Q&A: Dr. Stella Vnook, President and Founder of Oral BioLife

RamaOnHealthcare July 16, 2024

Using Technology to Prevent Prevalent Disease

Today, RamaOnHealthcare is speaking with Dr. Stella Vnook, the President of Oral BioLife. It is a pioneering biotechnology firm dedicated to developing a groundbreaking treatment for periodontal disease, a severe oral infection.

Dr. Stella Vnook, President of Oral BioLife

RamaOnHealthcare (ROH): What would you say to those considering a career in healthcare leadership today?

Dr. Stella Vnook (SV): As someone deeply rooted in healthcare leadership, I encourage aspiring leaders to anchor their careers in a profound commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical innovation. Embracing and challenging yourself to ongoing education to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving industry is essential in building a lasting career in healthcare. Prioritizing teamwork, collaboration, communication, and trust within your team is important in establishing a support system for ongoing success and failure. Continue to advocate for ethical standards, furiously innovate in your work, and consider your balance in personal and professional well-being.

ROH: What do you see are the biggest challenges within healthcare today?

SV: Multiple challenges come to mind when thinking about difficulties in the industry today. A few key challenges I commonly see are developments in treatments and technology while navigating strict regulatory landscapes, ensuring accessibility to new therapies, and the ongoing increase in cost for healthcare delivery and patient care. Furthermore, the need for combining AI and developing technologies, like AI and customizable and personalized medication, into clinical practices presents opportunities and challenges. As an active leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, I can acknowledge the significance of finding balance in these challenges with an ongoing loyalty to patient-focused healthcare and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of care.

ROH: How has technology impacted your perspective within healthcare today and what do you anticipate that will be like in five years?

SV: Throughout my 25+ years in biotech and pharma, I’ve seen technology transform healthcare by enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. At Oral BioLife, our development of Ambrilux Dental Gel exemplifies this impact, providing a non-surgical solution to regenerate bone and gum tissue lost to periodontal disease—an innovation previously unavailable. Looking ahead, I anticipate technology will continue to accelerate personalized medicine, leveraging AI and genomic insights to tailor treatments more precisely. In five years, I foresee even greater integration of digital health platforms, real-time patient monitoring, and advancements in biotechnology that will redefine how we approach and manage oral health and beyond.

ROH: How has your organization impacted healthcare and what do you foresee in the future?

SV: Oral BioLife (OBL) can significantly impact/ improve healthcare by introducing Ambrilux Dental Gel, a non-surgical solution that regenerates bone and gum tissue lost to periodontal disease—a condition affecting over 1 billion people worldwide with serious systemic health implications. Periodontal disease not only causes oral health issues but also increases the risk of developing severe conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes complications, Alzheimer’s disease, and other systemic disorders. Before our innovation, treatment options were limited to surgical procedures or ineffective methods that didn’t address bone regeneration. Looking forward, I believe advancing technology will revolutionize how we approach and prevent prevalent diseases, offering more effective, less invasive treatments that improve patient outcomes and quality of life globally.

ROH: What are the priorities to focus on today?

SV: I can testify that our foremost priority is always to prioritize our patients. Regardless of specific roles and expertise in healthcare, every healthcare professional should always prioritize the patient on a day-to-day basis. Our commitment should remain to improving the patient’s experience, outcome, and care. This commitment drives improvement, innovation, and compassion, allowing us to foster a healthcare system that is responsive to the various needs of patients across the world. By prioritizing patients in our daily goals as healthcare professionals, we not only will change the dynamic of healthcare for patients but continue to change lives and promote health equity across communities.

ROH: As change is accelerating, how do you keep up and prepare for what is next?

SV: As change accelerates in our industry, I remain proactive in staying updated with the latest healthcare innovations and technology. Change is everchanging and often unpredictable. By embracing this reality and anticipating unexpected shifts, I continuously prepare for what lies ahead. I recognize the importance of agility and the ability to adapt swiftly to new developments, ensuring that my approach remains dynamic and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.

About Dr. Stella Vnook

With a background that began in scientific research and healthcare provision, Vnook has amassed over 25 years of expertise spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare sectors. Her career journey commenced at Merck & Co., where she spent 14 years before assuming leadership roles as a Founder and CEO in several biotechnology ventures, including Likarda and NAKI Therapeutics.

Key Links: https://oralbiolife.com/