HLTH Matters

About Priya Abani:Priya Abani is the CEO, president, and a board member at AliveCor, where she leads the company's mission to advance patient-centric remote cardiac care using cutting-edge AI and machine learning. With over 20 years of experience driving innovation across global technology organizations, she has built and scaled high-performing teams, launched industry-shaping products, and forged strategic partnerships that accelerate growth. Her leadership has earned recognition across the health tech landscape, including being named one of The Healthcare Technology Report's Top 50 Healthcare Technology CEOs of 2022. Priya also serves on the Board of Directors for Jacobs and the Board of Trustees for TIAA, extending her influence across various sectors and shaping the future of technology, healthcare, and infrastructure.Things You'll Learn:AI-powered cardiac monitoring is enabling earlier detection of subtle abnormalities that patients and clinicians often miss, improving the likelihood of timely intervention. These tools empower patients to monitor their own health without waiting for episodic visits.Affordability is crucial for expanding access, enabling individuals in underserved regions to utilize medical-grade ECG technology at home. This reduces unnecessary hospital visits and helps bridge geographical care gaps.Portable devices and continuous monitoring shift cardiac care from reactive to proactive. Real-time data sharing creates a tighter feedback loop between patients and clinicians.New clinician-facing tools offer advanced diagnostics in a pocket-sized form, enabling high-quality cardiac assessments to be performed anywhere. This supports healthcare workers who lack access to full clinical equipment.AI models trained on massive ECG datasets are evolving from simple detection tools into comprehensive health companions for the whole person. They synthesize patterns, prompt actions, and help guide personalized preventive care.Resources:Connect with and follow Priya Abani on LinkedIn.Follow AliveCor on LinkedIn and visit their website. Learn more about Kardia 12L here.

About Web Golinkin:Web Golinkin is a seasoned healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and author with more than 35 years of leadership experience, including six CEO roles and three companies he co-founded. Over the last two decades, he has focused on expanding access to affordable, basic healthcare, establishing himself as a pioneer in both retail-based clinics and urgent care. His insights into the evolution of consumer-focused healthcare have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Today Show, Fox Business, and numerous industry conferences. Web is also the author of Here Be Dragons, published by Forbes Books in 2024. His career spans leadership positions across healthcare delivery, population health management, medical communications, and consumer health media, including his current role as president of Babson Diagnostics and previous leadership at FastMed Urgent Care, Health Dialog, RediClinic, America's Health Network, and American Medical Communications. A graduate of Harvard University, Web continues to shape the future of healthcare through innovation, accessibility, and patient-centered design.Things You'll Learn:Better Way can deliver 67 clinically equivalent tests from a fingertip blood sample, covering more than 80% of common primary care needs. This allows patients to avoid the traditional needle-based blood draw.Nearly a decade of validation, including thousands of study participants and hundreds of thousands of tests, demonstrates the scientific rigor behind the technology. This long research runway enabled FDA clearance and strong clinical confidence.About one-third of patients avoid blood testing due to needle phobia or inconvenience, contributing to major gaps in preventive care. A more straightforward, painless collection method directly addresses this barrier.Health systems can increase patient adherence and reduce reliance on phlebotomists by cross-training staff to use the system within 2.5 hours. This unlocks staffing flexibility and operational efficiency.Better Way focuses on reducing friction across the entire testing journey, including simplified, graphic-rich patient result reports. This empowers patients to understand their health without having to decipher complex medical language.Resources:Connect with and follow Web Golinkin on LinkedIn.Follow Babson Diagnostics on LinkedIn  and visit their website.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with someone who has been shaping the future of digital health long before AI became the headline Mike Serbinis, Founder and CEO of League.League was built on a simple but ambitious idea: if companies like Netflix can instantly understand what we need next, why can't healthcare do the same? Now, more than a decade into transforming the way people access and experience care, Mike joins Sandy to talk about how his team is helping organizations deliver truly personalized healthcare at scale.Together, they explore Mike's path into the world of AI, the early sparks that led to League's creation, and the lessons learned from 11 years of reimagining patient and member journeys. They delve into how League works alongside existing EHRs and health systems, not replacing anything, but weaving intelligence and interoperability through the cracks that slow down care.It's a thoughtful, future-forward discussion with one of the industry's most seasoned innovators—and a must-listen for anyone curious about where healthcare AI is truly headed.In this episode, they talk about:Mike's journey into AI and the origin story of LeagueHow League integrates with EHRs and other core health technologiesLessons from 11 years in healthcare—and why speed and scale matter more than everIf Netflix can recommend your next show, why can't healthcare do the sameReducing AI hallucinations and improving reliability for healthcare organizationsHow League delivers coverage, oversight, service, and increased productivityWhat different countries can teach us about healthcare modelsWhy we're entering “pilot season” for AI in healthcareA Little About Mike:Mike Serbinis is widely recognized as an innovative leader and serial entrepreneur who has built transformative technology platforms across many industries. Serbinis founded and helped build Kobo, Critical Path, DocSpace, and now League. Founded in 2014, League is a platform technology company powering next-generation healthcare consumer experiences (CX). Payers, providers and consumer health partners build on the League platform to accelerate their digital transformation and deliver high-engagement, personalized healthcare experiences. Millions of people use and love solutions powered by League to access, navigate and pay for care.Serbinis is also Chair of the Board of Directors for the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the world's leading center for scientific research in foundational theoretical physics. He is a founding board member of the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, an institution co-founded by Nobel Prize winner Geoffrey Hinton.

About Seth Cohen:Seth Cohen is a seasoned business leader with a long record of driving growth across healthcare, technology, and finance. As president of Cedar, he leads strategy and execution for a fast-scaling health tech company, building on over a decade of leadership in the industry. He also serves on the boards of Firefly Health and previously served on the board of Castlight Health, reflecting his deep credibility in the healthcare ecosystem. Before joining Cedar, Seth co-founded OODA Health and served as its CEO, introducing innovative payment solutions to the market. His earlier career includes senior commercial roles at Castlight, where he helped large employers adopt modern health benefits, as well as consulting work at McKinsey, focused on healthcare reform and consumerism. Seth began his career in investment banking, private equity, and international development, providing him with a broad strategic and financial foundation. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, and a BA from Stanford University.Things You'll Learn:Patient out-of-pocket costs have been rising faster than the overall medical trend for two decades, pushing most Americans into high-deductible plans they cannot realistically afford.A relatively small percentage of uninsured patients, roughly 5–12% depending on the state, accounts for approximately 35% of the dollars owed to providers. The episode challenges providers to rethink the concept of “healing” by asking whether repairing someone's heart while ruining their credit can truly be considered care.Cedar Cover is positioned as a proactive digital coverage safety net that identifies patients in need and connects them to Medicaid, ACA plans, financial assistance, and pharmacy copay programs. Looking ahead, the guest expects affordability pressures to intensify and plans to expand into areas such as workers' compensation and Social Security benefits. The goal is to ensure that patients are not forced to choose between groceries and medical bills by making financial support an integral part of the core care experience.Resources:Connect with and follow Seth Cohen on LinkedIn.Follow Cedar on LinkedIn and discover their website.Learn more about Cedar Cover here.Email Seth directly here.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Adam Siskind from ZS, a global consulting and technology firm known for transforming data, science, and human ingenuity into real-world impact. With more than 13,000 employees across 35+ offices, ZS partners with companies to improve life and how we live it. Sandy and Adam dive into how AI and advanced analytics are reshaping operations, the insights coming out of ZS's Future of Health Report, and what it will take to overcome lingering distrust in AI across healthcare. From predictions and concerns to practical advice for payers and providers, they explore whether we're headed toward a tipping point or an AI bubble.In this episode, they talk about:How AI is facilitating solutions for ZSHow ZS uses analytics to drive how businesses operateZS's Future of Health ReportGetting past the distrust in AI in healthcareWhat a tipping point might look like in the futureAdvice for payers and providersFuture implementation predictions and worriesIs there an AI bubble?A Little About Adam:Adam is a leader in ZS's provider practice area, helping to transform hospitals and health systems and supporting them from strategy through to execution. He has extensive experience across healthcare with health plans, providers, pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech companies. Adam has also led ZS's European and North America West regions. Adam's background is in actuarial science. Before joining ZS, Adam worked with health plans and group insurance at Mercer, helping employer groups achieve high-quality and affordable healthcare.

About Lynne Nowak:Lynne Nowak, MD, is a seasoned physician executive and Chief Data and Analytics Officer with deep expertise at the intersection of clinical care, data, and technology. With 15 years of frontline experience as a board-certified internist and a decade leading large-scale data, interoperability, and clinical strategy initiatives, she has built a career transforming how information improves healthcare quality, access, and cost. She has overseen major enterprise investments, driven compliance with national interoperability standards, led advanced analytics and product development teams, and guided provider-focused digital solutions across complex organizations. Known for her high-energy, collaborative leadership style, she is committed to fixing a fragmented healthcare system while empowering patients, providers, and payers through smarter, connected data.Things You'll Learn:Interoperability between providers, payers, pharmacies, and patients is becoming a powerful driver of access and outcomes. When information flows cleanly, underserved communities benefit the most.AI is only valuable when applied to problems that require deeper analysis, not simple workflows. The real gains come from using AI to handle complex record reviews while leaving simpler tasks to traditional automation.First-fill abandonment affects 20–30% of prescriptions, and most systems fail to notice because no claim is generated. Having visibility into these “silent failures” allows clinicians and plans to intervene earlier.Electronic benefit verification replaces days of manual phone calls with instant eligibility checks for patient assistance programs. This significantly reduces friction for patients attempting to initiate therapy.Automating prior authorizations can cut decision times from days to under 30 seconds. That speed directly affects access, adherence, and overall patient health.Resources:Connect with and follow Lynne Nowak on LinkedIn.Follow Superscripts on LinkedIn and visit their website.

