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This Video Game Can Teach You How to Bring a Vaccine to Market
Getting a drug or vaccine from the research bench to the bedside of a patient in need is a complex process, and one that researchers around the globe are currently trying to navigate as quickly as possible to address the spread of COVID-19. To improve understanding of this intricate, interdisciplinary undertaking, faculty and students in the Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in collaboration with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, are developing a video game called "Cure Quest." This game will help bridge the gap in med school education between the clinical side of medicine and basic research. “Cure Quest will allow medical students to tie together the necessary steps for vaccine development in dramatic cases like we’re seeing right now with COVID-19,” said Ben Chang, a professor of arts and Director of GSAS at Rensselaer, “or in drugs we would use day-to-day.” The main character in the game is sent to an island where there is a new disease and must overcome obstacles in their pursuit of creating a new drug to cure the disease. When its development is complete, Chang envisions Cure Quest being used by the general public, as well by students in scientific and medical fields, to better understand the drug development pipeline. Chang is available to speak about Cure Quest and the use of video games as important educational tools.
Entrepreneurship expert: New Americans vital to U.S. economy
In the United States, there is a long history of marginalized communities being extremely entrepreneurial. These communities were driven, in large part, by the desire to meet their own ethnic, religious, and cultural needs, according to Christine Beech, D.M., the Dr. Jon and Betty Kabara Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. In the mid-19th century, more than 100 hospitals were founded by the Jewish community to fight anti-Semitism in medical school appointments and meet patient needs of having kosher options during the hospital stay.These opportunities were not available in the existing network of mainstream hospitals. Similarly, in the beginning of the 20th century, Irish Catholic immigrants began establishing a network of parochial elementary schools as a way to preserve their faith and culture and allow children to learn about their faith in school, Dr. Beech said. These two initiatives, led by immigrant groups, helped establish networks of schools and healthcare institutions that served a social good in their communities while generating jobs and stimulating the economy. In addition, there is a long line of entrepreneurs in the African-American community who combatted racial discrimination through new businesses because they were marginalized from the mainstream economy, Dr. Beech said. Examples of these entrepreneurs include Madam C.J. Walker, who invented a line of hair care products to serve the needs of her community, and Charles Clinton Spaulding, who developed the largest African-American business in the early 20th century specifically serving the insurance needs of the African-American community. In modern times, one of the largest marginalized communities in the U.S. is comprised of new Americans, many of whom are immigrants and have developed culturally responsive businesses. Although current policies are set in place to curtail U.S. immigrants, it is important to remember that the country could potentially lose an entire segment of the population that has been vital to the economy, Dr. Beech said. Beech pointed to a 2015 study from the Kauffman Foundation which mentioned that 40% of the Fortune 500 in 2010 were companies founded by an immigrant or the child of an immigrant. Nearly 30% of all new businesses started in 2014 were started by immigrants, Dr. Beech said, according to a related study from the same foundation. “We've been able to see constant growth and diversity within our economy that's been very healthy for us,” said Dr. Beech, who also serves as the executive director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s. “There's a narrative that says that the immigrant community is coming here to find work. But in fact, when we look at the data, a significant portion of them are actually creating jobs and starting businesses.” Dr. Beech added three primary reasons for these continued statistics indicating significant immigrant entrepreneurship: The drive to be independent A desire to meet their communities culturally specific needs A response to societal biases that hinder success within the mainstream workforce “Those migrant communities often develop their own businesses, almost like a subset of the economy, where they can't be marginalized, where they're actually taking charge of their own economic well-being,” said Dr. Beech. When it comes to knowing the overall impact of the immigration policies on the economy, there will be a natural lag in the data — possibly as long as five years — given how much time it typically takes for immigrants to establish businesses after arriving in a new country, Dr. Beech said. Are you a journalist covering this topic and interested in an interview? That’s where we can help. Christine Beech, D.M., has had a career that encompasses academics, entrepreneurship, military service, and consulting. She has been a faculty member in the business department at Saint Mary’s University since 2017 and is the executive director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. Before joining Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Beech owned her own consulting business in the Washington, D.C., area for many years. Before that, she worked as a corporate entrepreneur where she led the development of a multimillion-dollar business line for a global consulting firm. Dr. Beech is an expert in entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and women entrepreneurs. She is available to speak with the media. To arrange an interview with her, simply click on her photo below to access her contact information.
