Unified Health Aid Podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.uhaid.org

What is Prompt Engineering?* Crafting effective prompts to guide Large Language Models (LLMs) toward accurate, useful outputs.* It's iterative: experimenting, evaluating, and refining prompts is crucial.Key Elements of Effective Prompt Engineering1. LLM Output ConfigurationConfigure the model settings effectively:* Output Length: More tokens = higher cost and latency.* Temperature: Controls randomness.* Lower temperatures (0.0 - 0.3) → More deterministic and focused results.* Higher temperatures (>0.7) → More creative and varied outputs.* Top-K: Limits sampling to the K highest-probability tokens.* Top-P (nucleus sampling): Samples from top tokens until cumulative probability P is reached.Recommended default configurations:* Balanced results: Temperature 0.2, top-P 0.95, top-K 30.* More creative: Temperature 0.9, top-P 0.99, top-K 40.* Deterministic results: Temperature 0.0 (useful for math problems).2. Prompting TechniquesZero-shot Prompting* Provide simple instructions without examples.* Good for straightforward tasks.One-shot & Few-shot Prompting* Include one or more examples within the prompt.* Enhances accuracy and consistency, particularly useful for complex or structured tasks.System, Contextual, and Role Prompting* System prompting: Defines the overall task context and constraints (e.g., format outputs as JSON).* Contextual prompting: Offers additional context for precise results.* Role prompting: Assigns the model a persona or role (teacher, comedian, travel guide, etc.), shaping its tone and content.Step-back Prompting* Start broadly, then narrow down specifics to enhance contextual accuracy.* Helps models reason effectively.Chain of Thought (CoT) Prompting* Encourages LLMs to explain reasoning steps explicitly (e.g., math problems).* Significantly improves accuracy and interpretability.Self-consistency* Run the same prompt multiple times at higher temperatures, then choose the most common response.* Good for reasoning and classification tasks.Tree of Thoughts (ToT)* Extends CoT by simultaneously exploring multiple reasoning paths.* Effective for complex tasks needing deep exploration.ReAct (Reason & Act)* Combines reasoning with external tool usage (like search engines) for better problem-solving.* Useful for factual queries requiring external validation or data.3. Automatic Prompt Engineering* Automating prompt creation by prompting an LLM to generate multiple potential prompts.* Evaluate and select the best-performing prompt using metrics like BLEU or ROUGE scores.4. Code Prompting Techniques* LLMs can write, explain, translate, debug, and review code.* Clearly instruct models on desired programming languages and outcomes.* Test and verify the generated code for correctness.5. Multimodal Prompting* Involves using multiple formats (text, images, audio) in prompts.* Enhances clarity and context (dependent on model capabilities).Best Practices for Prompt EngineeringGeneral Tips* Provide clear, concise instructions.* Include relevant examples: One-shot or few-shot examples dramatically improve performance.* Design simple prompts: Avoid overly complex language or irrelevant information.* Be specific about outputs: Clearly state expected results (structure, format, content).* Favor positive instructions over negative constraints.Controlling Output* Explicitly instruct output length or style when necessary (e.g., "Explain quantum physics in a tweet-length message").Variables in Prompts* Use dynamic variables to easily adapt prompts (e.g., {city} → "Amsterdam").Input and Output Formats* JSON is recommended for structured outputs to minimize hallucinations and increase reliability.* JSON Schemas can help structure inputs, defining clear expectations for LLMs.Iterative Development* Continuously test, refine, and document prompts.* Record prompt versions, configurations, model outputs, and feedback for reference and improvement.Chain of Thought Specific Tips* Always put the reasoning steps before the final answer.* Set temperature to 0 for reasoning-based tasks to ensure deterministic responses.Prompt DocumentationUse this structured format to document prompt attempts for easy management and future reference:FieldDetails to includeNamePrompt name/versionGoalSingle-sentence description of the prompt’s purposeModelModel name/versionTemperatureValue (0.0 - 1.0)Token LimitNumeric limitTop-KNumeric settingTop-PNumeric settingPromptFull text of the promptOutputGenerated output(s) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.uhaid.org

