MedCity FemFwd

Hosted by Marissa Plescia

Business CareersInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

36 recent

August 9, 2026Episode 3519 min

Employer Strategies for Women's Health

Executive Summary Recorded live at the MedCity Bullseye event in Chicago, host Marissa Plescia sits down with Cheryl Larson, CEO of the Midwest Business Group on Health, to unpack how employers are approaching women's health benefits. Larson shares new survey data on what employers are offering today, from parental leave to menopause support, and lays out concrete steps HR and benefits leaders can take to close persistent gaps in coverage and care. Key Takeaways Menopause support saw the sharpest jump in employer benefits: 43% of Midwest Business Group on Health members offer it today, and another 37% are considering it, making it one of the fastest-growing categories in women's health coverage. Caregiver assistance remains the biggest gap. Only 31% of employers offer it despite the pressures of the sandwich generation. Women remain underrepresented in clinical research, and employers can push vendors and health plans to help close that evidence gap. Plan design details, like requiring a 90-day fill for hormone therapy, can quietly block women from getting the care they need. Larson urges employers to hold vendors accountable by asking how they measure improvement in women's health outcomes, not just whether a benefit exists on paper. Links and Resources Host: Marissa Plescia, MedCity News Email: mplescia@medcitynews.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia Keywords women's health benefits, employer strategies, menopause support, Midwest Business Group on Health, Cheryl Larson, employee benefits strategy, HR benefits, self-insured employers, PBM contracting, GLP-1 coverage, fertility benefits, maternity support, caregiver assistance, clinical trial representation, hormone replacement therapy, workplace flexibility, mental health benefits, absenteeism, presenteeism, health equity Episode Highlights [00:00:30 - 00:02:00] Cheryl Larson explains what the Midwest Business Group on Health does and its record year of employer action briefs. [00:04:30 - 00:06:00] Fresh survey data shows where employers stand on parental leave, maternity, fertility, mental health, menopause, and caregiver benefits. [00:08:50 - 00:09:30] Larson breaks down why women remain underrepresented in clinical research and what that means for care. [00:10:30 - 00:11:30] A real employee story shows how rigid plan design can block access to hormone therapy. [00:16:15 - 00:17:00] Larson's closing message: closing the gap in women's health takes benefits, policy, education, and data together.

June 30, 2026Episode 3416 min

Inside Winona's New Women's Health Research Initiative

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Dr. Cathleen Brown, board-certified OBGYN and medical director at Winona, joins MedCity FemForward to discuss the newly launched Winona Research Institute, a company-funded initiative designed to support early-career researchers in women's health. She traces the persistent research gap that has left women's health understudied for decades and shares what Winona's internal patient data reveals about the real state of menopause care today. KEY TAKEAWAYS Winona launched the Winona Research Institute to fund medical students, residents, and early-career physicians conducting women's health research, with the goal of getting studies peer-reviewed and presented at scientific meetings. Women have historically been excluded from clinical trials because researchers viewed hormonal variability as a confounding factor, creating a research gap that persists across nearly every area of women's health. Medical school and residency training devotes as little as one to two hours to menopause, and the Women's Health Initiative study's media coverage triggered decades of fear around hormone therapy that most physicians have not overcome. Winona's state-of-menopause report found that women present with an average of nine or more symptoms simultaneously and often spend one to three years seeking care before finding a provider willing to help. Telemedicine can meaningfully expand access to menopause care but cannot replace in-person exams. Dr. Brown argues both are necessary, and that access to care is the central issue the field must address. LINKS AND RESOURCES Marissa Plescia (Host) | Email: mplescia@medcitynews.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia KEYWORDS menopause care, women's health research, Winona Research Institute, hormone replacement therapy, HRT, perimenopause, telehealth menopause, Women's Health Initiative, menopause symptoms, menopause treatment, telemedicine women's health, OBGYN training, menopause education, Dr. Cathleen Brown, Winona telehealth, women's health gap, menopause research funding, brain fog menopause, access to care, early-career researchers EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:47 - 00:01:33] Dr. Brown shares how her own perimenopause experience led her to join Winona. [00:02:57 - 00:03:34] Why women were excluded from clinical trials for decades, and what that cost. [00:04:35 - 00:05:34] How scholars apply to the Winona Research Institute and what support they receive. [00:07:41 - 00:08:24] Medical training reality: one to two hours of menopause content in four years of residency. [00:09:03 - 00:10:07] How the Women's Health Initiative media panic embedded HRT fear that persists today. [00:12:15 - 00:13:39] State-of-menopause report: nine-plus symptoms, multiple doctors, years before getting help. [00:14:28 - 00:15:18] Why telemedicine helps but cannot replace in-person women's health care.

