Three juniors pursuing degrees in
medicine, computer science, and philosophy have founded a new company and
become tenants in the U-Start Business Incubator associated with the College.
Their firm, Exousia Health Inc., develops new software platforms and application
services to assist the healthcare industry with emergency preparedness and
remediation.
Chief Executive Officer Christopher
Macomber is in his third year of Union's 8-Year
Leadership in Medicine Program through which students earn a bachelor's in
science from Union College,
a master's in business administration from the Graduate College of Union
University, and a medical degree from Albany
Medical College.
Macomber, an Albany native, founded
Exousia in January 2004 to promote the interest of patients and to improve communication
within the healthcare sector.
Edward Maas, director of
technology, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science while also
working as a senior consultant for Brainlink International Inc. in New
York City. He spent the past two years designing and
supporting enterprise web applications as well as maintaining computer network
infrastructures specifically focused on the healthcare industry. Maas
is from New York City.
Jeffrey Marshall, director
of communications, is a philosophy major also working on a master's degree in
bioethics at the Graduate College of Union University. Also with aspirations
toward a medical career, Marshall
plans to attend the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in the fall of 2005. His
interest in Exousia developed out of his concentration in medical ethics, and a
desire for improvement in patient care by providing resources physicians need
to provide care. He is from Gloversville, N.Y.
“Our company's product is
extremely viable and timely in that communication between various sectors of
the health care industry has been identified as an important barrier that
hinders the overall quality of care in this state and nationally,”
Macomber said. “We have chosen Schenectady
as our headquarters because we have a commitment to this area, which we see as
traditionally home to small business development, a breeding ground for new
technology, and one that is rich in healthcare professionals.”
Macomber
added, “As students of Union College,
we hope that through this company, we will be able to give back to the
community that has embraced our educational institution.” In years to
come, the three founders of Exousia plan to give a percentage of company
profits to local and medical-related charities, he said.
“These students exemplify the
professionalism, excitement and achievement new business owners can offer this
community,” said Jon Lemelin, executive director of U-Start. “We are
looking forward to having them join our facility and benefit from the support
we can offer as they further develop their ideas and plans.”