#87 Diagnosing the Undiagnosable with Dr. Brittany Partain: T-Cell Biomarkers, Clinical Trust and Women in Biotech

Dr. Brittany Partain, Associate Director of Clinical Affairs and Physician Education at Exagen has a background in biomedical engineering and a passion for problem-solving, Brittany has carved out a unique role at the intersection of diagnostics, clinical education and biotech innovation

In this episode, we explore why autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are so difficult to diagnose, and how Brittany is helping close that gap through physician education and the use of novel T-cell biomarkers. We also talk about building trust with clinicians, misconceptions around diagnostic tools, and the real challenges of advancing innovation in a field that’s historically lagging behind specialities like oncology. Finally, Brittany reflects on her journey as a female leader in MedTech, the importance of collaboration, and why passion matters when navigating a fast-paced, highly regulated industry

Timestamps:

[00:00:45] Why Autoimmune Diseases Are So Difficult to Diagnose

[00:01:55] From Biomedical Engineering to Clinical Affairs

[00:04:34] Why Rheumatology Has Lagged Behind

[00:07:07] How T-Cell Biomarkers Work and What They Solve

[00:09:18] What Autoimmune Diseases Are and How They Present

[00:11:05] Common Misconceptions Among Clinicians

[00:13:00] How Hospitals and Private Clinics React to New Tools

[00:15:07] Building Clinical Trust Through Science

[00:18:05] What Most People Don’t Know About Autoimmune Disease

[00:21:58] Women in Biotech: Breaking Stereotypes and Leading Change

Get in touch with Brittany - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-d-partain

Learn more about Exagen - https://exagen.com/

Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/

Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal

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