Congratulations, Mary Kranzusch!
Our 2016/2017 RWA Winner

In Mary’s words: 

“Attending the 2017 AHOU conference in sunny San Diego, as NEHOUA’s Rick Weaver Award winner and a new FALU, had many positive impacts on my career as an underwriter. The conference provided a wide array of presentations, from which I was able to receive up-to-date information shared by some of our industry’s most knowledgeable professionals. The overall theme of the conference this year was Appetite for Disruption, referencing the need to stay relevant in a data-driven environment.

Some of the presentations I was able to attend provided the following take-a-ways:

1. Dr. Craig Davidson of Prudential discussed the current day use of nt-proBNP, a test initially used in clinical medicine when assessing CHF, diastolic dysfunction, and CAD. We now know how it correlates with other conditions such as auto-Immune disorders, COPD, and cirrhosis, which all produce right-sided heart strain. Thus utilization of serial nt-proBNP testing can be beneficial when gauging treatment. For underwriters, the test prognosticates histories and severity of AF, BBB, edema, CHF, COPD and pulmonary HTN.
2. Dr. Dave Rengachary of RGA discussed the use of pharmacogenetics. An individual’s specific genetic mutations leads to different responses to different drugs. Finding the correct treatment initially would be more cost effective and beneficial to the patient. Limitations to this approach include lack of standardization, ethnic and gender variability.
3. Dr. Gina Guzman and Chris Regione, AVP, of Munich Re discussed the “marijuana revolution” in the US including changing attitudes towards recreational use and the implications that has on doctors and the insurance industry. Levels of THC in current day marijuana is 12% in 2014, vs just 4% in 1995 and strains/hybrids are being engineered to obtain certain effects. Adverse effects include many to the CNS, CV, GI and respiratory systems. It is still considered a Schedule I drug, as there is no accepted medical use and it contains a high potential for abuse. Usage has shown an improvement in symptoms for chronic neuropathic/cancer pain, spasticity due to MS, and n&v due to chemotherapy, although findings are not statistically significant.  Craig Davidson of Prudential discussed the current day use of nt-proBNP, a test initially used in clinical medicine when assessing CHF, diastolic dysfunction, and CAD. We now know how it correlates with other conditions such as auto-Immune disorders, COPD, and cirrhosis, which all produce right-sided heart strain. Thus utilization of serial nt-proBNP testing can be beneficial when gauging treatment. For underwriters, the test prognosticates histories and severity of AF, BBB, edema, CHF, COPD and pulmonary HTN.
4. Dr. Daniel Zimmerman, VP and Medical Director of RGA discussed the progression of HIV in clinical and insurance medicine. With use of modern medications, estimated life expectancy is much greater than it was when HIV was first identified. Despite persistent mortality & morbidity concerns, risk modelling can reasonably conclude that some individuals with HIV are candidates for life insurance coverage as we move toward progress in vaccinations and cures.

Another fantastic aspect of the conference is the networking piece. The conference affords attendees the opportunity to make connections with peers from a large assortment of companies, including insurance companies and industry vendors. The Marketplace exhibit hall provides a rich opportunity for one to interact with these companies, so as to hear about new offerings, ideas, and changes taking place.

Overall the conference was a wonderful opportunity to create and build meaningful relationships with others, while gaining knowledge essential to our ever-changing career. Attending is truly an ideal way to stay in touch with the latest industry data, tips, and trends. A big thank you to NEHOUA, for making this experience possible!”

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