We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Civardi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
SOTERIA Precision Medicine Foundation was born out of my professional experience working in healthcare and genomics and my personal experience as a two-time cancer survivor. Applying what I’ve learned to help patients and caregivers navigating a diagnosis is, in my eyes, a moral responsibility first and a business opportunity second. Outcomes are better with precision medicine with reduced costs and improved quality of life. I saw a clear and present need for a patient-centered approach to healthcare – regardless of a person’s geographic location, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or treating institution. The pandemic has only increased demand for our services and the emphasized the need for neutral, virtual, expert support.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SOTERIA challenges the one-size fits all approach to healthcare with the power of precision medicine. We are the only virtual, patient-centric, global nonprofit organization providing support across the continuum of care. When you place the patient at the center of all that you do, next steps evolve more organically and effectively than when a patient is funneled through a broken healthcare system. This undertaking is not easy; however, it is necessary to affect real change. We are proud to have clients in over a dozen countries, entirely via word-of-mouth client and physician referrals, which speaks to the quality of our work, the clinical and scientific prowess of our advisors, and our collective dedication to our clients.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m lucky to be a San Diego native. When my friends come to town, beach days at Windansea and La Jolla Shores armed with taco shop delights (Oscar’s on Turquoise St. is my favorite) are always on the docket. For a proper dinner I love Candor in La Jolla by Giuseppe (be it on on his outdoor patio or for take out.) During these pandemic times, Balboa Park provides some much needed respite – a stroll in the Japanese Friendship Garden will make you feel like you’re on vacation. When the world re-opens, I’m looking forward to concerts at the Conrad Center, shows at La Jolla Playhouse, and exhibitions at the SD Museum of Modern Art.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
SOTERIA wouldn’t be where it is today without my co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Skeen. Amanda brings her professional expertise in genomics together with her passion for helping patients to work with grace and gusto each and every day. We were also both fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for genomics pioneer, J. Craig Venter, prior to SOTERIA, who empowered me to help patients across the globe.

Website: https://www.soteriaprecisionmedicine.org/
Instagram: soteriapmf
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacivardi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=soteria%20precision%20medicine%20foundation
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTDbqJQcnps&t=193s

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