In this episode of Med City Fem Forward, host Marissa Plescia speaks with Allison Adamson, architect at Build Health International, about the creation of a Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone — a project designed to transform maternal healthcare delivery in one of the world's highest-risk regions for childbirth.

Allison explains how healthcare infrastructure directly impacts patient outcomes, why design choices influence trust and dignity in care, and how global partnerships are addressing preventable maternal mortality. The conversation explores how architecture, community collaboration, and sustainable healthcare systems come together to support women before, during, and after childbirth.

Listeners will gain insight into how thoughtful healthcare design can save lives, empower communities, and reshape global health equity — and why American healthcare stakeholders should pay attention to these efforts.

• Connect with Marissa Plescia

• mplescia@medcitynews.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

• Allison Adamson

• Guest Email aadamson@buildhealthinternational.org

Maternal health
Global health infrastructure
Healthcare architecture
Women's health equity
Maternal mortality prevention
Build Health International
Partners In Health
Sierra Leone healthcare
Global nonprofit healthcare
Healthcare design innovation
Maternal Center of Excellence
Healthcare access
Equitable healthcare systems
Global public health
Hospital design
Community-centered healthcare
Medical infrastructure development
Women's healthcare systems
Nonprofit healthcare partnerships
Healthcare sustainability

00:04–00:21 – Introduction to the episode and focus on global women's health infrastructure
00:26–01:15 – Allison Adamson introduces Build Health International and its global mission
01:15–02:44 – Origins of the Maternal Center of Excellence and partnership with Partners In Health
02:44–03:32 – Sierra Leone's healthcare challenges and maternal mortality crisis
02:53–05:26 – Inside the 120-bed maternal facility and range of care services offered
03:32–04:40 – Designing dignity, trust, and comfort into healthcare environments
03:50–04:13 – Mother dormitories supporting families with babies in NICU care
04:13–05:03 – Education spaces and community health engagement within the hospital
05:29–06:50 – Lessons learned from healthcare projects in Haiti and other countries
06:58–08:12 – Community collaboration and clinician input shaping the design process
08:12–08:47 – Partners In Health's operational role in delivering care
09:02–10:42 – Why global healthcare infrastructure matters to American audiences
10:09–10:42 – Repurposing medical equipment to expand global healthcare access
10:50–11:57 – Future projects supporting women's health and healthcare systems worldwide

Summary

In this episode of MedCity FemForward, reporter Marissa Plescia talks with Anna Jeter of AOA Dx. about a pivotal report on the booming potential of women's health sectors. Discover why this already lucrative field isn't just a niche but a smart investment, with 27 unicorns and over $100 billion in exits. Whether you're an entrepreneur or investor, tune in to learn why women's health is not only crucial for societal well-being but also a golden business opportunity..

Episode Highlights

00:10:47 - Misconception of women's health as niche.

00:11:59 - $100 billion in women's health exits.

00:17:26 - 27 unicorns in women's health.

00:31:28 - Diagnostics as a foundational pillar.

00:42:39 - Oncology as a hot spot in women's health.

00:53:11 - Women's health beyond maternal health.

01:15:45 - Response to JP Morgan presentation.

01:41:26 - Women's health as a significant business opportunity.

Episode Resources

• Anna Jeter

• anna.jeter@aoadx.com

• Connect with Marissa Plescia

• mplescia@medcitynews.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

Keywords

• MedCity FemForward

• women's health

• AOADx

• biotech

• ovarian cancer detection

• diagnostic test

• women's health exits

• investments in women's health

• healthcare sector

• McKinsey report

• trillion dollar opportunity

• merge and acquisition

• IPO

• exit strategy

• unicorns in women's health

• oncology

• breast cancer

• cervical cancer

• screening programs

• capital efficiency

• funding allocation

• PitchBook

• healthcare innovation

• strategic buyers

• investment opportunities

In this episode, I interviewed Liz Powell, founder of Women's Health Advocates. We discussed the organization's policy priorities in the women's health space.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Marissa Plescia

• mplescia@medcitynews.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

• Connect with Liz Powell

• lpowell@g2gconsulting.com

In this episode, I interview Dr. Renee Wittemyer, vice president of program strategy at Pivotal Ventures, and Dr. Regina Dugan, CEO of Wellcome Leap. We discussed the organizations' recent $100 million commitment to women's health research.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Marissa Plescia

• mplescia@medcitynews.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

• Connect with Dr. Renee Wittemyer and Dr. Regina Dugan

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-kuriyan-wittemyer-39a64a/?skipRedirect=true

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-dugan-321687121/?skipRedirect=true

In this episode, I interviewed Priyanka Jain, cofounder and CEO of Evvy. We discussed the state of women's health research, the Milken Institute's Women's Health Network and what's ahead for Evvy.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Marissa Plescia

• mplescia@medcitynews.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

In this episode, I interviewed Abbie Clary, executive director of Health for All at CannonDesign. We discussed how healthcare spaces and products have traditionally not been designed with women in mind — and what needs to change.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Marissa Plescia

• mplescia@medcitynews.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

• Connect with Abbie Clary

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailclary/

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Keith Berkle, chair of Privia Women's Health. We discussed the need for value-based care in women's health and the ways Privia is supporting OBGYNs.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Marissa Plescia

• mplescia@medcitynews.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/

• Connect with Keith Berkle

• https://virginiawomenscenter.com/doctors/dr-keith-p-berkle/