
The Beat
The Beat, powered by HLTH, is a weekly interview series dedicated to paving a better path forward for the future of health. Each week a variety of hosts bring you authentic conversations with prominent thought leaders. Through these interviews with people at the forefront of change in healthcare, we hope to spark new ideas and encourage new collaborations among listeners.
Latest episodes

Dec 12, 2024 • 23min
AI @ HLTH : Leveraging AI to Further Enhance Provider Workflow with Deeper Clinical Insights
In this conversation, Yaw Fellin, Vice President of Product and Solutions for Clinical Effectiveness at Wolters Kluwer Health, discusses the integration of AI in healthcare, focusing on clinical decision support, partnerships, and the importance of responsible AI practices. He shares insights from the HLTH 2024 conference, highlighting the enthusiasm for AI technologies and the need for improvements in provider workflows. The discussion also covers significant partnerships aimed at enhancing clinical care and the evolving role of AI in reducing provider burden.In this episode they discuss:The focus is on helping clinicians make the best decisions.Small time increments in workflows can lead to significant improvements.There's genuine enthusiasm for AI's tangible benefits in healthcare.Responsible approaches to AI are crucial to eliminate bias.Partnerships are essential for advancing healthcare technology.AI can significantly reduce provider burnout and improve workflows.The integration of AI in clinical settings is a powerful opportunity.Investing in responsible AI practices is a priority for healthcare organizations.Collaboration across care teams can enhance patient care.The future of AI in healthcare is promising but requires careful navigation.A little bit about Yaw : Yaw Fellin brings more than 20 years of experience as a healthcare executive, with proven results leading cross-functional teams, generating value and revenue growth.Prior to joining Wolters Kluwer Health, Yaw spent 3 years at Optum, a global healthcare IT company. Before that, Yaw spent over 15 years at the Advisory Board, a leading healthcare research, consulting and technology firm, where he led multiple high growth SaaS business lines. He received a BS in Healthcare Administration from Penn State University.

Dec 11, 2024 • 9min
HLTH Executive Series: AI, Personalization, and Disrupting the Status Quo with Mark Bertolini
About Mark Bertolini:Mark Bertolini is a pioneer in the healthcare industry and currently serves as the CEO of Oscar Health, a tech-driven health insurance company. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, Mark has held key executive positions at renowned organizations such as Cigna, NYLCare Health Plans, and SelectCare, Inc. Notably, he served as Chairman and CEO of Aetna from 2010 to 2018, where he led the company's transformation into a consumer-oriented healthcare entity, culminating in its $69 billion acquisition by CVS Health. His leadership at Aetna was marked by a focus on delivering integrated care and improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.Beyond his professional roles, Mark is a respected thought leader in the national healthcare landscape, advocating for the integration of mental health services within standard insurance offerings. He brings a personal touch to his work, often sharing his own experiences of overcoming chronic pain with cognitive behavioral therapy. Mark's commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement with organizations like the FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation and The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. His journey from being a paramedic to becoming a top executive underscores his dedication to advancing healthcare for all.Things You’ll Learn:Mark Bertolini presents an innovative vision for disrupting the health insurance industry, using the metaphor of a pirate ship to describe Oscar Health’s approach to challenging established insurers.Tailoring individual insurance markets through the creation of consumer health reimbursement accounts can enhance consumer choice and potentially cover 110 million lives.Integrating mental health services into standard insurance offerings is essential, with cognitive behavioral therapy serving as a valuable tool in overcoming chronic pain.Value-based contracts are critiqued in favor of high-performing networks that naturally deliver better care without disrupting existing provider-patient relationships.AI and data can improve administrative efficiency, reduce costs, and address biases in clinical data while utilizing mechanisms to expand consumer choice despite political challenges.Resources:Connect with and follow Mark Bertolini on LinkedIn.Follow Oscar Health on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Dec 9, 2024 • 14min
HLTH: Revolutionizing Consumer Healthcare with AI and Data Innovation with Bernardo Tavares
About Bernardo Tavares:Bernardo Tavares is the Chief Technology & Data Officer for Kenvue, where he oversees the Information Technology and Data Science groups. As a key enabler of innovation and growth, he leads the data and technology agenda by scaling digital capabilities to better serve customers and consumers.With extensive experience in business technology life-cycle management and value creation, IT transformation and optimization, Bernardo has worked across consumer, healthcare, and technology industries. His expertise spans sales, digital marketing and analytics, strategic and solutions architecture, organization design and management, IT governance and risk management, program and portfolio optimization, application services, business analysis, and talent development.Passionate about commercial innovation, digital transformation, precision marketing, and digital solution development, Bernardo believes that technology, science, data, and design can unlock value for customers while improving sustainability, health, and well-being for the communities served by Kenvue.Things You’ll Learn:AI and data are being leveraged to personalize consumer experiences, reduce operational friction, and support growth in the healthcare sector.Maintaining privacy and building trust with consumers is crucial for the successful implementation of AI and data-driven solutions.Kenvue is committed to sustainability, ensuring clean data and innovation that aligns with its ESG goals.Kenvue has launched a digital menopause platform designed to break societal taboos and provide comprehensive care.A mindset of continuous learning, trust, and curiosity would responsibly harness the power of technology and drive innovation.Resources:Connect with and follow Bernardo Tavares on LinkedIn.Follow Kenvue on LinkedIn and Instagram and visit their website.

