HITea With Grace

This week's episode is fresh from the high-energy HLTH Conference in sunny Las Vegas.  Today’s guest is Vijayashree Natarajan from Omega Healthcare. Vijayashree discusses the next big leap in AI—“agentic AI” or “AI for AI.” She dives into how this revolutionary approach empowers AI systems to act independently and adapt, leading to breakthroughs across the healthcare ecosystem. From transforming revenue cycle management to making care more accessible and personal, Vijayashree's ideas on agentic AI promise a new perspective on AI's possibilities.  So, grab your favorite tea and join us as we explore the future of healthcare with a tech trailblazer paving the way.

Welcome to the HITea With Grace podcast, where we spill the tea on all things health IT. In this episode, I’m honored to have Shara Cohen, CEO of Carallel, as our guest. We’ll explore a powerful concept: starting to consider caregiving as a diagnosis in itself. Traditionally, caregiving was viewed as a private duty, often handled quietly by women without a care for how it impacts them. Now, the dialogue and experience around caregiving is evolving, and we’re diving deep into those changes today. Shara will share her unique journey to leading Carallel and how caregiving has become more widely recognized as a critical health issue. We’ll also discuss how caregivers—especially those in the "sandwich generation" caring for both their children and aging parents—are managing the significant emotional and physical toll of this responsibility. How can digital technology offer solutions to help these individuals thrive? And what specific challenges do certain populations, like military families or minority communities, face?

HITea With Grace is back from summer break, and we're kicking off the season with an exciting episode you won't want to miss! We’re thrilled to sit down with two powerhouse leaders in healthcare technology: Sarah Richardson and Rebecca Woods. Whether you’ve worked with them or simply heard their names, these dynamic former CIOs are now connectors in the industry, and their paths to leadership are as inspiring as they are unique. In this episode, we explore the latest innovations shaping the health IT landscape, the emerging tech models driving transformation, and the persistent challenges that still stand in the way of true digital evolution. We also dive into their work with This Week Health, Bluebird Leaders, and the upcoming SOAR Conference, happening September 18-20. To close things out, Rebecca and Sarah share invaluable insights for women in health IT, offering advice on navigating challenges and rising to leadership. So, grab your favorite mug, settle in, and join us for a conversation filled with wisdom and inspiration!

Welcome to HITea Tuesday!  In this episode, we're honored to welcome the inspiring Rhonda Collins, DN, RN, FAAN. As a prominent figure in healthcare, Rhonda currently serves as Chief Nursing Officer at Kontakt.io and is a leading voice in tackling the serious problem and challenges in workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare settings. Join us as Rhonda shares her journey and insights into why WPV is a critical issue for nursing professionals today. We discuss practical strategies for nurse leaders to foster a safe and supportive work environment, effective patient assessment for aggression prevention, and the integration of security personnel to mitigate WPV. Rhonda also highlights the essential components of WPV policies, the role of wearable duress technology, and the financial benefits of investing in WPV prevention. We explore the impact of WPV on nurse well-being and patient care, and the importance of federal legislation to protect healthcare workers. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that underscores the need for every woman to be the "CEO of You"—managing your career and personal life like a thriving business to grow and promote strength. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights and actionable advice!

In this episode of HITea, we're honored to have Mary Russell, MJ, BS, RN, a retired Navy Nurse Corps officer and the Senior Director for Clinical Implementation at CliniComp, join us for an insightful conversation.  Mary shares her incredible journey from starting as a registered nurse to becoming a leader in healthcare IT. She delves into her motivations for transitioning into this field and how her extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient military environments has shaped her approach to healthcare and clinical implementation. We explore pressing topics such as veterans' mental health, current statistics, and concerns, and how technology is being leveraged to address these issues. Mary provides concrete examples of how technology is enhancing mental health services for veterans and other patient populations.  Mary also dove into the topic of disaster recovery and the critical role of EHR systems in maintaining healthcare operations during events like the recent devastating tornadoes in the Midwest. She shares real-life experiences from her career, illustrating the crucial role of disaster preparedness and EHR systems in ensuring patient care continuity. And of course, no HITea With Grace episode would be complete without our signature tea moment! Listen in to learn from and laugh with Mary!

