A conference in Phoenix this Thursday focuses on advancing women’s health through innovation. The FemTech summit aims to narrow the gap in health care, where research often centers on men. Recent studies from Deloitte and McKinsey show that only 4% of medical research targets women’s bodies, while an even smaller percentage—just 6%—is dedicated to women’s health innovations overall.
Sidnee Peck, co-founder of FemTechAZ, explained that FemTech encompasses innovations that address women’s health challenges. This includes everything from understanding differences in how women and men experience medical issues, like heart attacks, to developing targeted health technologies. For instance, women may experience heart attack symptoms such as fatigue or general achiness rather than the classic signs often portrayed in media.
Dr. Leah Hillier, an exercise medicine expert, emphasized that female athletes often face higher injury rates than their male counterparts. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving health outcomes and developing better treatments.
Many topics are gaining attention in women’s health right now, specifically menopause and perimenopause. Recent discussions have highlighted how these phases can lead to challenges in the workplace, significantly impacting women’s careers. A report by McKinsey estimates that addressing gaps in women’s health could boost the economy by a trillion dollars globally by 2040. This includes improved health care access and retention of women in the workforce.
Arizona specifically struggles with women’s health outcomes, ranking 40th in the nation. The conference will serve as a platform for stakeholders to identify gaps in care and collaborate on solutions. The aim is to create a “Blueprint for Women’s Health Innovation in Arizona” that details how to move forward.
Peck emphasized that everyone’s involvement is crucial. Engaging both male and female innovators in the health tech space can help bridge understanding and harness this significant market opportunity.
Incorporating women’s health insights and innovations can enhance the quality of care, drive economic growth, and ultimately improve lives. By fostering a collaborative environment and focusing on research, organizations like FemTechAZ are pushing for change in a historically male-dominated field.
For more insights on women’s health gaps and opportunities, you can explore the McKinsey Women’s Health Innovation Report.
