In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Dr. Bilal Naved from Clearstep Health to explore how AI is transforming the patient experience. From improving access and engagement to streamlining provider workflows, Clearstep’s AI agents are helping healthcare organizations deliver care more efficiently and effectively.It’s a pivotal moment for the industry: AI isn’t here to replace expertise, but to amplify it. When developed responsibly, these tools can become powerful partners by reducing friction for patients, supporting providers, and ensuring care reaches those who need it most.In this episode, they talk about:How Clearstep uses AI to balance patient access with provider capacityWhat it really means to leverage expert AI systemsTangible benefits for provider organizationsCutting call center volume, boosting patient care, and seeing 3–10x ROIFlexible deployment: from pre-visit automation to call center efficiency to data insightsA Little About Bilal:Dr. Bilal Naved co-founded Clearstep while completing his MD/PhD at Northwestern University. With a passion for blending engineering and medicine, he’s dedicated to pushing the boundaries of how care is delivered. Today, Bilal focuses on using advanced informatics to both optimize healthcare systems and measure real-world outcomes: work that’s making healthcare more efficient, effective, and patient-centered.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Derek Lo, CEO and Founder at Medallion, to explore how technology is reshaping one of the most overlooked but critical parts of healthcare: managing provider networks. Derek shares the story behind Medallion, why he set out to tackle the complexities of credentialing, licensing, and provider management, and how his team is using automation and AI to make life easier for both providers and organizations.Medallion builds software that simplifies the complexity of running a provider network. From credentialing to licensing, the platform helps organizations get providers seeing patients faster while offering greater efficiency, visibility, and control.In this episode, they talk about:How Medallion helps accurately manage provider networks with AI automationThe complicated and complex process of credentialing—and why it sparked Derek’s journeyWhere Medallion comes into play in recruiting and hiring providersHow this benefits organizations beyond the administrative processThe future of AI management software in healthcareHow Medallion is helping drive transformation across the industryA Little About Derek:Derek Lo is the CEO and Founder of Medallion, the leading platform for provider network management. Since launching in 2020, he’s grown the company to over 300 customers, built a 150+ person team, and raised $140 million from top investors like Sequoia Capital and Optum Ventures. A second-time founder, Derek previously built and sold Py to Hired.com in 2019. He’s a Yale graduate in Computer Science and Statistics, a two-time Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and is driving Medallion’s mission to simplify healthcare operations with AI-powered automation.
In this podcast, Vishal Iyengar, Principal at Deloitte\, and Mike Stimpson, CTO at enGen, discuss the strategic value that AI Agents can unlock to transform healthcare outcomes, operations, and stakeholder experience. They explore the practical use of Agents to answer foundational questions and address requests for information from members and providers that routinely cause abrasion, confusion, and administrative overhead. Vishal and Mike also highlight what is needed for these Agentic solutions to be deployed and adopted for organizations to achieve the expected results – data integrity, cyber security, governance and compliance, and targeted talent. In this episode, they talk about:How AI has grown from traditional machine learning to GenAI to today’s Agentic capabilitiesA simple 3-layer setup: domain agents (specialists), reasoning agents (the organizer), and an enterprise model (the professor)Real-life use cases, like “Is this service covered?” or “Why was my claim denied?”What enGen focuses on to succeed: fresh thinking, outside perspectives, curiosity, a willingness to rebuild, and the right teamenGen’s vision is transforming healthcare by supporting members on their whole health journey and creating seamless experiencesSmarter data with AI-enabled APIs that make information easy to use across different needsWhy speed matters but not at the cost of security and trustA Little About Vishal and Mike:Vishal brings over 2 decades of technology and business transformation experience in the Health Care industry. He specializes in the infusion and adoption of new-age technologies into today's complex ecosystem that enables Payers and Providers to manage, deliver, and reimburse for care. Most recently, he has focused on real-world use of AI to augment technologists, operators, and business experts to meaningfully change how Health Care systems support their stakeholders. Mike comes to enGen with over 25 years of experience in technology and operations within both the health care and financial services industries. For the past 20 years, he consulted with health care organizations in transforming their businesses through technology-enabled solutions and large-scale business transformations specifically focused in core administration and service transformation . Mike leads enGen’s person-centric solutions focused on digital, clinical and provider transformation that puts the member and patient at the center of their healthcare journey.
