The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

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.

In an engaging discussion, Ann Somers Hogg, Director of Healthcare Research at the Clayton Christensen Institute, delves into revolutionary ideas for overcoming healthcare inflation. She critiques traditional insurance models and reveals why InsureTech startups like Oscar faced hurdles. Explore the concept of 'Zero Inflation Healthcare' and learn about the necessary shifts in business models to enhance patient care. Hogg also discusses the role of consumer behavior in healthcare choices, utilizing the 'Jobs to Be Done' theory to illuminate pathways for healthier living.

Robin Shah, Founder & CEO of Thyme Care, brings a rich background in oncology, having navigated his father's practice through the Great Recession. He discusses the challenges cancer patients face in a fragmented system and how Thyme Care supports over 50,000 individuals through virtual clinical care. The conversation highlights the transition from family practices to larger healthcare networks and the significance of community-based oncology. Shah also shares insights on building trust in cancer care and the innovative approach Thyme Care takes in evolving value-based care.

Mario Schlosser, Co-founder and CTO of Oscar Health, leads a tech-first health insurance company that defies industry norms. He shares why he and his co-founders, lacking healthcare backgrounds, ventured into an industry with one of the lowest customer satisfaction scores. Mario discusses Oscar's growth to 1.7 million members and maintaining a high NPS. He also explains the disruption caused by Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements and the evolving needs of small businesses in the healthcare market.

This month highlights a hopeful view of digital healthcare innovations. AI scribing tools are praised for boosting physician satisfaction and cutting down burnout. Generational trust issues in healthcare are discussed, revealing mixed feelings among younger patients. A deep dive into anti-obesity drugs examines their effectiveness versus high costs and insurance hurdles. Meanwhile, an analysis shows that many digital health companies from the pandemic era are still thriving, marking resilience in a challenging landscape.

Join Mohamad Makhzoumi as he reflects on his 25-year journey from intern to co-CEO of a major healthcare investment fund. Discover how venture capital in healthcare has evolved dramatically, and why timing is crucial for exits. The discussion dives into the cyclical nature of healthcare regulations and their impact on investment strategies. Learn about the balance between innovation and patient care, the role of machine learning in healthcare’s future, and the unique challenges of investing in this ever-changing landscape.