Our work stems from a relentless focus on patients, driven by a team with unmatched experience at the highest levels of healthcare leadership.
Our approach is grounded in patient care.
Rubrum Advising is built on the belief that success comes when regulatory, clinical, business, and policy outcomes are aligned to support an innovation’s real-world use and long-term adoption.
We help clients ensure that new technologies or therapies reach the right patients, in the right settings, at the right time—and deliver measurable outcomes that matter.
The inspiration behind our name comes from the Rubrum Lily—the flower that our founder, Dr. Lee Fleisher, would often gift his wife as a sign of his love and devotion. To Lee and Matthew, these flowers represent confidence, care, and generosity—three values on which Rubrum Advising is strongly rooted.
Meet the Team
At the heart of our firm is a team deeply grounded in clinical practice and real-world experience—they include current and former clinicians, health system leaders, policymakers, and private-sector experts.
Together, the team offers clients a bird’s eye view of the entire ecosystem, helping them leverage influence, clinical innovation, and operations to create transformative change.
Former Chief Medical Officer & Director, Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Practicing senior clinician and emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
Lee Fleisher, M.D., M.L.
Founder & Managing Principal
About
A distinguished national healthcare leader with experience as a director, clinician, scientist, educator, and regulator specializing in market access, regulatory, and policy at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former Chief Medical Officer & Director, Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Responsible for executing all national clinical, quality, and safety standards for healthcare facilities and providers, as well as establishing coverage determinations for items and services that improve health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
Oversaw a budget of $1.7 billion and 850 individuals at CMS. Utilized novel quality measurement, payment strategies and care paradigms, and worked towards developing the National Quality Strategy and the first universal foundation for quality measurement.
Member of the CMS/HHS executive team developing pandemic response including COVID, MPOX, and planning for future pandemic response strategies.
Advised the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center, pharmaceutical and device companies, and international health systems on the assessing of quality, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of care.
Experienced clinician, actively practicing providing anesthesia at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
Awards
Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. (2023)
Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching from the University of Pennsylvania. (2016)
Distinguished Alumni Award from SUNY. (2011)
Member of the National Academy of Medicine (formerly Institute of Medicine) of the National Academy of Sciences. (2007-Present)
Memberships and Organizations
Senior Advisor, Bipartisan Policy Council.
Visiting Fellow, Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy.
Senior Advisor, FasterCures at the Milken Institute.
Safety Committee Co-Chair and Steering Committee Member, Coalition for Health AI (CHAI).
Health IT Advisory Committee (HITAC) Member, Office of the National Coordinator (ONC).
Education
Masters in Law, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
Residency in Anesthesiology, Yale University.
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook.
Outside of work
Action movie lover
Jazz aficionado
Yogi
World traveler
Matthew Fleisher, J.D., M.P.H.
Founder & Managing Director
Expert in healthcare regulation, particularly pertaining to CMS, the ONC/ASTP, and the FDA.
Former Associate at Leavitt Partners, with a focus on Medicare and Medicaid policy.
Matthew Fleisher, J.D., M.P.H.
Founder & Managing Director
About
As an enthusiastic, experienced professional, Matthew leverages his experiences at CMS and in consulting to craft novel strategic counsel with a focus on operational excellence. He leads critical initiatives and specializes in market access, regulatory, and policy at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former Associate at Leavitt Partners, advising and managing healthcare alliances built on issues related to Medicare and Medicaid enrollment and regulation, quality measurement, healthcare data interoperability, and more.
Consulting experience related to healthcare law including Medicare, FDA, legal ethics, and patient advocacy regulation.
Graduate fellow at the CMS STARS program, supporting Medicaid quality policy for the CHIP Quality Rating system.
Education
Master of Public Health (M.P.H), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health..
Doctor of Law (J.D.), with a Certificate in Health Law, University of Maryland Francis Carey School of Law.
