Straight Outta Health IT

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 

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!

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!

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!

We need to talk about the state of pediatric care in America. Unfortunately, the quality of care has decreased in recent years since more and more hospitals have decided to increase their adult care units, leaving little to no room for growth in pediatrics. In this episode of Straight Outta Health IT, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Alana Arnold, a leader in pediatric emergency medicine and a physician in this area.

Dr. Arnold first got in love with pediatrics thanks to the kids’ honesty and humor. This taught her that providing high-quality care for children could change their lives forever. Mixing this with the thrill of the ER environment and the plethora of procedures that could be done ignited a passion in Alana’s professional life. Children who don’t get proper care are transferred outside the system, resulting in increased costs and delays. It was under these premises that Alana started Premier Pediatric Solutions, her consulting business.

Mental health has also been a crisis item to be addressed when it comes to pediatric medicine. In mental and physical health, there aren’t enough tools and doctors to deliver proper care to children, and hospitals are being stretched thin. Alana mentions some solutions that could help bring people into pediatric care, recognizing that training and low income at the beginning are possibly two reasons that are not appealing for many. She also highlights how delivering good care could start by increasing the pediatric focus for ER residents.

Pediatric care is also affected by the inequities in social determinants of health. Dr. Arnold gives specific examples of how the Black kids community has a higher death rate from mistreated asthma than their white counterparts. The inequities among communities are a threat to the pediatric ward; this is only a micro example of what’s happening at the macro level of healthcare. She also walks us through the preventable components that could potentially decrease the death rate among BIPOC communities regarding pediatric care.

Advocacy is a really great discussion topic, especially among the BIPOC community, in which, in many cases, they are dismissed. Alana shares some tips on advocacy, establishing that it’s the physician’s job to explain what is going on to every patient. Dr. Alana also shares the technology she is developing in her consulting work that’s helping some ED/ERs to increase their revenue sevenfold.

Tune in to this beautiful episode about pediatric care, and do not doubt to reach out to Dr. Alana if you have any questions!

We're honored to have on this week's episode of "Straight Outta Health IT" the dynamic and unconventional Dr. Kameron Matthews, MD.   This amazing clinician has dedicated her life's mission to the equitable delivery of healthcare and the adoption of health policies impacting underserved communities. 

Dr. Kameron Leigh Matthews is the Chief Health Officer of Cityblock Health, a transformative, value-based healthcare provider integrating medical, behavioral, and social services for Medicaid and dually eligible and low-income Medicare beneficiaries. A board-certified Family Physician, Dr. Matthews has focused her career on underserved and vulnerable communities, having held multiple leadership roles in correctional medicine, federally qualified health centers, and managed care. Most recently at the Veterans Health Administration, she led transformational efforts focused on integrated, Veteran-centered models of care including the implementation of the MISSION Act of 2018 and the EHR modernization effort. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. In addition to other non-profit and advisory board positions, she serves as the Vice-Chair of the board of directors of the National Quality Forum. As a passion outside of work, she co-founded and co-direct the Tour for Diversity in Medicine, an initiative seeking to bring premedical enrichment activities to underrepresented minority high school and undergraduate students across the country.

In this episode, she shares her journey into healthcare advocacy after taking a detour from med school to earn a law degree which sparked her passion for helping underserved communities. Social determinants of health like zip code, education, and income really do affect access to care. Dr. Kameron reflects on how she started working at Federally Qualified Health Centers and for her, being a physician of color absolutely made the difference.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords according to Dr. Mathews.    A diverse healthcare workforce can directly impact the quality of care and the equitable treatment of patients of color.   

Her passion now is leading CityBlock Health.  Their mission is to create safe and supportive environments for the delivery of holistic care to our most vulnerable and marginalized citizens.   

Tune into this thought-provoking conversation and feel free to share your thoughts on this topic!

Today, we’re taking another point of view on healthcare, and that is through the lens of the Student Loan Forgiveness Program the US government has deployed. We are honored to have Emeka Oguh on Straight Outta Health IT for this episode. Emeka is the Founder and CEO of People Joy, a company that partners with employers to manage student debt and relief strategies at the intersection of gender, racial and wealth gaps.

