Healthy Dose of Dialogue

In this episode, we look to the far horizon, thinking about healthcare's fast-changing future and listening to industry insiders as they spotlight three major catalysts transforming care.

Kate Brown, the leader of Mercer's Center for Health Innovation, delivers an outlook and overview of virtual first care, its growth, and the diverse array of telehealth and digital solutions entering the market. In the discussion with host Dr. Nina Birnbaum, medical director for Innovation Acceleration at Blue Shield of California, Kate details the unprecedented growth of virtual first care, highlighting how it might evolve in a post-pandemic world and what employers can do to streamline the wave of telehealth and digital solutions. After listening, visit this link to learn more about Mercer's Center for Health Innovation.

The cost of medications has skyrocketed and pharmacists are still filling prescriptions behind the counter instead of being used for their expertise to help patients at the point of care. In this episode, Dr. Edward Fotsch, CEO and founder of Gemini Health shares his perspectives with Salina Wong, Senior Director of Clinical Pharmacy Programs at Blue Shield of California, on how the industry can crack the code on drug cost savings through price transparency with lower cost alternatives, the critical role pharmacists can play as part of the overall care team, and the need for more competition to help reduce healthcare costs.

In Episode 6, we talk about the prescription drug market and the innovative approaches several companies are using to make inroads in drug affordability, accessibility, and effectiveness.

Gina Guinasso, president at CivicaScript, talks about the exorbitant costs in today's prescription drugs and how her organization – together with the industry – is leveling the playing field by distributing generic drugs directly to pharmacies. In her conversation with host Andy Chasin, Blue Shield of California's Vice President of Federal Policy and Advocacy, she discusses the beginnings of CivicaScript, spotlights industry factors that have led to inflated drug costs, and outlines how transparent drug pricing and direct distribution to pharmacies can make drugs like insulin more affordable and accessible to patients across the country. Visit Civicarx.org to learn more about CivicaScript and the company's mission to provide equitable pharmaceuticals at the lowest sustainable prices to patients.

Sarah Hill, CEO at Healium, offers an inside look at the company's virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) therapeutics for anxiety and stress. In her discussion with host Vic Tandon, Blue Shield of California's director of health innovation product strategy, she points to the latest advances in wearable devices, breakthroughs in digital mental health solutions, and how immersive media represents a new and drugless aid for patients coping with stress. Visit tryhealium.com to learn more about Healium and how it combines wearables, neurofeedback, and immersive apps to improve mental fitness.

In Episode 5, we hear from health entrepreneurs, investors, analysts, and doctors about the digital technologies and innovative trends shaping the next generation of healthcare services.

Scott Becker, founder and publisher of Becker's Hospital Review publications, host of the Private Equity Podcast and partner in the health firm McGuire Woods, and R “Ray” Wang, founder, chairman, and principal analyst of Silicon Valley-based research and advisory firm Constellation Research and host of the weekly Web series, DisrupTV, join host Lisa Davis, Blue Shield of California's senior vice president and CIO, to talk about health tech and where they see opportunities for digital innovation to impact the health care industry in 2022. The three speak about notable health tech innovations emerging from Silicon Valley and the business strategies allowing the health care industry to increasingly personalize experiences and improve the quality of care. The discussion also focuses on the consumerization and digitization of health care and how the pandemic will continue to accelerate analytics, automation, and Artificial Intelligence in 2022.

Dr. Dana Udall, chief clinical officer at Headspace Health, discusses mental health trends and the unprecedented adoption of digital solutions. In her conversation with host Angela Kalousek Ebrahimi, Blue Shield of California's senior director of lifestyle medicine, she talks about how employers can adapt to employee needs ignited by the Great Resignation, the crucial role telehealth plays in expanding access to services, and the mental health sector's supply/demand imbalance in the pandemic. She also reveals opportunities for the healthcare industry to transform both its services and its reach. Visit headspace.com to learn more about Headspace Health and the company's mission to increase accessibility in quality mental health care.

In this episode, we look back at 2021, reflect on the insights of featured guests, and focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.