Dec 6, 2024 • 23min
HLTH: Bridging Borders in Healthcare: Innovation, Risk, and AI with Bart Geerts
About Bart Geerts:Bart Geerts is the founder of Health.Plus.AI, leveraging AI to predict and manage post-surgical infections. A former physician, he now focuses on creating impactful healthcare solutions through innovation.Things You’ll Learn:Healthcare delivery varies significantly between Europe and the United States, influenced by differences in funding models, regulatory environments, and cultural approaches to care.Liability and risk management play a critical role in shaping clinical decisions, often impacting the balance between innovation and patient safety.Artificial intelligence has the potential to predict and prevent infections.Building trust in AI solutions is essential for their adoption in clinical practice.Companies entering new healthcare markets must adopt a strategic approach to succeed.Resources:Connect with and follow Bart Geerts on LinkedIn.Follow HealthPlus.ai on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Dec 6, 2024 • 21min
HLTH: Empowering Families: Technology's Role in Personalized Chronic Condition Management with Ricardo Berrios & Luis Fernandez
About Ricardo Berrios:Ricardo C. Berrios is a seasoned entrepreneur and senior executive with over 25 years of experience building and leading businesses in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce, and retail. As the founding CEO of Adhera Health, he is pioneering digital solutions for families managing pediatric chronic conditions. Ricardo's expertise lies in leveraging technology to improve the patient experience, demonstrated by his leadership in developing Adhera's AI-powered digital companion platform. He has a proven track record in operational management, including team building, business development, and strategic marketing. Ricardo's global perspective, honed through cross-border initiatives in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, informs his innovative approach to healthcare.About Luis Fernandez:Dr. Luis Fernandez is a digital health innovator with over 20 years of experience, driven by a personal commitment to improving healthcare access and equity. As Chief Scientific Officer at Adhera Health, he leads the development of their AI-powered digital companion platform, focusing on supporting families of children with chronic conditions. Luis combines expertise in AI and behavioral science to create inclusive and responsible solutions. His extensive research background, including work in mobile health, wearables, and gamification, informs his approach to personalized healthcare. Luis's global experience spans various countries, including Spain, Norway, Qatar, and the US, providing him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in digital health.Things You’ll Learn:Healthcare innovation often faces implementation challenges due to slow processes and monolithic systems in countries with strong public healthcare.While European healthcare systems provide broad access, disparities exist and often receive less attention than in the US.A key difference between the US and Europe regarding healthcare innovation lies in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.Data privacy regulations, particularly in Europe, can create challenges for AI development.Transparency and user experience are vital in healthcare technology. Explainable AI and streamlined consent processes are crucial for building trust and empowering families.Resources:Connect with and learn more about Ricardo Berrios on LinkedIn.Follow and connect with Luis Fernandez on LinkedIn.Discover more about Adhera Health on their LinkedIn and visit their website.

