Seeking Medical Devices-Healthcare PR Freelancer

TITLE: Medical Devices/Healthcare PR-Media Relations Freelancer

TYPE: Grey Matter Marketing, www.greymattermarketing.com  -- Independent Medical Device Marketing/PR Agency

LOCATION: Offsite/Telecommute OK!

TO APPLY: Email Resume and Cover Letter, to include hourly rate and whether you take on projects, to Deb Kaufman, email: Deb@greymattermarketing.com

Grey Matter Marketing (GMM), an award-winning medical devices-focused public relations/integrated marketing firm is growing! We’re looking for a strategic, talented and enthusiastic Medical Devices/Healthcare PR-Media Relations Freelancer to work with us on our corporate clients.

The agency and its clients will look to the Medical Devices/Healthcare PR-Media Relations Freelancer for ongoing strategic communications counsel, high-level writing, media relations/pitching and PR project management. The right Freelancer can operate both tactically & strategically.

The agency specializes in branding, marketing and communications for established and discovery brand medical devices/healthcare firms who are improving outcomes for clinicians and saving patients’ lives. Our award-winning firm is privileged to represent clients who meet the gold standard in their industries. Our team has earned a reputation for first-rate strategic thinking, excellent client service, exceptional writing and generating results through effective marketing, branding and strategic communications campaigns.

The firm’s culture is entrepreneurial, and each team member works to live up to the firm’s tagline: Rule Breakers. Game Changers.

Responsibilities

Key duties of this freelance position include:

▪                **Excellent track record in pitching and placements skills in a variety of healthcare media outlets, including traditional outlets such as trades; print; consumer; magazines and other key outlets; as well as online media/blogger outreach.

▪                **Playing a key role in implementing multi-faceted public relations campaigns.

▪                **Taking ownership of and managing multiple simultaneous PR/media relations projects, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

▪                **Continuously pursuing and consistently demonstrating excellence in grammar, spelling and fine writing.

▪                **Regularly writing original documents whose purposes are to persuade the reader, such as: pitch letters to creatively convey the client’s position; memos or e-mails to introduce a novel concept or communications idea to a client; and scripts, talking points or news media materials/press releases that demonstrate the originality and/or news value of a client’s innovation.

▪                **Helping to plan and lead team efforts at events such as news conferences, focus groups and media training.

▪                **Identifying new ways to communicate the client’s messages through traditional and new media.

Qualifications

**The must be a strong, results-oriented pitcher; writer, a consistent idea generator and a keen strategist. The person must be able to understand the communications needs for a variety of clients.  

**The right freelancer is a “news junkies” who think it’s fun to follow healthcare trends and current events and are cognizant of the major players in the medical devices & healthcare world. 

**The ideal freelancer will have a strong understanding of the medical devices/healthcare media market, and established media relationships; and possesses a strong understanding of social media and its growing importance in every communications campaign.

**The ideal freelancer will have at least 3-5+ years of healthcare/media public relations/media relations experience, preferably in an agency setting.

To Apply for the Position: Please email your resume and a cover letter containing the following information:

         1.  Hourly rates. Your hourly freelancer rate; and whether you take on project assignments?

          2. Weekly hours. In general, how many hours do you have available in a given week to allocate to freelance      PR/media relations assignments?

         3. Medical Devices/Healthcare. Include any/all information about your medical devices client work

EMAIL information (cover letter & resume) to: Deb Kaufman, email Deb@greymattermarketing.com

##

NCQA Study Finds Increased Obesity Attn Among Medicare Plans

NCQA Annual Quality Study Finds Increased Attention to Obesity, Improvement Among Medicare Plans.

Full press release follows.

SOURCE: National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2012 -- Annual analysis of the health care of a record number of Americans by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) gives a new picture of health care quality.

The State of Health Care Quality Report 2012 synthesizes data collected throughout 2011 by NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), health care’s most widely used performance improvement tool. Findings include:

More Attention to Obesity

Adult Body Mass Index (BMI) Assessment, a relatively new measure related to obesity, was the most improved of the more than 40 quality measures the report covers, rising an average of 17 percentage points across all health plans, including 18 points in Medicare HMOs and 26 points in Medicare PPOs.

These findings show that clinicians are paying more attention to obesity—a critical first step in helping patients understand the need to manage their weight.

Three measures of care related to childhood obesity also saw substantial gains, implying that efforts such as First Lady Michele Obama’s Let’s Move campaign to fight childhood obesity may be gaining traction.

Medicare Plans Are Most-Improved

Medicare Advantage plans had larger overall improvements than commercial or Medicaid plans.

The greatest gains were among measures that are part of the Star rating system for Medicare Advantage plans—suggesting that the pay-for-performance program is improving care.

