The integration of AI in healthcare holds promise for augmenting medical practice, but questions remain about its potential to replace human clinicians entirely. In this episode, Dr. Jay Anders, Chief Medical Officer at Medicomp Systems, dives into the world of electronic health records (EHRs) and the evolving landscape of healthcare technology. He explores the journey of EHRs from simple lookup systems to sophisticated platforms, discussing challenges like data exchange, privacy concerns, and market consolidation.  Dr. Anders extends the conversation to the potential of AI in healthcare, its role in diagnosis, and the importance of maintaining human interaction in patient care. He underscores that the integration of AI in healthcare holds promise for augmenting medical practice, but questions remain about its potential to replace human clinicians entirely.  The need for clinician involvement in technology design is brought up by Dr. Anders, as it is important to ensure it meets real-world needs and improves healthcare delivery. He also highlights his company's work on large language models and clinical engines to enhance EHR efficiency and user experience, as he believes that it is crucial to maintain a balance between innovation and tradition as healthcare technology continues to evolve. Tune in and learn why clinician involvement in technology design is crucial for ensuring that systems meet real-world needs and improve patient care delivery! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Through sharing knowledge and participation in the transformation process, we can harness the power of AI to create a brighter future for American medicine. In this episode, Dr. Robert Pearl, a prominent figure in healthcare, AI expert, and former CEO of the Permanente Medical Group, explores the transformative potential of generative AI in American medicine. Discussing his recent book "GPT, MD: How AI Empowered Patients and Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine," Dr. Pearl outlines how AI technologies can revolutionize healthcare delivery and talks about the challenges of the current healthcare system, emphasizing the high costs and the prevalence of medical errors and misdiagnoses.  Throughout this interview, Dr. Pearl explains its ability to empower both patients and doctors, facilitating better communication and more proactive care and highlighting the exponential growth of generative AI. He also discusses the ethical implications of AI adoption, stressing the importance of understanding its limitations while embracing its potential to reduce errors and improve outcomes.  Amidst this exchange between Christopher Kunney and Dr. Pearl, the latter underscores the role of leadership in driving change and encourages both clinicians and patients to embrace AI technology. He also calls for active participation in the transformation of healthcare, urging listeners to share knowledge and engage in the process of change. Tune in and learn how generative holds the potential to revolutionize the healthcare landscape, improving efficiency and patient outcomes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Healthcare entrepreneurship requires embracing change and taking calculated risks. In this episode, Nicole Denham, the founder of COR Consultants, unveils her extraordinary voyage from dedicated clinician to visionary healthcare entrepreneur. Her unwavering commitment to patient safety and provider welfare radiates as she narrates her entrepreneurial transition, underscoring the critical significance of strategic planning, operational support, and perpetual learning in navigating the dynamic healthcare domain. Nicole's discourse not only offers profound insights into fostering innovation beyond traditional hospital boundaries but also accentuates the indispensable role of collaboration and innovation in sculpting the healthcare landscape of tomorrow. With a focus on optimizing clinical processes, products, and services, Nicole reveals the core mission of COR Consultants and its commitment to partnering with healthcare entities to enhance patient care. She shares valuable advice for aspiring nurse entrepreneurs, stressing the significance of acquiring business acumen and seeking mentorship to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship successfully. As the conversation unfolds, Nicole candidly discusses the common challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable and embracing change in the face of adversity. She also underscores the need for diverse networks and collaboration to foster innovation and drive progress in healthcare. Tune in to discover the secrets to successful healthcare entrepreneurship and embark on a journey of innovation and transformation! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Patients should be their number one advocates for their healthcare. In this episode, Arti Masturzo, Chief Medical Officer for CCS, cancer survivor, and healthcare disruptor, offers profound insights into her personal journey and professional endeavors. With a background in internal medicine and a fervent passion for improving healthcare, she shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to patient care. Throughout the conversation, Arti emphasizes the significance of empathy, highlighting its transformative impact on healthcare delivery. Arti sheds light on the importance of personalized education and holistic care solutions, revealing how these approaches can empower patients and enhance their quality of life. Additionally, she delves into the critical role of collaboration in addressing social determinants of health, emphasizing the need for healthcare organizations to break down silos and forge meaningful partnerships. Moreover, Arti touches upon the importance of patient advocacy and effective communication in navigating the healthcare system. She shares valuable lessons learned from her own experiences as a patient, underscoring the need for healthcare professionals to prioritize trust, engagement, and empathy in their interactions with patients. Tune in and learn how empathy and collaboration are transforming healthcare for the better. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Healthcare extends beyond mere policy, as it involves the collaboration of technology and business to enhance the well-being of patients. In this episode, Nadine Peeve, Market Access Director at Innsena, and Alexa Morse, Health  Strategy Manager at Accenture, shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and initiatives in healthcare technology, access, and patient care, emphasizing the need for progress and collaboration in addressing long standing issues. Host Christopher Kunney initiates the discussion by addressing the recurring issues in healthcare and the need for solutions. Nadine expresses frustration over the lack of progress despite advancements in technology, citing interoperability issues and regulatory barriers, particularly in the behavioral health space. Alexa acknowledges progress in technology like AI but highlights challenges such as infrastructure limitations and disparities in access and equity. They discuss the importance of meeting patients' needs, especially those with limited access, and the role of technology in bridging gaps. Alexa and Nadine discuss the role of older generations in healthcare and the potential for leveraging technology. The former credits previous generations for technological advancements while emphasizing the need to adapt healthcare delivery to meet modern expectations. The latter stresses the importance of inclusivity in healthcare access and the necessity of addressing social determinants of health. Lastly, Alexa and Nadine introduce their initiative, Bonne Fire ATL, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in the healthcare technology community with its diverse and inclusive events, fostering genuine friendships. They also express enthusiasm for expanding their efforts beyond casual gatherings to include curated experiences like dinners and panels to further engage the community and drive positive change in healthcare. So, buckle up and get ready to rethink healthcare solutions with firsthand accounts from those on the frontlines of change! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Startups face a daunting challenge: breaking into an industry entrenched in tradition and bureaucracy. In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Christopher Kunney interviews Taylor McPartland, CEO of ScaleHealth, about the complexities of introducing innovation into the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by startups. Taylor emphasizes the need for startups to grasp the intricacies of the healthcare industry and identify the appropriate stakeholders for effective engagement. He highlights the importance of startups clearly articulating the value proposition of their solutions while addressing the specific needs and concerns of healthcare decision-makers. He also underscores building relationships and trust, as both parties need to establish credibility within the healthcare community to foster successful collaborations. Addressing the reluctance toward adoption, the conversation emphasizes the necessity for startups to demonstrate the efficacy of their solutions and align them with the goals and incentives of healthcare organizations. Taylor explains how understanding the budgeting cycles and operational constraints of healthcare systems is paramount for gaining traction and successful integration of new technologies. He also brings up data and security as top concerns, with startups urged to prioritize compliance with regulations and implement robust security measures to instill trust among healthcare stakeholders. Throughout this interview, Taylor highlights efforts by ScaleHealth to de-risk startup solutions by providing assessments, matchmaking with healthcare organizations, and facilitating partnerships. By streamlining the process and mitigating uncertainty, ScaleHealth aims to bridge the gap between startups and healthcare entities, fostering innovation while ensuring patient safety and quality of care remain at the forefront. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of mutual understanding, trust-building, and strategic alignment to drive meaningful change within the healthcare industry. Get ready and listen to the untold story of a startup founder's journey through the maze of healthcare innovation, navigating pitfalls and seizing opportunities along the way! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Transitioning vendors into strategic partners is key for CIOs to maximize technology investments in healthcare. In this episode, Ricky Fletcher, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Luma Health, and Scott Raymond, Vice President and Chief Information and Innovation Officer at Nebraska Medicine, shed light on the pivotal role of hospital CIOs and their strategic partnerships with technology vendors. They both underscore the importance of transitioning vendors into strategic allies as a key move for CIOs to maximize technology investments in healthcare. Ricky Fletcher shares his experience in solving patient engagement challenges. He talks about the development of a product that enhances the end-user experience and reduces call volume. Scott Raymond stresses the significance of understanding healthcare nuances and investing in healthcare-specific solutions. He also provides a real-world example of overcoming clinical communication challenges through a strategic partnership. They both highlight that trust, communication, and shared success are essentials in a vendor-provider relationship.  The conversation culminates with best practices for CIOs and vendors, urging the development of clear technology roadmaps, prioritization of interoperability, investment in training programs, and vigilant monitoring of return on investment. Ricky and Scott both emphasize the symbiotic relationship required for successful collaboration, where trust, communication, and shared success become the cornerstones of enduring partnerships in the healthcare technology landscape. Tune in and learn how these healthcare leaders navigate challenges, build lasting partnerships, and maximize technology investments for better patient outcomes! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