By early afternoon Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed a second case of the new coronavirus on American soil. With cases now being detected in Europe and across Asia, the world is watching and worrying about the potential spread of this dangerous virus. There are 63 cases being monitored in the U.S. that stretch across 22 states, including the first patient in Washington state and the new case in Illinois, said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Officials said the new patient, a woman in her 60s, is doing well and is in stable condition. She remains isolated in a hospital as a precaution, U.S. health officials said on a conference call with reporters. The Illinois patient traveled to China in late December and began experiencing symptoms when she returned to the U.S. last week, officials said. She did not have symptoms while flying, they said. “She was not symptomatic when flying. And based on what we know now about this virus, our concern for transmission before symptoms develop is low, so that is reassuring,” Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicago’s public health commissioner, said on the call. January 24 – CNBC As this story progresses – there are a lot of questions journalists are asking. How is this virus spread? How worried do Americans need to be about the coronavirus? Are there warning signs or methods to prevent the spread? And how far away are we from a vaccination? If you are a journalist covering this developing issue – let our experts help. Dr. Jian Zhang has worked with the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization prior to moving to the United States. He obtained a Doctorate in Public Health from the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina before he joined the faculty of Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University. He is available to speak with journalists regarding the coronavirus and its origins and its potential to spread across America – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
MEDIA RELEASE: Changes to Out-of-Country Medical Coverage Now in Effect
CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is reminding travellers that changes to out-of-country medical coverage in Ontario are now in effect, prompting the need to review travel insurance coverage. “We are working to educate travellers to make sure they know what they are buying. We are an organization founded to help keep our members safe, and coverage while travelling abroad is a big part of that,” said Elliott Silverstein, director, government relations, CAA Insurance. “Travel insurance protects from unexpected and costly emergencies and it’s important to evaluate available coverage, based on personal needs, to determine how to best safeguard you and your family. This is even more important now that there is no coverage through OHIP.” Some of the key things to consider when it comes to buying travel insurance are how many trips you are taking a year; if you want comprehensive coverage or medical-only insurance; and whether or not the insurance provider offers additional assistance such as interpreters, hospital recommendations and other coordination services. Additional tips to consider when buying travel insurance Ask questions. Speak to a knowledgeable travel insurance advisor that understands your needs. Be honest. It is important that you answer any questionnaire accurately to disclose any pre-existing conditions, and ensure you have the proper coverage suited specifically for you, so you can travel with peace of mind. Build travel insurance into your travel plans. Purchasing travel insurance must be done in your home province. As you begin to consider your next destination, add travel insurance to your “to do” list. Don’t base your decision on price alone. Look at what coverage is most appropriate for your circumstances and consider all different types of plans and levels of protection. Questions to ask: What are the eligibility and exclusions? What is the pre-existing and stability clause? What are the benefit limits? How many days am I covered? Is there a deductible? Do they offer upfront payment if a claim occurs? It’s important to remember that the intent of travel medical insurance is to treat emergency conditions, and return you to your home province for ongoing treatment once your medical condition is stabilized. Emergency travel medical insurance may require completion of a medical health questionnaire depending on age. Medical questionnaires determine premium, NOT coverage. Always answer questions related to your health accurately If you aren’t sure how to answer, ask your physician to help you. For more information resources on travel insurance and what you need to know before you travel, go to: https://www.caasco.com/insurance/resource-centre/travel.
Earned Media: The Secret Weapon of Brand Building
I was reading the newspaper recently and saw an article about tax filing season. The article outlined some of the challenges facing people during tax season but it also highlighted some of the opportunities and useful tips. It wasn’t the reporter outlining this information — it was a tax expert the reporter had interviewed and used as a source in their story. The information was incredibly helpful. The expert being interviewed humanized the issue by telling stories about people she had helped. I was engaged. And, because I was engaged, I read the story very carefully. I even remember the name of the expert and the name of her firm. It stuck. I happen to have an excellent accountant — but if I didn’t — I can guarantee I would have called this expert in the story. In fact, I have no doubt she got calls after the article was published. And, from her standpoint and the standpoint of her firm — they paid nothing to be in that article. Not only did they get valuable space in a news story as an expert without paying for the exposure — the reporter likely even thanked her for helping. Advertising executives, marketing agencies and social media “gurus” typically don’t like people like me — news media strategists. We tell clients that the best bang for their buck is “earned media” which means exactly what it says — media that you have earned (and not purchased) whether it be through relationships or by being in an expert database. We help them tell their