About Ajay Gannerkote:Ajay Gannerkote is a global healthcare leader with deep experience spanning life sciences, medical devices, and healthcare services. Now serving as president of Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), a Danaher company, he oversees the organization's growth and strategic direction from Redwood City, California. Before IDT, he led Siemens Healthineers' global ultrasound business as president and head, steering a complex, vertically integrated operation across more than 30 countries. Under his leadership, the business moved from negative growth and margins to strong, sustainable performance, becoming an industry leader in AI-driven clinical technology. Prior to that, he served as Director at KKR Capstone, where he co-led healthcare operations, drove large-scale transformations for portfolio companies, and created significant enterprise value across services and medical device sectors. Ajay spent more than a decade at McKinsey & Company as a partner in the Global Medical Products practice, advising Fortune 500 companies on product development, commercialization, operations, growth strategy, and large-scale turnarounds. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Federal-Mogul, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Infosys, building a foundation in operations, technology, and global business integration. He holds an MBA in Corporate Strategy and Marketing from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Mysore.Things You'll Learn:Genomic technologies, such as NGS and MRD, are enabling earlier cancer detection, sometimes years ahead of traditional diagnostic methods. This early visibility allows clinicians to intervene sooner and build more personalized treatment strategies.Precision medicine is rapidly maturing as high-quality genomic data becomes central to diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy planning. The next era of oncology will rely heavily on personalized, data-driven decisions.Collaboration across industry, researchers, and regulatory bodies is essential for breakthrough medical innovations. A recent case of a rare disease demonstrates how a coordinated effort can compress the journey from diagnosis to therapy into just a few months.Custom manufacturing and high-quality reagents are critical enablers of clinically reliable genomic insights. Tailored solutions allow researchers and clinicians to analyze tumor-specific markers with greater accuracy and confidence.Strong leadership in genomics requires trust, transparency, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. Ajay's “obligation to dissent” principle encourages continuous innovation and pushes teams to think beyond the status quo.Resources:Connect with and follow Ajay Gannerkote on LinkedIn.Follow Integrated DNA Technologies on LinkedIn and visit their website.

About Dylan Papa:Dylan Papa is a seasoned healthcare technology executive with more than a decade of leadership experience at Zelis, where he has played a central role in driving commercial growth, transformation, and data-driven strategy. Now serving as Senior Vice President of Commercial Growth, he brings a strong track record of expanding revenue, shaping organizational direction, and guiding high-impact initiatives across the payments and cost-management ecosystem. Throughout his tenure, Dylan has held progressive leadership roles spanning growth and transformation, payments transformation, business insights and analytics, and business solutions—each one sharpening his expertise at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and financial operations. His career began in analytics and business development, giving him a grounded, operational understanding of the industry he now helps steer at a strategic level. Backed by a foundation in finance from Montclair State University, Dylan combines analytical rigor with a forward-looking mindset, making him a trusted leader in navigating complex healthcare challenges and scaling innovative solutions.Things You'll Learn:Providers increasingly want secure, simple, and expedited transactions supported by actionable data. This shift gives them more control while improving payer efficiency.Modernizing payments isn't just about speed; it's about giving providers a single, transparent view of all transactions across multiple payers. This visibility helps them reduce denials, identify payment discrepancies, and forecast revenue more accurately.Consumer expectations for transparency and personalized benefits are pushing healthcare toward more flexible, customized models. Younger generations especially demand clearer information and greater financial control.Fragmentation remains the biggest obstacle in modernizing healthcare payments, from legacy tech stacks to inconsistent treasury processes. Harmonizing these systems is essential for building a seamless, end-to-end experience.The next frontier is transforming payments from an administrative task into a strategic asset. When speed, transparency, and control converge, every stakeholder—payer, provider, and consumer—wins.Resources:Connect with and follow Dylan Papa on LinkedIn.Follow Zelis on LinkedIn and visit their Website.

Introduction: In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Joerg Schwarz, Senior Director of Industry Strategy & Solutions for Healthcare Interoperability at Infor, and Adam Luff, a healthcare technology executive and VP of Solution Consulting at Infor. Together, they take a fascinating look at the real-world state of healthcare data. Together, they unpack what AI is actually doing for the industry, why pulling meaningful information from existing systems is so challenging, and how proprietary schemas and non-queryable databases keep organizations stuck with costly “zombie systems.” They explore the promise of using AI to finally unlock that trapped data, along with the critical measures needed to ensure accuracy, quality, and transparency as new technologies evolve. Make sure to check out this episode if you've ever wondered what's behind the “black box” of healthcare data.In this episode, they talk about:What AI does for the healthcare industryThe challenges that come with extracting dataWhy the data in current databases isn't searchable and queryableProprietary schemas Unable to pull one data table at a timeUsing AI to extract data from zombie systems The time and money it takes to keep zombie systems aliveMeasures with new tech that need to be taken to ensure accuracy and qualityTransparency and rejecting the “black box” approachA Little About Joerg and Adam:As a trusted and highly skilled Global Business Strategy Executive and seasoned thought leader in the Healthcare IT domain, Joerg keeps an acute focus on the customer while leading teams, building strategic partnerships, and delivering solutions with measurable outcome improvements. His knowledge runs wide and deep with a 360-degree vantage point through the lenses of Technology, Sales, Marketing, and Academia. He combines the realities of leading key stakeholders and teams through innovation with respect to Healthcare IT and Life Sciences throughout his distinguished career. Joerg is highly motivated towards the evolution of connected managed care, population health, and clinical analytics. Communicating complexity is a signature quality Joerg possesses in service to delivering mutual benefit "win-win-win's" by successfully navigating complex problems, accelerating brand and product growth, and being a key contributor in go-to-market decisions.Adam Luff is a healthcare technology executive and VP of Solution Consulting at Infor. With his 25 years in the Healthcare Technology industry, Adam focuses on operational efficiency that leads to providers getting paid faster and simpler.

About Liana Guzmán:Liana M. Douillet Guzmán is a seasoned CEO and consumer-tech leader known for driving transformative growth across healthcare, finance, education, and professional services. As CEO of FOLX Health, she has expanded the company's national reach and service offerings, helping establish it as the leading digital healthcare provider for the LGBTQIA+ community. With nearly two decades of experience scaling disruptive companies, she previously served as CMO at Skillshare and COO at Blockchain, where she played a key role in growing the platform from 4 million to 40 million users and building a globally recognized brand. Liana also spent nine years shaping Axiom's international expansion and marketing strategy across the U.S., EMEA, and APAC regions. A Henry Crown Fellow and three-time Fast Company Queer 50 honoree, she is a sought-after speaker at global forums including DAVOS, Fortune Brainstorm, Web Summit, and HLTH. Beyond her executive work, she co-founded The Pink Agenda and serves on the boards of GLAAD and The Elizabeth Park Conservancy. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she brings a global mindset and people-first leadership style to every role.Things You'll Learn:Whole-person, patient-centered, community-oriented care is the future. When these three pillars align, outcomes improve and trust increases across populations.Telehealth is not a compromise; it's often the safest, most accessible option. For many people, digital care is the only environment where they feel safe, respected, and willing to seek support.AI can either transform healthcare or exacerbate and dangerously amplify inequality. Without careful oversight and representative data, large language models can reinforce harmful misinformation.Affirming care is a clinical and financial necessity, not a niche service. Avoiding preventive care can lead to dangerous delays and significantly higher system costs.Demographic shifts make inclusive care a strategic imperative. With a quarter of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQIA+, employers and payers who invest early will capture long-term loyalty and economic value.Resources:Connect with and follow Liana Guzmán on LinkedIn.Follow FOLX Health on LinkedIn and Instagram, and visit their website. 

About Ben Forrest:Ben Forrest is the CEO of Olio, a care coordination technology company focused on improving collaboration among payers, health systems, and post-acute providers for the most complex patients. With a 14-year background in the medical device industry, Ben saw firsthand how fragmented workflows and siloed care settings created barriers to quality and efficiency—an insight that led him to build Olio. Under his leadership, the platform now enables real-time engagement across hundreds of care sites, helping organizations reduce administrative burden, improve outcomes, and better manage medical spend. Ben is dedicated to bringing modern software, thoughtful workflows, and emerging AI capabilities to one of healthcare's most persistent challenges: truly connected care.Things You'll Learn:Care coordination is deeply fragmented, especially for complex patients moving across hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, behavioral health, and other community settings.Olio's platform connects payers, health systems, and post-acute providers in one shared workflow, enabling daily engagement and reducing administrative burden.Better downstream provider engagement directly improves outcomes and lowers costs, especially in Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, ACO, and bundled payment environments.Scaling coordination statewide requires more than EMRs; it requires workflow technology that ensures transparency, accountability, and consistent communication across 100+ care sites.Economics drive engagement: care coordination intensity increases where organizations hold risk or face pressure to manage total medical spend.The future of AI in care coordination is still emerging, and smart companies will focus on doing one operational problem exceptionally well before expanding.Payers will face mounting pressure to reduce medical spend, making true care coordination, not just better authorization practices, a strategic necessity.Olio was born from the realization that healthcare excels at delivering care in silos but struggles when patients move between settings, especially under value-based models.Resources:Connect with and follow Ben Forrest on LinkedIn.Follow Olio on LinkedIn and discover their website. 

About Trudy McKanna:Trudy McKanna is an accomplished medical affairs leader with extensive experience across medical education, field medical strategy, and people management. Currently serving as Senior Field Medical Director at GRAIL, she brings more than two decades of expertise spanning oncology, organ health, genetics, and medical ethics. Prior to GRAIL, she spent nine years at Natera in progressively senior roles, including Senior Director of Medical Affairs for Organ Health, where she led medical strategy, built and managed high-performing teams, and shaped national KOL engagement efforts across transplant and renal genetics. Her background includes over a decade as a genetic counselor and supervisor at Spectrum Health, leadership roles in professional organizations such as the Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors, and academic appointments with Michigan State University. As co-founder and vice president of the Rockford Food Allergy Network, she also helped strengthen community education and advocacy around food allergy awareness. Trudy holds a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biochemistry from Hope College.Things You'll Learn:Early detection significantly changes survival outcomes; identifying cancer before it metastasizes can quadruple five-year survival rates.Multi-cancer early detection utilizes cell-free DNA and methylation patterns to detect signals from over 50 cancers with a simple blood draw.Adding this test to standard screening results in seven times more cancers being found, with over half detected at early stages.The false-positive rate is exceptionally low at 0.4%, making it viable for population-scale screening.Access and equity improve significantly when screening can be conducted in primary care settings, mobile units, employer sites, and underserved communities.Resources:Connect with and follow Trudy McKanna on LinkedIn.Follow GRAIL on LinkedIn and visit their website.Learn more about Galleri here.

