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Passionate Pioneers with Mike Biselli

Passionate Pioneers with Mike Biselli

Conversations with the innovators, game changers, and PIONEERS who are deeply passionate and relentless in solving the problems that our world is facing!

Predicting Health Risks: Harnessing Geospatial Intelligence to Save Lives with Ajay Gupta

This episode’s Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow’ Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Geospatial intelligence and AI are revolutionizing how we predict and respond to health crises. Our next guest, Ajay Gupta, brings nearly three decades of cybersecurity and IT expertise to healthcare transformation as co-founder and CEO of HSR.health. After identifying critical gaps in healthcare analytics, Ajay built an innovative geospatial platform that predicts health risks based on social and environmental determinants of health.From supporting WHO's COVID-19 response across multiple continents to helping communities prepare for natural disasters before they strike, HSR.health's technology enables organizations to anticipate disruptions to operations, assets, and populations they serve. Join us as Ajay shares how his team combines cutting-edge technology with healthcare expertise to create a more resilient global health system and drive meaningful impact where technology meets public health. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Courage and imagination drive HSR.health's innovative approach to healthcare challenges using geospatial analytics.Their platform guided WHO's COVID-19 response and vaccine allocation across multiple continents.They discovered how coordinating school and construction schedules significantly reduced pediatric hospitalizations.Their technology predicts health needs before disasters strike, enabling proactive resource positioning.Ajay envisions combining geospatial analytics, AI, and emerging technologies to transform health risk prediction.About our Guest: Over a near 30-year career in cybersecurity and information technology, Ajay has seen organizations create true competitive advantage from successful management of security and technology initiatives. At the same time, healthcare is burdened with outdated technology infrastructure and inefficiencies - which are often measured in human lives. Ajay decided to take his understanding of technology and implementation to disrupt and innovate healthcare.In launching HSR.health, Ajay leverages the best of tech to transform American healthcare into a system that innovates healthcare delivery achieving improved quality, lower costs, and health equity. Under Ajay's leadership, HSR.health pivoted to support COVID response in the US and globally. And through its lessons learned has developed insights into how health risks impact broader markets. The company has discovered a means of predicting future health risks based on social and environmental determinants of health – and works with public health, government at all levels, and businesses to assess the impact of those risks to their operations, assets, and the populations they serve. In addition to his work at HSR.health, Ajay Chairs the Health Domain Working Group for the Open Geospatial Consortium, the global standards setting body for all things Geo; is a Commissioner on the newly formed Commission on Nurse Reimbursement; serves as the Co-Lead for the Healthcare Infrastructure work group of the UN-chartered Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Health Community of Practice (CoP); and is a member of the College Board of Visitors for Wake Forest University. Ajay also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holy Cross Health in Maryland, and in this role let the health system through a merger with Trinity Health hospitals in Pennsylvania and Delaware to establish Trinity Health Mid Atlantic, a multi-state, multi-hospital, social safety net health system, and a growing...
April 28, 2025

Unlocking Health Insights at the Molecular Level with Jim Kean

This episode’s Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow’ Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: The future of healthcare lies in shifting from reactive treatment to predictive prevention, and our next guest is leading this transformation. Jim Kean, CEO of Molecular You, is harnessing molecular medicine and AI to identify health risks before they progress to disease. With an impressive track record as a serial healthcare entrepreneur, Jim pioneered online health communities with Sapient Health Network (later WebMD), revolutionized direct-to-consumer diagnostics with WellnessFX, and now leads Molecular You in expanding access to precision health insights. Join us to discover how Jim's unique perspective from seven startups and time in the healthcare insurance industry is helping navigate the complex healthcare landscape while driving innovation that can save both money and lives. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Technology detected early-stage pancreatic cancer through molecular pattern changes years before symptoms appearedPlatform analyzes 280+ biomarkers from a single blood sample with plans to expand to 825 markersAI identifies "risk signatures" for conditions like Alzheimer's with 95% accuracyCan determine different biological pathways leading to the same disease, enabling personalized treatments25% of all healthcare expenses will come from just 3% of people who will develop severe disease but aren't yet identifiedAbout our Guest: Jim Kean, CEO of Molecular You, is a technology executive known for driving innovation in consumer health and wellness platforms. At Molecular You, Jim is focused on expanding access to precision health insights that empower proactive healthcare decisions.Before joining Molecular You, Jim was General Manager of the Consumer Platform for Cambia Health, a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurer based in Portland, Oregon, where he drove the development of a next-generation platform for omni-channel consumer engagement. Later, he became General Manager of Value Management, focusing on population health analytics. As Founder and former CEO of WellnessFx™, Jim led the company to become a leader in direct-to-consumer health diagnostics; after founding the company In 2010, he sold it to Thorne (THRN) in 2013 for $25m.In 1995, Jim founded Sapient Health Network (SHN), pioneering online consumer health communities. SHN merged with WebMD in 1999, forming the platform that now attracts over 23 million monthly visitors. He successfully exited the company, turning a $5m investment into $187m in 3.5 years.Former Board Member of Portland Center Stage (PCS) – a highly regarded regional theatre. During his tenure as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, PCS achieved recognition for developing and opening the first Platinum LEED performing arts building. An avid outdoorsman, in 1999, he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. He graduated in 1984 from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, and earned an MBA from Tuck School at Dartmouth in 1991. He enjoys the great outdoors and winter sports with his wife and three children. Links Supporting This Episode: Molecular You Website: CLICK HEREJim Kean LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMolecular You LinkedIn:
April 14, 2025

