Send us a textMeasles is making a comeback, and with it comes a heated debate on vaccine mandates, public health, and personal freedom. In this episode of CareTalk, Michael F. Cannon (Director of Health Policy Studies, Cato Institute) joins hosts, David E. Williams and John Driscoll, to debate the challenges of balancing individual rights with public safety, why vaccine mandates can backfire, and how misinformation fuels the controversy.


ABOUT CARETALK: HEALTHCARE. UNFILTERED.CareTalk is a weekly podcast that provides an incisive, no B.S. view of the US healthcare industry. Join co-hosts John Driscoll (President U.S. Healthcare and EVP, Walgreens Boots Alliance) and David Williams (President, Health Business Group) as they debate the latest in US healthcare news, business and policy.


MICHAEL F. CANNONMichael F. Cannon is the Cato Institute’s director of health policy studies. His scholarship spans public health; regulation of clinicians, medical facilities, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; employer-sponsored and other private health insurance; Medicare; Medicaid; CHIP; the Veterans Health Administration; medical malpractice litigation; administrative law; international health systems; political philosophy; and more. Cannon is “an influential health‐care wonk” (Washington Post) and “the most famous libertarian health care scholar” (Washington Examiner). Washingtonian magazine named Cannon one of Washington, DC’s Most Influential People in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.GET IN TOUCHFollow CareTalk on LinkedInBecome a CareTalk sponsorGuest appearance requestsVisit us on the webSubscribe to the CareTalk NewsletterSupport the showCareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.
March 28, 2025
Join Eric Goosby and Ben Plumley as they delve into the latest global health news coming out of Washington DC, including funding cuts from the US government to key international health programs, whether the administration will abide by the continuing resolution passed by Congress to fund all global health programs approved by Congress for 2025, and the implications for the UN, Gavi and US academic institutions. They also try to make sense of the significant job cuts announced by the administration to the Department of Health and Human Services today , and the continuing outbreak of measles in the US. These are hectic – if not entirely productive – times in the world of global health. But is a Trump administration strategy emerging from the chaos of executive orders, termination notices and the firing of so many key staff?
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:04 US Government Funding for International Development
01:49 Impact of Funding Cuts on Health and Human Services
02:12 The Growing Measles Crisis
02:36 Debate on Continuing Resolution and Budget Cuts
09:18 Termination of Funding to Gavi
13:25 Public Health Strategy and Administration Tactics
40:58 The Role of Individual Rights in Public Health
47:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the Conversation
How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Subscribe & Stay Updated
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform
Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions – www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast
March 28, 2025
In this episode of HITea, recorded live at the ViVE conference, we learn from Teri Thomas, CEO of Volpara Health — a leader in AI-powered breast health solutions.
The conversation centers around the future of autonomous readings of mammograms and how this technology is shaping the next era of early detection and precision care. Teri shares her insights into the growing role of AI in radiology, the need for scalable and consistent screening tools, and how automation can improve clinical outcomes and reduce disparities in women’s health.
With global experience, Teri provides valuable perspective on how AI implementation differs across regions and what’s needed to support broader adoption. Whether you’re in digital health, radiology, or women’s health innovation, this episode offers a timely look into where the industry is headed — and why autonomous mammogram readings are a key part of that future.
March 27, 2025
In this heartfelt conversation, Heather Straughter shares her
profound journey through grief after the loss of her son, Jake. She discusses
the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the importance of community support,
and the ongoing nature of grief. Heather reflects on the complexities of
acknowledging loss, the unexpected triggers that can arise, and her evolving
perspective on grief hierarchies. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the
significance of finding one's own way to cope and the power of humor in
navigating the dark moments of grief. In this conversation, Heather Straughter
shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her son, Jake. She
discusses societal expectations surrounding grief, the dual nature of grief as
both painful and transformative, and the importance of community support.