About David Cohen:David Cohen, FACHE, serves as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Greenway Health, leading the company's technology and product strategy to drive digital healthcare innovation. Since joining in 2019, he has played a key role in modernizing Greenway's solutions and driving better outcomes for providers and patients. He also serves on the Board of the CommonWell Health Alliance, promoting interoperability across the healthcare ecosystem.Previously, David spent over 13 years at Cerner Corporation in leadership roles spanning Cerner Intelligence, Clinical Solutions, and Innovation. He began his career in technology and consulting with Pfizer and ThoughtWorks. David holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA in Integrated Science and Mathematics from Northwestern University.Things You'll Learn:Intelligent automation is central to transforming ambulatory healthcare, enabling providers to reduce administrative tasks and allocate more time to patient care.Greenway's “agentic-first architecture” treats AI not as a tool but as the core product, enabling end-to-end workflow automation across the encounter-to-cash spectrum.By working closely with customers and using a “working backwards” approach, Greenway designs solutions that directly address real-world practice challenges.Automation in documentation, chart review, and revenue cycle management enhances efficiency and improves care coordination through platforms like AWS HealthLake.David emphasizes “time compression,” focusing on delivering innovation within months rather than years to meet the urgent needs of healthcare providers.Resources:Connect with and follow David Cohen on LinkedIn.Follow Greenway Health on LinkedIn and visit their website. 

About Ariel Garten:Ariel Garten is a visionary neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader best known as the co-founder and chief evangelist of Muse, the brain-sensing headband that makes meditation easier through real-time neurofeedback. With a foundation in neuroscience from the University of Toronto, Ariel's early research at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre focused on Parkinson's disease and hippocampal neurogenesis. Her work bridges science, art, and mental wellness, a fusion evident in Muse's elegant design and its mission to help users strengthen their minds through technology.Before founding InteraXon, the parent company of Muse, in 2009, Ariel worked as a therapist in private practice, helping clients uncover clarity and overcome self-limiting beliefs. Her interest in brain-computer interfaces began in 2003 in Dr. Steve Mann's lab, where she explored thought-controlled technologies—an experience that later inspired InteraXon's debut project, Bright Ideas, which allowed participants at the 2010 Winter Olympics to control the lights on the CN Tower and Niagara Falls with their minds.Things You'll Learn:Daily brain tracking gives individuals and clinicians the kind of insights previously only available in labs, making brain health far more accessible.MUSE's new AI sleep coach and Digital Sleeping Pill adjust audio in real time to help users fall asleep faster and return to sleep when they wake.The device's dual EEG and fNIRS sensors measure electrical activity and blood oxygenation, enabling both sleep analysis and cognitive training.Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that just five minutes of daily use resulted in a 54% reduction in burnout among healthcare professionals.Pharmaceutical companies, clinicians, and researchers are turning to MUSE for distributed sleep studies, cognitive data, and medication response tracking.Resources:Connect with and follow Ariel Garten on LinkedIn.Follow MUSE on LinkedIn and visit their website.Email the MUSE team directly here.

About Brian Bewley: Brian Bewley advises healthcare and life sciences companies, as well as their investors, on complex regulatory, transactional, and strategic matters. He assists clients in navigating federal and state compliance issues, managing regulatory due diligence, and responding to government audits and investigations. His clients include pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, hospitals, health systems, digital health companies, managed care organizations, long-term care providers, and private equity firms.Brian has successfully defended organizations in matters involving the False Claims Act, the Civil Monetary Penalties Law, and audits by HHS OIG and CMS. His experience spans Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law compliance, drug pricing issues, and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Before entering private practice, Brian served as senior counsel at HHS OIG and as a special assistant U.S. attorney through the Department of Justice Attorney General's Honors Program.A frequent national speaker on health care regulatory topics, Brian also served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where he taught science in French in a rural village.Things You'll Learn: Technological innovation in healthcare and the life sciences is advancing faster than current U.S. regulatory frameworks can keep pace.Shifting federal policies, tariff changes, and agency turnover have created uncertainty and slowed investor activity in the sector.New state-level laws are making it more difficult for private equity and venture capital firms to invest in healthcare.Private capital remains a vital driver of innovation, funding technologies that improve efficiency, precision, and patient outcomes.Investor confidence is beginning to rebound as market conditions stabilize and engagement with policymakers increases heading into 2026.Resources: Connect with and follow Brian Bewley on LinkedIn, or reach out via email.Follow Reed Smith LLP on LinkedIn and visit their website.

About Ryan Weber:Ryan Weber is a solutions consultant for TruLookup at TransUnion, where he helps healthcare organizations harness the power of data intelligence to enhance patient access, engagement, and trust. With over eight years of experience at TransUnion's Specialized Risk Group, Ryan collaborates with clients to integrate non-credit data assets, AI-driven analytics, and automated solutions that streamline the patient journey and enhance financial performance. His expertise lies in connecting complex data systems to real-world healthcare challenges, ensuring that providers can efficiently reach patients, reduce administrative friction, and support equitable care for underserved populations.Before joining TransUnion, Ryan served as managing partner at Next Level Sailing Chicago, a high-performance sailing experience focused on team building and leadership through competition. He also held account executive roles in technology and trading, developing a strong foundation in business development and client relations. A graduate of Fort Lewis College with a degree in business and marketing, Ryan combines technical insight with a passion for innovation and customer success.Things You'll Learn:TransUnion utilizes non-credit data sources, including phone and property information, to assist healthcare organizations in updating and verifying patient contact details for enhanced engagement.Their data-driven solutions support the entire patient journey, improving scheduling, verification, and financial accessibility to reduce barriers to care.AI and automation play a key role in streamlining patient onboarding, minimizing manual data entry, and enhancing the overall care experience.The company focuses on inclusive data strategies that ensure historically underserved populations are represented and supported in healthcare innovation.Trust and compliance remain central, with strict adherence to HIPAA, FCRA, and ethical data use ensuring patient privacy and transparency.Resources:Connect with and follow Ryan Weber on LinkedIn.Follow TransUnion on LinkedIn and visit their website. Email Ryan directly here. 

About John Harrison:John Harrison is a seasoned digital marketing and client experience leader with over 20 years of experience shaping innovative brand, product, and business strategies. As president and general manager at WebMD Health Services, he leads initiatives that help organizations build cultures of well-being, improving health and happiness across millions of lives.Known for his blend of creative vision and operational discipline, John has led high-performing teams at companies such as WebMD, Webtrends, and Yesmail Interactive, delivering measurable growth and client success for Fortune 1000 organizations. His expertise spans customer experience leadership, P&L management, M&A strategy, and organizational development.Based in Portland, Oregon, John is recognized for his ability to inspire teams, navigate change with clarity, and translate complex business challenges into purposeful, people-centered solutions. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Oregon, a background that fuels his strong communication and leadership style.Things You'll Learn:Holistic well-being replaces generic wellness by integrating digital tools with human services to enhance overall well-being. This approach personalizes support to each employee's goals, risks, and life context.Partnerships and interoperability are crucial because employees require a seamless experience. Disjointed handoffs create gaps that cause people to disengage.Leadership advocacy and employee champion networks turn initiatives into culture. When leaders participate in and communicate effectively, programs earn trust and adoption.Outcomes, not optics, define success. Measuring year-over-year health risk reduction and cost impact separates true results from “check the box” efforts.The next leap is AI plus people working in sync. Timely digital nudges paired with human guidance unlock personalization and reach at scale.Resources:Connect with and follow John Harrison on LinkedIn.Follow WebMD Health Services on LinkedIn and visit their website. 

About Nikhil Buduma:Nikhil Buduma is a San Francisco–based entrepreneur, scientist, and engineer working at the cutting edge of AI and healthcare. He is the co-founder and CEO of Ambience Healthcare, an AI platform built to supercharge every healthcare worker with intelligent automation. Under his leadership, Ambience has grown into one of the most well-funded AI healthcare startups in the world, raising over $343 million from top investors, including a16z, OpenAI, Kleiner Perkins, Oak HC/FT, Optum Ventures, and industry pioneers such as Jeff Dean and Pieter Abbeel. Before becoming CEO, Nikhil served as Ambience's Chief Scientist, leading the development of its core AI systems that streamline documentation, coding, and clinical workflows for healthcare systems, including the Cleveland Clinic and St. Luke's.Prior to Ambience, Nikhil co-founded Remedy Health, where he applied machine learning to advance value-based care models, backed by Khosla Ventures and Greylock. He also co-founded Lean On Me, a nonprofit organization that supports mental health and wellness across U.S. college campuses through anonymous peer-to-peer text support networks at institutions such as MIT, Duke, and UC Berkeley.A graduate and valedictorian of Bellarmine College Preparatory, Nikhil earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science and engineering from MIT. His career reflects a rare blend of technical mastery, compassion, and vision—using AI not to replace clinicians, but to restore the human joy in the practice of medicine.Things You'll Learn:Health systems often see low real-world usage of ambient tools; when daily adoption crosses most clinicians and visits, the ROI conversation becomes meaningful. This requires solving fundamentals across specialties, not just shipping features.If AI generates notes that don't align with payer rules and codes, organizations incur rework and risk. Integrating HCC, ICD-10, and CPT selection, along with supporting language, at the point of care helps prevent denials.Revenue integrity upside: Bringing CDI intelligence forward can reclaim large sums from work already done but not credited. This strengthens both financial sustainability and compliance posture.Continuous third-party auditing and domain-specific modeling are essential because general reasoning models often struggle with the nuances of revenue cycles. Independent validation builds organizational trust.Patient Summary anticipates questions and data needs before the visit, while Chart Chat answers complex, EHR-aware queries in seconds, helping to democratize top-tier standards of care in rural settings.Resources:Connect with and follow Nikhil Buduma on LinkedIn.Follow Ambience Healthcare on LinkedIn and visit their website. 

