Healthcare Technology - Episode Details
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- Cody Simmons’ Background: Cody discusses his journey from a biomaterials lab at Stanford and roles at Genentech, leading to his involvement with DermaSensor, a health tech startup.
- DermaSensor’s Evolution: Founded in 2009, DermaSensor was initially a research-focused virtual startup. Cody joined in 2016, transforming it into a fully-fledged company, leading to the recent FDA clearance.
- FDA Clearance Milestone: DermaSensor’s device, which has transitioned from a 30-pound machine to a portable size, received FDA clearance, marking a significant achievement for the company and a relief for the team.
- Impact on Primary Care: The device provides primary care physicians (PCPs) with dermatologist-level skin cancer triage capabilities, addressing a longstanding need for improved skin cancer assessment tools in primary care.
- Use of AI in DermaSensor: DermaSensor employs AI for lesion assessment, using a locked algorithm to ensure accuracy and adherence to FDA requirements. The technology allows for a standardized analysis, offering a real-time quantitative result for skin cancer risk.
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Background and Vision of Cody Simmons
Cody Simmons, CEO of DermaSensor, shares his journey from graduate work at Stanford in a biomaterials lab to his role in commercial strategy at Genentech. This background laid the foundation for his leadership at DermaSensor, a company with a mission to transform skin cancer detection.
The Evolution of DermaSensor
Starting as a virtual startup focused on early R&D, DermaSensor has evolved over 15 years into a significant player in the health tech industry. Under Cody’s guidance, the company shifted from exploratory research to the development of a practical, user-friendly device for skin cancer assessment.
Achieving FDA Clearance
DermaSensor’s recent FDA clearance represents a monumental achievement. The device, initially the size of a microwave, has been miniaturized for practical use in clinical settings. This milestone has been met with enthusiasm from both the medical community and the media.
Enhancing Primary Care with Advanced Technology
DermaSensor’s device empowers PCPs with tools previously only available to dermatologists. This advancement is critical in a healthcare landscape where access to dermatology is limited, and PCPs often lack specialized tools for skin cancer assessment.
The Role of AI in Medical Devices
DermaSensor utilizes advanced AI algorithms for assessing skin lesions. This technology allows for accurate, real-time risk assessment of skin cancer, changing the landscape of primary care diagnostics. Cody emphasizes the rigorous process involved in ensuring the algorithm’s accuracy and compliance with FDA standards.
Looking to the Future
With FDA clearance in hand, DermaSensor now faces the challenge of scaling up, distributing the product, and integrating it into the healthcare system. The response from health systems and payers has been positive, reflecting the broad recognition of the device’s potential impact.
WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS:
Our sponsors for this episode are Sage Growth Partners and Quantum Health
Sage Growth Partners accelerates commercial success for healthcare organizations through a singular focus on growth. The company helps its clients thrive amid the complexities of a rapidly changing marketplace with deep domain expertise and an integrated application of research, strategy, and marketing. For more information, please go to www.sage-growth.com & follow Sage Growth Partners on social media – @sagegrowthpartners
Quantum Health is an award-winning consumer healthcare navigation company that delivers an unparalleled consumer experience based on empathy and trust, enabling employers to achieve industry-leading satisfaction rates and independently validated claim savings. Launched in 1999, Quantum Health’s model is based on years of consumer research and the insights learned from guiding millions of consumers and their providers through their healthcare journey. Visit: https://quantum-health.com/ and follow Quantum health on social media – @Quantum Health
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