As the world confronts the aftermath of COVID-19, it is crucial to destigmatize mental health, leverage technology, and foster empathy to ensure open dialogue and accessible care for all. In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Lindsay Demboski, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Integrated Psychiatric Consultants, talks about the profound impact COVID-19 had on mental health worldwide. She shares her connection to mental health challenges, drawing on experiences with postpartum anxiety and her commitment to supporting people, especially children. Lindsay underscores the challenges posed by the pandemic, including heightened uncertainty and anxiety, resulting in a surge in mental health issues globally. She emphasizes the need to comprehend the current state of mental health post-COVID-19, particularly as societies transition into what is considered the "new normal." The stigmatization of mental health is something that Lindsay considers key to target, as she sheds light on cultural and religious barriers that contribute to the reluctance to acknowledge mental health struggles and raise stigma. Throughout the conversation, she focuses on the importance of fostering open discussions, normalizing mental health conversations, and educating communities to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health issues. She advocates for recognizing mental health as a real illness, encouraging individuals to seek help, and fostering an environment of empathy and support.  Lindsay explores available treatment options and services, highlighting the significance of the 988 mental health crisis hotline. She provides insights into the role of technology, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine in improving access to mental health services. Lindsay also believes it is critically important for parents to be involved in understanding and addressing youth mental health, encouraging open communication, and emphasizing the need for kindness and support in the face of mental health challenges. Tune in and dive into the transformative role of technology, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine in revolutionizing mental healthcare accessibility! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

All organizations should foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within them. In this episode, experts Geoffrey Roche, Sweta Sneha, and Angelita Howard discuss the Supreme Court's recent affirmative action ruling and its profound impact on the healthcare talent pool, particularly within the healthcare technology industry.  Geoffrey Roche, Director of Workforce Development (North America) for Siemens Healthineers, underscores the critical need for organizations to persevere in recruiting diverse candidates. Despite potential challenges and questioning from state leaders, he urges companies to reflect on whether they aspire to be progressive workplaces of the future or cling to outdated practices. Geofrrey also encourages leaders to actively pave the way for a more inclusive and representative workforce. Sweta Sneha, Founder and Executive Director of Healthcare Management and Informatics at Kennesaw State University, believes that intentional efforts must be made to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a growing institution and a health tech program boasting almost equal representation of men and women, Sweta highlights the importance of fostering diversity in the classroom and maintaining a commitment to students from diverse backgrounds. Angelita Howard, Founding Dean for Online Programs and Extended Programs at the Morehouse School of Medicine, discusses her institution's response to the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing its purpose to rectify past and present discrimination. She explores the impact on historically black medical colleges and the potential increase in enrollment at institutions due to the absence of race considerations. Tune in and learn about the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling, its implications for healthcare technology, and the crucial role diversity plays in shaping a brighter future for the industry! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Ever wondered how to achieve a thriving career without sacrificing your health? In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, host Christopher Kunney welcomes Dr. Patricia Boulogne, a high-performance mastery mentor and coach who is the CEO and founder of Health Team Network, who talks about empowering success, mindset mastery, and superior wellness, focusing on the challenges faced by business leaders and entrepreneurs in their quest to achieve work-life balance. Dr. Boulogne shares her journey from initially resisting college to finding her passion in chiropractic, highlighting the significance of discipline and effective systems in her successful practice. She and Christopher discuss the need for self-care and the alignment of personal and professional goals, as they believe it is very important to prioritize well-being for enhanced productivity and creativity. Dr. Boulogne's book "Why... Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired?" underscores the necessity of understanding one's health and making informed lifestyle choices. She explains why everyone should have conscious dietary decisions and self-care practices, advocating for a deeper understanding of one's body. Throughout the conversation, she shares insights into stress management and maintaining a positive mental attitude, highlighting the power of belief, desire, and expectation. She offers advice on learning from mistakes, managing toxic individuals, and maintaining holistic well-being, and mental, physical, and emotional health.  