Student Loan debt is hard to navigate; that’s why Emeka founded People Joy to help others deal with this excruciating topic. He also shares insights on why paying these loans is a challenge for graduates today. The White House, under President Biden’s administration, has extended the payment deadlines a couple of times now since March 2020, with the latest moratorium being December 31st, 2022.

The big deal with the student loan forgiveness programs is not only understanding them but knowing they are out there for you to take advantage of. For workers that have been at a not-for-profit for at least 10 years and are eligible for the PSL program, their debts can be forgiven; they just need to be clear if they are eligible. Emeka also explains the differences between loan forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge, stating that there are several different loan forgiveness programs according to the place you work for.

Employees will always look up to their employers for financial solutions regarding wellness. This is one thing that People Joy helps organizations do: share different ways to offer financial wellness to their employees. He also touches upon the gender wealth gap in the United States and how women are staying longer in schools and getting more advanced degrees but not getting equal pay.

Learning about the student loan forgiveness programs is like doing your taxes: you can do them on your own if you want to, but it’s always better when you have company and guidance. There are resources and help out there that can guide you, so take them, use them, and learn about them! Tune in to this incredible episode!

Health plans are now driving technology disruption in healthcare, that is a fact that we need to take into account when moving into conversations about health topics. In this episode of Straight Outta Health IT, Unmesh Srivastava, another incredible thought leader in our field, shares his valuable two cents as having worked on the value-based care and tech-enablement of care delivery field for quite a while.

The road to a better customer experience in healthcare has been led by providers, the general population, and physicians demanding change, specifically, a new technology adoption. Other industries are adopting healthcare by the minute, but the problem with healthcare lies in compliance and the regulatory issues that come with our field. Even though the system has been built to ease administrative operations, the trend is now towards the customer and their experience.

Unmesh shares how the company he’s working with, Clever Care Health Plan, is championing the preventative aspect of medicine for folks that cannot access proper care due to language and cultural barriers and disparities. America, as the diverse nation that it is, has cultural and language barriers that affect people when it comes to healthcare access. The population from the Eastern part of the world has a more preventative approach to health, while America is accustomed to being reactive all the time.

Yet there are disparities in the approaches to healthcare, Unmesh brings to light how they are converging and the Western and Eastern medicines are getting closer by the minute. This merger will substantially help patients get a holistic approach to healthcare experiences.

The conversation then pivots to AI and Machine Learning improving care delivery models. Unmesh details that it all comes down to data and how it’s being used, classified and administered. He also goes deep into the provider relationship, price transparency, and the future of technology in healthcare.

Tune in to this incredible episode about technology adoption, health plans, and the future of care!

The opioid epidemic is something tangible that is affecting many populations and taking away a significant number of lives. On today’s episode of Straight Outta Health IT, we are honored to have two industry experts, Amar Setty and Bryan Marascalchi, talking about the opioid epidemic and what we can do to improve these drugs when used in pain management treatments.

The opioid epidemic has had several waves, starting in the late nineties and all through today. Many of these drugs are prescribed to patients and used during pain management, but more and more can be found developed illegally in the black market such as fentanyl. Dr. Amar Setty starts the conversation by laying the ground about why the prescribed opioid epidemic happened and stating that the opioid crisis is linked to chronic pain management, but is not the same. As Dr. Setty explains, proper pain management of an injury may prevent chronic pain, making it manageable, with solutions like his company Patient Premier. Addiction is usually a cause of improper pain management treatments. When patients get their medications off the street instead of under the guidance of a physician, they will tend to develop an addiction. This is what usually happens to vulnerable, poor, or racially-biased populations.

Then, Dr. Bryan Marascalchi shares a little bit of his journey in anesthesia and pain medicine and then dives deep into how communities and organizations can address the social determinants of health around the opioid epidemic. Together, Dr. Marascalchi and Dr. Setty talk about the mental health factor around the abuse of opioids, restating that if patients stick to the regime their physician has provided, they will be safe.