Dec 6, 2024 • 24min
HLTH: From Digital Health to 'Self-Driving' Care: Insights with Dr. Daniel Kraft
About Daniel Kraft:Dr. Daniel Kraft is a Stanford and Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research, and healthcare innovation. He holds a BA in Biochemistry from Brown University and an MD from Stanford University School of Medicine, followed by a Harvard residency and fellowships at Stanford in hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation. As faculty chair for Medicine at Singularity University, Dr. Kraft founded NextMed Health, a leading program exploring emerging technologies in biomedicine. He is also a managing partner at Continuum Health Ventures and serves on the boards of Digital.Health and Healthy.io. An expert in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and digital health, he holds multiple patents and has published in top journals like Nature and Science. A passionate innovator, Dr. Kraft is also an avid pilot, former flight surgeon, and NASA research contributor. He is a member of the Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellowship.Things You’ll Learn:AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by upskilling individuals and enabling personalized care.Clinicians need to be involved in the design and implementation of new technologies to ensure usability and avoid burnout. The "self-driving health" concept envisions a future where healthcare is personalized, proactive, and integrated.Moving from quantified self to quantified health requires integrating data from various sources into actionable insights.The future of healthcare will likely involve a combination of human clinicians and advanced technologies like robotics. This integration can improve efficiency and address the growing shortage of healthcare professionals.Resources:Connect with and learn more about Daniel Kraft on LinkedIn and his website.Follow NextMed Health on LinkedIn and visit their website. Discover more about Digital. Health on their LinkedIn and website.

Dec 4, 2024 • 10min
HLTH Executive Series: Championing Children's Health with Mark Del Monte
About Mark Del Monte:Mark Del Monte, serves as the CEO and Executive Vice President of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). With an extensive background in law and advocacy, Mark has been instrumental in advancing pediatric health and well-being since joining the AAP in 2005. Under his leadership, the AAP supports 67,000 pediatricians and pediatric specialists, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to provide top-notch care for children. His work is driven by a deep commitment to addressing various issues impacting children's health, such as mental health, equity, environmental health, and public policy. Mark is also a vocal advocate for policies supporting comprehensive healthcare coverage for children, particularly through programs like Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program).Beyond his policy advocacy, Mark is dedicated to combating misinformation, especially around vaccine trust. He focuses on providing pediatricians with accurate information and reliable resources to build trust between healthcare providers and families. Mark believes in the power of the clinician-patient relationship in promoting healthy behaviors and informed decision-making. His combination of legal expertise and passion for child health advocacy makes him a leading voice in shaping the future of pediatric healthcare, striving to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive.Things You’ll Learn:The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)'s comprehensive approach to addressing diverse issues affecting children's health, including mental health, equity, and environmental health.The critical roles that Medicaid and CHIP play in providing essential healthcare coverage for children.The AAP's strategies to counteract vaccine mistrust and other misinformation, empowering pediatricians with accurate information.Insights into the advocacy for merging Medicaid and CHIP into a national program to ensure consistent healthcare for all children.The importance of the clinician-patient relationship in promoting healthy behaviors and delivering reliable information.Resources:Connect with and follow Mark Del Monte on LinkedIn.Follow AAP on LinkedIn and visit their websiteVisit healthychildren.org to get valuable info for your family.

