While healthcare is a rapidly evolving industry, gaps still exist. Femi Giwa, MD, MPH, is one of the people trying to bridge those gaps. He utilizes his ability to blend business acumen with healthcare innovation to address critical gaps in access, especially for lower-income communities. With a background that spans medicine, public health, and finance, Femi's work is not just about improving health outcomes; he also aims to boost the economic well-being of communities.
Femi's journey is a unique one. Born and raised in Nigeria, he initially set out to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, but a pivotal realization during medical school redirected his focus. "Most of the important problems we had in our healthcare system were business problems," Femi shares. This insight, coupled with a growing awareness of the financial challenges faced by healthcare providers, led him to pursue a career in healthcare investments. Today, he raises hundreds of millions of dollars to fund innovative treatments, including therapies for rare diseases -- an area that affects millions of Americans.
The economic benefits of Femi's work extend far beyond healthcare innovation. His investments help reduce the financial strain on everyday Americans. The cost of interest rates, rent, groceries, and healthcare costs are putting a strain on families. According to a recent Pew Research study, 77% of Americans don't believe the economy is excellent, or even in good shape. By securing funding for cutting-edge treatments, Femi not only supports improved health outcomes but also advocates for cost-efficient healthcare solutions that benefit the economy at large.
One of his key initiatives focuses on reducing hospital stays, which translates to significant cost savings for both patients and the healthcare system. In a recent paper he co-authored, Femi demonstrated how increasing surgical caseloads in hospitals could reduce postoperative length of stay. "Every day that a patient returns to work earlier than expected means a day they can contribute to the economy and support their families," Femi explains. His work highlights how healthcare reform and economic prosperity are deeply intertwined.
Femi is committed to closing healthcare disparities. Many Americans in lower-income communities face significant barriers to accessing quality care, particularly for rare and complex diseases. By championing investments that bring life-saving therapies to market, Femi ensures that even the most vulnerable populations have access to critical treatments. This focus on inclusivity is central to his vision for a healthier and more equitable America.
Femi Giwa's work can help transform the U.S. healthcare system, making it more accessible, cost-efficient, and equitable. His vision for a healthier America doesn't stop at innovative treatments -- it extends to improving the economic and social well-being of millions. As he continues to bridge the gap between healthcare and finance, Femi's contributions can shape a brighter future.