October 8th, 2024: In this episode of Today in Health IT, Sarah Richardson and Kate Gamble discuss the launch of UC San Diego’s Willow Wellness app, designed to support student mental and physical health. Backed by AI and driven by student input, the app personalizes wellness services, offering real-time recommendations. They explore the potential of AI-driven solutions to enhance access to mental health resources, improve student engagement, and have broader implications for healthcare systems. Security, integration, and user adoption are also key considerations.00:45 Exploring the Features and Benefits of the Willow Wellness App02:43 The Importance of Security and Integration in Health Apps04:37 Reflections on Student Wellness and Future ImplicationsSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

October 7, 2024: Laura O’Toole, CEO and Founder at SureTest joins Bill for the news. The lawsuit against Epic’s alleged monopolistic behavior is also discussed—does its strong client satisfaction reflect a true monopoly, or is it simply good business? They touch on Epic’s recruitment strategy—how does hiring for culture impact the long-term success of tech giants? The episode ends on leadership, with reflections on gender diversity in healthcare and the power of effective hiring processes. Can these strategies continue to drive transformation in healthcare IT, or will future challenges demand new approaches?Key Points:02:22 Epic Systems Antitrust Lawsuit Discussion03:59 Epic's Market Position and Client Satisfaction07:22 Hiring Practices and Strategies16:18 Team Achievements and Future PlansNews articles:Epic Systems Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Monopolistic Practices in HealthcareJudy Faulkner Opens Up about Hiring Challenges and Interoperability

October 4, 2024: In this episode of Today in Health IT, Kate Gamble and Sarah Richardson discuss the findings from the Commonwealth Fund’s 2024 study, which highlights the U.S. healthcare system’s underperformance in cost, accessibility, and outcomes. They explore the urgent need for systemic reform and how healthcare leaders can drive change at the local level by advocating for improved access and outcomes. Sarah shares insights on how leveraging data, partnerships, and technology can help address disparities and improve patient care.01:12 Healthcare Reform and Access Disparities02:28 Challenges and Solutions in HealthcareSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

October 3, 2024: In this episode of Today in Health IT, Kate Gamble and Sarah Richardson discuss the transformative potential of AI-powered PCs in healthcare. With advanced chips like Neural Processing Units, these devices aim to improve workflow efficiency, reduce clinician burnout, and streamline data retrieval processes. They explore the challenges of integrating these systems, including device compatibility, compliance, and managing tech debt, while emphasizing the importance of aligning new technology with broader digital transformation strategies.01:13 Deep Dive into AI-Powered Personal Care Systems02:49 Challenges and Considerations for AI IntegrationSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Drex covers three critical cybersecurity stories. First, a hacking campaign called Salt Typhoon, linked to the Chinese government, has compromised several internet service providers, with concerns about potential router vulnerabilities. Second, a nationwide Verizon outage raises questions about a possible electrical grid shutdown targeting cell towers. Finally, Drex dives into the growing need for robust AI security frameworks, with organizations like NIST and ISO leading the charge.Remember, Stay a Little Paranoid Subscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

October 2, 2024: In this Today in Health IT episode, Kate Gamble and Sarah Richardson discuss the critical importance of cybersecurity in healthcare. Cybersecurity has become imperative for businesses with increasing threats like ransomware and data breaches. The discussion highlights the need for integrating security into daily operations, ensuring compliance, managing third-party risks, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across organizations. They also explore human error and the most significant vulnerability and provide practical tips for healthcare leaders to protect sensitive patient data.01:08 The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity04:04 Real-World Impacts and Stories06:28 Strategies for Effective CybersecuritySubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

October 1, 2024: In this episode of Today in Health IT, Kate Gamble and Sarah Richardson explore the growing strain on the U.S. power grid caused by surging energy demands from AI and data centers. They discuss the potential impacts on healthcare, including cloud reliability, operational costs, and the importance of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into long-term health IT strategies. Sarah shares practical advice for CIOs on preparing for these challenges and the role of energy-efficient technology in reducing risks.01:13 The Impact of AI on the US Power Grid02:16 ESG and Strategic Planning in Healthcare05:21 Practical Steps for CIOs and OrganizationsSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

September 30, 2024: Kate Pierce, Senior vCISO & Executive Director of Subsidy Program, and Tamra Durfee, vCISO, of Fortified Health join Sarah at SOAR for the news. The discussion delves into the cybersecurity talent gap, highlighting the importance of attracting more women into cybersecurity. What role do mentorship programs and internships play in empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals? The conversation also examines the culture of cybersecurity in healthcare, posing crucial questions about balancing security with clinician workflows. Key Points:01:51 Impressions from the SOAR Conference02:56 Women in Cybersecurity07:04 Integrating Cybersecurity in Organizations09:27 Cybersecurity Culture16:10 Women in CybersecurityThis Week Health SubscribeThis Week Health TwitterThis Week Health LinkedinAlex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer Donate

In today's episode of the Two Minute Drill, Drex dives into three important cybersecurity updates: a new Senate bill aimed at setting minimum security standards for healthcare organizations, CrowdStrike’s response to a software update incident, and NIST's proposed changes to outdated password practices. Stay informed on the latest efforts to safeguard healthcare data and improve cybersecurity across the industry.Remember, Stay a Little Paranoid Subscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

September 27, 2024: In this episode of Today in Health IT, Sarah Richardson and Drex DeFord discuss a recent incident where hackers Zoom-bombed a hospital’s virtual health event and sharw political propaganda using the hospital’s servers. They explore the growing cybersecurity vulnerabilities as healthcare organizations rely more on digital platforms. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive security measures, training, and preparedness to prevent future disruptions.01:08 Hackers Zoom Bomb Hospital Event03:08 Cybersecurity Measures and Best PracticesSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer