Founder Interview: Adeel Yang, Medumo

The Founder Series are interviews conducted each month with founders/CEOs of companies participating in the HealthTech Arkansas program. We hope they’re useful in learning about these very talented individuals bringing disruptive technologies to the healthcare industry, and the challenges they’ve faced in their entrepreneurial journeys!

Jeff Stinson, director of HealthTech Arkansas interviews the CEO of Medumo, Adeel Yang.  Medumo is a diagnostic patient management platform for healthcare providers to deliver patient engagement and education services. It was recently acquired by Phillips.

Day Zero Diagnostics Announces Publication of Research Conducted Using the Company’s Whole Genome Sequencing Service

Day Zero Diagnostics, Inc., an infectious disease diagnostics company using genome sequencing and machine learning to combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections, today announced publication of research in The New England Journal of Medicine conducted using the company’s epiXactSM service for hospital-acquired infection (HAI) outbreak investigations.

The article, Drug-Resistant E. coli Bacteremia Transmitted by Fecal Microbiota Transplant,1 describes how researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) acted swiftly to find the cause of the first known patient death due to fecal microbiota transplant (FMT). Given the importance of this investigation, MGH enlisted Day Zero Diagnostics’ rapid turnaround epiXact service to provide high-resolution, whole genome sequencing based analysis of the infections. EpiXact provided a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) comparison of the pathogens in 36 hours to make the determination of transmission, while other diagnostic methods were inconclusive.

“We are gratified that epiXact was able to provide a high-resolution determination in this critical investigation,” said Miriam Huntley, Ph.D., co-founder and CTO of Day Zero Diagnostics, and a co-author of the paper. “Our multiyear research collaboration with MGH doing pathogen sequencing enabled us to determine that these FMT-related infections were distinct from other E. coli infections we had seen at MGH, providing confidence in the determination of transmission.”

EpiXact is a rapid turnaround whole genome sequencing and analysis service designed to help infection control professionals quickly and confidently determine which infections are part of a suspected outbreak. When infections are related, hospitals can make fast and informed decisions to implement potentially life-saving measures to control an outbreak, reduce patient harm, and increase patient safety. Powered by Day Zero Diagnostic’s technology platform, results from epiXact are provided within two days via an easy-to-understand report that is designed for infection control professionals.

About Day Zero Diagnostics

Day Zero Diagnostics, Inc., based in Boston, is pioneering a new class of infectious disease diagnostics using whole genome sequencing and machine learning to combat the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections. The company’s mission is to develop diagnostics capable of identifying both the species and the antibiotic resistance profile of a severe infection within hours, enabling physicians to provide faster and more precise treatments. Day Zero Diagnostics was founded in 2016 by a team of clinicians and scientists from Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital. The company has been recognized as a leading innovator by MedTech Innovator, TedMed Hive, Xconomy, HealthTech Arkansas, and MassChallenge HealthTech. For more information visit www.dayzerodiagnostics.com.

Philips expands its patient management solutions in the US with the acquisition of Medumo

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Boston, MA - Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, today announced that it has expanded its patient management solutions in the US with the acquisition of Boston-based start-up company Medumo. Founded in 2013, Medumo has developed a diagnostic patient management platform for healthcare providers to deliver patient engagement and education services.

“Efficient digital health services for a superb patient experience and enhanced productivity are becoming critical differentiators for our healthcare provider customers,” said Matt Bierbaum, Head of Precision Diagnosis Ventures at Philips. “By combining Medumo’s direct patient interaction services with Philips’ diagnostic imaging systems, enterprise diagnostic informatics and operational performance management capabilities, Philips aims to deliver a patient-centric solution to our customers that helps drive their top- and bottom-line improvements by streamlining labor intensive workflows.”

“Philips and Medumo share the same passion for improving people’s lives through innovation,” said Adeel Yang, MD, Co-Founder and CEO of Medumo. “We are both deeply committed to addressing our customers’ biggest challenges through improvements in efficiency and diagnostic quality. Together, we will build on the many years of great work and services of Medumo and create new possibilities for patient management. We look forward to accelerating Medumo’s current momentum building on Philips’ health technology portfolio.”