Building a Nurse-Centered Workforce for Healthcare’s Future with Larry Adams, RN, MSN, MBA

This episode’s Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow’ Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Healthcare's workforce challenges demand innovative solutions that put nurses at the center of care delivery. Our next guest, Larry Adams, brings nearly 30 years of experience from bedside nurse to healthcare executive as he leads workforce innovation at CareRev. With a deep understanding of the clinical frontlines, Larry is revolutionizing healthcare staffing through a tech-driven platform that connects facilities with vetted local healthcare professionals. As Chief Nurse Executive and SVP of Strategy, he champions flexible workforce models that address critical staffing shortages while reducing labor costs. Larry's nurse-first approach is transforming how healthcare organizations adapt to the needs of five generations of nursing professionals. Join us to discover how CareRev's nurse-founded, nurse-led solutions are creating resilient workforces built for the future of healthcare. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Nurses must be central to healthcare decision-making, with nursing leadership represented in the C-suite.CareRev addresses five generations of nurses' needs through flexible scheduling technology.Traditional staffing models are outdated, requiring a shift to dynamic local workforce solutions.Bergen New Bridge Medical Center successfully implemented CareRev's self-scheduling platform, reducing administrative burden.The future healthcare workforce must be "smarter, not harder" – adaptable, tech-enabled, and built around clinician preferences.About our Guest: Larry Adams is a seasoned healthcare leader with nearly 30 years of experience spanning both clinical and administrative roles. Starting his career as a bedside nurse, Larry gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by frontline healthcare professionals, shaping his dedication to improving workforce solutions and healthcare delivery. His career has since evolved to include leadership roles focused on strategic growth, workforce innovation, and healthcare operations.He previously served as EVP Growth and Chief Nurse Executive at ShiftMed and Division Vice President of Crisis Staffing and Labor Disruption at AMN Healthcare, where he developed innovative strategies to address staffing shortages and critical workforce needs nationwide.In his current role as Chief Nurse Executive and SVP Strategy at CareRev, Larry continues to drive growth and innovation, ensuring healthcare organizations are equipped to meet evolving challenges.Beyond his professional roles, Larry has volunteered with the South Carolina Hospital Association, contributing to the development of healthcare policies and initiatives. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to advancing the industry, Larry is a respected leader shaping the future of healthcare.Links Supporting This Episode: CareRev Website: CLICK HERELarry Adams LinkedIn page: CLICK HERECareRev LinkedIn: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page:
March 31, 2025

Elevating Infusion Care: Creating Retail-Based Solutions for Chronic Condition Management with Torben Nielsen

