The Heart of Healthcare | A Digital Health Podcast

In this episode, we answer listener questions about the current state of the market and share insights for healthcare founders raising VC funding. We also announce the merging of this show with Closing Time Podcast, and welcome our new co-host Michael Esquivel! Michael is an angel investor, a startup lawyer at Fenwick, and a Lecturer at Stanford Law School - we're excited to have him join the show!We cover:The slow recovery of the IPO market and the prevalence of private M&A dealsRealistic revenue targets and deal sizes for Series A rounds in the current marketThe importance of having a platform play rather than a point solutionNegotiation strategies for founders to protect their interests while attracting investorsBalancing time between recruiting, fundraising, and running the business as a founderSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We had lots to cover in this month's Digital Health Download, from a $99 AI companion to if we think PBMs will ever be dismantled.We discuss:- A WSJ report on Medicare Advantage insurers pocketing billions for diseases that were never treated or falsely coded- The FTC's interim report on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on drug accessibility and affordability- Vermont's successful accountable care organization (ACO) program, which led to significant savings and improved care- The launch of "Friend," an AI-powered wearable device designed to combat loneliness and isolation- Post-Theranos progress made by companies working on less painful blood tests- A hospital's new venture into the entertainment industrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Steve Kraus interviews Andy Slavitt, General Partner at Town Hall Ventures and former CMS and UnitedHealth Group executive. We look back on his career-long mission to fix American healthcare's biggest challenges, encompassing roles in insurance, government, healthcare startups, and venture capital.We cover:- The high-stakes mission to rescue Healthcare.gov and implement the Affordable Care Act- His unexpected transition from entrepreneur to executive at UnitedHealth Group- His tenure as the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)- The promise and hurdles of value-based care- Why healthcare is slow to adopt technological innovations- Navigating healthcare policy across changing political landscapesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco talks to Vinod Khosla— visionary venture capitalist, tech entrepreneur, and healthcare investor. Vinod shares his vision for using AI to enable a hundred touchpoints every hundred days with a patient. We discuss making healthcare more accessible, enabling personalized care, and what he worries could go wrong.We cover:Revisiting his 2012 prediction that AI could replace 80% of what doctors do and moreHow AI will enable computers to learn and adapt to humans, not the other way aroundThe potential for AI to replicate expertise, reduce misdiagnosis, and guide patients to the most effective treatmentsHow changing billing codes is key to AI adoption in healthcareReal-world examples of AI in action, from mental health intake interviews to cardiac MRI analysisThe importance of guardrails and being vigilant about unintended consequences as AI advances rapidlyAdvice for healthcare founders on solving hard problems in healthcareShow notes:Vinod’s 2012 article “Do We Need Doctors Or Algorithms?”Vinod’s recent TED Talk: 12 predictions for the future of technologyWSJ article mentioned: Insurers Pocketed $50 Billion From Medicare for Diseases No Doctor TreatedFollow Vinod on X.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marketing and communications play a critical role in securing investment and driving product and service adoption in digital health. In this special two-part episode, Steve Kraus explores the art of storytelling in healthcare with two industry experts: Chrissy Farr, a veteran digital health journalist turned venture capitalist and advisor, and Kate Cronin, Chief Brand Officer at Moderna. They discuss:What makes for a great story in digital healthThe importance of including setbacks and challenges in company narrativesThe undervaluing of marketing and communications rolesStrong digital health brands such as Livongo, PillPack, and BobbieChief Brand Officers vs. Chief Marketing OfficersLessons learned from rapidly scaling Moderna's brand during the COVID-19 pandemicThe importance of internal communications🎂 Please help us celebrate three years of the podcast by leaving us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Celebrating three years of The Heart of Healthcare, Halle and Steve dive into the latest news and trends in digital health for July 2024.July highlights include:A new Peterson Institute report on digital treatment outcomes for musculoskeletal conditionsThe FDA's guidance on improving diversity in clinical trial enrollmentThe economic impact and legal battles surrounding GLP-1 drugs for obesityWalgreens' pullback from healthcare services and concerns about the sustainability of the current pharmacy modelA Washington state study on utilizing pharmacists to treat minor illnessesThe U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on social media's effects on youth