May 28, 2026Episode 3325 min

The complicated history behind hormone replacement therapy

Executive Summary In this episode of MedCity Fem Forward, host Marissa Plescia sits down with Janna Manjelievskaia, Director of Health Economics and Outcomes Research at Veradigm, to unpack the company's 2026 Women's Health Report. The conversation covers the flawed science behind the 2002 Women's Health Initiative press conference that drove HRT prescribing to near zero, how real-world EHR data shows prescribing is finally climbing again, and what physician clinical notes reveal about the fear-based medicine that still shapes conversations between providers and patients today. Key Takeaways HRT prescribing collapsed after a 2002 WHI press conference due to a misrepresentation of risk: the reported 24% relative increase in breast cancer incidence corresponded to an absolute risk increase of just 0.1%. Veradigm's EHR data shows HRT use among eligible women has more than doubled since 2020, reaching 11% among women 50 and older in 2024, with a notable uptick beginning around 2022. Analysis of physician clinical notes reveals that risk communication centered on breast cancer still dominates HRT discussions, with virtually no mention of cardiovascular benefits, despite modern evidence supporting them. Women's health research remains chronically underfunded: less than 8% of the NIH budget is dedicated to it, and women were only required to be included in federally funded clinical trials 33 years ago. Contraindications are not the primary driver of HRT underutilization. A sensitivity analysis with no restrictions showed rates nearly identical to the restricted cohort, pointing to other barriers. Links & Resources Marissa Plescia, Host Email: mplescia@medcitynews.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia Keywords hormone replacement therapy, HRT, women's health, perimenopause, menopause, real world evidence, EHR data, Veradigm, Women's Health Initiative, WHI, breast cancer risk, PCOS, PMOS, cardiovascular health in women, women's health research funding, menopause treatment trends, HRT prescribing, MedCity Fem Forward, Janna Manjelievskaia, Marissa Plescia, fear-based medicine, NIH women's health Episode Highlights [00:01:17 - 00:03:59] Janna describes her background in health policy and epidemiology and how Veradigm's EHR network powers real world evidence research across therapeutic areas. [00:04:00 - 00:06:05] Janna explains why women's health remains underfunded, citing the less than 8% NIH budget share and the 33-year-old requirement for women's inclusion in federally funded trials. [00:06:06 - 00:07:34] Janna shares her personal experience with nearly two decades of misdiagnosis before a correct PCOS identification, and how that shaped her research priorities. [00:07:35 - 00:09:40] Discussion of why midlife was chosen as a key focus: it is when women are often at their professional and financial peak, yet many leave the workforce due to menopausal symptoms. [00:09:41 - 00:10:03] Janna explains that menopause is technically just a day, determined retroactively, and that no single medical specialty owns it. [00:10:04 - 00:14:46] Walk-through of the Women's Health Initiative: its design, the synthetic hormones used (not the FDA-approved products in use today), and how the press conference preceding publication caused a collapse in prescribing. [00:14:47 - 00:15:18] The 24% relative risk increase vs. the 0.1% absolute risk increase in breast cancer incidence, and why reporting only the relative number was an egregious misinterpretation. [00:15:26 - 00:19:58] Veradigm's EHR analysis: HRT use reached 11% in 2024 among women 50+, more than double the 2020 level, with the sharpest rates in the 54 to 56 age range at 17%. [00:19:59 - 00:23:22] Analysis of 2024 physician clinical notes shows breast cancer risk still dominates HRT discussions, with virtually no mention of cardiovascular benefits. [00:23:23 - 00:25:02] Janna's call to action: persistent gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and evidence alignment exist across all stages of women's health, from adolescence through post-menopause.

