Healthcare Trailblazers

In this episode of the Healthcare Trailblazers Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Eder, CEO of LainaHealth, to unpack a rare 20-year healthcare journey that spans hardware, software, computer vision, AI, military research, COVID pivots, and ultimately the creation of a nationwide virtual physical therapy practice.Ryan walks through how a senior design thesis turned into a decade-long R&D effort, why the company shut down millions of dollars of hardware overnight, and how AI-driven computer vision became the backbone of scalable, tech-enabled MSK care.This is a candid, execution-level conversation about building real healthcare companies, surviving pivots, and designing care models that actually work — for patients, providers, and payers alike.👇 Chapters below — jump to what matters most.00:00 – AI in Healthcare Is Not Optional02:48 – It Started as a College Design Project05:57 – 13 Years of Hardware… Then We Shut It Down10:58 – Why Virtual Physical Therapy Finally Works14:32 – The Numbers No One Likes to Share19:18 – AI as a Clinician’s Force Multiplier22:35 – The CMMI ACCESS Model: Reality vs Hype25:05 – Where Virtual Care Goes Next

Lt. Col. Jayme Hanson, former CFO overseeing half of the National Capital Region's military healthcare system, shares eye-opening insights about the Defense Health Agency (DHA), veteran suicide epidemic, and why moving military healthcare to private sector care could be a costly mistake. From combat medic to healthcare executive, Hanson exposes the hidden dynamics between politics, healthcare, and the military that most people never see.Lt. Col. Hanson brings decades of experience from serving as a combat medic to leading healthcare operations for major military facilities including Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, and more. His candid perspective on leadership, government inefficiency, and solutions for the veteran crisis is both sobering and hopeful.Timeline:0:00 - Introduction: Healthcare meets military leadership8:28 - Inside military healthcare: The 10M person system nobody knows20:20 - The veteran suicide crisis and PTSD solutions29:44 - Why young Americans are physically and mentally unfit37:30 - How military healthcare actually gets funded42:16 - Leadership advice for fixing the system#MilitaryHealthcare #VeteranCare #DefenseHealthAgency #VeteranSuicide #HealthcareReform #MilitaryLeadership

Learn how you can scale your care team with AIhttps://link.CareCo.ai/rmvhvq Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti, founder and CEO of Velocity Health, joins host Mendel to discuss how his concierge precision medicine clinic is reimagining primary care. With experience from Kaiser, Harvard, Mayo Clinic, and as Chief Population Health Officer at a major health system, Sandeep explains why traditional insurance-based healthcare fails at prevention and how Velocity Health's cash-pay model solves this problem.The conversation covers the broken incentive structures in American healthcare, why patients switching insurance plans prevents long-term health investment, and how life insurance companies could be natural partners. Sandeep shares the complete patient experience—from comprehensive diagnostics to ongoing support from interdisciplinary teams—and introduces the concept of "longevity escape velocity": the idea that living long enough today means we might live indefinitely as medical technology advances.This is a practical blueprint for what primary care could be when aligned incentives meet innovative delivery models.Timestamps:00:00:40 - What is Velocity Health and the concierge precision medicine model00:12:17 - The fundamental problem: Why patients choosing insurers prevents healthcare investment00:16:38 - Aligned incentives: Why life insurance companies are the perfect partners00:19:43 - Inside the patient experience: From onboarding to ongoing 24/7 care00:32:47 - Sandeep's journey and why entrepreneurship drives healthcare change00:40:44 - Longevity escape velocity: The future of living indefinitely through medical advances

The "NICU Graduate" celebration is one of the happiest moments for a family, but is it a false sense of security?In this episode, Mendel talks with Dr. Ross Sommers about the "NICU Cliff." We pour billions into saving babies born as small as 400 grams, only to send them home on oxygen and feeding tubes with almost zero support.Dr. Sommers reveals the heartbreaking reality of why "goodbye and good luck" isn't a medical plan, the PTSD parents face, and how First Day Healthcare is finally building a safety net for the world’s most vulnerable patients.Key Chapters:00:00 – The NICU Cliff: Why leaving the hospital is the scariest day.03:43 – The reality of Parent PTSD after the NICU.05:43 – How Remote Monitoring is changing the "Feeder-Grower" game.07:23 – The $40 Billion Business of Neonatology.14:04 – Why pediatric innovation lags 7 years behind adult care.17:40 – The Personal Mission: Why "graduation" isn't the end of the story.

