Leading the Charge in Decoding Human Behavior for Healthcare Innovation
Surgo Health, a behavioral AI company based in Washington, DC, is transforming the healthcare landscape with its innovative approach. The company is driven by a mission to empower the healthcare ecosystem with the deepest understanding of human behavior, utilizing proprietary data and AI technology to produce intelligence, analytics, and recommendations. This enables biopharmaceutical companies to drive product uptake, address inequities, reduce costs, and improve outcomes.
The Journey of Surgo Health
The story of Surgo Health is deeply intertwined with the journey of its CEO and co-founder, Dr. Sema Sgaier. A neuroscientist by training, Dr. Sgaier’s 20-year career has been dedicated to studying and leveraging the underlying drivers behind human behavior to design healthcare solutions that meet people where they are. Her extensive work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in HIV prevention, reproductive and maternal health, and immunization programs revealed critical insights: “Perceptual drivers, such as beliefs and attitudes, as well as structural and contextual barriers, play a significant role in determining a person’s behavior and, consequently, their health outcomes. However, these factors are often overlooked or considered too late in many health programs, leading to suboptimal outcomes.”
This realization led Dr. Sgaier to co-found Surgo Health with a vision to integrate socio-behavioral data into healthcare strategies. She recognized that while clinical data provides the “what” about patients’ conditions and medical history, there was a need for a deeper understanding of the “why” behind human engagement with healthcare.
Innovation at the Core
Surgo Health’s innovative approach is rooted in its novel socio-behavioral data, which is unmatched in its comprehensive scope and depth and complemented by its proprietary AI technology platform. “Innovation is the cornerstone of our company’s identity,” says Dr. Sgaier. “Our novel socio-behavioral data, unmatched in its comprehensive scope and depth, complemented by our proprietary AI technology platform, empowers the healthcare ecosystem with the deepest understanding of human behavior.”
“Innovation embodies a willingness to take risks and explore uncharted territories, all with the aim of enhancing human well-being,” elucidates Dr. Sgaier. “It means embracing failure as a stepping stone to rapid learning, fostering adaptability, prioritizing collaboration, and setting aside personal ego for the collective benefit of society.”
The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its dynamic environment, which enables swift pivots and enhancements to its offerings as circumstances demand. The ultimate goal is to empower the healthcare ecosystem with the most profound, holistic understanding of human behavior, nurturing a new wave of innovators dedicated to advancing global health.
Pivotal Partnerships
A significant catalyst for Surgo Health’s growth has been its partnerships with top pharmaceutical companies. These collaborations have allowed Surgo Health to gain invaluable insights into the industry’s most pressing challenges, enabling the co-creation of precise, personalized solutions. “These partnerships have been the catalyst for our innovation, propelling us to swiftly adapt, iterate, and tailor our offerings with unparalleled precision and purpose,” she states.
The Power of AI
The advancement of AI technology is a particularly exciting aspect of Surgo Health’s work. “The advancement of AI presents compelling opportunities to scale and enhance the impact of our solutions,” says Dr. Sgaier. The company is continuously evolving its AI-powered technology platform, exploring new ways to apply its insights and expand its global reach.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Surgo Health is a women-led company committed to supporting women and people of color in tech and science. “With a strong focus on diversity, we are building our team and expanding our foundations in Washington, DC, leveraging the rich ecosystem of healthcare organizations in the area, ”asserts Dr. Sgaier. The company believes that Washington, DC., is uniquely positioned to be a hub of innovation in healthcare, including in the for-profit/corporate sector.
Contributing to the Innovation Ecosystem
Surgo Health actively engages with and supports fellow innovators in the DMV community. The executive team collaborates with policy, public health, and biopharmaceutical sector stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for addressing health disparities and enhancing outcomes. She states: “We are deeply engaged with local startup event organizers such as DC Startup Week and DCA Live, constantly seeking new avenues to contribute to and connect with our vibrant DMV community.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Surgo Health is poised for continued growth and innovation. Dr. Sgaier shares: “We are incredibly excited about the trajectory ahead. While we focus on empowering the ecosystem with the deepest understanding of human behavior, we are equally inspired by our work’s wide range of potential applications.” The company is enthusiastic about the ongoing expansion of its global team, recognizing the crucial role its talented and dedicated employees play in shaping its future.
“Lasting, meaningful innovation in healthcare thrives on collaboration,” emphasizes Dr. Sgaier. “To truly enhance patient outcomes and drive progress, we must break free from conventional thinking. By fostering strategic partnerships, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and embracing transformative technologies, we can elevate healthcare to new heights.”
Surgo Health’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of human behavior. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to create a healthier, more equitable world for all.