mental healthShow notes:Mural Health effort to increase diversity in clinical trialsThe U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: Social Media and Youth Mental Health🎂 Please help us celebrate three years of the podcast by leaving us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco talks to Emily Oster— health communicator, health economist, and bestselling author. Emily shares her journey from academia to becoming an influential health communicator, advocating for data-driven decision making and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health.We cover:Her non-didactic approach to helping people make their own best decisionsHer least favorite types of panic headlines, and how no one would thrive on Doritos® dustPros and cons of the Open Access movementCombating publication biasSpeaking up on controversial topicsAdvice for building trust, combating misinformation, and improving health communicationEmily is on a mission to empower parents by providing the data and tools they need to make confident decisions. After getting a PhD in economics from Harvard, she went on to pursue research in health economics and is now a professor of economics at Brown University. As a mom of two, Emily was inspired by her own pregnancy and the lack of clear information to guide her decisions. She decided to use her expertise in reviewing and analyzing data to help other parents navigate these topics. She is a New York Times best-selling author, whose books include Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm and The Unexpected.Follow Emily Oster on Instagram and X.Subscribe to the Heart of Healthcare and leave us a review! Got an idea for a show? Visit heartofhealthcarepodcast.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Surgeon General's office recently published an advisory report stating "social media can have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents." In this episode, we revisit our conversation with Frances Haugen, former Facebook product manager and internationally recognized whistleblower.Frances provides an inside look into how tech giants prioritize profits over public safety. Her journey from Meta's inner workings to testifying before world parliaments sparked a global conversation about social media's role and regulation - a dialogue now echoed at the highest levels of public health.This episode explores the pressing issues of our digital era that are now receiving official recognition. Learn about the impact of social media on young people's mental well-being, providing context to the Surgeon General's warnings. Frances shares critical concerns and her ideas for safeguards for young people. This is a must listen for anyone with children in their lives!Follow Frances Haugen on TwitterFollow host Halle Tecco on TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Glen Tullman reflects on the biggest changes he's seen in healthcare during his 40-year career in the industry. Glen is the founder and CEO of Transcarent, former founder and CEO of Livongo, and managing partner at 7wireVentures. He discusses:- His early days revolutionizing e-prescribing and electronic health records at Allscripts- Building Livongo into an $18.5 billion digital health success story- Lessons learned as a serial entrepreneur and investor with 7wireVentures- His vision for Transcarent as a consumer-directed healthcare navigation platformSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Zach Reitano, CEO and co-founder of the direct-to-patient healthcare company Ro, talks to host Halle Tecco about the flaws in our traditional healthcare model and how Ro is innovating to make care more convenient and focused on patient goals.We cover:Why the current healthcare system does not incentivize building for patientsHow he ranks the priorities of cost, quality, and accessHow the healthcare system is obsessed with quality, but not equally obsessed with scaling that qualityWhy we can't equate healthcare quality and time spent, and the role of technology to increase access to the highest quality productsAre you enjoying the show? Please leave us a review 🙏See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco and Steve Kraus cover the latest digital health stories for June 2024, including:Cancer drug dosing and pricing challengesThe new South Park movie on obesityThe shortage of K-12 school counselors and telehealth startups’ roleThe failure of SPAC deals in digital health, and the path forwardPharma's DTC marketing efforts, including Pfizer's new platform and updated FTC advertising rulesFlaws in the media coverage of declining total fertility ratesNOTE: July will be the 3 (not 2) year anniversary of the show! If you're enjoying listening, please leave us a review!