Patient Premier started as the link between technology and the several ways to improve the opioid addiction epidemic. Even though we believe pain is ultimately subjective, there are several ways to have metrics and analyze it. Through data analysis, Patient Premier is helping insurance companies and payers find the best ways to pay for the treatments and medications patients require. Both co-founders share their thoughts on the future of data and technology leveraging in the pain management space, stating their improvements, challenges, and expectations.

Tune in to this incredible episode about a well-misunderstood topic that everyone in the space needs to be aware of.

Joe Drygas is not only one of our industry’s most renowned leaders, covering telecommunications and technologies associated with virtual care but he is also a great friend of ours and he is here today on this episode of Straight Outta Health IT! Under Joe's leadership, AT&T healthcare provides solutions customized for healthcare systems, including the largest healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, payers, and life sciences companies worldwide.

Joe’s passion for healthcare, innovation, and helping people gets him out of bed daily. In today’s world, it’s very rare seeing someone stay in the same company for more than a couple of years; in Joe’s case, he’s been with AT&T for 21 years. He reflects on how his work, duties, challenges, leadership team, and more changed over the years but his passion and mission have stayed the same.

Boiled to a couple of words, AT&T is in healthcare to provide secure connectivity, even though they work in the background of it all. Joe explains how AT&T works with different actors in the space and he deeply reflects on addressing the social determinants of health for some populations that don’t have reliable access to the internet. AT&T has partnered with the American government to increase access by creating affordable plans that take broadband internet to underserved and rural communities. Access, as Joe explains, is every day getting cheaper, more secure, better, and faster.

But to understand how to deliver better care to patients, one must take into account not only the social determinants of health but the political determinants of health. AT&T also has a couple of initiatives that Joe shares and he stresses how expensive it is to run a telecommunications business. He then talks about the security aspect of it all, saying that they test their connectivity not only to be fast and reliable but secure.  They also end the conversation by discussing AT&T’s positioning within other companies as their trusted advisor, customer experience, AI, robotics, and what the future holds!

Make sure to tune in to this incredible conversation about telecommunications and healthcare!

Danielle is a terrific mentor, leader, and educator, initially inspired by her mother - an unofficial nurse - that took care of people through a premise of love. Even though pursuing medicine crossed her mind, Danielle wanted to take care of people immediately. This took her down the nursing path as a profession. She recalls when her track coach propelled her to space after being brought down by her guidance counselor. It was at that moment that Danielle understood that it didn’t matter where she came from, her background, or the money in the bank account, she could take the world by storm.

She then goes deep into her experience in the nursing profession, sharing how it has changed over the years, and her thoughts on the great exodus occurring right now in the field. She recognizes that keeping people motivated to enter or stay in nursing is a multifactorial issue. Employers today need to consider payment, education, and how institutions can give professionals a good environment to thrive.

DNPs of Color is Danielle’s passion and purpose, and she reflects deeply on how she started the organization, its mission, and where they are right now. Finding people that look like you, and have a similar if not the same background, is hard for people of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community, that’s why Danielle started DNPs of Color. The nonprofit has three pillars: networking, mentorship, and advocacy, and Danielle shares how these are key to success within the community.

Every profession has a good, bad, and ugly part to it, but Danielle explains why nursing is beautiful and fulfilling. She also talks about entering the nursing world, how it needs to be important to consider the future you want to have, and then working backwards from that point.

Tune in to this wonderful story of never giving up and pushing boundaries!

Mary Branch has gone through high highs and low lows. Growing up in a town where everybody cared for each other and where race and color didn’t matter was decisive in how she would lead her life and her healthcare career. Ultimately, we are all part of the same community, so we must care for each other. Mary reflects on her education and the impact of social constructs in the United States.

Life can be messy sometimes, but when one sets expectations that can truly be achieved, it will get easier.

Tune in to this wonderful episode with Dr. Mary Branch about her life, the highs, lows, and trying times that have led her to live a successful life.

Denise Silber’s experience and trajectory in this industry are absolutely breathtaking. As one of the most sought-after thought leaders in the VR in healthcare space, she is here on the Straight Outta Health IT Podcast to talk about what she does and give advice to people that want to go down the VR path. Her goal has always been to find what is best for physicians and patients through the use of technology, specifically new ones.