In this latest episode of HITea, we shine a spotlight on price transparency for clinical lab tests. Pamela Stahl and Dr. Julie Shulz of Avalon Healthcare Solutions join us on the podcast to uncover hidden truths behind the varying costs of lab tests across different facilities.  Pamela, a seasoned industry insider, navigates us through the labyrinth of billing practices, shedding light on the complex factors driving these price differentials. From healthcare system consolidation to the intricate dance of provider negotiations, we peel back the layers to reveal the stark realities shaping the healthcare landscape. Armed with her medical, public health, and clinical lab expertise, Dr. Julie offers a compelling narrative of real-life scenarios where upfront knowledge of lab costs has proven to be a game-changer for patients and what barriers still need to come down to make this an industry norm.  Reflecting on the controversial conversation, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the need for transparency in lab pricing is not just a matter of financial prudence but a fundamental pillar of population health and patient empowerment. So, join us as we advocate for a future where transparency reigns supreme in the noble pursuit of affordable, accessible healthcare for all.

Welcome to the HITeaWithGrace podcast, where we spill the tea on HIT. In light of the recent news of Optum and Walmart shutting down their virtual care offerings, today, we're honored to host Dr. Carrie Nelson, Chief Medical Officer of KeyCare, as she shares her experience working as a primary care physician and in population health and shares her perspectives on the evolution of telehealth and its business model.  Dr. Nelson examines the broader impact of telehealth on healthcare disparities and population health and advocates for innovative solutions to bridge gaps in access to care, particularly for underserved populations. She envisions a future where data-driven insights and analytics play a pivotal role in optimizing telehealth services to meet rigorous standards of care and advance value-based objectives. She also delves into strategies for upholding quality care in virtual settings and examines the implications of recent accreditation programs, all while emphasizing the pivotal role of data analytics in shaping telehealth's future impact. Be sure to tune into this if you are concerned about or interested in the state of and future of virtual care!

Welcome to HITea With Grace, where we dive deep into the heart of pressing healthcare issues. In today's episode, I'm beyond honored to be joined by friend and inspiration Erica Olenski, a stellar healthcare communications professional and the Founding Executive Director of August's Artists. We embark on a heartfelt journey as Erica shares her deeply personal and challenging experience as a caregiver for her son, August, navigating pediatric cancer and the complexities of the healthcare system.  Erica had firsthand experience with the Texas Medicaid "unwinding" process, unveiling the profound challenges faced by families like hers - losing necessary coverage without anyone to turn to. Through her narrative, we glean insight into the bureaucratic hurdles and systemic issues that jeopardize the continuity of care for children like August, whose medical needs demand unwavering support. As the dialogue broadens, Erica articulates the critical role of Medicaid coverage for families grappling with pediatric cancer and other serious conditions. She underscores the disruptive impact of coverage interruptions and advocates for improvements in the Medicaid enrollment and renewal process to safeguard against future crises.  Erica's advocacy work and organizational initiatives, such as August's Artists, memorializing and cherishing the patient artwork inside the hospital room, serve as beacons of hope, offering solace and support to families in their healthcare journey. Please consider supporting the work this critical organization is doing: https://www.augustsartists.org/

Welcome to HITea Tuesday, where we spill the tea on HIT. This week we have Stacey Johnston, MD, VP Vice President Chief Applications Officer at Baptist Health with us to share about her transitioning their disparate EHRs to EPIC and deciding to also automate medication reconciliation in the process.  With the patient and caregiver experience as their north star, she talks about saving her team 70,000 clicks in a year’s time by choosing to do both at the same time, improving patient care and reducing administrative burden across the board for both providers and healthcare consumers. Stacey is an ambitious ray of sunshine from the sunshine state and an inspiration to us all as one of the first women CMIOs. She speaks about what strategies keep her team and her at the top of their game as leaders in digital transformation. Be sure to tune in!

