The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

Dr. Vikas Saini, President of the Lown Institute and a clinical cardiologist, dives into the shocking world of healthcare profiteering. He discusses the annual Shkreli Awards, spotlighting cases like a Texas school selling deceased body parts and an oncologist's harmful practices. The conversation also touches on the controversial rise of unnecessary infant procedures and the role of private equity in bankrupting community hospitals. Through these alarming examples, Dr. Saini reveals critical insights about the ethical dilemmas and future of the American healthcare system.

Andrew Hedin and Morgan Cheatham from Bessemer Venture Partners share their insights on the future of healthcare innovation. They discuss the evolving implications of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements for Obamacare and how shifting employment dynamics will impact health insurance. The duo delves into the role of AI in home healthcare, improving caregiver support, and enhancing family interactions with aging relatives. Optimism shines through as they highlight emerging therapies, new payment models, and the exciting potential for startups by 2025.

D.A. Wallach, a venture capitalist at Time BioVentures and former frontman of Chester French, dives into the murky waters of healthcare ethics. He draws fascinating parallels between music and medicine, questioning outdated titles like 'doctor' and advocating for AI's role in patient care. With a focus on the need for a universal, evidence-based standard of care, he critiques the current profit-driven systems and urges a reevaluation of healthcare relationships. Wallach's insights promise a provocative peek into a future where compassion meets innovation.

Thousands of healthcare leaders gather in San Francisco, sparking discussions on digital health trends. The podcast tackles the political heat on pharmacy benefit managers from figures like Trump and Warren. There's a deep dive into surprising patient satisfaction levels contrasted with systemic complaints. We learn about UPS's innovative healthcare logistics shift and the controversial $50 fee for patient messaging. Plus, the acquisition of Accolade by Transcarent hints at a wave of M&A in the health sector, reshaping the landscape.

Annie Lamont, co-founder of Oak HC/FT and a five-time Midas List investor, shares her extensive experience in healthcare investing. She discusses the transformative potential of AI in American healthcare and the possible resurgence of IPOs by 2025. Annie also warns entrepreneurs about the 'revenge of the incumbents' and emphasizes the importance of strong business models for attracting investment. Furthermore, she reflects on the implications of new healthcare policies and the challenges posed by hospital monopolies in the industry.

Megan Zweig, President and CEO of Rock Health Advisory, dives into the captivating shifts in digital health for 2024. She discusses how funding rebounded to $10 billion with a focus on sustainability. AI made waves, capturing 40% of investment dollars despite fierce competition. Additionally, Zweig highlights the surprising resilience of past unicorns and strategic partnerships, like Eli Lilly's with Ro, which signals a new era in weight care. The conversation also touches on the growing importance of women's health and innovative care solutions.

Seth Sternberg, Co-founder and CEO of Honor, previously led Meebo before pioneering changes in home care. He discusses how AI rescued Honor from collapse and transformed the industry, utilizing 22 models to enhance care and retention. Interesting insights include why caregiver satisfaction goes beyond pay, the shift to W2 employees, and how 'revealed preferences' match caregivers and clients. He also contrasts international home care practices and explores expanding services to address aging challenges.

Dr. Sachin Jain critiques the 'toxic positivity' in healthcare, urging for radical changes rather than minor tweaks. He highlights challenges in Medicare Advantage, including benefit cuts and market exits, alongside the failures of healthcare consolidation. Jain points out the flaws in value-based care that prioritize short-term metrics over meaningful long-term health improvements. He also shares insights on SCAN’s mission to help seniors age at home and calls for innovative leadership to revolutionize the healthcare landscape.

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.