The purpose of VR is to immerse the person into a virtual situation that is so real, making them forget they are using a headset. Through the use of advanced 3D technology and graphics, the user is believing they are in a different scenario while they can be in their office or in their living room. Denise also shares how these technologies have been used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prices of headsets have come to a point in which they are more affordable and accessible, and here comes the link between the social determinants of health and technology. Denise reflects on the concept of embodied empathy and how adding a layer to reality through augmented reality could potentially help surgeons. Challenges like adoption, onboarding, and usage always come this the implementation of new technologies in any industry, but specifically in healthcare, there’s a lot more to deal with.

Denise has had a beautiful journey in this industry, and she offers great advice for young women that want to follow in her footprints. The conversation around women in these professions will change in the future due to the new generation’s mindset of not doing things as their parents did and using technology that is currently available for them.

Tune in to this terrific episode with a powerful woman that is pushing the industry to new limits!

Women Leaders & Influencers in Healthcare.

Amy Brown has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, working in healthcare, public relations, startup management, policy development, quality improvement, and insurance operations. She came by Straight Outta Health IT to share her knowledge not only as a health tech leader but as a businesswoman at the forefront of advancements in our industry. She recalls her work in the government and how she took a leap of faith in her entrepreneurial endeavors.

She also reflects on being a woman working in Corporate America and how she climbed that ladder to finally get to the C-Suite positions. Amy shares a story in which, in a meeting, a comment was made implying that women were extremely emotional and they all had to take a break. Having emotions during a conversation is not about being male or female; it’s part of being a human being.

Amy then explains her goals with Authenticx, not only internal but external as well. From creating a place where her employees can be their truest selves to helping their clients understand the needs of customers out there. The US healthcare system is broken comparing it to other wealthy countries that have a similar system, and Amy shares the results of a study made by the Commonwealth fund.

To really drive improved health outcomes, you have to understand not just the clinical data. We also must understand the social and environmental aspects of human lives because those impact behaviors associated with healthcare. Amy shares that once the industry leaders acknowledge these factors, the industry will start to be better at delivering care. She also encourages people that have had the entrepreneurial call within themselves to trust that voice and take the leap of faith.

Tune in to this wonderful episode with a powerful woman that is driving the industry forward!

Women Leaders & Influencers in Healthcare.

Myriam Zahedi is the first-ever Millennial to be on the Straight Outta Health IT Podcast! With an extensive background in app development in the digital healthcare landscape, Myriam is transforming the lives of thousands, if not millions, of people worldwide. Early in her career, she discovered the human-centered element in design, and she just fell in love. She explains what this concept means and how it has guided her work.

She shares what she is doing at Apple and how they enrich people’s lives by developing apps that genuinely care for their needs and desires. Gamification plays a significant role in today’s app development since most users want to get some sort of recognition. Myriam reflects on how this term is being used and how it is affecting the way she is approaching her work in the health and wellness sector.

One of the biggest challenges Myriam has faced in her career as an app developer in the health sector has been data privacy. The general public wants to have enough confidence in any company to give them their data. Another challenge in this industry has been that it’s been absolutely male-managed. Myriam shares her experience bringing another point of view to create significantly cross-functionality apps for all kinds of people.

Tune in to this conversation about putting the humans first in everything you do, and how transferable skills can be used even when you are pivoting industries!

Today we come with great news!

First and foremost, we want to thank you for your constant support of our podcast. It has been an incredible experience for us to share what leaders out there are doing in Healthcare IT.

We have a great announcement to make! Women play a vital role in healthcare, so as Season 1 is coming to a close, we will dedicate our last 6 episodes to a special series titled: Women Leaders and Influencers in Healthcare. Starting August 30th, we will be publishing episodes weekly, to highlight the accomplishments and terrific work of different women across the globe.

Stay tuned for much more content!

Being a disruptor in healthcare and the health tech field isn’t easy, but today’s guest will tell you how he’s done it. We are pleased to feature Dr. Jefferey Cohen, a prominent name in the industry, entrepreneur, physician, private practice owner, and innovator. He shares his beginnings in medicine, recalling how his father and a nun plotted for him not to be into medicine but catapulted Jeff’s passion for it.

