The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

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.

Listeners get practical insights into navigating the challenging landscape of healthcare fundraising. The slow IPO recovery and rising private M&A deals are discussed, along with realistic revenue targets for Series A rounds. Effective negotiation strategies are emphasized, highlighting the need for strong relationships with investors. The advantages of Y Combinator for healthcare startups are also explored, providing mentorship and credibility. Balancing time between recruiting, fundraising, and running a business is a key focus, ensuring founders stay resilient.

Discover the intriguing world of Medicare Advantage as hosts discuss allegations of overpayments and misreporting by insurers. Delve into how Vermont's accountable care organization model is paving the way for savings and better patient outcomes. Unpack the potential of an AI-powered device designed to combat loneliness and the impact of innovative blood testing technologies. Plus, explore a hospital's creative leap into entertainment, aiming to enhance public understanding of healthcare through storytelling.

Andy Slavitt, a General Partner at Town Hall Ventures and former executive at CMS and UnitedHealth Group, dives deep into the complexities of American healthcare. He discusses the pivotal moment of rescuing Healthcare.gov and his unexpected shift from entrepreneur to healthcare executive. Slavitt elaborates on the hurdles of value-based care and the slow tech adoption in healthcare, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also reflecting on the continuous battle for equitable access and the challenges posed by ever-changing political landscapes.

Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla discusses the potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare, enabling personalized care and reducing misdiagnosis. He emphasizes the importance of AI learning from humans, not the other way around, and shares real-world examples of AI in action. Khosla also highlights the need for guardrails in AI development and offers advice to healthcare founders on solving challenging problems.