This episode’s Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow’ Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: The traditional infusion care experience is overdue for a consumer-centered transformation. Our next guest, Torben Nielsen, is leading this revolution as CEO and Co-Founder of Uptiv Health. With 15+ years building innovative healthcare solutions and executive experience at retail giants like LEGO, Torben brings a unique consumer-first perspective to healthcare delivery. After successful leadership roles at ZoomCare and HealthSparq, he's now reimagining infusion care for patients with chronic conditions through Uptiv Health's retail-based centers. The platform combines comfortable, private treatment suites with a comprehensive digital experience that extends care beyond the infusion chair. Join us to discover how Uptiv Health is delivering spa-like experiences at half the cost of hospital settings while setting a new standard for whole-person care in the $150 billion infusion market. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Uptiv moves infusion care from hospitals to retail locations, offering a "spa-like" experience at 40-70% lower cost.Private suites and a 1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio help achieve a remarkable 99 NPS score.90% of patients use Uptiv's app for appointment management, messaging, and health data access.Beyond infusion, Uptiv provides whole-person care including behavioral health screening and therapy services.Raising Series A funding to expand, while seeking partnerships with health systems to shift biologics to retail settings. About our Guest: Torben is the CEO and Co-Founder of Uptiv Health, a fast-growing tech-enabled infusion care platform providing in-person and virtual infusion and chronic condition management services. Prior to Uptiv, Torben was CEO of ZoomCare, an on-demand retail & virtual  healthcare platform, scaling it to the largest primary and urgent care provider in the Pacific Northwest serving 350,000+ patients annually. Prior to ZoomCare, Torben co-founded a software-as-a-service company, HealthSparq, in 2012 and grew it to the second-fastest-growing digital health company in the US in 2016. Before entering healthcare, Torben held executive roles in technology and consumer companies like XEROX and LEGO. His leadership was recognized by the Portland Business Journal as "Executive of the Year" in Oregon in 2021. Links Supporting This Episode: Uptiv Health Website: CLICK HERETorben Nielsen LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREUptiv Health LinkedIn: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page: CLICK HEREVisit our website: CLICK HERESubscribe to newsletter: CLICK HEREGuest nomination form:
March 17, 2025

Advancing Male Fertility Care: The Next Wave in Reproductive Health with Matt Alley

Male fertility represents an often overlooked yet critical component of the reproductive health journey. Our next guest, Matt Alley, is transforming this space as COO of Posterity Health, a pioneering virtual-first center of excellence dedicated to male fertility. With extensive operational leadership experience at Amazon, Alto Pharmacy, and HelloFresh, Matt brings a patient-centered approach to this underserved healthcare sector. Drawing from his own fertility journey, Matt is passionate about improving outcomes for couples through early male intervention, which can increase IVF success rates by over 2x. Join us as Matt shares how Posterity Health's innovative model combines reproductive urologists and advanced practice providers to deliver specialized care nationwide, challenging traditional fertility paradigms and pioneering the next wave of reproductive healthcare. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Matt's personal fertility journey discovering he was azoospermic in 2020 influenced his passion for male reproductive health.Posterity Health uses 80% telehealth services to extend the reach of reproductive urologists—a scarce resource with only 200-250 specialists nationwide.Treating male fertility factors can improve IVF outcomes by 2.3x, making fertility treatment dollars more effective.30-40% of their male patients haven't seen a doctor since age 18, highlighting a significant gap in men's healthcare engagement.Posterity Health maintains an 82 NPS score by using text-based communication and consistent provider relationships to build patient trust.About our Guest: Matt Alley is a seasoned Chief Operating Officer with extensive experience driving operational excellence within high-growth companies, including industry leaders like HelloFresh, Truepill, and Amazon. Matt’s strategic vision has successfully transformed business systems and processes, delivering efficiency, scalability, and growth across fulfillment and healthcare operations. Currently, as COO of Posterity Health, Matt leads initiatives in male reproductive healthcare, including developing a unique Advanced Practice Provider program that maximizes patient care efficiency. Known for his ability to foster cross-functional collaboration, Matt has managed large teams and significant budgets and has played a pivotal role in securing funding to support corporate growth and innovation. His background includes dual master’s degrees and leadership in automation design, strategic partnerships, and supply chain management.Links Supporting This Episode: Posterity Health Website: CLICK HEREMatt Alley LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREPosterity Health LinkedIn: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page: CLICK HEREVisit our website: CLICK HERESubscribe to newsletter: CLICK HEREGuest nomination form: CLICK HERE
March 3, 2025

Preserving the Human Connection in Healthcare’s Digital Evolution with Dr. Craig Norquist