About Kyle M.K.Kyle M.K. is an Executive Strategy Advisor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author based in Austin, Texas. As Indeed's Senior Talent Strategy Advisor, he helps employers navigate the future of work—simplifying complex labor market challenges and inspiring people-focused leadership. His book, The Economics of Emotion, explores how emotional intelligence drives business success. Before Indeed, Kyle founded The Heart Company, where he helped global brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Uber, and Disney elevate brand loyalty through emotionally centered strategies. He also led ventures such as Human Planet and No. 4 St. James, combining data, storytelling, and design to humanize business experiences. With roots at Apple, where he shaped retail training and technology, Kyle's career centers on one mission: making work more human.Things You'll Learn: Retention begins long before a new hire's first day, authentic communication and realistic expectations set the foundation for longevity.Feeling underappreciated by supervisors is one of the most unique and powerful drivers of burnout in healthcare.Leadership empathy directly shapes workplace culture; when senior leaders lack compassion, it cascades down the organization.Transparency in job postings and work environments helps reduce turnover by aligning expectations with reality, thereby fostering a more effective work environment.Treating healthcare teams as communities rather than machines fosters a sense of belonging, purpose, and ultimately, better patient care.Resources:Connect with and follow Kyle M.K. on LinkedIn.Follow Indeed on LinkedIn.Visit Indeed's website.Get a copy of Kyle's book, The Economics of Emotion, here.Read Indeed's Pulse of Healthcare 2024 here.Read Indeed's Pulse of Healthcare 2025 here.

In this episode Sandy Vance sits down with Dr. Kenneth Stein, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Medical Officer at Boston Scientific, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing cardiology from diagnosis to treatment.Dr. Stein shares how Boston Scientific is tackling one of healthcare's biggest challenges: too much data and too little insight. From AI-driven heart monitors that detect dangerous rhythms before doctors can see them, to tools that democratize expert-level cardiac imaging, to predictive algorithms that warn clinicians of heart failure weeks before hospitalization. Tune in to hear how AI is not replacing doctors but empowering them, why clinical rigor still matters in the age of algorithms, and what it means for the future of cardiology.In this episode, they talk about:What it means to have too much dataThree key use cases for AI in cardiologyScaling expertise with BeatLogicDemocratizing Expertise with Avigo PlusPredicting outcomes with HeartlogicAI transforms raw data into actionable insights that improve patient outcomes.Radiology and cardiology are examples of how AI enhances (not replaces) medical professionals.Clinicians who embrace AI will outperform those who don't.Ongoing education on AI's role, limits, and evidence base is crucial for healthcare providers.A Little About Kenneth:Kenneth Stein is senior vice president and global chief medical officer at Boston Scientific. In this role, he has oversight for the clinical trials, medical safety and medical affairs functions and is responsible for ensuring a cohesive clinical community of practice across the company. Prior to Boston Scientific, Stein held the position of associate director of clinical cardiac electrophysiology at Weill Cornell Medical Center and associate professor of medicine at Cornell University. Stein is a graduate of Harvard College (in economics) and New York University School of Medicine. He is widely published, having authored more than 160 papers in the peer reviewed medical literature.  

About Harpaul Sambhi:Harpaul Sambhi is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Magical, where he's building Agentic AI for healthcare to transform how people and systems interact in one of the world's most vital industries. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Harpaul combines a deep technical background with a passion for human-centered innovation. Before founding Magical in 2020, he built and sold Careerify to LinkedIn, where he later led product initiatives within LinkedIn Talent Solutions and Microsoft, helping shape the future of talent acquisition and HR technology.Alongside building companies, Harpaul has served as Entrepreneur in Residence at Bain Capital Ventures, Advisor at On Deck, and a Limited Partner in leading VC funds, including Bain Capital Ventures, iNovia Capital, and OnDeck. Earlier in his career, he authored Social HR (published by Thomson-Reuters) and lectured at the Schulich Executive Education Centre on innovation, technology, and the evolving workplace.At his core, Harpaul is guided by simple principles—striving to be a good human and a dedicated father, husband, son, brother, and friend—while working with great people to build great products that make a difference. A graduate of the University of Waterloo with a degree in electrical engineering, he continues to live by curiosity, humility, and the drive to create technology that serves people, not the other way around.About Doug Hires:Douglas Hires is a seasoned healthcare executive, consultant, and entrepreneur with over 35 years of leadership experience across the healthcare and information technology sectors. Based in Dallas, Texas, Douglas has built a distinguished career driving operational excellence, business transformation, and financial performance for some of the nation's leading healthcare organizations. His expertise spans providers, payers, government, and life sciences, and his track record includes accelerating growth, restructuring operations, and guiding organizations through strategic reinvention.Currently, Douglas serves as Executive Advisor at Magical, Managing Partner at JD Hires Advisory Group, and Founder & President of New World Wine Designs, where he combines his business acumen with his passion for fine wine and craftsmanship through bespoke wine cellar design and building. He also advises healthcare and sales organizations through roles with Healthcare IT Leaders and SalesSparx LLC, lending his strategic insight to help teams scale with precision and purpose.Previously, Douglas held multiple senior leadership roles at Optum, including Chief Operating Officer for OptumInsight Provider and COO of the Hospital Services Division, overseeing end-to-end revenue cycle operations for Dignity Health's 36 hospitals. His earlier career includes executive roles at Santa Rosa Consulting, 3M Health Information Systems, SoftMed Systems, and First Consulting Group, where he earned recognition as a respected thought leader and sought-after industry speaker.Things You'll Learn:Agentic AI surpasses automation by reasoning, adapting, and executing end-to-end workflows, thereby freeing healthcare workers from repetitive tasks.Healthcare organizations are already seeing results, such as doubling prior authorization volume while cutting staff needs and decision times in half.The shift from RPA to agentic AI mirrors the evolution from MapQuest to autonomous vehicles, smarter, smoother, and self-correcting.Successful AI adoption requires attention to change management and staff reallocation, not just technology deployment.Evaluating AI vendors using six key pillars (reasoning, adaptability, interoperability, agility, scalability, and fault tolerance) helps cut through the hype and identify real solutions.Resources:Connect with and follow Harpaul Sambhi on LinkedIn.Connect with and follow Doug Hires on LinkedIn.Follow Magical on LinkedIn.Visit Magical's website.

About Charlie Harp:Charlie Harp is the CEO of Clinical Architecture, where he has led the company for over 16 years in its mission to revolutionize healthcare data quality and interoperability. Under his leadership, Clinical Architecture has become the industry's leading provider of healthcare terminology management solutions, empowering organizations to enhance the accuracy, usability, and value of clinical data across systems. With deep expertise in electronic health records (EHR) and healthcare information systems, Charlie has spearheaded the development of cutting-edge software products and driven major initiatives in process improvement, project management, and data strategy—boosting efficiency and profitability across the organization.Before founding and growing Clinical Architecture, Charlie held senior technology and leadership roles at First DataBank, Zynx Health, Medi-Span, Covance, and SmithKline Beecham Clinical Labs, where he consistently delivered innovative solutions that advanced healthcare IT infrastructure. Beyond his executive work, Charlie is a healthcare data quality evangelist and host of the Informonster Podcast, where he explores the evolving intersection of healthcare, technology, and data. A graduate of California State Polytechnic University–Pomona and the Hearst Management Institute, Charlie remains deeply committed to enhancing the healthcare ecosystem through improved data and advanced technology.Things You'll Learn:AI in healthcare is only as good as the data it's trained on; poor data leads to dangerous outcomes and lost trust.The Patient Information Quality Improvement Framework (PIQI) aims to measure and improve healthcare data quality through an open-source, industry-wide standard.Data quality has a direct impact on everything from reimbursement accuracy to clinical decision-making and patient safety.Healthcare's transformation won't come from disruption but from gradual, data-driven evolution focused on interoperability and usability.Investing in data quality is like adopting a healthy lifestyle; it's hard work, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term effort.Resources:Connect with and follow Charlie Harp on LinkedIn.Follow Clinical Architecture on LinkedIn.Visit the Clinical Architecture website. Listen to Charlie's previous interview on the podcast here.Check out The Informonster Podcast here.

About Patrick Schinzel:Patrick Schinzel is the Chief Operations Officer at Strive Pharmacy, where he has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and patient-focused innovation since 2023. With over two decades of experience in pharmacy leadership, Patrick brings a deep understanding of both clinical care and business strategy. Before stepping into his current executive role, he served as a pharmacist at Strive Pharmacy and Walgreens, where he spent nearly 20 years ensuring top-quality patient care and operational efficiency. Beyond pharmacy, Patrick has also demonstrated entrepreneurial drive as the long-time owner of Potential Home Buyers LLC, a real estate venture he has led since 2008. He earned his PharmD and bachelor's in pharmaceutical sciences from South Dakota State University, following his studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Clarke Community. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Patrick combines his expertise in healthcare and business to advance Strive Pharmacy's mission of delivering accessible, personalized, and high-quality pharmaceutical care.Things You'll Learn:Usage analytics revealed five consistently effective testosterone formulations from 370 variations, enabling faster fulfillment, lower prices, and maintained clinical autonomy.A thoughtful cash-pay strategy can enhance affordability today, even as broader reimbursement for underserved populations remains a significant industry challenge.Proactive potency testing on sterile lines (including GLP-1s) goes beyond basic safety to verify therapeutic effectiveness.“Preferred” formulations can coexist with precision medicine, extracting bulk efficiencies without eliminating personalization.The next leap is software that coordinates interdepartmental nuance, paving the way for robotics to deliver true “lot size of one” at scale.Resources:Connect with and follow Patrick Schinzel on LinkedIn.Follow Clinical Architecture on LinkedIn and visit their website. Email Patrick here.

