Academic

MAHE signs MoU with SKAN and Happiest Health for academics, research and consultancy

SKAN Research Trust (SKAN), promoted by Indian entrepreneur Ashok Soota, announced that Happiest Health and SKAN have signed an MoU with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for academics, research and consultancy. The projects for joint collaborative research will include microbiome studies, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics. MAHE will use its vast experience to provide consultancy to facilitate the setting up of various healthcare practices for Happiest Health. Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Managing Trustee of SKAN, said, "We are delighted that Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has agreed to sign an agreement covering R&D and academic collaboration with SKAN and also an agreement to provide consultancy to Happiest Health, for various healthcare practices. MAHE is a powerhouse with vast years of experience in academics, research, and multiple healthcare practices. We look forward to advancing the frontiers of science through collaborative research with them." Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, added, "This partnership aligns with our vision of fostering innovation and cutting-edge research. At MAHE, we have always emphasized the importance of advancing healthcare through rigorous academic inquiry and pioneering research. With our strong foundation in research, particularly in areas like molecular biology, biotechnology, and clinical research, we are excited to collaborate with SKAN and Happiest Health. This partnership not only enhances our capabilities but also allows us to contribute significantly to impactful research in emerging fields like microbiome studies and stem cell therapies, areas where MAHE has been actively involved. We look forward to leveraging our strengths to drive innovations that will transform healthcare practices." Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, stated, "This MoU marks a significant step in our journey of collaborative research and academic excellence. MAHE has a rich history of academic rigor and innovation, and we are proud of our strong research culture, which has produced significant contributions to healthcare and science. Our expertise in microbiome studies, combined with our interdisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art facilities, position us well to partner with SKAN and Happiest Health in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. We are confident that this collaboration will lead to meaningful advancements, not only in healthcare but also in the way research is conducted, ultimately benefiting society at large." Dr. Yogesh Shouche, Director, SKAN, said, "We will quickly begin dialogue with MAHE to define specific research projects. SKAN would like to expand its expertise in gut microbiome to cover other human microbiome components."

MediPortal launches an AI-powered platform for Australian medical practices

MediPortal PTY LTD. (MediPortal) has launched an AI-powered practice intelligence platform for Australian medical practices, aiming to enhance efficiency and patient care. Developed as the brainchild of a practising general practitioner, this innovative software integrates with Best Practice Software, extending its capabilities across Australia and New Zealand. The unified system from MediPortal optimises practice management by automating tasks, reducing errors, and offering intelligent suggestions. Its features include medical billing, an AI-powered care plan generator, and speech-to-text AI medical scribing. This allows healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care while providing strategic data insights for practice owners. MediPortal's new age patient-centric, practice intelligence solution eliminates the need for multiple software integrations. The built-in AI tools reduce workload, increase patient interaction, and enhance patient outcomes within a single platform. The platform is HIPAA-compliant, with all data encrypted and stored in Australia, ensuring high standards of data protection. Through leading-edge technology, localised support, and the responsible use of AI in practice management, MediPortal is committed to advancing patient care and positions itself as a leader in AI-powered healthcare solutions in Australia.

