How do you view the situation of gender diversity in leadership, especially in a field like women's health?
As the president of CooperSurgical, I find it both a privilege and a pressure point to lead in a domain so critical to fertility and women's health. This role connects deeply with me, given the company's mission and the shared commitment among our employees, both men and women, to advance fertility for future generations. Our leadership team is diverse, not just in gender but also in background and geography, reflecting the global nature of fertility and women's health challenges. It’s essential for us to have varied voices at the table to address these worldwide issues effectively.
Can you introduce CooperSurgical and elaborate on the significance of your products and therapies in fertility and women’s health?
CooperSurgical stands at a unique intersection in the life sciences and medical device industry, focusing on fertility and women's health. We're the largest company in this space, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes medical devices, life sciences products, pharmaceuticals, and services. Our overarching mission is to support healthy women, babies, and families by accelerating what's possible in healthcare delivery. This involves creating faster connections within the medical and patient community to have a significant impact on fertility and women’s health.
How does CooperSurgical differentiate itself in terms of innovation in the women's health market?
Our differentiation lies in supporting women throughout their life cycle, having a presence in various healthcare settings where women seek care. From contraception to conception and through labor and delivery, we’re part of the entire journey.
On the innovation front, we incorporate cutting-edge technologies like genomics, AI, and novel amplification techniques to address fertility challenges. We have applied these innovations to multiple facets of our business. For example, we can create a detailed genetic profile from a small sample, aiming to increase the probability of a healthy birth and minimize the risk of miscarriage.
Considering the current challenges with fertility rates, how can your innovations help address this situation?
The declining fertility rates are indeed a pressing global issue, with WHO statistics indicating that one in six people experience infertility. Our approach is multifaceted, combining technology, knowledge, and improved access to care. Innovations are crucial, but so is making them accessible and understandable to patients. Our investments in technology are complemented by investments in people, like our team of genetic counselors, to guide patients through their fertility journey, emphasizing a comprehensive strategy to address this societal challenge.
What role do governments play in addressing fertility issues, and how does CooperSurgical engage with these efforts?
Governments worldwide are increasingly providing economic support for fertility care, recognizing its importance on a national and global scale. Countries like Japan, the United States, and several European nations have introduced policies to support fertility treatments. CooperSurgical views the trends in care accessibility and affordability as positive steps toward addressing global birth rates and supports these efforts through our innovations and services designed to complement policy frameworks aimed at enhancing fertility care.
What do you see as the most pressing challenge in women's health today, and how is CooperSurgical addressing it?
The significant challenge in women's health is the high risk associated with 50% of pregnancies, with additional risks arising during labor and delivery. Our focus is on ensuring healthy outcomes for mothers and babies through this process. CooperSurgical adopts a dual approach of innovation and acquisition to assemble a portfolio of simple, effective, and safe products. This includes tools like the Fetal Pillow for impacted fetal heads during labor and delivery and the Bakri balloon for postpartum hemorrhaging, demonstrating our commitment to addressing critical moments in women’s health with effective solutions and training for healthcare providers.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of CooperSurgical in the context of evolving fertility rates and family planning trends?
Our vision for CooperSurgical is deeply tied to our mission of supporting healthy women, babies, and families. We aim to continue developing products that ensure safety and joy during labor and delivery and to help the fertility industry scale to meet growing needs. This includes improving clinical outcomes and workflows in fertility clinics to accommodate more patients efficiently. Additionally, as surgical procedures advance, including in gynecology, we plan to stay at the forefront, ensuring women’s health benefits from the latest innovations in medical technology.
Finally, considering the progress and remaining challenges in women’s health, where do you see the greatest opportunities for impact?
While acknowledging the strides made in women’s health, there remains a vast landscape of opportunities for further discovery and improvement. The expanding knowledge base about women and fertility presents a fertile ground for innovation. Our focus is on accelerating the application of scientific advancements to patient care, bridging the gap between discovery and treatment. This approach aligns with our commitment to advancing women’s health, emphasizing the importance of quick and effective responses to emerging health challenges.