Learn how you can scale your care team with AIhttps://link.CareCo.ai/rmvhvq As we approach the December 31, 2025 deadline, the healthcare world is bracing for a massive shift. In this episode, Mendel sits down with policy expert Andrew Schwab (Platform Government Strategies) to break down the unprecedented "discharge petition" that just rocked the House of Representatives.We discuss:The 2025 expiration of enhanced ACA tax credits.Why moderate Republicans broke ranks to join Democrats in a historic move against Speaker Mike Johnson.Trump’s proposal to send healthcare money directly to individuals instead of insurers.The "Single Largest Tax Expenditure" in the US that most Americans don't even know exists.00:00 — Introduction: Meet Craig Samet 03:01 — The Mission: Changing Healthcare 06:06 — Overcoming Bureaucratic Resistance 09:03 — The Power of Collaboration 12:01 — Innovation: A Patient-Centric Approach 15:02 — Mapping the Future of Health Systems 18:03 — Navigating Cost & Experience Hurdles 21:04 — Key Metrics for Population Health 24:01 — Inside the Longitude PHM Model 27:00 — Closing Thoughts & Future Outlook

Send us a textLearn how you can scale your care team with AI: https://link.CareCo.ai/rmvhvqIn this enlightening episode, I sit down with Chris Ellis, CEO of Thatch, following their impressive $40 million Series B funding round led by Index Ventures with strategic investment from ADP Ventures. Chris breaks down how Thatch is revolutionizing employee health benefits through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA), allowing employees to choose their own health plans while giving employers cost control and administrative simplicity. We dive deep into the fundamental problems with employer-based health insurance, explore the bipartisan political momentum behind health insurance reform, and discuss how decoupling insurance from employment could realign incentives throughout the healthcare system. Chris provides fascinating insights into how this shift could enable true preventive care, extend insurer-patient relationships, and create the consumer-driven healthcare marketplace that has been decades in the making. This conversation connects perfectly with the current administration's focus on patient empowerment and transparency, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of American healthcare.Timestaps: 00:00:00 - Thatch's $40M Series B Led by Index Ventures00:03:29 - How Thatch's ICHRA Model Actually Works00:12:32 - Government's $1,200 Tax Credit for Small Businesses00:25:94 - The Cancer Detection Problem: Why Insurers Won't Invest in Prevention00:28:47 - The Vision: Decoupling Insurance from Employment00:40:49 - GLP-1 Coverage Dilemma: When ROI Takes Too Long

Send us a textLearn how you can scale your care team with AI: https://link.CareCo.ai/rmvhvqIn this episode I sit down with Steve Wardell, managing partner at Wardell Advisors LLC, for an eye-opening conversation that peels back the curtain on healthcare venture capital. Drawing parallels between HBO's Silicon Valley and the real digital health VC world, Wardell breaks down the psychology behind investor behavior, explains why playing "hard to get" with VCs can backfire, and reveals the red flags that signal toxic investor relationships. This episode is essential listening for health tech founders navigating today's funding landscape, where AI-enabled startups are capturing the majority of investment dollars and the "full stack" trend is revolutionizing how VCs think about healthcare companies. Wardell provides actionable insights on funding stages, market consolidation opportunities, and the strategic mistakes that waste entrepreneurs' time while sharing proven frameworks for positioning yourself as an expert rather than a supplicant when pitching to venture capital firms.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:05:58 - The Psychology of VC Funding 00:12:25 - Funding Stages Breakdown00:23:00 - Bootstrapping vs the VC Treadmill 00:25:32 - Red Flags and Toxic Investors 00:35:15 - How to Pitch VCs Effectively 00:41:42 - Specialized vs Generalist Funds 00:48:00 - Closing Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode, CMMI Director Abe Sutton shares his unique journey from the private sector back to government service and reveals how he's rapidly transforming Medicare through innovative payment models. Sutton discusses the newly launched WISER (Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction) model, which leverages AI technology to reduce fraud and waste in Medicare, and the upcoming ASM (Ambulatory Specialty Model) targeting heart failure and lower back pain. The conversation explores CMMI's 2025 strategy focused on evidence-based prevention, patient empowerment, and choice and competition, while addressing how emerging technologies like generative AI are creating unprecedented opportunities to streamline healthcare administration and improve patient outcomes. Sutton also reveals how he spent four years during his "off season" developing a comprehensive roadmap for healthcare innovation that he's now implementing at warp speed.Links:WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction) model: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innova...ASM (Ambulatory Specialty Model): https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innova...CMMI's 2025 Strategy Focus: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innova...Learn how AI can amplify your care coordination team by visiting https://link.careco.ai/HTRKQsTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome00:00:37 - Why Leave Private Sector for Government Service00:09:16 - AI and Technology's Impact on Healthcare Innovation00:17:49 - WISER Model Introduction and Goals00:30:45 - Food Policy and Making America Healthy Again00:34:08 - ASM Model for Heart Failure and Lower Back Pain00:38:31 - Four Years of Preparation During "Off Season"