Heather also talks about the creation of her podcast, 'A Place of Yes,' aimed
at sharing stories of families dealing with similar challenges, and her mission
to help families navigate the complexities of caring for children with special
needs. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and
proactive support for grieving families.
Follow:
Jake's Help From Heaven
A Place Of Yes Podcast on Instagram
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection
01:41 The Impact of Grief on Life Choices
02:50 Navigating Grief and Community Support
08:21 The Ongoing Nature of Grief
10:33 The Complexity of Grief and Acknowledgment
12:26 Triggers and Unexpected Moments of Grief
15:59 The Hierarchy of Grief
18:23 Coping Mechanisms and Humor in Grief
22:09 The Dark Side of Grief
24:22 Unspoken Aspects of Grief
26:07 Finding Your Own Path in Grief
29:20 Navigating Grief: Societal Expectations and Personal Experiences
32:43 The Dual Nature of Grief: Pain and Growth
36:47 Creating a Supportive Community: The Birth of a Podcast
42:06 Expanding the Mission: Helping Families Beyond Local Boundaries
54:16 Words of Comfort: Supporting Grieving Families
March 27, 2025
March 27, 2025: Deborah Proctor, Retired CEO of St. Joseph Health, explores the intricate tapestry of healthcare leadership. What does it truly mean to build a mission-driven culture that permeates every aspect of an organization? Deborah shares her remarkable journey from bedside nurse to system CEO, revealing how the Sisters of St. Joseph's charism of unity and reconciliation shaped her leadership philosophy. The discussion delves into innovative approaches to sponsorship, where leaders take personal ownership of their team members’ success and examine the courage required to make decisions that may not win popularity but honor organizational values. Key Points:05:19 The Importance of Mission and Values14:25 Building a Mission-Based Culture18:25 Values in Action and Pilgrimage23:11 Sponsorship and Leadership 29:15 Prioritization Challenges38:50 Courageous LeadershipX: This Week HealthLinkedIn: This Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
March 27, 2025
What if AI could guide every patient through their healthcare journey—nudging them toward better choices, anticipating their needs, and adapting in real time? We talk a lot about engagement in healthcare, but too often, the digital tools we use fail to improve outcomes. AI and data-driven personalization hold incredible promise, yet many health plans and providers still struggle with low participation rates. Dr. Erich Huang, Associate Chief Clinical Officer for Informatics and Technology at Verily, an Alphabet company leading the charge in precision health, joins Eric to discuss what’s next for AI in healthcare. The conversation touches on how AI is redefining patient engagement, the delicate balance between automation and human touch, and how platforms like Verily’s Lightpath are pioneering a new model for chronic care management. If you’re a health plan or hospital leader looking to unlock the next generation of patient engagement, you won’t want to miss this conversation. About Erich Erich leads a team focused on structuring clinical-grade data that integrates with the clinical research and healthcare data ecosystems and is optimized for precision medicine, analysis, and artificial intelligence. Erich was previously at Duke University where he served as the Chief Data Officer for Quality at Duke Health, Director of Duke Forge, Director of Duke Crucible, and Assistant Dean for Biomedical Informatics for Duke University School of Medicine. There, he led and deployed machine learning capabilities for complex care management in Duke Health’s Accountable Care Organization, led health data science initiatives, and helped develop Duke Health’s new institutional governance process for algorithmic decision support. He earned his MD and PhD from Duke University, trained and was a Chief Resident in the Duke General Surgery Residency Program. Erich is previously a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Innovations in Regulatory Science Award recipient, received a Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Foundation Translational Scholar Award, and is twice a recipient of an IBM Faculty Award. About Verily Verily is an Alphabet health technology company focused on research, care, and health financing to deliver on the promise of precision health and help people live healthier lives. We are uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, data science, and healthcare to create tools to accelerate evidence generation, products to enable more personalized care, and approaches to make costs more predictable.
March 26, 2025
What do angel investing, cosmonaut training, and funding a 10-year health community project have in common? Esther Dyson. Obviously.
In our latest episode #164 of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had the pleasure to catchup with Esther.
We covered:

Why she funded Wellville to rebuild social fabric in underserved communities (and what she really learned)

What 23andMe got right — and what it didn’t...