Outside of work
Professionally trained opera singer and music teacher
Woodworker
Tamara Rook, M.B.A.
Principal and Vice President of Market Access
Expert in global market access and reimbursement strategy, with a focus on enhancing patient access to life-changing medical technologies.
Former Vice President of Global Market Access, Health Economics, and Reimbursement at Zimmer Biomet.
Tamara Rook, M.B.A.
Principal and Vice President of Market Access
About
A distinguished healthcare leader in the medical device industry, known for her expertise in market access, health economics, and reimbursement policy. Tamara specializes in developing payer-focused strategies to successfully commercialize new technologies at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former Vice President of Global Market Access, Health Economics, and Reimbursement at Zimmer Biomet.
Key leadership positions in medical device organizations, including serving as the Vice President of Reimbursement and Health Economics at Nevro and Senior Director of Global Neuromodulation Reimbursement at Abbott.
Extensive experience in developing effective reimbursement and payer education strategies, leading to favorable coverage and reimbursement policies for new technologies including implantable devices.
Experience successfully recruiting top talent to build high-performing Market Access teams focused on strategic and tactical efforts.
Memberships and Organizations
Committee Chair for the industry leadership group focused on advancing Health Economics and Patient Value (HEPV) with the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC).
Foundation Board Member, Junior League of Denver.
Education
Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.), University of Houston.
Outside of work
Tennis
Snow skiing
Cheering for the Denver Nuggets!
Tamara Syrek Jensen, JD
Principal and Vice President of Federal Programs
Nationally recognized health policy leader and former Director of CMS’s Coverage and Analysis Group (CAG), where she shaped national coverage standards for devices, drugs, biologics, and preventive services supporting 65+ million Medicare beneficiaries.
Designs commercialization strategies—bridging evidence planning, regulatory milestones, and payer engagement—from early development and pre-FDA authorization through full market launch.
Tamara Syrek Jensen, JD
Principal and Vice President of Federal Programs
Tamara Syrek Jensen is a nationally recognized health policy leader and former Director of CMS’s Coverage and Analysis Group (CAG), where she shaped national coverage standards for devices, drugs, biologics, and preventive services supporting 65+ million Medicare beneficiaries.
As part of Rubrum’s work with government stakeholders, Syrek Jensen designs and executes commercialization strategies—bridging evidence planning, regulatory milestones, and payer engagement—from early development and pre-FDA authorization through full market launch.
Over more than 25 years at CMS, Tamara delivered major reforms that modernized coverage pathways and expanded access to care. She led creation of CMS’s new coverage pathway for FDA breakthrough devices—impacting more than 780 technologies and ensuring patients had timely access to innovations with proven outcomes. She modernized the agency’s Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) policy, cutting timelines for final guidance by more than half, and published landmark guidance documents that set new standards for transparency and predictability. Her work has been recognized in JAMA and NEJM and cited as a model for how CMS can drive innovation responsibly.
Before joining CAG, Tamara was Special Assistant to the CMS Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Office of Clinical Standards and Quality (OCSQ) (now CCSQ), where she was instrumental in developing the first MOU between CMS and FDA. That agreement laid the groundwork for the data and information sharing that continues to support innovation today.
Tamara earned a reputation as a trusted leader and coalition-builder, fostering collaboration across CMS, FDA, NIH, specialty societies, and Congress. Under her leadership, CMS doubled its evidentiary reviews, managed a $6.7 million budget, streamlined workflows, and consistently met or exceeded statutory timelines for coverage decisions.
Prior to working at CMS, she was a legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tamara is an attorney, licensed in Maryland.
Steve Hahn, M.D.
Principal
Former Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Executive leadership experience at Harbinger Health and the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Steve Hahn, M.D.
Principal
About
A distinguished clinician and healthcare leader with two decades of experience in healthcare strategy, oncology medical practice, translational/clinical research, and product development. Steve specializes in market access, regulation, and policy at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Served as the 24th Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Oversaw both COVID and non-COVID regulatory affairs, including therapeutics and vaccine development, devices, diagnostics, and clinical trials.