How much time do care team members spend piecing together a patient’s story—reviewing past visits, tracking what’s changed, and understanding their current needs? The answer is often too much. A large share of clinical energy goes into gathering and analyzing patient data, leaving less time for what matters most: direct care.That’s where virtual care platforms and AI-driven healthcare solutions come in. By streamlining workflows and surfacing the right insights at the right time, these tools cut the administrative load in half, giving providers more time with patients while reducing the risk of burnout.In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Peter Burns, from SoftServe, and Tim Wright from Teladoc to explore how their organizations are reimagining care team workflows. They discuss practical ways technology can boost efficiency, speed up patient support, and strengthen trust—the foundation for any successful digital health adoption.In this episode, they talk about:The vision behind SoftServe and Teladoc Health and how they’re shaping the future of care deliveryThe expanding reach of virtual care and what it means for patients and providersHow AI-driven healthcare tools are redefining care team workflows for greater efficiencyReal-world examples of how Teladoc and SoftServe are improving the way care teams collaborate and deliver patient supportThe role of smart hospital rooms and what they signal for the next era of connected careWhy the partnership between SoftServe and Teladoc is unlocking new possibilities in digital health innovationA Little About Peter:Peter Burns brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to his role as Director of Consulting & Domain Solutions at SoftServe. He’s passionate about bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, helping payers and providers solve complex business challenges with innovative, real-world solutions.At SoftServe, Peter combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technical capabilities to design strategies that improve workflows, enhance patient outcomes, and drive lasting impact across the healthcare ecosystem.A Little About Tim:Tim Wright is passionate about using technology to make healthcare more accessible and effective. As Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Teladoc Health, he helps shape the future of virtual care by building collaborations that improve patient experiences and support care teams.Before joining Teladoc in 2020, Tim was a founding leader at InTouch Health. Prior to that he held management positions at HCR ManorCare, and even Marriott International, giving him a unique perspective that blends healthcare innovation with customer-centered strategy. He actually started his career in IT as an Information Systems Manager at King Broadcasting Company, a role that sparked his lifelong interest in technology and innovation.Tim holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Washington, and studied at Sciences Po Bordeaux.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance, along with Anand Iyer, discuss Welldoc's core philosophy of responsible innovation, particularly how they are pushing the boundaries of AI while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and member trust. Anand reveals how Welldoc is shaping the future of AI in healthcare by collaborating with the FDA, addressing bias, and leading a national effort for interoperability. Discover why responsibility, trust, and consumer empowerment are the keys to turning digital health innovation into safer, more proactive care. Healthcare innovation must be responsible in order to be effective.In this episode, they talk about:Healthcare innovation must be responsible.The four levels of AI and how they are best usedWorking with the FDA to advance safe, high-risk features.Driving interoperability, reducing friction, and encouraging consumer empowerment.Addressing Bias by using diverse data, garnering trust, and establishing the right guardrailsGovernance through consistent standardsPartnerships are the key to growing AI responsiblyKey Takeaways:Trust, safety, and compliance are non-negotiable foundations of innovation.Regulators are partners in shaping the future of AI, not barriers.Responsible AI creates safer, more equitable, and more proactive careA Little About Anand Iyer:Anand is a respected global digital health innovator and leader, most known for his insights on and experience with technology, strategy, and regulatory policy. Anand has been instrumental in Welldoc’s success and the development of BlueStar®, the first FDA-cleared digital therapeutic for adults with type 2 diabetes. Since joining Welldoc in 2008, he has held core leadership positions that included President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. In 2013, Anand was named “Maryland Healthcare Innovator of the Year” in the field of mobile health. Anand was also recognized as a top AI thought leader globally when he was named to Constellation Research’s prestigious AI 150 list in 2024.