are what we have available right now. Finally, Dr. Storella explains the technical factors that contribute to high-quality breast imaging and why an uncomfortable mammogram is a positive sign of adequate compression. She also highlights the rigorous standards that mammography technologists are required to meet, reinforcing her message that breast cancer screening is an advanced and highly artful skill. Connect with Dr. Storella Dr. Janet Storella Connect with Sharon Sharon Kedarinnovateandelevatepodcast.comYouTubeInnovate and Elevate Newsletter Additional Resources American Cancer Society - Survival Rate for Breast CancerMammogramNow™ at WalmartDeepHealth, a RadNet AI subsidiaryDr. Storella Named 2023 Top DoctorTyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment CalculatorBreast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (The Gail Model)The...

On this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon is joined by Dr. Kathyrn Rexrode, Chief of the Division of Women’s Health in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. In their conversation, Dr. Rexrode discusses the progression in her career from experiencing imposter syndrome to stepping into her confidence and authority as a physician, professor, and woman in leadership. She also highlights how rejecting a scarcity mindset and supporting other women professionally has helped bolster her self-confidence. In Dr. Rexrode’s words, “The more we support one another, the more collective success we’ll have.” Dr. Rexrode describes her nonlinear 26-year path to becoming a full professor at Harvard Medical School. For anyone wanting to start a family and become a full-time professor, or generally devote themselves to climbing the career ladder, Dr. Rexrode emphasizes that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Sharon and Dr. Rexrode share how they navigate motherhood and career growth, which often requires a willingness to redefine what success looks like on an individual level. Finally, Dr. Rexrode brings listeners back to the early days of her career and the shocking realities that sparked her passion for improving healthcare standards for women. She continues that mission today, encouraging everyone to treat their body with the same respect, care, and attention they would if they were pregnant. Guest Bio Dr. Kathryn Rexrode serves as Chief of the Division of Women’s Health in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is a board-certified general internist with a predominantly women’s health practice as a primary care physician at the BWH Gretchen S. and Edward A. Fish Center for Women’s Health. Connect with Dr. Rexrode Dr. Kathryn Rexrode Connect with Sharon Sharon KedarYouTube.innovateandelevatepodcast.comInnovate and Elevate Newsletter Additional Resources Women ≠ Tiny Men | Brigham Magazine Support Innovate and Elevate Did you love this episode? Let us know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. It’s easy - click this link, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you liked best about the episode. While you’re at it, consider following Innovate and Elevate. Follow now! Credits This podcast is produced by the women at The Wave Editing.

Behind every pioneering idea, method, and device is a fellow human or humans. A trailblazer who is daring enough to ask the questions that push the boundaries and make the impossible possible. Host Sharon Kedar, MBA, CFA, talks with these change agents on the Innovate and Elevate podcast. In each episode, you hear from top doctors, scientists, leaders, and innovators on how they are trailblazing within the world at large and within their own lives. As the co-founder of Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm, Sharon is frequently rethinking the limits of what is possible. Season one focuses on women’s health with the aim of helping women lead our healthiest lives. You’ll hear from leading experts such as Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, Division Chief, Women’s Health at Harvard’s Brigham Hospital. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts, and please remember to follow Innovate and Elevate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you can be the first to know when new episodes are available. The views and opinions of the host and podcast guests are their own professional opinions and may not represent the views of Northpond Ventures.