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clinical notes are one of the more tedious parts of doctors’ day-to-day lives—so much so that they’re often called “pajama time,” since physicians spend 2-3 hours writing them at night. In this episode, Steve Kraus sits down with Dr. Shiv Rao, co-founder and CEO of Abridge, an AI-first healthcare company that’s been in the spotlight for solving this problem. Abridge uses advanced machine learning to structure and summarize medical conversations, creating clinical documentation and structured data while reducing clinician burnout.Shiv traces his journey from a skateboarding rebel to a cardiologist, professor, healthcare investor, and now founder of a pioneering digital health startup. He shares how his passion for scalable impact and exposure to cutting-edge research at Carnegie Mellon led him to start Abridge in 2018.Steve and Shiv discuss:How Abridge differentiated itself early on through AI technology and go-to-market (GTM) strategyThe company’s ROI and anti-burnout metrics, like note quality, pajama time, and cognitive loadClinician-AI collaboration vs. direct-to-consumer applicationsThe surprising parallels between managing an ICU and running a startupThe habits and mindsets that keep Shiv grounded while leading a fast-growing, mission-driven companyAre you enjoying the show? Please leave us a review 🙏See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!In this episode (a replay from Closing Time), David Ko, CEO of Calm, discusses the mental health challenges founders and their teams face. We discuss practical strategies for building resilience, managing the relentless pressure, and why destigmatizing mental health is crucial for startup success. David shares how leaders can champion well-being, creating a workplace where mental health support is the norm, not the exception. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes building a thriving business starts with a healthy mindset.We cover:How resilience is built through learning from mistakes and taking risksWhere stress comes from and if you can really eliminate itHow to lead by example and create a supportive work environmentGenerational shifts in the conversation around mental healthWhy mental health should be normalized throughout the year and not just during Mental Health Awareness MonthSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May is Women's Health Awareness Month! In this episode, Kate Ryder, CEO and founder of Maven, the largest virtual clinic for women and families, shares her passion for transforming a traditionally underserved healthcare sector. We explore how Maven Clinic has evolved since her seed pitch in 2016, and what she’s learned along the way.We cover:How Maven has evolved from an online marketplace for women to connect with healthcare specialists to a comprehensive platform for women's and family healthHow language and terminology (even the term “women's health”) can be challengingEmerging trends in women's health including the need for better support for Medicaid members and the growing mental health crisis among teenagersHow egg freezing can contribute to gender equality in the workplaceKate’s wishes for improving the US healthcare system, like Medicaid coverage for new moms and universal pre-K to support working familiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

80% of Americans suffering from eating disorders don’t get the treatment they need. That’s where Equip comes in. In this episode, Steve Kraus sits down with Kristina Saffran, the co-founder and CEO of Equip, a virtual provider transforming eating disorder treatment by making evidence-based care more accessible to patients and families. Kristina shares her personal journey recovering from anorexia and how her experience with the challenges in traditional treatment led her to found a non-profit and ultimately start Equip. She and Steve dive into:Misconceptions about eating disorders and the barriers that prevent the vast majority of sufferers from getting treatmentEquip's virtual, multidisciplinary five-person care team modelThe company's focus on delivering evidence-based treatment while pioneering new research to improve outcomesThe importance of collaborating with insurance payers to improve access and reduce costsKristina's advice for mission-driven healthcare entrepreneursSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Digital Health Download: May 2024In this episode, Halle and Steve dive into the latest headlines in digital health for May 2024, covering topics like surprise billing, AI in healthcare, and the future of primary care. They cover: - A ProPublica investigation into Cigna's claims and prior authorization processes- The FTC's new non-compete agreement ban, and what it means for healthcare- Walmart's decision to shutter its health clinics, and the viability of retail primary care- A new study on using generative AI to draft physician replies to patient messages- Nurses' protests against the rapid adoption of AI technology at Kaiser Permanente- An Atlantic article on the coming revolution in male contraceptivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Too often, those with complex health needs fall through the cracks. Dr. Toyin Ajayi, co-founder and CEO of Cityblock Health, is a passionate champion for health equity determined to change this reality. Her company specifically serves populations with Medicare, Medicaid, or both, often those who have been let down by the traditional healthcare system.In this episode, we cover:Why "one size fits all" healthcare fails our most vulnerable, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and underservedHow Cityblock's community health partners build trust and address health and social needsThe privatization of MedicareWhy she believes in the private sector to help fix healthcareSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a medical school-bound undergrad, Sean Duffy, co-founder and CEO of Omada Health, didn’t initially consider entrepreneurship as a career path. Today, Sean leads a virtual-first care provider for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal disorders. Sean traces his journey from a "techie" upbringing to stints at Google and medical school, and how his early fascination with the potential of digital health ultimately led him to build Omada.Sean and Steve dive into:-The genesis of Omada's "digital DPP" (diabetes prevention program) model-How digital health has matured over the last decade-Omada’s approach to driving successful GLP-1 prescription outcomes-The Peterson report questioning the efficacy of diabetes tech-Sean's advice for aspiring entrepreneursSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like you're lost in the healthcare maze, fighting for answers alone? Turns out, you're not. Patient communities are fueling a revolution that's changing healthcare. In this episode, Susannah Fox, author of Rebel Health, reveals how patients and caregivers are driving innovation that the traditional system can't, or won't, deliver.We cover:The Four Patient Archetypes: Seeker, Networker, Solver, and Champion--which one are you?Why certain populations get ignored, and how to change thatHow founders can leverage patient power to build better, more impactful solutionsThe debate over whether (and how) patients should be compensated for collaborating with companiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Halle Tecco and Steve Kraus discuss the latest news and trends in digital health in April 2024.They cover:Controversial Peterson report about the effectiveness of diabetes management solutions Rock Health's latest survey data on consumer digital health adoptionThe FDA's recent approval of Dexcom's Stelo, the first OTC continuous glucose monitorThe rise of nurse practitioner entrepreneurshipSpecialized and value-based care headlinesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Steve Kraus talks with Joanna Strober, co-founder and CEO of Midi Health, a virtual healthcare platform specifically for women in midlife (ages 35-65). Midi Health is a virtual care clinic created by specialists in perimenopause and menopause to address the massive unmet needs of women in this demographic.Joanna explains why women often lose touch with an OBGYN after child-bearing years but don't get the care they need from primary care physicians. She shares insights on her current company's impressive retention and patient outcomes, plus lessons learned from her previous digital health startup, Kurbo Health, which focused on childhood obesity.As a former investor at Bessemer Venture Partners, Joanna reflects on what entrepreneurs should expect from their investors. As a mother, Joanna discusses the importance of resilience, prioritization, and partnership in enabling women to thrive as parents and professionals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In February, Change Healthcare, the largest processor of medical claims in the U.S., was hit by a devastating cyberattack. Some are even calling it the most significant and consequential cyberattack on our healthcare system in American history. The fallout exposed deep vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructure and how healthcare data is protected, highlighting the fragility of a system built on fragmented networks and a patchwork of cybersecurity measures.In this episode, Washington Post national health reporter Dan Diamond helps us understand the fallout of the Change Healthcare hack, digging into the consequences for providers, patients, and the industry at large.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dr. Allie Sharma shares her expertise on the fascinating topic of using ketamine infusion therapy and other psychedelic treatments to treat mental health conditions.As an experienced psychiatrist and the co-founder of Being Health, Dr. Sharma explains how ketamine, a well-established anesthetic medicine, has shown remarkable promise in treating treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Sharma provides a comprehensive walkthrough of a ketamine therapy session, from the preparation phase to the infusion itself, what it's like for the patient, and the crucial integration sessions that follow.We also explore the latest research and evidence surrounding its effectiveness and other psychedelic treatments being researched. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply someone interested in the fascinating field of psychedelic medicine, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we cover 5 big headlines in digital health from the Change Healthcare disaster to a VC buying a hospital.AND after 2.5 years of going at this podcast alone, I'm excited to now bring on a co-host! Listen to find out who will be joining me to host this show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