CharmHealth Internship Program Trains Future Healthtech Leaders

CharmHealth, a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions, has launched its first internship program to train the healthtech leaders of tomorrow. The paid program provides attendees with valuable practical experience and exposure to different aspects of the healthcare journey. Undergraduate and graduate students from NYU, Georgia Tech, University of Colorado Boulder, Ohlone College, and more are part of the initial cohort. CharmHealth’s internship program debuted in a year when the total number of internships available to college students dropped by 7%, while the number of applications for each open position increased by more than 75%. By launching the program this year, CharmHealth seized an opportunity to welcome new perspectives into the healthtech landscape, as students who may not have considered the industry previously can now recognize the incredible innovation taking place and how their skills could contribute to advancing care. As part of the program, interns are mentored by CharmHealth leaders so that they may build a fresh understanding of the unique issues healthcare providers, practices, vendors and patients face as well as the role innovation plays in overcoming these challenges. CharmHealth partnered with the Joy Thomas Foundation and Growth Sector to get the program off the ground. The Joy Thomas Foundation was created in 2020 to honor the life and legacy of Joy Thomas, an Indian American STEM genius. As a world-renowned researcher at Stanford University, IBM, and across multiple Silicon Valley tech startups as a founder and entrepreneur, Joy made seminal contributions in the field of information theory, data analytics, and large-scale data mining. As part of JTF’s College STEM Program, CharmHealth connects with socially and economically disadvantaged, first-generation students at specific educational institutions. Together with educational partners and industry leaders like NASA, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Lawrence Livermore National Lab, and others, Growth Sector makes success in STEM accessible for all. Its model centers around community colleges and creating pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn the degrees required to be competitive in STEM fields. “The Joy Thomas Foundation is dedicated to uplifting underserved students and their families through impactful STEM careers. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we partner with Growth Sector to assist community college students, a population often overlooked, with crucial STEM learning opportunities like paid bridge programs and internships,” said Shyam Pillalamarri, CEO of the Joy Thomas Foundation. “JTF is pleased to include CharmHealth in our network as we reach into the community college system and expand our internship and mentorship opportunities for local students.” CharmHealth’s internship program is another example of the company’s commitment to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. The company also holds an annual Innovation Challenge, through which it provides a platform for innovators, entrepreneurs, students, nonprofits and philanthropists to share groundbreaking ideas with the investors, incubators and partners who can bring them to market and effectively advance care. The company will be selecting this year’s winners on Aug. 24 at a special event in Washington, D.C. “Through our internship program, we identify, mentor and help train the next generation of healthcare innovators, offering opportunities at a time when the broader tech industry is contracting,” said Pramila Srinivasan, Ph.D., CEO of CharmHealth. “Working with the Joy Thomas Foundation and Growth Sector, we can also provide fulfilling experiences to deserving STEM students who may not otherwise have access or connections to secure paid internships.”

Kansas City University announces plans for anesthesiologist assistant program

Kansas City University (KCU), the leading provider of physicians for the state of Missouri, has announced plans to further expand its offerings by developing an anesthesiologist assistant program based at its Joplin, Missouri, campus. Designed to address the anesthesiology provider shortage, the new program will offer a Master of Health Science in Anesthesiology beginning in January 2026. Anesthesiologist assistants work collaboratively with physician anesthesiologists to provide patient care in a myriad of clinical care settings. The profession has emerged over the past few decades as a vital component of the anesthesiology care team. This innovative 27-month program of study is a joint collaboration with Freeman Health System serving as a clinical partner with opportunities to engage Mercy Hospital – Joplin and hospitals in Kansas City as well. The in-depth curriculum will cover anesthesia principles, pharmacology, patient assessment and advanced anesthesia practice techniques as well as hands-on clinical experiences working alongside accomplished anesthesiologists in diverse clinical settings. Students will gain a thorough understanding of both the science and art of anesthesia that will prepare them for the certification examination offered by the National Commission for the Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to pursue careers in various clinical settings including hospitals, surgical centers and pain management clinics. The demand for skilled anesthesiologist assistants continues to grow offering promising career prospects for program graduates. "Our new anesthesiologist assistant program further advances KCU's mission of improving the well-being of the communities we serve and expands the offerings at our Joplin campus which currently includes a College of Osteopathic Medicine, a College of Dental Medicine and our new Center for Population Health and Equity," said Edward O'Connor, PhD, provost and executive vice president for academic, research and student affairs. "Our track record, combined with significant population health data and strong support from our Joplin community gives us the confidence to move forward with this new program." In 2017, KCU established an additional medical school campus in Joplin to address the health needs of this rural area. Additionally, KCU's College of Dental Medicine opened in 2023 on the Joplin Campus and recently welcomed its second class of dental students.