Hank Schlissberg, CEO of pharmacy solutions startup Evio, pulls back the curtain on how patients can realize big benefits from evidence-based medicine. In his conversation with host Alison Lum, Blue Shield of California's vice president of Pharmacy Services, he explains how Evio is reimagining the pharmacy experience, improving prescription accuracy, and laying a foundation for better health outcomes. He also spotlights data and digital tools fueling pharmacy innovation and the need to increase data transparency in pharmacy. Visit evio.com to learn more about Evio and the company's work to reshape the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Clare Purvis, vice president of Clinical Product and Content at Headspace, shares how meditation and mindfulness can reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing. In conversation with host Angie Kalousek Ebrahimi, Blue Shield of California's senior director of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Purvis dives into the latest in mental health, highlighting the Headspace app and the research behind meditation. Visit headspace.com to learn more about how we all can cultivate mindfulness and meditation in our everyday lives.

In Episode 3, we discuss how some Americans are left out of the healthcare system and what industry leaders are doing to change that. Featuring Sara Teppema, Dr. Michael Penn, and John Baackes.

Jeremiah Aja, a clinical counselor and assistant director of the national youth mental health service provider Wellness Together, talks with host Jennifer Christian-Herman, Blue Shield of California's executive director of Mind Body Medicine, about how COVID-19 has spiked demand for youth counseling and how telehealth can fill gaps in care. Jeremiah also shares how schools and Wellness Together are working to make mental health services a foundational part of the education system. Visit wellnesstogether.org to learn more about the group's ongoing mission to help youth in need.

Host Bryce Williams, Blue Shield of California's vice president of MindBody Medicine, speaks with Sami Inkinen, co-founder and CEO of Virta, about breakthrough treatments for type-2 diabetes and how the right diet can reverse the potentially deadly disease. In this episode, Sami explains how his personal encounter with diabetes turned into an entrepreneurial venture that aims to safely and sustainably reverse type-2 diabetes in more than 100 million people by 2025. Visit Virtahealth.com to learn more about its mission and its clinically-proven diabetes treatment program.

Host Bryce Williams, Blue Shield of California's vice president of lifestyle medicine, chats with Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof, about the tragic toll of substance abuse in the U.S. and the latest strategies for addiction prevention, support, and recovery. In this episode, Gary shares his personal journey – a profound and heart-breaking story – which led him to start a nonprofit helping millions overcome addiction through evidence-based treatments, contact-based education, and high-quality treatment standards. Visit Shatterproof.org to learn how the organization is transforming addiction prevention and care.

COVID-19's impact on the healthcare industry reaches far and wide, and we've discussed the pandemic with almost all of the HDoD guests over the past year. So we've curated the most compelling insights into our latest episode of Big Topics in Small Doses, featuring three experts in under five minutes.

Big Topics in Small Doses is a 5 episode video collection of the best Healthy Dose of Dialogue takes on the most important topics in healthcare right now, all under 5 minutes.  In Episode 1, we gathered insights from industry experts about the evolving landscape of mental health and what can be done to ensure this essential service is effective and accessible for everyone.  This podcast episode contains the audio version of the first episode of the series. You can check the video on our YouTube Channel or at www.doseofdialogue.com.  

In the struggle to chart the future of health care, technology and data are primed to determine success. Guest Host Lisa Davis, Blue Shield of California's senior vice president and CIO, talks with Aashima Gupta, Google Cloud's director of Global Healthcare Strategy and Solutions, to discuss how the tech industry will contribute to next-generation health and the new interplay of strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and data strategies in health care. In this episode, Aashima also highlights inroads in digital transformation and how women in tech can drive this momentum. Visit cloud.google.com/solutions/healthcare-life-sciences to learn how Google is transforming tomorrow's health care services.

The pandemic has unlocked transformative tech, equity insights, and fresh opportunities for health care pioneers. Ahmad Thomas, Silicon Valley Leadership Group's president, and CEO talks about COVID-19's impact on California's innovation economy and how health industry entrepreneurs are opening new doors with telehealth and progressive policymaking. In this episode, Ahmad predicts a new landscape in health care where out-of-the-box thinking has the power to lower costs of care, improve outcomes, and increase patient access to services. Visit svlg.org to learn more about Silicon Valley Leadership Group.