Send us a textIn this episode of Healthcare Trailblazers, we sit down with David Norris, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Affineon Health, for an in-depth conversation about tackling one of healthcare's most pressing challenges: provider burnout. With 2025 marking a pivotal year for AI adoption in healthcare, particularly around administrative burden relief and provider burnout solutions, David shares his unique perspective from both sides of the funding equation as co-founder of Affineon and participant in Andrew Ng's AI Fund venture studio.The conversation covers David's fascinating entrepreneurial journey, including mentorship from legendary figures like Bill Campbell (former coach to Steve Jobs) and Howard Schultz of Starbucks, before diving deep into how Affineon is revolutionizing healthcare through AI-powered inbox management for providers. As healthcare organizations increasingly seek AI solutions that deliver clear ROI around clinical efficiency and burnout mitigation, David explains how their platform achieves 100% accuracy while automating 30-80% of provider inbox workflows, and discusses the competitive dynamics reshaping the healthcare AI landscape, funding strategies for healthcare startups, and predictions for where AI technology is heading in the next five years.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction00:01:14 - David's Entrepreneurial Journey and Legendary Mentors00:07:17 - AI Fund Partnership and Affineon's Mission to Solve Provider Burnout00:21:44 - Funding Strategies and Competitive Landscape in Healthcare AI00:31:31 - Future of AI in Healthcare: 3-5 Year Technology Predictions00:37:00 - Closing and Contact Information

Send us a textIn this episode of Healthcare Trailblazers, host speaks with Dr. Boris Vabson, head of Medicare Advantage policy at CMMI (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation). Dr. Vabson shares his fascinating journey from being born in the Soviet Union to becoming a Harvard health economist focused on dysfunctional healthcare systems. The conversation explores Medicare Advantage's evolution since 1965, current challenges including cost inefficiencies and prior authorization burdens, and CMMI's ambitious plans to transform the program. Dr. Vabson discusses the ongoing debate about Medicare Advantage overpayments, risk adjustment auditing using AI technology, and how CMMI plans to leverage its statutory flexibility to test innovative reforms that could be scaled nationwide. With recent leadership changes under Dr. Mehmet Oz at CMS, this timely discussion provides crucial insights into the future direction of Medicare Advantage policy affecting over 30 million Americans.Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Dr. Vabson's Background 00:05:35 - Healthcare System Problems and Technology Solutions 00:09:42 - Medicare Advantage Overview and Current Challenges 00:18:25 - Policy Debates and Reform Efforts 00:32:44 - CMMI's Future Plans for Medicare Advantage Transformation

Send us a textIn this episode we sit down with Alon Joffe, CEO of Israeli AI startup Eleos, for a fascinating deep dive into how behavioral health documentation is being revolutionized. What makes this conversation compelling is learning why Israel has become such a health tech powerhouse - with $1.2 billion in funding in 2024 alone and digital medical records dating back to the 1970s.Alon breaks down how his AI technology reduces clinical documentation time by over 70% for mental health workers dealing with 60-90 minute therapy sessions. The company now serves 30,000 clinicians across 34 states, focusing on the most underserved populations in behavioral health. They explore the stark differences between acute care and behavioral health tech needs, why companies like Epic struggle to cross that divide, and how AI agents are about to transform EMR integration. Plus, Alon shares the dramatic shift from pre-ChatGPT skepticism to today's reality where a quarter of US physicians are already using ambient AI tools.Timestamps:00:00:08 - Introduction and Welcome00:01:02 - Israeli Health Tech Ecosystem and Innovation Culture00:03:51 - Government Healthcare Systems and Innovation Frameworks00:06:09 - Value-Based Care vs Fee-for-Service Risk Models00:09:14 - Introduction to Eleos: Mission and Market Focus00:11:42 - Technology Differentiation and Competitive Landscape00:15:19 - Behavioral Health vs Acute Care System Differences00:16:01 - AI Agents and Job Automation in Healthcare00:18:03 - EMR Integration and the Future of Healthcare Interfaces00:20:12 - Epic's Market Evolution and Platform Strategy00:25:04 - Fundraising Experience and Series C Journey00:27:17 - Technology Evolution: Pre vs Post-ChatGPT Era00:33:53 - Future Plans and Expansion Strategy00:34:57 - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of Healthcare Trailblazers, host Mendel sits down with Gabby Lawrence, Senior Director of Clinical Solutioning at TytoCare. TytoCare offers the Home Smart Clinic - for accessible, high-quality primary care from home, with no compromises, featuring artificial-intelligence-powered features to enable its telehealth platform to perform diagnostic capabilities. Gabby, an epidemiologist by background, explains how TytoCare's FDA-cleared handheld device with modular attachments transforms virtual healthcare by enabling comprehensive physical exams from home. The conversation covers TytoCare's evolution from urgent care applications into chronic disease management and primary care, their AI-powered wheeze detection capabilities, and strategic partnerships with major health systems like Atrium, Advocate, and Memorial Care. They explore the meaning behind "clinical solutioning" versus traditional clinical solutions, the challenges of B2B versus B2C models, and the company's vision for integrating GenAI to enhance physician capabilities while maintaining human oversight in patient care.

