Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson has joined the board of directors of Socrates Health Solutions Inc. In addition to serving four terms as governor, Thompson was a U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under former President George W. Bush.
Headquartered in Dallas and based in Delaware, Socrates Health Solutions aims to improve access to affordable care through the application of innovative technology and delivery models. It is currently developing the Socrates Companion, a pain-free, accurate and affordable noninvasive blood glucose monitoring device.
“The Socrates Companion offers a simpler way for individuals to routinely test their blood and at significantly lower costs than they are paying today when using traditional testing methods,” Thompson said. “By simply attaching a sensor to the ear, the user can get an accurate blood glucose reading in seconds. The Socrates Companion offers compelling healthcare, lifestyle and cost benefits to both consumers and their caregivers.”
Socrates chief executive officer Scott Smith added that Thompson’s experience and expertise will advance the company’s mission to improve the lives of diabetics.
“As one of the nation’s leading advocates for the health and welfare of all Americans, Thompson will help us to address the challenges facing more than 371 million people worldwide who have diabetes, with two million being added annually to the existing 26 million diabetics in the U.S.,” Smith said.
Thompson gained national recognition for his leadership on major initiatives including U.S. preparedness for a bioterrorism attack, increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and expanded health insurance coverage to lower-income Americans.
As Secretary of HHS from 2001 to 2005, Thompson reorganized the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to encourage greater efficiency and disease prevention focusing on obesity, diabetes and health disparities. After leaving the public sector, Thompson became a partner at a law firm, joined the consulting firm Deloitte and now serves many nonprofit organizations.
