Healthcare Rethink

Medical school taught Dr. Robert Lufkin the conventional wisdom of the healthcare system, but his experiences and research exposed deeper issues at play.In this episode of Healthcare Rethink, hosted by Brian Urban, the spotlight shines on Dr. Robert Lufkin, MD, the author of Lies I Taught in Medical School. The conversation centers around the flaws in traditional medical education and how it shapes the healthcare landscape today. Dr. Lufkin discusses how medical school shaped his early beliefs and how those teachings now contribute to many chronic diseases that plague patients.Dr. Lufkin’s book examines the "lies" taught in medical school, particularly the outdated methods of treating chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. He explains how the traditional Western medical approach, often reliant on pills and surgery, is insufficient in addressing the root causes of these conditions. Instead, the focus must shift toward lifestyle changes and holistic health. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Lufkin provides actionable insights for medical professionals and patients looking to take charge of their health. He hopes to reshape medical education for the next generation, offering a more comprehensive approach to preventing chronic diseases.This episode offers a compelling perspective for those curious about how medical school education has evolved and what changes are necessary for a healthier future.

Revolutionizing drug development is pivotal in today’s healthcare landscape, particularly as the patient voice grows louder and more influential in shaping therapies. The latest episode of Healthcare Rethink, a FinThrive podcast, looks at this transformative trend.In an engaging discussion, host Brian Urban welcomes Wendy Erler, the VP of Global Patient Experience at Alexion and AstraZeneca, to explore the increasingly critical role of patient insights in drug development. Erler brings a unique perspective, having transitioned from a career in sales to a focus on patient advocacy, significantly impacting how drugs are developed and brought to market.The conversation highlights Erler’s journey through various healthcare and pharmaceutical roles, leading to her current focus on rare disease communities. These groups are more than beneficiaries of drugs but also active participants in drug research and development, often driving the funding and direction of studies. Erler emphasizes that revolutionizing drug development today requires an ecosystem approach, where patients, caregivers, and families are integral to the conversation from the outset.Erler and Urban discuss the balance between drug affordability and accessibility, a challenge that spans U.S. and global healthcare systems. Erler advocates for transparency and inclusivity in these discussions, ensuring patient experiences significantly influence drug development strategies. The dialogue extends into innovative partnerships and projects at AstraZeneca, where the integration of patient advocacy throughout the drug development process is ethical and strategic, ensuring that therapies are effective and aligned with patient needs.

Revolutionizing drug development is pivotal in today’s healthcare landscape, particularly as the patient voice grows louder and more influential in shaping therapies. The latest episode of Healthcare Rethink, a FinThrive podcast, looks at this transformative trend.In an engaging discussion, host Brian Urban welcomes Wendy Erler, the VP of Global Patient Experience at Alexion and AstraZeneca, to explore the increasingly critical role of patient insights in drug development. Erler brings a unique perspective, having transitioned from a career in sales to a focus on patient advocacy, significantly impacting how drugs are developed and brought to market.The conversation highlights Erler’s journey through various healthcare and pharmaceutical roles, leading to her current focus on rare disease communities. These groups are more than beneficiaries of drugs but also active participants in drug research and development, often driving the funding and direction of studies. Erler emphasizes that revolutionizing drug development today requires an ecosystem approach, where patients, caregivers, and families are integral to the conversation from the outset.Erler and Urban discuss the balance between drug affordability and accessibility, a challenge that spans U.S. and global healthcare systems. Erler advocates for transparency and inclusivity in these discussions, ensuring patient experiences significantly influence drug development strategies. The dialogue extends into innovative partnerships and projects at AstraZeneca, where the integration of patient advocacy throughout the drug development process is ethical and strategic, ensuring that therapies are effective and aligned with patient needs.

As artificial intelligence (AI) weaves deeper into various sectors, AI in healthcare is experiencing a transformation that promises both challenges and groundbreaking advancements. This episode of “Healthcare Rethink,” a FinThrive podcast, dives into AI’s current state and future in healthcare.In this episode, host Brian Urban engages with Bobby Samuels, CEO at Protege, to discuss the profound impact of AI across the healthcare ecosystem. They explore emerging trends such as AI in radiology and automated insurance coding, addressing the potential and the hurdles of integrating AI within healthcare practices. From discussing real-world applications to theoretical frameworks, this conversation illuminates the path forward for AI-enhanced healthcare solutions.Further into their conversation, Samuels elaborates on the nuances of AI applications in healthcare, mainly focusing on data privacy and the ethical use of AI. He underscores the need for stringent de-identification processes to ensure patient data remains confidential while being utilized to train AI models. Moreover, Samuels and Urban delve into the societal implications of AI, discussing the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are equitable and do not perpetuate existing biases, especially in diagnostic and treatment decisions. This discussion reveals the careful balance between leveraging AI for its full potential while safeguarding against its inherent risks.

As artificial intelligence (AI) weaves deeper into various sectors, AI in healthcare is experiencing a transformation that promises both challenges and groundbreaking advancements. This episode of “Healthcare Rethink,” a FinThrive podcast, dives into AI’s current state and future in healthcare.In this episode, host Brian Urban engages with Bobby Samuels, CEO at Protege, to discuss the profound impact of AI across the healthcare ecosystem. They explore emerging trends such as AI in radiology and automated insurance coding, addressing the potential and the hurdles of integrating AI within healthcare practices. From discussing real-world applications to theoretical frameworks, this conversation illuminates the path forward for AI-enhanced healthcare solutions.Further into their conversation, Samuels elaborates on the nuances of AI applications in healthcare, mainly focusing on data privacy and the ethical use of AI. He underscores the need for stringent de-identification processes to ensure patient data remains confidential while being utilized to train AI models. Moreover, Samuels and Urban delve into the societal implications of AI, discussing the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are equitable and do not perpetuate existing biases, especially in diagnostic and treatment decisions. This discussion reveals the careful balance between leveraging AI for its full potential while safeguarding against its inherent risks.