Send us a textIn this podcast episode, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) discusses critical healthcare policy issues, including his bipartisan proposal to fund community health centers through a nationwide sugary beverage tax. The Massachusetts Democrat shares pointed criticism of RFK Jr.'s approach to healthcare, arguing that while chronic disease is a genuine crisis, the current administration's methods threaten critical scientific institutions and public health infrastructure.The conversation also covers Auchincloss's perspective on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), PBM reform, and federal budget priorities, highlighting the congressman's view that current efficiency initiatives risk damaging valuable government functions while tax policies disproportionately benefit the wealthy at the expense of middle-class Americans.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Opening Teaser Clips00:01:14 - Introduction of Congressman Jake Auchincloss00:01:59 - Energy and Commerce Committee Jurisdiction00:02:44 - CMMI Program Cuts and Congressional Oversight00:04:26 - Discussion on Political Intent and Bipartisanship00:06:33 - Critique of RFK Jr.'s Healthcare Policies00:10:28 - Tackling the Chronic Condition Epidemic00:10:57 - Community Health Centers and Sugary Beverage Tax Proposal00:14:44 - Food Policies and School Lunch Programs00:33:21 - Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Discussion00:43:45 - Federal Budget and Tax Policy Debate00:51:24 - Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) Reform00:54:08 - Closing Remarks

Send us a textIn this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Meena Seshamani, who recently completed her tenure as Director of Medicare at CMS, for a candid conversation about the future of healthcare in America. Drawing from her extensive experience as both a practicing physician and healthcare leader, Dr. Seshamani breaks down complex topics including the distinctions between healthcare waste, fraud, and abuse, and the transformation toward value-based care models.The discussion explores innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, including the new Advanced Primary Care Model and its potential impact on patient care. Dr. Seshamani shares valuable insights on Medicare Advantage reforms, prior authorization improvements, and the delicate balance of implementing AI in healthcare while maintaining the personal nature of medicine.Fresh from her role at CMS and newly appointed as Maryland's Secretary of Health (pending confirmation), Dr. Seshamani offers a unique perspective on both national healthcare policy and local implementation, emphasizing the importance of keeping patient care at the center of all healthcare innovations.

Send us a textThis episode is sponsored by CareCo. In an industry desperate for efficiency, we're helping care teams manage 40% more patients while cutting costs by 28%. The math works. Learn more: careco.aiIn this episode of the Healthcare Trailblazers podcast, Mendel and Josh Liu discuss the challenges and lessons learned in the healthcare startup space. They explore the importance of targeting the right partners, understanding clinical workflows, and validating financial incentives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building long-term relationships and effective communication in patient care, while also comparing the healthcare systems in Canada and the US. In this conversation, Joshua Liu discusses the evolution of Seamless MD, a digital health platform designed to improve patient outcomes by guiding them through complex healthcare journeys. He shares insights on market dynamics between the US and Canada, the importance of patient engagement, and the strategies that have led to high adoption rates, especially among seniors. The discussion also touches on the challenges of startup growth, the significance of proactive partnerships, and the mindset required for success in entrepreneurship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Trailblazers Podcast02:03 Learning from Sales Mistakes in Healthcare04:29 Identifying the Right Partners in Healthcare07:01 Understanding Clinical Workflows09:52 The Importance of Financial Validation12:36 Building Long-Term Relationships in Healthcare15:00 The Role of Communication in Patient Care17:59 Comparing Healthcare Systems: Canada vs. US24:59 Navigating Market Dynamics: US vs Canada27:20 Understanding Seamless MD: A Patient Journey GPS29:29 Adoption Rates in Digital Health: Insights on Seniors32:10 Proactive Partnerships: Driving Engagement and Outcomes36:18 Reflections on Startup Growth: Expectations vs Reality40:51 The Power of Perseverance: Inputs Over Expectations48:04 Building for Passion: Understanding Market Fit