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Henry O’Connell, Co-Founder & CEO of Canary Speech, to explore how voice AI is transforming healthcare. Canary Speech is pioneering vocal biomarker technology—using subtle patterns in speech to replace subjective assessments with objective, actionable data.From measuring pain levels to aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like Anxiety, depression, Huntington's, Parkinson's, MCI, Canary’s tools are designed to improve accuracy and speed in healthcare decision-making. This innovation not only helps patients receive the right care faster, but also supports nurses and clinicians by reducing burnout, improving workplace safety, and streamlining workflows.If you’re curious about the future of AI in healthcare, digital health innovation, or how speech analysis can change the way we approach diagnostics and patient care, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.In this episode, they talk about:Addressing the growing challenge of aggression in healthcare settingsMeasuring ROI while reducing risk, preventing burnout, and improving employee retentionUsing voice AI to assist in diagnosing ADHD, autism, and scaling pain assessmentsUpcoming projects at Canary Speech, including collaboration with Microsoft’s Dragon softwareHelping providers deliver more empathetic, patient-centered careFast implementation! Canary can be deployed in days, not weeks, for new clientsA Little About Henry:Henry O’Connell is the CEO and co-founder of Canary Speech, a leading AI health tech company using real-time vocal biomarkers to screen for mental health and neurological conditions. With over two decades of experience in technology leadership, including roles at Hewlett-Packard, Gilson, and the NIH, he has served on the boards of multiple tech companies globally. A passionate advocate for voice technology in healthcare, O’Connell regularly speaks on the transformative potential of AI and vocal biomarkers to improve disease detection, patient monitoring, and clinical decision-making. He aims to provide health screening that is accessible, objective, and scalable.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Jon Shreve, CEO of MCG, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of clinical guidelines and decision support. They discuss how MCG is leveraging AI to strengthen its offerings for payer organizations and stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum, why consistent interpretation of guidelines is critical, and how trust plays a central role in the process. The conversation also dives into the question of whether AI standards will ever be unified and gives a sneak peek into the exciting new directions MCG is heading.In this episode, they talk about:How healthcare AI is transforming clinical guidelines and MCG’s approachClinical decision support solutions for payers and healthcare organizationsWhy consistent guideline interpretation matters in healthcareBuilding trust in AI-powered clinical decision-makingWill AI standards in healthcare ever be unified?Future innovations in clinical decision support at MCGA Little About Jon:Mr. Shreve oversees all facets of MCG Health’s growth and management. He was Chairman of MCG from 2002 to 2009 and became its CEO in 2007. In 2018, Glassdoor recognized him as one of the Top 50 CEOs for Medium and Small Businesses. In 2024, Glassdoor also named MCG a Best Place to Work. Under his leadership, MCG has grown by over 20x. Before MCG’s acquisition by Hearst in 2012, Mr. Shreve had been with Milliman for over 25 years as an Equity Principal and Consulting Actuary. In addition to MCG, Mr. Shreve led or sponsored twenty other practices and was on Milliman’s Board of Directors. Mr. Shreve received his Bachelor of Arts with distinction in Mathematics from Carleton College in Minnesota, and he is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, as well as a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Krishna Bharathala and Isaac Gateño, members of the Agent Development team at Sierra, to explore how companies can confidently take their first steps into the world of artificial intelligence. Sierra helps businesses build better, more human experiences with AI, and this conversation pulls back the curtain on what that really looks like.If you’ve ever wondered where to begin with AI adoption, how to overcome common barriers, or what kind of impact AI can have on your organization, this episode is packed with insights. Krishna and Isaac share practical strategies, explain how Sierra tackles real-world challenges like interoperability and security, and highlight ways companies can measure AI success.Whether you’re curious about streamlining manual processes, building customer trust, or simply trying to understand the baseline knowledge your team needs to get started, this episode will give you a clear roadmap for moving forward with AI.In this episode, they talk about:How Sierra helps organizations and companies leverage AI to improve customer experiencesWays the Agent Development team addresses interoperability challenges across systemsThe concept of the “agent iceberg” and what it means for building stronger securityFoundational AI knowledge every organization should understand before getting startedCommon goals and barriers companies face when adopting AI solutionsHow to measure AI success through cost savings, faster operations, and improved member satisfactionWhy the best place to start with AI is the area of your company that requires the most manual time and effort to operateA Little About Krishna:Krishna Bharathala is an Agent Product Manager at Sierra. Prior to Sierra he was a two-time start-up founder and, before that, was a Product Manager on Google Ads. He holds an MBA from Stanford, and an MS & BS in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania.A Little About Isaac:Isaac Gateño is an Agent Engineer at Sierra. He is a hands-on technical leader with over ten years of experience building teams, working with cross-functional stakeholders, and managing complex projects at high-growth companies, including Forward Health, Plaid, and Palantir. He has a BS in computer science from Stanford.
