HLTH Forward Podcast

In this episode, I am in conversation with Neuroscientist and "Godfather of VR" Dr. Walter Greenleaf. He shares his insights on the rapidly evolving roles of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the healthcare sphere. Greenleaf, whose work explores the intersections of technology and human experience, discusses how immersive technologies like VR are being leveraged for medical training, therapy, and even surgical planning.

The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies within the healthcare ecosystem is no longer merely a novelty, but a clinically validated practice area. Among the many promising applications is the use of immersive solutions for mental health support and meditation enablement. For the veteran community grappling with the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), AR/VR is increasingly being explored as an adjunctive treatment option.

At its core, VR exposure therapy recreates triggering environments and stimuli in a psychologically safe, controlled digital space. This controlled virtual exposure allows patients to gradually confront and process their traumatic memories and associations. Complementing this is the employment of AR for grounding and contextualized therapeutic interventions, superimposing calming visuals and psycho educational guidance onto real-world environments.

Research indicates VR can enhance fear extinction and emotional processing for PTSD patients by integrating cognitive reappraisal with realistic multi-sensory experiences. For veterans, who may struggle to freely discuss their wartime ordeals, immersive environments facilitate perspective-taking and validation of subjective experiences. AR/VR interventions are also being studied for meditation facilitation by transporting users to simulated peaceful settings.

"What's most fascinating," Dr. Greenleaf noted, "is the potential for VR and AR to cultivate empathy and deeper understanding, not just technical proficiency." He drew parallels between the philosophy of mindful observation during meditation and the experiential nature of VR in healthcare contexts. Just as meditation encourages present, non-judgmental awareness, VR can allow medical professionals to step into the subjective experiences of patients and colleagues. 

By virtualizing different healthcare perspectives and realities," Greenleaf posited, we can develop a more holistic, empathetic appreciation for the full spectrum of experiences in the healthcare journey.

About

Walter Greenleaf, PhD, is a neuroscientist and medical technology developer. With over thirty years of research and development experience, Walter is considered a leading authority in digital medicine and medical Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technology.

Walter founded and served as CEO for Greenleaf Medical Systems, a medical product development company; InWorld Solutions, a company specializing in the therapeutic use of virtual worlds for behavioral health care; and Virtually Better, a company that develops virtual environments for the treatment of phobias, anxiety disorders, and
PTSD. Walter was the founding Chief Science Officer for Pear Therapeutics, a pioneering company in SaMD. He served as Senior Vice President of Strategic & Corp. Affairs to MindMaze and is currently advising Interaxon as Chief Science Officer.

Walter’s current research focus is on developing computer-supported clinical products, with a specific emphasis on applying virtual reality and digital health technology to address difficult problems in behavioral and physical medicine, such as Cognitive Aging, Post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, depression, traumatic brain injury and
stroke, addictions, and autism spectrum disorder.
His early research was on age-related changes in the neuroendocrine system and their effects on human behavior.

Walter is the founding Board Chai

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In this episode, I sit down with the Chief Medical Officer and SVP of R&D Life Sciences at PepsiCo to discuss the company's focus on improving the nutritional profile of its portfolio for the lives they touch every day. 

As a large global business, PepsiCo is acutely aware of the opportunity they
have to offer positive choices for the individuals who enjoy their products. With rising rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity, the CMO explains how PepsiCo is taking a proactive approach to nutrition. PepsiCo is making a concerted effort to provide more nutritious food and beverage options that still capture the cultural and regional flavors people love.

We explore how PepsiCo is balancing consumer preferences with the need for healthier products. The CMO shares insights into PepsiCo's product innovation process and their focus on maintaining the taste and experience that individuals expect, while gradually improving the nutritional profile.

This conversation underscores the role that large corporations can play in driving improvements to their suite of products to help improve public health. Companies like PepsiCo have a tremendous opportunity - and obligation - to positively impact the lives of millions around the world.

PepsiCo is demonstrating how businesses can be a true force for good, advancing positive strategies and supporting communities globally.