April 30, 2026Episode 3216 min

Inside Partum Health's partnership with UChicago Medicine with Meghan Doyle

Episode Summary In this episode of Med City Fem Forward, host Marissa Plescia sits down with Meghan Doyle, CEO and co-founder of Partum Health, to explore how innovative care models are reshaping maternal health. Meghan shares how her personal experience as a mother revealed critical gaps in the healthcare system, inspiring her to build a company focused on comprehensive, patient-centered support during pregnancy and postpartum. The conversation dives into Partum Health's new partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine, which provides 24/7 access to doula support during labor and delivery—at no cost to Medicaid patients. Meghan explains the measurable impact doulas have on birth outcomes, maternal satisfaction, and postpartum health, as well as the broader mission to integrate multidisciplinary care (including mental health, nutrition, and physical therapy) into the maternal journey. This episode highlights the importance of continuous, preventive care and the role of partnerships in addressing disparities and improving maternal health outcomes at scale. Links & Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Keywords Maternal health postpartum care doula support healthcare innovation Medicaid telehealth women's health birth outcomes healthcare access patient experience preventive care maternal mortality healthcare partnerships digital health care navigation lactation support behavioral health Episode Highlights 00:00–01:00 – Introduction to Meghan Doyle and Partum Health's mission 01:00–02:00 – How personal motherhood experience revealed gaps in maternal care 02:00–03:00 – Overview of Partum Health's multispecialty care model 03:00–04:00 – Origin of the University of Chicago partnership 04:00–05:00 – Launch of 24/7 doula access during labor and delivery 05:00–06:00 – Key benefits of doula care backed by research 06:00–07:00 – Impact on C-section rates, birth outcomes, and patient satisfaction 07:00–08:00 – Importance of postpartum care and maternal mental health 08:00–09:00 – Navigating postpartum support and care continuity 09:00–10:00 – Workforce challenges and scaling doula access 10:00–11:00 – Why in-person support still matters in an AI-driven world 11:00–12:00 – Addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes 12:00–13:00 – Vision for full-spectrum maternal care access 13:00–14:00 – Expanding beyond doulas: mental health, nutrition, PT 14:00–16:00 – Future growth through partnerships with health systems

April 1, 2026Episode 3119 min

ACOG's new guidelines around endometriosis

Summary In this episode of the Med City Fem Forward Podcast, host Marissa Plescia speaks with Dr. Barbara Levy about the latest clinical guidance on endometriosis from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The conversation highlights a major shift in how endometriosis is diagnosed—from invasive surgical confirmation to a clinical, symptom-based approach centered on listening to patients. Dr. Levy explains the systemic nature of the disease, its widespread impact (affecting ~10% of women), and the historical challenges women have faced due to dismissal and lack of objective diagnostic tools. The episode also explores modern, multidisciplinary treatment approaches, the importance of addressing chronic pain holistically, and the urgent need for better medical training and research into root causes. Ultimately, this discussion reframes endometriosis care as a patient-centered, whole-body experience. Links & Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Keywords Endometriosis women's health chronic pain ACOG guidelines pelvic pain Diagnosis healthcare innovation Gynecology Inflammation Fertility patient-centered care virtual health Visana Health chronic illness medical education pain management OB-GYN holistic care Episode Highlights 00:00–00:28 – Introduction to new endometriosis guidelines and guest 00:00:37–00:01:11 – Dr. Levy's background and overview of Visana Health 00:01:50–00:02:28 – What endometriosis is: a systemic inflammatory condition 00:02:28–00:03:26 – Key shift: diagnosis no longer requires surgery 00:03:26–00:03:54 – Importance of validating women's symptoms 00:04:17–00:04:49 – Prevalence: ~10% of women affected globally 00:04:49–00:05:52 – Historical dismissal and impact on quality of life 00:06:45–00:07:48 – Modern treatment: from diet to hormonal therapy 00:07:48–00:08:42 – Chronic pain, muscle tension, and mind-body connection 00:08:53–00:10:01 – Personalized care approach at Visana Health 00:10:01–00:11:19 – Education gaps in medication usage 00:11:37–00:12:10 – Why diagnosis has been historically difficult 00:13:47–00:15:02 – Need for research into root causes and biomarkers 00:15:52–00:17:28 – Gaps in physician training on chronic pain 00:17:47–00:18:53 – Final message: listening to women is key to better care

March 1, 2026Episode 3012 min

Inside Build Health International's new Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone

Episode Summary In this episode of Med City Fem Forward, host Marissa Plescia speaks with Allison Adamson, architect at Build Health International, about the creation of a Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone — a project designed to transform maternal healthcare delivery in one of the world's highest-risk regions for childbirth. Allison explains how healthcare infrastructure directly impacts patient outcomes, why design choices influence trust and dignity in care, and how global partnerships are addressing preventable maternal mortality. The conversation explores how architecture, community collaboration, and sustainable healthcare systems come together to support women before, during, and after childbirth. Listeners will gain insight into how thoughtful healthcare design can save lives, empower communities, and reshape global health equity — and why American healthcare stakeholders should pay attention to these efforts. Links & Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Allison Adamson Guest Email aadamson@buildhealthinternational.org Keywords Maternal health Global health infrastructure Healthcare architecture Women's health equity Maternal mortality prevention Build Health International Partners In Health Sierra Leone healthcare Global nonprofit healthcare Healthcare design innovation Maternal Center of Excellence Healthcare access Equitable healthcare systems Global public health Hospital design Community-centered healthcare Medical infrastructure development Women's healthcare systems Nonprofit healthcare partnerships Healthcare sustainability Episode Highlights 00:04–00:21 – Introduction to the episode and focus on global women's health infrastructure 00:26–01:15 – Allison Adamson introduces Build Health International and its global mission 01:15–02:44 – Origins of the Maternal Center of Excellence and partnership with Partners In Health 02:44–03:32 – Sierra Leone's healthcare challenges and maternal mortality crisis 02:53–05:26 – Inside the 120-bed maternal facility and range of care services offered 03:32–04:40 – Designing dignity, trust, and comfort into healthcare environments 03:50–04:13 – Mother dormitories supporting families with babies in NICU care 04:13–05:03 – Education spaces and community health engagement within the hospital 05:29–06:50 – Lessons learned from healthcare projects in Haiti and other countries 06:58–08:12 – Community collaboration and clinician input shaping the design process 08:12–08:47 – Partners In Health's operational role in delivering care 09:02–10:42 – Why global healthcare infrastructure matters to American audiences 10:09–10:42 – Repurposing medical equipment to expand global healthcare access 10:50–11:57 – Future projects supporting women's health and healthcare systems worldwide

February 1, 2026Episode 2914 min

Why women's health is a scalable sector

Summary In this episode of MedCity FemForward, reporter Marissa Plescia talks with Anna Jeter of AOA Dx. about a pivotal report on the booming potential of women's health sectors. Discover why this already lucrative field isn't just a niche but a smart investment, with 27 unicorns and over $100 billion in exits. Whether you're an entrepreneur or investor, tune in to learn why women's health is not only crucial for societal well-being but also a golden business opportunity.. Episode Highlights 00:10:47 - Misconception of women's health as niche. 00:11:59 - $100 billion in women's health exits. 00:17:26 - 27 unicorns in women's health. 00:31:28 - Diagnostics as a foundational pillar. 00:42:39 - Oncology as a hot spot in women's health. 00:53:11 - Women's health beyond maternal health. 01:15:45 - Response to JP Morgan presentation. 01:41:26 - Women's health as a significant business opportunity. Episode Resources Anna Jeter anna.jeter@aoadx.com Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Keywords MedCity FemForward women's health AOADx biotech ovarian cancer detection diagnostic test women's health exits investments in women's health healthcare sector McKinsey report trillion dollar opportunity merge and acquisition IPO exit strategy unicorns in women's health oncology breast cancer cervical cancer screening programs capital efficiency funding allocation PitchBook healthcare innovation strategic buyers investment opportunities