CooperSurgical: A Timeline of Events1958: Parker Montgomery founds Cooper Laboratories in California, marking the early roots of what will eventually become CooperSurgical. Over the following decades, Montgomery pursues aggressive acquisitions to build a healthcare conglomerate.Early 1980s: Cooper Laboratories becomes overextended financially due to rapid expansion.Late 1980s: Parker Montgomery is ousted from Cooper Laboratories following divestitures.1990: CooperSurgical is officially formed as a distinct business unit of The Cooper Companies. CooperSurgical acquires Frigitronics, a Connecticut-based maker of cryosurgery devices for gynaecology, providing immediate entry into the women's healthcare market.1991: Thomas Bender joins The Cooper Companies as chief operating officer and begins a turnaround strategy, focusing the company on medical devices. CooperSurgical purchases Euro-Med, a direct-mail order business supplying gynaecology instruments to physicians, expanding its reach and product offering.1992: CooperSurgical introduces its own line of electrosurgical instruments and disposable loops for LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure), enabling in-office diagnosis and treatment of precancerous cervical lesions.1994: Thomas Bender becomes CEO of The Cooper Companies, continuing the focus on core medical device businesses, including CooperSurgical.1996: CooperSurgical acquires Unimar, Inc., a company with disposable gynaecologic diagnostic products, broadening its range of essential everyday tools for OB/GYN practices.1997: CooperSurgical acquires Marlow Surgical Technologies, gaining exclusive US distribution of an embryo transfer catheter, the Wallace®, marking its entry into the fertility field.1998: CooperSurgical introduces Cerveillance, a digital imaging system for gynaecologists to document and track cervical examinations.1999: CooperSurgical purchases the women's healthcare assets of BEI Medical Systems, Inc., including technologies for endometrial ablation and operative hysteroscopy, expanding its therapeutic offerings for uterine health.2004: CooperSurgical acquires Milex Products, Inc., a manufacturer of disposable and consumable OB/GYN products like pessaries and diaphragms, significantly expanding its consumables portfolio and expecting to surpass $100 million in revenue.November 2005: CooperSurgical acquires Inlet Medical, Inc., specialising in laparoscopic surgery devices, including trocar closure systems and kits for pelvic floor disorders.November 2005: CooperSurgical also acquires NeoSurg Technologies, Inc., which developed a patented reusable/disposable trocar system for laparoscopic access.2006: CooperSurgical acquires Lone Star Medical Products, Inc., known for its Lone Star® retractor system used in various surgical procedures, including OB/GYN.2010: CooperSurgical acquires Summit Doppler Systems, a company that made fetal Doppler monitors and vascular Doppler systems, entering the prenatal care diagnostics market.2012: The Cooper Companies completes the acquisition of Origio A/S, a leading global IVF medical device and media company based in Denmark, marking CooperSurgical's significant entry into the fertility market with a comprehensive range of IVF consumables.August 2015: CooperSurgical acquires Reprogenetics, the largest laboratory specialising in preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) and diagnosis (PGD) for IVF, positioning itself at the forefront of fertility genomics.December 2015: CooperSurgical acquires Research Instruments Ltd. (RI), a UK-based manufacturer of advanced IVF equipment, including micromanipulation devices and the RI Witness electronic witnessing system. The deal closes in early 2016.April 2016: CooperSurgical acquires the assets of Recombine, Inc., a genetics company providing expanded carrier screening for prospective parents, further strengthening its genomic offerings.May 2016: CooperSurgical acquires K-Systems (Kivex Biotec), a Danish company that pioneered IVF equipment such as bench-top incubators and laminar flow workstations, enabling CooperSurgical to outfit entire IVF laboratories.Late 2016: CooperSurgical acquires the Wallace® line of IVF catheters and needles from Smiths Medical, bringing the well-regarded embryo transfer products back under its umbrella. The purchase is announced in November 2016.2017: CooperSurgical acquires ParaGard®, the copper intrauterine contraceptive, from Teva Pharmaceutical for $1.1 billion, significantly expanding its contraception portfolio.April 2018: CooperSurgical acquires The LifeGlobal Group, another major provider of IVF culture media and lab supplies, further expanding its offerings for embryology