The rise of care consumerism and digital service adoption is modernizing patient administration and delivery. A diagnostic patient management platform orchestrates and streamlines patient interactions - especially around the anxious diagnosis process - with their health system, delivering operational efficiency while maximizing patient engagement, preference and loyalty. Medumo’s platform currently focuses on pre-procedure engagement and post-procedure follow-up. Its services aim to remind and prepare patients for pre-diagnostic exam tasks as prescribed by their healthcare provider, via timely and actionable text messages, checklists or other relevant content via SMS, email and other web and non-web channels.

Philips is a leading provider of integrated solutions across the health continuum, from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Medumo’s platform is complementary to Philips’ VitalHealth population health management platform, which aims to deliver personalized care outside of the hospital.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2018 sales of EUR 18.1 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Bardy Diagnostics™ Wins the Remote Monitoring in Arrhythmias Digital Health Pitch Session at European Society of Cardiology Congress 2019 and Presents at UK Heart Rhythm Congress 2019

SEATTLE, Oct. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Bardy Diagnostics, Inc., (“BardyDx”), a leading provider of ambulatory cardiac monitoring technologies and custom data solutions, announced that it was selected as winner of the “Remote Monitoring in Arrhythmias” Technology and Innovation Pitch Session held as part of the Digital Health program at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2019. BardyDx earned this distinction for its Carnation Ambulatory Monitor (CAM™), the only P-wave centric™ ambulatory cardiac patch monitoring and arrhythmia detection device.

The pitch event was held on the Digital Health Stage as part of ESC’s focus on highlighting innovative technological applications in the field of e-cardiology and how they are impacting research and clinical practice, including wearable devices, mobile apps, electronic health records, and big data. Over a dozen pitch session events provided selected applicants the opportunity to present on their digital health technology, including categories in artificial intelligence, m-health, wearables, and remote monitoring.

“It is an honor for the CAM patch to be chosen and recognized as one of the best remote cardiac monitoring solutions from among those presenting by an audience of pioneering cardiac physicians and industry thought leaders,” said Ken Nelson, BardyDx Chief Commercial Officer and pitch session presenter. “We are committed to providing optimal P-wave focused digital health solutions that inform the modern-day cardiology practice.”

In addition, BardyDx Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gust H. Bardy, MD was invited to speak at Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC) 2019 held at The International Convention Centre in Birmingham, UK. As part of the AF Association Symposia’s “Management of Atrial Fibrillation” Session, Dr. Bardy’s presentation, “The importance of P-Wave centric ECG monitoring analysis,” highlighted the significance of high-fidelity ECG tracings in accurate arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment decisions.

The CAM patch has experienced strong commercial demand due to its proprietary and innovative P-wave centric digital health platform, which provides clinicians diagnostically-accurate data recognized as superior to other patch and Holter monitoring technologies. Also, the CAM patch recently received 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Federal Drug and Administration to extend monitoring duration up to 14 days. The growing market recognition of the innovative P-wave centric CAM patch includes recently being named finalists for the UCSF Digital Health Awards for Best Cardiovascular Digital Diagnostic and the Medtech Insight Awards for Best Technological Diagnostic Innovation & Best Proof-of-Value of an Innovation. Earlier this year, BardyDx was also named the winner of the 2019 MedTech Breakthrough Award for Best New Diagnostic Technology and the winner of the 2019 Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation in Remote Cardiac Monitoring.

About Heart Rhythm Congress

The Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC) 2019 was held in Birmingham, UK during October 6-9th. Organized by Arrhythmia Alliance, HRC provides unrivalled opportunity for health care professionals interested in the management of arrhythmias to share effective practice, showcase innovation, learn about latest developments and network with UK & international delegates. For more information, please visit http://www.heartrhythmcongress.org.

About European Society of Cardiology Congress

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2019 was held in Paris during August 31st to September 4th. This year’s special edition of ESC Congress was held in conjunction with the World Congress of Cardiology with a spotlight on Global Cardiovascular Health, highlighting differences in prevalence, clinical manifestations, prevention strategies, diagnostic modalities and management of cardiovascular diseases around the world. The congress focuses on the best and latest science with renowned leaders in cardiovascular medicine. The five-day conference showcased over 500 sessions with an estimated 30,000 delegates – the largest such gathering in the world. For more information, please visit https://www.escardio.org/Congresses-&-Events/ESC-Congress.

