HIT Like a Girl Pod: Empowering Women in Health IT

What does it take to create a healthcare system that truly works for everyone? In this episode of HIT Like a Girl, host Demi Radeva sits down with Kristen Valdes, founder and CEO of b.well Connected Health, to explore how interoperability and innovation are reshaping the future of healthcare. Kristen shares her journey from working with Medicare and Medicaid Services to developing one of the first private Medicare Advantage plans. The conversation dives into: The critical role of interoperability in breaking down barriers to data sharing. How federal mandates and consumer expectations are driving the need for seamless digital experiences. The importance of partnerships—from big tech companies like Samsung to healthcare providers—in advancing innovation. Why policy changes are essential to improving access and equity in healthcare. Kristen’s vision for the future of healthcare is one where technology empowers consumers, simplifies complexity, and bridges gaps in care. Key Moments: 01:19 | Policy Shifts and Industry Changes 02:52 | Interoperability Challenges and Solutions 05:28 | Consumer Expectations in Healthcare 07:32 | The Future of Digital Health and Partnerships 09:51 | Enabling and Educating Providers 11:36 | Innovations and Partnerships Driving Change 15:00 | Bold Predictions for the Future of Digital Health Tune in to hear Kristen’s inspiring insights on how interoperability and innovation are transforming healthcare—and what it means for patients, providers, and policymakers alike. Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about healthcare innovation, interoperability, and the future of consumer-driven care. Kristen’s expertise and vision offer a roadmap for creating a more connected, accessible, and equitable healthcare system.

How can AI bridge the gap between data and actionable insights in healthcare?  In this episode of HIT Like a Girl, hosts Demi Radeva and Kim Perry, Chief Growth Officer of emtelligent, dive into the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Kim shares her expertise on the evolution of clinical AI, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP), and how it’s turning unstructured data into actionable insights.  The conversation explores: The progress and challenges of AI-driven documentation in healthcare. Why accuracy and transparency are non-negotiable in AI solutions. The critical role of healthcare-specific NLP tools in improving operational efficiency. How policy shifts and technological expertise are shaping the future of healthcare innovation. Kim’s insights highlight the importance of closing the “last mile” in healthcare AI—where data meets real-world impact. Key Moments: 01:03 | Current Trends and Challenges in Healthcare AI 02:34 | The Role of NLP in Clinical Documentation 03:46 | Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption 07:34 | The Future of AI in Healthcare 10:19 | Conclusion and Final Thoughts Tune in to discover how AI is revolutionizing healthcare—one insight at a time. Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in AI, healthcare innovation, and the future of data-driven care. Kim’s expertise offers a roadmap for leveraging AI to improve efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes.

How can we harness the power of AI to transform healthcare while keeping humanity at the center? In this episode of HIT Like a Girl, host Demi Radeva sits down with Patty Hayward, a trailblazer in healthcare IT with over 25 years of experience. Patty shares her fascinating journey from conservation biology to tackling some of the biggest challenges in healthcare IT, including automation, AI integration, and improving systems for both payers and providers. The conversation dives into: The delicate balance between science and art in healthcare innovation. How AI is reshaping patient experiences, from diagnostics to care delivery. The importance of managing bias, ensuring data security, and fostering responsible AI adoption. The role of empathy and intentionality in policy-making and technology design. Patty’s insights are a powerful reminder that technology is not just about efficiency—it’s about enhancing human connection and care. Key Moments: 00:14 | Patty Hayward’s Journey into Healthcare 01:28 | The Intersection of Science and Art in Healthcare 02:05 | Policy Shifts and the Role of AI in Healthcare 03:23 | Real-World Applications of AI in Healthcare 04:37 | Responsible AI Adoption: Managing Bias and Ensuring Security 06:48 | How Technology is Transforming Patient Interactions 10:39 | Women Leading the Charge in Healthcare Technology 13:07 | Patty’s Message to Policymakers: Empathy and Intentionality Matter Tune in to hear Patty’s inspiring story and learn how we can shape a future where technology and humanity work hand in hand. Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about AI, healthcare innovation, and the human side of technology. Patty’s expertise and perspective offer a roadmap for creating a healthcare system that’s not only smarter but also more compassionate.