Experience in medical product development and clinical trials spanning drugs, biologics, medical devices, and diagnostics.
CEO of Harbinger Health and CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering, leading strategy around preemptive care and early cancer detection.
Former Chief Medical Executive, Deputy President, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Steve provided executive leadership across research development, clinical trials, patient care, and health system management, as well as day-to-day management of business, clinical, and faculty matters.
Former Chair of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.
Extensive research experience focusing on the evaluation of the tumor microenvironment and signal transduction pathways involved in tumor response to proton therapy.
Education
Fellowship and residency in Oncology at the National Cancer Institute.
Residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Temple University.
Outside of work
CrossFit
Studying Italian
Nancy Stade, J.D.
Principal
Former Deputy Director for Policy, Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Accomplished attorney and consultant, representing manufacturers of medical devices and consumer health products.
Nancy Stade, J.D.
Principal
About
An accomplished attorney, consultant, and policy expert with extensive experience in FDA regulation and novel healthcare technology, specializing in regulation and policy at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former Deputy Director for Policy, Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nancy led the development and implementation of the FDA’s device regulatory policy for novel technologies such as digital health products, mobile medical apps, direct-to-consumer genetic tests, and more.
Initiated and championed a pilot program to allow parallel review by FDA and CMS of innovative technologies, and led policies for pre-submissions, the 510(k) program, and de novo review of novel technologies.
Partner, Food, Drug, and Medical Device Regulatory practice at Sidley Austin and Foley Hoag. Nancy’s practice focused on advising clients on all aspects of FDA oversight in the medical device, combination product, and digital health and life sciences arenas.
Private attorney and consultant, counseling major health clinics, private equity firms, laboratories, traditional medical device manufacturers, makers of consumer electronic and digital health products, and start-up developers of innovative AI-based devices.
Awards
Award of Merit and Commissioner’s Award for Distinguished Service, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Vincent F. Prada Award for pro bono service.
Education
Doctor of Law (J.D.), Columbia Law School.
Outside of work
Self-taught portrait artist
Avid gardener and knitter
Outdoors enthusiast
Laura Findeiss, M.D., M.H.A.
Principal
Former Director, Division of Policy and Evidence Review, Coverage and Analysis Group, Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Practicing Interventional Radiologist.
Laura Findeiss, M.D., M.H.A.
Principal
About
A recognized national healthcare leader with experience using evidence to guide change, supported by experience in physician practice management and hospital operations, and as a director, educator, and regulator. Laura specializes in market access, quality of care, hospital-physician alignment, and policy at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former Director, Division of Policy and Evidence Review, Coverage and Analysis Group, Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Responsible for evidence analysis and determination of national Medicare coverage policy, overseeing National Coverage Determinations for items and services that improve health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
Experienced practice leader, most recently as Professor of Radiology and Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and Chief of Radiology Services at Grady Health System in Atlanta, Georgia.
Former Chair of Radiology at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Experienced clinician, actively practicing vascular and interventional radiology.
Board of Examiners, Baldrige National Quality Award.
Awards
Elected Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology.
Elected Fellow of the American Heart Association.
Elected Fellow of the Society for Vascular Medicine.
Memberships and Organizations
Chair, Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention Council, American Heart Association.
Member, Advisory Board, Neiman Health Policy Institute.
Past President, Society of Interventional Radiology.
Member, American Board of Vascular Medicine Endovascular Assessment Committee.
National Rural Health Association, Certified Rural Hospital CEO.
Education
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.), University of Illinois, Chicago School of Public Health.
Fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, University of Washington.
Residency in Radiology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA.
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Outside of work
Avid skier and snowboarder
Road cyclist and mountain biker
Dog lover
Nancy Foster
Principal
Former Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety Policy at the American Hospital Association.