About Bardy Diagnostics:

Bardy Diagnostics, Inc. is an innovator in digital health and remote patient monitoring, with a focus on providing the most diagnostically-accurate and patient-friendly cardiac patch monitors to the industry. The company’s CAM patch is a non-invasive, P-wave centric™ ambulatory cardiac monitor and arrhythmia detection device that is designed to improve patient compliance for adults and children through its lifestyle-enabling design. Designed to be worn comfortably and discreetly, the female-friendly, hourglass-shaped CAM patch is placed on the center of the chest, directly over the heart for optimum ECG signal collection. The proprietary technology of the CAM patch provides optimal detection and clear recording of the often difficult-to-detect P-wave, the signal of the ECG waveform that is essential for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis. For more information, please visit www.bardydx.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathan Wu
Director, Marketing
Bardy Diagnostics, Inc.
1-844-422-7393
jwu@bardydx.com

HEALTHTECH ARKANSAS HEALTHCARE ACCELERATOR ANNOUNCES SIX STARTUP COMPANIES SELECTED FOR 2019 PROGRAM

ACCOMPLISHED COLLECTION OF EARLY STAGE HEALTHCARE COMPANIES INVITED TO WORK IN ARKANSAS WITH NINE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — August 7, 2019 — HealthTech Arkansas, along with nine healthcare providers — Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Urology, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Conway Regional, Mercy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and Washington Regional Medical Center — announced the six startup companies selected for the 2019 HealthTech Arkansas healthcare accelerator.

The announcement was held at the Arkansas Heart Hospital with a welcome from Dr. Bruce Murphy, followed by a message from Governor Asa Hutchinson and short presentations from each of the six companies in the cohort. Both Dr. Murphy and Governor Hutchinson focused on the importance of working together to bring innovative technologies to Arkansas. 

The six companies were selected from hundreds of applicants across 18 different countries and are headquartered in innovation capitals like San Francisco, New York, Boston, San Diego, and Seattle. The strength of this cohort is evident in the fact that these companies already have 177 full-time employees and have raised over $90 million of external capital after forming the companies, a substantial increase over the companies selected for last year’s inaugural program.

“We are excited to reveal the new cohort and introduce them to Arkansas and the powerful teams available to them at all of our healthcare provider partners around the state,” said Jeff Stinson, director of HealthTech Arkansas. Stinson is also the executive director of the Fund for Arkansas' Future, which is the state's largest angel investment fund. 

“The guaranteed pilot projects from nine hospitals from around the state is what truly sets our accelerator program apart from others in the country. This is what allowed Arkansas to attract such high-quality companies to the program,” said Stinson. At the kick-off reception, Stinson noted that he travels around the country to recruit companies and other accelerator leaders are in awe of the collaboration among the nine providers to support HealthTech Arkansas. “As a smaller state, it is easier for us to make connections and bring people together,” noted Stinson. 

The six companies are:

Bardy Dx, Seattle, WA

A revolutionary device for diagnosing heart arrhythmia, the Carnation Ambulatory Monitor (CAM™) is a lightweight, extended-wear ECG patch monitor that delivers unparalleled comfort, convenience, and clarity.

Droice Labs, New York City, NY

Droice Labs is an AI company specializing in understanding real-world clinical data to help physicians provide better care to their patients. Droice Labs uses novel Natural Language Understanding (NLU) methods while working with some of the largest hospital systems, health insurance companies, life sciences companies, and government bodies across the United States and Europe.

Health Note, San Francisco, CA

Health Note is an AI platform helping to improve patient encounters by gathering pre-visit information and creating a doctor's note. Health Note saves physician and staff time by confirming information instead of exploring and documenting.

Medumo, Boston, MA

Medumo is an enterprise software application that helps hospitals deliver instructions to patients in a more intelligent way. This application takes existing instructions, breaks them up into more digestible pieces, and automatically delivers them to patients at critical moments via various modalities with links to interactive web pages. 

OMNY Health, San Francisco, CA

OMNY has developed a data marketplace where healthcare providers can upload their non-PHI supply chain and billing data via APIs in real-time. Manufacturers subscribe to the marketplace and pay for the real-time data that they consume, this generating additional revenue streams for providers that supply the data.

toSense, San Diego, CA

toSense has developed CoVa™ 2,  a low-cost, easy-to-use monitoring system featuring three primary components: Necklace (a body-worn sensor), Gateway, and Web-based System. The Necklace measures vital signs, complex hemodynamic parameters, and time-dependent physiological waveforms. It sends this information to several different Gateways, which receive and forward it to a Web-based System for clinical review.