Her next chapter: writing "Term Limits", a book about being human in the age of infinite AI

And why “making new mistakes” is a better life motto than “move fast and break things”
Esther’s wisdom is as timeless as her curiosity — and we’re just glad she finally made it on #TheShot.

Fun mentions as always: Matthew Holt Unity Stoakes Marina Borukhovich Rick Brush Peter H. Diamandis Linda Avey Stepan Pachikov Anne Wojcicki

Section Breakdown (Topics + Timestamps):
Intro & Background Setup
Esther joins & shares how this podcast started as a pandemic experiment.

00:00 – 04:00
Esther’s Life Journey in 3 Speeds
From Oppenheimer roots to Forbes to cosmonaut training.

04:00 – 08:00
Cosmonaut Training & Health Discovery
How a space detour saved her life.

08:00 – 12:00
Wellness Habits & Biohacking Wisdom
Swimming, eating early, and NOT eating at cocktail parties.

12:00 – 14:00
Becoming an Angel Investor
How a million-dollar challenge turned her into an investor.

14:00 – 17:00
Why She Started Wellville
From judging the Healthcare XPrize to 10 years of social fabric repair.

18:00 – 25:00
Hard Truths About Systems & Poverty
Trust, grants-as-drugs, and funding that's actually fair.

25:00 – 27:00
On Government, Prevention & Food Systems
Sugar taxes, vaccines, and the real trends that matter.

27:00 – 29:00
23andMe’s Rise, Fall, and Lessons
She got the education, not the return.

29:00 – 33:00
Term Limits & Being Fully Human
Why we need constraints, not infinity — and why Pam the hygienist is the real hero.