organic stories by positioning them as experts in their field, which is not easy today given everyone has a LinkedIn account or website calling themselves an “expert” or a “guru”. It’s one thing to proclaim yourself an expert — it’s something completely different to be recognized as one by the news media. You see, despite what some will say, traditional news media is far from dead. Is it facing challenges and reinvention? Absolutely. But, dead? Absolutely not and it’s still the medium by which earned media legends are made. I want to be clear in saying there can be, indeed, a time and place for paid media. The issue is that for too many organizations, it’s the only tangible tool in their toolbox. And it is, by far, the most expensive tool with, questionably, the lowest return on investment. In my opinion, unless you’re spending Coke and Samsung levels of dollars on advertising (multi millions), there’s a good chance your ads are being washed away in the information tsunami — the white noise that is our over-saturated information ecosystem. In many cases, advertising as a stand-alone marketing strategy CAN BE a colossal waste of your money. Even social media marketing and advertising is fast becoming the most cluttered and noisy space for paid and promoted messaging. Due to its lower cost, people are flooding to it making it increasingly more difficult to be heard in the sea of white noise. The fact is that a well-balanced marketing and communication strategy is one that reaches your target audience on a number of levels — some of them could be paid — some of them organically through social media — and the one many people neglect is to serve as experts to drive earned media. It is often neglected because it’s the one marketing tool that requires working with someone who truly understands journalism and journalists — and what their daily and hourly needs are in terms of getting their jobs done. So – yes – it’s hard work and it’s very specialized work. But there are companies, people and tools out there that can help. And, it’s worth the hard work. Being quoted as an expert in a legitimate news story or feature interview can move mountains in terms of building your brand. First of all, being in a news story gives you an instant status AND credibility. In paid advertising, it’s you saying how great you are — it’s self-declared. People are skeptical — they know you’ve paid to say that about yourself; you are blasting out a one way message. However, the traditional media interviewing you is a two way conversation the public is watching in an engaged way. It’s akin to a third party testimonial. In other words, the viewing/reading/listening audience sees a trusted journalist they feel they know who is putting this expert source in their story — this is someone the journalists trusts as an expert source so inherently the message is that the public should trust them as well. In this case, the medium (traditional news media) truly is a big part of the message. You can’t buy that. Legitimacy. Credibility. The foundation of any successful brand. It is earned. I have a college client that I work with. They decided to focus more on earned media, admittedly, with some hesitation. We media coached a number of their professors and Deans. We put a plan into place to develop some tangible relationships with journalists. It started small with one short interview. Then it was two. Then it was a regular spot. And within one year, the amount of earned media they have received has arguably far outpaced the value of all their paid advertising. Some of their people have become go-to experts for the media where they were non existent just a year ago. Prospective students and parents see this college’s experts in the media and immediately associate true tangible value to the institution in considering where to enrol. We built capacity with this College and now they are rolling on their own. They have momentum. This is what you need to reach for. And earned media is the gift that keeps on giving. That newspaper story, radio interview or television panel you were featured in will be shared by the media outlets to their huge social media audiences. Other interested people will then share it further to their networks. This is increases your third party credibility — in some cases reaching more people than the original news story. This rarely happens with ads or paid media and is the secret weapon of earned media. And if you weren’t already convinced, then consider this: earned media creates huge online traffic and can have an extremely positive impact on organic SEO for your website or brand — something paid media can’t do. So, if you’re a hospital, a university or research centre, one of the core issues you’re facing today is recruiting top talent. Recruiting is competitive and complex — yet most potential recruits will begin their research on Google. They will search your institution and see what’s being said about you. If you are getting a lot of positive earned media, that will quickly show up high on your Google search results. The potential recruit reads those news stories and sees your institution is out there with its experts. Even doctors and professors will associate traditional earned media coverage as a measurement in credibility. So, how do you go about increasing your earned media reach? How do you become known as an expert in your field with the media? Admittedly, it’s not as easy as buying a full page ad in a newspapers or boosting a post on Facebook. Earned media is both an art and a science and it requires an intuitive, expert knowledge of the media. Making sure you are listed in searchable online networks that journalists use is a very good start. But there is a caution. You only have one or two chances to prove yourself as a reliable and value added source for journalists. If you become known as a lame or boring guest, you’ll be blacklisted and that opportunity will disappear. So before you go running into the streets declaring yourself an expert ready for national media exposure. Make sure you’re ready to be interviewed by the media because they won’t give you a free ride. They are journalists and not stenographers. You will be asked tough, challenging questions. The key is to be prepared for the opportunity. How do you do that? Well that’s my next column. Stay tuned.
