Lifers with Christina Farr

On the first episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, and Luba Greenwood chat with Dr. Robin Berzin, the Founder & CEO of Parsley Health. Robin shares her journey from being a physician to founding Parsley Health, a digital health company that uses root cause medicine to drive powerful outcomes for patients with complex health needs. She also talks about how breakthroughs in data and AI are helping redefine primary care with data-driven insights. They explore crucial healthcare questions like "Whose job is it to prevent chronic disease?" and discuss whether digital health can deliver on prevention, treatment, and longevity. They reflect on the shortcomings of primary care, the impact of the standard American diet on health, the latest studies on cortisol, and the importance of a holistic approach to medicine. Thank you to our sponsor Awell, the leading CareOps platform. — SPONSORS: 👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today. 🩺 AWELL. Transform your healthcare operations with Awell! Say goodbye to manual work and Excel hell. Awell's CareOps orchestration platform helps design, implement, and improve care flows in days. Trusted by Astrana Health, Commons Clinic, and Better Health, Awell automates processes for faster care model improvements in 2 days or less. Visit awellhealth.com and mention Second Opinion for a free bootcamp. — LINKS: Subscribe to Robin’s Newsletter: https://robinberzinmd.com/  Subscribe to Parsley Health Newsletter: https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/category/news/  Parsley Health: https://www.parsleyhealth.com   ARTICLES MENTIONED: Health care's "churn" problem: https://secondopinion.media/p/health-cares-churn-problem  How to balance cortisol levels to increase energy and lose weight: https://robinberzinmd.com/how-to-balance-cortisol-levels-to-increase-energy-and-lose-weight/  A Lot of What You’ve Heard About Cortisol Is Wrong: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/cortisol-stress-hormone-adrenal-fatigue-02aab49a  — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-berzin-md/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/  — TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (02:30) Robin Berzin's Journey: From Physician to CEO of Parsley Health (07:11) Functional Medicine (aka Root Cause Medicine) and Parsley Health (09:31) Challenges in Traditional Healthcare (11:06) The Role of AI and Data in Healthcare (14:34) Whose Job Is It To Prevent Chronic Disease? (21:19) SPONSOR: Awell Health (22:22) Healthcare’s “Churn” Problem, Insurance and Healthcare Costs (27:57) Partnering with Insurance Companies (30:43) How Diet and Lifestyle Impact Health (34:34) The Role of Cortisol in the Body (36:32) Wrap This podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

Second Opinion doesn't hold back. Join Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, Luba Greenwood, as they bring influential entrepreneurs, experts and investors into the ring for candid conversations at the frontlines of healthcare and digital health every week. Episode 1 with Robin Berzin, CEO of Parsley Health, will be available starting on July 31, 2024. Subscribe to Second Opinion wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podpage.com/secondopinion/ Til then, meet your hosts:  Christina Farr draws on a decade of experience covering the industry as a reporter at CNBC, Fast Company and Reuters, as well as an investor at OMERS Ventures. During her tenure as a reporter, she broke some big health-tech stories ranging from Amazon’s first moves into the sector to Apple’s secretive acquisitions.  Luba Greenwood, JD is a veteran biotech CEO and investor. She is the managing partner and founder of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute venture fund and has served as CEO and Chair of multiple companies including Kojin. She has led over $10b in deals and served in leadership roles at large healthcare and tech companies, including Roche and Google. She is a thought leader in the industry and senior lecturer at Harvard. Ash Zenooz, MD — former CEO of Commure and partner at Luxeda Holdings. As former CEO of Commure, she drove over 550% ARR growth and led a merger. Previously, she grew Salesforce's global health and life sciences unit to $2.5b ARR. Ash also served as Chief Medical Officer at the VA, overseeing an $80B portfolio and leading telehealth and precision medicine reforms.  This season, we’re tackling meaty topics like biosecurity, the latest in telemedicine, why patient acquisition is so hard, and the pros and cons of VC versus private equity in funding startups in the healthtech space.