ISM Expands Supply Chain Education and Certification Programs to Mexico and Latin America

To support the growing needs of the global supply chain management community, Institute for Supply Management (ISM) will expand its offerings in Mexico and Latin America as of September 2024. This will include providing supply chain skill-building courses, ISM certification preparation programs, and executive-level events. This ISM presence in Mexico and other Latin American cities will be in English and Spanish and builds upon its existing distribution and community in the area. This movement signals the importance of supply chains in the region and further recognizes the global footprint of ISM's gold standard certification, CPSM. The programs in Mexico will be deployed in partnership with Supplynity, an organization that spearheads a CPO LATAM Conference and brings together its executive procurement community in the region. "The Mexico and Latin American markets are critical for supply chains and are a growing region for supply chain expertise," said ISM Chief Executive Officer Tom Derry. "This offering is a natural evolution for ISM and addresses a regional need we can support with this collaboration." Skill-building courses will begin in September 2024 on topics like negotiation and financial analysis, among others. Certification-oriented courses will begin live in Mexico City as of January 2025. Notably, an exclusive executive conference will occur in Mexico City in November 2024. "We are very excited to have a partnership with ISM, which is the most relevant organization related to procurement," said Gabriel Rosales, Founder of Supplynity. "This will better serve our objectives to share procurement best practices, as well as training and related certification courses with buyers in Latin America." As a global association looking to make local and regional impact, leveraging a partner such as Supplynity will enable ISM to further its mission of advancing the supply chain management profession in a significant area. Further collaboration development and details will be shared and available in August.

BioInnovation Institute enters into a collaboration with MIT and UNC to support new Bio Studio project

BioInnovation Institute (BII), an international non-profit foundation, incubating and accelerating world-class life science research, announces it has entered into a collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) to support a research project through its company creation program, Bio Studio. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, BII will contribute to the funding of the Project by means of a grant with a total annual market value of up to DKK 7,860,000, for a project period of up to three years. Alongside the grant, BII will support the project with business development expertise, intellectual property support, access to investor network, and both wet lab and office infrastructure. The Bio Studio project, named Pivot, will focus on how mucus can combat antibiotic resistance. The project aims to leverage the mucus barrier, an essential component of the innate immune system, to address the unmet medical needs of chronic lung diseases. The project will be led by Principal Investigators, Professor Katharina Ribbeck and Associate Professor Matthew Wolfgang. Katharina Ribbeck, Professor of Biological engineering at MIT, leads The Ribbeck Lab which has become a world-leader in elucidating the role of mucus and the basic mechanisms of the mucus barrier. Matthew Wolfgang, Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Marsico Lung Institute at UNC, leads the team at The Wolfgang Lab and focuses on the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory infection in muco-obstructive airway diseases. Trine Bartholdy, Chief Innovation Officer at BioInnovation Institute said: "We are excited to enter into a collaboration with world-leading research institutes, MIT and UNC. The Pivot project is a fantastic addition to our Bio Studio portfolio as antibiotic resistance remains a key concern for society. The combination of expertise from both Prof. Ribbeck and Associate Prof. Wolfgang is a truly unique asset for this project and we look forward to supporting the team in developing innovative solutions to address antibiotic resistance." Professor Katharina Ribbeck, Principal Investigator at Massachusetts Institute of Technology added: "The critical role of the mucus barrier has been overshadowed by the historical emphasis on antibiotics. However, with antibiotic resistance presenting a growing global threat, leveraging the power of this natural defense system offers a new frontier in therapeutic development. By harnessing the potential of the mucus barrier, a cornerstone of our innate immune system, we can achieve significant benefits for patients and society as a whole. BII's Bio Studio program provides the perfect platform to explore the commercial potential of this innovative science and pave the way for company creation." Professor Matthew Wolfgang, Principal Investigator at University of North Carolina said: "As the prevalence of lung disease and chronic lung infection continue to increase world-wide, there is a dire need for new more effective therapies to treat these highly recalcitrant infections. I am thrilled to be part of this innovative team and look forward to advancing Pivot to the next level with the support of the Bio Studio program."

Heartland Dental and Concorde Career Colleges Form Innovative Partnership for Co-Branded Campus Development

Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., and Heartland Dental announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to develop a co-branded campus for dental hygiene and dental assistant programs. Heartland Dental is one of the largest dental support organizations in the nation, with more than 23,000 employees at more than 1,750 supported dental offices. The partnership is designed to help address Heartland Dental-supported practices' significant demand for dental hygienists and dental assistants in specific markets. The first campus, scheduled to open in fall 2025 in Fort Myers, Fla., will train up to 120 dental hygienists and 72 dental assistants annually using Concorde's curriculum, instructors and student support services. Heartland Dental is funding the total cost of the construction, including durable equipment and initial supplies. The company will also provide scholarships to students. "In all my years in the dental field and at Heartland Dental, our investment in education and commitment to making opportunities available for individuals to grow their skills has been at the heart of who we are. Our partnership with Concorde has supported this commitment and our culture of education for many years. We know there is a strong need in the communities we serve for dental care, and the opportunity to establish a co-branded campus with Concorde to help meet this need with skilled dental hygienists and dental assistants is remarkable. We knew Concorde was the right partner for this venture given their deep expertise and strong curriculum in these areas," shared Pat Bauer, Heartland Dental President and CEO. "This groundbreaking partnership builds upon the alliance of two organizations that are committed to increasing access to dental services across the United States," said Kevin Prehn, President of Concorde Career Colleges. "Through our existing partnership with Heartland, we have seen how they are invested in their employees and are continually innovating to ensure the success of their supported practices. And, as one of the leading educators of dental hygienists and dental assistants in the nation, Concorde is uniquely positioned to help meet workforce needs in Heartland-supported practices while creating pathways to employment for our graduates." Nationwide, employment of dental hygienists and dental assistants is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. In states where Concorde has multiple campuses, the demand is significantly higher. In Florida, dental hygienists and dental assistants have a 15.8% and 15.7% projected job growth, respectively, between 2023 and 2031. Concorde currently has more than 1,900 students in its dental hygiene and dental assisting programs, which are offered at 14 and 16 of Concorde's 17 campus locations, respectively. The institution's dental hygiene curriculum blends online and on-ground coursework with in-person lab instruction and clinical experience to prepare students to enter the dental industry in as few as 17 months.3 The institution's dental assistant diploma curriculum combines foundational concepts of dental care and front office operations with an externship to prepare students for the profession in as few as eight months.

NBCRNA Introduces Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) has announced the launch of its Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program as the new approach for continued certification of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAS). It features a pioneering longitudinal assessment component—an evaluation modality that measures and solidifies core nurse anesthesia knowledge utilizing adult learning principles. As the only nursing organization to implement this advanced methodology, NBCRNA is setting a new benchmark in continued certification and reinforcing its commitment to CRNA excellence and lifelong learning. Developed in ongoing collaboration with CRNAs, including a one-year research study, the MAC Program meets the evolving needs of nurse anesthetists. MAC features a streamlined four-year timeline with three key components: MAC Check, MAC Ed, and MAC Dev. The longitudinal assessment component, known as MAC Check, tracks CRNAs' progress and performance over an extended period, helping them stay up to date with anesthesia trends and best practices. MAC Ed facilitates continuing education through courses and workshops with prior approval from an accredited organization, and MAC Dev supports professional growth with activities designed to refine skills and experiences. Longitudinal assessment (MAC Check) is at the heart of the MAC program. It is a transformative approach that redefines how CRNAs demonstrate and enhance their expertise. This state-of-the-art modality provides immediate feedback, identifies areas for improvement, and presents diverse learning topics through quarterly questions. Based on sound psychometric principles and scientific rigor, longitudinal assessment supports CRNAs in lifelong learning and continuous improvement for safe, quality patient care. "NBCRNA is dedicated to meeting the progressive needs of CRNAs, as well as promoting their lifelong learning and maintaining their history of provider excellence in nurse anesthesia," said John C. Preston, DNSc, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, FNAP, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer of NBCRNA. "With the introduction of longitudinal assessment and the new MAC Program, NBCRNA continues to remain contemporary while leading the way in advanced practice nursing certification." The value of continued certification is underscored by recent patient survey findings. In 2023, NBCRNA conducted a survey revealing that 85% of patients consider it very important for CRNAs to complete continued certification components that include knowledge assessment. Furthermore, 91% of patients greatly trust CRNAs in their role as educators and members of the healthcare team. After learning more about NBCRNA certification, 98% of patients valued the continued certification requirements for CRNAs, highlighting the critical role that ongoing education plays in maintaining patient trust and safety.