What if your identity could seamlessly follow you through every healthcare experience? In this episode of HIT Like a Girl, hosts Demi Radeva and Shriya Palekar sit down with a visionary healthcare expert to explore how reusable networked identities are transforming the patient experience. Drawing parallels to their groundbreaking work in secure identity verification at airports, Shriya explains how this innovative approach can streamline healthcare processes, improve efficiency, and empower patients. The conversation dives into: The potential of reusable identities to enhance interoperability and reduce administrative burdens. How policy shifts under the new administration could shape the future of healthcare technology. The transformative impact of the 21st Century Cures Act on patient data access and consent management. The critical role of women in healthcare leadership and the need for diverse perspectives in driving innovation. This episode is a masterclass in how technology can bridge gaps between patients, providers, and policymakers—while putting control back in the hands of consumers. Key Moments: 00:47 | Vision for a Networked Identity in Healthcare 01:17 | Policy Shifts and Their Impact on the Industry 03:46 | Balancing Provider and Patient Perspectives 04:38 | Identity Verification and Consent Management 05:22 | How the 21st Century Cures Act is Changing the Game 06:17 | Empowering Women in Healthcare Leadership 07:23 | A Message to Policymakers: Prioritize Expertise and Nuance Tune in to discover how reusable networked identities are paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system. Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in healthcare innovation, patient empowerment, and the intersection of technology and policy. The guest’s insights offer a roadmap for creating a healthcare system that works for everyone—patients, providers, and policymakers alike.

What happens when patients take the lead in shaping healthcare innovation?  In this episode of HIT Like a Girl, guest host Demi Radeva sits down with Molly Schreiber, a passionate patient advocate who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 35 years and rheumatoid arthritis. Molly shares her incredible journey from being a patient to joining Savvy Cooperative, a patient-owned marketplace revolutionizing how healthcare companies access patient insights and data. Together, Demi and Molly explore: The critical gaps between patient needs and industry deliverables. How patient-centric approaches can drive better healthcare solutions. The ongoing challenges in digital health, including accessibility, interoperability, and data privacy—especially in women’s health. Why patient collaboration is essential for meaningful policy and innovation. Molly’s story is a powerful reminder that patients aren’t just beneficiaries of healthcare—they’re its most valuable partners. Key Moments: 00:17 | Molly’s Personal Healthcare Journey 00:59 | Policy Shifts and Industry Changes 02:21 | Bridging the Gap Between Patient Needs and Industry Delivery 03:18 | How Savvy Cooperative is Empowering Patients 05:36 | Overcoming Challenges in Digital Health Accessibility 07:12 | Interoperability and Patient Control Over Data 08:21 | The Untapped Value of Patient Data 10:07 | Women’s Health Data and Privacy Concerns 11:17 | How to Improve Patient Collaboration in Healthcare 12:24 | Molly’s Message to Policymakers Tune in to hear Molly’s inspiring story and learn how patient insights are shaping the future of healthcare. Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about patient advocacy, healthcare innovation, and data-driven solutions. Molly’s insights are a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to put patients at the center of healthcare.