In the upcoming book "Your Deck of Success," she will provide practical advice on how individuals can enhance their productivity, creativity, and overall life satisfaction by developing a resilient mindset. Amongst the featured collaborators, her chapter on high performance and success, titled the "Jack of Hearts." Overall, throughout this insightful interview, Dr. Boulogne and Cristopher underscore the importance of mindset mastery, self-awareness, and a comprehensive approach to wellness in leading a fulfilling and successful life in both personal and professional domains. Tune in and uncover the transformative strategies for achieving a resilient mindset and sustainable success in today's competitive business landscape!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Dive into the incredible journey of a man whose life took a profound turn after a devastating accident. His story is one of faith, resilience, advocacy, and the extraordinary possibilities of modern medicine. In the first episode of the third season of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Robert Chelsea, the first black man recipient of a full facial transplant, discusses the transformative journey that he found after having a severe car accident. Being a devout Christian from Los Angeles with a daughter, he shares how his life took a tragic turn in 2013 when a drunk driver's collision left him with severe burns over 60% of his body and face. Despite the challenges, Robert's faith and perspective played a vital role in his recovery, a beacon of hope and resilience. Throughout this conversation with Christopher Kunney, he highlights the transformative power of facial transplantation and its ability to restore identity and self-confidence in recipients. After describing the horrific accident and the subsequent coma, Robert reflects on his recovery and the support he received from dedicated medical professionals. He highlights the transformational aspect of his experience, emphasizing his deep faith and the belief that divine presence guided him throughout the journey. Rather than viewing his situation as tragic, Robert sees it as an opportunity for growth and spiritual insight. He shares how adapting to the physical and psychological changes became a unique perspective on life, fostering empathy and gratitude. Robert discusses the rigorous process of qualification for a face transplant, involving extensive evaluations and psychological tests. His surgery was performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, where he became the first black recipient and the oldest in the world to receive a full facial transplant. The conversation transitions into the challenges faced by both recipients and their families during this process and emphasizes Robert's advocacy efforts, particularly in schools, to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation. He stresses the importance of empathy and kindness in the world, encouraging people to help others without discrimination based on background or circumstances. Tune in to follow Robert Chelsea's journey and discover the emotional depth of this life-changing procedure! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Using generative AI in healthcare has opened the gates for exploring untapped potential and new challenges. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Kathy Dalton Ford, chief product and strategy officer at Ronin, discusses the transformative impact of generative AI within the healthcare sector with host Christopher Kunney. This tool is emerging as a powerful technology capable of reshaping disease diagnosis, treatment methodologies, and patient care. Throughout this conversation, Ms. Ford highlights how generative AI can empower clinicians by offering patient-specific insights at the point of care. She also believes these technologies can enable informed decision-making that enhances treatment efficacy.  At the heart of this episode, we find the notion of patient-centered healthcare. Generative AI, as a tool, equips clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of individual patient needs, preferences, and treatment objectives. Ms. Ford explains how by drawing insights from vast datasets, generative AI assists clinicians in formulating personalized treatment plans that align with patient goals, bridging the gap between medical expertise and patient aspirations. She emphasizes the need for data transparency, regulatory oversight, and responsible implementation to ensure that the potential benefits of generative AI are harnessed with minimal risks.  Kathy and Christopher also dive into broader challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry. Ms. Ford sheds light on the pressing issues of clinician shortages and patient health equity. She underscores the role of technology in addressing these challenges and optimizing healthcare delivery. Ms. Ford is also very certain that by collaborating across sectors and embracing AI's potential to provide real-time, patient-specific insights, stakeholders can collectively shape a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the critical role of clinicians in providing optimal patient care. Tune in to learn more about the promise of generative AI in patient-centered healthcare!  Kathy Dalton Ford is a transformative leader in healthcare, currently serving as the Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Ronin. With a 30-year career driving strategic business development in Global Healthcare IT and Medical Device sectors, Kathy's expertise spans leadership, scaling, and solution commercialization. At Ronin, Kathy spearheads AI-driven solutions for efficient cancer treatment decisions, merging data and context at the point of care. She's a visionary strategist, ensuring market-leading solutions that enhance global health. Kathy's impact is felt beyond Ronin; she advises on the Health Foundation C-suite program, mentors healthcare leaders, and co-founded Jellyfish Health, revolutionizing patient flow logistics. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition, including Becker's Hospital Review's "Women in Health IT to Know" in 2019, 2022, and 2023, cementing her legacy as a pioneering healthcare influencer. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Collaboration and partnership are required characteristics to drive innovation in Healthcare IT.  In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, we feature Stephen Konya, Senior Advisor to the Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT and Innovation Portfolio Lead at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who talks about the impact of the federal government on healthcare transformation. Stephen shares insights into his career journey, highlighting his experience in the Marine Corps and various roles within state government agencies, and discusses the evolution of the ONC and its role as a collaborator in advancing health technology programs.  Stephen emphasizes the ONC's focus on driving innovation, supporting the healthcare technology workforce, and fostering a national innovation ecosystem through initiatives like the Together.Health Collaborative, which is aimed at fostering collaboration and support for healthcare innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates. He discusses the impact of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act as a pivotal moment in supporting emerging technologies like telehealth and artificial intelligence in healthcare. The ONC aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, addressing challenges related to interoperability, responsible use, and governance of healthcare technologies. Stephen explains how ONC also promotes collaboration, sharing best practices, and coordinating efforts with federal agencies and international partners.  The ONC considers diverse stakeholders involved in the innovation community, including startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations. They care deeply about collaborating with the innovation community, providing access to programs, promoting policies, and addressing challenges in health IT adoption. He shares valuable information about some of the ONC’s initiatives, such as the public health informatics training program and efforts to address challenges and opportunities in healthcare technology, and encourages listeners to engage. Tune in to learn about the ONC’s initiatives’ impact on advancing transformation with health technology programs! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Patient advocacy is a powerful way to navigate the healthcare maze. In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, we feature Pegasystems’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kikelomo “Dayo” Oshunkentan, who talks about the power of patient advocacy and navigating complex healthcare systems. She stresses the importance of patient advocacy, especially for individuals dealing with serious illnesses or injuries. Patient advocacy involves promoting and protecting patients' rights to receive the best care possible. Dr. Dayo explains how patients can actively participate in their healthcare decisions by becoming their own advocates, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed. Dr. Dayo and Christopher delve into the patient advocate role in effectively communicating their concerns and well-being to healthcare providers. She defines a patient advocate as someone with medical knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system, allowing them to navigate it and effectively convey patients' needs. They both highlight the importance of effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for patients to be knowledgeable and empowered. Dr. Dayo and Christopher also discuss seeking second opinions, understanding patient rights, and utilizing technology for better access to care. Patients must be aware of their worth and right to receive quality care. Therefore, the conversation touches on patients' rights and the importance of self-advocacy. They also address the challenges of limited physician capacity for in-depth conversations and suggest using emerging technologies to summarize patients' diverse information creating more effective communication with providers. Finally, they recognize the efforts of patient advocates and the importance of maintaining records and voicing concerns, escalating them when necessary to ensure appropriate care. Tune in to learn more about patient advocacy and how to approach it effectively! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Clinical trials can be a ticket to better healthcare, so breaking the barriers that limit People of Color to participate is essential. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Jayne Morgan, executive director of Health and Community Education at Piedmont Healthcare Corporation, has a chat with Christopher Kunney about the current lack of minority participation in clinical trials and how to overcome the obstacles that directly impact it. Diverse populations have a mistrust towards the healthcare systems as a result of multiple care disparities and events like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Hence, how physicians approach these patients and build trust with them is incredibly important when offering research opportunities. Amongst the many effects of COVID-19, there was an increase in confidence in health providers and participation of communities of Color in clinical trials, but the challenge lies in maintaining the momentum now that the public health emergency has ended. Having established the gravity of the problem, Christopher and Jayne discuss ways to ensure equitable access to research in healthcare. Trial diversity will ensure treatment applicability for a broader range of people instead of a population predominantly composed of white men or other majority groups. Jayne explains how clinical trials offer access to tomorrow’s medications and treatments. Being able to participate in a trial means having access to maximum therapy quality and attention, and in cancer trials, participation has led to increased remission rates. For her, representation is a crucial step toward rebuilding trust and moving beyond exploitation toward