In this episode, Lorna Borenstein shares how Grokker has evolved into a powerful platform that uses AI to help us stay connected and healthy, why they decided to go with an open system instead of utilizing the directory model they started with, and how Grokker empowers individuals to take ownership of their own wellness. Grokker’s vision is to make your health both accessible and welcoming.If you’re curious about the future of digital wellbeing, the role of AI in personal health, and how to build tools that truly empower people, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.In this episode, they talk about:Grokker uses AI to help us stay connected and healthy Directory models versus open systems in the vendor ecosystemHow Grokker helps empower people to take their wellness into their own handsThe implementation that will help people the most and lead to the most ROIA Little About Lorna and Grokker:Lorna Borenstein is the CEO and Founder of Grokker, the award-winning innovative engagement engine that powers both life-changing outcomes for employees and the results Fortune 1000 clients demand. Supporting millions of employees in over 135 countries on any device, Grokker is trusted by industry leaders, including Boston Children’s Hospital, CVS Health, Delta Air Lines, Dominos, eBay, G.E., MGM Resorts, Pfizer, Target, and more.The idea for Grokker came to Lorna Borenstein while on a multi-year sabbatical, traveling the world with her husband and three children. Hoping to use the internet to practice yoga and fitness while on vacation, she became frustrated with the lack of high-quality instructional videos available, as well as the difficulty in finding videos in one place. In 2012, Lorna founded Grokker.com, the on-demand wellbeing solution you can access from anywhere, anytime, on any device.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Sam Schifman from Vantiq. Together, they explore how adaptive automation powered by agentic AI is reshaping healthcare systems to be smarter, more flexible, and more human-centric. Forget rigid, one-size-fits-all automation; Sam explains how intelligent, collaborative AI agents are tackling clinical burdens, learning in real time, and continuously adapting to meet the unique challenges of healthcare.From understanding the nuances of agentic systems to uncovering what makes a truly successful AI solution, this episode covers it all: elasticity, resilience, and the future of AI in healthcare.In this episode, they talk about:Sam’s role at VantiqHow adaptive automation differs from “traditional” automationAI comes in many different flavorsHow intelligent, collaborative AI agents can relieve clinical burdenWhat are agentic systems and how they are used in the clinical settingVantiq has what is needed to have a successful AI systemElasticity, resilience, and consistencyA Little About Sam Schifman:Sam Schifman is a seasoned software architect with experience spanning finance, education, HR, cybersecurity, and no-code development. Since 2019, he has led healthcare IT innovation as Chief Architect at Diameter Health, building systems that make clinical data usable for governments, insurers, and health exchanges. A frequent speaker and guest lecturer at institutions like Harvard and WPI, Sam is passionate about AI’s real-world impact. He has contributed to HL7 AI standards, explored NLP for clinical data, and experimented with generative AI to advance healthcare and biomedical research.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Rob Stein of C2 Solutions, a division of Intellias, to explore how smart hospitals and connected device technology are reshaping the future of healthcare—both inside the hospital room and across rural communities.From defining what makes a hospital truly "smart" to navigating the challenges of interoperability and integration, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to go digital in healthcare today. Rob shares how Intellias is helping healthcare organizations modernize infrastructure, drive better patient outcomes, and expand care delivery beyond hospital walls.Whether you're a health IT leader, provider, or innovator looking to stay ahead of digital trends, this episode offers insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities of building smarter, more connected care systems.In this episode, they talk about:🧠 What defines a smart hospital in today’s evolving healthcare landscape⚙️ The core technologies powering next-generation, digital-first care environments🔗 How interoperability of connected devices is transforming patient care and workflows🌍 Why smart hospitals are enabling better access to care in rural and remote areas🤝 How Intellias collaborates with healthcare organizations during digital transformation🔄 What information flow looked like before and after connected tech—and what’s still evolving🧩 The complexities of integration and how to overcome them🏷️ Why device manufacturers must innovate and differentiate in an increasingly