As escalating health care costs sound alarms for executives and employees alike, Vinny Catalano, Lockton Insurance, Inc.'s senior vice president of employee benefits, calls for strategic, long-term planning and explains how organizations can unlock hidden opportunities for affordable, quality care. In this episode, we discuss the importance of employee benefits analysis, goal setting, and the need to establish a common language for critical health care discussions between finance, HR departments, and leadership. Visit lockton.com/employee-benefits to learn more about Lockton Insurance.  

As a result of the pandemic, employers and health care purchasers – public and private – are demonstrating readiness and commitment to transform health care. In this episode, host Don Antonucci invites Elizabeth Mitchell, President, and CEO of Purchaser Business Group on Health, for an encore conversation to share her perspectives on what's happening in markets across the United States and examples of how employers are embracing their role to lead change and address quality, affordability, digital innovation, equity and more. Visit pbgh.org to learn more about Purchaser Business Group on Health. 

Guest host Bryce Williams, Vice President of MindBody Medicine at Blue Shield of California, joins the podcast to chat with Dr. William Ferro, Founder and CEO of Betr Health. Bryce and Dr. Ferro discuss how simple diet and lifestyle choices can prevent, treat and even reverse chronic diseases. Dr. Ferro introduces the "Betr Health Method," a movement built on a food-as-medicine approach that helps people get their groove back. Learn more at https://betrhealth.com/.

More families than ever are dealing with a range of common challenges associated with mental and behavioral health. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that 1 in 5 children are estimated to have a behavioral health condition, and 80% are not getting the care they need. In this episode, host Don Antonucci speaks with Naomi Allen, co-founder, and CEO of Brightline and a leading entrepreneur, about how Brightline addresses the growing demand for behavioral health care and reinventing the way it is delivered for children, teens, and their families. For more information about Brightline, visit https://hellobrightline.com/

As founder of EndWellProject.org, Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider has created a movement that is focused on transforming the end of life into a human-centered experience. In this episode, host Don Antonucci discusses with Dr. Ungerleider how she is shifting cultural perceptions and changing the dialogue about serious illness and end of life. They also touch on technologies to support end-of-life care and planning and how we can engage in dialogue with ourselves and our loved ones about end of life.

Healthy Dose of Dialogue gathers the brightest minds in healthcare to share their unique perspectives on transformative marketplace trends, industry insights, and their vision for the future.

With a vision to “revolutionize the way mental health care is delivered in America,” Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum, shares with host Don Antonucci his personal journey and what led him to become an advocate for mental health equity and addiction support. In this episode, Don and Patrick dive into health equity, destigmatizing mental health, and treating mental health as part of whole person health. For more information about The Kennedy Forum visit www.thekennedyforum.org.

John Baackes is Chief Executive Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation's largest publicly operated health plan serving more than two million Los Angeles County residents. In this episode, host Don Antonucci and John discuss the Medi-Cal landscape and how L.A. Care Health Plan is advancing its mission to make quality health care accessible to vulnerable populations. From measuring quality, recognizing provider performance, and building a pipeline of physicians to funding programs that support housing, recuperative care, and food insecurity, these are just some examples of how L.A. Care Health Plan is integrating social service delivery with health care to improve health outcomes.

Tammy Sun is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Carrot Fertility, a global fertility solution for today's modern employers, providing flexible financial coverage and expert care navigation across the U.S. and 50+ countries. In this episode, host Don Antonucci speaks with Tammy about what inspired her to launch Carrot Fertility, trends in fertility care and her passion and relentlessness to ensuring fertility care becomes a fundamental part of human health that is inclusive of everyone.

With more than 30 years advocating for employer-sponsored benefits program as President of the American Benefits Council, Jim Klein talks with host Don Antonucci about the current legislative landscape and public policies impacting health care, insights from the Council's more than 440-member companies, addressing health equity and the need to find common ground to truly transform the health care system.