health equity. One of the very first things to accomplish to encourage participation from People of Color is to involve physicians who have a cultural congruence and trusting relationship with the community in leadership roles within clinical trials, and it needs to happen at all levels of research to establish cultural understanding and trust when interacting with patients. Even though community involvement through leaders, churches, and civic organizations can have impactful results, direct dialogue with physicians will ultimately open the first gates to clinical trials for diverse people. This is why Jayne encourages listeners to find providers who communicate effectively and engage in conversations with the healthcare system to understand and learn the necessary information firsthand. Tune in and learn more about the importance of diversity in research and how to open the gates of this space for everyone, regardless of their profile or background! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

Patients can take the wheel of their health, thanks to social media. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Grace Cordovano, founder of Enlightening Results, and Grace Vinton, patient advocate, talk about social media as a powerful medium to access medical information, connect providers with their patients, and amplify the patients’ voices. On Grace Vinton’s podcast, HIT Like a Girl, women share patient stories, discuss how to include patient and caregiver voices in innovation processes, and amplify women's work in the healthcare industry to make a positive impact. At Enlightening Results, Dr. Grace Codovano works to decrease the patient administrative burden caused by all the tasks and bureaucratic steps they or their caregivers must take in the care delivery process. She also teaches patients how to turn that access to care into power with AI tools to help them hack healthcare in their favor. Both Graces found a passion in patient advocacy after they went through misdiagnoses, where information was vital for them to find the correct path, as opposed to their initial recommendations. In today’s world, information about medical conditions, treatments, and medications are readily available online. Social media not only acts as an open-access information hub but as a space where patients and providers can connect regarding health issues and basic inquiries, and patients and caregivers can speak up about their journeys and learn from others’ experiences. Culturally, it was uncommon for a patient to come into the office with previous information or even question what a doctor said. Nowadays, that shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign of disrespect but more as an approach where the patient and provider have shared accountability. Many patients and caregivers have become very literate about their medical issues, especially those that have navigated the rare disease world for years. With so much misinformation online, one way to help patients, who will inevitably try to look up information about their health, is to create a sheet or list with all the trusted sites and sources for them, making the content fun and understandable. Many patients don’t have access to the same information as professionals, so doing this would prevent them from entering the fake information rabbit hole. Patients and caregivers are powerful drivers in healthcare, and including them will only benefit innovation and the system as a whole.  Tune in and learn more about the power of social media for the future of healthcare! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

People living in rural areas deserve a better healthcare experience. In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Chris sits down at the ViVe 2023 conference to talk with Michael Hasselberg, Chief Digital Health Officer at the University of Rochester Medical Center, about the impact of the current economic conditions on rural healthcare and how advancing technology, services, and policies can help these communities. Michael shares his journey from finding an interest in geriatric psychology to developing telemedicine infrastructure in the state of New York.  It was during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic that Michael really noticed the health disparities that rural communities face day to day, like transportation barriers, lack of health insurance, and limited availability to healthcare professionals, most of which link to having very low incomes. When everybody was forced to adapt to digital modalities, people in these communities engaged more through audio-only visits than those with video as they couldn’t afford Internet access in their homes, having only cellular data plans available to them. Additionally, healthcare providers, generalists, and specialists are not drawn or motivated to set up shop in these rural communities, which is why Michael is set to develop creative solutions to increase their access. Some ways he achieves this include technology innovations like text-based approaches and mobile app solutions or seeking new care sites like libraries, barber shops, retail stores, and community centers, common places to meet the population where they’re at. Rural communities also have patients dealing with chronic diseases that require management and care. For them, telehealth, patient monitoring, and virtual care technologies are important, but there are ways to innovate while taking their social conditions into account. In their case, one of the best resources available is their voice, so patient-reported tools are very valuable in their care. Michael believes collecting these PROs can help health systems and plans better understand these patients from their perspective, increasing their engagement. Listen to learn more about the innovative solutions that close the health gap rural communities face!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

