Rare Mind Talks

12: From Genes to Powerful Answers (with Célia Azevedo Soares)

Andre Correia — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:45:00 +0000

"From Genes to Powerful Answers" takes us on a guided journey through the world of genetics with Célia Azevedo Soares. We explore why genes matter so deeply in rare diseases and how our understanding of them has evolved to shape the entire path from suspicion to diagnosis.

Célia breaks down genes and chromosomes in clear, simple language. She also explains how these concepts support earlier diagnosis, and why genetics literacy is still a challenge for many professionals. From there, we dive into the natural history of disease and why long-term, structured data is essential for discovering patterns and future treatments.

We also look at the role of AI and data science in finding new genes, identifying red flags and speeding up the search for answers. And finally, we highlight how patient organisations can become powerful hubs for genetic education, helping families and communities make sense of complex information with clarity and confidence.

Rare Mind Talks podcast explores how AI, data, and innovation are transforming healthcare for rare diseases. Hosted by André Correia, a digital transformation leader and rare disease advocate, this Podcast aims to simplify complex topics, inspire research, and connect experts to improve lives.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

11: How to Break Data Silos in Rare Diseases (with Francisco Aguiar)

Andre Correia — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In How to Break Data Silos in Rare Diseases, Francisco Aguiar from BI4ALL joins me to explore how data and AI can truly reshape the rare disease ecosystem. He explains why data integration, interoperability, and literacy are essential to speed up diagnosis and empower patients.

From real-world evidence to patient registries, Francisco highlights how data helps healthcare professionals, researchers, and Pharma companies work together for more personalised care. We discuss Europe's journey toward a connected health data space and the crucial role of patient advocates in driving this change.

Finally, we reflect on how sharing data ethically and collaboratively can give patients a stronger voice, enabling faster insights, better treatments, and more hope for the rare disease community.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

🎥 Prefer watching? See the video here.

10: Hope and Leadership: Uncharted Lessons (with Ada Lio)

Andre Correia — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk with Ada Lio, mum of Lukie, founder of lukie.org, and board member at the ZTTK Son-Shine Foundation. Joining me from Boston, Ada shares her perspective on hope and leadership in rare diseases, offering uncharted lessons from her journey as both a parent and a leader in the community.

Together we explore how families define cure beyond medicine: as hope, dignity, and quality of life. Ada explains how parents, even without scientific training, hold vital knowledge that can guide research from day one. We also discuss leadership lessons from her journey, the balance between urgency and thoughtful decisions, and how patient voices should steer science and industry.

Finally, Ada reflects on building collaboration across families, researchers, and biotech, and why being "loud", in our own ways, matters for rare disease communities.

This conversation is about people, data, and the shared power to drive change.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

09: Treating the Patient, Not the Disease (with Richard Novak)

Andre Correia — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In this Rare Mind Talks episode, I sit down with Richard Novak, CEO of Unravel Biosciences, to explore how RNA provides real-time insight into the body’s actions, while DNA remains static. With the motto of treating the patient, not the disease, this shift in approach changes how we understand rare diseases.

This special episode was recorded live at the ZTTK Foundation Conference in Boston, capturing the energy of families, researchers, and advocates.

Richard explains why every patient's journey is unique. He shows how Unravel uses AI and data to identify subgroups, predict responses, and repurpose drugs. The focus shifts from treating diseases to treating patients.

We also discuss the role of patient advocates, global data collection, and breaking barriers in research. Finally, we reflect on trust, transparency, and learning from failure. This conversation is about redefining healthcare with patients at the centre.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

08: From Adversity To Powerful Global Leadership (with Pat Furlong)

Andre Correia — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Pat Furlong, the founder of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). Pat’s journey from adversity to powerful global leadership is truly inspiring.

Following the devastating loss of her two sons to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Pat channeled her grief into a powerful global movement. This movement has reshaped the landscape of rare disease advocacy and research.

What began as a mother’s quest for answers blossomed into a pioneering organisation that empowers families and accelerates treatments. Pat’s story is a testament to vision and persistence, showcasing how a single voice, driven by purpose, can mobilise a global community and inspire transformative change in the healthcare world.

Rare Mind Talks podcast explores how rare diseases and healthcare is transformed by AI, data, and innovation. Hosted by André Correia, a rare disease advocate and digital transformation leader, this Podcast aims to simplify complex topics, inspire research, and connect experts to improve lives.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

07: Chasing My Cure: A New Playbook (Hope And Data)

Andre Correia — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In this episode of "Rare Mind Talks" Podcast, host André Correia dives into Chasing My Cure, the remarkable story of Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a physician, researcher, and patient who nearly died from a rare disease before deciding to fight back with data, science, and hope.