Worked with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to coordinate quality improvement activities and research across federal agencies.
Nancy Foster
Principal
About
An experienced health quality leader with deep knowledge of major health care trends and the issues that are of keen interest to hospital and health system CEOs and chief clinical leaders, as well as quality improvement strategies and regulatory compliance. Counseled hospital and system board members to deepen their understanding of quality and public policy. Earlier in her career, helped advance national patient safety efforts by leading the creation of the first national patient safety research agenda, conceptualized the development of the first evidence report on patient safety strategies, and led the creation of the federal agencies’ response to the Institute of Medicine’s report To Err is Human.
Experience
Vice President for Quality and Patient Safety Policy for the American Hospital Association from 2002 – 2025. Led the team responsible for improving public policies that impact quality and patient safety, assisting hospitals and health systems, and working collaboratively with federal agencies, accrediting bodies, White House leaders and other national policy makers.
Served as liaison to the Joint Commission Board.
Led efforts to streamline quality measurement data collection and ensure appropriate use of information to foster higher quality care.
Led public emergency response efforts during COVID-19, Ebola, and many supply chain disruptions to ensure hospitals had information, supplies, and needed federal resources.
Worked with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to coordinate quality improvement activities and research across federal agencies. Oversaw many patient safety research grants.
Improved public policies related to the care delivery, with particular interests in teaching hospitals, organ donation and transplantation, surgical safety, and board engagement.
Awards
Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award
Director’s Award for Outstanding Performance
The Alliance for Organ Donation and Transplantation Transformational Leader Award
Benson High Hall of Fame
Education
BA in economics, Princeton University
Graduate work at Chapman University and The Johns Hopkins University
Excellence in Government Fellowship
Outside of Work
Hiking
Swimming
Cheering on the always astonishing Baltimore Orioles
Kurt Herzer, M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc.
Principal
Former Senior Advisor of Data and Analytics at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Expert in product/industrial design, health economics and health services research, and the application of technology in complex sociotechnical organizations.
Kurt Herzer, M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc.
Principal
About
An accomplished healthcare leader with experience spanning academia and the public and private sectors, including Johns Hopkins Medicine, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kurt specializes in clinical, data, and health economic evaluation for market access at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former Senior Advisor of Data and Analytics, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Responsible for setting the vision and strategy related to enterprise-wide use of data and analytics to improve quality of care for 150 million Americans.
Worked to modernize technology and data infrastructure and develop new platforms and applications for advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence across the world’s largest collections of healthcare data at CMS.
Former Head of Population Health at Oscar Health, building and leading a team working on innovative approaches to acute care, chronic disease, medication management, virtual care, and value-based insurance design.
Adjunct Faculty in Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Extensive research experience supporting global interventions to improve healthcare quality and reduce childhood mortality and morbidity, including living and working abroad in both London and Geneva.
Awards
Marshall Scholar, Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission.
Truman Scholar, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.
National Quality Scholar, American College of Medical Quality.
Mary P. Oenslager National Achievement Award, Learning Ally.
Graduate Scholar, Golden Key International Society.
John T. McGraw Scholar, National Federation of the Blind.
Memberships and Organizations
Member, Industrial Design Society of America
Education
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Policy and Economics, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
M.Sc (Master of Science) in Social Policy and Intervention and Marshall Scholar, University of Oxford.
M.I.D. (Master of Industrial Design), Pratt Institute.
Outside of work
Cyclist and skier
Modern art enthusiast
Photographer
Avid reader of foreign fiction
Machinist
DIY biohacker
Reuven Pasternak, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Principal
Former Senior Advisor to the National Risk Management Center, Cybersecurity, and Infrastructure Security Agency under the Department of HHS.
Former Chief Executive Officer, Stony Brook University Hospital and EVP, Stony Brook Medicine, Long Island, NY. Developed and executed model for hospital and physician practice integration.