35:00 – 44:00
March 26, 2025
The news of the year for UK healthcare in March 2025 was the announcement of the abolishment of NHS England. Many people welcome the move, expecting the healthcare system in the UK to become more efficient. If we look at the history, NHS is under constant restructuring - in the past, for digitalization efforts, two entities were established - NHS X and NHS Digital, and were later merger into NHS England. A few years ago 200+ commissioning groups were restructured into 42 integrated care systems.
In this discussion Liam Cahill, Founder of Together Digital, Digital Advisor to Organisations and Healthtech Advisor talks about the impact of the latest restructuring and expected impact.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB3XXtxvfag&t=19s
www.facesofdigitalhealth.com
Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/
March 26, 2025
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Charles Lie from Healthscope, Cathy Ryan from Cabrini Health, and Dean Breckenridge from Ramsay Health Care about the hurdles private hospitals in Australia are dealing with. They dive into outdated coding rules, workforce shortages, and the hiccups in revenue cycle management. They also cover how AI and automation come into play, discuss policy and funding roadblocks, and share some handy tips for staying financially sustainable.This episode was recorded as a live session in partnership with InfoMedix, bringing together representatives from across Australia's digital health ecosystem, including private hospitals, vendors, consulting firms, and government bodies, highlighting a broad interest and engagement with the topics discussed.Key Takeaways:• Coding complexity is a real headache for hospital cash flow, highlighting the need for skilled coders and efficient systems.• Bringing AI and automation into healthcare isn't smooth sailing because of specific coding standards and existing inefficiencies.• Everyone needs to team up to reduce admin redundancies and make systems more efficient.• Public vs. private hospital funding models are another ball game, making financial sustainability a big challenge.• Simplifying funding models helps reduce the admin burden and improve the quality of patient care.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers, and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus
March 26, 2025
With Congress approving a plan to slash $880 billion from the federal budget, all eyes are turning to Medicaid as the most likely source of cuts. I asked Former North Carolina Health Secretary Kody Kinsley, KFF’s Larry Levitt and California Health Care Foundation’s Katie Heidorn to join me to discuss the likely shape and impact of proposed cuts, and take questions from UC Berkeley students. Kody called it a “self-licking ice cream cone”—cuts that destabilize the government, leading to further cuts. Larry warned of formula battles that will soon erupt. Katie laid out the devastating effects on state budgets.We’ve also released this episode as a full video episode on YouTube. Subscribe to The Other 80 YouTube channel for video extras, video episodes and viral healthcare policy content. Click here to watch this episode in full. Relevant LinksKFF: The Public’s View on Potential Changes to MedicaidKFF: Impact of Medicaid Per Capita Cap Kody Kinsley testimony to Congress on MedicaidPre-election episode with Larry LevittKFF: Can Republicans cut $880 Billion without Slashing Medicaid?CBPP: Impact of Medicaid CutsCHCF: Defending Medi-Cal in 2025About Our GuestsKatie Heidorn is the director of state health policy at CHCF, where she leverages the foundation’s data, expertise, and partnerships to help California’s state government make informed decisions about health care. Katie is based in CHCF’s Sacramento office.Katie has nearly two decades of experience working in health policy, government, and nonprofits and is a skilled leader, facilitator, and communicator. She comes to CHCF after more than two years as executive director for the Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP). Before that, Katie was the government affairs advocate for Health Net and the development director and policy lead at the nonprofit California Coverage and Health Initiatives. Katie spent a decade in California state government, including as a deputy secretary for the California Health and Human Services Agency and principal consultant in the Senate Appropriations Committee. She is also an alumna of the California Senate Fellows Program.Katie received her master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Comparative Literature from the University of California, Davis.Source: https://www.chcf.org/person/katie-heidorn/Kody Kinsley served as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services from January 2022
March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025: Julie Johnson, Executive Director of the Center for Research Informatics at the University of Chicago, explores the current state of healthcare data and advancements aiming to transform patient care. How can organizations democratize data while maintaining appropriate governance? Julie shares insights on her partnership with MDClone, describing how this tool helps clinicians and researchers "fail fast and pivot quickly" rather than waiting months for critical information. Key Points:01:57 Data Utilization and Governance03:44 Addressing Data Bias and Sourcing05:26 Future Prospects and Innovations08:23 Navigating HIMSSX: This Week HealthLinkedIn: This Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
March 26, 2025
In this Heartline Echo Episode, I sit down with Dr. JoAn Monaco, a trailblazing plastic surgeon who has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in surgery. As we celebrate Women's History Month, Dr. Monaco's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead for women in medicine.
Dr. Monaco shares her fascinating path to plastic surgery, from an 18-hour jaw reconstruction case that ignited her passion to becoming the first female graduate of her prestigious integrated plastic surgery residency. Her story is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in a male-dominated field.
In this enlightening conversation, we explore:
The diverse world of plastic surgery and how Dr. Monaco found her niche
Balancing a thriving solo practice with family life and personal pursuits
Navigating pregnancy and motherhood during surgical training
The evolving landscape for women in surgery and medical education
Essential advice for aspiring surgeons on business acumen and practice management
Dr. Monaco's experiences offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in surgery, including the lack of maternity leave and the pressure to hide pregnancies. Her candid reflections on these experiences highlight the importance of continued progress in supporting women in medical careers.
Key takeaways from our discussion include:
The critical need for business education in medical training
Strategies for creating a positive work culture and retaining quality staff
Adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City
The importance of flexibility and self-care in managing a demanding career
"Hard work gets you places. And so it's exactly the same way in the surgical disciplines. Hard work will get you whatever it is you are trying to achieve either as a female or as a male."
Dr. Monaco's story is not just about personal triumph; it's a call to action for continued support and mentorship of women in medicine. Her work with female medical students across the country demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation of surgeons.
This episode offers invaluable guidance for medical students, residents, and established physicians alike. Whether you're considering a career in surgery, looking to start your own practice, or seeking inspiration to overcome professional challenges, Dr. Monaco's journey will resonate and motivate.
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that celebrates the achievements of women in surgery while addressing the ongoing need for equity and support in the medical field.
Connect with Dr. JoAn Monaco:
Instagram: @dr.joanmonaco_nyc and @monacoPlasticsurgerynyc
Website: www.drjoanmonaco.com
TikTok: @drjoanmonaco

Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare!
Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals.

Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching.
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March 25, 2025
March 25, 2025: Albert Villarin, VP and CMIO of Nuvance Health, interviews Dr. Mark Weisman, CIO and CMIO of Tidal Health. Mark candidly discusses the difficulties of implementing AI solutions, emphasizing the critical importance of proper AI governance and education for healthcare professionals. As AI tools increasingly write clinical notes and suggest diagnoses, what skills should future clinicians develop—memorizing facts or critically evaluating AI outputs? Mark envisions a future where ambient AI transforms nursing workflows, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care than documentation, while acknowledging the challenges of building trust in these emerging technologies.Key Points:03:10 Challenges and Successes with AI06:23 AI Governance and Education14:22 Adoption and Trust in AI18:48 Future goals for AIX: This Week HealthLinkedIn: This Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
March 25, 2025
In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, hosts Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley discuss the resilience of South Africa's healthcare system amidst U.S. aid cuts, particularly through USAID and PEPFAR. They highlight the devastating impacts on HIV treatment, TB care, and broader healthcare services due to the sudden cessation of funding. But the country is markedly more prepared than critics might have feared, to assume full responsibility for its infectious diseases strategies - including procurement and surveillance strategies that the US maintained control over in exchange for the aid. Their conversation extends to cover issues around mental health, future healthcare innovations like long-acting antiretrovirals, and the broader geopolitical implications of donor aid cuts.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:33 Impact of US Aid Cuts on South Africa
03:08 Healthcare Challenges and Government Response
07:04 The Role of Civil Society and Future Preparations
10:21 Consequences of Sudden Aid Withdrawal
14:17 Future of HIV Treatment and Advocacy
16:55 The Threat of Drug-Resistant TB
17:35 Government Investment in Healthcare
19:01 Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
19:41 Impact of USAID Funding Cuts
20:57 Soft Power and International Relations
22:37 South Africa's Self-Reliance
26:43 Addressing Racism and Emigration
32:42 Parting Thoughts and Optimism

Join the Conversation
How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Subscribe & Stay Updated

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions - @shotarmpodcast
March 24, 2025
On this episode Justin records live at ViVE 2025 in Nashville. Stay tuned for the next few weeks to hear all his guests. This week tune in to hear Pooja Babbrah, EVP, Strategy & Industry Alignment, National Council for Prescription Drug Programs + Rich Scarfo, President, HLTH.
www.ncpdp.org/
www.hlth.com/
March 24, 2025
March 24, 2025: Heather Costa, Director of Technology Resilience at Mayo Clinic, shares her journey of rebranding her team from "disaster recovery operations" to "technology resilience operations," emphasizing that cyber incidents require a fundamentally different approach than physical disruptions. The conversation delves into the challenges of communicating technical needs with clinical staff, with Heather explaining her philosophy of "meeting people where they are" and focusing on their work rather than the technology. As cyber threats continue to evolve, Heather offers insights into building resilient systems that minimize disruption to patient care.Key Points:03:43 Heather's Role at Mayo Clinic04:29 The Evolution of Disaster Recovery07:10 Engaging Frontline Operators 17:44 Building Blocks of Resilience20:52 Lightning RoundX: This Week HealthLinkedIn: This Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
March 24, 2025
March 21, 2025: MEDITECH leaders Christopher Policano, VP of Sales, and Rachel Wilkes, Director of Marketing, sit down at HIMSS 2025 in Las Vegas. They explore how healthcare interoperability is evolving through their newly launched Traverse Exchange platform. How are these real-time data exchanges transforming clinical workflows beyond traditional fragmented files? The discussion reveals a company culture deeply invested in sustainable healthcare innovation while making advanced capabilities accessible to community hospitals.Key Points:01:51 Introducing Traverse Exchange05:36 AI Enhancing the EHR08:02 MEDITECH's Culture and MissionSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: This Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
March 21, 2025
Send us a textIs smarter decision support the key to unlocking value-based success?In this episode of the HealthBiz Podcast, Thaddeus Fulford-Jones, CEO of Radial, joins host David Williams to explore how Radial’s AI-powered decision support software merges cutting-edge data science with clinical best practices to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, and optimize value-based provider operations.Thaddeus Fulford-Jones' book recommendation: Reservations for Nine by Dr. George Beauregard


