The Beat

About James Wantuck:James Wantuck is the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Accolade, where he manages a large, growing group of physicians, therapists, and clinical operations staff while working with patients daily. He's a board-certified internal medicine physician who co-founded PlushCare in 2015 and grew it to over 200 physicians offering high-quality, accessible, direct-to-consumer virtual care. James earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh and then earned his doctorate in Medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. His mission is to help people at scale.Things You’ll Learn:There is a rising popularity of weight management medication in healthcare.GLP-1s are driving the trend when it comes to weight management medications. They are not magic, though.Healthcare is complicated, and most people don’t think about it until they need it.Hiring a physician with entrepreneurial skills can greatly benefit a healthcare organization.Staying responsive to market changes is essential for helping patients access better care.Resources:Connect with and follow James Wantuck on LinkedIn.Follow Accolade on LinkedIn and visit their website.Learn more about PlushCare on their website and follow them on LinkedIn.The Accolade App has over 17,000 positive reviews. Download it here.

Dr. Melynda Barnes, Chief Medical Officer at Ro, discusses the benefits of a direct-to-consumer healthcare model. Topics covered include democratizing access to quality care, addressing stigmatized conditions, asynchronous telehealth care, and the advantages of Ro's own pharmacy network.

Jason Sherwin and Ryan Howells discuss the importance of digital identity in healthcare and the Karen Alliance's efforts to provide individuals with digital access to their healthcare data. They explore the integration of infrastructure, policy, technology, and vision for seamless healthcare experiences. The speakers highlight the progress and practical uses of digital identity in streamlining administrative processes, reducing costs, and integrating healthcare entities.

About Colin Soutar:Dr. Colin Soutar is a managing director at Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory. He leads cyber & strategic risk Products and Technology within the Government & Public Services practice and is the Deloitte US Cyber Quantum Readiness leader. After finishing his studies in Dundee, Scotland, Colin started his career with a two-year post-doctorate study at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, developing pattern recognition techniques for autonomous rendezvous and capture operations. Colin now has more than 25 years of experience in biometrics, digital identity, and cybersecurity technologies and was previously the CTO of a public company in Toronto, Canada, for almost a decade. He currently serves on the World Economic Forum Global Future Council for Cybersecurity.Things You’ll Learn:Quantum computing offers advanced computing capabilities, modeling, simulation, and optimization that prove incredibly beneficial to industries such as life sciences and healthcare.Quantum computing can revolutionize the way we approach data analysis, transforming the field with its powerful algorithms.While quantum computing promises immense value, it also poses a significant cybersecurity threat. Once quantum computers become available, they can potentially break the current encryption methods used to protect the integrity of transactions and data.Though the exact timeline for cryptographically relevant quantum computers is uncertain, organizations must proactively assess their exposure and inventory their cryptographic algorithms.Understanding the potential impact on data security and privacy is crucial for healthcare organizations, especially considering the expected longevity of patient data.Resources:Connect with and follow Colin on LinkedIn.Follow Deloitte on LinkedIn.Explore the Deloitte Website.World Economic Forum & Deloitte papersQuantum Readiness Toolkit: Building a Quantum-Secure Economy