Reuven Pasternak, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Principal
About
Nationally recognized healthcare leader who has worked with major academic, private sector and government entities to transform care with an emphasis on quality, safety, effectiveness and resiliency. These goals were achieved with innovative clinical and administrative plans that emphasized empowering teams to engage in innovation and rapid execution for enduring success. The structure has consistently involved engagement of teams at all levels and their alignment, including the ongoing identification and development of new leaders to expand and continue this process. These efforts were structured and funded on the basis of operational and clinical systems that support research, education, and are operationally and clinically self-sustaining.
Experience
Faculty, and Inaugural Medical Director, Same Day Care Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital. Developed pre- and perioperative systems to move surgery from 5% to over 60% ambulatory and same day admission with enhanced quality, safety, operational efficiency.
Active duty, U.S. Naval Medical Corps, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD, developing rapid deployment systems and quality metrics during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm.
Co-led development and management of the separate practice plans of Johns Hopkins Medicine into a single 1,500+ physician system as part of overall system integration to advance clinical growth and research.
Served as Vice-Dean for the Bayview Campus, and tenured faculty in Anesthesiology\Critical Medicine, Public Health, and Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and School of Public Health, serving on and leading committees aligning the physician practice plan and multi-campus hospital operations.
Served as on-site consultant for Johns Hopkins International Medicine in United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Turkey for hospital and ambulatory operations.
Inaugural system CMO for Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, leading physician group and hospital alignment and development of quality systems across a five-hospital system.
CEO Inova Fairfax Hospital (largest hospital in Virginia; 7,000 staff budget of $1.4 billion) and EVP for Inova (largest health system and private employer in Virginia). Restructured aligned physician, clinical and research operations to include academic, hospital employed, and private practice models.
Chief Executive Officer, Stony Brook University Hospital and EVP, Stony Brook Medicine, Long Island, NY. Developed and executed model for hospital and physician practice integration.
Advisor to Riverside Capital for medical ventures, New York, New York.
Senior Advisor, National Risk Management Center, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – initial work on pandemic related issues. that expanded to addressing risk assessment and mitigation for the sixteen National Critical Functions with emphasis on health care and working with HHS-ASPR leadership and private sector vendors, practitioners.
Board Member, Sparian Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY to evaluate and take to market pharmaceutical agents dealing with pain management and addiction.
Awards
Meritorious Unite Commendation, U.S. Naval Medical Corps.
Primary Care Development Corporation, New York, NY – Person of the Year.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security award for excellence in analysis.
CISA Gold Team Award for work with National Security Council on Sector Risk Assessment.
Health Services Coordinating Council, Cybersecurity Working Group Team Lead.
Memberships and Organizations
Chair, American Society of Anesthesiology Task Force on Preanesthesia Evaluation leading to national and international guideline development.
International Anesthesia Research Society
Board of Advisors, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, advising on clinical operations.
Served on and\or reported to national and regional boards of the American Hospital Association, American Society of Anesthesiology, American Heart Association, America’s Essential Hospitals\Essential Hospitals Institute
Board of Advisors, Stony Brook University Master’s Programs in Health Administration
Education
Master’s in Business Administration (Executive MBA), Loyola University, Baltimore, MD
Residency in Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine\Fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Master’s in Public Health (MPH in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Economics), the University of North Carolina, Chapell Hill NC
Residency in Pediatrics\Preventive Medicine, the University of North Carolina, Chapell Hill, NC
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Duke University.
Outside of work
Photography
Classical music (former clarinet and bassoon player).
Science and historical fiction.
Tom Corry
Principal
Deep expertise in federal health policy, digital health, public affairs, and strategic communications.
Executive leadership across the public and private sectors, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Avēsis (a Guardian Company), and as Founder and CEO of Healthcare Data Insights & Analytics.
Tom Corry
Principal
About
A nationally recognized healthcare strategist and public affairs executive known for his deep expertise in federal health policy, digital health, and strategic communications. Tom leads Rubrum Advising’s government affairs and advocacy practice, leveraging 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors to help clients navigate federal legislative and regulatory channels.
