In the dynamic world of healthcare innovation, one remarkable entrepreneur is making waves with her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes. Meet Melanie Igwe, the driving force behind ViuHealth‘s business operations and partnerships. With a diverse background in healthcare and technology, Melanie brings over 7 years of invaluable experience to her role, including her previous venture as a founder of a digital health startup. Her journey has taken her through esteemed institutions such as the Texas Medical Center and Harris Health, as well as a leadership position in a technology company.
Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, with a minor in Mathematics from Howard University, Melanie’s unique skill set enables her to navigate the intricacies of the healthcare industry with finesse. Beyond her professional pursuits, Melanie finds joy in exploring the realms of politics and indulging her culinary curiosity by experimenting with new flavors and dishes.
Join us as we delve into the captivating entrepreneurial journey of Melanie Igwe and discover how her expertise and passion are transforming healthcare at ViuHealth. From forging strategic partnerships to spearheading innovative solutions, Melanie’s vision and drive are propelling ViuHealth to the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare for autoimmune diseases.
Can you share your entrepreneurial journey with us? How did you transition from your earlier roles to co-founding ViuHealth?
My founder journey is one that I look on fondly. When I found my passion for healthcare I was working in inpatient; I was a Data Analyst for the Clinical Engineering arm of the hospital and responsible for medical devices. I saw so much waste in the way devices were purchased, managed, and I also observed inefficiencies around safety monitoring. I really wanted to do something about it but I realized I could not be impactful in that setting. I met my co-founder in a super serendipitous way and have not looked back since.
How has your background in healthcare and technology influenced the development of ViuHealth?
I was fortunate enough to have worked in inpatient hospital settings and interact with patients. I really took away that healthcare is about service for people, so as a result, everything I do I put the patient at the center. Consequently, this mission has been impactful with aiding in creating solutions that are not only profitable, but also have a positive impact for patients.
As an entrepreneur, what are some of the key challenges you’ve faced in launching ViuHealth and how did you overcome them?
The greatest challenge I have overcome has been divorcing self-worth from the productivity of the business. When we did well I was up but when we had an issue or did not perform in the way I wanted us to it would impact me deeply. Learning to understand that I love my business but the wins or losses are not my identity has been something I have really worked to disaggregate.
Your personal experience with an autoimmune disease seems to be a driving force behind ViuHealth. How does your personal perspective shape the direction of the company?
I have two autoimmune conditions and many people in my family have them. I am very focused on how to make living with these conditions better. I truly believe in shifting the paradigm of how autoimmune conditions are evaluated. Due to the uniqueness in presentation and complexity, it is imperative that more meaningful patient data is sourced. Combining the patients longitudinal medical journey, enriched patient reported outcomes, and enhancing patients health literacy of their condition can create a more complete patient picture which will lead to better patient outcomes. What shapes this company for me is the pursuit of understanding this population so well to have sustained improved outcomes.
ViuHealth is revolutionizing the management of autoimmune diseases. What was your inspiration to tackle this specific healthcare issue?
We originally started DrugViu, now known as ViuHealth, which was created due to a lack of data on how medications affected diverse populations. Through our research, we discovered the impact of autoimmune conditions on women and the lack of data on these complex conditions in diverse populations. This led to the evolution of our company into ViuHealth. Our passion for improving people’s quality of life drives us at the core, and ViuHealth is the platform we use to achieve this goal.
Can you share a story where ViuHealth’s personalized approach to care significantly improved a patient’s life?
One of our members has been struggling with her Multiple Sclerosis symptoms for quite some time. Initially, she wanted to try ViuHealth because she wanted more accountability in taking control of her health. Overall, she has a very healthy lifestyle and implements techniques to manage her stress on her own; however, she still struggles to show up for herself – just like many who deal with autoimmune conditions. After working with her health coach, she informed us how she felt understood by someone other than herself, because her personal goals were encouraged and she was given tools to help her accomplish them. Not only were her goals being supported, but she was being held accountable through a caring and compassionate approach. Like many of our users, they have the ability to take care of their own selves, but with ViuHealth and their personalized care, it gives patients the push they need to be able to level up their health.
How does ViuHealth strike a balance between employing advanced technology and providing a human touch in its care?
We use technology as a tool to enhance the patient experience, while still maintaining a personal connection with patients. For example, ViuHealth uses telemedicine to provide remote consultations, but also ensures that patients are still able to receive personalized care. ViuHealth also uses data analytics to improve patient outcomes, but still ensures that patients receive individualized treatment plans. Additionally, ViuHealth prioritizes patient feedback and communication, ensuring that patients feel heard and valued throughout their healthcare journey. By combining technology and human touch, ViuHealth is able to provide high-quality, personalized care that meets the needs of each individual patient.
What are some of the breakthrough moments or key accomplishments ViuHealth has experienced that you’re particularly proud of?