This episode’s Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow’ Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: In healthcare's technological revolution, the balance between innovation and patient-centered care has never been more critical. Our next guest, Dr. Craig Norquist, brings an extraordinary perspective as CMIO of HonorHealth, drawing from his unique journey from Navy nuclear operator to emergency physician. While together, Craig shares his vision for technology that enhances rather than compromises the sacred provider-patient relationship and how this approach is transforming care delivery. With dual board certifications in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Informatics, Craig champions high reliability principles learned in both nuclear power plants and hospital settings. As a 19-time Ironman triathlete and cancer survivor, his patient experience profoundly shapes his approach to healthcare technology. Join us to explore how Dr. Norquist is leveraging informatics to reduce provider burden, improve safety, and create a learning health system that truly puts patients first. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Navy Nuclear Experience: Craig brought high reliability principles from his Navy career to healthcare safety.Personal Cancer Journey: His lymphoma battle transformed his view on patient access and care delivery.Protecting Provider Focus: Craig shields clinicians from technology overload to preserve patient interactions.AI Enhanced Documentation: Language models can reduce chart review time and boost patient engagement.Health System Collaboration: Phoenix hospitals worked together during the pandemic to manage patient loads.About our Guest: Dr. Craig Norquist currently serves as the CMIO of HonorHealth after practicing as an Emergency Physician for almost 20 years. He is board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Clinical Informatics. He serves as the Program Director for the Clinical Informatics Fellowship at HonorHealth and as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Informatics Fellowship at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Fellowship in Informatics.Prior to becoming the CMIO, he was the Network Patient Safety Officer for HonorHealth, and has previously served as Department Chair of Emergency Medicine as well as Chief of Staff for the Thompson Peak Hospital. In 2017-2019, he completed professional development programs through academic and professional organizations that prepared him for his leadership roles, including Intermountain Health's Advanced Training Program and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Patient Safety Executive training. His additional credentials include EPIC physician builder certification, executive training at Harvard Business School in healthcare delivery, and training in artificial intelligence from MIT.His areas of interest are process, quality, and outcome improvement as well as improving the patient and provider experience with information technology in healthcare. His expertise has resulted in invited membership on panels and reports with the ECRI Institute and the National Quality Forum. He continues to work on the state level on opioid prescribing, use disorder recognition and treatment, as well as risk reduction methodologies including naloxone distribution from the Emergency Department. He has organized and chaired the Arizona College of Emergency Physicians opioid prescribing summit for the past 9 years.Dr. Craig is passionate about the use of technology to facilitate the improvement of care and development of a learning health
February 24, 2025

Building Better Health Through Neighborhood Connections with Darin Buxbaum

This episode’s Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow’ Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: The degradation of community ties across America has created an unprecedented health crisis, impacting millions of lives. Our next guest, Darin Buxbaum, is addressing this epidemic as co-founder and CEO of Wider Circle. Drawing from personal experience and deep healthcare expertise, Darin is pioneering an innovative approach that connects health plan members with trusted neighbors to create lasting, supportive communities. Previously founding successful healthcare ventures and recognized among the top 40 Innovators Under 40, Darin brings unique insights to community-driven health improvement. Join us to discover how Wider Circle's peer support model is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, reducing costs, improving outcomes, and most importantly, giving people a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Inspired by his grandmother's isolation after losing her spouse, Darin founded Wider Circle to combat loneliness through community connectionThe company matches engaged and less engaged health plan members in peer groups to build trust and encourage preventive careResults show $115 monthly cost savings per member, fewer hospitalizations, and 50% lower member attrition ratesProgram serves both Medicare and Medicaid members across generations, from maternity groups to senior support servicesCommunity "ambassadors" drive engagement by supporting peers and checking on absent members, especially in rural areasAbout our Guest: Darin Buxbaum is the co-founder and CEO of Wider Circle, a company focused on building communities to improve health and quality of life through trusted connections. Previously, he was co-founder and VP of Product at Oration, an insurance tech company, enabling self-insured employers’ major reductions in prescription drug spending. He also founded HourGlass Technologies where he served as president and CEO for over five years, and also drove the development of a new medical-device technology. Darin was recognized as one of the top 40 Innovators Under 40 in the Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry, and currently sits on the Forbes Business Council. Wider Circle was also named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2024. Darin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duke University and earned an MBA from Stanford University. Darin remains active with Stanford as a contributor and mentor to the BioDesign course and textbook.Links Supporting This Episode:Wider Circle Website: CLICK HEREDarin Buxbaum LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREWider Circle LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page: CLICK HEREVisit our website: CLICK HERESubscribe to newsletter: CLICK...
February 10, 2025

