HIT Like a Girl Pod: Empowering Women in Health IT

In this episode, Joy Rios explores the complexities of healthcare with her guests, Lindsey Williams and Megan Henken, co-founders of MyUTI. MyUTI is a platform that offers advanced testing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) from the comfort of one's home. Lindsey and Megan emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for UTIs, especially in the face of rising antibiotic-resistant infections. They dispel common myths about UTI remedies, such as cranberry juice and yogurt, and highlight the need for a more convenient and effective approach to UTI testing and treatment. The episode also delves into the challenges of starting a business in the healthcare industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and convenience in modern healthcare solutions.

In this episode welcomes a very special guest, Andrea Fletcher, the Chief Digital Strategy Officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Andrea provides insight into her pioneering role in establishing an agency digital service team within CMS and shares how her team, often referred to as a "SWAT team" for government technology, solves complex challenges in the healthcare sector. They discuss the unique role of bridging the gap between policy creation and implementation, with a focus on improving the lives of millions of beneficiaries and modernizing the Medicare payment systems. Join them as they explore the intricacies of healthcare technology and the transformative impact of their work in the Health and Human Services building.

In this episode, Joy welcomes Carly Olsten, Senior Marketing Manager at Health Gorilla, to discuss her journey from marketing tires to healthcare. Carly shares insights into her career path, her experiences in different industries, and the challenges of marketing in the healthcare sector. They delve into the importance of effective messaging and communication in healthcare marketing, with Carly highlighting how data and statistics play a significant role in making their product resonate with customers. The episode also touches on the complexity of healthcare terminology and regulations, and Carly emphasizes the importance of finding ways to make healthcare solutions relatable and understandable to customers.

In this enlightening episode of the "HIT Like a Girl" podcast, host Joy Rios engages in a profound discussion with Kenzie Butera Davis, CEO and Founder of Maro. The conversation delves into the intricate intersections of healthcare, education, and mental health, particularly focusing on Maro’s innovative approach to screening and supporting mental health in children. Kenzie shares her inspiring journey, from her early days working at a domestic violence and rape crisis center, to her pivotal research on health education, and eventually founding Maro. Her story is a testament to the power of proactive solutions and the importance of mental health education in shaping safer environments for children. Maro’s work, especially during the rise of the youth mental health crisis, highlights the urgent need for early intervention and the challenges of navigating politically sensitive landscapes in education. Through their discussion, Joy and Kenzie explore the complexities of health education, the nuances of language in different states, and the pressing statistics that drive Maro's mission. This episode provides a compelling look into how one company is creatively addressing the mental health crisis among youth, blending technology, education, and compassion.

In this episode, Joy interviews Avery Haller, TEFCA Advocate and former Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Health Gorilla, who shares her fascinating journey from anthropology major to public health and health tech. Avery discusses the crucial need for infrastructural changes in healthcare, emphasizing the power of data in transforming public health and patient care. The episode also touches on initiatives like the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TAFCA) and the dream of creating a comprehensive birth-to-death health record, showcasing how innovative solutions are bringing us closer to a more connected and patient-centric healthcare system.

In this episode, Joy interviews Saumya Rawat, the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Pharmesol, a startup pioneering the development of an AI-enabled pharmacy assistant. Pharmesol's mission is to automate the frequently-held conversations that pharmacists engage in with patients about their medications, from proper usage to managing side effects, through text-based interactions. Saumya shares her journey, starting from her passion for technology and healthcare at MIT to the creation of Pharmesol. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, patient choice, and providing accessible, trustworthy healthcare information, along with Pharmasol's commitment to building a comprehensive medication knowledge base and conversation flow algorithms to enhance patient care.

In this special episode, host Joy Rios welcomes a unique guest, Nick Adkins from PinkSocks Life. The podcast explores their friendship and their shared mission of spreading kindness and love in healthcare and beyond. Nick shares the heartwarming story of their collaboration with Holcomb Elementary School in Oregon City, where they introduced PinkSocks as part of a social and emotional learning curriculum. Together, they discuss the power of PinkSocks in promoting kindness and inclusivity, and Joy shares her personal experience visiting a second-grade class and witnessing the positive impact of their initiative. This episode is a heartwarming testament to the difference one can make by spreading kindness in unexpected places.

In this episode, Joy talks with Chemu Langat, the Chief Operating Officer of Best Buy Health, whose journey from biomedical engineering and aerospace to global health initiatives in Africa has led to innovative solutions in healthcare. Chemu explains how Best Buy Health is leveraging its logistical and technology expertise to enable care at home, collaborating with healthcare partners like Atrium Health to co-create solutions, and utilizing a specialized team similar to Best Buy's Geek Squad, trained to assist with health-related technology setup, support, and digital literacy, without replacing the role of healthcare professionals. It's an insightful conversation on bridging the gap between technology and healthcare for improved outcomes and accessibility.

In this episode, Dr. Geeta Nayyar, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of "Dead Wrong," returns to the show to discuss her book and the critical issue of mis and disinformation in healthcare, particularly in the age of AI and digital technology. The conversation explores the importance of rebuilding trust in healthcare, acknowledging past mistakes, and bridging the gap between medical professionals and the public. Dr. Nayyar also emphasizes the need for a science-focused PR campaign and leveraging social media and AI to combat the spread of misinformation, ultimately aiming to empower individuals with accurate information in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.

Live from Arizona HIMSS, Joy welcomes welcomes Alice Raia and Melissa Kotrys, who share their unique perspectives on navigating the complex world of healthcare. Alice Raia, CIO of Equality Health, discusses her journey from software engineering to healthcare, driven by a desire to improve the patient experience after witnessing her family's struggle with cancer. She highlights Equality Health's role in value-based care for Medicaid patients and their use of data-driven technology to empower healthcare practices. Melissa Kotrys, CEO of Contexture, elaborates on the organization's mission to connect healthcare data systems and improve patient outcomes in Arizona and Colorado. She emphasizes the impact of data analytics in identifying gaps in care and facilitating better healthcare decisions. Together, Alice and Melissa provide valuable insights into innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and data utilization, making this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the healthcare puzzle.