RiesterRX
Beyond Algorithms: Human Empathy in Marketing

While there is no doubt that AI and digitalization have redefined marketing, the healthcare industry now finds itself walking a tightrope between leveraging innovation and satisfying genuine human connections. And although AI provides effective tools for streamlining analytics and enhancing efficiencies, it cannot capture the raw emotions of patients, particularly those who seek or require more personalized care or those living with rare diseases. This gap only further contributes to patients feeling misunderstood or alienated at a time where they just want to be seen, heard and acknowledged.

RiesterRX, a full-service, integrated marketing and communications company, is focused on resolving this dichotomy. Renowned for crafting highly emotional and engaging campaigns that connect with patients on a deeply personal level, RiesterRX’s comprehensive, research-based approach uncovers the unique insights that allows its clients to effectively connect with its target audience on a deeper level.

“Improving patient care and driving positive outcomes is more than just a job to us — it’s a mission fueled by passion and genuine care for our clients and their patients,” says Mirja Riester, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of RiesterRX.

Rooted in this mission, RiesterRX has designed its service suite to offer the one thing AI can’t replace—truly original thinking.

From Insight To Impact

RiesterRX’s comprehensive services range from market research and brand strategy to creative development, media planning, public relations and analytics / measurement. To streamline these offerings effectively, RiesterRX boasts an integrated approach that leverages different parts of its business to support clients across their lines of business, overcoming organizational silos.

What really makes RiesterRX stand out as an industry leader is its research-driven roots and deep understanding of the healthcare industry as a whole. From pharmaceuticals and biotech to medical devices, health systems and public policy, RiesterRX consistently exceeds client expectations in delivering transformative marketing solutions.

One notable example includes Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT; now Pfizer) who approached RiesterRX to conduct research and develop a market shaping-campaign to increase awareness of sickle cell disease – which primarily affects the Black community – prior to the introduction of its innovative therapy. Yet lack of awareness and insufficient disease education often left these patients battling societal stigma in addition to the health challenges that came with their disease. This community needed a voice and a safe space that allowed patients and caregivers the opportunity to tell their stories.

“As our research continued, it opened our eyes to the profound need this community had for connection and a platform where their voices could feel heard,” said Riester. “It became personal for us; we became truly invested in ensuring that this community not only feels understood, but also empowered to share their experiences and support one another.”

By conducting in-depth qualitative research with members of the community itself, RiesterRX was able to take a deep dive into the structural issues affecting the Black community. The insights gleaned from this research offered a comprehensive view of the unique sickle cell experience, shared not just by the patients themselves but all of the touchpoints involved in the journey – family, HCPs, teachers, coworkers. Inspired and informed, RiesterRX created Sickle Cell Speaks, a stigma-defying campaign where affected individuals could boldly share their stories, spread awareness, inspire hope and gain respect. Designed to educate around the cause and effects of sickle cell as well as offer tools to manage the disease, today Sickle Cell Speaks continues to be the main resource within the sickle cell community.

Another bespoke and highly differentiating campaign RiesterRX recently created was for HonorHealth, a nonprofit health system. In a crowded market where health systems offer similar services, thereby limiting unique aspects that set each apart from one another, RiesterRX’s creative breaks through the clutter by highlighting the importance of the partnership between patients and providers as well as preventative care.

These laser-focused and outside-the-box efforts exemplify how RiesterRX rewrites the conventional formula of healthcare marketing and embraces truly unique and results-driven approaches.

The Riesterrx Visionaries

Behind this broad expertise is a seasoned team of nearly 100 full-time marketing professionals guided by an accomplished executive team who are actively involved in daily operations. Boasting an impressive average employee tenure of 10-15 years, clients can expect unparalleled attention from RiesterRX’s passionate team members as they’re uniquely positioned to go all in on their business and act as an extension of their own team.

This integrated approach gives the company a natural edge in helping clients establish authentic and emotional connections with their target patient communities while bolstering marketing ROI to achieve their business goals. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, humanity remains at the forefront of healthcare—a commitment steadfastly demonstrated by RiesterRX. Fueled by this insight, the company has become an ideal choice for crafting emotionally engaging and authentic campaigns that help improve patient outcomes.