February is Cancer Prevention Month. Nearly 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes. The good news is that continued advancements in medical research has led to more people surviving cancer. But what if we could prevent cancer altogether? Is it possible? In this episode, Jody Hoyos, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, discusses cancer prevention and early detection.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death in 18-45 year olds in the US, claiming more lives than car crashes and gun violence combined. After Dr. Beth Weinstock lost her son to what she calls “the most devastating health crisis this generation has ever seen,” she decided to do something about it. In this episode, we discuss a harm-reduction approach to protecting young people from accidental fentanyl poisoning. This is a replay from 2022.Learn more about Dr. Weinstock's organization, BirdieLight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David, meet Goliath.In this episode, digital health veteran Stuart Green (SVP and General Manager of the Life Science Business at Veridigm) shares all the secrets of what large incumbents want when working with startups. Stuart offers great insights and advice to founders looking to sell to, partner with, or get acquired by the Goliaths of healthcare.We cover:Understanding the unmet needs of large healthcare companiesHow to best position your company to incumbents for sales, partnerships, or M&AThe role data plays in the pharmaceutical industry, and how this has evolvedImproving the EHR experience for physicians and making it more efficient and user-friendlyFollow Stuart Green on XLearn more about VeradigmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Ali Diab, co-founder and CEO of Collective Health, discusses his journey in building Collective Health and solving the problem of complex and costly healthcare experiences. He also shares advice to founders from his experience scaling Collective Health, which is now a market leader.We cover:- When founders should (and shouldn’t) worry about incumbents- The sales cycle to employers- How to move from an oligarchical healthcare system to a free market one- Why the health insurance industry loves information asymmetry and does not like self insurance- How employers play a crucial role in the healthcare system and can drive positive change- How transparency and interoperability are key to simplifying benefits and improving the healthcare systemFollow Ali Diab on XLearn more about Collective HealthListen to the episode on healthcare costs we mentioned with Dr. Elisabeth RosenthalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's guest, Brad Kittredge, believes in a world where everyone suffering with mental health can get personalized care, and he knows technology can get us there. Learn how his company, Brightside, is working with the system (not against it) for real change. And how his experiences working at Jawbone and 23andMe helped inform his work this time around.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests Sofia Guerra and Morgan Cheatham from BVP join me in this episode as we dive into 2024 healthcare predictions. From the the exodus of tourist VCs to a renaissance in consumer healthcare, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the intersection of healthcare and technology, offering a glimpse into what 2024 may hold for our sector.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Six imperatives for AI-first companies- BVP 2024 Healthcare and Life Sciences Predictions- Seven Charts That Sum Up U.S. Healthcare In 2023See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a special episode from my other podcast Closing Time.In 2023, digital health M&A was down 23% YoY. How did this compare to the tech sector? What are digital health acquirers looking for today? And what will 2024 have in store for us? We dive into all these questions and more in this episode about M&A.Here is the link to the blog post Selling Your Healthcare Startup that is mentioned in this episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our 100th (!!!) episode of the Heart of Healthcare Podcast, I share a 2023 recap for healthcare, including findings from the latest Rock Health Funding report.The episode delves into the significant changes in Medicaid, with a massive disenrollment impacting vulnerable populations, and discusses the growing privatization of Medicare through Medicare Advantage. It highlights the surge in GLP-1 medication use for obesity treatment and its societal impact, alongside the transformative role of AI in healthcare, exemplified by ChatGPT's performance in medical exams. The episode also discusses how digital health fared in venture funding and the public markets in 2023.Check out my blog for more digital health goodness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For our last episode of 2023— our 99th episode since launching this show— I talk about the responsibility of the healthcare "old guard" and emphasize the need for talent and optimism in the face of a healthcare system where change happens at a snail's pace. I also discuss what I've been up to on my blog, and answer the question I keep getting about if I'm going to write a book.You can visit my blog here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you have had any interaction with the healthcare system whatsoever, you have probably experienced the labyrinthine nature of its processes, from navigating insurance coverage and understanding medical bills, to coordinating