Accredited Plans Perform Better

Comparing Medicare Advantage plans that are NCQA-Accredited with those that are not, results show that accredited plans performed better on more than 75 percent of quality measures. Nonaccredited plans outperform accredited plans at a statistically significant level on only one measure—an exception that proves the rule linking accreditation to higher quality.

Federal regulations require all Medicare Advantage plans to report HEDIS data, making those plans the ideal laboratory for analyzing accreditation’s relationship to quality. Insurers that perform well in Medicare Advantage and offer commercial plans tend to be high performing in both markets.

Measurement & Transparency at an All-Time High

This year's report summarizes the quality of care received by a record 125 million Americans—40 percent of the U.S. population and an increase of 7 million people from last year’s total. The increase shows unprecedented acceptance of measurement and transparency across health plans. It also means more is known about the quality of U.S. health care than ever before.

About NCQA

NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.

Contacts

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Andy Reynolds, 202-955-3518
reynolds@ncqa.org

Frmer Pres Clinton Fitness Collaboration-Healthy Schools Program

Former President Bill Clinton Announces a new Fitness Collaboration to Fight Childhood Obesity including BOKS, Zumba Fitness, and Celebrity Fitness Experts Bob Harper, Tara Stiles, Billy Blanks. Complete press release follows. SOURCE: Alliance for a Healthier Generation Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Leading Fitness Brands Launch Fit for a Healthier Generation Campaign to Provide Free Physical Activity Breaks to Schools & Communities Across the Country LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Oct. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to expand the way physical activity is delivered to millions of children and youth across the country, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation has announced a national fitness campaign to get kids moving with BOKS, an initiative of Reebok, celebrity trainers Bob Harper, Tara Stiles, Billy Blanks and global fitness brand Zumba® Fitness. The Fit for a Healthier Generation campaign features pre-recorded, 3-5 minute physical activity breaks aimed at getting kids up, moving and having fun throughout the day. The fitness breaks DVDs were produced by Watch It Now Entertainment, a leader in fitness production. The fitness program BOKS, an initiative of the Reebok Foundation, will sponsor the distribution of the more than 30,000 DVDs to communities all across the country. President Bill Clinton will make the announcement at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program Forum in Little Rock, Arkansas. The event recognizes the healthiest schools in the United States and this year will award 251 schools with national recognition.  Bob Harper, Tara Stiles,Billy Blanks and Zumba Education Specialist Kass Martin will debut Fit for a Healthier Generation physical activity breaks with live demonstrations for more than 350 education professionals from across the country.  "Less than 4 percent of elementary schools, 8 percent of middle schools, and 2 percent of high schools provide opportunities for daily physical education," said President Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and co-founder of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. "By bringing together some of the leading experts on physical activity in the country, we can show the benefits of living fit and help kids lead healthier lives." With these specially created 3-5 minute physical activity breaks, anyone will be able to get kids up and active during their day. The Fit for Healthier Generation physical activity breaks feature simple, classroom and program-appropriate movements to get kids' heart rates up and have fun. The Fit for a Healthier Generation campaign will also feature a donation drive, encouraging Americans to donate $10 to support kids across America being more physically active. Each of the celebrity fitness experts will engage their own fan base to take part in the campaign to also support the work of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Schools can access the fitness breaks by joining the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program online at www.HealthierGeneration.org. There is no cost to join the Healthy Schools Program, and members have access to hundreds of resources, including a variety of no-cost technical tools. About the Alliance for a Healthier GenerationThe Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to address one of the nation's leading public health threats – childhood obesity. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce the nationwide prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and to empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices. Founded in 2005 by the American Heart Association and William J. Clinton Foundation, the Alliance works to positively affect the places that can make a difference to a child's health: homes, schools, doctor's offices and communities. To learn more about the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, visit www.HealthierGeneration.org SOURCE Alliance for a Healthier Generation CONTACT: Megan McIntyre of Alliance for a Healthier Generation, +1-917-399-5250, megan.mcintyre@HealthierGeneration.org Web Site: http://www.healthiergeneration.org

Seeking Marketing Manager-Los Angeles CA

Respected global corporation with offices in Los Angeles CA is seeking a Marketing Manager. Details follow.

TITLE: Marketing Manager

REPORTS TO: Director of Retail & Food Service (Director R&FS)

INDUSTRY: Seafood, Retail & Food Service

TO APPLY: email resume & cover letter to Recruiter Deb Kaufman, Deborah@healthcare-recruiting.com. Please put Marketing Manager in subject line.

LOCATION: Los Angeles CA

DESCRIPTION.

