The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

Rushika Fernandopulle shares his remarkable journey of merging medicine with business, creating a billion-dollar healthcare company. He discusses the 'Southwest Airlines Theory' of healthcare transformation and emphasizes the need for a consumer-driven approach. The conversation highlights unique funding stories, including an investment from Zappos' Tony Hsieh, and critiques tech giants' struggles in reshaping healthcare. Fernandopulle advocates breaking the traditional employment-insurance link for real reform, showcasing his entrepreneurial resilience and innovative vision.

It’s in our water, our food, and so many other products we use on a daily basis, from non-stick pans to popcorn bags. And it’s making us really sick.More and more scientists are becoming concerned that PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” are impacting human health. Evidence is growing that links these everyday exposures, particularly to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (or EDCs), are linked to cancer, infertility, birth defects, asthma, allergies, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and more.In this episode, we talk to one of the world’s leading environmental health scientists and advocates about the impact of forever chemicals and what we can do about it. Arlene Blum is the founder and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. This is a replay from 2022.We cover:🧪 What are PFAS and why do they exist?🔄 How do forever chemicals get into our bodies, and why does it matter?👕 Her work in the 70's getting the gene-altering agent Tris, known to cause cancer, banned from the use in children's pajamas⚖️ Why policymakers are so slow to take action🛡️ How to keep yourself safe from forever chemicals---About our guest:Arlene Blum, PhD, biophysical chemist, author, and mountaineer, is a Research Associate in Chemistry at UC Berkeley and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. The Institute’s scientific research and policy work with government and business has contributed to preventing the use of “Six Classes” of harmful chemicals, including flame retardants and fluorinated chemicals, in children’s sleepwear, furniture, electronics, and other products worldwide.Arlene Blum led the first American—and all-women’s—ascent of Annapurna I, considered one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountains, co-led the first women’s team to climb Denali; completed the Great Himalayan Traverse across the mountain regions of Bhutan, Nepal, and India; and hiked the length of the European Alps with her baby daughter on her back. She is the author of Annapurna: A Woman’s Place and Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life.Blum’s awards include her 2018 induction into the California Hall of Fame, 2017 UC Berkeley International House Alumna of the Year, 2015 award for lifetime achievement of a Reed College graduate, selection by the UK Guardian as one of the “World’s 100 Most Inspiring Women”, National Women’s History Project selection as one of 100 “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” selection as an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, and election to the Hall of Mountaineering Excellence.Arlene Blum received her PhD in Biophysical Chemistry from UC Berkeley and has taught at UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and Wellesley College. More information at www.greensciencepolicy.org and www.arleneblum.com---🙏 If you're enjoying the show, we would so appreciate it if you left us a review!---📍 Connect with us:Heart of Healthcare websiteLinkedInTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when AI chatbots outperform doctors in diagnoses? The discussion dives into the future of medical practice and physician burnout. Amazon's disruptive entry into primary care raises questions about market dynamics and impacts on companies like Hims & Hers. The podcast also highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health amidst political shifts. Recent changes in telehealth regulations for addiction treatment could reshape care, while the sudden shutdown of Forward Health sparks discussion on innovation versus incremental change.

Katherine Stueland, President and CEO of GeneDx, discusses how AI is revolutionizing genetic testing to diagnose rare diseases in days instead of years. She highlights the evolution from single-gene testing to whole genome sequencing and the impact of a landmark Supreme Court decision on patient access. Katherine shares insights on the challenges parents face while navigating rare conditions and the critical role of genetic testing in NICUs. She also emphasizes the importance of women in leadership roles within healthcare.

Yoona Kim, Co-founder and CEO of Arine, delves into the staggering $530 billion challenge of medication mismanagement. She highlights the role of data silos in healthcare and how AI can predict medication-related issues. Yoona discusses balancing cost optimization with clinical relevance while dissecting the difficulties of integrating new technologies within existing systems. With a focus on enhancing patient care, she explains how automatic recommendations can improve coordination among healthcare providers, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jeff Wessler, a cardiologist and founder of Heartbeat Health, tackles the critical intersection of heart health and digital innovation. He highlights the challenges of relying on wearable devices, addresses the concept of 'heart age,' and shares insights into the skepticism surrounding remote monitoring. Dr. Wessler emphasizes the impact of stress and inflammation on cardiovascular health and champions GLP-1 medications as groundbreaking treatments. Listeners will also receive practical tips to enhance their heart health, including the often-overlooked LPA test.

Aneesh Chopra discusses the potential changes in healthcare under Trump's second term. The conversation highlights the future of the Affordable Care Act and a privatized Healthcare.gov. Chopra delves into the challenges facing women's health post-Dobbs and the financial pressures on Medicare Advantage. Furthermore, they explore the promise of value-based care in a bipartisan landscape and the implications of recent elections on health equity and innovation. It's a mix of hope and caution in navigating the complex healthcare landscape.

Sophia Gatta, an industry expert and colleague of Steve Kraus, shares her insights on the HLTH conference and the current state of health tech. They dive into the optimistic outlook for AI's role in healthcare, discuss the impact of recent political proposals on the sector, and explore Walmart's innovative prescription delivery service. The conversation highlights emerging challenges in healthcare innovation and the evolving dynamics of healthcare access amidst a turbulent election season.

Dr. Jessi Gold, the first chief wellness officer for the University of Tennessee System and author of "How Do You Feel?", joins Dr. Aparna Atluru, co-founder and chief medical officer of Marvin, to tackle clinician burnout and mental health crises. They dive into the symptoms of burnout and the potential addition to the DSM, gender disparities in physician suicide rates, and how technology both helps and hinders clinician well-being. The conversation underscores the importance of specialized mental health care for healthcare workers, sharing personal struggles and innovative solutions.

Naomi Allen, Co-founder and CEO of Brightline, brings her expertise in pediatric behavioral health to discuss the youth mental health crisis. She reveals how technology can both worsen and alleviate these challenges. The conversation dives into the impact of social media on children's well-being, particularly post-COVID. Naomi emphasizes the importance of family-centered care and skill-building resilience over medication. Practical strategies for parents to help manage technology use and support their children are also shared, shedding light on the crucial need for early intervention.