In this episode of the Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Dickon Waterfield, president of Lantern to discuss the intricacies of U.S. healthcare costs, particularly the disparity between Medicare and commercial prices. They cover the unsustainable burden on employers to provide healthcare, the evolving nature of digital health solutions, and the market's reaction to recent IPOs in the sector. —📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  —LINKS: Lantern: https://lanterncare.com/  Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/  —SPONSOR: 👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today.—FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickonwaterfield https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/—HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: • The company was previously under the radar despite its size because it lacked traditional digital health investors and operated in the emerging "sensitive excellence" space • Lantern works by securing lower rates from select providers in exchange for steering patient volume to them, rather than contracting with all providers like traditional insurers • Commercial insurance pays dramatically more than Medicare for the same procedures - for example, a total knee replacement costs around $45,000 commercially versus $17,000 for Medicare • About 90% of surgical costs go to the facility, with only 10% split between surgeon and anesthesia fees • The company built scale over 14 years by starting with local networks and school districts before expanding to national employers • They typically contract with only one or two providers per market, offering them incremental volume and market share gains • By waiving patient cost-sharing (like $5,000 out-of-pocket maximums), they incentivize patients to travel to preferred providers • Proposed Medicaid cuts could affect 10% of Medicaid recipients, forcing more healthcare costs onto employers • When Medicaid funding decreases, hospitals typically increase commercial rates to compensate for uninsured patients • Employers are increasingly frustrated with being responsible for 60-70% of Americans' healthcare coverage • The current system originated post-WWII as a talent competition tool and became normalized as part of total compensation packages • Only a major economic downturn with high unemployment could potentially break this cycle, as tight labor markets force employers to maintain competitive benefits • Employers will likely narrow their coverage, offering less rich benefits and more selective networks and formularies • Cell and gene therapies costing $1-5 million per treatment pose existential threats to employer-sponsored health plans • There's a reckoning coming for point solutions that don't deliver measurable ROI, with increased scrutiny on clinical evidence and cost reduction • Digital health companies are held to higher standards than pharmaceuticals, which don't face the same outcome-based payment requirements • Forward-thinking employers are moving beyond simple cost savings to evaluate programs on multiple parameters including talent retention and clinical outcomes • A new generation of digital health companies is becoming in-network providers rather than selling directly to employers • This approach eliminates long sales cycles and complex billing arrangements that characterized earlier digital health companies • Successful healthcare sales requires understanding buyers' needs and solving their problems rather than just selling solutions • Founder-led sales remains crucial in early stages because founders can listen more acutely to feedback and pivot quickly

In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr and Lifeforce CEO Dugal Bain-Kim dive into the billion-dollar longevity economy, examining why health optimization became a status symbol and how personal data drives better health decisions than population-level advice. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  —LINKS: Lifeforce: https://www.mylifeforce.com/  Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/  —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dugal-bain https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/  —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:• The "shadow healthcare system" refers to cash-pay healthcare alternatives where insured people seek services outside traditional insurance coverage.• This trend results from converging factors: post-COVID cultural shifts, health becoming aspirational/lifestyle status, and new technology enabling accessible longevity services.• Personalized data from wearables (like Aura rings showing sleep/alcohol impact) motivates behavior change more effectively than general medical advice.• "N of one" personalized data feels more relevant than population health guidance, though there's risk of "measuring the fun out of life."• Personal genetic risk (like Alzheimer's predisposition) transforms health behaviors from optional to urgent, particularly around sleep quality.• A paradox exists where physicians publicly skeptical of longevity medicine privately use interventions like GLP-1 microdosing and seek optimization partners.• Personal health testing reveals significant issues traditional healthcare misses, including PCOS, scoliosis, and device malfunctions.• Longevity medicine catches problems early - 26% of members are pre-diabetic, often undiagnosed despite regular annual physicals.• Continuous monitoring can discover serious conditions like pituitary brain tumors when primary care doctors aren't interested in investigating elevated biomarkers.• The equity challenge questions how expensive cash-pay services can reach populations who need them most.• Three customer types emerge: health optimizers, health-motivated people getting back on track, and people wanting complete health reinvention.• Solutions for broader access include insurance integration and AI-powered tools to reduce costs from $140 to $40 monthly.• The "dating app problem" asks whether longevity companies lose customers when they successfully improve health.• Solutions include maintenance vs. optimization modes, targeting 40-60 age demographic where significant bodily changes occur.• Despite male-focused industry branding, actual customer bases can be gender-balanced (45% female, 55% male).• Effective messaging balances performance-focused and wellness-focused approaches rather than targeting one gender.• Longevity medicine includes traditional prevention but adds quality-of-life interventions that create initial motivation and trust for broader health compliance.• The rebranding question asks whether longevity is simply primordial prevention made more engaging and actionable.• Supplement safety concerns arise from liver injuries and poor industry regulation, highlighting need for data-driven approaches.• Most people take too many unnecessary supplements; data-driven supplementation could improve both safety and efficacy.

