HIT Like a Girl Pod: Empowering Women in Health IT

In the final episode of the Techquity Series, Luis Belen and Tracy Wang delve into the realm of health equity and technology, showcasing the transformative power of data-driven initiatives.

Tracy Wang, Director of Digital Solutions at Elevance Health, shares insights into a groundbreaking project aimed at addressing health disparities through innovative data visualization and analytics. The conversation highlights the crucial role of community engagement and the strategic use of data to drive impactful interventions.

Luis and Tracy explore the challenges of building trust in underserved communities and the importance of aligning priorities with community needs to maximize the impact of health equity efforts.

Want to learn more about the inspiring projects making healthcare more equitable? Head over to hitlikeagirlpod.com/techquity

Episode Highlights

00:07:29 - Introduction by Luis Belen and Tracy Wang

00:08:22 - Recognition of Tracy Wang's Initiatives

00:08:55 - Description of the Project's Objectives

00:13:46 - Importance of Data Visualization and Engagement

00:26:52 - Discussion on Trust in Underserved Communities

00:27:53 - Engagement Strategies and ROI in Health Equity Efforts

00:40:09 - Value of Centralized Data for Addressing Disparities

In the fourth episode of the Techquity series on the HIT Like a Girl podcast, guest host Tanisha Hill, the founder of the Digital Health for Equitable Health Alliance, leads a compelling discussion with Rachel Starnes and Kylie Kalik from WillowTree, introducing their groundbreaking project, Vocable AAC. This innovative app aims to empower non-verbal individuals to communicate effectively using facial tracking and touch technology.

The conversation delves into the personal stories behind the development of Vocable AAC, highlighting the profound impact it can have on individuals like Rachel's mother, who is almost entirely non-verbal. The guests emphasize the importance of user-focused design, affordability, accessibility, and privacy considerations in digital health technology.

Want to learn more about the inspiring projects making healthcare more equitable? Head over to hitlikeagirlpod.com/techquity

Episode Highlights

00:06:13] Description of Vocable AAC Project by Kylie Kalik

[00:10:25] The Impact of Vocable AAC on Non-Verbal Individuals

[00:13:40] User-Centered Design Approach in Developing Vocable AAC

[00:17:55] Discussion on Making Technology Accessible Across Devices

[00:21:10] Challenges and Solutions in Techquity Implementation

[00:25:05] Future Plans for Techquity Initiatives

[00:30:40] Conclusion and Invitation to Explore More on Techquity

In the third installment of the Techquity Series, HIT Like a Girl podcast, Chrissy Kuahine, Director of Clinical and Patient Informatics at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and Dr. Michael Penn, discuss Chrissy's project addressing digital literacy among elderly native Hawaiians. They explore the use of digital navigators to facilitate technology engagement and the incorporation of native Hawaiian culture into the program.

Throughout the episode, the importance of collaboration, access, and strategic partnerships in advancing digital health equity is emphasized. The guests also express enthusiasm for the future of the coalition's work and its potential to make a significant impact on healthcare disparities.

Want to learn more about the inspiring projects making healthcare more equitable? Head over to hitlikeagirlpod.com/techquity

Episode Highlights

[00:09:02] Michael's Greeting in Hawaiian: "Aloha. Ka kakia. Michael"

[00:13:23] Digital Literacy and Connectivity Among Elderly Native Hawaiians

[00:16:26] Discussion on Access and Generalizability of the Project

[00:17:05] Emphasizing the Importance of Building Strategic Partnerships

[00:43:14] Future Initiatives of the Techquity for Health Coalition

In the second installment of the Techquity series, Jay Calhoun from the Intertribal Health Innovation Institute interviews Josie McGee and Caitlin Lazarus from Vision Loss Rehab Canada to discuss leveraging technology to reduce healthcare disparities and improve access to healthcare services.

The discussion covers the challenges and successes of implementing innovative solutions, such as using AI for health screenings in remote areas and addressing staff turnover in healthcare programs.

Want to learn more about the inspiring projects making healthcare more equitable? Head over to hitlikeagirlpod.com/techquity

Episode Highlights

00:09:00 - Recognizing Projects Promoting Health Equity through the Global Techquity Impact Award.

00:09:00 - Origin of Vision Loss Rehab Canada (VLRC) and Details of the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program.

00:16:19 - Addressing Staff Turnover Challenges in Remote Communities.

00:17:38 - Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices in Health Screenings.

00:25:23 - Call to Action for Practitioners, Technology, Investors, and Philanthropy.

In the inaugural episode of the Hit Like a Girl podcast's Techquity series, host Joy Rios welcomes Janna Guinen, Executive Director of the the HLTH Foundation, who is spearheading efforts to advocate for equitable digital health solutions.

