Summary
In this episode of Driving the Business of Science, Keith Parent, CEO of Court Square Group, hosts Samantha Trotman Burman to discuss mental health across the life science spectrum. Samantha, CEO and co-founder of StoryCatch Partners, shares her journey in mental health advocacy, driven by personal experiences and the need for better support and data collection. She emphasizes the importance of integrating mental and physical health data, using real-world examples like knee replacements and heart surgery. Samantha highlights the role of caregivers and the impact of mental health on them. She also discusses the company’s acquisition of EmpiraMed, its B Corp status, and the potential for comprehensive mental health registries to drive systemic change.
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Introduction and Guest Background
- Keith Parent introduces the podcast, Driving the Business of Science, and the guest, Samantha Trotman Burman, who will discuss mental health across the life science spectrum.
- Keith provides an overview of Court Square Group, a managed service firm that supports life science companies, including pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device.
- Keith mentions the creation of RegDocs365™, a content repository for TMF and EDM reference models, and Life Science LaunchPad™, a system to help startups grow.
- Keith invites Samantha to introduce herself and StoryCatch Partners.
Samantha Trotman Burman’s Background and StoryCatch Partners
- Samantha shares her background in mental health, driven by personal experiences and the need to support individuals struggling with mental health issues.
- She discusses the lack of accessible mental health resources and the importance of translating scientific discoveries into practical applications.
- Samantha highlights the role of caregivers and the need for support for them, emphasizing the importance of empathy and education.
- She introduces the concept of “edutainment,” combining education with entertainment to make learning more enjoyable.
Founding StoryCatch Partners
- Samantha explains how she met Jim Cavan, who has a background in rare disease research, and their collaboration to found StoryCatch.
- The company aims to create a community that supports individuals and gathers data for better health and decision-making.
- Samantha mentions the integration of Keith’s previous company, EmpiraMed, with StoryCatch to expand the platform to include mental health and wellbeing.
- Keith shares his initial meeting with Samantha and their discussions about mental health registries and the impact of mental health on various therapeutic areas.
Technology and Mental Health
- Keith and Samantha discuss the intersection of technology and mental health, using examples like knee replacements and heart surgery to illustrate the need for better data collection.
- Samantha emphasizes the lack of a common vocabulary for mental health data and the importance of capturing real-world data from patients and caregivers.
- They discuss the potential of using technology to gather comprehensive data, including environmental factors, to understand the broader impact on mental health.
- Keith highlights the role of AI in identifying trends and correlations in large data sets, which can help in better understanding and addressing mental health issues.
Women’s Health and Comorbidity
- Keith and Samantha discuss the Women’s Health Registry and the importance of addressing the unique health issues faced by women.
- Samantha highlights the need for research on the impact of hormonal changes during menopause on mental health.
- They discuss the concept of comorbidity, where individuals have multiple diseases, and the need for integrated approaches to address these complex health issues.
- Keith mentions the historical lack of focus on women’s health in research and the potential for new initiatives to drive change.
B Corp and Social Impact
- Keith asks Samantha about StoryCatch’s decision to bea Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) with a dual purpose of social impact and profitability.
- Samantha explains the balance between social impact and profitability, aiming to create a business model that attracts investors seeking both social good and financial returns.
- She mentions the rarity of PBCs in the mental health and research spaces, highlighting StoryCatch’s innovative approach.
- Keith shares his experience with another PBC, Posit, and the importance of balancing social impact with business success.
Future Vision and Community Impact
- Keith and Samantha discuss the future vision for StoryCatch, including the potential for expanding their reach and impact across various therapeutic areas.
- Samantha emphasizes the importance of creating a community that deeply cares about family and whole person health.
- They discuss the potential for StoryCatch to gather comprehensive data and drive systemic change in mental health research and support.
- Samantha shares her personal mission to “not die ordinary” and her passion for the work she is doing with StoryCatch.
Closing Remarks
- Keith thanks Samantha for her insights and contributions to the podcast.
- Samantha expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to share her vision and work.
- Keith concludes the podcast, encouraging listeners to support and follow StoryCatch’s mission.
- The podcast ends with a positive note on the potential for StoryCatch to make a significant impact on mental wellbeing research and support.