Peter V. Lee, Executive Director of Covered California, joins host Don Antonucci for a conversation about the importance of meaningful health care coverage, investing in quality health care, and measuring metrics that matter. In this episode recorded in February 2021, Peter shares his perspectives on health care policy, population-based payment models, health disparities and inequities, and opportunities to make substantial progress in making health care affordable and accessible to all Californians.

Christina Farr, Principal Investor and Health-Tech Lead at OMERS Ventures, talks with host Don Antonucci about her journey from journalist to investor. In this episode recorded in January 2021, Christina and Don discuss digital healthcare companies to pay attention to and trends in behavioral health, telemedicine, women's health, and health equity. Follow Christina Farr on Twitter @chrissyfarr and subscribe to her Second Opinion newsletter for the latest health-tech news on https://ovsecondopinion.substack.com/

Personal experiences with the health care system inspired Dr. Michael Penn, founder and managing partner of Health Equity Ventures to get deeply involved in health care. In this episode, Dr. Penn talks about his journey to a career in science and medicine, and to the launch of his company, which invests in entrepreneurs and organizations that leverage technology and data to accelerate healthcare transformation. Hear Dr. Penn's perspectives on health equity, mental health, embracing the unknowns, and the importance of human-centered thinking and design.

Dr. Tom X. Lee is the founder and visionary behind Galileo, One Medical and Epocrates. In this episode, host Don Antonucci speaks with Dr. Lee to discuss the inspiration and recipe for success behind the companies he founded, his passion for creating businesses focused on solving problems that address health care needs and positively impact society, and his perspectives on technology, value-based care, COVID-19 and opportunities to transform the health care system.

Host Don Antonucci and Tracy Watts, Senior Partner and U.S. Leader for Healthcare Policy at Mercer, discuss what's keeping employers up at night, important healthcare policies to pay attention to, and the increased need for access to mental and behavioral health, telemedicine, and virtual care as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As spokesperson for Mercer on healthcare reform who frequently represents employer interests to policymakers in Washington, DC, Tracy Watts offers guidance on ways employers can advocate and ensure their voice is heard as it relates to healthcare policy.

Host Don Antonucci and Suzanne Delbanco, Catalyst for Payment Reform Executive Director, discuss alternative payment models, virtual care, creating standardized quality measures, and opportunities and challenges to transform health care delivery. Catalyst for Payment Reform is a nonprofit, member-based organization committed to big changes in the health care system with a mission to help employers and other health care purchasers get better value for their health care dollar. 

At the age of four, Dr. Carrie Byington knew she wanted to be a doctor. Her childhood experience losing family members to undetected and untreated diseases inspired her to improve health outcomes for people in similar situations and has been an essential part of her work ever since. Her passion for science and medicine, along with her resilience and perseverance, has led to a distinguished career dedicated to addressing health disparities and pandemics – from the measles outbreak to the Zika virus and now COVID-19. As Executive Vice President of University of California Health, Dr. Byington joins host Don Antonucci to explore the role that data plays in driving focused interventions, lessons learned from past pandemics, and the most effective ways to transform health care for all.

In this episode, host Don Antonucci interviews Sara Teppema, President and Founder of Alta Health Advisers, about leveraging data and technology to measure population health outcomes, the need to make investments in our social and public health infrastructures to achieve health equity, and the importance of creating a sense of connection and belonging to generate better health in the long run.  

In this episode, Rajeev Singh, CEO of Accolade, talks about opportunities to transform the current health care system, the mental health challenges today's employees face, and the need for employers, providers, and participants to heed the “clarion call” to deliver innovative solutions and better experiences for consumers.

In its inaugural episode, Healthy Dose of Dialogue host Don Antonucci is joined by Elizabeth Mitchell, President and CEO of Pacific Business Group on Health, to discuss essential primary care foundations for a high value health care system.  Discover why the time is right to start transforming our health care system today.

Tune in for Episode 2 of Healthy Dose of Dialogue with Cecile Chang, Health & Benefits US Commercialization Leader at Willis Towers Watson. Host Don Antonucci and Cecile talk about her new role, trends in health benefits and the employer landscape.  Discover how addressing emerging pillars of care, including mental and social health, can serve employees and drive business results.