The Power of Strategic Communication in Healthcare with Anne Woodbury

09/24/24 • 54 min

Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Anne Woodbury, the founder and CEO of Cura Strategies, a healthcare communication and public affairs agency. Together, they explore the crucial role of strategic communication in shaping healthcare policies and improving patient outcomes. Anne shares her journey from Capitol Hill to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for transforming the healthcare system.

Listeners will gain insights into how effective advocacy and communication strategies can drive change in healthcare, the importance of educating policymakers, and the growing awareness around mental health in the corporate world. Anne also discusses Cura Cares, her company's charitable arm, and its impact on both employees and the communities they serve.

Key Discussion Points:

Anne’s Journey to Founding Cura Strategies: From her early days working with a member of Congress to leading a successful public affairs agency focused on healthcare.
The Nexus of Policy and Strategic Communication: How Cura Strategies bridges the gap between healthcare communication and policy-making to advance quality and access in healthcare.
The Role of Advocacy in Healthcare: Understanding the importance of educating policymakers and the general public about healthcare issues.
Mental Health Advocacy: How Cura Strategies prioritizes mental health within the workplace and the broader impact of their advocacy work on public health policies.
Cura Cares Program: A look at Cura Strategies’ charitable initiatives aimed at staying connected to community needs and improving public health.
The Challenge of Trust in Healthcare: Discussing the trust deficit between the public, government, and healthcare institutions and what can be done to rebuild it.

For more information about Cura Strategies and their work in healthcare communication and advocacy, visit CuraStrategies.com or AdvocacyAccelerator.us. You can also connect with Anne Woodbury on LinkedIn.

Don't forget to subscribe to Research Renaissance for more insightful episodes exploring the forefront of brain science and healthcare innovation. Visit TofflerTrust.org for additional resources and updates.

Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Key Discussion Points:

Anne’s Journey to Founding Cura Strategies: From her early days working with a member of Congress to leading a successful public affairs agency focused on healthcare.
The Nexus of Policy and Strategic Communication: How Cura Strategies bridges the gap between healthcare communication and policy-making to advance quality and access in healthcare.
The Role of Advocacy in Healthcare: Understanding the importance of educating policymakers and the general public about healthcare issues.
Mental Health Advocacy: How Cura Strategies prioritizes mental health within the workplace and the broader impact of their advocacy work on public health policies.
Cura Cares Program: A look at Cura Strategies’ charitable initiatives aimed at staying connected to community needs and improving public health.
The Challenge of Trust in Healthcare: Discussing the trust deficit between the public, government, and healthcare institutions and what can be done to rebuild it.

Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Previous Episode

Unraveling ALS and Genetic Modifiers with Dr. Zhe Zhang

In this insightful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Zhe Zhang, a research associate at Johns Hopkins and a 2021 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Zhang discusses her journey from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a dedicated researcher focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS. She shares her innovative work on establishing a platform to find genetic modifiers that can improve cell survival and slow the progression of ALS.

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction to Dr. Zhe Zhang:
- Background and inspiration for pursuing research in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Transition from clinical practice to basic research.
Journey to ALS Research:
- Initial interest sparked by experiences with neurodegenerative patients during medical training.
- Shift in focus during her time in Australia, influenced by collaborations and the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Focus on Genetic Modifiers and ALS:
- Explanation of familial and sporadic ALS, with a focus on the C9ORF72 gene mutation.
- Development of toxic proteins from gene mutations and their impact on cell survival.
Research Techniques and Platforms:
- Use of CRISPR technology for genetic screening and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
- Application of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to develop models for screening.
Collaborative Efforts:
- Importance of interdisciplinary collaborations with other researchers and biobanks.
- Contributions from patient-donated post-mortem tissues to validate research findings.
Challenges and Future Directions:
- The complexity of translating basic research to clinical applications and commercial products.
- The role of CRISPR in gene editing and its potential for therapeutic interventions.
Emerging Technologies and Tools:
- The impact of iPSCs, CRISPR, and advanced imaging techniques on ALS research.
- Potential of functional MRI and other non-invasive methods for tracking disease progression.
Global Collaboration and Impact:
- The necessity of global studies and collaborations to understand neurodegenerative diseases.
- Hopes for future research, including the development of effective therapies for ALS.
Personal Reflections and Advice:
- Dr. Zhang’s commitment to staying curious, passionate, and cautious in her research.
- Encouragement for young researchers to persevere despite challenges and to collaborate widely.

Join us in advancing our understanding of the brain and addressing its ailments. Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Next Episode

Unraveling the Senses: Dr. Douglas Storace on the Olfactory Bulb and Brain Function

Welcome to the latest episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. I’m your host, Deborah Westphal, and today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Douglas Storace, a neuroscientist and assistant professor at Florida State University. Dr. Storace is also a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Our discussion will delve into his research on the olfactory bulb, a crucial brain region responsible for processing smells, and its broader implications for understanding brain function and our bodies.

Episode Highlights

Dr. Storace's Journey to Neuroscience: Discover how a course on Sensation and Perception, combined with an interest in computers and music, led Dr. Storace to pursue a career in neuroscience.
Understanding the Olfactory Bulb: Learn about the olfactory bulb's role as the brain's initial point of contact for sensory information from the nose and how it interacts with other brain regions.
The Hypothalamus Connection: Dr. Storace shares fascinating insights into how the hypothalamus, a brain area involved in key behavioral functions, influences the olfactory bulb.
Neuropeptides and Brain Function: Explore the role of the neuropeptide orexin in regulating sleep, feeding, and other behaviors, and its connection to the olfactory bulb.
Current Lab Projects: An overview of Dr. Storace’s lab projects, including research on sensory information processing, perceptual stability, and a unique study involving blind cavefish to understand sensory adaptation.
Technological Advances in Neuroscience: Discover the cutting-edge imaging techniques and fluorescent proteins that enable scientists to study the brain in unprecedented detail.
Future Directions: Dr. Storace shares his hopes for future breakthroughs in neuroscience, particularly in understanding brain function and developing targeted treatments for neurological disorders.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Research Renaissance. For more information and to stay updated on our latest episodes, subscribe to the podcast and visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts, suggestions, or to learn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust.
Until we meet again, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.