One of the world's leading seafood companies and largest producer of farmed salmon is seeking a Marketing Manager to support the growth and expansion of the company salmon products / brands by developing a marketing portfolio for both Retail & Food Service (R&FS) that leverages market research. To this end, the Marketing Manager develops the tools for the Key Account Managers (KAMs) to grow the business; with the objective to stay ahead of competitors on Point-Of-Sale (POS), new products, branding and species.

The Marketing Manager must stay abreast of the competitive environment, market trends, and world events that could impact commercial plans. Flexibility is essential for this position; the Marketing Manager must be able to adjust plans and strategies according to a variety of changing conditions, including logistical demands and management direction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Marketing. Manages, develops, and implements marketing plan(s) and marketing activities to maximize sales of an assigned brand/product.

·       Project Management. Manages projects to implement new brands and products; must be able to take a project and run with it at any stage.

·       Branding. Analyzes brand performance, brand competitiveness, and product trends in the marketplace. Develops strategies for assigned brand based on research and analysis. Create a brand for our VAP.

·       Sales Support. Work with sales team to identify and implement appropriate sales strategies with proper POS support.

·       Market Research. Conducts & analyzes market research and develops marketing plans for specific products, services, or business lines.

·       Competitive Scan. Reviews changes to the marketplace and industry and adjusts marketing plan accordingly.

·       Market Research Analysis. Make suggestions on marketing material that complements the current market research. Successfully interpret the marketing research information to utilize to its fullest potential

·       Packaging. Manage graphic designer, to participate in creating packaging for new items

·       New Product Development. Work with Director of R&FS on research and development of innovative products

·       Vendor Management. Work with printers, and negotiate cost of printed material; manage freelance designers; and work with the marketing research firm collecting information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·      Requires a bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of experience

·      CPG, food service and retail background experience a plus.

·       Branding. Experience in implementing, establishing and positioning new brands a plus; experience in planning/executing a comprehensive product launch preferred. Track record of successful brand management and new brand development. Experience with brand positioning and repositioning.

·       Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.

·       Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks.

·       A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Strong analytical and problem solving skills. 


·       Proven communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely communicate within all levels of the organization as well as with external partners and agencies/vendors

·       Highly organized, strong project manager with ability to multi-task and prioritize for optimal project execution. High degree of ownership and initiative

Pinterest + Pharma = ?

Pinterest + Pharma = ?

SOURCE: H+K Strategies UK Blog

Weblink: http://blogs.hillandknowlton.com/hank/2012/09/18/an-apple-a-day-7/

Pharma and healthcare has an image problem. Or at least, it has sometimes had a problem conveying itself in a compelling way through visual media. It’s curious then, that a number of prominent pharma companies in the US have set up corporate accounts on Pinterest, the latest much-hyped plaything of the social media world. Bayer US, Boehringer Ingelheim, Menarini Spain, GE and Novo Nordisk have all begun populating their boards with healthy-looking people and clinical researchers on a site more often associated with pictures of wedding dresses and cakes.

Let’s take a step back and explain Pinterest for those who may not yet have come across the site. Pinterest allows you to ‘organize and share things you love’ so your collection of paperclip sculptures can be ranked according to the number of prizes they have won and your photo albums of Iggy the pet stick insect can be shared with all of your friends. The medium is incessantly visual, as posts consist almost solely of either images or video, which can then be shared (‘repinned’), liked or commented upon by other users. While the site has grown at an exponential rate in the US, it remains to be seen whether it will have the same impact among the same groups of people in the UK and elsewhere when the site spends some of its recently raised funds for international expansion. What does seem clear is that the site is growing fast and companies have begun to take note.

Now, back to that image problem. It may be exciting for pharma companies to have accounts across all the latest social media platforms, but it is important for companies to ask whether this will provide tangible benefits from a strategic communications perspective. Between them, Bayer, Boehringer, and Novo have a total of 355 followers. Meanwhile, the accounts don’t seem to have elicited much in the way ‘interaction’ or ‘engagement’ with these followers. 

On the other hand, GE Healthcare has managed to capitalize on both the clout of its parent group and the innovative work done in other areas of the business to transform apparently visually unappealing engineering and energy operations into captivating images and video. By posting via the General Electric umbrella account, the healthcare arm already has an audience of over 9,562 followers, and the specialist healthcare Pinboards are original and well-populated. More importantly, they are also well planned with a clear remit and strategy.

 Of particular note are the Cancer Pintherapy and Pinspire boards, which manage to be both warm and engaging. The Pintherapy board features a collection of pictures alongside famous motivational quotes and experiences of ordinary people affected by cancer and particularly breast cancer. Inspire asks users to submit their own inspiring content on the subject of cancer experiences, one of which is then chosen to be featured each week. Just as with the GE Healthymagination Facebook page, the account is particularly good at interacting with users promptly and with a personal touch.

