Digital Health Heavyweights

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan, co-founder and chief medical officer of World Class Health. They discuss Dr. Dharmarajan's journey in healthcare, the challenges of patient experience, and the importance of technology in improving healthcare delivery. The conversation delves into the economics of employer-sponsored healthcare, the mission behind founding World Class Health, and the potential of direct contracting and global healthcare solutions. Dr. Dharmarajan shares insights on engagement strategies, innovations, shaping the future of healthcare, and his personal health practices. Takeaways 💡 Clinical inspiration matters in healthcare operations ⚙️ Building technology for doctors requires understanding their workflow 🧑‍⚕️ Patient experience is often poor and needs improvement 🏢 Employer-sponsored healthcare is the largest payer in the U.S. 💰 Direct contracting can lead to significant cost savings 🌎 Global healthcare can offer high-quality care at lower prices 📈 Engagement strategies must be tailored to the audience 🔍 Data transparency is crucial for innovation and accountability 📊 Incentives should align between providers, employers, and patients 🧘‍♂️ Wellness and personal health practices are vital for healthcare leaders Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan and World Class Health 02:40 Lessons from Clover Health: Clinical Inspiration and Successes 05:17 Building Tech for Doctors and Patients: Key Principles 07:27 The Importance of Reducing Friction in Healthcare 09:55 Transitioning to Global Care Delivery: Motivations and Market Opportunities 12:28 Understanding Cost Disparities in Healthcare 14:25 Challenges in the Healthcare System: Misalignments and Transparency 17:38 Founding World Class Health: Personal Stories and Market Gaps 29:06 Global Centers of Excellence: Engagement and Cost Reduction 31:37 The Role of Nurses in Patient Care 34:23 Cost Savings in Healthcare 36:36 Demand for Specific Healthcare Services 38:32 Misconceptions About International Healthcare 41:39 Innovations in Global Healthcare 44:58 Engagement Strategies in Healthcare 51:59 Personal Wellness PracticesFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky interviews Noah Kotlove, Founder and CEO of Berry Street, a virtual nutrition therapy platform connecting patients with dietitians for one-on-one personalized nutrition care across more than 25 conditions, and  leveraging AI to empower providers and patients . Noah shares his patient-first journey how working with a dietitian helped him lose weight and why nutrition counseling remains one of the most underutilized benefits in U.S. healthcare despite broad commercial coverage that is often $0 out of pocket. The conversation explores Berry Street’s rapid growth since January 2023, its $50M raise in 2025, the difference between dietitians vs. “nutritionists,” and how Berry Street supports patients navigating the GLP-1 era with sustainable nutrition and behavior change. Takeaways 🥗 Nutrition therapy is widely covered by commercial insurance, yet remains deeply underutilized. 🧠 Dietitians support behavior change beyond “eat this / don’t eat that,” including relationship-with-food work. ⚖️ “Food freedom” helps patients avoid guilt spirals and build sustainable habits. 🍿 Small guardrails (like portioning snacks into a bowl) can compound into major outcomes over time. 🏢 Large enterprises often struggle with zero-to-one innovation—startups thrive because they’re built for it. 🚀 Berry Street scaled rapidly after launching in January 2023, reaching tens of millions in annualized revenue (as shared on-air). 💰 Berry Street raised $50M in 2025, driven by growth, a massive market tailwind, and strong provider/patient experience. 🩺 Dietitians are credentialed clinicians who can bill insurance; “nutritionist” is not a standardized credential term. 💉 GLP-1s are a powerful tool, but dietitian support helps protect nutrient intake, adherence, and long-term sustainability. 🍌 A simple daily habit: pairing fruit (banana) with protein/fats (peanut butter) can improve satiety and energy stability. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Noah Kotlove and Berry Street 01:35 Noah’s Path into Healthcare: A Patient-First Story 04:10 How Dietitian Care Drives Sustainable Behavior Change 07:24 Principles Behind Noah’s 60–65 lb Weight-Loss Journey 11:41 Founding Sobriety Soft: Early Entrepreneurship in Health Tech 15:25 Lessons Learned Building a Product for a Sensitive Community 18:25 Accenture to Startup CEO: Lessons from Enterprise Innovation 21:11 The Origin and Meaning Behind the Name “Berry Street” 23:19 Why Nutrition Therapy Is Massively Underutilized 24:34 Fundraising Advice: Authenticity in a Tough Capital Market 26:20 What Drove Berry Street’s $50M Raise and Growth Strategy 28:35 Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: Credentials, Training, and Trust 31:00 Inside the Berry Street Patient Experience 33:26 Insurance Coverage Explained: Preventive vs. Medical Nutrition Care 35:11 Go-to-Market Strategy: From DTC Growth to Health Plans 35:58 Becoming In-Network: Scaling Provider Contracts Nationally 37:20 Clinical Outcomes and the GLP-1 Nutrition Pathway 39:13 The Role of Nutrition in a GLP-1-Driven Future 48:45 Managing Stress and Staying Centered as a Founder 50:12 Healthy Habits and Simple Nutrition Wins 53:01 Closing Thoughts and Final ReflectionsFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Karl Ulfers, Co-founder and CEO of DUOS, discusses his journey in healthcare technology and the mission behind DUOS, which aims to create a seamless aging experience for older adults. He shares insights on building partnerships with health plans to ensure access to care and addressing daily needs like food and safety. Karl also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, revealing his stress management routines, family cooking rituals, and personal motivations drawn from his grandparents' struggles. His passion for innovation and impact shines throughout the conversation.