The cohort will participate in a program that provides them the opportunity to pilot solutions specifically identified by Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Children’s, Arkansas Urology, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Conway Regional, Mercy, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and Washington Regional Medical Center as areas of opportunity within their organizations, from heart health and cardiac care to medical devices and software platforms. Each company will receive seed investment as well as complete and total access to clinicians and administrators while executing their pilot projects.

HealthTech Arkansas is a second-year accelerator program focused exclusively on provider engagement with early stage companies. This year, with more provider partners and increased investment for participating companies, HealthTech Arkansas is increasingly focused on bringing the most innovative healthcare technologies to Arkansas. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission awarded a grant to HealthTech Arkansas through a program designed to increase acceleration activities in targeted industries in the state. 

Healthcare is a growing industry for the state, comprising 16-percent of all Arkansas jobs with a 61-percent higher wage than the mean wage. In an effort to support this important economic contributor, HealthTech Arkansas and its partners will also be working with Arkansas-based healthcare companies in parallel with the six cohort companies. 

From left to right: Dr. Matt Banet with toSense, Dr. Mitesh Rao with OMNY Health, Ken Nelson with Bardy Dx, Dr. Mayur Saxena with Droice Labs, Governor Asa Hutchinson, Director of HealthTech Arkansas Jeff Stinson, Dr. Adeel Yang with Medumo, and Dr. Josh Reischer with Health Note.

ABOUT ARKANSAS HEART HOSPITAL

Arkansas Heart Hospital is a nationally recognized and award-winning hospital dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and related diseases; also focusing on bariatrics, endocrinology and peripheral artery disease. Awarded a Five-Star Rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), based on seven criteria. Arkansas Heart is one of two Arkansas hospitals and one of 293 to receive this rating. Arkansas Heart offers advanced technology teamed with Arkansas’ leading cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons. The hospital operates 30 clinics statewide, nine catheterization labs, three heart-operating suites and a 24-hour Heart Emergency Center. Arkansas Heart Hospital is a training center for physicians from all over the world.

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S

Arkansas Children's, Inc. is the only healthcare system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' 710,000 children, giving the organization a unique ability to shape the landscape of pediatric care in Arkansas and transform the health of children throughout the region. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs. Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a 336-bed, Magnet-recognized facility in Little Rock operating the state’s only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the state’s only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons; and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Additionally, ACH is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in four pediatric subspecialties (2018-19): Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Pulmonology. Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW), the first and only pediatric hospital in the Northwest Arkansas region, opened in Springdale in early 2018. ACNW operates a 24-bed inpatient unit; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and Northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department, equipped with 30 exam rooms. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can fundamentally transform the health of children in Arkansas and beyond. To learn more, visit archildrens.org.

ABOUT ARKANSAS UROLOGY

Arkansas Urology provides the latest innovations in medical technology and surgical techniques to patients through its eight Centers of Excellence in urological specialties. The physicians and professional staff comprise one of the most experienced and respected urological practices in the region. Arkansas Urology treats approximately 90,000 patients a year at eleven facilities in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Clinton, Conway, El Dorado, Heber Springs, Pine Bluff, Stuttgart, Russellville and Bentonville along with its dedicated Arkansas Prostate Cancer Center and Centerview Surgery Center.  Arkansas Urology is made up of 18 Physicians, 11 Advanced Practice Providers, and more than 250 clinical and business staff employees.

ABOUT BAPTIST HEALTH

Baptist Health is an Arkansas-based, locally owned and managed, not-for-profit, and faith-based health care organization. Baptist Health is also Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 200 access points and approximately 11,000 employees operating 11 hospitals. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com or call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST. 

ABOUT CHI ST. VINCENT

CHI St. Vincent is a regional health network serving Arkansas since 1888 with a history of many firsts. Headquartered in Little Rock, our network includes primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, hospitals, home health, rehabilitation and surgery centers across the state. It is also part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. Learn more at chistvincent.com.

ABOUT CONWAY REGIONAL

Conway Regional Health System provides complete health care services to a seven county service area of North Central Arkansas including Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pope, Van Buren, and Yell Counties.  Centered on a 150-bed, acute care medical center, the health system provides patients with a variety of services including heart health, orthopedic care, neuro-spine surgery, vascular surgery, gastroenterology services,  women’s health, surgery, and rehabilitation. In addition, Conway Regional operates an expansive Physician Enterprise, including 10 Primary Care Clinics and seven specialty clinics.

