HIT Like a Girl Pod: Empowering Women in Health IT

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

In this episode, Joy Rios engages speaks with Dr. Monica Lypson, Vice Dean for Education at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Lypson shares her inspiring journey from the south side of Chicago to a prominent role in medical education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, diversity, and effective communication in healthcare. The discussion delves into the challenges of expressing emotions and setting boundaries in a medical setting, as well as the value of learning from the next generation of healthcare professionals. Episode Highlights 00:00:28 - Meet Monica Lypson 00:01:05 - Monica's Journey in Medicine 00:05:42 - Comfort in Patient Interactions 00:06:06 - Teaching Communication Skills 00:10:14 - Diversity in Medical Training 00:15:14 - Setting Boundaries and Emotions 00:16:19 - Learning from the Next Generation 00:17:41 - Embracing Discomfort in Learning 00: 18:12 - How to Connect with Monica Stay connected to Monica Lypson: LinkedIn | Twitter Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons | LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy Rios talks with Helen Burstin, the CEO of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. Helen shares her extensive career journey, highlighting her pivotal roles in healthcare quality and her commitment to improving care for patients and physicians. The discussion delves into the challenges women face in advancing their careers, particularly in leadership positions, and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and transparency in the workplace. Helen also addresses the significance of selecting impactful quality measures in healthcare practices and encourages women to leverage their experiences and support networks to navigate their career trajectories successfully. Episode Highlights [00:01:30] Helen Burstin's Career Highlights [00:05:45] The Importance of Interoperable Healthcare Platforms [00:10:00] Addressing Pay Discrepancies and Transparency [00:15:20] The Challenges Women Face in Career Advancement [00:18:16] Strategies for Negotiating Salary and Promotions [00:20:30] The Role of Experience in Career Progression [00:25:00] Encouragement for Women in Leadership Roles Stay connected to Helen Burstin: LinkedIn | Twitter Council of Medical Specialties Society | LinkedIn