Elan Adler, founder and CEO of OneImaging, discusses the company's recent $38 million Series A funding and strategic growth plans. He highlights the role of VY Capital as a key investor and how they aim to improve healthcare access through innovative imaging solutions. Elan emphasizes significant cost savings and faster diagnoses that enhance patient care. Norm Volsky shares insights about MVP Growth Partners, focusing on value-driven investments and the pressing need for behavior change in healthcare to tackle rising costs.

John Quinn, the Founder and CEO of Wellnecity and author of Benefits Revolution, shares his journey from finance to healthcare, highlighting the industry's inefficiencies. He discusses the evolution of Wellnecity's Smart Hub platform, emphasizing the importance of actionable data in transforming healthcare benefits. John elaborates on the need for a culture of curiosity and collaboration within teams. He predicts a shift towards virtual solutions, focusing on enhancing patient experiences and delivering affordable, high-quality care.

Brad Kreick, CEO of AccessHope, brings decades of healthcare experience to the table. He discusses the evolution of cancer care and AccessHope's mission to connect local oncologists with specialized experts. Brad emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sharing impressive outcomes from over 20,000 clinical reviews that improved patient therapies. He also predicts a future where AI will enhance productivity in digital health. Personal anecdotes highlight AccessHope's human impact, showcasing the bridge between cutting-edge research and community care.

