Ceresant Solutions announces Dr. David Cifu, M.D., a renowned brain health expert, as its Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder, along with its founding advisors.
The announcement comes nearly one year after Founder and CEO Todd Feldman launched a concept and feasibility study to understand the gaping hole in the mental health care system.
March 5, 2024 (RICHMOND, VA) Ceresant Solutions, the leader in bringing the first low-friction, point-of-care, biology-based early screening tool for anxiety and depression to market, announced Dr. David Cifu, M.D. as Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder.
Dr. Cifu is the Associate Dean for Innovation and System Integration and Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Dr. Cifu also serves as a Senior Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. His acclaimed work as a VCU Eminent Scholar has garnered over $282 million in research funding, significantly propelling the field forward with groundbreaking advancements.
“Current screening methods remain important but are not effectively addressing the problem. Too many people are suffering and don’t understand the risks. Just like blood pressure helps to signal potential cardiovascular health problems, we know we can do the same for mental health. There are interventions doctors and patients can take to head off problems down the line,” said Dr. Cifu, Chief Science Officer and Co-founder of Ceresant Solutions.
Ceresant Solutions was founded in May of 2023 by entrepreneur Todd Feldman, who has experienced the all-too-common challenges of depression and anxiety. “Through my research over the last year, it’s become clear how more pervasive and underreported the problem is. Our focus is on early proactive prevention for everyone. With primary care physicians stretched thin and current screening methods time-consuming and ineffective, too many people and their loved ones are in crisis. By Dr. Cifu joining us, we are on our way to bringing a low-friction, high-precision screening test to market that's easy for doctors and their patients to quickly understand their risk for future mental health challenges.”
Ceresant Solutions also announced other key members of their founding team. “I am committed to assembling a world-class team to meet the challenge head-on,” said Feldman. “Helping Dr. Cifu and I are a group of amazing thought leaders.”
Dr. Paul Dechant, M.D., MBA, is a nationally recognized leader in Clinician Burnout. He will serve as a healthcare advisor with a keen eye toward understanding the challenges of physicians as we look for their help in screening and treating patients.
James Delli Santi, M.S., MBA, is a strategy and operations innovator with a background in solving wicked problems. His previous roles with several technology startups as well as Lockheed Martin Skunkworks and Yahoo! to name just a few, will be vital in anticipating and planning for the challenges that lay ahead.
Will Thomspon, CPA will serve as financial advisor. With a background in biotech and other startups, Will is a seasoned CFO with 25 years in corporate finance leadership. He builds shareholder value through astute financial, strategic, and operational expertise. Skilled in guiding teams through transitions, Thompson has a proven track record in capital raises, debt offerings, first-year audits, and business/ERP integrations.
About Ceresant Solutions
Formed in May 2023 as Seismic Wellness Labs, the rebranded Ceresant Solutions stands at the forefront of mental health innovation and is dedicated to developing accessible, biology-based screening tools for anxiety and depression. By prioritizing early detection and intervention, Ceresant Solutions aims to transform the landscape of mental health care, offering hope and practical solutions to millions worldwide. The team's collective expertise in medicine, science, and technology drives its mission to advance mental health care for a healthier, happier society.
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