About Ashok Chennuru:Ashok Chennuru serves as Global Chief Data & Insights Officer and Interim Lead of Carelon Digital Platforms. Ashok oversees the responsibility of carrying out the vision of Carelon Digital Platforms and bringing to life digital solutions that enhance healthcare outcomes and accelerate growth by reimagining care delivery, operations, and consumer experiences. He uses data analytics to drive a digital-first approach across the company's artificial intelligence (AI), exponential technology, service experience, and innovation portfolios, as well as the commercialization efforts of digital capabilities for consumers, care providers, and the health ecosystem.Prior to his current role, Ashok served as Vice President of Enterprise Data and Analytics for Anthem, Inc. for 8 years, as Director of Enterprise Information Architecture at Wellpoint for 6 years, and as Enterprise Technologist at Liberty Mutual for 6 years. He has over two decades of industry experience, where he has played a critical role in driving innovation and growth.Prior to joining Elevance Health, Ashok led the Information Business Intelligence team at Liberty Mutual and focused on delivering analytics to key business areas like Actuarial & Finance. Preceding Liberty Mutual, Ashok worked in software giants SAP and Oracle as a software development engineer focused on analytics products.Ashok holds a master’s degree (MS) in Computer Science from the University of Missouri and a BS in Computer Science and Engineering from Madurai University in India.SourceThings You’ll Learn:Elevance Health utilizes AI for automation, analytics, and improving consumer and provider experiences.By leveraging a robust data set from administrative claims, EMR data, and social and behavioral data, Elevance Health drives AI-driven insights for personalized care recommendations and closing care gaps.Elevance Health emphasizes responsible AI, ensuring fairness, inclusivity, robustness, security, traceability, and accountability in its AI practices.The core priority of using digital platforms for health is to enhance the consumer experience, including AI-driven solutions like symptom checkers and virtual care.The use of AI has already delivered tangible results, from personalized provider matches to streamlining prior authorizations, significantly improving consumer and provider experiences while driving operational efficiencies.Resources:Connect with and follow Ashok Chennuru on LinkedIn.Follow Accolade on LinkedIn and visit their website.

About Larissa D’Andrea:Larissa D’Andrea is the Global Vice President of Impact at ResMed, an organization striving to improve quality of life, reduce the impact of chronic disease, and lower costs for consumers and healthcare systems in more than 120 countries. Her goal at ResMed is to bring significant leadership experience to the patient-centered healthcare space and advance ResMed’s focus on impacting over 250 million lives through its 2025 strategy. Larissa has spent 25 years in healthcare, and her portfolio encompasses enterprise ESG stewardship, government affairs, clinical advocacy, and patient advocacy. She is a graduate of the San Diego University Law School and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.Her professional passion for the patient, health equity, and access led her to start and lead two organizations focused on social impact, Art into Activism and Hard Knock Productions, which have delivered on many projects in the past period and have a full range of activities on the runway for 2023. Larissa believes that storytelling fosters understanding, empathy, and inspires change, whether in self-care, relationships, or policy decisions. Authenticity is key.Things You’ll Learn:A patient-centric approach should include patients, clinicians, and caregivers to provide holistic and effective care.Empowering individuals with information and engaging them in their healthcare decisions leads to better outcomes and improved health.Patients can drive positive changes in healthcare by sharing their experiences.Health involves not only medical care but also the well-being of our physical, mental, and emotional aspects.Collaboration between individuals and healthcare organizations is crucial to collectively working towards better outcomes in healthcare.Resources:Connect with and follow Larissa D'Andrea on LinkedIn.Follow ResMed on LinkedIn.Visit the ResMed website here.

About Ashok Chennuru:Ashok Chennuru serves as Global Chief Data & Insights Officer and Interim Lead of Carelon Digital Platforms. Ashok oversees the responsibility of carrying out the vision of Carelon Digital Platforms and bringing to life digital solutions that enhance healthcare outcomes and accelerate growth by reimagining care delivery, operations, and consumer experiences. He uses data analytics to drive a digital-first approach across the company's artificial intelligence (AI), exponential technology, service experience, and innovation portfolios, as well as the commercialization efforts of digital capabilities for consumers, care providers, and the health ecosystem.He has over two decades of industry experience, where he has played a critical role in driving innovation and growth. Prior to joining Elevance Health, Ashok led the Information Business Intelligence team at Liberty Mutual and focused on delivering analytics to key business areas like Actuarial & Finance. Preceding Liberty Mutual, Ashok worked in software giants SAP and Oracle as a software development engineer focused on analytics products. Ashok holds a master’s degree (MS) in Computer Science from the University of Missouri and a BS in Computer Science and Engineering from Madurai University in India.Things You’ll Learn:Elevance Health utilizes AI for automation, analytics, and improving consumer and provider experiences.By leveraging a robust data set from administrative claims, EMR data, and social and behavioral data, Elevance Health drives AI-driven insights for personalized care recommendations and closing care gaps.Responsible AI, ensuring fairness, inclusivity, robustness, security, traceability, and accountability in its AI practices.The core priority of using digital platforms for health is to enhance the consumer experience, including AI-driven solutions like symptom checkers and virtual care.The use of AI has already delivered tangible results, from personalized provider matches to streamlining prior authorizations, significantly improving consumer and provider experiences while driving operational efficiencies.Resources:Connect with and follow Ashok Chennuru on LinkedIn.Follow Accolade on LinkedIn and visit their website.