About Lori Logan:Lori Logan is the president and CEO of NASCO, where she leads with a vision to merge innovation with a strong foundation in healthcare. Based in Englewood, Colorado, she brings over two decades of leadership across healthcare's payer, provider, and technology sectors. Known for her curiosity, analytical mindset, and collaborative leadership, Lori has consistently driven growth, transformation, and measurable impact. Her career includes leading multimillion-dollar projects, overseeing teams of hundreds, and managing large-scale integrations and mergers, and acquisitions (M&A) initiatives. Previously, she held senior roles at athenahealth, Geneia, Paladina Health, TriZetto, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and McKesson—where she launched groundbreaking products and strategies that improved care coordination and operational efficiency. Recognized for her strategic acumen and results-driven approach, Lori has earned industry accolades, including the TriZetto CEO Pinnacle Award and the Thomson Reuters Healthcare Advantage Award. Her mission remains clear: to reimagine healthcare and create healthier outcomes and lives.Things You'll Learn:Legacy infrastructure hinders scalability; health plans require a modern administrative “chassis” to package benefits, administer payments, and operationalize innovation. This goes well beyond traditional claims systems.Analytics must merge claims, clinical, and engagement data with medical economics precision. Insights then have to reach providers and advocates so care is both effective and reimbursable.A significant amount of value now resides outside of claims in disease management, digital tools, and condition management programs. Members need clear navigation and transparency on what they have, where to go, and what it costs.Provider enablement is essential for value-based care. Success depends on aligned incentives, shared operations, coaching, and trust between plans and providers.Strategic investments should prioritize scalable administration, robust operations, and data pipelines. These foundations let plans attribute value, manage risk, and drive affordability at scale.Resources:Connect with and follow Lori Logan on LinkedIn.Follow NASCO on LinkedIn and explore their website.

About Dr. Julie Schulz:Dr. Julie Schulz, MD, MPH, is a physician executive and product leader based in Los Angeles with a proven track record of driving innovation at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and business. Over the past 15 years, she has built and led teams developing healthcare decision support, analytics, and consumer health products across value-based care, women's health, and life sciences. As VP of Product at Avalon Healthcare Solutions, she leads strategy for next-generation diagnostics platforms. Previously, at HALO Diagnostics and Doctor Evidence, she guided product and business development efforts that integrated imaging, laboratory, and evidence-based analytics to improve patient and physician experiences. Earlier roles at Lumere and Sg2 honed her expertise in clinical data, product-market fit, and scaling evidence-driven solutions. Published in leading journals, Dr. Schulz combines deep clinical insight with strategic leadership to advance innovations that improve healthcare outcomes and drive measurable business impact.Things You'll Learn:Diagnostic intelligence can transform diagnostics from a cost center into a strategic asset that improves quality and lowers costs.Physicians face overwhelming volumes of new tests and guidelines, and AI-powered decision support can ease their cognitive burden.By removing prior authorization barriers, patients can transition from diagnosis to treatment in just 15 days, rather than the typical 60 days.Data shows that healthier patients are more likely to receive GLP-1 prescriptions, revealing a need for better risk-adjusted care strategies.True innovation in healthcare depends on communication, simplifying complexity and aligning clinicians, payers, and technologists toward shared goals.Resources:Connect with and follow Dr. Julie Schulz on LinkedIn.Follow Avalon Healthcare Solutions on LinkedIn and explore their website.Read Avalon Healthcare Solutions' Annual Lab Trend Report here.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Haris Shuaib, the CEO at Newton's Tree to explore how AI is transforming healthcare. Newton's Tree partners with leading health systems and AI vendors to make AI adoption safe, effective, and scalable. Haris shares practical insights on where health systems should begin, how to design for agility, and what it takes to evolve alongside rapidly changing technology. Together, they look ahead to the future of AI in healthcare, where innovation and compassion go hand in hand because helping people still remains at the heart of every advancement.In this episode, they talk about:The birth of Newton's TreeHealth systems should start small and design for agilityTechnology adoption best practicesNewton's Tree's four-step framework to aid health systems through their entire life cyclesBalancing the need to implement quickly and properly at the same timeThe future of standards for AI in healthcareWe must evolve with technologyA Little About Haris:Haris Shuaib is Founder and CEO of Newton's Tree, a startup dedicated to AI transformation at scale in health and care. He is Director of the Fellowships in Clinical Artificial Intelligence, the world's-first clinical training programme for healthcare professionals to develop practical AI skills. He is also a Consultant Clinical Scientist and former Head of the Clinical Scientific Computing section at Guy's & St Thomas' NHS FT. Finally, he also holds a NIHR Doctoral Research Fellowship, where he is leading a national multi-centre trial to see whether AI can improve the treatment of glioblastoma. 

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Dr. Bilal Naved from Clearstep Health to explore how AI is transforming the patient experience. From improving access and engagement to streamlining provider workflows, Clearstep's AI agents are helping healthcare organizations deliver care more efficiently and effectively.It's a pivotal moment for the industry: AI isn't here to replace expertise, but to amplify it. When developed responsibly, these tools can become powerful partners by reducing friction for patients, supporting providers, and ensuring care reaches those who need it most.In this episode, they talk about:How Clearstep uses AI to balance patient access with provider capacityWhat it really means to leverage expert AI systemsTangible benefits for provider organizationsCutting call center volume, boosting patient care, and seeing 3–10x ROIFlexible deployment: from pre-visit automation to call center efficiency to data insightsA Little About Bilal:Dr. Bilal Naved co-founded Clearstep while completing his MD/PhD at Northwestern University. With a passion for blending engineering and medicine, he's dedicated to pushing the boundaries of how care is delivered. Today, Bilal focuses on using advanced informatics to both optimize healthcare systems and measure real-world outcomes: work that's making healthcare more efficient, effective, and patient-centered.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Derek Lo, CEO and Founder at Medallion, to explore how technology is reshaping one of the most overlooked but critical parts of healthcare: managing provider networks. Derek shares the story behind Medallion, why he set out to tackle the complexities of credentialing, licensing, and provider management, and how his team is using automation and AI to make life easier for both providers and organizations.Medallion builds software that simplifies the complexity of running a provider network. From credentialing to licensing, the platform helps organizations get providers seeing patients faster while offering greater efficiency, visibility, and control.In this episode, they talk about:How Medallion helps accurately manage provider networks with AI automationThe complicated and complex process of credentialing—and why it sparked Derek's journeyWhere Medallion comes into play in recruiting and hiring providersHow this benefits organizations beyond the administrative processThe future of AI management software in healthcareHow Medallion is helping drive transformation across the industryA Little About Derek:Derek Lo is the CEO and Founder of Medallion, the leading platform for provider network management. Since launching in 2020, he's grown the company to over 300 customers, built a 150+ person team, and raised $140 million from top investors like Sequoia Capital and Optum Ventures. A second-time founder, Derek previously built and sold Py to Hired.com in 2019. He's a Yale graduate in Computer Science and Statistics, a two-time Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and is driving Medallion's mission to simplify healthcare operations with AI-powered automation.

In this podcast, Vishal Iyengar, Principal at Deloitte, and Mike Stimpson, CTO at enGen, discuss the strategic value that AI Agents can unlock to transform healthcare outcomes, operations, and stakeholder experience. They explore the practical use of Agents to answer foundational questions and address requests for information from members and providers that routinely cause abrasion, confusion, and administrative overhead. Vishal and Mike also highlight what is needed for these Agentic solutions to be deployed and adopted for organizations to achieve the expected results – data integrity, cyber security, governance and compliance, and targeted talent. In this episode, they talk about:How AI has grown from traditional machine learning to GenAI to today's Agentic capabilitiesA simple 3-layer setup: domain agents (specialists), reasoning agents (the organizer), and an enterprise model (the professor)Real-life use cases, like “Is this service covered?” or “Why was my claim denied?”What enGen focuses on to succeed: fresh thinking, outside perspectives, curiosity, a willingness to rebuild, and the right teamenGen's vision is transforming healthcare by supporting members on their whole health journey and creating seamless experiencesSmarter data with AI-enabled APIs that make information easy to use across different needsWhy speed matters but not at the cost of security and trustA Little About Vishal and Mike:Vishal brings over 2 decades of technology and business transformation experience in the Health Care industry. He specializes in the infusion and adoption of new-age technologies into today's complex ecosystem that enables Payers and Providers to manage, deliver, and reimburse for care. Most recently, he has focused on real-world use of AI to augment technologists, operators, and business experts to meaningfully change how Health Care systems support their stakeholders. Mike comes to enGen with over 25 years of experience in technology and operations within both the health care and financial services industries. For the past 20 years, he consulted with health care organizations in transforming their businesses through technology-enabled solutions and large-scale business transformations specifically focused in core administration and service transformation . Mike leads enGen's person-centric solutions focused on digital, clinical and provider transformation that puts the member and patient at the center of their healthcare journey.

