February 2023

Expert of the Month: D. Alagia III, MD, MS, MBA, FACS, FACOG, Chief Hospital and Health Systems and Senior Medical Director, Advanced Diagnostics, Women’s Health 

A board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Damian “Pat” Alagia is an obstetrician, gynecologist and surgeon specializing in women’s health, including advanced diagnostics for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer. He is also a seasoned physician executive and expert in practice management and value-based care who has held management roles in large non-profit health systems, venture capital-backed portfolio companies, and academic medical centers. Dr. Alagia received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and holds master’s degrees in business administration and finance from The Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. Dr. Alagia is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as the American College of Surgeons. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications, including Quest Diagnostics Health Trends® and other studies on cervical cancer, prenatal genetics and STIs. To schedule an interview, email mediacontact@questdiagnostics.com. 

Corporate News 
On February 2, Quest reported full-year 2022 revenues of $9.88 billion and diluted EPS of $7.97. 

FORTUNE named Quest Diagnostics one of the "World's Most Admired Companies” for the ninth consecutive year.  

Pack Health, a company Quest acquired in early 2022 to add capabilities in digital patient engagement and health coaching, announced plans to expand its headquarter facilities and add at least 200 full-time jobs in Birmingham, Alabama.   

Hospital Collaboration 
NewYork-Presbyterian and Quest announced a new laboratory services agreement designed to improve access to quality, innovative laboratory services in the Tri-state area.  

Quest recently announced it will provide laboratory supply chain expertise and continue to perform reference testing for Tower Health, a regional integrated healthcare system in Pennsylvania.  

Science and Innovation 
A new Quest Diagnostics Health Trends® analysis suggests incarcerated or detained persons (IDPs) are at far higher risk of hepatitis C (HCV) infection and reinfection following treatment than the general population, based on deidentified testing data in the state of California. “More resources and aggressive approaches are needed to successfully confront HCV in correctional facilities and after IDP community return.”  

As many as 7 million people in the United States have compromised immune systems that increase their risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19. Population Health Management published a scientific review paper developed by experts from Quest and other organizations on the use of COVID-19 serology (antibody) testing in this vulnerable population.  

Conventional screening for prostate cancer is not ideal for differentiating more aggressive cancer from less aggressive disease. Quest has joined up with Cleveland Diagnostics to broaden access to a novel lab test that may help providers grade prostate cancer to identify which patients are at greater risk.  
 

Consumer Health  
New Quest consumer-initiated tests on QuestHealth.com:  

The most comprehensive suite of diagnostic menopause panel tests, including a first-of-its-kind early menopause test, is now available. The three new panels (Early Menopause, Perimenopause, and Postmenopause) aim to help women who suspect they are going through or have gone through the menopause transition. 

The Ovarian Reserve Assessment Marker AMH Test helps measure ovulatory egg supply for those planning to or attempting to become pregnant and provides information about what that means for their pregnancy journey. 

People and Communities 
Ruth Clements, general manager and vice president for the East region of Quest Diagnostics and head of the company’s infectious disease franchise during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was recently named one of 100 extraordinary Black women leaders by Diversity Woman.  

On a recent cold winter morning in Chicago, individuals from Mobile Care Chicago and Quest Diagnostics teamed up to deliver healthcare to some of the city’s most vulnerable children.