With over 200 Physicians providing services at Conway Regional, the organization partners with the Medical Staff in an Accountable Clinical Management Model (ACM).  This one of a kind partnership creates a model of shared governance to promote meaningful engagement of physician leaders with hospital administrative leadership--all in an effort to improve patient experience and enhance care. 

Conway Regional maintains an employee engagement score in the top 20% of hospitals throughout the country and a Medical Staff engagement score in the top 5%, as compared to hospitals of similar size and scope.  Conway Regional was the first hospital in Arkansas to partner with Arkansas Children’s Hospital in the Nursery Alliance, allowing more babies to receive care closer to home. Conway Regional is the only Hospital in Arkansas named to Modern Healthcare’s National Best Places to Work in 2018, and then received the honor again in 2019.  Conway Regional has been named an Arkansas Best Place to Work in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

ABOUT MERCY

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

ABOUT UAMS

UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute and Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. It is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 2,727 students, 870 medical residents and five dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram. 

ABOUT WASHINGTON REGIONAL

Washington Regional is the only not-for-profit, community-owned and locally governed healthcare system in Northwest Arkansas. Its comprehensive healthcare network employs over 3,000 people and consists of a 425-bed medical center and more than 40 clinic

locations. Washington Regional is committed to improving the health of people in communities it serves through compassionate, high-quality care, prevention, and wellness education. Visit wregional.com for more information.

ABOUT AEDC

Created in 1955 to make Arkansas more competitive in the post-World War II era, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. 

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HEALTHTECH ARKANSAS HEALTHCARE ACCELERATOR TO ANNOUNCE FIVE STARTUP COMPANIES SELECTED FOR 2019 PROGRAM

PUBLIC RECEPTION AT ARKANSAS HEART HOSPITAL, AUGUST 6, 2019 AT 5:30 PM, FEATURING GOVERNOR ASA HUTCHINSON

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — July 24, 2019 — HealthTech Arkansas, Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Children’s, Arkansas Urology, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Conway Regional, Mercy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and Washington Regional Medical Center are hosting an event on August 6, 2019 at 5:30 PM to announce the five startup companies selected for the 2019 HealthTech Arkansas healthcare accelerator. The reception will be held at Arkansas Heart Hospital on August 6, 2019 at 5:30 PM with a welcome from Dr. Bruce Murphy, followed by a message from Governor Asa Hutchinson and short presentations from each of the five companies in the cohort.

“We are excited to reveal the new cohort and introduce them to Arkansas and the powerful teams available to them at all of our healthcare provider partners around the state,” said Jeff Stinson, director of HealthTech Arkansas. Stinson is also the executive director of the Fund for Arkansas' Future, which is the state's largest angel investment fund. 

The five companies will be in Little Rock for three days to meet mentors and hospital management teams and to begin planning the pilot projects to be conducted with their provider partners. Additionally, the 2019 cohort companies will meet with HealthTech Arkansas investors and with companies in last year’s cohort, as this year’s kickoff events are also serving as a “reunion” for the 2018 cohort. 

The five companies were selected from hundreds of applicants across 18 different countries. The cohort will participate in a program that provides them the opportunity to build solutions specifically identified by Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Children’s, Arkansas Urology, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Conway Regional, Mercy, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and Washington Regional Medical Center as areas of opportunity within their organizations, from heart health and cardiac care to medical devices and software platforms. Each company will receive seed investment as well as complete and total access to clinicians and administrators while executing their pilot projects.

HealthTech Arkansas is a new and expanded iteration of two previous accelerator programs, Health InnovatAR and HubX—LifeSciences. This year, with more provider partners and increased investment for participating companies, HealthTech Arkansas is increasingly focused on bringing the most innovative healthcare technologies to Arkansas. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission awarded HealthTech Arkansas $250,000 for the healthcare accelerator through a program designed to increase acceleration activities in targeted industries in the state. 

The reception is free and open to the press and public. More information about HealthTech Arkansas, including a link to RSVP for the kick-off reception, can be found at HealthTechArkansas.com. 