This week on Second Opinion, Christina Far interviews Courtney Bragg, CEO and co-founder of Fabric Health, about their innovative approach to delivering healthcare services in laundromats. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Medicaid system, the importance of building trust and relationships in healthcare, and the critical role of human elements alongside technology.— 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  —SPONSOR:🏥Thatch makes it easy to give your team great healthcare. Save ~$1620 per employee yearly while giving them customizable plans. Visit https://thatch.ai/HR  for a demo and receive a $100 gift card. —LINKS: Fabric Health: https://fabrichealth.org/ Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/   —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdebragg/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/  —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:• Most healthcare startups chase the obvious markets, but Fabric Health found something different: 32 million Americans spending two hours weekly in laundromats, 70% of them women making healthcare decisions for their families.• Founder Courtney Bragg's counterintuitive insight: you need "muffins before mammograms" - build genuine relationships before pushing healthcare services on people who've been burned by scams.• The approach works because it's human-first with tech as an enabler, not the other way around - they integrate with laundromat systems but lead with offering someone a laundry cart.• After 837 days in laundromats, they learned the hard way that walking up and asking "do you have insurance?" is tone-deaf; real conversations start with Eagles football talk in Philly.• The results speak for themselves: 27,000 families enrolled, profitable before raising VC money, and hiring directly from the communities they serve.• The healthcare system is genuinely broken in absurd ways - like sending a blind woman a paper letter asking her to confirm she's still blind to keep her benefits.• System dysfunction runs deep: kids auto-assigned to different health plans (one mom juggling four), caseworker calls flagged as "scam likely," transportation benefits that stop 2 miles short of available care.• These aren't technology problems - they're human problems that require understanding real people's lives, not building apps in isolation.• The Medicaid opportunity is massive and misunderstood: 80 million Americans, nearly half of all births, but VCs avoid it because they think "poor people don't pay enough."• Political noise around Medicaid cuts is mostly theater - too many hospitals and jobs depend on it, plus "a lot of people who wear red MAGA hats are on Medicaid."• States are actually begging Fabric to expand because they see results, with Medicaid directors personally requesting their services.• The real opportunities ahead are in maternal and pediatric care, where states face real financial penalties for missed metrics.• Courtney's unconventional background in education taught her community organizing - skills most tech founders lack but healthcare desperately needs.• Her advice for mission-driven founders: "you've gotta be obsessed with what you're building because you care deeply about it" - most startup founders are just chasing trends.

This week on Second Opinion podcast, Christina Farr and Ash Zenooz interview Eric Jon Larsen about the the potential and challenges of AI in healthcare and various industries, debating its role, accuracy, impact on jobs, and future implications for human society. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  —SPONSOR:🏥Thatch makes it easy to give your team great healthcare. Save ~$1620 per employee yearly while giving them customizable plans. Visit https://thatch.ai/HR  for a demo and receive a $100 gift card. —LINKS: Eric Jon Larsen (Towerbrook): https://www.towerbrook.com/our-team/eric-jon-larsen/ The 'creepy Facebook AI' story that captivated the media: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-40790258 Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit: https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Artificial-Intelligence-Human-Spirit/dp/0316581291 John Maynard Keynes’s  Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren: https://www.econ.yale.edu/smith/econ116a/keynes1.pdf  Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/  —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-larsen-a4a0461/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:• Christina Farr tested AI on financial filings - it produced 5-hour analysis in 2 minutes but with 5% inaccuracies requiring 2 hours to verify, raising the question of whether we should wait for 100% accuracy before relying on AI• Eric Larsen argues AI represents a "speciation event" - unlike previous technologies that augmented human capabilities, AI will replace cognitive work entirely as we create "non-biological intelligence" superior to humans• Healthcare faces a perfect storm: medical knowledge now doubles every 73 days (vs 50 years in 1950), 2.3 million biomedical studies published annually, and humans already exceed ability to process medical knowledge• AI shows superior empathy in healthcare - people tell truth to chatbots but lie to humans to avoid embarrassment, and chatbots provide infinite patience compared to overworked physicians• China announced first AI hospital with 26 specialties testing 10,000 synthetic patients with higher diagnostic accuracy than human doctors, while US regulatory barriers slow adoption• Counterintuitive prediction: high-cognition jobs (doctors, lawyers, consultants) will be disrupted before physical jobs due to "Moravec's Paradox" - algorithms mastered chess and Go but struggle with basic motor skills• The healthcare narrative that "AI won't replace doctors, but doctors using AI will replace those who don't" is a "bedtime story" - real trajectory points toward AI systems exceeding human diagnostic capabilities• Economic transformation ahead includes potential 30% annual productivity improvements, massive deflation as AI drives costs toward zero, and need for new social redistribution policies• Larsen advises next generation to "learn for agility" - study humanities plus STEM, become "cybernetic" human-machine collaborators, and develop AI proficiency as core mental operating system• Critical window exists to shape AI development before it achieves "escape velocity" through automated AI research, creating infinitely replicable researchers sharing a "hive mind" of knowledge

