Advancements in women’s healthcare have long lagged behind, despite decades of advocacy and calls for systemic change. One area that desperately needs innovation is obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) care. According to the National Library of Medicine, over 82% of women rely on an OB-GYN throughout their entire pregnancy, yet as of 2018, 26% of women reported never visiting a gynecologist. The dissatisfaction stems from issues like mistrust, harassment, lack of respect, and inconvenient operational hours.
Tara Raffi, frustrated by her own negative experiences with traditional gynecological care, decided to take matters into her own hands. She co-founded Almond, the first full-service, tech-enabled OB-GYN in the U.S., offering women a membership community that prioritizes their schedules and needs. In 2022, fresh out of Y Combinator, Almond secured $7 million in seed funding from investors like True Ventures and Offline Ventures.
"We’re facing a women’s health crisis in this country," Raffi emphasised in a recent interview.
"The OB-GYN sector, which serves 110 million women annually, is the second-largest specialty in healthcare. Yet, we have the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries and a 75% dissatisfaction rate with OB-GYN care. There were no companies offering modern, tech-enabled OB-GYN services—until now."
Raffi's journey began in the healthcare consulting department at McKinsey & Company, where she quickly realized the need for a better patient experience within the broken system. After leaving corporate America, she teamed up with her high school friend Carly Allen. Together, they envisioned a membership-based model that would disrupt traditional healthcare by offering personalized, high-quality OB-GYN care.
The founders identified key gaps in the market, such as patient dissatisfaction and challenges faced by care providers in dealing with insurance companies. They found that most providers struggled with insurance reimbursements that didn’t cover rising costs, hindering their ability to offer quality care.
"We’re in a unique moment where healthcare models are emerging from the frustration of patients who no longer want to hear, 'That’s normal. Just deal with it,'" Raffi noted. "In response to patient demand, we’re launching a deep-dive program for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and we plan to expand into other chronic issues like menopause and fertility."
Almond’s model offers members comprehensive care, 24/7 access to practitioners via text, and personalized treatment plans. Services include birth control, period management, and perimenopause treatments. While currently available in California, Raffi and her team are exploring national expansion.
Reflecting on her career shift, Raffi shared these key lessons:
1. Stay curious: If an idea sparks your interest, dive deep into research and understand the context.
2. Clarify your vision: Use journaling and meditation to narrow down your goals.
3. Enjoy the journey: When you’re smiling and motivated, you know you’re on the right path.
"I’ve learned to lean into my strengths," Raffi concluded. "Succeeding as a CEO in the early stages requires authenticity and a deep commitment to your mission. Trusting yourself in this vulnerable way is essential—there’s no other way to do it."
Note: Originally published by Dr. Cheryl Robinson https://www.forbes.com/
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