Introduction

In a compelling turn of events, Ottawa tech entrepreneur Julia Slanina, known for her commitment to women's health care, found herself on the other side of the medical system when she received a cervical cancer diagnosis during a routine screening last November. At just 36 years old, Slanina was blindsided by the news, shedding light on the vulnerabilities even the most health-conscious individuals face.

“I’ve been advocating for women’s health for five or six years through my own company, but now, being the patient in the gown... It’s a whole different experience," Slanina shared, revealing the fear that accompanies her new reality. “It’s terrifying.”

Professional Background and Company Mission

As the founder and CEO of Treehouse, a digital health software company dedicated to supporting maternal and early childhood health care, Slanina came up with the idea for her business while attending medical school and balancing motherhood. Her personal journey has been underscored by a desire to bridge the gap in women's health, an area she identifies as severely underserved despite the technological boom in health-related industries.

“A lot of millennials and Gen Z are incorporating technology into their lives, yet they aren't receiving their healthcare through it,” she noted. “We need to empower these patients and bolster maternal care by streamlining the processes for health-care providers.”