This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr and Luba Greenwood discuss the acquisition of 23andMe by Regeneron, the involvement of Hims and Hers in the GLP-1 market, and two significant IPOs in the digital health sector. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   —SPONSOR:🏋🏻‍♀️Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion  using code SECONDOPINION at checkout. —LINKS: Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/  —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  —TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview(00;48) Intro(01:50) Regeneron’s acquisition of 23andMe(11:59) Sponsor: Fatty15(13:19) Hims and Hers: A billion-dollar raise(17:49) Digital health IPOs: Hinge and Omada(23:46) Wrap —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:• Regeneron acquired 23andMe for $256 million as the genetic testing company was heading toward bankruptcy.• 23andMe struggled because they tried to operate both a consumer business and expensive drug discovery R&D simultaneously without adequate synergy.• The acquisition price represents roughly $20 per person's genetic data, which is considered a good deal for Regeneron given 23andMe's 15 million user database.• Regeneron faces a "patent cliff" where their blockbuster drugs are losing exclusivity, driving the need for new drug discovery capabilities.• The genetic data will help Regeneron with early-stage drug discovery, though combining genetic data with medical records for drug discovery remains scientifically challenging.• Hims & Hers raised another billion dollars, largely boosted by their partnership with Novo Nordisk to distribute Wegovy (a GLP-1 obesity drug).• The GLP-1 market represents an outlier situation where pharma companies are seeking novel distribution channels due to intense competition and previous drug shortages.• Two major digital health IPOs are happening: Hinge Health (physical therapy) went public at under $3 billion valuation (down from $6 billion private valuation) and Omada Health (chronic disease management) filed their S-1.• Hinge Health's profitability and AI integration in virtual physical therapy positioned them well for their IPO, while Omada faces more skepticism due to lack of profitability.• Both companies primarily serve employers and face challenges expanding into Medicare and health plan markets, requiring different sales teams and strategies.• The success of these IPOs will determine whether the IPO window opens for other digital health companies with $100+ million revenue run rates.• The digital health industry desperately needs successful exits that return money to investors, as M&A activity has been slower than expected despite favorable market conditions.

In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr, Stephen Klasko and Jessica Beegle, discuss the persistent challenges in healthcare despite technological advancements. They explore the integration of AI, the struggle with outdated systems, and the need for aligning incentives to drive meaningful change. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess —SPONSOR:🏋🏻‍♀️Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout. —LINKS: SAIL Conference (Symposium on Artificial Intelligence for Learning Health Systems): https://sail.health/ General Catalyst: https://www.generalcatalyst.com/ THL Partners: https://thl.com/  Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/  —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sklasko/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabeegle/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/  —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:• Despite 15 years of technological advancement, the industry still struggles with basic issues like API integrations, data silos, and delayed billing systems.• Healthcare has "Star Wars technology" for individual patients but operates with a "Fred Flintstone" delivery system due to misaligned incentives.• Large tech companies and health systems are finally starting to work together more effectively, translating between Silicon Valley innovation and frontline healthcare delivery.• Many health systems operate with disparate EHR systems, making it difficult to implement modern AI solutions without proper data infrastructure.• The core problem isn't technology but rather that people's salaries often depend on maintaining inefficient systems.• Successful AI implementations include mental health prediction tools, clinical trial optimization, and OR scheduling that added 100 new surgeries in one month.• The industry faces commoditization with hundreds of point solutions at conferences, making it difficult to identify truly valuable innovations.• Similar to how it took 50 years for doctors and nurses to work together effectively, healthcare now needs to learn how physicians and AI can collaborate.• Successful AI adoption requires framing tools as augmentation rather than replacement, focusing on removing administrative burdens from clinical work.• Effective implementation involves focusing on the 65% of physicians in the middle (between early adopters and resisters) rather than extremes.• Health systems operating with thin margins or losses need AI solutions that demonstrate clear ROI within 12 months, not just satisfaction metrics.• The industry is moving away from point solutions toward consolidated platforms that address multiple problems simultaneously.• Leading health systems are seeking equity partnerships with technology companies rather than just being customers.• The authors are writing a book about bridging the gap between Silicon Valley tech culture and healthcare delivery.

