Digital Health Heavyweights

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.

Joseph Kitonga, founder and CEO of Vitable Health, shares his inspiring journey from caregiving roots to creating a healthcare model for underserved workers. He discusses how the Thiel Fellowship empowered him to focus on innovation in direct primary care. Vitable's unique membership model reduces barriers to access via hybrid care, combining in-home services with virtual visits. With around 100,000 members, Joseph highlights the importance of empathy, effective communication, and continuous user feedback in building a successful healthcare startup.

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Joe Perekupka, CEO of Freespira, a company focused on medication-free treatments for panic attacks and PTSD. Joe shares his journey into healthcare, his leadership experiences, and the importance of learning from mistakes. He discusses the mission of FreeSpira, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health treatment, and shares patient success stories. Joe also emphasizes the significance of cultural fitness in hiring and offers advice for employees of companies approaching IPOs. The conversation highlights the innovative approach of Freespira in addressing mental health issues and the importance of action and adaptability in leadership. Takeaways🩺 Healthcare offers a chance to positively impact society. 👥 Building a team in a startup requires cultural alignment. 💡 Embracing mistakes is crucial for growth. 🚀 Action creates opportunities and learning experiences. 🌬️ Freespira’s treatment is medication-free and effective. 🎖️ PTSD affects more than just combat veterans. 🌐 COVID-19 highlighted the need for virtual mental health care. 🗣️ Patient testimonials are powerful in demonstrating impact. 📈 Adherence rates for Freespira are higher than traditional therapies. 🍳 Healthy cooking can be simple and enjoyable. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Freespira and Joe Perekupka02:12 Joe's Journey in Healthcare06:37 Building a US Subsidiary for Brainsway10:11 Learning from Mistakes in Leadership13:23 Successes and Milestones at Brainsway16:10 Hiring for Sales in Startups17:28 Freespira Mission and Mental Health20:08 Understanding PTSD Beyond Combat22:40 Impact of COVID on Freespira23:43 The Shift to Virtual Care in Mental Health24:38 Patient Success Stories with Freespira28:11 Understanding the 17-Minute Protocol30:17 Real-World Impact and Statistics32:11 Veterans and the Ease of Use of Freespira33:42 CO2 Hypersensitivity and Its Effects34:56 Comparing Freespira to Traditional Treatments39:18 Managing Stress and Personal Well-being42:16 Healthy Eating and Family RecipesFollow, 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

Spencer Smith, SVP of Sales at Pareto Health and host of a healthcare podcast, shares his insights from his unexpected journey into the healthcare sector. He debunks myths around stop-loss insurance, revealing how self-funding is a smart choice for mid-sized employers. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of digital health vendors in cost management and how effective leadership hinges on empathy and self-care. Spencer emphasizes building trust with brokers and the transformative potential of innovative healthcare solutions in today’s market.

Kristian Ranta, CEO and founder of Meru Health, shares his journey from launching a glucose monitor for diabetes to innovating mental health care. He discusses the cultural contrasts between Finnish and U.S. healthcare systems and the importance of Y Combinator for networking. Ranta delves into holistic approaches, highlighting peer support and HRV therapy's benefits for anxiety management. He emphasizes how technology shapes modern mental health challenges and the crucial traits needed for healthcare founders, all while prioritizing personal health practices for industry success.

Akifa Khattak, co-founder of Her Health AI, is a healthcare attorney and a fierce advocate for women’s health technology. She shares her personal struggles with endometriosis and the urgent need for better diagnostics. The conversation reveals the staggering 10-year diagnostic timeline for this condition affecting 200 million women globally. Akifa emphasizes breaking taboos, the financial burden of treatment, and how Her Health AI aims to revolutionize women's healthcare with non-invasive solutions. The future of fem-tech is bright, driven by awareness and innovation.

In this engaging discussion, Elena Gambon, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer at First Stop Health, and Dr. Cole Barfield, Chief Medical Officer, share their inspiring journeys into healthcare. They emphasize the importance of patient engagement and accessible care while exploring the financial and emotional aspects of healthcare delivery. They also highlight the role of AI in transforming services and discuss stress management techniques, blending professional insights with personal anecdotes for a well-rounded conversation.