Welcome to HITeaWithGrace, today we have Smriti Kirubanandan on the pod to spill all the tea on healthcare equity and technology. Smriti kicks things off by sharing her captivating career journey, filled with twists, turns, and invaluable experiences. From navigating the complexities of healthcare to championing technology's role in bridging gaps, she's a true trailblazer in the field. As we dive deeper, Smriti unpacks the intricacies of equity in healthcare, revealing the crucial metrics and interconnected frameworks driving disparities. But fear not, she's armed with expert recommendations for tackling these challenges head-on, from promoting tech access to reshaping education paradigms. With her insights, we're not just sipping on knowledge – we're brewing up a revolution in healthcare equity. So grab your favorite mug and listen in!

Today on HITea, Grace had the absolute pleasure of learning from Lilly Stairs, the brilliant mind behind Chronic Boss Collective & Patient Authentic. Lilly started by talking about the journey that led her to found Chronic Boss Collective, a space where professionals with chronic conditions come together to network and reshape the narrative surrounding their experiences. With heartfelt experiences and a keen eye for much-needed societal challenge, Lilly talks about how a simple shift in perspective can have a monumental impact, inspiring people to turn their pain into purpose.  Wrapping up our conversation, Lilly shared invaluable insights on navigating challenges as a leader with a chronic condition, maximizing productivity, and empowering the people around you to dream big and execute bigger. Her words, filled with grace and wisdom, left us feeling inspired and ready to make a difference. Don't miss out on this episode, where Lilly shares her unique perspectives on resilience, leadership, and building supportive community centered around unexpected, deeply-personal, commonalities.

Welcome to HITea with Grace! Get ready for a lively chat with Kim Perry, a trailblazer in AI and healthcare. We look past the AI buzzword to talk about how large language models are reshaping medicine and the hurdles leaders face in this dynamic space. Plus, we'll dish out tips on mentorship, sponsorship, and building a supportive community. As we peer into the horizon of medical AI, our guest paints a compelling picture of emerging trends that demand attention from Health Information Technology (HIT) professionals. From personalized medicine to predictive analytics, she anticipates a future brimming with opportunities for innovation and transformation. Join us for an enlightening conversation as we explore the intersection of AI and healthcare leadership, guided by the wisdom and vision of our esteemed guest.

Get ready to steep in knowledge as we recognize Lymphedema Awareness Month on this episode of HITea! Dr. Parmjot Bains, our guest and CEO of ImpediMed, talks about managing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) with early intervention and groundbreaking technology.   Dr. Bains doesn't just spill the tea; she brews it to perfection! We dive into the impact of legislation like the Lymphedema Treatment Act on BCRL management and explore the role of compression garments in the big picture. Plus, we'll chat about how chronic lymphedema can be caught before symptoms occur, so clinicians can intervene before the condition becomes chronic, as well as the daily challenges faced by individuals dealing with chronic BCRL.   Grab your favorite mug and join us to uncover how awareness, education, and cutting-edge innovations are stirring up a better quality of life for those affected by BCRL.

On this glorious HITea Tuesday, we sit down with Susannah Fox, author of "Rebel Health," to explore the transformative world of patient-led research and innovation. Susannah explores the inspiration behind her book and delves into the concept of the "health rebel alliance." She shares how healthcare consumers can become part of this alliance and discusses the four archetypes driving the patient-led revolution: seekers, networkers, solvers, and champions. Join us as we envision the future of healthcare shaped by patient empowerment and collaboration, and discover practical advice for advocating for oneself in navigating illness outside traditional healthcare systems. Gain valuable insights on how businesses, governments, and organizations can better support and leverage the power of patient-led initiatives to drive positive change in healthcare outcomes on a larger scale.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation in this HITea episode of "Fund Like a Girl" with Cat Middleton, a seasoned investor committed to shaping the future of digital health. Cat talks with us about her investment thesis, emphasizing the empowerment of individuals to become active stewards of their health.  Beyond the realm of traditional investment talk, Cat explores the crucial role investors play in reshaping diversity at the leadership level. This episode goes on to unravel how intentional investments can work to improve health equity and access to healthcare, help dismantle biases in healthcare, and foster an environment of inclusivity while driving transformative change.