It remains to be seen whether pharma and healthcare companies can make Pinterest into a truly effective communication tool, or, for that matter, whether Pinterest itself will survive in an often-faddy social media environment.

###

HealthTech Financing News: Doximity Raises $17M Series B

Doximity Raises $17 Million Series B Led by Morgenthaler Ventures. Fast-growing private network brings physician collaboration to the patient's bedside.

Full press release follows.

SOURCE: Doximity

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Doximity, the largest and fastest growing professional network for physicians, today announced a $17 million Series B financing led by Morgenthaler Ventures, with participation from returning investors Emergence Capital Partners and InterWest Partners. The round brings the company's total funding to $27 million.

Since Doximity's Series A funding 17 months ago, Doximity has grown 15-fold to over 1 in 7 U.S. physicians on its network. This elite group has formed over 2 million colleague connections and conducts 1,000 searches daily to find the right expert for their patients. Notably, 3 out of the top 5 medical schools (Stanford, UCSF, University of Pennsylvania) partner with Doximity to run their own alumni networks.

Rebecca Lynn, partner at Morgenthaler Ventures, commented, "We are thrilled to be working with the Doximity team. We've built out an extensive thesis in Healthcare IT, and we chose to invest in Doximity because we believe the company is nearing a tipping point; It is poised to transform a number of healthcare's very large, inefficient markets by giving doctors innovative ways to network and share critical information." 

Morgenthaler Ventures is a leading venture capital firm well known for its portfolio of disruptive and category-leading companies such as Practice Fusion, Evernote, Lending Club and Siri. Morgenthaler has recently emerged as the leading firm promoting digital health innovation, in part by hosting the popular "DC to VC" conferences and health IT startup showcase competitions.

"Physicians spend hours waiting on hold, shackled to fax machines and archaic systems that are not interoperable or even interconnected," said Jeff Tangney, Doximity founder and CEO. "Doximity connects physicians while protecting both their own and their patients' privacy."

Key facts:

• Doximity secures $17 million Series B financing led by Morgenthaler Ventures
• In less than 2 years, over 1 in 7 U.S. physicians already use Doximity
• Physicians cannot use traditional social networks, email or SMS texting to discuss patients due to federal HIPAA laws that require medical-grade security for protected health information
• Three of the top five medical schools (Stanford, UCSF, and Penn) have partnered with Doximity to run their alumni networks
• More than 2,000,000 physician-to-physician connections have been made on the Doximity network
• U.S. physicians do roughly 1,000 referral/expert searches on Doximity every day
• Doximity recently added Konstantin Guericke, a co-founder of LinkedIn, to its board of directors

Modernizing medical communicationCommunication challenges among physicians create delays for patients. According to The Joint Commission, communication breakdowns between care providers are the root cause of 65 percent of serious medical errors. Doximity addresses these communication challenges with the first online community built exclusively for medical professionals to both pinpoint appropriate physician experts and engage in quick, HIPAA-compliant communications.

Physicians securely access the Doximity platform in minutes through a mobile app on an iPhone or Android device or through the Doximity website on their personal computer. Physician identities are verified via a 3-step credential check to protect Doximity's community and patient privacy. Once on the Doximity platform, medical professionals can update and expand their practice information, exchange private contact information with select colleagues, connect with former classmates, and incorporate rapid, precise communication with the care team into their treatment of patients.

About DoximityDoximity is the first "real-name" authenticated online professional network designed exclusively for U.S. physicians, supporting them in delivering faster, smarter treatment and managing their own practice. With Doximity, physicians can use their iPhone or Android device or desktop computer to quickly and securely connect with nearly any U.S. physician to collaborate on patient care or find the right medical expert for a patient. To learn more about Doximity, please visit www . doximity . com.

About Morgenthaler VenturesMorgenthaler Ventures is a premier venture-capital firm, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build valuable companies for more than 40 years. Morgenthaler has invested in approximately 300 companies in the information technology, health IT, and life science sectors. Representative past and present portfolio companies in the IT space include: Practice Fusion, Evernote, Siri, Lending Club, Pageonce, Socrata, Nominum, Jaspersoft, MuleSoft, Peregrine Semiconductor, Cortina, NexTag (now Wize Commerce), Nuance Communications, Apple and NEXTEL. To see the firm's entire portfolio go to www . morgenthaler. com / ventures. The firm's IT Team is focused on early-stage consumer software and services, as well as, enterprise software investments. It is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA.

SOURCE Doximity

CONTACT: Taylor Carroll, +1-415-735-4104, tcarroll@doximity.com; or Ching Wu, +1-650-388-7620, ching@morgenthaler.com

Web Site: http://www.morgenthaler.com/ventures