The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

A seasoned investor shares the keys to success in healthcare venture capital, including the importance of non-consensus decisions. Discover the transformative role of AI in enhancing efficiency and navigating value-based care. Reflect on game-changing investments like Illumina while also examining regrets over missed biotech opportunities. Explore the implications of market shifts and upcoming leadership challenges that could reshape the industry. Tune in for insights on how to thrive amidst the complexities of healthcare investing.

This month covers a competitive shake-up with Progyny losing ground to Maven. The entire 23andMe board resigns, raising eyebrows in governance circles. An exciting antitrust lawsuit pits Particle Health against Epic, igniting discussions on market fairness. North Carolina's bold initiative aims to erase $4 billion in medical debt. A groundbreaking at-home nasal spray flu vaccine is discussed, promising to revolutionize flu care. Also, the leadership turmoil at Weight Watchers signals shifts in the weight management landscape.

Lina Khan, the youngest chair of the Federal Trade Commission, dives into the crucial role the FTC plays in healthcare regulation. She discusses the alarming trend of consolidation and how it impacts competition and innovation. Khan addresses high drug prices and the challenges posed by pharmaceutical companies that restrict access to generics. The conversation also covers the FTC's bold move to ban non-compete clauses, shedding light on its potential effects on healthcare professionals. Khan shares her visionary perspective on the future of competition law.

Dan Diamond, a national health reporter for the Washington Post, joins to dissect how upcoming elections influence healthcare decisions. He explores Donald Trump's fluctuating approach to the Affordable Care Act and Kamala Harris's stand on reproductive rights. The discussion highlights the ramifications of Medicaid redetermination, with millions potentially losing coverage. Bipartisan issues like Medicare Advantage and drug pricing also surface, underscoring the critical intersection of healthcare and voting as public priorities shift.

Evan Richardson, founder and CEO of Form Health, shares his insights on the groundbreaking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, revolutionizing weight loss care. He discusses the unique holistic model of Form Health, focusing on personalized patient support. The challenges of drug shortages and the evolving regulations for compounding pharmacies are highlighted. Evan also emphasizes the rising trend of employers covering these medications and offers valuable advice for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs navigating the digital health landscape.

John Mackey, the visionary founder of Whole Foods Market, dives into his new health venture, Love.Life, aimed at transforming healthcare like he did for groceries. He shares insights on the need for personal responsibility in health management and the role of technology in improving outcomes. Mackey also emphasizes the importance of nutrition education in medical training over pharmaceuticals. Plus, he offers advice to entrepreneurs about keeping control over their vision while navigating venture capital pressures.

This month, the hosts dive into the TEFCA initiative and its implications for data sharing in healthcare. They highlight a lawsuit against employers failing to manage health plans effectively and how this raises awareness around healthcare costs. The surge of virtual care in rural America is discussed, shedding light on improved access. A merger between TruePill and LetsGetChecked sparks curiosity about market dynamics, while Johnson & Johnson target hospital drug discounts. Lastly, the future of compounding startups is examined with the easing of drug shortages.

In this episode, Dr. Jon Cohen, CEO of Talkspace, discusses his unconventional journey from vascular surgeon to leading a publicly traded digital health company.We cover:The glass ceiling for physicians, and why people wrongly think physicians can’t run businessesHis run for Lieutenant Governor of New York, and why more physicians should get involved with politicsThe role of online therapy in making mental healthcare more accessible and affordableHow Talkspace is leveraging AI to detect suicide risk, support therapists, and enhance patient careThe challenges and opportunities of running a public company, especially one that went public via SPACHis insights on the future of healthcare and the importance of physician leadership in driving changeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christine Lemke, co-founder and CEO of Evidation Health, opens up about her journey driven by personal experiences with chronic pain. She discusses the power of real-world data in improving health outcomes and how her company navigated initial challenges to focus on patient experience. Lemke highlights innovative recruitment strategies, ensuring diversity and participant consent, and the platform’s potential to transform healthcare research. She also shares insights on upcoming advancements and the integration of diverse health data for proactive care.

In this discussion, Dave Chase, co-founder and CEO of Health Rosetta, delves into innovative models for transforming healthcare. He champions community-owned health plans, highlighting their potential to cut costs, enhance care, and promote well-being. Chase critiques the current employer-tied system and shares insights on the financial burdens faced by the middle class. He advocates for direct primary care and community investments to improve overall health outcomes, while also addressing clinician burnout and the need for fresh approaches within the industry.