On this episode of HITea, we dive into an insightful conversation with Christine Von Raesfeld, Founder and CEO of People with Empathy. Christine, a rare disease warrior, shares her deeply personal journey about how she's championing her own care and research. Discover the transformative power of pharmacogenomics testing in Christine's own diagnosis and treatment journey and learn how she's spearheading groundbreaking collaborations with institutions like Stanford University's “Research To the People” initiative and trailblazing industry organizations like The Light Collective.  Join us as Christine sheds light on the vital role of patients as the CEOs of their own care, offering invaluable advice for navigating complex healthcare systems and connecting with the broader healthcare and pharma community in the process.

HITea With Grace's "Fund Like a Girl" is honored to host Alyssa Jaffe, Partner at 7wire Ventures on the pod. Alyssa takes us on her journey leading to her investor role at 7wire Ventures, sharing insights on why she focuses on building businesses empowering healthcare consumers to take control of their health. Discover success stories of individuals positively impacted by digital health solutions supported by Alyssa's investments and explore the value of B2B2C models in the digital health space. Alyssa sheds light on navigating relationships between invested companies, businesses, and end-users in the healthcare sector, addressing challenges and opportunities. She explores collaboration between digital health startups and health plans, and generously shares strategies and best practices for effective partnerships.

Welcome to HITea Pod's "Fund Like a Girl" series! In this episode, we are pleased to host La Keisha Landrum Pierre and Naseem Sayani, partners at Emmeline Ventures. La Keisha and Naseem share their insights as investors in women's health technology, addressing specific research gaps and the identification of areas in need of innovation. Explore their perspectives on gender diversity in clinical trials and the investment community's role in fostering inclusivity. As the conversation concludes, La Keisha and Naseem share their approaches to working at their best, overcoming challenges, and offer empowering advice for women in healthcare/health IT. If you want women investors on your cap table, it's worth the time and effort. Once women choose to invest, they will dive in wholeheartedly to help you build and succeed.

Welcome to HITea With Grace’s “Fund Like a Girl” series where we're thrilled to feature Cheryl Cheng, founder of Vive Collective, a dynamic VC in health IT. Join us as Cheryl shares her career journey that led to Vive Collective and delves into the Vive Collective survey conducted via LinkedIn, revealing the top 4 "Digital Health Mafia Companies" and sharing surprising findings. Listen in as Cheryl emphasizes the importance of founders being former high-growth startup operators and the key traits she looks for in companies and founders she invests in. In this episode, Cheryl also sheds light on the evolving landscape of digital health funding, discussing inclusivity and the challenges that still need to be addressed.

In this episode of HITea With Grace’s “Fund Like a Girl”, we have a very special guest - Halle Tecco - a pioneering VC in the health IT space.  In this episode, Halle shares her career journey, insights into the evolving healthcare landscape, and invaluable advice for women venturing into healthcare entrepreneurship and venturing into venture. She discusses key challenges and effective strategies, highlights success stories of women-led startups, and navigates the complexities of healthcare regulations. Halle emphasizes the importance of building diverse teams, leveraging technology, and seeking mentorship for women founders in healthcare.  Join us for a deep dive into Halle Tecco's perspective on driving innovation and making a difference in healthcare IT through funding technologies that seamlessly improve care and outcomes and so generously sharing her learnings with us along the way.