ABOUT HEALTHBIZ PODCASTHealthBiz is a CareTalk podcast that delivers in-depth interviews on healthcare business, technology, and policy with entrepreneurs and CEOs. Host David E. Williams — president of the healthcare strategy consulting boutique Health Business Group — is also a board member, investor in private healthcare companies, and author of the Health Business Blog. Known for his strategic insights and sharp humor, David offers a refreshing break from the usual healthcare industry BS.


ABOUT THADDEUS FULFORD-JONESThaddeus Fulford-Jones is the Co-Founder & CEO of Radial (www.radialcare.com), a healthtech company leveraging AI and machine learning to improve patient outcomes and financial performance in value-based care. Radial develops next-generation decision support tools that help organizations target the right members with the right interventions at the right time. Previously, Thaddeus was the Co-Founder and CEO of Locately, a location analytics firm that pioneered mobile-based consumer insights. He holds a PhD from MIT, where his research focused on complex systems and modeling. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about applying technology to solve critical challenges in healthcare and beyond.GET IN TOUCHFollow CareTalk on LinkedInBecome a CareTalk sponsorGuest appearance requestsVisit us on the webSubscribe to the CareTalk NewsletterSupport the showCareTalk: Healthcare. Unfiltered. is produced by Grippi Media Digital Marketing Consulting.
March 21, 2025
March 21, 2025: Philipp von Gilsa, CEO of Kontakt.io, explores how next-generation real-time location systems (RTLS) are re-entering the healthcare space and creating rapid growth. Philipp reveals how his company's cloud-based approach is helping health systems drastically reduce equipment costs through enhanced visibility, with some clients seeing benefits in the first month after deployment. Don’t miss this discussion live from the floor of HIMSS.Key Points:03:47 Next Generation RTLS04:39 Implementation and ROI08:19 RTLS with AISubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: This Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
March 21, 2025
AI has been quietly transforming healthcare for years, but the arrival of ChatGPT changed the game. Suddenly, everyone—from patients to investors—could see the real-world impact of AI in making healthcare more efficient and accessible.
One company leading this transformation is Mediktor, a pioneer in AI-powered symptom assessment. Before AI had its cultural moment, Mediktor—a member of the StartUp Health community since 2016—was already using it to help stratify patients and guide them to the right level of care. Now, they’re growing rapidly and shaping the future of AI in healthcare.
In this episode, we chat with Cristian Pascual, CEO & Co-founder of Mediktor, to discuss:
The evolution of AI in healthcare and why it’s accelerating now
How Mediktor’s AI-driven symptom assessment is improving patient care
The challenges of AI in healthcare, including LLMs, "black-box" models, and hallucinations
Why a hybrid AI approach—combining automation with human safeguards—is the future
As AI continues to shape healthcare, companies must balance innovation with accuracy. Pascual shares insights on how to harness AI’s power while ensuring reliability and trust.
Tune in to explore the next wave of AI in healthcare—and what it means for patients, providers, and the industry at large.
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March 20, 2025
Reimagining Pediatric Care with Imagine Pediatrics
For families of medically complex kids, the healthcare system often feels broken—long hospital stays, insurance battles for basic needs, and constant caregiving without real support. But what if there was a better way?
In this episode, I’m joined by Taylor Beery, co-founder of Imagine Pediatrics, Jody Copp, a full-time rare disease dad of two boys with Combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency type 13 associated with a mutation in the PNPT1 gene and whose family has experienced firsthand the impact of their care model. Imagine Pediatrics is changing the game by providing 24/7, in-home, virtual-first medical care designed to keep kids safe at home—not in the hospital.
He also has a rad foundation that we will chat about in a future episode: Raising Wheels Foundation
If you are in Texas, Florida, and District of Columbia you have access to Imagine Pediatrics!
We discuss:

The problems with the current healthcare system for medically complex kids

Why "safe days at home" should be the goal of pediatric care

How Imagine Pediatrics partners with families rather than making them fight for care

The economic case for home-based care and why insurance should want this model

Walker’s legacy— how Taylor’s son inspired a movement to improve pediatric healthcare Kids Join the Fight

Listen now & share with families who need this
March 20, 2025
March 20, 2025: Gary Chan, Assistant VP/CISO at SSM Health and Security Mentalist, brings a refreshingly innovative approach to cybersecurity. Gary reveals how he transforms traditionally dry security training into memorable experiences through psychological techniques and mentalism performances, demonstrating live social engineering tactics that leave audiences both entertained and better prepared. As healthcare faces increasing cybersecurity threats, particularly with the rise of AI, how might the balance between technological defenses and human awareness evolve? Key Points:04:43 Security Mentalism10:04 Impact of Security Training15:41 Human Behavior and Social Engineering19:06 Future of Cybersecurity with AI26:45 Common Misconceptions and Personal InsightsSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: This Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer
March 20, 2025
Imagine starting life with a speech impediment and ending up as a Broadway's beatboxing, improv master - that’s Anthony Veneziale’s journey! A presentation and storytelling expert, Grammy-nominated star of both Broadway and film, he is the co-creator of the acclaimed Freestyle Love Supreme, an improvised, hip hop, live musical performance with a rolling cast of characters including the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Christopher Jackson and Daveed Diggs. Anthony proves that the best ideas come from embracing yes, and...
Jim Joyce and I had a blast on today's episode of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth today as it was packed with epic freestyle moments, brain science, and enough energy to light up all of Las Vegas.

Bonus: We even got Anthony to drop a custom freestyle rap about ClearIP!
If you want to laugh, learn, and maybe rethink how improv can revolutionize creativity, mental health, and business, this one’s for you.


Top 3 Key Insights

Improv fuels confidence, creativity & problem-solving

Brain science proves improv enhances cognition & mental agility

Saying ‘Yes, And’ unlocks innovation & business success
Fun mentions as always: Matthew Holt Daniel Couchman Kendall Roberto Ascione Kristin Milburn Frontiers Health Rachel Loui Christie Pitts Matt Loeb
#YesAnd #Improvisation #Creativity #Neuroscience #MentalFitness #FreestyleInnovation
Podcast Breakdown

Welcome & Icebreaker (00:00 - 03:00)

Hosts discuss podcast rankings, meeting Anthony, and app testing.

Anthony’s Origin Story (03:00 - 07:00)

From speech therapy struggles to founding Freestyle Love Supreme.

The Birth of Freestyle Love Supreme (07:00 - 10:00)

How a college improv troupe shaped his career & led to Broadway.

The Magic of Improv (10:00 - 14:00)

Why improv is a tool for confidence, creativity & problem-solving.

Neuroscience & Improv (14:00 - 19:00)

Brain science behind improv, fMRI studies, and cognitive benefits.

