Healthcare Rethink

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is at the forefront of health equity and social impact. Its dedicated focus is on addressing social determinants of health and improving outcomes for underserved communities. This emphasis aligns with current trends in healthcare, where social impact and community engagement are becoming increasingly critical.In this episode of the "Healthcare Rethink" podcast, host Brian Urban sits down with Sheila Phicil, a Social Innovation Architect at BMC, to discuss the institution’s pioneering health equity and social impact efforts. Phicil shares insights into BMC's Health Equity Accelerator, a program designed to eliminate health disparities and enhance community well-being through innovative strategies and partnerships.Phicil recounts her journey from a first-generation Haitian American in Orlando to her current role at BMC. She highlights how her early experiences in leadership and community organizing have shaped her approach to addressing health disparities and driving social impact. Her work involves navigating complex social determinants of health and fostering economic mobility for BMC's diverse patient population.At BMC, the Health Equity Accelerator aims to close health disparities by geography, race, and other factors. Phicil explains the program's history and evolution, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant and humble care. She also discusses the role of navigators in connecting patients with essential resources, such as housing, food, and employment support.Phicil's vision for the future includes shifting from a charity-based model to an equity-focused approach, where healthcare institutions leverage their resources to empower communities and promote generational well-being. This holistic strategy involves collaborating with various partners, from local organizations to major institutions, to address the multifaceted needs of the community and amplify their social impact.

In a recent episode of the “Healthcare Rethink” podcast by FinThrive, host Brian Urban explored the future of healthcare with Trond Arne Undheim, a leading Futurist and Research scholar in Global Systemic Risk, Innovation, and Policy. Undheim, author of “Health Tech: Rebooting Society Software, Hardware, and Mindset,” shared his vision of a healthcare system transformed by emerging technologies and innovative business models.Undheim’s futurist outlook emphasized the revolutionary potential of generative AI and remote patient monitoring to democratize healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions. By leveraging these technologies, healthcare providers can offer remote consultations and continuous monitoring, bridging gaps in care and ensuring that even those in rural or low-income areas receive quality medical attention. This shift improves patient outcomes and addresses longstanding disparities in healthcare access.A significant part of this transformation involves redefining the roles of healthcare professionals. Undheim envisions a future where AI and advanced technologies support and enhance the capabilities of nurses and other healthcare workers, enabling them to take on more significant responsibilities. This evolution could alleviate the burden on doctors, optimize resource use, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. However, it also requires a thoughtful implementation approach to maintain high care standards.Undheim argues that a systemic overhaul of the healthcare industry is essential for these technological advancements to reach their full potential. This overhaul includes updating regulatory frameworks, rethinking economic incentives, and fostering a culture of innovation. With such comprehensive reforms, the healthcare sector can stay caught up and fully benefit from the advancements that could transform it into a more effective and equitable system.

In a recent episode of the “Healthcare Rethink” podcast by FinThrive, host Brian Urban explored the future of healthcare with Trond Arne Undheim, a leading Futurist and Research scholar in Global Systemic Risk, Innovation, and Policy. Undheim, author of “Health Tech: Rebooting Society Software, Hardware, and Mindset,” shared his vision of a healthcare system transformed by emerging technologies and innovative business models.Undheim’s futurist outlook emphasized the revolutionary potential of generative AI and remote patient monitoring to democratize healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions. By leveraging these technologies, healthcare providers can offer remote consultations and continuous monitoring, bridging gaps in care and ensuring that even those in rural or low-income areas receive quality medical attention. This shift improves patient outcomes and addresses longstanding disparities in healthcare access.A significant part of this transformation involves redefining the roles of healthcare professionals. Undheim envisions a future where AI and advanced technologies support and enhance the capabilities of nurses and other healthcare workers, enabling them to take on more significant responsibilities. This evolution could alleviate the burden on doctors, optimize resource use, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. However, it also requires a thoughtful implementation approach to maintain high care standards.Undheim argues that a systemic overhaul of the healthcare industry is essential for these technological advancements to reach their full potential. This overhaul includes updating regulatory frameworks, rethinking economic incentives, and fostering a culture of innovation. With such comprehensive reforms, the healthcare sector can stay caught up and fully benefit from the advancements that could transform it into a more effective and equitable system.

