The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

Explore the rise of Eli Lilly as the first trillion-dollar healthcare company and the impacts of GLP-1 drug dynamics. Delve into two significant longevity funding rounds, with $298M and $60M raises that highlight celebrity influence in health startups. Discover the ramifications of CVS’s $5.7B write-down and the educational landscape shift as nursing loses its 'professional' status. Finally, unravel a telehealth scandal with federal convictions, sparking questions about ethics in healthcare.

Dr. Jennifer Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Homeward, shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to revolutionizing rural healthcare. She discusses the staggering mortality rates in rural areas and how Homeward is tackling this by merging technology with personal care. Jenny’s experiences with Type 1 diabetes drive her vision for patient-centered solutions. The conversation also dives into the potential of value-based care in these underserved markets and the innovative hybrid model that combines home visits with virtual follow-ups to enhance access and quality.

Zachary Ziegler, Co-founder and CTO of OpenEvidence, shares insights on building the fastest-growing physician app, now reaching 40% of U.S. doctors. He discusses how his PhD research in AI led to innovations that aid clinical decision-making without replacing physician judgment. Ziegler reveals their unique strategy of direct distribution to clinicians and the app's impressive growth statistics, including 17 million monthly queries. He also introduces the 'Deep Consult' feature designed for enhanced patient care while addressing the challenges of clinician workload.

Tyler Shultz, a scientist and whistleblower, bravely exposed the fraudulent practices of Theranos, risking his career and safety. He shares gripping insights about the culture of fear within the company and the extreme measures taken to silence dissent. Tyler discusses what ethical leadership should look like under pressure and offers advice for job seekers on vetting company ethics. He also critiques Elizabeth Holmes' new venture while advocating for whistleblower compensation, emphasizing its role in protecting investors and patients.

This year has seen a monumental leap in digital health! Discover how non-AI startups can thrive in an AI-driven market. Dive into California's new chatbot regulations and UnitedHealthcare's surprising $9B deal with AARP amid Medicare challenges. Explore Hims’ innovative push into menopause care and the debate over clinical decision support tools. Plus, find out how AI is being utilized to address doctor shortages while facing clinician pushback. It's a whirlwind of insights into the evolving healthcare landscape!

Dr. Holly Urban, VP of Business Development and Strategy at Wolters Kluwer Health, discusses the innovative UpToDate Expert AI, designed specifically from verified medical content for clinician trust. She emphasizes the importance of grounding AI in credible sources to prevent hallucinations, explaining how it fits seamlessly into clinician workflows to combat app fatigue. Holly also explores the potential of AI in enhancing medical education and patient engagement, highlighting its role in upskilling healthcare professionals and transforming decision-making in patient care.

Clay Bavor, co-founder of Sierra and former Google VP, dives into the transformative power of AI agents in customer service, specifically within healthcare. He discusses how AI can enhance human interaction without losing empathy, comparing horizontal and vertical AI solutions. Clay highlights Sierra’s strategy to improve administrative tasks in healthcare while navigating integration challenges. He also addresses concerns about job displacement, emphasizing new roles that AI might create, and shares insights on remaining grounded in a fast-paced startup culture.

Tom X. Lee, a serial physician-founder and CEO of Galileo, shares insights from his impressive journey, having co-founded Epocrates and One Medical. He discusses why traditional medical training doesn't foster management skills and identifies key traits that make clinicians successful entrepreneurs. Tom also emphasizes that the greatest barrier to healthcare innovation lies in misaligned economics, not culture. He outlines Galileo's innovative approach to patient care, the impact of AI, and the balance between scaling startups for impact versus financial returns.

In the latest discussion, the hosts tackle a variety of hot-button topics. They dive into the implications of TrumpRx on drug pricing and examine the ACA tax credit standoff, potentially doubling premiums for many. UnitedHealthcare's new storefront aims to tackle vendor fatigue, while the booming GLP-1 market raises questions about competition and FDA warnings. The Doximity lawsuit highlights the complexities of AI intellectual property, and the acetaminophen-autism debate throws light on maternal health research gaps.

Reed Jobs, an investor leading Yosemite, is driven by a personal mission to make cancer non-lethal after losing his father to the disease. Joined by Matt Bettonville, they discuss the need for affordable cancer drugs and the surprising effectiveness of digital health tools in improving survival rates. They explore the potential of synthetic control arms to reduce clinical trial costs and emphasize the critical importance of early detection. Reed and Matt also highlight the urgency of maintaining U.S. leadership in global healthcare innovation.