At first glance, it just seems like an obvious next step as online retail and same day delivery are pushing forward at lightening speeds. But recently, companies like UPS, CVS and WakeMed are exploring the idea of drugs and other health related items being delivered by drone. An M2 drone developed by UPS partner Matternet made the deliveries. The drone flew autonomously but was monitored by a remote operator who could intervene if needed. In each case, it hovered about 20 feet above the delivery destination and lowered its package to the ground using a winch and cable. The deliveries mark an expansion of UPS' partnership with Matternet, established in March to deliver medical samples using unmanned drones at WakeMed's flagship hospital and campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. The partnership has logged more than 1,500 drone deliveries at WakeMed so far. UPS subsidiary UPS Flight Forward (UPSFF) plans to build out its ground infrastructure to expand to other industries. "UPS is exploring and developing drone delivery in various industries, including some that need drone delivery to homes," said company spokesperson Kyle Peterson. The residential deliveries also represent an expansion of UPS' partnership with CVS. UPS began setting up package pickup and return locations in CVS stores nationwide this summer. The two are collaborating to develop drone delivery options, and UPS plans to expand drone deliveries beyond healthcare facilities. November 08 - TechNewsWorld https://www.technewsworld.com/story/86342.html It’s fast, and convenient – but is it right? Morvarid Rahmani has these findings that relate to the newest drone capabilities and approval to move forward from the FAA: It is exciting to hear about the FAA approval of using drones for delivering medical packages. Using drones to deliver medical packages can give rural communities access to products and medical supplies, which they would not be able to access otherwise. This delivery model is a way of incorporating social concerns and conditions of underserved populations into business practices. ·Successful implementation of inclusive business practices requires collaboration of for-profit firms with the public sector, civil society organizations, and communities. Using drones to deliver medial packages is a great example of collaboration between a governmental agency and for-profit companies, which is toward the dual goals of promoting efficiency and inclusion. Technology-driven innovations such as delivery drones or driverless vehicles not only facilitate last-mile delivery, they help with the inclusion of new sets of “customers”, especially those in remote locations or rural areas with poor infrastructure. Delivery drones are results of “technology push,” i.e., the solution came prior to the identification of the problem. These technologies enable inclusive retailing and distribution for large (excluded) communities all over the world. We know other retail giants (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) are going to use drones in the future but are they eyeing this option too or do they already have a plan ready? Do the risks outweigh the reward when it comes to safety and ensuring the proper prescription reaches the right patient? Is there enough oversight to ensure that criminal elements or corruption are kept at bay? Who is liable for the delivery? Or, is this just part of our evolving world that is coming and that it needs to be regulated by accepted? There are a lot of questions about the technological advancement of drones in supply chain – if you are a journalist covering this topic – let us help with your coverage. Morvarid Rahmani is an Assistant Professor of Operations Management at Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech. She is an expert in the areas of research is on collaboration in work processes such as new product development, management/IT consulting, and education. Dr. Rahmani is available to speak with media regarding this topic – simple click on her icon to arrange an interview.
Vaping injuries and deaths on the rise — Augusta University experts talk health risks
As the nationwide death toll due to vaping-related lung disease rose to 17 this week, this topic has been making headlines lately as concerned medical providers, parents and even politicians are now demanding action. This week, Augusta University Medical Center reported its first patient with a vaping-related lung injury was admitted to the ICU. More than 500 cases of lung damage and seven deaths linked to vaping have been reported across the U.S. in the last few weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It took decades and decades of smoking for us to realize that we had a lot of older people carrying around oxygen tanks and that they were doing damage to their lungs over an extended period of time,” said Dr. Phillip Coule, vice president and chief medical officer for Augusta University Health System. “My concern is we have people thinking that this is safe and we’re not going to know that true effect of this, in terms of the damage occurring to people’s lungs, for years.” Augusta University experts are available to discuss the wide range of questions related to vaping, including: Rise of vaping-related illnesses/deaths Known and unknown health risks Misnomer that vaping is safer High rate of teen/young adult usage “The CDC made a landmark statement: That all of our efforts to get children and adolescents and young adults to move away from nicotine have been ‘erased’ – that’s a very powerful word,” said Dr. Martha Tingen, associate director of Cancer Prevention, Control and Population Health at the Georgia Cancer Center. The health risks related to e-cigarette use are impossible to ignore, she said. “Some students are having a major experience immediately after they smoke, that they are having shallow breathing and they can’t get their breath. When they are admitted into the hospital and go to the emergency room, they are seeing that they actually have some lung damage and they are setting themselves up for future, more intensive lung disease problems,” Tingen said. Dr. Coule serves as vice president and chief medical officer for AU Health System and associate dean for clinical affairs at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Dr. Tingen is a behavioral nurse scientist targeting the prevention of tobacco use in children. She can speak with media regarding the problems e-cigarettes pose for our society. Our experts are available to discuss the wide range of topics concerning e-cigarettes and vaping – simply click on either expert’s icon to arrange an interview.