between different healthcare providers, all of which highlight the complexity and potential for confusion inherent in the current system.In this episode, I dive into the key stakeholders, aka the four P's of healthcare—Providers, Payers, Pharma, and Patients.You can read the full article on my blog here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Healthcare is not simply a void which was just waiting for tech to fill in and solve all of its problems."In this podcast episode, Owen Tripp, Founder and CEO of Included Health, shares his thoughts on digital health. We discuss how the space has changed in the last decade and where he thinks we'll be in 10 years, if big tech can really change healthcare, if virtual care matters or more less than it did a few years ago, the troubling M&A of incumbents, and much, much more.Follow guest Owen Tripp on X.Learn more about Included Health.Follow host Halle Tecco on X.Visit the Heart of Healthcare website for episode recaps.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than 40% of Americans have obesity, a number that continues to rise. And despite being a multi-billion dollar business — the weight loss industry just isn’t helping people lose weight. Perhaps that’s why new GLP-1 medications are getting so much attention.To learn more, I spoke to Sarah Jones Simmer, CEO of Found. With over $130M in venture funding, Found is the largest medically-supported weight care clinic in the country.Join us as we delve into the history of the weight loss industry, and discuss how telehealth (and responsible prescribing) along with new medications, may just be an inflection point.Visit the Heart of Healthcare website for episode recaps and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The healthcare industry has made significant strides in the past 50 years… or has it? In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Aoun, CEO of Forward, an AI-based healthcare system, who is simply not impressed with the lethargic pace of progress. We discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can help us achieve exponential improvements to human health and how ChatGPT is the worst of the new world.Follow guest Adrian Aoun on Twitter.Follow host Halle Tecco on Twitter.Visit the Heart of Healthcare website for episode recaps and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, guests Sofia Guerra and Steve Kraus from Bessemer Venture Partners discuss their recently published report, "State of Health Tech 2023." We discuss what’s going on in the public markets (and why), bad bubbles vs. okay bubbles, how health tech companies compare to other sectors, and looking for phoenixes to rise from the ashes.Read the BVP report here.Read the article on publicly traded digital health companies here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year's Heart of Healthcare $50,000 Grant Challenge winner is the team from the Libertas Center for Human Rights, located at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, NY.In this episode, we learn about how they provide survivors of torture and human rights violations with comprehensive medical, mental health, social and legal services to help them regain function and restore humanity in their lives.Learn more about support Libertas here.Learn more about the Heart of Healthcare grants here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some clinics have a BMI threshold, which means that women who are considered overweight or obese are often turned away from services without a fair look at their full health.In a world where medical science continually refines its understanding of human physiology, clinging to outdated metrics like BMI as a gatekeeper for reproductive freedom is not merely archaic—it's a negation of evidence-based care. When it comes to the right to preserve fertility, the dimensions of the scale should never outweigh the nuances of individual health and autonomy.Read the full article here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Almost a third of healthcare spending goes towards administrative costs, and it’s been noted that at least half of this administrative spending is wasteful.In this episode we talk about waste in healthcare, and then pull back the curtain to talk about the building of digital health OG, Zocdoc. From raising capital in and surviving the last economic meltdown (remember Sequoia’s famous RIP good times memo?!?) to a founder separation to completely pivoting their business model, to losing 90% of revenue at the beginning of COVID, to doubling the number of providers on the platform last year, Founder and CEO Oliver Kharraz, M.D. has lived the full entrepreneurial journey and is an open book.Join hosts Halle Tecco and special guest-host Steve Kraus as we get an inside look into the strategic pivots, challenges, and innovations that have shaped Zocdoc.