laboratories.May 2018: Albert G. White III becomes CEO of The Cooper Companies.2019: CooperSurgical acquires AEGEA Medical, adding the Mara® water vapor ablation system for heavy menstrual bleeding to its gynaecological therapeutic options.July 2020: Holly Sheffield is appointed President of CooperSurgical.Early 2021: CooperSurgical acquires Safe Obstetric Systems, a UK-based firm known for the Fetal Pillow® device used to ease difficult deliveries during C-sections.2021: CooperSurgical launches ParaGard with a new single-handed inserter, simplifying the placement process for clinicians.Early 2021: CooperSurgical acquires Embryo Options®, a digital platform for cryogenic storage billing and consent in fertility clinics.2021: CooperSurgical acquires Generate Life Sciences, expanding its offerings in fertility and genetic services, including cord blood banking and donor egg services.2022: CooperSurgical acquires products from Cook Medical’s Reproductive Health business, including the Bakri® Postpartum Balloon for managing postpartum haemorrhage and cervical cerclage devices.2022: CooperSurgical introduces an improved IUD removal hook designed to snare hard-to-grasp fragments, addressing a clinician need.Mid-2020s (Ongoing): CooperSurgical continues to focus on innovation, integration of digital health solutions, global expansion, and leveraging advanced technologies like genomics and artificial intelligence to further improve women's health and fertility outcomes. The company emphasises supporting women throughout their life cycle and accelerating what's possible in healthcare delivery. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.uhaid.org

MVHealth: Timeline of Main Events2014* Company Formation in the UK: MVHealth is established in the United Kingdom.* Crescendo Prototype: Development of the initial prototype for the Crescendo device.2015* End-to-End R&D Centre Setup in UK: MVHealth establishes its own research and development facility in the UK.* Tenuto Prototype: Development of the initial prototype for the Tenuto device.* Seed Funding Round: MVHealth raises $1.3m with a pre-money valuation (PMV) of $4.9m.2016* Crescendo Launch: The Crescendo device is officially launched.* Seed Funding Round: MVHealth raises an additional $718k with a PMV of $6.6m.2017* Apple iOS App Launch: MVHealth releases its companion application for Apple devices.* Google Android App Launch: The Android version of the MVHealth application is launched.* Poco Prototype: Development begins for the Poco device.* Remote Prototype: Initial development of a remote control device (likely for their products).* TC Disrupt, Pioneers: MVHealth participates in the TechCrunch Disrupt event.* Hardware Club: MVHealth joins the Hardware Club, an exclusive community for hardware startups.* Awards: MVHealth receives Red Dot Design and Virgin Voom Export awards, and is recognized as a Top 100 Startup.2018* Poco Launch: The Poco device is officially released.* Remote Launch: The remote control device is launched.* Fully-Owned Subsidiary in US: MVHealth establishes a subsidiary in the United States.* Angels Funding Round: MVHealth secures $1.5m in funding with a PMV of $14.1m.* FDA Class II Device Registration: MVHealth achieves FDA Class II medical device registration.* Launched D2C Site: MVHealth begins selling directly to consumers through their own website.* London Mayor's Programme: MVHealth participates in a program supported by the Mayor of London.* Crescendo GPPPD & Tenuto ED Studies Published: Clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Crescendo for Genito-Pelvic Pain Disorders (GPPPD) and Tenuto for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) are published.* Awards: MVHealth receives Management Today, The Drum, Creative Tech, and Clio awards.2019* Tenuto 2 & Crescendo 2 Prototypes: Development of the next generation devices, Tenuto 2 and Crescendo 2, begins.* Angels Funding Round: MVHealth raises a further $2m with a PMV of $18.9m.* Whitelisted by Meta, Google, Microsoft: MVHealth achieves whitelisting status with major technology platforms.* Upgraded to Sustainable Packaging: The company transitions to more environmentally friendly packaging.* Developed Back Pain Belt for PainCareLabs & Compact Massager for Large Corporate: MVHealth leverages its technology to create products for other companies, including a back pain belt using their malleable technology for Pain Care Labs and a compact massager for an unnamed large corporate.* Awards: MVHealth is recognized by Design Week (beating Apple), Veuve Clicquot, and IF Design Awards.2020* Tenuto 2 & Crescendo 2 Launch: The Tenuto 2 and Crescendo 2 devices are officially released.