crowded marketA Little About Rob:Rob Stein has 10 years of consulting, advisory, managed services, and staffing experience. Focused on Medical Device and Healthcare technology consulting. C2 Solutions, offers comprehensive consulting services designed to elevate your operations in critical areas:Product Engineering: From concept to launch, develop innovative products that stand out in the market.Data Strategy and Analytics: Unlock actionable insights and drive smarter decision-making with our data expertise.Artificial Intelligence: Harness the power of AI to automate processes, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new opportunities.Cloud Application Development: Build custom, scalable, and secure applications tailored to meet your unique business needs.Quality Engineering: Ensure your products and services exceed customer expectations with our thorough our robust QE processes.Patient Experience (Px): In the healthcare sector, elevate the patient journey through technology that improves care outcomes and satisfaction
In the latest episode of The Beat Podcast, host Sandy Vance discusses the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare with Anmol Madan, CEO of RadiantGraph. They talk about how AI and Intelligent Personalization can improve the member experience with health plans. Their conversation also highlights the ongoing challenges in consumer engagement within the healthcare sector. RadiantGraph aims to bridge the gap by utilizing AI and machine learning to enhance consumer engagement for large healthcare organizations, particularly in the realm of health plans. If you have any questions about RadiantGraph, reach out to Anmol via LinkedIn or email him at anmolmadan@radiantgraph.com. In this episode, they talk about:❤️🩹How RadiantGraph improves consumer engagement in healthcare using AI.⏲️How quick implementation allows organizations to see results in weeks rather than years.🤝How veterans from digital health and health plan organizations bring valuable insights into what works in the industry.😊The evolution of digital health and the need for systems that effectively engage consumers at scale.🎯Aligning with the business goals of healthcare organizations, they can focus on improving member engagement and satisfaction.🧹The need for clean data and effective data architecture to support healthcare initiatives.A Little About Anmol:Anmol Madan is a healthcare technology innovator with 20+ years of experience using AI, machine learning, and data science to tackle some of the industry’s toughest challenges. He’s led breakthrough innovations in mental health, chronic care, telemedicine, and primary care, shaping the future of patient engagement. He also holds a PhD from MIT Media Lab, has authored 25+ scientific papers, and holds 25+ patents. As founder of RadiantGraph, Anmol is focused on transforming health engagement through AI-powered personalization, helping health plans and services drive meaningful connections with consumers. Previously, he served as Chief Data Scientist at Teladoc and Livongo and co-founded Ginger (now part of Headspace Health), where he built the first AI-driven tele-psychiatry platform.
In this episode of The Beat podcast, host Sandy Vance sits down with Michael Frank, Director of Digital Health at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), to explore how MSK is teaming up with AWS and leveraging AI to revolutionize cancer care. Michael shares insights into MSK’s mission to end cancer for life, their journey into digital transformation, and how AI technologies (like large language models and advanced data analytics) are streamlining clinical workflows, improving patient interactions, and unlocking new treatment possibilities. They also dive into the real-world impact of AI on back-office operations, the ethical considerations of using data in clinical decision-making, and why collaboration with tech partners is essential to driving meaningful change in healthcare.In this episode, they talk about:Memorial Sloan Kettering’s bold mission to end cancer for lifeThe journey that brought MSK and AWS together in a shared digital health visionHow AI is transforming clinical workflows and enhancing patient interactionsTechniques for extracting and modeling patient data to inform treatment decisionsUsing data comparison and analysis to uncover clues that guide oncology careLeveraging large language models (LLMs) to connect and make sense of scattered patient informationThe importance of adapting existing tools rather than reinventing the wheelWhy healthcare leaders should lean into AI and embrace emerging technologiesHow AI may reshape the patient–provider relationship in the years to comeWhat the next wave of AI use cases in healthcare might look likePotential risks of using data in clinical decision support—and how to navigate themOpportunities to reduce healthcare costs through AI-powered back-office automationThe critical role of strong partnerships between healthcare institutions