Straight Outta Health IT

Addressing the complex challenges within Medicaid and Medicare requires a holistic approach focused on data-driven solutions, workforce diversity, and an integrated system of care that prioritizes individual needs and promotes health equity.  In this episode, Ashley Gray, Vice President at Sirona Strategies, discusses the future of Medicaid, Medicare, and other government healthcare programs. She explores the sustainability of Medicaid, given rising healthcare costs and an aging population, emphasizing the need for increased support for home and community-based services.  Ashley talks about the complexities faced by dual eligibles and advocates for value-based payment models and managed care that are designed to provide more coordinated care. She explains the critical role of public health initiatives and interoperable health IT systems and the importance of having a diverse workforce that builds trust with the populations being served.  Finally, Ashley further emphasizes the need for data-driven policy changes, gathering more robust social determinants data to inform appropriate solutions, and highlights the urgent need to move beyond siloed programs. Join us to learn how value-based payment models will help incentivize the delivery of quality care rather than quantity of care and to understand the future of government healthcare programs!

As Canada faces the realities of a rapidly aging population, groundbreaking collaborations like MEDTEQ+, AGE-WELL, and the envisAGE program are revolutionizing how we support older adults and caregivers through innovative health technologies. In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, host Christopher Kunney highlights conversations he had at the envisAGE 2024 forum, addressing the challenges of Canada’s aging population through innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to technology.  Annie-Kim Gilbert, CEO of MEDTEQ+, highlighted Canada’s rapidly aging population as a driving force behind the creation of the envisAGE program, a pan-Canadian initiative supported by federal and Quebec governments. MEDTEQ+ focuses on translating academic research from partners like AGE-WELL into commercialized innovations that directly benefit older Canadians. Annie-Kim emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to address the significant funding challenges that SMEs face in bringing health tech solutions to market. She stressed that MEDTEQ+ and its partners strive to create tools and products that address the complex needs of the aging population, ensuring they are tested and validated in real-world settings like community environments. Sabrina Boutin, Vice President of MEDTEQ+ and Executive Director of envisAGE, described the initiative’s origins during the COVID-19 pandemic, which amplified the vulnerabilities of aging populations. Leveraging nearly two decades of expertise from MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL, Sabrina underscored the importance of uniting research, government, and private sectors to catalyze change in the aging and health tech ecosystem. She spoke of the program’s dual focus on fostering innovation through funding and collaboration while ensuring talent acquisition and community involvement. Sabrina emphasized that envisAGE aims to mobilize stakeholders to create impactful, scalable solutions that address global aging challenges, while also positioning Canada as a leader in health technology innovation.  Ron Beleno, Chair of AGE-WELL’s Older Adult and Caregiving Advisory Committee, focused on the vital role of caregivers and older adults in guiding innovation. He discussed AGE-WELL’s efforts to address aging-related stigma and ensure that technologies are not just innovative but practical and accessible. Ron emphasized the need for equitable access to AgeTech solutions and advocated for reframing aging as a natural and empowering journey. By involving diverse voices across Canada, the advisory committee provides essential feedback to shape research, policy, and innovations. He also highlighted the importance of storytelling to showcase how technology can enhance the quality of life, shifting the narrative from solving problems to enabling vibrant, community-centered aging. Tune in to hear from visionary leaders Annie-Kim Gilbert, Sabrina Boutin, and Ron Beleno as they share insights on tackling aging-related challenges, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter future for aging communities in Canada and beyond! 

Burnout among healthcare professionals isn’t just a buzzword. In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Dr. Maiysha Clairborne, a physician and transformational coach, shares her personal experience with burnout early in her career, which led her to shift from clinical medicine to helping healthcare professionals prevent and recover from burnout. She highlights burnout’s key characteristics: physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of futility, where clinicians feel their efforts are never enough. Dr. Maiysha also stresses the role of psychological safety in addressing burnout, as a lack of safety creates stress and erodes trust. The conversation explores the root causes of burnout, including overwhelming workloads, excessive charting without support, inequities in workplace culture, and the increasing demands of technology. While AI-powered scribes and telemedicine provide flexibility and innovation, they can also contribute to clinician stress when poorly implemented or unsupported. Dr. Maiysha notes that systemic issues, such as toxic workplace environments and organizational inequities, often leave clinicians feeling isolated, underappreciated, and unable to advocate for necessary changes. Dr. Maiysha emphasizes the need for individual and organizational solutions to address burnout. On a personal level, clinicians must recognize burnout symptoms, identify primary stressors, and advocate for support and resources. From an organizational standpoint, leadership must prioritize psychological safety, listen to frontline workers, and take actionable steps to rebuild trust and support clinicians. Organizations can improve clinician well-being, reduce turnover, and ultimately enhance patient care by creating healthier environments and systems. Tune in to learn about the root causes of clinician burnout, the role of psychological safety, and solutions to help healthcare professionals reclaim balance and purpose! 