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky is joined by Kili Preitauer, CEO of Override Health, and Dr. Christina Le-Short, VP of Clinical Delivery. They discuss the innovative approaches of Override Health in managing chronic pain through a virtual, patient-centered model that emphasizes non-opioid solutions. The conversation explores the misconceptions surrounding healthcare providers and payers, the importance of whole person care, and the integration of AI in healthcare. Both guests share their personal journeys in healthcare, the challenges they face, and the successes they've achieved in improving patient outcomes. The episode concludes with insights on the future of healthcare and the importance of personal health practices for leaders in the industry. Takeaways💻 Override Health focuses on virtual chronic pain management. 🧩 Kili’s journey into healthcare began with problem-solving. 🤝 Christina Le-Short emphasizes the need for collaborative care. 💡 Misconceptions about payers include the belief that they don't care about patients. 🩺 Doctors often don't have all the answers for complex conditions. 👥 Building strong teams is crucial for success in healthcare. 🌿 Patients need whole-person care for effective pain management. 📈 Override Health has seen significant patient satisfaction and outcomes. 🤖 AI can enhance efficiency in healthcare without replacing human interaction. 🧘 Personal health practices are essential for leaders in healthcare. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Override Health and Its Mission01:43 Personal Journeys into Healthcare04:11 Misconceptions in Healthcare: Payers and Providers06:40 Building Teams and Leadership in Healthcare08:45 Accomplishments in Pain Management09:49 The Importance of Whole Person Care10:34 Startup Experiences and Lessons Learned11:56 Inspiration Behind Joining Override Health15:14 Hiring for Success: Key Traits16:59 Identifying Better Approaches to Chronic Pain22:46 Patient Experience and Success Stories26:47 Non-Opioid Approaches to Pain Management28:20 Partnerships with Payers for Cost Reduction29:38 Transforming Pain Management: A New Approach30:19 Understanding Opioid Side Effects33:34 The Role of AI in Healthcare39:08 Future of AI in Pain Management44:10 Major Accomplishments at Override45:20 Predictions for Digital Health49:06 Practicing What You Preach: Healthy Habits55:53 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Rich Fahn, Senior VP at NFP, discussing the evolution of employee benefits, the impact of digital health solutions, and the importance of understanding demographics in managing healthcare costs. Rich shares his journey from starting his own brokerage to joining NFP, emphasizing the significance of culture and relationships in the industry. The conversation also touches on the challenges of innovation, the role of GLP-1s in healthcare, and the necessity of preventative care. Takeaways💡 Innovation in employee benefits has significantly changed over the years. 👥 Understanding demographics is crucial for managing healthcare costs. 🌐 The rise of digital health solutions has created a complex landscape. 🤝 Building trust with clients is essential in the benefits industry. 🩺 Preventative care can lead to long-term cost savings for employers. 🏢 The importance of culture in a company affects employee satisfaction. 💪 Surrounding yourself with a supportive team is invaluable. 📲 Engagement with digital health solutions is key to their success. ⏳ Employers must adapt to the aging workforce and its implications. Chapters01:33 Rich Fahn's Journey into Healthcare05:36 Innovation in Employee Benefits and Cost Control09:04 Building Excel Benefit Group12:41 Challenges and Successes in the Benefits Industry18:04 Impact of Digital Health Solutions23:45 Navigating GLP-1s and Preventative Care29:10 Joining NFP and the Importance of Culture36:43 Strategies for Managing Aging Populations39:31 Vendor Approaches to Brokers and Consultants42:18 Consultant Mistakes and Client Relationships45:14 Stress Management in High-Pressure Roles47:32 Healthy Living and Nutrition Tips Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode, Norm Volsky sits down with Trupti Mukker, Co-Founder and COO of Complement 1, the digital cancer rehabilitation platform, 1st non-pharma treatment layer helping patients complete treatment, recover faster, and lower costs.  Trupti shares her journey into healthcare, the inspiration behind Complement 1, and how digital cancer rehabilitation, rooted in exercise, nutrition, and stress management can significantly improve outcomes for patients during and after treatment. The conversation explores the clinical rigor behind Complement 1’s evidence-based approach, how the platform achieves 90% engagement and cost savings for payers and health systems, and the growing role of AI in personalizing rehabilitation for every cancer type, recovery stage, and side effects. Trupti also highlights the importance of daily clinical support in improving treatment adherence, quality of life, and long-term survivorship outcomes.Key Takeaways:👩‍⚕️ Trupti Mukker transitioned to healthcare to make a meaningful impact.💪 Complement 1 delivers digital cancer rehabilitation—a daily non-pharma treatment layer integrated into oncology care.📉 Less than 5% of cancer patients adhere to lifestyle modifications that can drastically improve outcomes.🏃‍♀️ Exercise and structured rehabilitation reduce fatigue and increase energy levels during treatment.🤝 Daily, human-led support drives real adherence and measurable outcomes.📊 Evidence shows lifestyle therapy can cut recurrence risk by up to 35–40%.✅ Complement 1’s program is 100% evidence-based and backed by clinical evidence.💰 The platform achieves 90%+ engagement and cost savings for health systems and payers.🧬 Personalized rehabilitation is essential across cancer types and recovery stages.🔮 The future of oncology includes digital cancer rehabilitation as a standard, AI-powered layer of care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Complement 1 and Its Mission02:07 Trupti's Journey into Healthcare04:30 The Importance of Lifestyle Interventions in Cancer Care07:51 Personalized Patient Experience with Complement One11:37 The Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Cancer Recurrence14:22 Maintaining Clinical Rigor in a Human-Centric Model17:08 Driving Engagement and Cost Savings19:30 Partnerships and Market Response21:30 Personalization in Cancer Care24:19 Patient Success Stories26:18 The Future of Lifestyle Medicine and AI28:05 Advice for Founders in Healthcare29:01 Trupti's Personal Health Practices34:07 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Vinay Nagaraj, co-founder and CEO of Bonfire Analytics, has a unique background in biomedical engineering and healthcare sales. He discusses how his analytical skills enhance the sales process, emphasizing the need for authentic relationships in sales. Vinay shares insights on common pitfalls in healthcare sales, market opportunities in behavioral health, and the importance of making data actionable. He also provides tips for aspiring founders on fundraising and values stress relief through basketball and family favorite healthy recipes.