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Anyone have any insight into how they were able to operate for so long without a formal medical advisory board? In my own experience, that was something that po

Anyone have any insight into how they were able to operate for so long without a formal medical advisory board? In my own experience, that was something that potential VCs wanted, either in place or in place shortly after financing happened. Also interesting that the new governing board has (as far as I can see) zero medical expertise. The medical advisory board is still odd given Theranos' technology: Simons makes sense with a background in hematology, but Helfet doesn't make a lot of sense as an orthopedic trauma surgeon, nor does Frist (a carry-over from the old board) as a cardiothoracic surgeon, nor does Foege (another carry-over) as an epidemiologist. Personally, I'd expect to see perhaps a mix of hematologists and pathologists and endocrinologists, as well as some chemical and biomedical engineers and statisticians on a scientific advisory board. I'm left scratching my head trying to figure out what sort of due diligence was performed. (edit: the tale of The Emperor's New Clothes does come to mind however)

sjg007 11y ago
You'd expect a chief pathologist or someone from that field. But if they are licensed medical doctors that is good. Usually there is also a Chief Medical Officer.
- OopsCriticality 11y ago
  Licensed and practicing: you definitely need someone that's kept up with their CME. Does Theranos have a CMO or CSO? I don't see one listed on their website... Not having one would be yet another oddity.
Mz 11y ago
In my own experience, that was something that potential VCs wanted, either in place or in place shortly after financing happened. If you don't mind my asking, what were you working on? (You can email me if you don't want to state it publicly on HN. Email in profile.) Thanks for all your excellent comments here so far.
mbesto 11y ago
> I'm left scratching my head trying to figure out what sort of due diligence was performed. I do tech due diligence for a living. You'd be surprised how much diligence gets ignored or isn't done thoroughly. Remember, the people orchestrating such efforts are financial people, so they tend to take very calculated risks. The alternative is they trust the wrong people in a rapidly changing tech world. Both are plausible.

sjg007 11y ago

You'd expect a chief pathologist or someone from that field. But if they are licensed medical doctors that is good. Usually there is also a Chief Medical Officer.

OopsCriticality 11y ago
Licensed and practicing: you definitely need someone that's kept up with their CME. Does Theranos have a CMO or CSO? I don't see one listed on their website... Not having one would be yet another oddity.

Mz 11y ago

In my own experience, that was something that potential VCs wanted, either in place or in place shortly after financing happened. If you don't mind my asking, what were you working on? (You can email me if you don't want to state it publicly on HN. Email in profile.) Thanks for all your excellent comments here so far.

mbesto 11y ago

> I'm left scratching my head trying to figure out what sort of due diligence was performed. I do tech due diligence for a living. You'd be surprised how much diligence gets ignored or isn't done thoroughly. Remember, the people orchestrating such efforts are financial people, so they tend to take very calculated risks. The alternative is they trust the wrong people in a rapidly changing tech world. Both are plausible.