and tech innovatorsA Little About Michael:Michael Frank is Director of Digital Health at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Business Development, Strategy, and Innovation Group, where he leads efforts to develop, partner, and commercialize digital technologies including AI and precision oncology platforms. Prior to joining MSK in 2021, he held leadership roles at Pfizer, Booz & Co, PA Consulting, Phosplatin Therapeutics, and CombinatoRx, with over 15 years of experience in life sciences, innovation, and strategy. An entrepreneur at heart, Michael has launched products ranging from kitchen gadgets to medical diagnostics, and enjoys helping others bring ideas to market. He holds degrees in Biology (University of Michigan), Biomedical Engineering (Boston University), and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
In this episode of The Beat, host Sandy Vance sits down with Solventum’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Travis Bias, to explore how ambient clinician documentation is transforming healthcare. As AI-powered solutions continue to evolve, clinicians are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality care while managing growing administrative demands. Dr. Bias shares how Solventum is leveraging artificial intelligence to support ambient listening tools that streamline documentation, without replacing the human touch. Together, they discuss the technology’s accuracy, its role in clinical workflows, and why physicians who don’t adapt may find themselves falling behind. Tune in to learn how ambient documentation has evolved, how it's being measured, and what it means for the future of care delivery.Learn More about Solventum HEREIn this episode, they talk about:What Solventum is doing with AI these daysHow clinicians can use ambient listening for documentation Clinicians are being asked to do more with less these daysAmbient documentation is a tool, not a replacementMeasuring accuracy by comparison and instances when they are usedThe evolution of ambient clinician documentation since its conceptionPhysicians will find themselves behind if they are not using itA Little About Travis:Travis Bias, DO, MPH, FAAFP, is a family medicine physician, chief medical officer, and business director of clinician productivity solutions for Solventum's Health Information Systems business. He is also co-director of a Comparative Health Systems course at the University of California, San Francisco Institute of Global Health Sciences.
In this episode of The Beat, host Sandy Vance sits down with Dr. Heather Bassett, Chief Medical Officer at Xsolis and creator of the proprietary Care Level Score. Together, they explore the future of AI in healthcare and how real-world AI applications are already driving improved operational efficiency, reducing clinician burnout, and enhancing payer-provider collaboration. Dr. Bassett also shares insights from her recent involvement with CHAI.org, emphasizing why healthcare leaders must take initiative in developing responsible AI—without waiting for government mandates. Tune in to hear how Xsolis is helping health systems move from spreadsheets to smart automation, making data more actionable, and building a more transparent, interoperable ecosystem.In this episode, they talk about:How Xsolis is working toward creating a frictionless healthcare systemHow Xsolis reduces manual tasks, decreasing clinician burnout, and boosting productivityXsolis’ use of data aggregation to minimize redundancy in the healthcare industryMoving healthcare teams off spreadsheets and into AI-driven solutionsHow client collaboration helps maximize the value Xsolis deliversCMS recognition of the need to eliminate unnecessary steps to accelerate patient careThe role of interoperability in standardizing data exchange and enhancing contextWhy transparency is critical when vendors integrate artificial intelligenceEvaluating whether vendors have the people and processes to support AI change managementA Little About Heather:Dr. Heather Bassett is the Chief Medical Officer at Xsolis, an AI-driven health technology company transforming healthcare through a human-centered approach. With over 20 years of experience in clinical care and health IT, she leads Xsolis’ medical and data science teams and co-developed the company’s signature innovation—the Care Level Score, which blends clinical expertise with AI and machine learning to assess patient status in real time.A board-certified internist and former hospitalist, Dr. Bassett oversees Xsolis’ award-winning physician advisor program, denials management, and AI model development. She’s a frequent speaker at national healthcare conferences, including ACMA and HFMA, and has been featured in Becker’s, MedCity News, and Medical Economics. Recognized as CMO of the Year by the Nashville Business Journal and named one of Becker’s Women in Health IT to Know (2023, 2024), Dr. Bassett is also a member of CHAI.org, advocating for responsible AI in healthcare.