What does it take to inspire trust, lead boldly through challenges, and foster genuine connections in a rapidly evolving world? In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Nora Osman, CEO of Norvana, shares her leadership journey, highlighting her focus on empowering others and delivering exceptional customer experiences. She emphasizes the importance of integrating people, processes, and technology, assigning 50% of success to people, 30% to processes, and 20% to technology. Her leadership philosophy centers on creating scalable and consistent solutions while fostering trust and happiness among customers and teams. Nora's experiences in roles managing service automation, governance, and relationship management shaped her belief that technology should be an enabler, not the driving force, of impactful leadership. Nora and Christopher Kunney discuss the ABCs of Leadership: authenticity, boldness, and compassion. Authenticity builds trust and inspires others by showcasing vulnerability and consistency. Boldness requires leaders to take risks and lead through challenges to motivate others. Compassion involves creating a psychologically safe environment, fostering empathy, and balancing clarity with kindness in leadership. Nora reflects on the pandemic as a critical test of these principles, where she supported healthcare workers by advocating for their safety, ensuring fair compensation, and leading by example. As the founder of Norvana, Nora is dedicated to transforming customer experiences by focusing on simplicity, solidity, and scalability. She helps organizations deliver "hero moments" that set them apart and create lasting value. Nora encourages aspiring leaders to embrace a learning mindset, leverage tools like AI for growth, and tackle challenging paths to unlock their full potential. By applying the ABCs of leadership, she believes individuals can inspire trust, take meaningful risks, and build strong, compassionate connections in their professional journeys. Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadership and innovation, where we uncover the secrets behind authenticity, boldness, and compassion and how these principles can transform teams, businesses, and customer experiences!

Resiliency is built through open-mindedness, reflection, and learning from the experiences and feedback of others.  In this episode, Terry Healey, a motivational speaker, author, and fibrosarcoma cancer survivor, discusses his challenging journey navigating a rare and aggressive cancer diagnosis in his early twenties. He shares the physical and emotional toll of his treatment, including the removal of parts of his face and the subsequent reconstruction surgeries.  Terry emphasizes the importance of focusing on what he can control, like setting physical and professional goals, to rebuild his confidence and self-esteem. He also highlights the crucial role of empathetic healthcare providers and the positive impact of spiritual support during his treatment.  Moreover, Terry underscores the significance of patient advocacy and improved collaboration among healthcare providers, especially in complex cases, facilitated by advancements in health IT like electronic health records, AI, and digital twin technology. Finally, he speaks about his memoir and upcoming self-improvement book, both inspired by his experiences.  Tune in and learn how focusing on what you can control, embracing support, and maintaining an open mind can help you overcome adversity and build resilience!

Resilience and purpose shine through life’s toughest challenges. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, cancer patient advocate Amanda Rose Ferraro shares her journey of surviving AML Leukemia, her advocacy work through Cancer is an A* LLC, and her mission to provide resources, support, and hope to cancer patients and their families. Diagnosed in 2017 after a misdiagnosis, she underwent intensive chemotherapy and celebrated remission in early 2018. However, a relapse due to a genetic mutation (Tp53) required another round of aggressive treatment and a life-saving Stem Cell transplant later that year. Today, Amanda is cancer-free and credits her survival to medical advancements, her donor in Germany, and an unwavering determination to overcome immense challenges. Her experiences inspired her to create "Cancer is an Asshole LLC" a resource platform for cancer patients and their families. Recognizing gaps in available support, Amanda’s website provides practical tools such as information on legal aid, medical supplies, and emotional support. As a certified life coach, she also works directly with patients, offering guidance, advocacy, and a compassionate presence during medical appointments. Her advocacy aims to break the stigma around cancer and ensure no one feels alone in their journey. Amanda’s transparency about the emotional and physical toll of cancer resonates with many, fostering a supportive community through social media and her motivational writings. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, mental health awareness, and accepting help. Amanda’s message is clear: life is hard, but with support, hope, and determination, it’s possible to navigate even the toughest challenges. Tune in and discover an inspiring journey of strength, advocacy, and hope! 