* 1M+ App Downloads: The MVHealth companion application reaches over one million downloads.* Awards: MVHealth receives Virgin Startups, Euro Product Design, LUXLife, Disruption50, Great British Entrepreneur, Welp, and The Escape100 awards.2021* Tenuto Mini, Legato, Molto Launch: MVHealth significantly expands its product line with the launch of Tenuto Mini, Legato, and Molto devices.* Series A Funding Round: MVHealth secures $9.6m in Series A funding with a PMV of $36m.* Awards: MVHealth is recognized as a Top 10 Deeptech company and a Top Product Design Company in the UK.2022* FSA/HSA Eligible: MVHealth devices become eligible for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) spending.* Crescendo FSAD Study Published: A clinical study demonstrating the effectiveness of Crescendo for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) is published.* Endorsed by Mayo Clinic: MVHealth receives an endorsement from the Mayo Clinic.* Member of CHPA & Advamed: MVHealth becomes a member of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and AdvaMed (Advanced Medical Technology Association).* Awards: MVHealth receives Dezeen, UX Design, World Future, Muse Design, and Good Design awards.2023* Firmo & Sotto Prototypes: Development begins for the Firmo and Sotto devices, targeting menopause symptoms and period pain/mastitis respectively.* Legato FSAD and Tenuto Mini ED Studies Published: Clinical studies are published supporting the use of Legato for FSAD and Tenuto Mini for ED.* Awards: MVHealth receives Bold IV, Impact Fifty, Titan, London Design, and DNA Paris Design awards.2024 (Upcoming)* Further development and potential launch of Firmo and Sotto devices.* Continued focus on research, development, and market expansion.* Pursuing full CMS reimbursement.Ongoing Throughout the Decade:* Research, Development & Manufacturing: Continuous efforts in new product development and updates to existing products.* Regulatory & Compliance Approval: Obtaining necessary approvals such as FDA and CE for their devices.* Clinical Trials & Paper Publications: Conducting clinical studies and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.* Key Opinion Leader Onboarding & Endorsement: Building relationships with and securing endorsements from leading clinicians.* User Feedback & Efficacy Establishment: Gathering user feedback and establishing the efficacy of their devices.* Brand Awareness & Market Presence: Increasing brand recognition and expanding their presence in the market through direct sales, clinics, and hospitals.* IP Portfolio Development: Continuously expanding their patent and trademark portfolio.* Brand Credibility Building: Establishing trust through high efficacy, KOL endorsements, and user satisfaction.* Large-scale Nationwide Marketing & Trade Exhibitions: Engaging in significant marketing efforts and participating in industry events.* Reimbursement Efforts: Actively working towards securing reimbursement for their devices.* Building Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with large corporates and healthcare companies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.uhaid.org

Medline: Timeline of Events:1910: A.L. Mills opens Northwestern Garment Factory in Chicago, manufacturing heavy-duty aprons for stockyard butchers.1912: A.L. Mills shifts the business focus to medical workers, transforming it into Mills Hospital Supply and producing nurses' uniforms and surgical gowns for local hospitals.Early Years (Post-1912): Mills Hospital Supply gains a reputation for quality and reliability within Chicago's medical community.Around 1920s-1950s: Irving Mills, A.L.'s son, joins the business at age 12, takes over at 18, and expands Mills Hospital Supply beyond uniforms to a broader range of medical supplies. He pioneers creative distribution solutions like consignment shipping to remote areas. The company expands regionally with branch offices in Houston, Norfolk, and Columbus.1961: Irving Mills sells Mills Hospital Supply to Cenco Scientific.1966: Irving Mills' sons, Jim and Jon Mills, found Medline Industries, Inc. in Evanston, Illinois, with Irving's guidance. Jim becomes CEO and Jon becomes President.1967: Medline earns approximately $1 million in revenue in its first year, primarily as a distributor.1968: Medline opens its first manufacturing facility, a textile plant in Covington, Indiana, to produce gauze, gowns, and bed linens.1972: Medline expands beyond textiles by acquiring an injection-moulding company, renamed Dynacor, to manufacture plastic medical goods. Medline goes public on the stock market.1977: The Mills family buys back all public shares, and Medline becomes a private company again.Late 1970s: Medline develops a reputation for offering quality products at lower prices, facing some scepticism about the quality of inexpensive goods.1979: Medline launches a glossy, unconventional product catalogue resembling a fashion magazine, significantly boosting textile sales.1984: Medline becomes the second-largest medical supply distributor in the US, with approximately $120 million in annual sales. The company opens a large headquarters, manufacturing plant, and distribution centre in Mundelein, Illinois.1980s: The healthcare landscape shifts with the emergence of AIDS and increased focus on infection control and waste reduction, driving demand for disposable medical products.January 1990: Medline launches a dedicated Sterile Procedure Tray (SPT) division to supply pre-packaged sterile kits.Early 1990s: Medline operates four manufacturing plants across the US and an assembly facility in Mexico, along with 14 distribution centres. The consignment shipping program evolves into a formal program called ACCESS.1993: Medline secures a five-year agreement to supply the U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals nationwide.1996: A former vice president alleges Medline violated the federal False Claims Act regarding the sourcing and quality of products supplied to the VA.1997: Medline settles the False Claims Act case for $6.4 million without admitting wrongdoing. Jim and Jon Mills hand over day-to-day leadership to their sons, Charlie Mills (CEO) and Andy Mills (President), with Jim Abrams (COO).Late 1990s: Medline becomes the largest privately held medical supply manufacturer in America. Healthcare providers face pressure to cut costs, leading Medline to focus on value-driven products and services. Medline partners with Neoforma.com, an online marketplace.1999: Medline purchases the exam glove division of Kendall Healthcare (Tyco International).Around 2000: Medline products increasingly originate from customer feedback, leading to innovations like advanced wound dressings (e.g., silver-infused bandages).2000: Medline breaks ground on a new corporate headquarters in Northfield, Illinois, and acquires additional manufacturing space in Alabama.September 11, 2001: The terrorist attacks lead to a surge in demand for personal protective equipment, with Medline's glove sales spiking.End of 2001: Medline's annual sales reach $1.2 billion. The company secures a major contract to supply Ascension Health.2007: Medline acquires the CURAD® first-aid brand, entering the retail market and selling to drugstores and supermarkets.2009: Medline launches the Pink Glove Dance campaign for breast cancer awareness, which goes viral.2011: Medline introduces the BioMask, the first FDA-cleared antiviral face mask in the U.S., under the Curad brand. Medline formally establishes Medline Europe, headquartered in the Netherlands.2010s: Medline accelerates its international expansion, establishing operations in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.By 2014: Medline has a major European distribution hub in Kleve, Germany, which begins a significant expansion.2018: Medline acquires Asid Bonz, a German medical supply firm. Medline launches a $1.5 billion Healthcare Resilience Initiative to strengthen its supply chain.2020: Medline reports over $17 billion in annual revenue and is the largest private medical supply firm in the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic puts unprecedented strain on global supply chains, including Medline's, despite its efforts to stockpile inventory.Mid-2021: Medline has opened five new large distribution centres and increased on-hand inventory significantly as part of its resilience strategy.June 2021: Medline announces a majority investment from private equity firms Blackstone, Carlyle, and Hellman & Friedman, valuing the company at around $34 billion. The Mills family retains a significant share and leadership remains in place.End of 2022: Medline has over 50 distribution centres in North America (including a flagship facility in Grayslake, IL) and more than 20 manufacturing plants on the continent.2023: Charlie Mills, Andy Mills, and Jim Abrams retire from their executive management roles and move to the Board of Directors. Jim Boyle becomes CEO and Jim Pigott becomes President/COO.2024: Medline's supply chain is recognised as "Best in Business" for reliability and innovation. Medline continues to invest in technology and expands its product offerings, reaching over 125 countries. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.uhaid.org