This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr and Ash Zenooz interview Stephen Buck, CEO/Co-Founder of Courage Health, a public benefit company providing cancer survival rates to patients and physicians, helping facilitate conversations about living life to the fullest. They talk about the inefficacy of employer-based healthcare, the lack of political bipartisan collaboration, and the rising trend of direct-to-consumer healthcare models. —📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess —SPONSOR:🏋🏻‍♀️Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout. —LINKS: Courage Health: https://courage.health/ Stephen Buck (CNBC Healthy Returns): https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/20/stephen-buck.html  Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/—FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:• Bipartisan collaboration is necessary for meaningful healthcare reform.• Employer-based healthcare creates fundamental misalignments in the American system.• Short employee tenure (2-3 years) eliminates incentives for long-term health investment.• Consumers willingly pay premium prices for convenient, private healthcare services.• Preventive services offered by employers remain largely underutilized.• "Longevity" branding resonates more effectively than traditional "prevention" messaging.• Cultural attitudes vary widely regarding health optimization versus quality of life.• Knowledge gaps exist between specialized medicine and primary care.• AI tools could potentially serve as co-pilots for patients and clinicians.• Consumer education about healthcare system misalignments is essential for self-advocacy.

This week on Second Opinion, we're sharing an episode from Peter Lee's Microsoft Research Podcast with guests Dave deBronkart and Christina Farr. They examine how AI has transformed healthcare since GPT-4's launch two years ago, with Dave and Chrissy sharing insights on patient empowerment through AI tools and the evolving digital health business models in specialized care areas. This episode was originally published in the Microsoft Research Podcast: ⁠https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/podcast/the-ai-revolution-in-medicine-revisited-empowering-patients-and-healthcare-consumers-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/?OCID=AIRevolutionPod_SecondOpinion⁠   —📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  — SPONSOR:🏋🏻‍♀️Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion  using code SECONDOPINION at checkout. —LINKS:e-Patient Dave: https://www.epatientdave.com/  Patients Use AI: https://patientsuseai.substack.com/  Meet e-Patient Dave (TED Talk): https://www.ted.com/talks/dave_debronkart_meet_e_patient_dave  “Let Patients Help”: A Patient Engagement Handbook: https://www.epatientdave.com/let-patients-help/ There's about to be a lot of Al capital incineration: https://secondopinion.media/p/there-s-about-to-be-a-lot-of-ai-capital-incineration  A letter to my kids about last week: https://secondopinion.media/p/a-letter-to-my-kids-about-last-week  The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/the-ai-revolution-in-medicine-gpt-4-and-beyond/   Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/ —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlee4  https://www.linkedin.com/in/epatientdave/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/    —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:Dave de Bronkart's Segment:• Diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2007 with 24-week survival expectation.• Online patient community proved crucial to his survival.• Community had treatment knowledge not available in medical literature.• Always verified community information with clinicians before acting.• Sees AI as tool for patients to explore health questions without using doctor's time.• Believes AI won't replace doctors but will help patients solve more issues independently.• Advocates for patient access to their complete medical data. Chrissy Farr's Segment:• AI startups struggle because healthcare systems can't effectively integrate their tools.• Prefers businesses using AI within care delivery over standalone AI tools.• Healthcare tech works best during "high engagement" moments like pregnancy or cancer diagnosis.• Health systems struggle to justify new technology investments.• Women's health is fertile for digital innovation due to multiple engagement points.• Text messaging services offer better experiences than apps.• Many consumers shifting to cash-pay subscription models.• Short employee tenure challenges employer healthcare investments.• Elder care technologies present significant opportunities.• Healthcare change can come from both outside advocates and inside employees.

