Join Vivek as he interviews the inspiring Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich, a former neurosurgeon turned neuroscientist and Co-founder of PigPug Health. Discover her fascinating journey, insights into neurotech innovations, and the impactful work they’re doing at PigPug Health.
- Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich’s transition from neurosurgery to neuro-oncology research.
- The personal story and motivation behind her scientific achievements.
- Introduction and unique functionalities of PigPug Health’s AI-powered neurofeedback solution for ADHD and autism.
- The role of AI and neurotech in transforming healthcare and brain-computer interfaces.
- Dr. Anna’s artistic passions and poetic talent.
Timestamps:
00:00 AI Neurofeedback for ADHD & Autism
04:45 Neurosurgery: From Dream to Residency
08:21 "Career-Changing Opportunity in Biotech"
09:38 Becoming a Neurosurgeon in the US
12:43 Bilingual Poetry at Open Mics
19:12 Improving Attention in ADHD & Autism
21:02 EEG Headset for Kids with ADHD
27:03 Innovative Headphones for Kids
29:25 Affordable Remote Care for ADHD & Autism
33:14 Innovative Accessible Treatment Tech
35:29 AI's Role in Healthcare Solutions
41:15 Mind-Blowing Neurotech and AI Insights
43:18 Women Changing the World Awards
45:39 Empowerment Through Networking and Community
49:29 Aspiring Actress Prepared for Space Movie
Quotes, Hooks, & Timestamps:
A Neurosurgeon's Personal Pursuit: "The turning point in my career became with the loss of my childhood friend. He died from glioblastoma in like 20 plus in a young age."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:07:10 → 00:07:23]
A Chance Encounter at a Conference: "And I realized that here in the US I can probably have more possibilities to make some scientific breakthroughs and to do more to fulfill my scientific dreams and aspirations."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:09:25 → 00:09:38]
"From Immigrant to Neurosurgeon: An Eight-Year Journey": "I'm not sure that I'm ready to take this journey right now. But I yeah, I started to build my career in neuroscience and neurosurgery related research and I am proud about it because I, I received a green card through the immigration talent visa based on my publications and all my achievements."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:10:05 → 00:10:30]
Innovative ADHD Solution for Kids: "Imagine the solution that will help kids to train their focus and attention easily from home under remote supervision of neurofeedback trainer in engaging and entertaining way. This is big buck health solution."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:21:22 → 00:21:39]
Groundbreaking Neurofeedback for Non-Verbal Children: "So using these protocols it's possible to help kids to start talking after five sometimes, but usually after 10 sessions of neurofeedback."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:24:34 → 00:24:46]
Future of Healthcare: "This is the future of healthcare, I would say remote care and easy care and preventive care."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:29:43 → 00:29:51]
Advancements in Neurotechnologies: "But they are possible to implant different chips in the brain and make tetraplegic person able to communicate, to work with this world."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:39:39 → 00:39:50]
Women Changing the World Awards: "This is a program presented by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Dr. Terry Wright, trenches famous doctor as well. It's a global award program recognizing the work of incredible women making positive difference in the world across a huge range of industries and areas including business, sustainability, healthcare, science, education, innovation and technology."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:43:25 → 00:43:54]
Empowering Women in STEM: "Be curious, be fearless and do every day, do something that future you will thank you for."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:46:11 → 00:46:20]
"Dreaming of Space Travel": "I was ready to go to the International Space Station to be an actress in the movie. I was so excited about this opportunity. And yeah, the name of this movie is the Challenge. Also I like the, I like challenges."
— Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich [00:49:45 → 00:50:02]
Revolutionizing Neurofeedback: A Conversation with Dr. Anna Oleshkevich
On the latest episode of The Uprising Show, we had the privilege to speak with the remarkable Dr. Anna Oleshkevich, a former neurosurgeon turned neuroscience researcher. With her extensive background in neuro-oncology and her innovative work with her startup PigPug Health, Dr. Anna provides us with deep insights into the future of healthcare, specifically in treating ADHD and autism using AI-powered solutions.
A Journey from Surgery to Research
Dr. Anna Oleshkevich's journey into the world of neuroscience and AI is both inspiring and intriguing. A former neurosurgeon with over a decade of experience in Belarus, she transitioned her focus to neuro-oncology research following a personal tragedy. The loss of a childhood friend to glioblastoma drove her commitment to finding better treatments for such malignant diseases. This professional dedication, coupled with a profound personal loss, catalyzed her move to the United States, where the landscape of medical research offered broader opportunities.
Dr. Anna shared how being selected for a neurosurgical training program in the U.S. provided her with a unique stepping stone. Her attendance at a Longevity conference led to an unexpected job offer at a biotech startup, marking her shift from the operating room to leading-edge research on brain aging and oncology.
The Birth of PigPug Health
PigPug Health emerged from a combination of friendship and a shared mission. Founded by Vitaly, an autistic individual who found existing ADHD and autism treatments inadequate, PigPug Health aims to provide better solutions. Vitaly experienced firsthand the limitations of medications and was inspired by the effectiveness of neurofeedback technology. Despite its efficacy, neurofeedback has largely remained inaccessible due to its cost and the cumbersome nature of the equipment.
PigPug Health tackles these issues by creating an AI-powered neurofeedback solution. Their unique EEG headset, designed to look and feel like regular over-ear headphones, eliminates the need for clunky, uncomfortable medical devices. This invention, coupled with engaging AI-driven games, allows children with ADHD and autism to improve their focus and attention in a fun and non-invasive way. What makes it even more powerful is its underlying mission to be affordable and accessible, promising a revolutionary shift in how we treat these conditions.
Empowering Future Women Scientists
Dr. Anna has not only made strides in her professional life but also seeks to inspire and support other women in STEM. Her recognition in the "Women Changing the World" awards underscores her global impact and contributions to health and global advancement. As an ambassador, she continues to encourage and elevate other women, advocating for community, networking, and professional associations as pivotal elements in career development.
Her advice to aspiring women in STEM? Be curious, fearless, and proactive in shaping a future that will thank them for their present efforts. She highlights the importance of joining professional associations to open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
The Promising Future of Neurofeedback and AI
Dr. Anna’s vision for the future extends beyond her current work. She discusses the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, pointing out critical areas where AI can address the shortage of medical staff, improve remote care, handle the growing amount of medical data, and bring precision to treatments. Integration of AI in diagnostics, predictive medicine, surgery, and neurotechnologies holds promises we are just beginning to realize.
The PigPug Health solution itself embodies this futuristic approach, utilizing brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to improve attention and focus just by playing adapted video games. Combined with real-time EEG data analysis, their approach represents a significant leap forward in making effective ADHD and autism treatment accessible to all.
Charting the Path Ahead
As PigPug Health looks to the future, they are poised to scale their solutions and make a significant impact on the lives of children and their families. With ongoing fundraising efforts, the team aims to manufacture their innovative headsets and fully launch their product. Dr. Anna remains at the forefront, driven by her dual passions for scientific innovation and community support.
For more information on PigPug Health or to connect with Dr. Anna Oleshkevich, you can visit their official website or find Dr. Anna on LinkedIn, where she actively engages with the community and continues to champion the causes close to her heart.
PigPug Health Website - https://pigpug.co/
Dr. Hanna Aliashkevich LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neurannette/
The Uprising Show Website: https://theuprisingshow.com/
Vivek Nanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viveknanda1/
Vivek Nanda's Twitter: https://x.com/vickks
TopHealth Media Website: https://tophealth.care/