In the dynamic world of weight loss, Weight Watchers, now rebranded as WW, has long been a prominent figure, dedicated to science-backed methods that promote sustainable weight management.However, the weight management landscape is experiencing notable shifts, that are reshaping the way individuals perceive their health and weight.In this discussion hosts Dr. Gautam Gulati and Dr. Jessica Shepherd are joined by two distinguished experts in the field of weight loss.Dr. Gary Foster, the Chief Scientific Officer at WW, brings a wealth of knowledge in obesity research and a deep commitment to scaling science-validated approaches for sustained weight management.Dr. Spencer Nadolsky serves as the Medical Director at WW and is a fervent advocate of telemedicine. He played a pivotal role in developing "Sequence," an online weight management program that Weight Watchers acquired in April 2023.The discussion walks listeners through the behavior changes, patient empowerment, and obesity-related stigma that need to be addressed for a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to treatment.Listen in as Dr. Foster and Dr. Nadolsky discuss the multifaceted aspects of obesity treatment and explore the evolving landscape of individualized and science-proven methods for sustainable weight management and improved health. About Dr. Gary FosterGary Foster, PhD is a clinical psychologist, obesity researcher and behavior change expert. He also serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at WeightWatchers and is an Adjunct Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, he was the Founder and Director of the Center of Obesity Research and Education and Laura Carnell Professor of Medicine, Public Health and Psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, where Gary is based.Gary has authored more than 250 scientific publications and four books on the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. He has received numerous honors including President of The Obesity Society, the Atkinson-Stern Award for Distinguished Public Service from The Obesity Society, and the George Bray Outstanding Scientific Achievements Award in Obesity Research from the American Society for Nutrition. His most recent book, The Shift: 7 Powerful Mindset Shifts for Lasting Weight Loss, is a national bestseller.At WeightWatchers, Gary leads the Science Team and is a member of the Leadership Team.     About Dr. Spencer NadolskySpencer Nadolsky, DO, is an obesity and lipid specialist physician with a passion for improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions. As the Medical Director for WeightWatchers, Dr. Nadolsky supports the WW clinical program research and development, bringing his knowledge and expertise from the field alongside his experience scaling Sequence, the online comprehensive chronic weight management program and telehealth platform which was acquired by WeightWatchers in April 2023. Dr. Nadolsky is committed to research and development, informing science-backed program creation to transform the way weight management is delivered to individuals in support of their overall health. With a background in telemedicine and fitness coaching, Dr. Nadolsky brings a unique perspective to the digital healthcare space. Topics CoveredThe shift away from unsustainable fad diets to more holistic and sustainable weight management approachesHow scientists are leveraging positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindset changes to improve the weight loss journeyHow WW is addressing the stigma associated with obesity by challenging societal biases and advocating for a compassionate and informed approachThe significance of maintaining an "adiposity-based" approach to addressing the root cause of obesityAdvancements in obesity treatment with the introduction of GLP-1 medications that offer substantial weight loss and minimal side effectsThe efforts to raise awareness about the biological factors influencing weight gainThe WW program's key components, including a points-based food system, activity, mindset, and sleep, provide science-based guidance for healthy habits Connect with Dr. Gary FosterDr. Foster on LinkedInDr. Foster on X Connect with Dr. Spencer NadolskyDr. Spencer NadolskyDr. Nadolsky on X Connect with Dr. Gautam Gulati & Dr. Jessica ShepherdHLTHDr. Gulati on XDr. Gulati on LinkedInDr. Jessica Shepherd MDDr. Shepherd on X ResourcesWeight Watchers (WW)The Shift by Gary Foster, PhD 