This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr and Ash Zenooz interview Seraphina Therapeutics CEO Steph Venn-Watson, unpacking why men dominate the longevity space, the cellular secrets of aging, and C15:0’s potential to boost health. —📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess  —SPONSOR:🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15:0 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout. 🏥 Thatch makes it easy to give your team great healthcare. Save ~$1620 per employee yearly while giving them customizable plans. Visit https://thatch.ai/HR  for a demo and receive a $100 gift card. —LINKS:  The Longevity Nutrient: https://www.amazon.com/Longevity-Nutrient-Unexpected-Holds-Healthy/dp/1668063549 Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/  —FOLLOW:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanievennwatson/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/  —HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz and Seraphina Therapeutics CEO Stephanie Venn-Watson explore women's perspectives on longevity versus the male-dominated "influencer" space in this field. Stephanie explains that traditional "longevity" focused on living forever doesn't resonate with most women, who instead want quality years. Stephanie reveals concerning data that people born after 1990 are showing aging-related diseases at younger ages than previous generations. While studying Navy dolphins, Stephanie's team discovered that a molecule called C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) was linked to healthier aging. C15:0 is a saturated fat primarily found in dairy fat, which has been significantly reduced in American diets since 1977 dietary guidelines. The 1977 congressional guidelines recommended decreasing saturated fat intake, leading to widespread adoption of low-fat dairy. This dietary shift doubled down in the 1990s when pediatricians began recommending switching children from whole milk to low-fat milk at age two. People born since the 1990s have grown up in what Stephanie calls a "C15:0 deficient world." The good news is that C15:0 supplementation can help reverse some of these conditions according to clinical trials. C15:0 levels can also be increased through diet (especially grass-fed dairy), exercise, and consuming fiber.

In this episode of Second Opinion, hosts Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, and Luba Greenwood discuss the latest trends in healthcare, including conferences, the economic impact on health tech and biotech sectors, the potential for AI to reduce administrative burdens, and the dynamics of the IPO market. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   — SPONSORS: 🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at http://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: Health Evolution Summit (HES): https://www.healthevolution.com/summit/  Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Delivery Systems: Early Applications and Impacts (PHTI research): https://phti.org/ai-adoption-early-applications-impacts/ — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: The economy is currently experiencing significant turbulence, with biotech stocks particularly affected by recent market conditions. Tariffs are causing severe economic uncertainty, especially impacting pharmaceuticals since India and China make up more than half of the US generic drug supply. The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on global sourcing, making it particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts that will likely increase costs for consumers. The hosts expressed frustration that healthcare organizations weren't better prepared for tariffs given that they were a central policy point for the Trump administration. A recent report on AI scribing technologies in healthcare revealed mixed results regarding cost savings, with many health systems seeing no actual cost reduction despite improvements in physician satisfaction. Luba argued that hospitals' resistance to reducing administrative bloat is a key reason why AI hasn't led to cost savings in US healthcare. Countries like Singapore and Korea have successfully implemented AI in hospitals to reduce administrative staff while maintaining focus on clinical care. CMS recently announced a significant five percent payment increase for Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, injecting approximately $25 billion into insurers. The hosts expressed concern about potential reduced federal spending on Medicaid under the current administration. Hinge Health, poised to be the first major digital health IPO in years, is now reportedly reconsidering due to economic uncertainty. The success or failure of Hinge Health's IPO could have significant implications for funding across the entire digital health sector. Peter Marks, the FDA's vaccine chief, recently left, sending shockwaves through the biotech industry. China is gaining dominance in biotech development largely due to lower regulatory hurdles that allow much faster clinical trial progression compared to the US. Ash emphasized the need for better FDA-CMS coordination, noting that it typically takes 17 years from innovation to patient access partly because CMS coding delays follow FDA approvals.