Human touch is essential for emotional well-being and mental health. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Ben Wilson, founder and CEO of the Color of Sound Foundation and leader of their Chronically Undertouched project,  discusses "touch starvation" and its prevalence and impact within communities of color. Throughout this conversation, he explains his nonprofit's mission to address these issues through initiatives focused on racial healing, restorative justice, and economic development. Ben elaborates on the Chronically Undertouched Project, which is rooted in anti-racist work but specifically aims to address the absence of non-sexual, tender touch among Black men. He describes how this phenomenon has historical roots in stereotypes that frame Black men as threatening, fostering a lack of physical closeness and tenderness even within the community itself. Ben shares that the project includes a short film titled Dark and Tender, which aims to engage viewers, especially Black men, in understanding and healing from the effects of touch deprivation. Additionally, Ben talks about plans to leverage digital platforms to build awareness and engagement around the topic, including social media and virtual events. He emphasizes the need to normalize and research platonic touch within Black communities, describing it as an "ungoogleable" concept that he hopes to make more accessible and well-understood. Through this work, the Chronically Undertouched Project aspires not only to foster connections within Black communities but also to educate broader audiences on the structural and historical forces that contribute to touch deprivation, with the ultimate goal of bringing people together across backgrounds. Tune in for a powerful conversation that uncovers the hidden impact of 'touch starvation' in communities of color, exploring how simple acts of tenderness can heal, connect, and transform lives! 

Despite being labeled a 'women's disease,' osteoporosis silently threatens millions of men as well, often going unnoticed until a life-changing fracture occurs. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, David Lee, the founder and Chief Collaboration Officer of Health Collaboration Partners, explores the realities of osteoporosis, a condition causing low bone mass and increased fracture risk in both men and women, particularly those over 50. Though osteoporosis is commonly associated with women, men are also vulnerable, with one in four men over 50 expected to experience osteoporosis-related fractures. This misconception has led to underdiagnosis and undertreatment among men. The disease is often called "silent" because it typically goes undetected until a fracture occurs, making it difficult for patients to prioritize bone health, especially in brief primary care visits. David describes the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis due to an aging population and highlights significant risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use, glucocorticoids, and genetic predispositions. He emphasizes the need for weight-bearing exercise and sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake to strengthen bones. Advances in treatment, such as fracture liaison services, aim to ensure that those who experience fractures receive necessary osteoporosis care, reducing their risk of subsequent fractures by half.  Looking forward, David shares promising developments in osteoporosis research, including efforts to expedite drug trials by focusing on bone density rather than fracture reduction as the primary endpoint. He stresses that while osteoporosis can be managed with lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication, it cannot be fully reversed, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and treatment improvements are crucial to reducing fractures and improving the quality of life for those affected. Tune in to uncover the hidden dangers of osteoporosis and learn how proactive steps today can protect your bones and transform your health for the future!

Are great leaders born with innate abilities, or can anyone be shaped into a successful leader through practice and mentorship? Leadership is like dancing; some may have natural abilities, but everyone can improve through training and practice. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT, J. Bryan Bennett, founder and Executive Director of the Healthcare Center of Excellence, explores the classic debate of whether leaders are born or made. According to Bryan, leadership is like dancing. He believes those with innate leadership traits, such as risk-taking and vision, tend to have a higher leadership ceiling, while qualities like empathy and humility may be more challenging to cultivate. Bryan explains that great leaders take risks, articulate a clear vision, and demonstrate empathy and humility. Poor leaders, on the other hand, are often self-serving, toxic, and uninterested in others’ success. Leadership development can be aided by mentors, who play a vital role in guiding both young and seasoned professionals. Bryan emphasizes that leadership is a continuous learning process, and the best leaders are always seeking to grow.  Additionally, Bryan notes that leadership skills are generally the same across demographics, though perceptions may vary. He recommends investing in personal development through reading, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship, with both mentors and coaches playing crucial roles in career advancement. He also stresses the importance of self-reflection, having an external voice through a mentor, and always being open to growth as key strategies for becoming an effective leader. Tune in to discover the key traits that shape effective leadership and learn how you can cultivate them in your own journey! 

Amidst the complexities of Europe's healthcare system, innovation and technology are transforming the future of patient care in Italy and beyond. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Christopher Kunney welcomes Giorgia Pezzotta, a health and innovation engineer who is a Strategy and Marketing Associate at Doctolib, currently scaling Siilo, a medical communication app for healthcare professionals in Italy. Together, they explore challenges and opportunities within the European healthcare technology ecosystem, with a focus on Italy. Giorgia shares her personal journey into healthcare, driven by her family's experiences with chronic illness, the impact of COVID-19 in her village, and her own health transformation. She highlights key challenges in the European healthcare system, including digital literacy, bureaucracy, and fragmented healthcare regulations. Giorgia discusses initiatives like the European Health Data Space and Italy’s Electronic Health Record, aimed at improving patient data sharing and digital health management. Within their conversation, they also touch on cybersecurity, with Giorgia explaining the importance of tools like Doctolib Siilo for secure communication among healthcare professionals. They discuss the slow pace of innovation in public healthcare due to bureaucracy but acknowledge advancements in virtual care and telemedicine, especially post-pandemic. Giorgia concludes by advising professionals to find their purpose and form meaningful connections, emphasizing that each healthcare system has unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Tune in for insights on navigating Europe's evolving healthcare landscape and the power of technology to drive lasting change!