About Jean-Claude Saghbini:Jean-Claude Saghbini is a technology and engineering leader at Lumeris, focusing on improving healthcare outcomes and reducing costs in value-based care. With over 15 years of healthcare experience, he's dedicated to integrating technology into clinical workflows seamlessly.Before Lumeris, he served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Wolters Kluwer Health, leading AI innovation and clinical support solutions. He also worked as the General Manager and CTO at Cardinal Health, where he developed RFID solutions to enhance patient safety, clinical documentation accuracy, and operational efficiency. Jean-Claude holds multiple healthcare technology patents, and he has a strong educational background, including a Master's degree from MIT and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. He serves on various boards.Things You’ll Learn:Technology is the foundation of value-based care. In order to succeed, healthcare organizations need access to vast amounts of data and the ability to derive actionable insights from it. Technology plays a central role in aggregating, normalizing, and analyzing this data to improve quality and reduce costs.Generative AI, the latest frontier in AI technology, has the potential to revolutionize care delivery. From automating routine tasks to understanding messy data and extracting meaningful insights, generative AI can empower healthcare professionals to make faster and more informed decisions.While the benefits of AI are promising, it's crucial to have appropriate Guardrails in place to ensure quality and safety. Organizations must keep physicians and clinicians in the driver's seat while leveraging AI to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance patient satisfaction.Resources:Connect with and follow Jean-Claude on LinkedIn.Follow Lumeris on LinkedIn.Visit Lumeris on their Website.

About Mariya Filipova:Mariya Filipova, MBA Chief Innovation Officer, CareQuest Innovation Partners. Mariya is a member of the CareQuest Institute leadership team and serves as chief innovation officer of CareQuest Innovation Partners, the for-profit affiliate of CareQuest Institute. In her role, she oversees innovation, incubation, and investment activities aimed at developing solutions that advance oral health access, equity and integration for underserved populations. Formerly, Vice President of Innovation at Anthem Inc, Mariya led efforts in scaling emerging technologies and new business models to accelerate Anthem’s transformation to a digital-first enterprise. Mariya’s vision and leadership in these areas resulted in the development of several breakthrough solutions and programs including the $5 million XPRIZE Rapid COVID-19 Testing competition, in partnership with seven Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans, to identify and validate fast, frequent, cheap, and easy-to-use testing solutions for SARS-CoV-2 and Anthem’s Digital Data Sandbox —the largest, certified de-identified commercial data setAbout Maria Ryan:Maria Emanuel Ryan, DDS, Ph.D. is Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at the Colgate-Palmolive Company where she provides oversight and leadership to dental and dermal clinical organizations, knowledge management, and scientific communications teams. Dr. Ryan previously served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology at Stony Brook University where she was actively involved in teaching, clinical practice, and research. She is the Past President of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and has served on many academic and foundation boards. Dr. Ryan has received numerous awards including NIH National Research Service Awards and a Physician Scientist Award. She received an achievement award from the American Dental Association and was the first recipient of the Victress Health Award to recognize her educational and research efforts in the area of women’s health. Dr. Ryan is a nationally and internationally known speaker and author who has appeared on multiple media outlets to discuss the importance of oral health to overall health and wellbeing as well as the role of the dental professional in the provision of optimal overall health care.Things You’ll Learn:Oral health is an integral part of systemic health.What happens in our mouth can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. From gum disease to oral cancers, understanding these connections is crucial for improving outcomes.The disparity between oral health spending and investment in oral health startups is striking. There's a huge opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs to address this gap.Collaboration and partnerships are key to driving innovation in oral health. Colgate Palmolive and Carequest Innovation Partners both emphasize the importance of working with external partners to bring new solutions to the market.If you're a startup looking to make a difference, reach out to these organizations for potential collaborations.Resources:Connect with and follow Mariya Filipova on LinkedIn.Visit CareQuest Innovation on their Website.Email CareQuest Innovation Partners here.Connect with and follow Maria Ryan on LinkedIn.Visit the Colgate-Palmolive Website.Email Maria here.