In this episode, Christina Farr sits down with Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and CEO of Heartbeat Health, about the challenges of behavior change in cardiology, the role of technology in health, the importance of preventative measures, and the emerging trend of longevity-focused health interventions. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   — SPONSORS: 🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: Heartbeat Health: https://www.heartbeathealth.com/  Why is longevity suddenly so hot?: https://secondopinion.media/p/why-is-longevity-suddenly-so-hot — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-wessler/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Heartbeat Health is a large medical group with cardiologists and other practitioners providing telehealth and remote diagnostics across the US. Jeff is skeptical about technology's role in behavior change for cardiovascular health, noting that despite more tech, outcomes in cardiovascular disease have worsened. Jeff explains that heart attacks are largely predictable, contrary to popular belief that they are random events. Modern diagnostic technology can identify risk factors and provide feedback loops that show whether interventions like diet and exercise are working. The longevity trend represents a shift from the traditional model where doctors simply tell patients to improve their lifestyle to one where patients can test interventions and see measurable results. Jeff identifies different types of prevention: primordial (preventing risk factors), primary (preventing heart attacks in those with risk factors), secondary (preventing subsequent heart attacks), and tertiary (reducing complications). Current longevity programs reach thousands when they need to reach millions to make a meaningful impact on cardiovascular outcomes.

This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Liana Douillet Guzmán, CEO of FOLX, about the healthcare challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss systemic discrimination, the growing demand for inclusive care, and the importance of patient-centered, community-based healthcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse    — SPONSORS: 🏥 Thatch makes it easy to give your team great healthcare. Save ~$1620 per employee yearly while giving them customizable plans. Visit https://thatch.ai/HR for a demo and receive a $100 gift card. 🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: FOLX Health: https://www.folxhealth.com/  — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianaguzman  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: FOLX is a virtual clinic providing healthcare specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The current healthcare system was not built for LGBTQIA+ individuals and is often openly discriminatory. 40% of LGBTQIA+ community avoids seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination. 10% of US adult population identifies as queer, while 25%+ of Gen Z identifies as queer. LGBTQIA+ community has higher rates of mental health challenges due to societal stress. Most clinicians graduate with only five hours of LGBTQIA+ training. FOLX started as a direct-to-consumer service for gender-affirming care and expanded to serve the broader LGBTQIA+ community. The company added insurance acceptance and employer partnerships to increase accessibility. The current political climate has created increased demand for FOLX's services. Patient-centered care should value the patient's expertise about their own experience. Liana believes "you can do good and do well at the same time." FOLX positions itself as a smart business decision rather than just a DEI initiative.

In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Dr. Asima Ahmad MD, MPH, FACOG, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot, discussing her journey as a fertility specialist and entrepreneur. They explore the challenges and advancements in fertility treatment, the importance of early fertility education, and the impact of new technologies on making fertility care more accessible and affordable. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess   🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse    — SPONSORS: 🏋🏻‍♀️Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at fatty15.com/SECONDOPINION using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.  👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today. — LINKS: Carrot: https://www.get-carrot.com/  Dr. Marcelel Cedars: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-marcelle-cedars  The End of Sex by Hank Greely: https://www.amazon.com/End-Sex-Future-Human-Reproduction/dp/0674728963  Pilot Study Evaluates Weekly Pill to Slow Ovarian Aging, Delay Menopause: https://www.nyp.org/advances-womenshealth/pilot-study-evaluates-weekly-pill-to-slow-ovarian-aging-delay-menopause @doctor_asima on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_asima/   Leslie Schrock episode on Second Opinion: https://youtu.be/LmZAoLqMSmc?si=djwXFJ0KhgZV-_ia  — FOLLOW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asima-ahmad-md/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/ — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Asima Ahmad is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot and practices as a fertility specialist at Reproductive Medicine Institute in Chicago. Only about 40-50 reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialists graduate per year in the US. OB-GYNs often handle initial fertility workups in rural areas and some countries before referring to specialists. Virtual care has significantly improved access to fertility treatment since the pandemic. "Revenge egg freezing" is a trend where employees use fertility benefits right before leaving companies. Asima considers egg freezing safe and supports access to fertility preservation options. Both Asima and host Chrissy experienced delayed PCOS diagnoses, highlighting the importance of early detection. PCOS diagnosis requires two of three criteria: irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries, or signs of elevated androgens. PCOS has implications beyond fertility including increased risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Fertility education should be taught alongside contraception education in schools. Women experience ovarian aging and declining egg quality with age, which impacts family planning. In vitro maturation (IVM) allows eggs to be retrieved earlier with fewer medications, reducing physical and financial burden. Research is being conducted on delaying ovarian aging to extend the fertility window.