This episode explores how Dr. Fajgenbaum, co-founder of Every Cure and CDCN, used precision medicine, drug repurposing, and patient-led research to find a treatment. Not just for himself, but for others. We discuss the power of structured data, the potential of AI, and what it means to fix not just the science, but the system.

Moreover, we discuss how AI and real-world data accelerate discoveries in rare diseases.

We also reflect on the importance of hope as a strategic driver, and not just an emotion. Finally, this episode encourages leaders and innovators to rethink how research and technology can unite for impact.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

06: How to Unlock a Rare Community? (with Ana Rita Moreira)

Andre Correia — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In today's episode, we asked Ana Rita Moreira, How to unlock a rare community? A mother turned global advocate, Ana Rita talks about how her son's ultra-rare diagnosis sparked a powerful mission.

She didn't wait. She acted. She went from diagnosis shock to launching a research-focused alliance.

What began as a personal struggle evolved into a mission to support others facing similar challenges. Through advocacy, community building, and raising awareness, Ana Rita and the V-ATPase Alliance are helping reshape the future for families affected by this rare disease, turning pain into purpose and isolation into action.

An inspiring journey of resilience and impact, where we reflect on the role of patient groups and also why building trust takes time.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

05: Patient-Led AI for Better Health (with Bruno Amaral)

Andre Correia — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:45:00 +0000

"Patient-Led AI for Better Health" is the focus of this powerful episode with Bruno Amaral, creator of Gregory, an AI-driven bot.

Bruno, built Gregory to help patients find relevant, trustworthy research. The bot filters studies for better outcomes. More importantly, it helps patients, doctors and researchers save time by summarising complex findings into clear, useful insights.

We also discuss how Gregory is open, customisable, and built with transparency at its core. Bruno balances life as a patient and innovator. Moreover, we explore how AI can empower both patients and professionals, especially in rare diseases.

Bruno sees doctors as future mentors, guiding informed patients who access reliable data in real-time. His story reminds us: innovation doesn't only come from labs, it can come from lived experience.

This episode is essential for anyone curious about AI, rare diseases, and the future of patient-led innovation.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

04: Can Data Standards Unlock Better Solutions? (with Ronald Cornet)

Andre Correia — Thu, 22 May 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In today's episode, our guest Ronald Cornet, an expert in health informatics, explains why inconsistent data causes harmful delays in diagnosis and care. Can data standards unlock better solutions?

He shows how shared standards, like the FAIR principles, help researchers work together, speed up clinical trials, and improve treatment. We also discuss how collaboration across the ecosystem is essential. Patient advocates must be part of shaping how data is shared and used. Ronald closes with practical steps for hospitals, policymakers, and professionals.

This episode highlights a simple truth: better data leads to better outcomes. And in rare diseases, every step forward matters.

Rare Mind Talks Podcast explores how AI, data, and innovation are transforming healthcare for rare diseases. Hosted by André Correia, a digital transformation leader and rare disease advocate, this podcast aims to simplify complex topics, inspire research, and connect experts to improve lives.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

03: Can AI Make Healthcare More Human? (with Pedro Gouveia)

Andre Correia — Thu, 08 May 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In this episode, our guest Pedro Gouveia explores how AI and data are not just advancing oncology and rare disease care, but also challenging us to ask: "Can AI make healthcare more human?"

We examine both the promise on personalised diagnostics, drug repurposing, connected care, and the roadblocks, including weak data governance and fragmented systems. Pedro shares practical, real-world insights while calling attention to where the sector must catch up. At the heart of it all is a recurring theme: for AI to truly transform healthcare, it must strengthen trust, empathy, and the human connection.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com or Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

02: What Are We Forgetting? (with José Videira)

Andre Correia — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In this inaugural episode of the Rare Mind Talks Podcast, we discuss the power of AI and data to transform the landscape of rare diseases. Our guest, José Videira, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Solvias, shares thoughtful insights into how these technologies can accelerate diagnosis and treatment, but also reminds us to pause and ask, “What are we forgetting?”

José highlights that while the promise of AI is immense, much of its potential remains untapped. He stresses the importance of prioritising direction over perfection and explains why clearly defining the problem is often half the solution. We also explore the value of moving quickly with pilots, integrating regulation along the way rather than letting it halt innovation from the outset. José offers a compelling take on why smaller biotech firms often take the lead in rare disease innovation and warns that without a focus on outcomes, even the most exciting developments can become background noise.

Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app.

Learn more at https://www.theraremind.com Follow us on Instagram @theraremindtalks

01: Rare Mind Talks (with André Correia)

Andre Correia — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:42:17 +0000

"Rare Mind Talks" podcast explores how AI, data, and innovation are transforming healthcare for rare diseases. Hosted by André Correia, a digital transformation leader and rare disease advocate, it aims to simplify complex topics, inspire research, and connect experts to improve lives.

Learn more at ⁠https://www.theraremind.com⁠ or