The series aims to uncover the essence of Techquity, its significance, and upcoming highlights. Janna outlines the Tech Equity for Health Coalition's mission and recent endeavors, including a case study competition spotlighting innovative projects promoting health equity through digital means.

Each episode features a winning project, the first features Andrea Werner, Chief Population Health Officer for Bellin and Gundersen Health Systems, who interviews guest Anna Kravitz from AdirA to discuss "Nia," a digital guide addressing high breast cancer mortality rates among young black women.

Join the conversation as they delve into the intersection of technology and targeted health interventions, making a profound impact on underserved communities.

Want to learn more about the inspiring projects making healthcare more equitable? Head over to hitlikeagirlpod.com/techquity 

Episode Highlights

[00:00:45] - Techquity Coalition's Focus on Health Disparities

[00:05:24] - Role of Technology in Addressing Health Disparities

[00:09:07] - Nia Solution for Empowering Women to Advocate for Their Health

[00:12:03] - Addressing Breast Cancer in Young Black Women

[00:21:09] - Providing Agency and Resources for Breast Cancer Awareness

[00:25:58] - Importance of Micro Moments in Health

[00:41:36] - Impact of Language Options on Engagement Rates

In this episode Joy welcomes Joanna Strober, the founder of MidiHealth, a midlife care provider for women aged 35 to 65. Joanna shares her personal journey with perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of understanding the symptoms and effects of estrogen decline during this phase of a woman's life. She discusses the challenges of finding knowledgeable providers in menopausal care and highlights MidiHealth's innovative approach, including specialized training programs for their providers and the development of expert care protocols.

Episode Highlights

[00:10:20] Importance of Provider's Knowledge on Hormones and Treatment Options

[00:10:59] Accessibility of Care through Insurance Coverage

[00:11:18] Growth Trajectory and Expansion Plans of MidiHealth

[00:19:46] Excitement for MidiHealth's Growth and Future Plans

[00:20:05] Accessing Care through www.joinmidi.com

[00:20:55] Benefits of Virtual Care for Sensitive Health Topics

Stay connected to Joanna Strober:

In this episode, Joy welcomes Paulina Rugg, former Director of Event Marketing at Health Gorilla, as they discuss Paulina's journey from Mexico City to her current role in the healthcare industry. From her fascination with trade shows to navigating the convoluted realm of pharmaceutical events, Paulina shares insights into the multifaceted nature of healthcare and events management.

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:18] Paulina's Experience: Paulina shares her background and experiences since joining the company.

[00:14:02] Event Planning Process: Insights into the detailed planning process for events.

[00:15:28] Measurement Metrics: The importance of measuring event success and outcomes for up to a year.

[00:21:30] Data Management Tool: Use of a voice-to-text tool for efficient data collection & CRM integration.

[00:22:48] Balancing Investments: Challenges of allocating resources effectively in healthcare events.

[00:26:06] Connecting with Paulina: How to follow, connect, or work with Paulina Rugg via LinkedIn.

In this episode, Joy Rios is joined by Cindy Jordan, co-founder and CEO of Pyx Health. Cindy shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind Pyx Health's mission to combat loneliness, highlighting the profound impact of social isolation on mental well-being. Together, they explore the absence of a formal diagnosis for loneliness in healthcare and the role of technology in both exacerbating and alleviating this epidemic. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersection of technology, community, and mental health.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, Joy welcomes Andrea Daugherty, Head of Digital Health at SHI International. Andrea shares her journey from caregiver to healthcare executive, highlighting the challenges and bold moves that shaped her career. The discussion spans from navigating male-dominated spaces to the critical importance of cybersecurity in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. With insights into workforce shortages and the necessity of technology in combating cyber threats, this episode offers a glimpse into the frontline defense of healthcare data protection and the empowerment of women in IT leadership roles.

00:11:42 - Building a Supportive Network in the Industry

00:12:25 - Owning Confidence in a Male-Dominated Environment

00:20:41 - Educating the Workforce on Cybersecurity

00:21:37 - Establishing SHI as a Trusted IT Solutions Provider

00:22:45 - Bringing Joy and Wellness to Healthcare Events

00:23:31 - Connecting with SHI and Andrea Daugherty on LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy welcomes back Dr. Adaira Landry and introduces Dr. Resa E. Lewiss for a conversation about navigating the ever-changing landscape of the workplace. With their new book, "MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact," Landry and Lewiss provide essential guidance for individuals entering the workforce, focusing on practical strategies for success. Drawing from their experiences as emergency medicine physicians, educators, and authors, they explore the necessity of honing micro skills for self-care, task management, communication, reputation building, and more. From offloading routine tasks to maintaining a positive attitude in challenging situations, they offer practical advice for individuals navigating today's professional world.