How much time do care team members spend piecing together a patient's story—reviewing past visits, tracking what's changed, and understanding their current needs? The answer is often too much. A large share of clinical energy goes into gathering and analyzing patient data, leaving less time for what matters most: direct care.That's where virtual care platforms and AI-driven healthcare solutions come in. By streamlining workflows and surfacing the right insights at the right time, these tools cut the administrative load in half, giving providers more time with patients while reducing the risk of burnout.In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Peter Burns, from SoftServe, and Tim Wright from Teladoc to explore how their organizations are reimagining care team workflows. They discuss practical ways technology can boost efficiency, speed up patient support, and strengthen trust—the foundation for any successful digital health adoption.In this episode, they talk about:The vision behind SoftServe and Teladoc Health and how they're shaping the future of care deliveryThe expanding reach of virtual care and what it means for patients and providersHow AI-driven healthcare tools are redefining care team workflows for greater efficiencyReal-world examples of how Teladoc and SoftServe are improving the way care teams collaborate and deliver patient supportThe role of smart hospital rooms and what they signal for the next era of connected careWhy the partnership between SoftServe and Teladoc is unlocking new possibilities in digital health innovationA Little About Peter:Peter Burns brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to his role as Director of Consulting & Domain Solutions at SoftServe. He's passionate about bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, helping payers and providers solve complex business challenges with innovative, real-world solutions.At SoftServe, Peter combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technical capabilities to design strategies that improve workflows, enhance patient outcomes, and drive lasting impact across the healthcare ecosystem.A Little About Tim:Tim Wright is passionate about using technology to make healthcare more accessible and effective. As Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Teladoc Health, he helps shape the future of virtual care by building collaborations that improve patient experiences and support care teams.Before joining Teladoc in 2020, Tim was a founding leader at InTouch Health. Prior to that he held management positions at HCR ManorCare, and even Marriott International, giving him a unique perspective that blends healthcare innovation with customer-centered strategy. He actually started his career in IT as an Information Systems Manager at King Broadcasting Company, a role that sparked his lifelong interest in technology and innovation.Tim holds an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Washington, and studied at Sciences Po Bordeaux.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance, along with Anand Iyer, discuss Welldoc's core philosophy of responsible innovation, particularly how they are pushing the boundaries of AI while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and member trust. Anand reveals how Welldoc is shaping the future of AI in healthcare by collaborating with the FDA, addressing bias, and leading a national effort for interoperability. Discover why responsibility, trust, and consumer empowerment are the keys to turning digital health innovation into safer, more proactive care. Healthcare innovation must be responsible in order to be effective.In this episode, they talk about:Healthcare innovation must be responsible.The four levels of AI and how they are best usedWorking with the FDA to advance safe, high-risk features.Driving interoperability, reducing friction, and encouraging consumer empowerment.Addressing Bias by using diverse data, garnering trust, and establishing the right guardrailsGovernance through consistent standardsPartnerships are the key to growing AI responsiblyKey Takeaways:Trust, safety, and compliance are non-negotiable foundations of innovation.Regulators are partners in shaping the future of AI, not barriers.Responsible AI creates safer, more equitable, and more proactive careA Little About Anand Iyer:Anand is a respected global digital health innovator and leader, most known for his insights on and experience with technology, strategy, and regulatory policy. Anand has been instrumental in Welldoc's success and the development of BlueStar®, the first FDA-cleared digital therapeutic for adults with type 2 diabetes. Since joining Welldoc in 2008, he has held core leadership positions that included President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. In 2013, Anand was named “Maryland Healthcare Innovator of the Year” in the field of mobile health. Anand was also recognized as a top AI thought leader globally when he was named to Constellation Research's prestigious AI 150 list in 2024.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Henry O'Connell, Co-Founder & CEO of Canary Speech, to explore how voice AI is transforming healthcare. Canary Speech is pioneering vocal biomarker technology—using subtle patterns in speech to replace subjective assessments with objective, actionable data.From measuring pain levels to aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like Anxiety, depression, Huntington's, Parkinson's, MCI, Canary's tools are designed to improve accuracy and speed in healthcare decision-making. This innovation not only helps patients receive the right care faster, but also supports nurses and clinicians by reducing burnout, improving workplace safety, and streamlining workflows.If you're curious about the future of AI in healthcare, digital health innovation, or how speech analysis can change the way we approach diagnostics and patient care, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.In this episode, they talk about:Addressing the growing challenge of aggression in healthcare settingsMeasuring ROI while reducing risk, preventing burnout, and improving employee retentionUsing voice AI to assist in diagnosing ADHD, autism, and scaling pain assessmentsUpcoming projects at Canary Speech, including collaboration with Microsoft's Dragon softwareHelping providers deliver more empathetic, patient-centered careFast implementation! Canary can be deployed in days, not weeks, for new clientsA Little About Henry:Henry O'Connell is the CEO and co-founder of Canary Speech, a leading AI health tech company using real-time vocal biomarkers to screen for mental health and neurological conditions. With over two decades of experience in technology leadership, including roles at Hewlett-Packard, Gilson, and the NIH, he has served on the boards of multiple tech companies globally. A passionate advocate for voice technology in healthcare, O'Connell regularly speaks on the transformative potential of AI and vocal biomarkers to improve disease detection, patient monitoring, and clinical decision-making. He aims to provide health screening that is accessible, objective, and scalable.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Jon Shreve, CEO of MCG, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of clinical guidelines and decision support. They discuss how MCG is leveraging AI to strengthen its offerings for payer organizations and stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum, why consistent interpretation of guidelines is critical, and how trust plays a central role in the process. The conversation also dives into the question of whether AI standards will ever be unified and gives a sneak peek into the exciting new directions MCG is heading.In this episode, they talk about:How healthcare AI is transforming clinical guidelines and MCG's approachClinical decision support solutions for payers and healthcare organizationsWhy consistent guideline interpretation matters in healthcareBuilding trust in AI-powered clinical decision-makingWill AI standards in healthcare ever be unified?Future innovations in clinical decision support at MCGA Little About Jon:Mr. Shreve oversees all facets of MCG Health's growth and management. He was Chairman of MCG from 2002 to 2009 and became its CEO in 2007. In 2018, Glassdoor recognized him as one of the Top 50 CEOs for Medium and Small Businesses. In 2024, Glassdoor also named MCG a Best Place to Work. Under his leadership, MCG has grown by over 20x. Before MCG's acquisition by Hearst in 2012, Mr. Shreve had been with Milliman for over 25 years as an Equity Principal and Consulting Actuary. In addition to MCG, Mr. Shreve led or sponsored twenty other practices and was on Milliman's Board of Directors. Mr. Shreve received his Bachelor of Arts with distinction in Mathematics from Carleton College in Minnesota, and he is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, as well as a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with  Krishna Bharathala and Isaac Gateño, members of the Agent Development team at Sierra, to explore how companies can confidently take their first steps into the world of artificial intelligence. Sierra helps businesses build better, more human experiences with AI, and this conversation pulls back the curtain on what that really looks like.If you've ever wondered where to begin with AI adoption, how to overcome common barriers, or what kind of impact AI can have on your organization, this episode is packed with insights. Krishna and Isaac share practical strategies, explain how Sierra tackles real-world challenges like interoperability and security, and highlight ways companies can measure AI success.Whether you're curious about streamlining manual processes, building customer trust, or simply trying to understand the baseline knowledge your team needs to get started, this episode will give you a clear roadmap for moving forward with AI.In this episode, they talk about:How Sierra helps organizations and companies leverage AI to improve customer experiencesWays the Agent Development team addresses interoperability challenges across systemsThe concept of the “agent iceberg” and what it means for building stronger securityFoundational AI knowledge every organization should understand before getting startedCommon goals and barriers companies face when adopting AI solutionsHow to measure AI success through cost savings, faster operations, and improved member satisfactionWhy the best place to start with AI is the area of your company that requires the most manual time and effort to operateA Little About Krishna:Krishna Bharathala is an Agent Product Manager at Sierra. Prior to Sierra he was a two-time start-up founder and, before that, was a Product Manager on Google Ads. He holds an MBA from Stanford, and an MS & BS in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania.A Little About Isaac:Isaac Gateño is an Agent Engineer at Sierra. He is a hands-on technical leader with over ten years of experience building teams, working with cross-functional stakeholders, and managing complex projects at high-growth companies, including Forward Health, Plaid, and Palantir. He has a BS in computer science from Stanford.

In this episode, Lorna Borenstein shares how Grokker has evolved into a powerful platform that uses AI to help us stay connected and healthy, why they decided to go with an open system instead of utilizing the directory model they started with, and how Grokker empowers individuals to take ownership of their own wellness. Grokker's vision is to make your health both accessible and welcoming.If you're curious about the future of digital wellbeing, the role of AI in personal health, and how to build tools that truly empower people, this is an episode you won't want to miss.In this episode, they talk about:Grokker uses AI to help us stay connected and healthy Directory models versus open systems in the vendor ecosystemHow Grokker helps empower people to take their wellness into their own handsThe implementation that will help people the most and lead to the most ROIA Little About Lorna and Grokker:Lorna Borenstein is the CEO and Founder of Grokker, the award-winning innovative engagement engine that powers both life-changing outcomes for employees and the results Fortune 1000 clients demand. Supporting millions of employees in over 135 countries on any device, Grokker is trusted by industry leaders, including Boston Children's Hospital, CVS Health, Delta Air Lines, Dominos, eBay, G.E., MGM Resorts, Pfizer, Target, and more.The idea for Grokker came to Lorna Borenstein while on a multi-year sabbatical, traveling the world with her husband and three children. Hoping to use the internet to practice yoga and fitness while on vacation, she became frustrated with the lack of high-quality instructional videos available, as well as the difficulty in finding videos in one place. In 2012, Lorna founded Grokker.com, the on-demand wellbeing solution you can access from anywhere, anytime, on any device.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Sam Schifman from Vantiq. Together, they explore how adaptive automation powered by agentic AI is reshaping healthcare systems to be smarter, more flexible, and more human-centric. Forget rigid, one-size-fits-all automation; Sam explains how intelligent, collaborative AI agents are tackling clinical burdens, learning in real time, and continuously adapting to meet the unique challenges of healthcare.From understanding the nuances of agentic systems to uncovering what makes a truly successful AI solution, this episode covers it all: elasticity, resilience, and the future of AI in healthcare.In this episode, they talk about:Sam's role at VantiqHow adaptive automation differs from “traditional” automationAI comes in many different flavorsHow intelligent, collaborative AI agents can relieve clinical burdenWhat are agentic systems and how they are used in the clinical settingVantiq has what is needed to have a successful AI systemElasticity, resilience, and consistencyA Little About Sam Schifman:Sam Schifman is a seasoned software architect with experience spanning finance, education, HR, cybersecurity, and no-code development. Since 2019, he has led healthcare IT innovation as Chief Architect at Diameter Health, building systems that make clinical data usable for governments, insurers, and health exchanges. A frequent speaker and guest lecturer at institutions like Harvard and WPI, Sam is passionate about AI's real-world impact. He has contributed to HL7 AI standards, explored NLP for clinical data, and experimented with generative AI to advance healthcare and biomedical research.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Rob Stein of C2 Solutions, a division of Intellias, to explore how smart hospitals and connected device technology are reshaping the future of healthcare—both inside the hospital room and across rural communities.From defining what makes a hospital truly "smart" to navigating the challenges of interoperability and integration, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to go digital in healthcare today. Rob shares how Intellias is helping healthcare organizations modernize infrastructure, drive better patient outcomes, and expand care delivery beyond hospital walls.Whether you're a health IT leader, provider, or innovator looking to stay ahead of digital trends, this episode offers insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities of building smarter, more connected care systems.In this episode, they talk about:

In the latest episode of The Beat Podcast, host Sandy Vance discusses the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare with Anmol Medan, CEO of RadiantGraph. They talk about how AI and Intelligent Personalization can improve the member experience with health plans. Their conversation also highlights the ongoing challenges in consumer engagement within the healthcare sector. RadiantGraph aims to bridge the gap by utilizing AI and machine learning to enhance consumer engagement for large healthcare organizations, particularly in the realm of health plans. If you have any questions about RadiantGraph, reach out to Anmol via LinkedIn or email him at anmolmedan@radiantgraph.com. In this episode, they talk about:❤️‍

In this episode of The Beat podcast, host Sandy Vance sits down with Michael Frank, Director of Digital Health at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), to explore how MSK is teaming up with AWS and leveraging AI to revolutionize cancer care. Michael shares insights into MSK's mission to end cancer for life, their journey into digital transformation, and how AI technologies (like large language models and advanced data analytics) are streamlining clinical workflows, improving patient interactions, and unlocking new treatment possibilities. They also dive into the real-world impact of AI on back-office operations, the ethical considerations of using data in clinical decision-making, and why collaboration with tech partners is essential to driving meaningful change in healthcare.In this episode, they talk about:Memorial Sloan Kettering's bold mission to end cancer for lifeThe journey that brought MSK and AWS together in a shared digital health visionHow AI is transforming clinical workflows and enhancing patient interactionsTechniques for extracting and modeling patient data to inform treatment decisionsUsing data comparison and analysis to uncover clues that guide oncology careLeveraging large language models (LLMs) to connect and make sense of scattered patient informationThe importance of adapting existing tools rather than reinventing the wheelWhy healthcare leaders should lean into AI and embrace emerging technologiesHow AI may reshape the patient–provider relationship in the years to comeWhat the next wave of AI use cases in healthcare might look likePotential risks of using data in clinical decision support—and how to navigate themOpportunities to reduce healthcare costs through AI-powered back-office automationThe critical role of strong partnerships between healthcare institutions and tech innovatorsA Little About Michael:Michael Frank is Director of Digital Health at Memorial Sloan Kettering's Business Development, Strategy, and Innovation Group, where he leads efforts to develop, partner, and commercialize digital technologies including AI and precision oncology platforms. Prior to joining MSK in 2021, he held leadership roles at Pfizer, Booz & Co, PA Consulting, Phosplatin Therapeutics, and CombinatoRx, with over 15 years of experience in life sciences, innovation, and strategy. An entrepreneur at heart, Michael has launched products ranging from kitchen gadgets to medical diagnostics, and enjoys helping others bring ideas to market. He holds degrees in Biology (University of Michigan), Biomedical Engineering (Boston University), and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

In this episode of The Beat, host Sandy Vance sits down with Solventum's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Travis Bias, to explore how ambient clinician documentation is transforming healthcare. As AI-powered solutions continue to evolve, clinicians are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality care while managing growing administrative demands. Dr. Bias shares how Solventum is leveraging artificial intelligence to support ambient listening tools that streamline documentation, without replacing the human touch. Together, they discuss the technology's accuracy, its role in clinical workflows, and why physicians who don't adapt may find themselves falling behind. Tune in to learn how ambient documentation has evolved, how it's being measured, and what it means for the future of care delivery.Learn More about Solventum HEREIn this episode, they talk about:What Solventum is doing with AI these daysHow clinicians can use ambient listening for documentation Clinicians are being asked to do more with less these daysAmbient documentation is a tool, not a replacementMeasuring accuracy by comparison and instances when they are usedThe evolution of ambient clinician documentation since its conceptionPhysicians will find themselves behind if they are not using itA Little About Travis:Travis Bias, DO, MPH, FAAFP, is a family medicine physician, chief medical officer, and business director of clinician productivity solutions for Solventum's Health Information Systems business. He is also co-director of a Comparative Health Systems course at the University of California, San Francisco Institute of Global Health Sciences.

In this episode of The Beat, host Sandy Vance sits down with Dr. Heather Bassett, Chief Medical Officer at Xsolis and creator of the proprietary Care Level Score. Together, they explore the future of AI in healthcare and how real-world AI applications are already driving improved operational efficiency, reducing clinician burnout, and enhancing payer-provider collaboration. Dr. Bassett also shares insights from her recent involvement with CHAI.org, emphasizing why healthcare leaders must take initiative in developing responsible AI—without waiting for government mandates. Tune in to hear how Xsolis is helping health systems move from spreadsheets to smart automation, making data more actionable, and building a more transparent, interoperable ecosystem.In this episode, they talk about:How Xsolis is working toward creating a frictionless healthcare systemHow Xsolis reduces manual tasks, decreasing clinician burnout, and boosting productivityXsolis' use of data aggregation to minimize redundancy in the healthcare industryMoving healthcare teams off spreadsheets and into AI-driven solutionsHow client collaboration helps maximize the value Xsolis deliversCMS recognition of the need to eliminate unnecessary steps to accelerate patient careThe role of interoperability in standardizing data exchange and enhancing contextWhy transparency is critical when vendors integrate artificial intelligenceEvaluating whether vendors have the people and processes to support AI change managementA Little About Heather:Dr. Heather Bassett is the Chief Medical Officer at Xsolis, an AI-driven health technology company transforming healthcare through a human-centered approach. With over 20 years of experience in clinical care and health IT, she leads Xsolis' medical and data science teams and co-developed the company's signature innovation—the Care Level Score, which blends clinical expertise with AI and machine learning to assess patient status in real time.A board-certified internist and former hospitalist, Dr. Bassett oversees Xsolis' award-winning physician advisor program, denials management, and AI model development. She's a frequent speaker at national healthcare conferences, including ACMA and HFMA, and has been featured in Becker's, MedCity News, and Medical Economics. Recognized as CMO of the Year by the Nashville Business Journal and named one of Becker's Women in Health IT to Know (2023, 2024), Dr. Bassett is also a member of CHAI.org, advocating for responsible AI in healthcare.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Dr. Will Morris, Chief Medical Officer at Ambience Healthcare, to explore how AI is transforming the healthcare industry. From enhancing clinical documentation to improving patient care and supporting back-office operations, Ambience is creating intelligent solutions tailored for the entire healthcare ecosystem.Dr. Morris shares insights on how AI, when used as an assistive—not replacement—tool, can help alleviate clinician burnout and empower medical professionals to focus on what matters most: delivering compassionate, human-centered care. Whether you're a healthcare leader, clinician, or innovator, this episode offers practical insights into leveraging AI to drive real value across your organization.In this episode, they talk about:● AI should assist—not replace—medical professionals, enabling them to focus on essential human-centered care.● AI is not a commodity; it must address critical pain points to drive real value.● Ambient AI must work for all specialties, not just primary care. AI models must be tuned to the nuances of each specialty.● Reducing burnout is just the start. When coding-aware, Ambient AI greatly improves clinical documentation integrity and provides coding support at the point-of-care, capturing other lost revenue.● Always measure results, outputs, and processes when implementing new healthcare technologies.● The effectiveness of any system depends on the quality and consistency of clinical documentation.● Successful AI adoption requires a unified, enterprise-wide strategy.A Little About Will:Will Morris, MD, MBA, is board-certified in Internal Medicine and is a health technology leader, currently serving as Chief Medical Officer at Ambience Healthcare. In this role, he drives the company's vision for clinical AI, collaborating with leading health systems to transform clinician workflows and improve patient care. Before joining Ambience, Dr. Morris was Chief Medical Information Officer at Google Cloud Healthcare and Life Sciences, contributing to cutting-edge healthcare innovations. He previously held leadership roles at Cleveland Clinic, including Chief Innovation Officer and Associate Chief Information Officer, overseeing clinical IT systems and health IT advancements.

Gen AI fails without accurate data extraction. Upstage liberates messy healthcare and insurance data with precision to power gen AI applications. Host Sandy Vance gets behind the mic with Galina Fendikevich, US GTM.  In this episode of The Beat Podcast, Galina Fendikevich, US GTM Lead at Upstage, joins host Sandy Vance for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI and large language models (LLMs). From breaking down the key differences between small and large language models to exploring what sets Upstage apart in a crowded AI landscape, the conversation offers valuable insights for tech leaders and innovators alike. They also address critical factors that AI systems need to function effectively. Listen in as Galina and Sandy highlight the remarkable potential of AI in healthcare.Have a question for Galina or Upstage.ai? Reach out by emailing Galina directly at galena@upstage.ai or hit the Contact Us button on the website.In this episode, they talk about:The difference between small and large language modelsWhat makes Upstage AI stand out from other modelsGalena's journey to Upstage and Upstage's journey to the USWhat Upstage AI needs to work wellWhy does AI in healthcare work so well?Overcoming challenges like hallucinations with large language modelsWhat is and how to start the process of bringing in an AI modelA Little About Galina:Galina Fendikevich's expertise spans product, strategy, engineering, and scaling operations for high-growth companies. With 10+ years of experience in finance, blockchain, and AI, she began her career on Wall Street before co-founding a team acquired by Niantic, creators of Pokémon Go. 

In today's episode, host Sandy Vance chats with Vijay Venkatesan, Chief Technology Officer, IKS Health. Everyone's talking about healthcare AI — but not everyone's doing it the same way. We explain how IKS Health's approach to technology and digital transformation sets it apart from other players in the space. Sandy and Vijay dive deep into the future of AI in healthcare, IKS Health technology strategies, AI workflow optimization, the blending of AI and human expertise, how AI is transforming healthcare, AI safety in healthcare, and responsible AI implementation.In this episode, they talk about:What is AI in healthcare?Where AI will take healthcare in 2025 and beyondIKS Health's differentiators and its approach to technologyThe guardrails that IKS Health follows and the opportunities healthcare may have when we evaluate safety and make the right choices when applying AIWhy AI workflows are importantIKS Health defines AI differently from competitorsThe importance of the balance between human-in-the-loop and AIReducing friction in the healthcare journeyA Little About Vijay:Vijay Venkatesan is the Chief Technology Officer at IKS Health, where he leads the charge in building scalable, future-ready platforms that power efficiency, innovation, and meaningful client impact. With over 15 years in healthcare technology leadership, Vijay is a visionary force behind the deployment of advanced solutions like Generative AI, machine learning, and big data analytics to tackle some of the industry's most complex challenges.At IKS Health, he drives the company's end-to-end technology strategy — from evolving the tech stack and aligning engineering with business growth, to fostering a bold culture of innovation. Vijay is passionate about assembling world-class teams, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring IKS remains on the cutting edge of healthcare transformation.

