Recap: Integrated Menopause Care with Gennev
This summary was provided by Shannon Moreno.
Talk Summary:
During her talk, Jill Angelo, the founder and CEO of Gennev, shared her personal journey and the mission of Gennev. Jill's journey began seven years ago when she founded Gennev without a clear roadmap, driven by her passion for technology and her desire to make processes more efficient. Her 15-year experience at Microsoft, where she managed mergers and filled operational gaps, equipped her with valuable knowledge and skills.
Jill emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind and embracing new opportunities. She encouraged the audience to be fearless and resilient, as being a CEO involves facing constant rejection while striving to accomplish something that hasn't been done before. Jill stressed that CEOs and general managers are broad thinkers rather than specialists, despite the demands of fitting into narrow roles in larger companies to achieve career growth. She shared that the right fit is out there, and it's essential to remain optimistic and curious.
The mission of Gennev, as Jill explained, is to address the lack of information and support for menopause. Gennev initially introduced a feminine dryness lubricant but expanded its focus to tackle the larger issue. Jill highlighted that women often feel dismissed by doctors when dealing with menopause symptoms and struggle to find dedicated resources for information. Recognizing the impact of menopause on women in their prime years, Gennev aims to provide integrated menopause care for all women.
Gennev's approach encompasses different stages of menopause, including perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. They provide a fee-for-service virtual menopause clinic with 50-state coverage. Gennev's comprehensive team comprises OB/GYNs, registered dietitians, and psychologists/therapists. Their patient satisfaction rates have been high, with 92% of patients reporting symptom improvement after their first visit. By offering education, support, and personalized care, Gennev strives to reduce the behavioral costs associated with menopause. They empower women to understand their bodies and normalize their experiences during this transformative stage of life.
Jill highlighted the significant financial impact of menopause symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause-related costs amount to $25 billion annually. Additionally, there is a loss of $1.8 billion in productivity costs due to missed work. Future downstream costs, estimated at $34 billion, include health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and weight-related complications. The lack of menopause-trained doctors and insufficient coverage contribute to fewer women seeking care. Gennev aims to address these gaps by providing accessible, high-quality virtual menopause care, ultimately reducing the financial burden and improving women's overall well-being.
In summary, Jill Angelo's personal journey led her to found Gennev with the mission to address the lack of resources and support for women going through menopause. Gennev's virtual menopause clinic offers comprehensive care and aims to reduce the financial and behavioral costs associated with menopause. By providing education, support, and personalized care, Gennev empowers women to navigate this transformative stage of life with confidence and ease.
Q&A:
1. Does the Gennev platform ensure that OBGYNs, dietitians, and psychiatrists involved in menopause care receive specialized training? How do you assess and ensure the competence of care providers in treating women during menopause?
The Gennev platform places a strong emphasis on ensuring that the OB/GYNs, registered dietitians, and psychiatrists involved in menopause care receive specialized training. When hiring care providers, Gennev looks for individuals with experience in working with menopausal women. In addition, they prioritize certification by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), as it aligns with their commitment to delivering high-quality care.
To assess and ensure the competence of care providers in treating women during menopause, Gennev takes several measures. They invest in ongoing trainings and education for their team members. When selecting physicians, they inquire about the alignment of their training with the specific needs of menopausal women. By evaluating the training background of physicians and seeking alignment with menopausal care requirements, Gennev aims to ensure that their care providers possess the necessary expertise to address the unique challenges and concerns associated with menopause.
By focusing on hiring experienced professionals, prioritizing NAMS certification, providing continuous training, and assessing alignment with menopause care needs, Gennev strives to maintain a team of competent care providers who can deliver effective and specialized care to women during menopause.
2. I love the name, Gennev! Very good choice. I was wondering with a lot of telehealth companies now, even Amazon coming into this field. How do you see the future of the healthcare area?
The future of the healthcare industry is an exciting and evolving landscape, particularly with the rise of telehealth companies and even established players like Amazon entering the field. As the first company focused on menopause care, Gennev recognizes the potential of this market and welcomes the entry of more companies. With increased competition, Gennev expects to see a growth in overall traffic and awareness in the industry.