Modernizing rural health – what it could mean for America
For Americans living outside of cities and in rural and sometimes remote areas of the country, the concept of readily accessible health care just isn’t a reality. However, the idea of expanding broadband internet into rural communities to improve access is one that shares support from all sides of the political spectrum. Just last week, an expert from Augusta University was called up to speak before lawmakers in Congress on the need for this technology and who it could best serve. "Broadband is the gateway to rural schools, businesses and health care providers," said Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota. Lawmakers raised concerns about the dwindling number of hospitals in rural areas and the need to be competitive when recruiting corporations to do business. "Just the ability in rural America for a physician to pull up an X-ray at their home instead of having to drive to the hospital to look at a patient to know if that is something that’s an emergency," said Rep. Austin Scott, a Republican from Georgia. "One of the biggest needs is tele-psychiatry and tele-mental health," said Dr. David Hess of the Medical College of Georgia. - Spectrum News 1 - July 11 It’s an interesting topic and one that is gaining a lot of attention. How many rural Americans are without access to a doctor or hospital in the country? How much money could be saved by expanding online health care? Online is a viable solution, but are there drawbacks or concerns for patients? And how could expanding broadband and digital health care support issues like mental and maternal health across rural America? If you are a reporter covering this topic – that’s where our experts can help. Dr. David Hess is dean of the Medical College of Georgia and executive vice president for Medical Affairs and Integration at Augusta University. He also helped develop the REACH telestroke network in rural Georgia that now includes about 30 hospitals. Dr. Hess is available to speak with media regarding this topic – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
From Asthma and Tick Bites to Dengue Fever, Nurses Tackle Health Impacts of Climate Change
According to statistics compiled by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), carbon dioxide levels are at their highest in more than 650,000 years. In addition, 18 of the 19 warmest years ever have occurred since 2001, according to NASA. The World Health Organization reports that between 2030 and 2050 climate change is expected to cause 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. “Many people don’t realize how much climate change can affect their health,” says Ruth McDermott-Levy, PhD, MPH, MSN, RN, director of the Center for Global and Public Health at Villanova’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. “We see increases in ground level ozone from the changes in our climate here in the United States and in Europe. And we see the impact of climate change on our patients every day.” Earlier this year, Dr. McDermott-Levy spent several months in Finland collecting nurses’ observations on the impact of climate change. “In Finland extreme cold causes deaths, but increasing heat waves have become a health risk, too. This is especially a risk for the chronically ill and the elderly. And nurses will need to consider heat-related issues when they discharge elderly patients from the hospital to their homes.” In addition to health issues related to climate change, the increasing extreme weather events that bring on flooding and wildfires also disrupt the health care delivery supply chain, making much needed medications, medical supplies, and access to health care providers a greater challenge in delivering care.
Call to Action for Looming Caregiving Crisis in the U.S.
Experts in the field of unpaid and paid caregiving for chronically ill or disabled adults are warning of a looming caregiving crisis in the United States—and say that innovation and entrepreneurship are desperately needed to avert that crisis. “We are calling for federal and state legislation for greater innovation and technology to avert unnecessary hospital admissions and visits to the emergency room, payment for family care givers, education and training for family caregivers and greater awareness and support among employers for workers who are also family caregivers—estimated to be between 15 percent and 20 percent of any employee population,” says Melissa O'Connor, PhD, MBA, RN, an associate professor at the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova. Dr. O'Connor specializes in geriatric nursing and home health care. An American Association of Retired Persons study showed that, in 2010, the caregiver support ratio was seven potential family caregivers for every person in the high-risk 80-plus cohort. In contrast, by 2030, the ratio is projected to be four to one. And by 2050, a sharp decline to fewer than three to one. Based on her years of research, Dr. O'Connor says more reimbursement for telehealth and other technologies that are proving to be very effective are needed. As a nurse educator, she also called for more training of clinical staff in caring for older adults. At a recent meeting of the Philadelphia Chapter of Aging 2.0, Dr. O'Connor and fellow panelists shared key points: Men and millennials are overtaking women as family caregivers; employers are often unaware of the economic consequences employee caregivers face and usually underestimate the percentage of employees with caregiving responsibilities; nearly 35 percent of employee caregivers have chosen or been forced by circumstances to leave the workforce because of caregiving responsibilities; and healthcare benefit costs for employees with caregiving responsibilities are eight percent higher than the rest of the employee population.