In this insightful episode of The Beat Podcast, Sandy Vance is joined by two healthcare experts, Dr. Peter Pronovost and Claudia Douglass from Grant Thornton, to discuss a transformative concept in healthcare: the Intelligent Clinical Environment (ICE). This advanced, technology-driven model is revolutionizing the way healthcare systems are addressing critical issues like clinician burnout, labor shortages, and improving patient care outcomes. If you're interested in the future of healthcare and technology, this episode offers a deep dive into how digital innovations like the Intelligent Clinical Environment are changing the landscape.In this episode, they talk about:The concept of Intelligent Clinical Environment and how it addresses the current clinician labor crisisThe impact on clinician burnout and turnoverThe role do advanced technologies like this play in improving patient care, leadership development, and clinician efficiencyHow the Intelligent Clinical Environment enhances clinical outcomes and patient safetyHow the Intelligent Clinical Environment enhances patient satisfactionSome of the common challenges health systems face when implementing this digital care transformation model The ways the Intelligent Clinical Environment helps health systems meet their financial targets and reduce costsA Little About Claudia and Peter:Claudia Douglass, FACHE, MHSA, PMP, is a Principal and U.S. National Healthcare Growth Leader with 30 years of experience in healthcare strategy and operations. She's led complex initiatives in strategic growth, digital transformation, operational performance, and population health across large health systems and consulting roles. A recognized thought leader, Claudia regularly speaks and publishes on topics like leadership, virtual care, and value-based care at top industry conferences. Previously, she served as SVP & COO and VP of Strategy in health systems, bringing practical, implementable insights to her clients.Dr. Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM, is a leading expert in patient safety and critical care, known for pioneering research that has saved thousands of lives. With over 800 peer-reviewed publications, he gained global recognition for his work using checklists to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections. His groundbreaking contributions earned him a spot on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people and a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant.” As the Chief Quality & Clinical Transformation Officer at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Dr. Pronovost drives innovation in healthcare across a network of 20 hospitals, 50+ health centers, and over 200 physician offices.

About Adam Mariano:Adam Mariano is the GM and President of LexisNexis Healthcare. Adam is a technologist, nurse, and attorney, deeply invested in helping healthcare companies build better, more equitable, and unbiased products and services through intentional product development, open interoperability, and reduced health disparities. He brings extensive clinical, technical, and legal experience spanning 20+ years. Adam's legal work is focused on equal access, civil rights, and immigration.About Sushma Akunuru:Sushma Akunuru is a strategic technology leader with expertise in healthcare insurance, wealth management, and banking. As CIO at Independence Blue Cross, she drives digital transformation, modernizing business applications and optimizing IT operations. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, leading wealth management technology and automation strategies. With an MBA from Wharton and a background in computer sciences, she excels in IT strategy, product development, and operational excellence, shaping the future of healthcare and financial services through innovation and digital solutions.Things You'll Learn:80% of clinical outcomes are influenced by factors outside of traditional medical care, like social determinants of health; therefore, a focus on whole-person care and community support is essential for equitable health.No single entity can solve the complex challenges of healthcare disparities. Collaborations between payers, providers, and technology vendors are essential for creating a connected and equitable healthcare ecosystem.Digitalization presents both opportunities and risks. While technology can improve access and convenience, the rapid push toward digitalization can exacerbate health disparities if not implemented thoughtfully, especially for vulnerable populations with limited access to technology or health literacy.Solving large, systemic problems can be easy; healthcare organizations should prioritize achievable improvements to create positive experiences for members.Telehealth is here to stay. The pandemic accelerated its adoption, which now requires careful consideration to ensure that the service remains available to modern consumers. As things return to normal, virtual healthcare or therapy must remain an option.Resources:Connect with and follow Adam Mariano on LinkedIn.Learn more about LexisNexis Risk Solutions on their LinkedIn, Instagram, and website.Follow and connect with Sushma Akunuru on LinkedIn.Discover more about Independence Blue Cross on their LinkedIn, Instagram, and website.Learn more about this episode's sponsor, UST Health, on their website.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Beat, host Sandy Vance is joined by Caleb Manscill, the President of Vyne Medical, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving intersection of AI and healthcare. Caleb shares invaluable insights into how AI and automation are reshaping healthcare workflows, improving operational efficiency, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.As AI becomes increasingly pivotal in transforming industries, its impact on healthcare stands out, particularly in overcoming the persistent challenge of data interoperability. With AI's growing role, ethical considerations around data privacy, transparency, and bias are coming to light. Caleb and Sandy discuss these topics in-depth by exploring how healthcare organizations can navigate the complexities of implementing AI responsibly and effectively.In this episode, you'll learn:How AI is transforming healthcare workflows and patient care, making processes faster and more accurate.The role Vyne Medical is playing in improving operational efficiency through AI-driven automation.How AI is bridging gaps between healthcare systems, improving data exchange, and supporting better decision-making.Real-world examples of how AI-driven automation is enhancing operational efficiency and patient outcomes for healthcare providers.Key challenges in the implementation of AI, and how Vyne Medical is tackling these to ensure ethical and responsible use.What the next frontier for AI in healthcare looks like, and how it will continue to revolutionize the industry.How healthcare professionals and organizations can prepare for the AI transformation, and what skills or mindset shifts are necessary to thrive in an AI-powered healthcare environmentCaleb's perspective on how Vyne Medical is contributing to the future of AI in the healthcare sector.A Little About Caleb Manscill:Caleb Manscill is the President of Vyne Medical, where he leads efforts to enhance healthcare communication and operational efficiency through AI. With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Caleb has held key leadership roles, including business development at Weave and co-founder and CEO of DentalRay. His career has provided him with deep insights into both clinical and business perspectives, working closely with doctors, radiologists, and healthcare executives. Caleb is also a board member for LymeDisease.org and holds an MBA from Babson College and a BA from Brigham Young University.

About Terri Couts:Terri Couts is the Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at The Guthrie Clinic, an accomplished healthcare technology leader with a passion for driving innovation and clinical care through digital transformation. Terri focuses on creating integrated, patient-centered health systems by leveraging digital health solutions, remote patient monitoring, and telemedicine, particularly in underserved rural communities. With a strategic approach to balancing innovation and sustainability, Terri is dedicated to solving real-world problems and fostering a culture where IT, clinical, and operational leaders co-own transformation initiatives.Things You'll Learn:The Guthrie Clinic is building a connected, intelligent, and patient-centered health system through innovative care models. Their pulse center allows for real-time patient monitoring and supports virtual nursing and enhanced care transitions.Balancing innovation with sustainability involves building internal capabilities and focusing on solving real problems.Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of digital transformation by taking smart risks and collaborating across silos.AI and virtual care models are poised to reshape healthcare by improving efficiency, addressing workforce shortages, and enhancing population health management.The Guthrie Clinic focuses on internal staffing for virtual care to maintain the connection to its mission and values.Resources:Connect with and follow Terri Couts on LinkedIn.Learn more about The Guthrie Clinic on their LinkedIn and website.

About Rahul Lakhanpal:Rahul Lakhanpal is the Chief of Staff at SpectraMedix. He is focused on driving strategic initiatives and ensuring the company's alignment with market needs in the evolving landscape of value-based care.About Sean Kelly:Sean Kelly is the Senior Vice President of Growth and Business Development at SpectraMedix. He is responsible for leading the company's growth strategies and expanding its presence in the healthcare market.Things You'll Learn:SpectraMedix focuses on delivering a technology solution for value-based contract administration and management for health plans and health systems.The organization's platform enables different departments to come together, administer contracts, track performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.SpectraMedix differentiates itself by filtering information through the prism of the value-based contract, translating contract terms into actionable activities and measurements for providers.The company's technology helps health plans and health systems manage the increasing complexity of value-based contracts and make data-driven decisions.SpectraMedix emphasizes provider enablement by providing real-time financial incentives and making it easier for doctors to improve quality and reduce costs.Resources:Connect with and follow Rahul Lakhanpal on LinkedIn.Follow and connect with Sean Kelly on LinkedIn.Learn more about SpectraMedix on their LinkedIn and website.

About Chris Caramanico:Chris Caramanico is a growth-oriented CEO, investor, and consultant with a proven track record of driving profitable growth in healthcare technology. With over 20 years of experience, Chris excels in both startups and large corporations, leading successful transformations and delivering results in complex environments. He is adept at anticipating market trends, developing innovative strategies, and building high-performance teams. Chris is a customer-focused strategist with expertise in value-based care and a passion for improving healthcare delivery through intelligence and intervention. Currently, he serves as CEO of Elligint Health, leveraging his expertise to reshape the healthcare landscape.Things You'll Learn:Elligint Health provides a toolset outside of the electronic medical record to help organizations perform value-based care arrangements.Their solution combines data analytics, care management, and communication tools to proactively identify and address patient needs.The platform aggregates data from various sources to create prospective work lists, enabling targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes.Elligint Health emphasizes patient activation, encouraging patients to take a proactive role in their care to improve health outcomes and address labor shortages.The organization is focused on interoperability and is prepared to meet CMS's rulings regarding prior authorization and data exchange.Resources:Connect with and follow Chris Caramanico on LinkedIn.Learn more about Elligint Health on their LinkedIn and website.

About Kevin Ritter:Kevin Ritter is the Executive Vice President of CareInMotion at Altera Digital Health, an experienced digital health leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning electronic health records, population health management, consumer health, and data analytics.Things You'll Learn:CareInMotion at Altera Digital Health focuses on interoperability, data aggregation, and delivering actionable insights at the point of care.The organization leverages FHIR, generative AI, and national networks to improve data connectivity and usability.AI-enabled search and natural language processing (NLP) are utilized to enhance data retrieval and decision-making.Remote patient monitoring, powered by AI, enables better analysis of patient data from wearables and chronic condition devices.Altera Digital Health serves health systems, physician organizations, and payers globally, providing high-quality data to clinicians within their existing workflows.Resources:Connect with and follow Kevin Ritter on LinkedIn.Learn more about Altera Digital Health on their LinkedIn and website.