In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits down with Dr. Will Morris, Chief Medical Officer at Ambience Healthcare, to explore how AI is transforming the healthcare industry. From enhancing clinical documentation to improving patient care and supporting back-office operations, Ambience is creating intelligent solutions tailored for the entire healthcare ecosystem.Dr. Morris shares insights on how AI, when used as an assistive—not replacement—tool, can help alleviate clinician burnout and empower medical professionals to focus on what matters most: delivering compassionate, human-centered care. Whether you're a healthcare leader, clinician, or innovator, this episode offers practical insights into leveraging AI to drive real value across your organization.In this episode, they talk about:● AI should assist—not replace—medical professionals, enabling them to focus on essential human-centered care.● AI is not a commodity; it must address critical pain points to drive real value.● Ambient AI must work for all specialties, not just primary care. AI models must be tuned to the nuances of each specialty.● Reducing burnout is just the start. When coding-aware, Ambient AI greatly improves clinical documentation integrity and provides coding support at the point-of-care, capturing other lost revenue.● Always measure results, outputs, and processes when implementing new healthcare technologies.● The effectiveness of any system depends on the quality and consistency of clinical documentation.● Successful AI adoption requires a unified, enterprise-wide strategy.A Little About Will:Will Morris, MD, MBA, is board-certified in Internal Medicine and is a health technology leader, currently serving as Chief Medical Officer at Ambience Healthcare. In this role, he drives the company’s vision for clinical AI, collaborating with leading health systems to transform clinician workflows and improve patient care. Before joining Ambience, Dr. Morris was Chief Medical Information Officer at Google Cloud Healthcare and Life Sciences, contributing to cutting-edge healthcare innovations. He previously held leadership roles at Cleveland Clinic, including Chief Innovation Officer and Associate Chief Information Officer, overseeing clinical IT systems and health IT advancements.
Gen AI fails without accurate data extraction. Upstage liberates messy healthcare and insurance data with precision to power gen AI applications. Host Sandy Vance gets behind the mic with Galina Fendikevich, US GTM. In this episode of The Beat Podcast, Galina Fendikevich, US GTM Lead at Upstage, joins host Sandy Vance for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI and large language models (LLMs). From breaking down the key differences between small and large language models to exploring what sets Upstage apart in a crowded AI landscape, the conversation offers valuable insights for tech leaders and innovators alike. They also address critical factors that AI systems need to function effectively. Listen in as Galina and Sandy highlight the remarkable potential of AI in healthcare.Have a question for Galina or Upstage.ai? Reach out by emailing Galina directly at galena@upstage.ai or hit the Contact Us button on the website.In this episode, they talk about:The difference between small and large language modelsWhat makes Upstage AI stand out from other modelsGalena’s journey to Upstage and Upstage’s journey to the USWhat Upstage AI needs to work wellWhy does AI in healthcare work so well?Overcoming challenges like hallucinations with large language modelsWhat is and how to start the process of bringing in an AI modelA Little About Galina:Galina Fendikevich’s expertise spans product, strategy, engineering, and scaling operations for high-growth companies. With 10+ years of experience in finance, blockchain, and AI, she began her career on Wall Street before co-founding a team acquired by Niantic, creators of Pokémon Go.
In today’s episode, host Sandy Vance chats with Vijay Venkatesan, Chief Technology Officer, IKS Health. Everyone’s talking about healthcare AI — but not everyone’s doing it the same way. We explain how IKS Health’s approach to technology and digital transformation sets it apart from other players in the space. Sandy and Vijay dive deep into the future of AI in healthcare, IKS Health technology strategies, AI workflow optimization, the blending of AI and human expertise, how AI is transforming healthcare, AI safety in healthcare, and responsible AI implementation.In this episode, they talk about:What is AI in healthcare?Where AI will take healthcare in 2025 and beyondIKS Health’s differentiators and its approach to technologyThe guardrails that IKS Health follows and the opportunities healthcare may have when we evaluate safety and make the right choices when applying AIWhy AI workflows are importantIKS Health defines AI differently from competitorsThe importance of the balance between human-in-the-loop and AIReducing friction in the healthcare journeyA Little About Vijay:Vijay Venkatesan is the Chief Technology Officer at IKS Health, where he leads the charge in building scalable, future-ready platforms that power efficiency, innovation, and meaningful client impact. With over 15 years in healthcare technology leadership, Vijay is a visionary force behind the deployment of advanced solutions like Generative AI, machine learning, and big data analytics to tackle some of the industry's most complex challenges.At IKS Health, he drives the company’s end-to-end technology strategy — from evolving the tech stack and aligning engineering with business growth, to fostering a bold culture of innovation. Vijay is passionate about assembling world-class teams, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring IKS remains on the cutting edge of healthcare transformation.