Mindless, Inc. & AI-Powered Games (19:00 - 25:00)

AI-driven mental fitness games & their impact on mental health.

The Art of Freestyle & Startup Pitches (25:00 - 29:00)

Freestyling startup pitches at AARP & turning ideas into rap.

Clear IP Freestyle Moment (29:00 - 33:00)

Anthony creates an impromptu rap about Jim’s startup.

The Power of Yes, And (33:00 - 36:00)

How embracing ‘yes, and’ can transform business & creativity.

Closing Advice & Big Takeaways (36:00 - End)

Anthony’s wisdom for entrepreneurs & creators.
March 19, 2025

In this podcast episode, host Karen engages with Cheryl Field, an expert in nursing informatics, to discuss the integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Cheryl shares her unconventional journey into nursing and emphasizes the critical role of nurses in developing and implementing technological solutions. She highlights the importance of nurses' involvement in creating effective AI models and stresses the need for responsible AI use. Cheryl encourages nurses to actively participate in technological advancements, find their voice within the professional community, and embrace opportunities to shape the future of healthcare. The episode serves as a motivational call to action for nurses to lead in healthcare innovation.

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Cheryl's Background in Nursing (00:02:18)
Cheryl shares her unconventional journey into nursing and her passion for the field.

The Role of Nursing Informatics (00:07:28)
Explanation of nursing informatics and its importance in understanding clinical data and trends.

Automating Clinical Processes (00:12:09)
Discussion on how automation can streamline clinical documentation and improve patient care.

Decision-Making in Nursing (00:14:59)
The importance of data aggregation for making informed decisions in nursing management.

The Creative Side of Technology (00:18:13)
Cheryl reflects on her excitement for simplifying complex systems through technology.

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure (00:19:51)
Cheryl explains congestive heart failure using a metaphor about trash overflow in a house.

Introduction to MDS (00:23:20)
Cheryl introduces the Minimum Data Set, emphasizing its significance in skilled nursing care.

Predicting Hospital Readmissions (00:26:10)
Cheryl describes efforts to predict patient readmissions to hospitals using data analytics.

Government Regulations on Readmissions (00:27:29)
Cheryl explains how government penalties for readmissions impact nursing home operations and patient care.

Pattern Recognition in Healthcare (00:31:20)
Cheryl elaborates on how data patterns can predict patient needs and improve healthcare delivery.

Machine Learning in Nursing (00:34:28)
Cheryl explains how machine learning can refine predictions for patient care based on historical data.

Evolution of AI in Healthcare (00:39:04)
Cheryl discusses the historical context of AI technology and its growing relevance in healthcare.

The Digital Shift in Healthcare (00:39:58)
Discussion on the transition from paper to digital records in healthcare and its implications for data accessibility.

Technology as Support, Not Replacement (00:44:17)
Emphasis on technology's role in assisting healthcare professionals rather than replacing human interaction in patient care.

AI and the Future of Nursing (00:45:19)
Discussion on the potential of AI and robotics in nursing, and their limitations in replacing human nurses.

Language Models and Nursing Communication (00:46:06)
Explanation of how language models function and their challenges in understanding nursing communication styles.

Reducing Administrative Burdens with AI (00:47:13)
Potential for AI to alleviate repetitive tasks, allowing nurses to focus more on patient relationships.

Fluid Workforce Management (00:57:49)
Exploration of the need for flexible staffing solutions that prioritize nurse health and well-being for better outcomes.

Excitement about AI in Nursing (01:03:47)
Cheryl shares her enthusiasm for nurses' involvement in AI and its transformative potential in healthcare.

Responsible AI in Healthcare (01:07:02)
Explaining the need for ethical standards and regulations in AI applications in nursing.

Nurses' Call to Action (01:20:04)
Cheryl emphasizes the importance of nurses engaging in technology and innovation for successful healthcare outcomes.

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March 19, 2025