The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

Digital health is making a comeback, driven by a surge in IPOs and substantial funding for AI solutions. The hosts dissect the fallout from Novo Nordisk’s split with Hims, raising questions about marketing practices. They also tackle the implications of Oregon's new law on private equity in healthcare, warning of potential disruptions for startups. The conversation delves into the rapid approval processes for cancer treatments, questioning their effectiveness. Finally, they explore how AI is reshaping medical education and the future of healthcare professions.

In this engaging conversation, TJ Parker, a pharmacist and former CEO of PillPack, shares his journey from selling PillPack to Amazon for $1 billion to launching General Medicine. He discusses the challenges of pricing transparency in healthcare and the lessons learned from his PillPack experience. TJ emphasizes the importance of a seamless consumer journey in healthcare and his vision for innovative delivery models. He also dives into the challenges posed by Pharmacy Benefit Managers and his strategies for advocating consumer transparency.

Lucia Savage, Chief Privacy and Regulatory Officer at Omada Health, is joined by Dr. Vindell Washington from Verily and Dr. Aaron Carroll of AcademyHealth for a thought-provoking discussion on the disparity in evidence standards between digital and traditional healthcare. They delve into the challenges of validating digital tools and the need for transparency in AI applications. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating patient perspectives and fostering trust in innovation, emphasizing that progress lies in collaboration rather than perfection.

In this conversation, Othman Laraki, the CEO and co-founder of Color Health, shares fascinating insights on healthcare innovation. He discusses how Color transformed from a genetics startup into a pioneering virtual cancer clinic. Othman argues that instead of aiming for healthcare superintelligence, the focus should be on creating better systems. He explains how AI can enhance clinician support rather than replace them, and emphasizes strategic partnerships that bolster effective care delivery. Color's unique approach has halved time to treatment and dramatically increased screening rates.

Jaewon Ryu, CEO of Risant Health and former Geisinger leader, shares insights from his extensive healthcare experience. He discusses the need for shifting from episodic care to continuous, value-based models to better support chronic conditions. Ryu highlights the disparities in patient outcomes linked to insurance differences and unveils how integrated delivery systems can enhance care quality without sacrificing local needs. He also explores innovative initiatives, like the Fresh Food Pharmacy, aimed at addressing social health determinants.

Can the digital health IPO drought finally be over? A deep dive into Hinge Health's IPO reveals insights for future market trends. Learn about the surprising equity stakes founders hold and the shifting landscape of private investment. Meanwhile, legal twists surface as Elizabeth Holmes' husband launches a dubious startup, and a former McKinsey partner faces prison over the opioid crisis. Plus, OpenAI's intriguing collaboration with the FDA raises eyebrows. It’s a fascinating mix of innovation and controversy in healthcare!

In this discussion, Eric Jon Larsen, President of TowerBrook Advisors, shares insights as a leading healthcare strategist. He highlights how US healthcare, filled with unproductive labor and unstructured data, remains unprepared for the transformative wave of generative AI. The conversation emphasizes the unique vulnerabilities of the $4.9 trillion sector, the historical resistance to technological shifts, and the potential for AI to revolutionize productivity. Larsen also discusses geopolitical competition, particularly with China, and the upcoming challenges and opportunities for healthcare innovation.

Dr. Patrick Conway, CEO of Optum and former head of the CMS Innovation Center, shares insights on transforming healthcare delivery for over 160 million Americans. He discusses the importance of value-based care and two-sided risk models. AI's potential in reducing costs and improving clinical decision-making is highlighted. Conway also addresses the complexities of America’s drug pricing landscape, emphasizing transparency and innovative solutions. Personal experiences shape his leadership philosophy, promoting resilience and collaboration in the healthcare system.

Join Katie Drasser, CEO of Rock Health, and Carolyn Witte, Founding CEO of Tia, as they dive into the challenges facing women's health innovation. They discuss why women, despite making the majority of healthcare decisions, remain sidelined in tech development. Discover the barriers to funding for women's health startups, the need for personalized solutions, and the importance of considering women's unique health needs throughout their lives. This engaging conversation sheds light on how to revolutionize women's health for better outcomes.

Explore the shifting dynamics in healthcare politics as more Republicans show support for Medicaid and ACA expansion. Dive into the debate over autism and environmental toxins, sparked by a HHS director's claims, alongside a look at media representation in 'Love on the Spectrum.' Discover the challenges posed by pharmacy benefit managers and the push for transparency in academic research. Finally, learn about the importance of building trust in healthcare startups and the journey of integrating AI technologies from pilot programs to widespread use.