In this insightful episode of The Beat Podcast, Sandy Vance is joined by two healthcare experts, Dr. Peter Pronovost and Claudia Douglass from Grant Thornton, to discuss a transformative concept in healthcare: the Intelligent Clinical Environment (ICE). This advanced, technology-driven model is revolutionizing the way healthcare systems are addressing critical issues like clinician burnout, labor shortages, and improving patient care outcomes. If you’re interested in the future of healthcare and technology, this episode offers a deep dive into how digital innovations like the Intelligent Clinical Environment are changing the landscape.In this episode, they talk about:The concept of Intelligent Clinical Environment and how it addresses the current clinician labor crisisThe impact on clinician burnout and turnoverThe role do advanced technologies like this play in improving patient care, leadership development, and clinician efficiencyHow the Intelligent Clinical Environment enhances clinical outcomes and patient safetyHow the Intelligent Clinical Environment enhances patient satisfactionSome of the common challenges health systems face when implementing this digital care transformation model The ways the Intelligent Clinical Environment helps health systems meet their financial targets and reduce costsA Little About Claudia and Peter:Claudia Douglass, FACHE, MHSA, PMP, is a Principal and U.S. National Healthcare Growth Leader with 30 years of experience in healthcare strategy and operations. She’s led complex initiatives in strategic growth, digital transformation, operational performance, and population health across large health systems and consulting roles. A recognized thought leader, Claudia regularly speaks and publishes on topics like leadership, virtual care, and value-based care at top industry conferences. Previously, she served as SVP & COO and VP of Strategy in health systems, bringing practical, implementable insights to her clients.Dr. Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM, is a leading expert in patient safety and critical care, known for pioneering research that has saved thousands of lives. With over 800 peer-reviewed publications, he gained global recognition for his work using checklists to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections. His groundbreaking contributions earned him a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people and a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant.” As the Chief Quality & Clinical Transformation Officer at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Dr. Pronovost drives innovation in healthcare across a network of 20 hospitals, 50+ health centers, and over 200 physician offices.
About Adam Mariano:Adam Mariano is the GM and President of LexisNexis Healthcare. Adam is a technologist, nurse, and attorney, deeply invested in helping healthcare companies build better, more equitable, and unbiased products and services through intentional product development, open interoperability, and reduced health disparities. He brings extensive clinical, technical, and legal experience spanning 20+ years. Adam's legal work is focused on equal access, civil rights, and immigration.About Sushma Akunuru:Sushma Akunuru is a strategic technology leader with expertise in healthcare insurance, wealth management, and banking. As CIO at Independence Blue Cross, she drives digital transformation, modernizing business applications and optimizing IT operations. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, leading wealth management technology and automation strategies. With an MBA from Wharton and a background in computer sciences, she excels in IT strategy, product development, and operational excellence, shaping the future of healthcare and financial services through innovation and digital solutions.Things You’ll Learn:80% of clinical outcomes are influenced by factors outside of traditional medical care, like social determinants of health; therefore, a focus on whole-person care and community support is essential for equitable health.No single entity can solve the complex challenges of healthcare disparities. Collaborations between payers, providers, and technology vendors are essential for creating a connected and equitable healthcare ecosystem.Digitalization presents both opportunities and risks. While technology can improve access and convenience, the rapid push toward digitalization can exacerbate health disparities if not implemented thoughtfully, especially for vulnerable populations with limited access to technology or health literacy.Solving large, systemic problems can be easy; healthcare organizations should prioritize achievable improvements to create positive experiences for members.Telehealth is here to stay. The pandemic accelerated its adoption, which now requires careful consideration to ensure that the service remains available to modern consumers. As things return to normal, virtual healthcare or therapy must remain an option.Resources:Connect with and follow Adam Mariano on LinkedIn.Learn more about LexisNexis Risk Solutions on their LinkedIn, Instagram, and website.Follow and connect with Sushma Akunuru on LinkedIn.Discover more about Independence Blue Cross on their LinkedIn, Instagram, and website.Learn more about this episode's sponsor, UST Health, on their website.