December 29, 2025Episode 2821 min

The importance of virtual maternal-fetal medicine with Dr. Blake Porter

Summary Join MedCity FemForward with Marissa Plescia and Dr. Blake Porter, Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Access Telecare. Discover how telemedicine revolutionizes access to maternal care in rural areas, improving outcomes and fostering local births. A must-listen for healthcare enthusiasts!. Episode Highlights 00:00:11 - Introduction of Dr. Blake Porter. 00:00:17 - Expanding virtual maternal fetal care in rural areas. 00:00:37 - Definition of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM). 00:01:48 - Promise of telehealth in maternal care. 00:02:21 - Populations benefiting from telemedicine. 00:05:00 - Virtual MFM care mimicking in-person services. 00:05:56 - Impact of advanced practice sonography team. 00:08:00 - Support for local physicians in complex pregnancies. 00:11:00 - Partnering with local providers to keep care local. 00:14:20 - Tech-enabled healthcare at Access Telecare. 00:15:59 - Mental health's impact on pregnancy. 00:17:00 - Collaborative approach in mental health and pregnancy care. 00:18:04 - Expanding virtual MFM in rural maternity deserts. 00:19:45 - Telehealth as a solution for rural healthcare needs. 00:21:00 - Final thoughts on expanding access and women's healthcare spotlight. Episode Resources The podcast episode mentions two resources: 1. **Access Telecare**: A company offering virtual maternal fetal medicine (MFM) care. Their technology platform, "teleMedIQ" (TIQ), and proprietary telemedicine cart are highlighted. 2. **Rural Health Transformation Fund** and **Rural Health Transformation Program**: Initiatives aimed at improving rural healthcare, specifically mentioned as a step in the right direction for expanding access to care for rural patients. Summary Join MedCity FemForward with Marissa Plescia and Dr. Blake Porter, Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Access Telecare. Discover how telemedicine revolutionizes access to maternal care in rural areas, improving outcomes and fostering local births. A must-listen for healthcare enthusiasts!. Episode Highlights 00:00:11 - Introduction of Dr. Blake Porter. 00:00:17 - Expanding virtual maternal fetal care in rural areas. 00:00:37 - Definition of Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM). 00:01:48 - Promise of telehealth in maternal care. 00:02:21 - Populations benefiting from telemedicine. 00:05:00 - Virtual MFM care mimicking in-person services. 00:05:56 - Impact of advanced practice sonography team. 00:08:00 - Support for local physicians in complex pregnancies. 00:11:00 - Partnering with local providers to keep care local. 00:14:20 - Tech-enabled healthcare at Access Telecare. 00:15:59 - Mental health's impact on pregnancy. 00:17:00 - Collaborative approach in mental health and pregnancy care. 00:18:04 - Expanding virtual MFM in rural maternity deserts. 00:19:45 - Telehealth as a solution for rural healthcare needs. 00:21:00 - Final thoughts on expanding access and women's healthcare spotlight. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr.Blake Porter blake.w.porter@gmail.com Keywords MedCity FemForward Dr. Blake Porter Maternal Fetal Medicine Access Telecare Virtual Maternal Fetal Medicine Rural Healthcare Telemedicine High-Risk Pregnancy Care MFM Specialists Underserved Areas OB-GYN Telehealth Patient Access Inpatient and Outpatient Care Sonography Technology in Healthcare Consultation Services Local Provider Support Behavioral Health Mental Health Rural Health Transformation Fund Maternity Care Deserts Pregnancy Outcomes Healthcare Access Women's Healthcare MedCity FemForward Dr. Blake Porter Maternal Fetal Medicine Access Telecare Virtual Maternal Fetal Medicine Rural Healthcare Telemedicine High-Risk Pregnancy Care MFM Specialists Underserved Areas OB-GYN Telehealth Patient Access Inpatient and Outpatient Care Sonography Technology in Healthcare Consultation Services Local Provider Support Behavioral Health Mental Health Rural Health Transformation Fund Maternity Care Deserts Pregnancy Outcomes Healthcare Access Women's Healthcare

November 30, 2025Episode 2714 min

How Women's Health Advocates is pushing for change with Liz Powell

In this episode, I interviewed Liz Powell, founder of Women's Health Advocates. We discussed the organization's policy priorities in the women's health space. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Liz Powell lpowell@g2gconsulting.com

November 6, 2025Episode 2622 min

Inside Wellcome Leap and Pivotal's $100M Commitment To Women's Health with Dr. Renee Wittemyer and Dr. Regina Dugan

In this episode, I interview Dr. Renee Wittemyer, vice president of program strategy at Pivotal Ventures, and Dr. Regina Dugan, CEO of Wellcome Leap. We discussed the organizations' recent $100 million commitment to women's health research. Episode Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia mplescia@medcitynews.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/ Connect with Dr. Renee Wittemyer and Dr. Regina Dugan https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-kuriyan-wittemyer-39a64a/?skipRedirect=true https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-dugan-321687121/?skipRedirect=true