Rasmussen University Partners with Aspire Health Group to Support Employee Education

Rasmussen University is pleased to announce a new corporate alliance with Aspire Health Group, a leading long-term healthcare provider in Florida. The alliance is designed to help Aspire Health Group's employees further their education at a more affordable cost—all while they continue working as well as help meet the nursing shortage in Florida's long-term care facilities. The relationship includes a tuition grant for qualified Aspire Health Group employees on Rasmussen's programs such as Practical Nursing (LPN), Professional Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additionally, the grant can be applied to various other programs both on campus or online across eight areas of study for those looking to advance their education in other fields. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Aspire Health Group, one of the fastest-growing long-term healthcare groups in Florida, to help meet the increasing demand to care for the state's aging population," said Paula Singer, president and chief academic officer at Rasmussen University. "This alliance comes at a pivotal time as we work to address the need to fill more LPN and RN positions in Florida's long-term healthcare facilities. We are proud to support Aspire Health Group in developing their talent from within, offering their more than 6,000 employees career advancement opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful impact in their communities." Addressing Current and Future Demands in Long-Term Care The demand for long-term care across the nation is rapidly increasing due to the aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over the age of 65, accounting for approximately 21% of the population. In Florida, persons aged 65 and older already make up about 20 percent of the state's population, according to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. By 2030, the age 85+ population is projected to more than triple. This demographic shift is expected to significantly increase the demand for long-term care services, placing facilities like those operated by Aspire Health Group on the front lines of addressing this growing need. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) reports that nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country will need to fill hundreds of thousands of positions in the coming years to meet this demand. This includes a substantial number of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), who play a crucial role in delivering quality care to residents. "Collaborations like the one we have with Rasmussen University are crucial for our mission to provide high-quality care across our Florida communities," said Nathan Freund, chief executive officer of Aspire Health Group. "We are committed to upskilling our employee base and ensuring they have the best opportunities to grow their careers. This alliance allows our staff to gain the education they need to meet the demands of our growing population and continue delivering exceptional care to our residents."

Papaya Global Launches Innovative Payroll and Payments Academy to Educate and Expand the Worldwide Payroll Community

Papaya Global, the workforce payments fintech,announced the launch of Papaya Global Academy, an industry-first video series comprised of more than 85 lessons designed to invite people and organizations to be more strategic about payroll. The free, ungated curriculum provides an accessible way for payments and payroll professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, while driving greater value for their companies. Global workforce payroll and payments are a must for organizations seeking to push the local boundaries and scale their activity worldwide. With the industry constantly evolving, as policies are frequently updated, Papaya Global Academy's 21 courses, encompassing 85 expert-led lessons, cover essential topics and best practices, including: The CFO's guide to negotiation: Featuring Harvard professor Eugene B. Kogan, this course provides insight into the elements and best practices around negotiations to achieve better outcomes for the parties involved. How to avoid employee misclassification: A course with Lev Rich, Director of Legal Affairs at Papaya Global, explains the different types of workers and the financial and legal risks of misclassification. How AI can drive payroll and payments: This course with Amit Levy, Senior Vice President of Product at Papaya Global, explores how AI can make the payroll and payments process easier, and the parts of the process where AI may be less beneficial. Will payroll be obsolete by 2030?: In this course, Papaya Global CEO Eynat Guez presents the vision for how technology will transform payroll and open doors for strategic decision-making. "With the launch of Papaya Global Academy, we want to create a stronger payroll ecosystem - looking beyond our own business to build a community of managers and in turn empower organizations to be more strategic," said Eynat Guez, Co-Founder and CEO of Papaya Global. "As the workforce becomes increasingly global, payroll has become even more complex. There is a clear need for paving a new process, which this curriculum offers in both scale and depth." Each course within the Papaya Academy is structured to deliver practical, real-world advice, ensuring that learners gain actionable insights applicable to diverse organizational settings. The curriculum's flexibility enables professionals at various stages of their careers to customize their learning journey according to their specific interests and professional development goals. "Being leaders of our industry comes with a responsibility to both educate and innovate," said Zvika Liblich, Chief Strategy Officer of Papaya Global. "Papaya Global's investment in the creation of this Academy reflects our deep commitment to supporting payroll professionals worldwide." Papaya's AI-powered payroll validation engine enables the management of all types of employees, pays them in local currencies in any location, and integrates with existing payroll systems. With Papaya's end-to-end solution, global organizations can scale their workforce, while being protected by its full compliance and liability.