Dr. Cohen shares his meaning of “health” and its difference from healthcare. He also touches upon how the business of healthcare should be in the near future, establishing the change from a fee-for-service system to a value-based model. Innovation and technology have played an important role in Dr. Cohen’s career, hence the more than 30 patents in which his name is included. He dives deep into his relationship with technology, saying that it is driven by a curiosity about always doing things better.

After that, Dr. Cohen shares his work with Suburban General and the Alpha Lab Health flagship program from Allegheny Health Network. His team is now finding ways to repurpose an old healthcare facility to help the community. Dr. Cohen then goes deeper into the social determinants of health and how these affect the community and their access to quality care. There is a trust issue between low-income patients and the medical providers that must be addressed immediately, as Dr. Cohen highlights.

Through the accelerator and Alpha Lab Health, they are bringing in kids to show them a different world through coding classes, allowing them to check out how to make a difference out there. Once a problem is defined, there are a lot of smart people that will engage with it and solve it.

People do not embrace change so willingly, but for change to happen, there needs to be a strong voice that calls out every aspect of the industry. Dr. Cohen shares his thoughts on the changes that may come up in the future for the healthcare industry. Tune in to this conversation about change in our industry and how an accelerator can propel new ideas to improve people’s lives.

The American healthcare system is broken, but what can we do to improve it? Today’s episode of Straight Outta Health IT features an incredible doctor, writer, and influencer that worked with The Permanente Medical Group until 2017, where he was responsible for the Kaiser Permanente members on both coasts of the US: the incredible Dr. Robert Pearl, MD.

Dr. Pearl, shares how he got into medicine, thinking it was far away from politics, but little did he know at the young age of 17 that politics are intrinsically involved in medicine. Since then, he started to understand the political determinants of health to the point that he has written various books on the subject. He acknowledges that the American healthcare system is broken, from infrastructure to technology, and it’s the same system and way of working as it was 150 years ago.

He shares his thoughts on what American medicine needs to do to have more holistic care, starting with changing the system from a fee-for-care system to a prepaid-type basis. He also cannot stress enough the importance of teamwork and collaboration in medicine.

This is when Kaiser Permanente enters the game, and Dr. Pearl explains his experience at Permanente, the delivery branch of the company. Kaiser was one of the first organizations to truly embrace and adopt the use of technology, which lowered their mortality rates and increased customer satisfaction.

Robert also goes deep into medical education today and how physicians today can pave the way for future doctors. There is strong cultural baggage to healthcare, and Robert reflects on the impact this has on the delivery of care, specifically on the racial disparities that this country has. Robert leaves with 3 thoughts, one for doctors, one for patients, and one for listeners.

Tune in to this episode for a heartfelt and deeply emotional conversation about our industry.

Let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly about Social Determinants of Health. The United States healthcare ecosystem continues to struggle with providing affordable, equitable access to preventative and episodic care.  This week’s guest is John Matthew Douglas, CEO of SDoH&E Gold Standard Collaborative, Founder and CEO of iPressForward, LLC  and The Lonely Entrepreneur (TLE) offers his perspective on the subject.   As a SDoH advocate, John facilitates the collaboration and communication of information geared closing the gaps in the social determinants of health and education. In this episode, he offers perspective on the struggles our US healthcare system has in addressing health disparities, inequities, its economic impact and how education can be a way to start shifting this paradigm.

John Matthew also explains how, right now, we are being reactive to the conditions in the space instead of being proactive to change the characteristics of our system. He cannot stress enough the amount of money the system would save if there were more programs that address the root causes contributing to SDoH&E.

Finally, he reflects on the inequities in clinical studies with regards to race and gender.

We are honored to have JohnMatthew share his thoughts on this episode of Straight Outta Health IT, so please tune in!