ABOUT ARKANSAS HEART HOSPITAL
Arkansas Heart Hospital is a nationally recognized and award-winning hospital dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and related diseases; also focusing on bariatrics, endocrinology and peripheral artery disease. Awarded a Five-Star Rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), based on seven criteria. Arkansas Heart is one of two Arkansas hospitals and one of 293 to receive this rating. Arkansas Heart offers advanced technology teamed with Arkansas’ leading cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons. The hospital operates 30 clinics statewide, nine catheterization labs, three heart-operating suites and a 24-hour Heart Emergency Center. Arkansas Heart Hospital is a training center for physicians from all over the world.

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S
Arkansas Children's, Inc. is the only healthcare system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' 710,000 children, giving the organization a unique ability to shape the landscape of pediatric care in Arkansas and transform the health of children throughout the region. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs. Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a 336-bed, Magnet-recognized facility in Little Rock operating the state’s only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the state’s only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons; and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Additionally, ACH is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in four pediatric subspecialties (2018-19): Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Pulmonology. Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW), the first and only pediatric hospital in the Northwest Arkansas region, opened in Springdale in early 2018. ACNW operates a 24-bed inpatient unit; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and Northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department, equipped with 30 exam rooms. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can fundamentally transform the health of children in Arkansas and beyond. To learn more, visit archildrens.org.

ABOUT ARKANSAS UROLOGY
Arkansas Urology provides the latest innovations in medical technology and surgical techniques to patients through its eight Centers of Excellence in urological specialties. The physicians and professional staff comprise one of the most experienced and respected urological practices in the region. Arkansas Urology treats approximately 90,000 patients a year at eleven facilities in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Clinton, Conway, El Dorado, Heber Springs, Pine Bluff, Stuttgart, Russellville and Bentonville along with its dedicated Arkansas Prostate Cancer Center and Centerview Surgery Center. Arkansas Urology is made up of 18 Physicians, 11 Advanced Practice Providers, and more than 250 clinical and business staff employees.

ABOUT BAPTIST HEALTH
Baptist Health is an Arkansas-based, locally owned and managed, not-for-profit, and faith-based health care organization. Baptist Health is also Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 200 access points and approximately 11,000 employees operating 11 hospitals. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com or call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST. 

ABOUT CHI ST. VINCENT
CHI St. Vincent is a regional health network serving Arkansas since 1888 with a history of many firsts. Headquartered in Little Rock, our network includes primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, hospitals, home health, rehabilitation and surgery centers across the state. It is also part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. Learn more at chistvincent.com.

ABOUT CONWAY REGIONAL
Conway Regional Health System provides complete health care services to a seven county service area of North Central Arkansas including Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pope, Van Buren, and Yell Counties.  Centered on a 150-bed, acute care medical center, the health system provides patients with a variety of services including heart health, orthopedic care, neuro-spine surgery, vascular surgery, gastroenterology services,  women’s health, surgery, and rehabilitation. In addition, Conway Regional operates an expansive Physician Enterprise, including 10 Primary Care Clinics and seven specialty clinics.

With over 200 Physicians providing services at Conway Regional, the organization partners with the Medical Staff in an Accountable Clinical Management Model (ACM).  This one of a kind partnership creates a model of shared governance to promote meaningful engagement of physician leaders with hospital administrative leadership--all in an effort to improve patient experience and enhance care. 

Conway Regional maintains an employee engagement score in the top 20% of hospitals throughout the country and a Medical Staff engagement score in the top 5%, as compared to hospitals of similar size and scope.  Conway Regional was the first hospital in Arkansas to partner with Arkansas Children’s Hospital in the Nursery Alliance, allowing more babies to receive care closer to home. Conway Regional is the only Hospital in Arkansas named to Modern Healthcare’s National Best Places to Work in 2018, and then received the honor again in 2019.  Conway Regional has been named an Arkansas Best Place to Work in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

ABOUT MERCY
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

ABOUT UAMS
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute and Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. It is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 2,727 students, 870 medical residents and five dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram. 

ABOUT WASHINGTON REGIONAL
Washington Regional is the only not-for-profit, community-owned and locally governed healthcare system in Northwest Arkansas. Its comprehensive healthcare network employs over 3,000 people and consists of a 425-bed medical center and more than 40 clinic

locations. Washington Regional is committed to improving the health of people in communities it serves through compassionate, high-quality care, prevention, and wellness education. Visit wregional.com for more information.

ABOUT AEDC
Created in 1955 to make Arkansas more competitive in the post-World War II era, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. 

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