Experience
Former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Senior Advisor and Director of Communications, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Guided some of the nation’s most complex healthcare initiatives, from pandemic response and Medicare modernization to launching national communications strategies at the highest levels of government.
Leadership across private sector organizations, including serving as Executive Vice President at Avēsis (a Guardian Company) and as Founder and CEO of Healthcare Data Insights & Analytics, a healthcare data and consulting firm specializing in policy intelligence, payer engagement, and digital solutions for the life sciences and provider sectors.
Memberships and Organizations
Board Member, Orderly Health (Healthcare AI and tech startup).
Advisory Board Member, Council for Affordable Health Coverage.
Leadership roles supporting Medicare policy modernization and public-private health innovation coalitions.
Past Secretary/Treasurer and Member, Virginia Board of Medicine.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Westminster College.
International Study, Institute for American Universities, Aix-en-Provence, France.
Outside of Work
Avid golfer
Enthusiastic reader of history and science fiction
Practicing my French
Passionate about the Cincinnati Reds
Neha Prasad, Ph.D.
Senior Manager
A translational market access strategist bridging the bench-to-bedside gap for innovative therapeutics and medical devices.
A specialist in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) market shaping initiatives and a former portfolio strategy analyst at BARDA, a major global funder of antimicrobial product development.
Neha Prasad, Ph.D.
Senior Manager
About
A science-oriented strategist with over a decade of experience spanning chemistry and molecular microbiology research, go-to-market strategy, funding/investment portfolio strategy, and clinical evidence/regulatory strategy. Neha focuses on market access and regulatory strategy at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former ORISE fellow at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), supporting the Antimicrobials Branch as well as the Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures (DRIVe). Neha developed funding decision-making tools, evaluated funding strategies, and sourced investment opportunities based on gap analyses.
Former fellow at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, working on due diligence for equity investments around phage therapies and genetic technology.
Business development experience at Felix Biotechnology, conducting market evaluations and revenue projections toward new product ideation.
Authored multiple peer-reviewed research publications and delivered oral and poster presentations at several conferences.
Education
Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and a Moritz-Heyman Discovery Fellow.
Outside of work
Board games
Mario Kart
Bollywood, Jazz, and Carnatic music
Poetry writing, yoga, and meditation
Tristen Tellman, Ph.D.
Manager
Former legislative analyst in the Office of the Director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Former House Energy & Commerce fellow specializing in health-related legislation and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Tristen Tellman, Ph.D.
Manager
About
A biochemist by training, Tristen draws on a decade of experience in scientific research, federal policy, and health advocacy. She helps companies and the patients they serve build strong stakeholder engagement strategies while driving innovative market solutions. She specializes in advocacy and regulatory and policy strategy at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Former Legislative professional in the Office of the Director at the National Institutes of Health, serving as an agency liaison to Congress.
Former Fellow on the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, working on health-related legislation.
Former Fellow with the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Research Strategy, analyzing NIH data to understand the impact of new grants and trainee policies.
Former Science policy fellow with the American Association for Cancer Research, developing congressional engagement strategies and regulatory responses.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hardin-Simmons University
Outside of work
House plant enthusiast
Hobby crafter
Fiction reader
Samuel Yates, M.H.A
Manager
Former Research Director and Product Quality Lead at Darwin Research Group, analyzing the growing national shift from volume to value-based care.
Clinical experience in neurosurgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, optometry, orthopedics, and long-term care.
Samuel Yates, M.H.A
Manager
About
An enthusiastic healthcare leader, bringing a unique blend of clinical and consultative experience to Rubrum Advising’s regulatory and policy strategies. At Rubrum, Sam focuses on understanding the changing healthcare policy landscape and its impacts on both clinical and operational sectors of the industry.