The gaps in health equity can inform where there’s a need for digital health technologies. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Chris interviews Tanisha D. Hill, Respiratory and Digital Health Medical Lead at Teva Pharmaceuticals, Senior US Medical Director, and Founder and President of the Digital Health for Equitable Health Alliance. At Teva, she has been at the forefront of the launch and FDA approval of what might be the first digital inhalers for asthma, an issue that, just like allergies, affects People of Color severely. In the midst of 2020’s COVID-19 peak of the pandemic and Atlanta’s disruption triggered by George Floyd’s murder, Tanisha felt inspired to do something that would positively impact her community; hence, she created the Digital Health for Equitable Health Alliance. This nonprofit membership organization brings together community-based medical institutions and organizations for the benefit of health equity through digital health. At DHEH, Tanisha seeks to make a difference in the representation of People of Color within the healthcare industry. The DHEH governance wants People of Color to make decisions regarding what happens within the organization. In terms of action, the DHEH focuses on advocating for policies that will close the gap in health equity. With the help of a team of attorneys, they scan policies that impact care delivery and are open for public comment, where they can give their input as experts in the intersection of health equity and digital health. The DHEH has grown significantly quickly and has already submitted several comments about public policies. The subjects they have given their opinion on so far are clinical trial diversity, the Pandemics Act, and the healthcare workforce. Regarding the latter, they believe digital health technologies not only support patients but also practicing providers and are tools that may help with the upcoming physician shortage. They’re working for more POC representation within the clinical workforce, which will also drive equitable treatment. Tune in to learn more about the work the Digital Health for Equitable Health Alliance does for underserved communities from a policy perspective! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

In how many jobs can you say data saved a life? Research and analytics in healthcare are starting to catch up on the vast amount of available or unused data. Before Black History Month ends, Straight Out of Health IT had to have this conversation around the challenges and triumphs of African American CIOs. Christopher wants to highlight the living legends in this industry with special guests Cletis Earle, Yuri Campbell, and Chani Cordero. With very different backgrounds, our guests ended up working in healthcare IT and as they mention during the episode, Black CIOs can be counted with hands and toes. Black CIOs are the most underrepresented community across all industries, and these spectacular guests share their thoughts on why it is important to diversify these leadership positions. Specifically for healthcare, the more diversity, the better outcomes that can be delivered. The need for more diversity responds to one thought: communities are diverse. Leadership positions should truly reflect the communities they serve. Some of the barriers that BIPOC CIOs face daily are unconscious bias and racism, and each of them shares a particular challenge. From learning to connect with other people, to educational access, and the historic racism Black people have suffered, they are still affecting them in one way or another. They also touch upon mentoring and coaching African American CIOs in the healthcare industry. Tune in to this episode with the most amazing guests discussing African American CIOs in today’s world! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

In how many jobs can you say data saved a life? Research and analytics in healthcare are starting to catch up on the vast amount of available or unused data. There’s also the development of strategies and technologies to gather data from their patients’ EHRs and import external information that could fill in blanks in their social determinants of health. In this episode of Straight Outta Health IT, Rachini Moosavi, Vice President of Enterprise Analytics at UNC Health, talks about the value of health and environmental data and how their insights can drive transformation in healthcare for better outcomes. Christopher brings to the table the issue of access to quality care, another challenge related to social determinants of health for many patients. He reads an excerpt from a Wellesley Institute document on how healthcare institutions must build health equity throughout care planning, delivery, and investment that specifically address disadvantaged populations or key access barriers. Rachini mentions the importance of equity and inclusion groups to ensure that the processes, technology, and people working in a health system are doing their best for every patient. She also believes it is vital for the medical workforce to be representative of the communities it serves. Rachini explains how at UNC Health, data is gathered with an understanding of social determinants of health and how acknowledging them can positively impact outcomes. Its leaders believe in the power of data, enabling its research community with it. They are interested in ensuring that all their entities are supported and that the people and processes in their workforce have the required information to be successful. She speaks of the implementation of UNC Health’s EHR and the construction of a robust data warehouse that allows them to do better research. After COVID, she also realized how sharing data dashboards across health systems can help data-driven leaders to do more. Rachini began her career interested in the clinical side of healthcare, but after some time, she found a home in healthcare data and analytics. She shares how, for her, a career is a journey with twists, turns, and several stops where one finds their passion. Tune in to this episode and be open to receiving significant healthcare data and analytics lessons from Rachini! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support