The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

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.

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.