Experience
Former Research Director and Product Quality Lead at Darwin Research Group, analyzing the growing national shift from volume to value-based care.
Clinical experience in neurosurgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, optometry, orthopedics, and long-term care.
Research experience in national and regional healthcare trends, with a focus on helping industry organizations partner with care delivery networks to provide more cost-effective, collaborative patient care.
Education
Masters in Healthcare Administration (M.H.A), Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University.
Co-Chair of Professional Development in the Health eLeaders Student Association, George Washington University.
Outside of work
Professionally trained flutist
Distance runner
Amateur electronic music mixer
Eleanor Wolfe, M.P.H.
Senior Associate
Accomplished researcher with expertise in healthcare policy, regulation, and public health strategy.
Experience in health insurance enrollment and service coordination at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in the Office of Health Insurance Services.
Eleanor Wolfe, M.P.H.
Senior Associate
About
A natural leader and analytical thinker, Eleanor brings an in-depth knowledge of public health systems to Rubrum Advising’s regulatory and policy strategies. Eleanor conducts robust analyses and develops novel strategies for healthcare challenges to improve outcomes for all.
Experience
Experience in the Health Research and Training Program (HRTP) at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, working to increase Medicaid enrollment and improve access to care for children with disabilities.
Former criminal defense paralegal, with a focus on expanding healthcare services and legal representation within the Justice System.
Extensive experience in health education and curriculum development with interdisciplinary teams.
Education
Master of Public Health (M.P.H), Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in the Health Policy and Management Department with a Certificate in Health and Human Rights.
Outside of work
Recreational sports lover
College football fan
Half marathon runner
Allison Goldring, M.P.H.
Senior Associate
Project coordination experience at ADAPT Community Network, bringing accessibility services and care management to intellectually and physically disabled populations.
Payer strategy experience at EmblemHealth, supporting the creation of a women’s health strategy and IVF coverage pathway.
Allison Goldring, M.P.H.
Senior Associate
About
A passionate public health professional, Allison employs her clinical research and analysis skills in developing Rubrum Advising’s market access strategies.
Experience
Assisted in the strategy and implementation of a care management program for 600 students with multiple chronic conditions at ADAPT Community Network.
Coordinated the implementation of a grant-funded project collecting voice samples from people with speech disorders to improve voice recognition capabilities.
Produced materials and resources for patient advocates aiding in the coverage navigation of women’s healthcare services.
External communications and strategy at a gun violence prevention organization, focused on safe firearm storage and bipartisan solutions.
Education
Master of Public Health (M.P.H), Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in the Health Policy and Management Department with a Certificate in Health Policy Analysis.
Cross-registration at Columbia Business School, in courses focused on the intersection of healthcare delivery and technology.
Outside of work
SEC football fan (go Dawgs!)
Pop culture expert
Puzzle lover
Ariana Gardizy, M.B.A, RN, BSN
Senior Associate
Licensed Registered Nurse formerly practicing at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Clinical research experience assisting in multiple studies at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ariana Gardizy, M.B.A, RN, BSN
Senior Associate
About
A dynamic healthcare professional with a unique background in nursing and business. Ariana leverages her clinical expertise, analytical skills, and strategic insight to drive innovation in healthcare, advancing both market access strategies and patient care at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Extensive hands-on experience as an operating room nurse, circulating and scrubbing in many surgical cases
Clinical expertise in the operating room environment – particularly ophthalmology and ENT
Spearheaded the development of a digital surgeon preference card system to enhance operating room efficiency and team coordination
Received a grant at the University of Pennsylvania to conduct and author a nationwide study on food insecurity and mental health in young adults with and without binge eating disorders during COVID-19
Clinical research experience assisting in multiple studies at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania
Memberships and Organizations
Penn Nursing Alumni Board Committee Member
AORN
Tri-County Suburban REALTORS® / NAR
Alpha Iota Gamma
Education
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Villanova University – Specializations in AI/ML, Strategic Management, and Business Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) with a double major in Nutritional Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Outside of work
Long distance runner
Realtor
Comedy lover
Big NFL/Eagles fan
Anjali Bhatla, M.D., M.B.A.