In an era where mental health challenges are front and center, the role of leaders like Douglas Newton, MD, MPH, becomes increasingly pivotal. As the Chief Medical Officer at Rula, Doctor Doug is at the forefront of a healthcare revolution, navigating the complexities of behavioral health with a systems-focused approach. This episode of “Healthcare Rethink,” hosted by Brian Urban, examines how Newton redefines mental health care by merging technology with personalized patient care.Doctor Doug discusses his journey from focusing on infectious diseases to becoming a child psychiatrist and eventually leading Rula. The conversation explores how Rula, formerly known as PATH, differentiates itself in a crowded market by being a behavioral health provider group enabled by technology rather than driven by it. Newton emphasizes the importance of using technology to support, not replace, the human connection in mental health care, ensuring that quality care is always at the forefront.As the episode unfolds, Doctor Doug shares insights into Rula’s strategy for addressing mental health across diverse populations and varying age groups. With a focus on preventing loneliness and isolation, Newton underscores the importance of early interventions and continuous support for maintaining wellness. The discussion also touches on the innovative ways Rula integrates AI and technology to enhance patient care without compromising the crucial human element in behavioral health.For those interested in the future of mental health care, this episode offers a glimpse into how leaders like Newton are shaping a more connected, compassionate, and effective healthcare system.

In an era where mental health challenges are front and center, the role of leaders like Douglas Newton, MD, MPH, becomes increasingly pivotal. As the Chief Medical Officer at Rula, Doctor Doug is at the forefront of a healthcare revolution, navigating the complexities of behavioral health with a systems-focused approach. This episode of “Healthcare Rethink,” hosted by Brian Urban, examines how Newton redefines mental health care by merging technology with personalized patient care.Doctor Doug discusses his journey from focusing on infectious diseases to becoming a child psychiatrist and eventually leading Rula. The conversation explores how Rula, formerly known as PATH, differentiates itself in a crowded market by being a behavioral health provider group enabled by technology rather than driven by it. Newton emphasizes the importance of using technology to support, not replace, the human connection in mental health care, ensuring that quality care is always at the forefront.As the episode unfolds, Doctor Doug shares insights into Rula’s strategy for addressing mental health across diverse populations and varying age groups. With a focus on preventing loneliness and isolation, Newton underscores the importance of early interventions and continuous support for maintaining wellness. The discussion also touches on the innovative ways Rula integrates AI and technology to enhance patient care without compromising the crucial human element in behavioral health.For those interested in the future of mental health care, this episode offers a glimpse into how leaders like Newton are shaping a more connected, compassionate, and effective healthcare system.

The boom of digital health has been a widely discussed topic in recent years, with many claiming it is a game-changing revolution in the healthcare sector. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve with rapid technological advancements, questions arise about whether the boom of digital health is truly meeting its expectations. This pressing question moves to the forefront in the latest episode of “Healthcare Rethink, a FinThrive Podcast,” hosted by Brian Urban.Urban engages with Dr. Jessica Schlicher, the Chief Medical Officer for Virtual Care and Digital Health, Providence. Dr. Schlicher shares her journey from being a family physician to becoming a key figure in digital health, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and patient care. The discussion examines the practical applications of digital health technologies like AI, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring, exploring their potential and limitations in delivering effective care.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Schlicher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human connection in healthcare, even as digital solutions continue to increase. While the boom of digital health has undoubtedly brought significant advancements, Dr. Schlicher reminds us that technology alone cannot replace the empathy and trust that defines the patient-provider relationship. As the healthcare industry navigates this digital transformation, the balance between innovation and human touch remains critical.

The boom of digital health has been a widely discussed topic in recent years, with many claiming it is a game-changing revolution in the healthcare sector. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve with rapid technological advancements, questions arise about whether the boom of digital health is truly meeting its expectations. This pressing question moves to the forefront in the latest episode of “Healthcare Rethink, a FinThrive Podcast,” hosted by Brian Urban.Urban engages with Dr. Jessica Schlicher, the Chief Medical Officer for Virtual Care and Digital Health, Providence. Dr. Schlicher shares her journey from being a family physician to becoming a key figure in digital health, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and patient care. The discussion examines the practical applications of digital health technologies like AI, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring, exploring their potential and limitations in delivering effective care.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Schlicher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human connection in healthcare, even as digital solutions continue to increase. While the boom of digital health has undoubtedly brought significant advancements, Dr. Schlicher reminds us that technology alone cannot replace the empathy and trust that defines the patient-provider relationship. As the healthcare industry navigates this digital transformation, the balance between innovation and human touch remains critical.

Cancer patient advocacy is undergoing a transformative shift as healthcare continues to evolve, making it more crucial than ever to ensure patients receive not just treatment but compassionate, personalized care. This pivotal change is the focus of the latest episode of “Healthcare Rethink,” where host Brian Urban looks at the future of cancer patient advocacy with Arif Kamal MD, MBA, the Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society (ACS).Dr. Kamal shares his journey from a bereaved son to a leading voice in oncology and patient advocacy. He emphasizes the importance of extending life and enhancing the quality of those additional days. The conversation covers critical aspects of the evolving landscape of cancer care, including integrating of personalized therapies, addressing social determinants of health, and the innovative use of technology like the ACS Cares app to meet patients where they are.For those eager to understand how cancer patient advocacy is pushing the boundaries of traditional care, this episode offers a glimpse into a future where reducing suffering and improving the quality of life are at the heart of cancer care. Tune in to learn how the ACS drives change and what lies ahead in the ongoing fight against cancer.