Writeup:In the latest episode of “Healthcare Rethink,” a FinThrive podcast, host Brian Urban welcomes Susannah Fox, author of “Rebel Health,” to discuss the true patient-led journey toward improving healthcare. This conversation sheds light on how patient-led initiatives revolutionize healthcare, emphasizing the importance of empowering patients to drive change.Fox’s career spans roles as Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as an influential researcher and author. Fox’s new book, “Rebel Health: A Field Guide to the Patient-Led Revolution in Medical Care,” serves as the focal point of the conversation, highlighting the transformative power of patient-led healthcare initiatives.In her book, Fox categorizes patients into archetypes such as seekers, networkers, solvers, and champions, demonstrating how these roles contribute to healthcare innovation. One key story is that of Dana Lewis, a young woman with type 1 diabetes who created a louder alarm for her continuous glucose monitor, exemplifying the true patient-led journey toward improving healthcare. This narrative underscores the need for medical device companies to view patients as their primary customers and to integrate patient feedback into product development.Another significant example discussed is Michael Katz, an advocate for multiple myeloma patients who worked with the International Myeloma Foundation. Katz's efforts led to groundbreaking clinical trials and advancements in treatment, showcasing the profound impact of patient advocacy on medical research and standards of care.Fox’s insights emphasize the importance of involving patients, survivors, and caregivers in the research and development process. By incorporating their unique perspectives and experiences, healthcare providers and researchers can create more effective and inclusive solutions.

In the latest episode of “Healthcare Rethink,” a FinThrive podcast, host Brian Urban welcomes Susannah Fox, author of “Rebel Health,” to discuss the true patient-led journey toward improving healthcare. This conversation sheds light on how patient-led initiatives revolutionize healthcare, emphasizing the importance of empowering patients to drive change.Fox’s career spans roles as Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as an influential researcher and author. Fox’s new book, “Rebel Health: A Field Guide to the Patient-Led Revolution in Medical Care,” serves as the focal point of the conversation, highlighting the transformative power of patient-led healthcare initiatives.In her book, Fox categorizes patients into archetypes such as seekers, networkers, solvers, and champions, demonstrating how these roles contribute to healthcare innovation. One key story is that of Dana Lewis, a young woman with type 1 diabetes who created a louder alarm for her continuous glucose monitor, exemplifying the true patient-led journey toward improving healthcare. This narrative underscores the need for medical device companies to view patients as their primary customers and to integrate patient feedback into product development.Another significant example discussed is Michael Katz, an advocate for multiple myeloma patients who worked with the International Myeloma Foundation. Katz's efforts led to groundbreaking clinical trials and advancements in treatment, showcasing the profound impact of patient advocacy on medical research and standards of care.Fox’s insights emphasize the importance of involving patients, survivors, and caregivers in the research and development process. By incorporating their unique perspectives and experiences, healthcare providers and researchers can create more effective and inclusive solutions.

On “Healthcare Rethink,” a FinThrive podcast, host Brian Urban addresses the big panda in the room when he engages with Ryan Bengtson, the President & COO at Panda Health. They explore Panda Health’s mission to mitigate the overwhelming challenge healthcare systems face when evaluating and integrating digital health solutions.

On “Healthcare Rethink,” a FinThrive podcast, host Brian Urban addresses the big panda in the room when he engages with Ryan Bengtson, the President & COO at Panda Health. They explore Panda Health’s mission to mitigate the overwhelming challenge healthcare systems face when evaluating and integrating digital health solutions.

In this episode of Healthcare Rethink, conducted at HIMSS 2024, host Brian Urban engages with Nicole Clawson, the Vice President of Revenue Cycle and Finance at Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Alliance. They delve into pressing issues facing community hospitals and explore innovative solutions in rural healthcare settings.

In this episode of Healthcare Rethink, conducted at HIMSS 2024, host Brian Urban engages with Nicole Clawson, the Vice President of Revenue Cycle and Finance at Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Alliance. They delve into pressing issues facing community hospitals and explore innovative solutions in rural healthcare settings.

With the intersection of healthcare and technology becoming a focal point of innovation in recent years, can AI tools in medicine like ChatGPT become the new MD?In this episode of Healthcare Rethink, host Brian Urban discusses the transformative potential of AI in healthcare with Dr. Robert Pearl, author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” The conversation delves into Dr. Pearl's career, the impact of AI on medical diagnostics and chronic disease management, and the broader implications for the healthcare system.Dr. Pearl shares his journey from aspiring university professor to renowned physician and healthcare leader. He emphasizes the serendipitous nature of his career shifts, from plastic and reconstructive surgery to his executive role at Kaiser Permanente and now as an advocate for AI in medicine. The discussion highlights the potential of AI tools, like ChatGPT, to revolutionize healthcare by reducing misdiagnoses, improving chronic disease management, and alleviating the administrative burden on physicians.Dr. Pearl points out that 400,000 Americans die annually from misdiagnoses and a quarter of a million from preventable medical errors. AI can address these issues by providing accurate, real-time data to both patients and healthcare providers. He envisions a future where AI empowers patients, enhances preventive care, and reduces healthcare costs while improving outcomes.The conversation also explores the potential of retail giants like Amazon and CVS to transform healthcare delivery through AI and innovative care models. Dr. Pearl laments Walmart's retreat from this space but sees significant opportunities for others to lead the way.