Senior Fellow
Resident physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital, pursuing a Cardiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins starting July 2025.
M.D. and M.B.A. from the Perelman School of Medicine and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Anjali Bhatla, M.D., M.B.A.
Senior Fellow
About
An accomplished physician and strategist, interested in the intersection of cardiology, health policy, and digital health. Anjali focuses on market access at Rubrum Advising.
Experience
Resident physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Experience in healthcare payment policy and novel technology reimbursement through work at Humana, Independence Blue Cross, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Former clinical advisor for Google Health.
Recent academic work focusing on evaluating the role of private equity acquisitions on health outcomes, the use of telehealth for cardiac care delivery, and the role of novel biomarkers in cardiac risk assessment.
Awards
American Heart Association Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Early Career Investigator Award.
Healthcare Fellow Merit Award, The Wharton School.
Recognized by the American Medical Women’s Association as one of the top female medical graduates in the nation.
Truman Scholar.
Memberships and Organizations
Member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Education
Internal Medicine Residency, Osler Internal Medicine Residency, Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Perelman School of Medicine and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Majored in Health Care Management at The Wharton School.
Outside of work
Reading
Podcasts
Traveling
Bollywood dancing.
Brian Cortese M.D., M.B.A.
Senior Fellow
Resident physician in the Department of Urology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
M.B.A. from The Wharton School, with academic work analyzing the impact of public-private partnerships on Medicare Part D spending.
Brian Cortese M.D., M.B.A.
Senior Fellow
About
An innovative professional who brings a unique combination of foundational clinical knowledge and strong business intuition to Rubrum Advising’s market access services.
Experience
Resident physician in the Department of Urology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Former Summer Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), working on patient-facing operations for a large, multinational pharmaceutical client.
Research at the Gordon Center for Medical Imaging associated with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, focusing on the intersection of immunology and radiology.
Education
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Perelman School of Medicine and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Majored in Health Care Management at The Wharton School, graduating as a Palmer Scholar.
Outside of work
Philadelphia sports fanatic
Marathon runner
Indie rock enthusiast
Nikki Perry
Fellow
M.D./M.B.A. candidate, Perelman School of Medicine and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Analyzes large patient datasets to identify and address disparities in dermatologic and oncologic care.
Nikki Perry
Fellow
About
Passionate individual with a unique blend of clinical expertise, strategic insight, commitment to advocacy, and dedication to advancing dermatologic care through healthcare innovation and delivery. Nikki focuses on our market access services.
Experience
Chair of the Dermatology Trainee Advocacy Day: Leads efforts to champion several healthcare-related bills before state congresspeople.
Analyzes large patient datasets to identify and address disparities in dermatologic and oncologic care. Most recent project was assessing the impact of implementing a decision tree within the Penn call center, which significantly reduced patient wait times from appointment scheduling to actual visits.
Another recent paper discussed the impact of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs on drug pricing for common dermatologic conditions.
University of Pennsylvania Center for Healthcare Transformation and Innovation initiatives focused on improving patient care systems and access.
Wharton Global Health Volunteers: Traveled to Peru as Project Leader of a group of student consultants to develop and implement the fundraising and communications strategy for the Catholic Medical Mission Board.
Education
M.D./M.B.A. candidate, Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Following graduation in 2026, plans to pursue a dermatology residency with the long-term goal of integrating clinical practice with research and leadership roles at the intersection of healthcare delivery, innovation, and policy.
Outside of work
Scuba diving
Skiing
Golf
Piano (Young Steinway Artist, performed in Severance Hall)
Singing (former member of the Heinz Chapel Choir at the University of Pittsburgh)
Contact Us
Here is where a valuable partnership takes root. Tell us about you.