One key aspect that Gennev acknowledges is the mindset of the consumer, who often hesitates to seek medical attention unless they feel their symptoms are severe enough. The entrance of more companies into the space is seen as a positive development because it helps address this reluctance by offering a wider range of options and resources for individuals seeking care.
Looking ahead, the future of healthcare lies in integration and collaboration among different niche companies. By coming together, these companies can create a more streamlined and cohesive experience for the customer. The goal is to make it easier for individuals to access the care they need by leveraging technology and creating integrated solutions that cater to various aspects of healthcare.
Overall, Jill views the growth and diversification of the healthcare industry as a positive trend. More companies entering the market not only bring increased awareness to specific health issues like menopause but also spur innovation and collaboration that can enhance the overall healthcare experience for consumers.
3. What is your leadership philosophy? How do you inspire and motivate your team to achieve their best?
Jill Angelo shared her leadership philosophy and how she inspires and motivates her team to achieve their best. When building a team, Jill believes in finding individuals who are exceptionally talented and skilled, to the point where she feels the need to constantly strive to keep up with them. In interviews, she communicates this mindset to potential team members, expressing her desire to learn from and be challenged by their expertise. This approach creates a sense of high standards and pushes the team to continually excel.
Autonomy is also a crucial aspect for Jill. During interviews, she discusses with candidates the level of autonomy they desire. By understanding their preferences and aligning them with the organization's goals, she can create an environment where team members have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
Jill also places great value on individuals who have a thirst for knowledge and learning. She looks for team members who don't claim to know everything but instead exhibit a growth mindset and a willingness to continuously expand their understanding. This approach fosters a culture of curiosity and ongoing development within the team.
Passion for women's health is another key quality Jill seeks in her team members. Given Gennev's focus on women's health and menopause care, having a genuine enthusiasm for the mission and a commitment to making a positive impact on women's lives is essential.
Through these principles of seeking top talent, fostering autonomy, valuing a growth mindset, and prioritizing passion for women's health, Jill inspires and motivates her team to perform at their best. By creating a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and shared dedication to the organization's mission, Jill drives her team to achieve their goals and make a meaningful difference in women's health.
4. What kind of care/support can family provide for menopausal women and what are some solutions that can be built around that? Does Gennev integrate family support?
Jill recognizes the importance of family support and aims to integrate it into solutions for Gennev moving forward. Many family members of Gennev users have asked about how they can support the women in their lives. Family members can provide care and support for menopausal women by increasing awareness, understanding the signs of menopause, and offering reassurance about the woman's identity during this phase.
In the future, Gennev aims to incorporate family support into their approach, providing resources, educational materials, and guidance to empower menopausal women and their families.
5. For students and trainees who want to build a career in FemTech but worry if their field of study is suited for it, what advice would you have?
For students and trainees interested in building a career in FemTech but unsure if their field of study aligns with it, Jill Angelo offers the following advice. She emphasizes that she herself did not specifically study or train for FemTech, highlighting that learning through experience is possible in this field.
Jill's advice is to take action and get started. If you have a vision or a passion for FemTech, don't hesitate to pursue it. Engage in conversations with people who are already working in the field and seek opportunities to learn and contribute. By connecting with industry professionals and exploring different avenues, you can discover where your skills and interests align within the FemTech space.
The key takeaway is to have the courage to pursue your vision and take the first steps. While formal education in FemTech may not be a prerequisite, enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and networking can help you carve out a successful career in this exciting and evolving field.
6. How do you overcome fear?
When it comes to overcoming fear, Jill offers a practical approach. She suggests reaching out to people for networking opportunities and being surprised by how many are willing to connect over a coffee or a conversation. By proactively seeking connections and asking questions, fear can gradually dissipate.
Jill encourages individuals to maintain a curious mindset. Embracing curiosity helps in facing fears and uncertainties. By staying curious and continuously asking questions, one can gain valuable insights, expand their knowledge, and develop a sense of confidence that helps overcome fear.
The key is to take the initiative, engage with others, and be open to learning from their experiences. By building a network and actively seeking opportunities for growth, fear can be gradually replaced with confidence and a sense of empowerment.