What does it take to revolutionize healthcare with data? In this episode of the HIT Like a Girl Podcast, guest host Demi Radeva sits down with Shirel Daniel, a leader in the healthcare startup space, to uncover her unique journey and the transformative work she’s directing at Extrico Health. From her roots at Syracuse University and Tel Aviv University to her impactful roles with the UN Environment and Philadelphia Internal Medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shirel’s path to healthcare innovation is anything but traditional. Now, as a leader at Extrico Health, she’s harnessing the power of data analytics, AI, and clinical phenotypes to tackle some of healthcare’s biggest challenges—from Revenue Cycle Management to Clinical Documentation Improvement—all while keeping patient privacy and outcomes at the forefront. Tune in to hear Shirel share: How Extrico Health is using AI-driven insights to improve hospital performance and patient care. The delicate balance between innovation, security, and regulatory compliance in the age of AI. Why value-based care is the future—and how Extrico is paving the way. A roadmap for overcoming patient privacy barriers and aligning AI policy language across the industry. Key Moments: 00:00 | Shirel’s Nontraditional Path to Health Startups 04:56 | Aligning AI Policy Language for Industry-Wide Impact 08:35 | Breaking Down Patient Privacy Barriers 09:48 | Balancing AI, Security, and Innovation 13:08 | The Shift to Value-Based Care and Better Patient Outcomes 17:06 | Shirel’s Vision for the Future of Healthcare Improvement This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the intersection of data, AI, and healthcare innovation. Shirel’s insights are a masterclass in navigating the complexities of the industry while staying focused on what matters most: improving patient lives. Stay Connected: Follow Shirel Daniel on LinkedIn Learn more about Extrico Health This episode was recorded live at #ViVE2025—where the future of healthcare comes to life.

With a new administration under President Trump, the healthcare industry is poised for significant shifts. How do we adapt, innovate, and lead through change? That’s the focus of this special series on HIT Like a Girl podcast, hosted by Demi Radeva, our newest guest host and a powerhouse in health system financing and innovation. In this series, Demi shares her journey and sits down with 6 incredible women experts to explore how they’re navigating change, driving innovation, and shaping the future of healthcare.  In this first episode, we get to know more about Demi—her background, her mission, and the unique perspective she brings to the conversation. Here’s what you’ll hear: 00:00 HIT Like a Girl Podcast Returns 04:12 Building Health Equity at Optum 08:09 Missing Startups at ViVE 11:59 Exploring AI's Impact on Stakeholders 13:45 Women's Health Data Privacy Concerns 17:24 Navigating Changing Times Together Why This Episode Matters This episode sets the stage for the entire series, introducing Demi’s expertise and passion for healthcare innovation. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply curious about the future of the industry, this conversation will inspire you to think boldly and act decisively in the face of change. Coming Up in This Series Demi’s conversations with 6 incredible women experts are just around the corner! All episodes were recorded at #ViVE2025 Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming: Shirel Daniel (Extrico Health): Branding, marketing, and the evolving definitions of AI. Molly Schreiber (Savvy Coop): The patient perspective, women’s health, and data privacy. Shriya Palekar (CLEAR): Patient access to data and care, and the role of startups. Patty Hayward (Talkdesk): AI’s role in improving patient experience. Kim Perry (emtelligent): Clinical documentation and the intersection of AI and interoperability. Kristen Valdes (B.Well): Interoperability and how tech companies are transforming healthcare. Stay in Touch:  Demi Radeva | Akros Advisory

Chandra Osborn, Chief Behavioral Officer at AdhereHealth, joins Joy to discuss the power of empathy and strategic partnerships in improving medication adherence. In this episode, Chandra shares her journey from academia to industry, highlighting the challenges and transformations she faced, particularly during the pandemic. We delve into the complexities of medication adherence and the importance of using both subjective and objective measures to track patient success. Chandra also emphasizes the value of strategic partnerships in healthcare and Joy introduces the concept of "upward spirals of goodness," encouraging listeners to invest in self-care and collaboration for better outcomes. Episode Highlights 00:01:15 - Meet Chandra Osborn: Background and Career Journey 00:05:00 - The Role of Chief Behavioral Officer at AdhereHealth 00:09:49 - Methods for Improving Medication Adherence 00:12:50 - Tracking Success in Patient Care 00:14:05 - The Importance of a Scientific Approach 00:17:15 - Upward Spirals of Goodness: A New Perspective 00:18:31 - Opportunities for Collaboration and Support Stay connected to Chandra Osborn: LinkedIn | Twitter AdhereHealth | LinkedIn