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While our healthcare system has glaring gender disparities that disproportionately affect women, the fact is, men are not spared from one enormous gender gap: life expectancy.In this episode, host Halle Tecco and guest VC Steve Kraus of Bessemer Partners discuss why we need a more comprehensive approach to men's health, the startups leading the way, and the biggest opportunities in the space.Visit halletecco.com/blog/mens-health-startups to read more on the topic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I have laryngitis and our team is off this week reviewing applications for the Heart of Healthcare Grant Challenge. So I thought I'd play an episode from my new show, Closing Time.Don't worry Heart of Healthcare isn't going anywhere!Closing Time is a new podcast where you, the listener, get to be a fly on the wall during a startup pitch meeting.Imagine being part of a room where passionate entrepreneurs are pitching their healthcare startups, the innovations that could very well shape the future of healthcare. This podcast allows you to do just that.Learn more at https://closingtimepodcast.net/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, former Facebook product manager and internationally recognized whistleblower, Frances Haugen offers invaluable insights into how tech giants prioritizes profits over public safety, and the profound implications this has on mental health of young people.We explore her brave journey, which took her from the inner workings of Meta to testifying before the world's parliaments, sparking a global conversation about the role and regulation of social media. Listen in as we shed light on the pressing issues of our digital era, and the steps we can take to safeguard vulnerable populations from social media's impacts.Follow Frances Haugen on TwitterFollow host Halle Tecco on TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

America’s homeless population is larger than in any other developed economy. On any given night, more than half a million people experience homelessness. One-third of them are in just one state—California. In this episode, Dr. Margot Kushel explains the country’s rise in homelessness and the critical impact of housing on the health needs of vulnerable populations. Dr. Margot Kushel is the director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations and the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. Her research focuses on reducing the burden of homelessness on health through examining efforts to prevent and end homelessness and mitigating the effects of housing instability on healthcare outcomes.Follow Dr. Kushel on TwitterFollow host Halle Tecco on TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we dive into our dysfunctional healthcare system with guest Wendell Potter, a former health insurance executive turned whistleblower, advocate for healthcare reform, New York Times best-seller, and documentary producer.We discuss the role of private, for-profit health plans in the U.S. and how they’ve drained resources from the healthcare system while leaving Americans financially vulnerable and sick. We also touch upon Medicare Advantage (which is neither Medicare, nor an advantage), Medicare for All, “non-profit” hospital systems, and if we’ll ever break free from employment-based insurance.Learn more about Wendell’s new documentary, American Hospitals: Healing A Broken System.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I recently did an Ask Me Anything session with two Johns Hopkins students who have a student-led venture firm (A-Level Capital) and podcast (A-Level Capital Podcast). In this special episode, I share the recording where they asked me about digital health, startups, innovation, women's health, and career development. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

​There is a gap in America’s knowledge of women’s health. This is no surprise because it wasn’t until 1993 that Congress wrote an NIH inclusion policy into Federal law that encouraged women and minorities as subjects in clinical research. Much of what is considered ‘health standards’ are largely skewed towards men because of the years when women went unstudied. Even today, there remains gender inequality in healthcare as we face wide gaps in research and treatment ability for areas unique to women.​By elevating the importance of women’s health, we can deliver better, more inclusive data and insights; more targeted, accessible solutions; and enable better care for women worldwide. Not only that, but we shine a light on the importance of funding and uplifting companies that center around changing the business of our bodies.​In celebration of Women's Health Month, I joined Female Founder Collective for a panel discussion on solving women's health inefficiencies. I'm joined by Aagya Mathur (Aavia), Dr. Sophia Yen, MD, MPH (Pandia Health), and Alison Wyatt (Female Founder Collective).Learn more about the Female Founder Collective.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Eric Topol, the godfather of digital health, to explore the progress and barriers to innovation in healthcare, the potential of AI in transforming the industry, and the challenges faced by startups and big tech companies. Dr. Topol shares his insights on open-source healthcare, evaluating new innovations, and the importance of algorithmic fairness. Tune in to gain deep insights into the future of medicine and the power of technology in reshaping healthcare.Follow Dr. Eric Topol on TwitterFollow Halle Tecco on TwitterVisit the Heart of Healthcare website for transcripts and episode details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.