MedCity FemFwd
Marissa Plescia
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 30, 2025 • 24min
How Evvy is advancing women's health research with Priyanka Jain
Priyanka Jain, cofounder and CEO of Evvy, discusses pivotal issues in women's health research, emphasizing historical exclusions and the importance of the vaginal microbiome. She highlights how Evvy's at-home tests translate microbiome data into personalized care. Jain also addresses fundraising challenges for women's health startups and the need for increased funding and innovation. With the Milken Women's Health Network, she aims to unite experts to accelerate solutions, while advocating against misinformation in the field.
Aug 29, 2025 • 10min
Designing healthcare spaces for women with Abbie Clary
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 mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Abbie Clary https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailclary/
Jul 31, 2025 • 20min
Advancing value-based care in women's health with Dr. Keith Berkle
Dr. Keith Berkle, Chair of Privia Women's Health and advocate for equity in healthcare, dives into the pressing need for value-based care in women's health. He discusses innovative technologies that enhance patient outcomes and critiques existing reimbursement metrics. The conversation also touches on the disparities female physicians face and the establishment of the Women's Physician Advocacy Committee. Additionally, Berkle highlights the importance of accessible health tools and the necessity of incorporating women's voices in healthcare discussions.
Jun 30, 2025 • 18min
Inside Springboard Enterprises and Accenture's new women's health report with Amani Bright and Julia Lasater - Episode 22
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 mplescia@medcitynews.com 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
5 snips
May 30, 2025 • 19min
Investment trends in women's health with Margaret Malone - Episode 21
Margaret Malone, a Principal at Flare Capital Partners, specializes in health tech investing with a keen focus on women's health. In this discussion, she delves into the historical underfunding of women's health and the recent surge of investment in the sector. They explore emerging trends in areas like maternity, fertility, and menopause, and discuss innovative AI-driven solutions. Malone emphasizes the importance of storytelling in attracting investments and the challenges startups face in a male-dominated funding landscape.
Apr 24, 2025 • 16min
Improving the collection of maternal health data with Maggie McCullough - Episode 20
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 mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Maggie McCullough https://www.policymap.com/about/our-team#maggie-mccullough
Mar 27, 2025 • 25min
The link between intimate partner violence and health with Dr. Audrey Jiricko - Episode 19
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 mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Audrey Jiricko https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-jiricko-68569326a/
Feb 28, 2025 • 25min
Why infertility isn't just a women's issue with Pam Pure and Khaled Kteily - Episode 18
Pam Pure is the co-founder and CEO of Posterity Health, specializing in male reproductive care, while Khaled Kteily is the founder of Legacy, offering innovative mail-in sperm testing solutions. Together, they challenge the misconception that infertility is solely a women’s issue, revealing that male factors contribute to over half of infertility cases. They advocate for increased awareness and open discussions around male fertility, emphasize the importance of early testing, and explore advancements in IVF treatments that support both partners on their journey to parenthood.
Jan 31, 2025 • 11min
Comparing maternal health in employer-sponsored populations vs. Medicaid with Emily Lindemer - Episode 17
Emily Lindemer, Executive Director of Data and Healthcare Innovation at Morgan Health, shares her insights on maternal health disparities. She discusses a report that contrasts outcomes in employer-sponsored insurance with those on Medicaid. The conversation highlights the financial burden of childbirth and the lack of support services like doulas. Lindemer calls for innovation to address higher unnecessary C-sections among privately insured women and shares key recommendations for employers to improve care quality, especially for diverse communities.
Dec 29, 2024 • 16min
What the future holds for women's health in 2025 with Kathryn Schubert - Episode 16
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 mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Kathryn Schubert https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-godburn-schubert-07352a7/