Strengthening Healthcare Cybersecurity with George Pappas

This episode’s Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow’ Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Healthcare organizations face mounting cybersecurity threats that can disrupt patient care, compromise sensitive data, and cripple operations. Our next guest, George Pappas, is tackling these challenges head-on as CEO of Intraprise Health, a Health Catalyst Company. With over 35 years of executive technology experience, George brings unique insights from leading DrFirst's growth to serving 1,400+ hospitals and 100,000 prescribers. After witnessing multiple healthcare organizations fall victim to cyberattacks, he now leads Intraprise Health's mission to create a more cyber-resilient healthcare ecosystem. Join us to discover how George and the Intraprise Health team are safeguarding healthcare’s digital frontier by helping organizations visualize their risk landscape, protect patient data, and stay ahead of evolving threats. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Cybersecurity is a team sport- while CISOs lead, every employee plays a crucial role in protectionHealthcare faces a perfect storm: aging infrastructure, limited budgets, and sophisticated cyber threatsChange Healthcare attack disrupted 30% of US healthcare payments, revealing cybersecurity's impact on patient carePrevention costs are 15-20 times less than recovery costs from cyberattacksNew York's stricter cybersecurity rules signal rising standards nationwide About our Guest: George Pappas, CEO of Intraprise Health, a Health Catalyst Company, is a high-tech executive with more than 35 years of deep cross-functional experience in Sales & Marketing, Professional Services, Operations, Product Management, and R&D. Most recently Chief Customer Officer and Chief Operating Officer at DrFirst, a medication management company, George was responsible for growing the customer base to over 1,400 hospitals and 100,000 prescribers in the US and Canada. George has a long history of working with software and services companies, bringing them from inception to high-growth stage, with sizes from $5M to over $100M in revenue, including Initial Public Offerings. Prior to DrFirst, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Motionsoft, an Edison Partners portfolio company, after serving on their Board of Directors. Earlier, he was Executive Vice President at Presidium, as well as member of their Board of Directors.George has experience in a range of industries including Healthcare, Financial Services, Telecommunications, US National Security Community, and Higher Education. A seasoned executive with strong regional, national, and international experience, he has led R&D teams in the US, India, Russia, Poland, and China. He is active in CHIME and a member of their CFCHE program.George holds a patent in sales risk management and is a graduate of Boston University.Links Supporting This Episode: Intraprise Health Website: CLICK HEREGeorge Pappas LinkedIn: CLICK HEREIntraprise Health LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli...
February 3, 2025
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Passionate Pioneers with Mike Biselli

Our world is experiencing daunting problems and at times it can feel overwhelming and downright depressing.

But, Mike Biselli is incredibly optimistic that we can solve these problems, when we work TOGETHER! Passionate Pioneers with Mike Biselli highlights the innovators, the game changers, and the PIONEERS who are deeply passionate and relentless in solving the problems that our world is facing.

This is your opportunity to connect and learn from these leaders, and to support them on their mission. Perhaps they will soon be hearing your story as well!

Host

Mike Biselli

Mike Biselli

After being named 1st Team All PAC-10 and playing in the Rose Bowl with the Stanford Cardinal the following year – all while earning his BA and MA – Mike hung up his football cleats and brought his unwavering determination and collaborative spirit to the field of healthcare.

As a Board Member for Medical Group Management Association, Prime Health, Colorado Bioscience Association, and several other organizations, Mike experienced firsthand the tremendous power a determined community of clinicians, executives, technologists, entrepreneurs, academics, and investors could wield when they work together.

Realizing just how much more could be accomplished if that power were harnessed, Mike developed the industry integrator concept, a new feature of the innovation economy that allows the healthcare industry to be integrated at the point of innovation by physically housing an entire ecosystem in a single location.

In partnership with governmental, non-profit, and commercial organizations, Mike and his team built Catalyst, a 180,000 square foot, first-of-its-kind industry integrator, in Denver’s River North District (RiNo) that houses 60+ health-tech startups, academic institutions, healthcare systems, and Fortune 100s alike in the race to fix healthcare. Catalyst opened its doors in July, 2018.

While Mike continues to be a Catalyst Partner/Owner, his efforts are now focused on his role as Chief Community Officer at BurstIQ. BurstIQ is a HIPAA and GDPR compliant platform creating health profiles for people, places and things, and empowers the interactions between them. The blockchain platform enables health applications and services to incorporate complex data ownership, consent, and monetization … at scale.

The BurstIQ team is creating a deeply connected community of health data anchors and innovators to ignite an international revolution by properly securing, controlling, consenting and monetizing health data.

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