The impact on patient outcomes has been incredible. I have survey results from patients that have finished our Care Team 16-week program.
- 83% stated their top health concerns improved
- 100% achieved at least 1 health goal
- Patient average daily symptom improvement since starting ViuHealth = 6 (0 no improvement – 10 significant improvement)
- When patients were asked, “Has ViuHealth provided you with the tools to help you better manage your autoimmune care?” 100% said “Yes”
You recently launched a new app, how do you anticipate this app changing the way patients and healthcare providers manage autoimmune diseases?
I truly believe ViuHealth has the potential to revolutionize the way patients and healthcare providers approach treatment. With personalized care through remote visits, this could lead to better management of autoimmune diseases, reducing the need for hospital visits, and improving overall patient outcomes. Additionally, the app could provide healthcare providers with valuable data on patient progress and treatment efficacy, enabling them to make more informed decisions. Overall, the app has the potential to significantly improve the lives of those living with autoimmune diseases.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from the autoimmune community that helped shape ViuHealth?
The importance of listening to the patient and understanding their unique needs has been one of the most crucial lessons. Autoimmune diseases are complex and affect each individual differently, so it is crucial to provide personalized care. Secondly, we have learned to prioritize education and awareness. Many autoimmune diseases are misunderstood, and patients often struggle to find accurate information. By providing education and resources, we can empower patients to take control of their health. Lastly, we have learned the importance of collaboration. Autoimmune diseases require a multidisciplinary approach, and we have found that working with other healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups has been instrumental in improving patient outcomes. These lessons have guided us in developing a patient-centric approach to healthcare that focuses on personalized care, education, and collaboration.
Being a woman of color in the healthcare and tech space can come with its unique challenges. Can you share your experiences and how they have influenced your leadership style?
Diversity in any industry is essential as it broadens perspectives and leads to better decision-making processes for companies of all sizes. It makes my team more aware of how important it is to have representation from different backgrounds as well as genders across every project or organization we are involved with. Embracing diversity is one of the biggest keys in my leadership style, because it is not only necessary from a moral standpoint but it is also essential for success: greater representation on teams leads to new ideas that can give companies an edge against more homogenous competitors.
In what ways do you aim to empower other entrepreneurs, especially those looking to innovate within the healthcare sector?
The best way to empower other entrepreneurs is by setting examples in your business. Fostering a supportive environment of innovation and collaboration between other startups could inspire new ideas that have positive implications for the future of healthcare and even technology. This can include speaking at conferences or events, writing articles or blog posts, or providing mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs in the healthcare industry.
Can you tell us more about your plans for ViuHealth’s future? What developments should we look forward to?
In the future, ViuHealth aims to identify more opportunities to serve our members better continuously. Our focus is on putting patients at the center of our actions and creating solutions that provide them with value. We have established ourselves as an essential resource for the autoimmune ecosystem. We aspire to expand and strengthen strategic commercial partnerships that enable ViuHealth to provide greater support to autoimmune patients on their path to wellness. Our ultimate objective is to help our members achieve the best possible health outcomes and enjoy a quality of life that they rightfully deserve.
As an entrepreneur, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially considering the personal relevance of ViuHealth’s mission to your own health?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for entrepreneurs, as it can help prevent burnout and ensure that they are able to perform at their best both professionally and personally. As a company dedicated to promoting healthy living and wellness, I understand the importance of prioritizing my own health and well-being. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I make sure to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, prioritize self-care activities such as exercise and meditation, and delegate tasks to my team when necessary. I also make sure to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus, and I try to maintain a positive mindset and outlook on life. By prioritizing my own health and well-being, I am better able to lead my team and serve our mission of promoting health and wellness to our customers.
Finally, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who aim to make a difference in people’s lives, particularly in the healthcare industry?
It is important to prioritize the needs and experiences of patients above all else. This means taking the time to truly understand the challenges and pain points that patients face when seeking medical care, and working to develop solutions that address these issues in a meaningful way. It is also important to collaborate with healthcare providers and other stakeholders in the industry to ensure that your solutions are effective, efficient, and sustainable. By staying focused on these principles, entrepreneurs in the healthcare industry can make a real difference in the lives of patients and contribute to the overall improvement of the healthcare system as a whole.
As Melanie Igwe and her team at ViuHealth continue to empower patients, foster innovation, and drive positive change, we eagerly anticipate the future developments and milestones that lie ahead. With their unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and their relentless pursuit of better healthcare solutions, ViuHealth is set to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of healthcare, inspiring others to follow suit and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
In the world of healthcare, where challenges abound, ViuHealth and visionary leaders like Melanie Igwe serve as beacons of hope, reminding us of the power of innovation, empathy, and dedication to reshape the future of healthcare for the better.
