Even with the constant evolution of the healthcare industry, the practice of tissue removal from the patient’s body remained unchanged. Instruments from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century were still in use, making the process less patient-friendly, effective, and efficient. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Neal Lonky founded Histologics LLC, a medical device company dedicated to diagnosing and effectively treating tissue-based diseases with a compassionate approach.
He is a dual-qualified medical professional, serving as a healthcare provider and a developer. With a keen eye for identifying healthcare deficiencies, he has dedicated his career to bridging gaps in patient care. As a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with expertise in lower genital tract disease, Dr. Lonky’s clinical experience led to the recognition of a potential improvement in tissue removal procedures that follow abnormal cervical cancer screening.
A Journey to Healthcare Transformation
Dr. Lonky, Founder and CEO of Histologics LLC, possesses a distinguished academic background, including a BA from SUNY Buffalo, MD from SUNY Stony Brook, an Internship and Residency from Harbor UCLA in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management from UCLA. His leadership experience extends beyond academia, with a former role as elected Director of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Recognized for his research contributions, Dr. Lonky is a multiple award recipient for his academic and philanthropic achievements.
As the inventor of Histologics’ patented Kylon® medical fabric and its many embodiments in medical devices, Dr. Lonky pioneered an approach to cervical and vaginal biopsies. By replacing traditional, invasive methods with the minimally invasive Kylon® brush biopsy, the company has redefined patient comfort and experience, a concept called “Compassionate Colposcopy®.” Building on this success, Kylon® technology has been adapted for wound care, offering a gentle and effective debridement solution for healthcare providers of all levels of expertise. This innovation is encapsulated by the phrase “Compassionate Debridement at Your Fingertips®.”
Dr. Lonky’s vision fueled Histologics’ success, measured in the countless patients benefiting from these advancements. The Histologics LLC has empowered thousands of clinicians, impacting over 1.5 million cases across the USA. Dr. Lonky’s legacy is a testimony to his pursuit of progress, where patient comfort and technological advancements go hand in hand.
A Revolution in Tissue Removal
Driven by a commitment to advancing patient care, Histologics LLC redefines tissue removal procedures. At the core of the company’s mission is developing innovative solutions that minimize patient trauma. Anxiety about pain is a major impediment to patients complying with referrals for colposcopy and wound care and Histologics focused on filling that gap. Its proprietary Kylon® fabric represents a groundbreaking technological advancement in this pursuit.
To ensure optimal utilization of the Kylon® technology, Histologics places significant emphasis on education. Comprehensive instructional videos and webinars are provided and archived on their websites (histologics.com and histologicswc.com) to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to maximize the benefits of the Kylon® devices. This approach enhances the quality of tissue samples obtained for pathological analysis and streamlines the procedural workflow, resulting in improved outcomes for patients and providers. Moreover, the Kylon® devices are safe, sterile, and single-use.
The company is dedicated to research and development as it envisions a future where the Kylon® technology can be applied to a broader range of procedures. With its commitment to innovation and education, Histologics is poised to lead the industry in redefining tissue removal standards. Dr Lonky has remarked “Diagnostics relying on genomics is dependent on the quality and source of the samples, and histology with the patient experience of cytology is a future goal of Histologics LLC much like “liquid biopsy” has revolutionized laboratory testing”.
Leadership and Innovation at Histologics
Dr. Lonky’s leadership is characterized by authenticity and a profound dedication to his team. His tenure as a clinical leader instilled a culture of respect and accountability built upon the principle of leading by example. This philosophy has been instrumental in enabling a collaborative environment at Histologics LLC.
The company’s focus on patient-centric care is driven by the belief of every team member who has bought in that they too play a critical role in improving patient outcomes. This shared vision inspires a culture of excellence and innovation.
Dr. Lonky views innovation as a catalyst for transformative healthcare. The development of Kylon® fabric exemplifies this resilience to advancing medical technology. By creating a culture that embraces experimentation and continuous improvement, Histologics positions itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation and understands that “medicine resists change” and perseverance and patience is a key to trusting such innovations”.
A Legacy of Excellence and Recognition
Dr. Lonky’s career is shaped by a consistent ability to identify healthcare deficiencies and develop innovative solutions. His methodical approach involves meticulous analysis, solution conceptualization, and rigorous evaluation. This systematic methodology has been instrumental in his contributions to women’s health and has been applied to other medical domains. His research endeavors and publications in health policy and value-based care such as strategically building data collection tools and leveraging the electronic medical record for research purposes have been recognized by his peers, and incorporated into practice.
His expertise and leadership have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors. Dr. Lonky’s contributions to the field are acknowledged by prestigious institutions such as UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, and the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. These accolades underscore his impact on the healthcare industry.
Advice for the Future Healthcare Leaders
Dr. Lonky embodies a philosophy that transcends mere clinical practice. His vision, honed over decades of experience, offers invaluable guidance for aspiring leaders. Central to his message is the commitment to “outcome-driven healthcare,” a principle he emphasizes with conviction.
“Leaders of tomorrow must prioritize cost-effective solutions that truly heal,” he adds.
This philosophy underscores the importance of putting the patient experience at the forefront.
He champions a shift in focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Dr. Lonky envisions a future where we are rewarded for keeping people healthy, not just treating their ailments.” This aligns perfectly with the “value-based care” model he witnessed firsthand at Kaiser Permanente.
“There will be no income without an outcome,” Dr. Lonky asserts.
However, this income generation should not come at the expense of accessibility. He passionately advocates for efficient, affordable solutions to reach everyone. “Since I have moved into the CEO role, I also respect the fact “There will be no outcome without an income”…as cash flow and debt must be managed so carefully to carry out the business plan, despite sales growth!
“Quality, safety, and affordability must be paramount and delivered with a human touch,” he concludes.
Dr. Lonky’s journey serves as a potent reminder of the shared responsibility healthcare leaders have toward building a healthier future. It is a call to action, guiding future generations toward a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