Ever wondered what’s a typical day in the life like serving the primary healthcare providers for the President and Vice-President of the United States, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic?  Well on this week’s episode of “Straight Outta Health IT”, we feature a man who has and can offer us a first had account and much more!  As a member of the His White House Medical Unit Medical Office from 2019 to 2022, Bernard Toney, Jr. provided primary care and contingency planning for the Office of the President, Vice President, and First Lady.

Bernard is a military veteran whose passion for healthcare was ignited after he tragically lost his best friend in a drive by shooting as a teenager in Stone Mountain, GA.  This violent episode completely changed his life and put him on a path that ultimately lead him to serve as a healthcare provider in The White House.  In this episode, Bernard reflects on his experience as a member of the White House medical staff during one of the worst care crisis in a century.   He goes on to validate how this diverse team of healthcare professionals met responded to the unique challenges of providing high-quality healthcare care to our nation’s leaders.

We also asked Bernard what’s life is like after serving as a White House staffer?  Specifically, his new role as a member of the National Institute of Health and his focus on vascular research.  Finally, we explore his passion and efforts to address the impact of health equity and disparity issues across the globe.

Tune in to enjoy this fascinating conversation on the state of the US health system, democracy, diversity, and inclusion.  You don’t wanna miss this episode!

We discuss this week on “Straight Outta Health IT” the challenges and opportunities impacting the delivery of health in rural communities.

Our guest this week is an expert on how technology is transforming rural healthcare.  He’s a true innovator and thought leader and has lead his organization in the highest adoption of technology that supports healthcare delivery process.  We’re excited to welcome Michael Archuleta to our show! Michael shares his life journey coming from a difficult upbring in the inner city to the sacrifices made by his mother to migrate his family to rural Colorado.   This transition to rural Colorado is where he found his passion for learning and technology.   We further explore Michael’s perspective and insights on rural health including technology adoption and digital transformation taking place at his healthcare organization.   As a product of a rural Georgia our host Christopher, finds similarities in how healthcare was delivered pre-EHR in the roots of his own hometown.   Michael also points out in this episode that Health IT is a journey, not a destination and the adoption new tools can be a challenge for many healthcare providers. Especially those in rural settings.

Finally, Michael offers practical strategies for transforming your IT department from a cost center to a revenue generating part of the business.

Tune in and enjoy a great conversation with one of our industry’s most prominent innovation leaders!

How do we get more people of color to be healthcare leaders and providers?

In this episode of Straight Outta Health IT, we have the honor to share our time with Dr. Angelita Howard, the Assistant Dean for Online Education and Expanded Programs and Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine. Angelita reflects on the importance of early exposure to role models and education different than what kids are getting right now. Also, health informatics plays a vital part in the level of care, and how we can increase student participation of all races and backgrounds.

Angelita cannot stress enough the cruciality of increasing diversity from the educational settings to the highest roles in the healthcare industry.

It’s time to talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, specifically in healthcare.

Today’s episode features an incredible man who has worked in this field for quite some time, Geoffrey Roche! He reckons that when new solutions in healthcare are built, it always goes back to how it meets the needs of a diverse community in the United States and globally. Since the pandemic started and with the rise of social movements, a large population has woken up around DEI topics, not only in healthcare. Diversity, equity, and inclusion discussions are having a cultural transformation within healthcare, and there is no doubt about that. This conversation is difficult in any setting, but having them is a step forward.

Geoffrey is proud to have used his white privilege to get into good trouble, so tune in to listen to what he’s done in DEI.

Welcome to the first episode of Straight Outta Health IT, in which we feature a great friend of ours, Ed Marx!

As we start our discussion with the evolving role of the CIO in healthcare, Ed shares how he got into healthcare and recalls his second daughter’s birth. Ed’s experience in the industry is parallel to every other CIO’s journey. The times and the technologies have surely changed from one year to another, challenging clinicians to endorse them quicker. This has also happened to the role where the news Chief Digital Officer has taken ground and shifted the perspective inside companies. Christopher and Ed close this episode by talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, the power other people can bring to a team, and patient advocacy.

Technology and diversity had to earn their way into healthcare, and what a great way to understand that than by listening to this episode!

We are incredibly happy to announce that Straight Outta Health IT is coming sooner than you think!