The Healthtech Podcast

Dr. Sonia Schamotsky, former A&E doctor and the innovative CEO of 32Co, shares her unique path in healthcare. She dives into the challenges of clinician adoption of new treatments and highlights the importance of trust and information flow in the healthcare system. Sonia discusses her platform that connects generalists to specialists, starting with dentistry and expanding into sleep health. She emphasizes that while AI is valuable, the human connection remains irreplaceable in delivering quality care.

Tomasz George, a PhD-trained longevity researcher and CEO of Freyr Health, dives into fascinating longevity science. He discusses the surprising rejuvenating effects of young blood on aged cells and the public fads surrounding its use. Tomasz highlights the importance of lifestyle choices, exercise, and diet in healthy aging, alongside interventions like gut health and managing stress. He also emphasizes the need for individuals to control their medical data, aiming to revolutionize how health data is managed and monetized.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Roest, the co-founder and CEO of PocDoc, shares insights on revolutionizing health diagnostics with smartphone-based blood testing. He explains how PocDoc's technology can detect cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney issues using a simple finger prick. Steve highlights the importance of scaling preventative health outside GP surgeries and the innovative strategies that led to high uptake rates among patients. With a focus on real-world needs and integration with NHS pathways, PocDoc aims to democratize health screening.

In this conversation with Rachel Murphy, founder of The Grafter, listeners gain insights from her extensive experience in building and exiting healthcare companies. She discusses key strategies for founders to maximize their business value before an exit. Rachel highlights the importance of preparation, including creating a detailed data room and sell pack. She also shares her experiences navigating entrepreneurial challenges in the UK, the impact of politics on startups, and strategies for identifying valuable assets in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Olivia Burns, Founder of Hypoplas, is on a mission to revolutionize hospital gowns for sustainability and dignity. She shares her journey from living with a congenital heart condition to creating patient-centric designs. The conversation dives into the importance of including patient voices in healthcare innovation and the ethical implications of treatment experiences. Olivia also highlights how empowering patients can enhance healthcare outcomes and discusses the critical role of a Chief Patient Officer in bridging patient insights with AI technologies.

James O’Donovan, Head of Research at the Community Health Impact Coalition, discusses the pivotal role of community health workers in transforming healthcare systems. He emphasizes the need for these workers to be recognized as essential professionals, deserving fair compensation and training. The conversation highlights their impact on data collection and health initiatives in underserved areas. Additionally, James addresses the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance and how community health efforts can combat it, showcasing innovation and collaboration in healthcare.

Aashima Gupta, global director of healthcare strategy and solutions at Google Cloud, shares her journey from fintech to healthcare, inspired by personal loss. She discusses the revolutionary role of AI in patient care and data interoperability, emphasizing the need for effective communication in healthcare systems. Aashima highlights advanced AI technologies like Gemini and Med-PaLM and advocates for integrating them with human judgment. She underscores the importance of ethical guidelines and practical applications in enhancing healthcare experiences and improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Ross Harper, CEO and co-founder of Limbic, is pioneering clinical-grade AI tools to transform mental health care. He discusses the impact of AI technology on diagnostics and treatment, especially since the pandemic. The conversation dives into the accessibility challenges within the UK mental health system, highlighting how AI can reduce waiting times and address minority demographic needs. Harper emphasizes the importance of integrating technology while maintaining a human touch, making a compelling case for responsible AI deployment in mental health.

This week, James is joined by Lara Lewington, technology broadcaster, journalist, and AI commentator. Lara has presented a variety of programmes across ITV and BBC, including fifteen years on the BBC's flagship technology show, Click. Her book 'Hacking Humanity', published in July 2025, is the ultimate guide to the tech-driven health revolution we are approaching. Learn more: https://www.laralewington.com/Apply to be a guest: https://www.thehealthtechpodcast.com/ Subscribe to Healthtech Pigeon 🐦: https://www.healthtechpigeon.com/Get in touch with James: https://www.jamessomauroo.com/

Charles Nduka, Founder and CSO of Emteq, is at the forefront of wearable technology that interprets facial expressions. He discusses the importance of empathy in healthcare, particularly for patients with facial paralysis, and shares personal insights on blending emotional intelligence with technology. The conversation explores 'light bulb moments' that sparked innovation, alongside how wearables can improve patient care and address social isolation in autistic individuals. Nduka also dives into the emotional factors impacting health and the role advanced tech plays in rehabilitation.