Send us a textIn this episode of The Healthcare Trailblazers Podcast, we dive into the world of healthcare engagement with Dan Fox, Managing Director of Healthcare at Drips. Dan shares how his team is transforming patient communication by integrating proven strategies from performance marketing into healthcare—breaking down barriers created by compliance and outdated practices.Learn why direct mail is a thing of the past, how SMS is revolutionizing patient outreach, and what the future holds for digital healthcare engagement. If you've ever wondered how to improve healthcare communication without sacrificing compliance, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:Text Messaging in Healthcare: How SMS is becoming the preferred channel for patient engagement and why secure portals aren’t the solution.Balancing Compliance and Convenience: Strategies for maintaining HIPAA compliance while creating a seamless patient experience.Selling into Healthcare: Tips for navigating the complex decision-making processes in healthcare organizations.Digital Front Doors: The role of light digital content in enhancing patient interaction and reducing friction.Future of Healthcare Communication: Predictions for 2025, including the shift toward digital self-service and streamlined patient engagement.

Send us a textExplore the groundbreaking insights into value-based care, chronic care management, and care coordination in this episode of The Healthcare Trailblazers Podcast. Our guest shares their firsthand experience building a successful care management program from scratch, tackling the barriers within the healthcare system, and driving real results for patients and providers.We dive deep into the complexities of Medicare, the challenges of patient cost sharing, and the critical role care coordination plays in transforming healthcare. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation about the future of healthcare and the strategies needed to make real change.Key Takeaways:Value-Based Care Models: How they can revolutionize patient outcomes while reducing costs.Care Coordination: Why it’s the most undervalued role in healthcare and how it can drastically improve patient experiences.Chronic Care Management: Real-world strategies for building a successful program and the obstacles that hinder adoption.Medicare Challenges: The impact of patient cost-sharing and opportunities for reform.Future of Healthcare: Predictions for 2025 and beyond, including the role of technology and evolving CMS models.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Healthcare Trailblazers, we dive into the upcoming HIMSS 2025 Global Health Conference with Joanne Klinedinst, VP of Content and Programming. Joanne shares what makes this year’s event special, from cutting-edge programming on AI and cybersecurity to inspiring speakers like Simone Biles. Get an inside look at what goes into planning one of the healthcare industry’s largest events and find out how HIMSS is shaping the future of healthcare. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, tune in to discover how to make the most of this iconic conference.Key TakeawaysMajor Highlights of HIMSS 2025: Expect inspiring talks from keynote speakers, including a session with Simone Biles on resilience and mental health.Cutting-Edge Content for Healthcare Professionals: HIMSS 2025 will cover pressing topics like AI, cybersecurity, and leadership.Interactive Learning Experiences: New formats like the “fishbowl” discussion and varied session lengths aim to make education more engaging.Networking and Community Building: HIMSS 2025 is designed to foster connections, featuring events tailored to different levels of experience.Focus on Global Health and Sustainability: With programming around UN sustainability goals, HIMSS emphasizes reducing healthcare inequities and improving access.

Send us a textIn this episode of Healthcare Trailblazers, we dive into the complexities of modern healthcare with Dr. Anwar Jebran, Medical Director of Health Informatics at Oak Street Health. We discuss the balance between innovation and practicality, the role of AI in addressing physician burnout, and the challenges startups face in healthcare's profit-driven landscape. Plus, we explore how the U.S. drives global healthcare innovation and why bold visions often fall short.Key Takeaways:The importance of balancing technology with traditional healthcare methods.Why some innovative healthcare startups fail despite promising technology.How Oak Street Health’s data-driven approach is reshaping value-based care.The hidden costs of healthcare innovation and its global implications.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Healthcare Trailblazers podcast, we dive into the groundbreaking technology behind Podimetrics' SmartMat, a device designed to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and ultimately save limbs. Join us as we talk with Gary Rothenberg, Medical Director at Podimetrics, about how this simple, easy-to-use mat is addressing alarming amputation rates among diabetic patients, especially within underrepresented communities. Discover how this device, developed to integrate seamlessly into daily routines, can detect complications weeks in advance and provide critical, preventive healthcare.Key Takeaways:* Technology with Purpose: How the SmartMat can prevent up to 97% of foot complications before they escalate.* Patient-Centric Design: A simple 20-second solution that fits effortlessly into daily life.* Impact on Minority Health: Addressing healthcare inequities and reducing amputation rates in vulnerable communities.* Engagement for Better Health: How a personalized nurse-patient connection enhances compliance and outcomes.Tune in for insights on the powerful potential of preventive healthcare and how innovations like the SmartMat are making a difference in the lives of diabetic patients across the U.S.