Dec 2, 2024 • 17min
HLTH: Transforming Patient Care with Handheld Ultrasound Technology with Dr. John Martin & Dr. Mike Rotondo
About Dr. John Martin:Dr. John Martin is a highly accomplished leader-physician with a diverse background spanning various roles, including surgeon, software company founder, medical device inventor, and Chief Medical Officer of a digital health company. He has successfully built organizations, teams, and products, transforming healthcare practices and driving innovation. Known for his ability to inspire and command audiences, Dr. Martin has extensive experience in strategic planning and fiscal management, making significant impacts both personally and through the programs and companies he develops.About Dr. Michael Rotondo:Dr. Michael F. Rotondo is a distinguished leader in healthcare, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group (URMFG). With a rich background in trauma surgery and healthcare administration, he has significantly contributed to transforming URMFG into a unified, high-functioning care delivery system. Under his leadership, the group has seen substantial growth in clinical volumes and revenues, while emphasizing physician wellness and health equity. Dr. Rotondo's commitment to innovative solutions and patient-centric practices continues to drive excellence in healthcare delivery.Things You’ll Learn:Handheld ultrasound technology is transforming point-of-care testing, making diagnoses more immediate and accurate.Integrating handheld ultrasound technology within a health system demonstrates practical benefits, enhancing workflow and patient care.Seamless integration with electronic health records is crucial in order to improve overall efficiency and reduce treatment times.It is very important to overcome challenges in adopting new healthcare technologies like resource allocation and organizational change.Collaborations between academic institutions and tech innovators are essential for driving meaningful advancements in healthcare, promoting trust and confidence in new solutions.Resources:Connect with and follow Dr. Michael Rotondo on LinkedIn.Follow the University of Rochester Medical Center on LinkedIn and visit their website.Connect with and follow Dr. John Martin on LinkedIn.Follow Butterfly Network, Inc. on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Nov 27, 2024 • 15min
HLTH: Transforming Healthcare - AI, Cloud, and GE’s Vision with Dr. Taha Kass-Hout
About Dr. Taha Kass-Hout:Dr. Taha Kass-Hout is the Global Chief Science and Technology Officer at GE Healthcare, where he drives advancements in AI-based medical imaging and diagnostics. With a background in interventional cardiology and machine learning, he previously served as Vice President of Machine Learning and Chief Medical Officer at Amazon, leading pivotal health tech projects like Amazon HealthLake and Amazon Comprehend Medical1. Dr. Kass-Hout also held key roles in the Obama Administration, including the FDA’s first Chief Health Informatics Officer and Director of Information Science and Informatics at the CDC. His work focuses on leveraging AI and cloud computing to improve global healthcare access and reduce disparities.Things You’ll Learn:AI and cloud computing are being used to reduce global healthcare disparities and improve patient care.CareIntellect is an AI-driven platform for oncology that simplifies access to complex data and expedites patient care processes.The Health Companion project employs agentic AI to optimize patient treatment plans and alleviate clinician burnout.Technological advancements are streamlining workflows and enhancing operational efficiencies.Resources:Connect with and follow Dr. Taha Kass-Hout on LinkedIn.Follow GE Healthcare on LinkedIn and visit their website.

Nov 25, 2024 • 10min
HLTH: Revolutionizing Claims Accuracy and Efficiency with CERIS’s AI Solutions with Steve Sutherland
About Steve Sutherland:Steve has been with CERIS since 1996 and has always been driven by his passion for making a difference for our clients and positively impacting healthcare and patients. Steve enjoys being challenged with the opportunity to build and create. As CERIS has grown over Steve’s 28-year tenure, he has consistently risen to the challenge of the organization’s growing needs. He is proactive in building efficiencies and leveraging technology to keep CERIS ahead of the curve, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization.Things You’ll Learn:CERIS is leveraging AI and machine learning to improve payment integrity, reduce administrative costs, and enhance accuracy in claims adjudication.Automating payment processes can significantly reduce administrative burdens and improve overall efficiency in healthcare.Implementing AI tools requires a strong emphasis on security, compliance, and quality data to build trust and ensure privacy.Building trust and gaining buy-in from healthcare professionals is essential, as AI is often met with skepticism due to data governance and privacy concerns.CERIS encourages bold adoption of cutting-edge technologies and collaboration with partners to drive innovative solutions, emphasizing pilot projects and proof of concept for building confidence.Resources:Connect with and follow Steve Sutherland on LinkedIn.Follow CERIS on LinkedIn and visit their website.