About:
Dr. Tataranni is currently the Global Chief Medical Officer of PepsiCo. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tataranni oversees all aspects of the company's efforts to protect its global workforce, products, and communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. He also leads PepsiCo's Life Sciences strategy and the R&D Fellows Program as its Executive Sponsor. Dr. Tataranni joined PepsiCo in September, 2018 as the Senior Vice President of R&D Life Sciences, responsible for leading the development and execution of a nutrition and bio-sciences strategy in support of the company’s portfolio transformation and Pep+ agenda. Dr. Tataranni serves on the Boards of
several for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Before joining PepsiCo, Dr. Tataranni was Senior Vice President, Head of Global Medical Affairs, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Business Unit, in charge of medical strategy worldwide and operations for mature markets at Sanofi. Previous responsibilities within the group included the roles of Vice President of Global Medical Affairs, Medical Director of Europe, Vice President for the Metabolism Medical Unit in the US affiliate (2006-2008), and Medical Director for the Metabolism Franchise. Between 1999 and 2004 he was Head of the Obesity, Diabetes and Energy Metabolism Unit at the Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch of the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. and Director of the Clinical Research Center at the same institution from 2000 through 2004. 

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In this inspiring episode, we're joined by  J. Nwando Olayiwola (Dr. O), MD, MPH, FAAFP, Senior Vice President and  She shares her powerful personal story of how her aspiration to work in healthcare began in childhood when she witnessed firsthand the profound impact physicians can have on people's lives. This experience sparked a passion that has driven her career journey to the highest levels of healthcare leadership.

Dr. O discusses Humana's comprehensive approach to embedding equity into every aspect of the organization - from the boardroom strategy to the frontline delivery of care. A major focus is creating robust training programs around implicit bias, cultural competency, and how these factors influence care experiences and outcomes. She emphatically states that health equity is not just a dedicated team's responsibility but rather a core value that every Humana employee must embrace.

We also explore how even at a hyper-local level, stark inequities can exist within communities just miles apart. Dr. O leaves us with three key takeaways for healthcare's future: 
1) Practice equity locally but think globally, 
2) Use data and technology as tools, not solutions, and
3) Quality care and equity are inextricably linked.

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In this compelling podcast episode, I sit down with Dr. Schlosser, the Senior Vice President of Care Transformation and Innovation at HCA Healthcare, to unravel the intricacies of clinically led transformation in healthcare. At the helm of the newly established department, Care Transformation & Innovation, within HCA Healthcare’s Clinical Operations Group, Dr. Schlosser spearheads a visionary initiative to reshape Models of Care in acute facilities.

Focusing on a trifecta of digital enablement, patient-centered approaches, and heightened efficiency, he shares insights into the dynamic world of healthcare innovation. The episode explores the pivotal collaboration with HCA's Information Technology leadership for a robust Digital Transformation strategy and the groundbreaking partnership with Google's cloud computing team to improve data access, and patient experience and accelerate positive patient outcomes. Dr. Schlosser's leadership unfolds a narrative of leveraging data for transformative healthcare solutions, promising a future where patient care is not just redefined but elevated through cutting-edge technologies.

About
Dr Michael Schlosser, MBA, FAANS is Senior Vice President, Care Transformation and Innovation for HCA Healthcare. In this role, he leads clinical and operational innovation and transformation for the enterprise. He leads a new department whose purpose is to redesign care delivery within acute care facilities focusing on digitally enabled, patient-centred, and highly effective care delivery. This includes partnering with IT and cloud computing teams and providing leadership on the design and use of HCA’s Intelligence Net. These efforts will create real-time data and technology-enabled clinical operations. Dr Schlosser also oversees clinical informatics and the implementation of HCA’s next-generation EHR, Meditech Expanse.

Before this role, he served as the Chief Medical Officer for the HCA National Group and as Vice President of Clinical Excellence and surgical services for HCA Clinical Services Group where he led the clinical operations for 105 acute care facilities across 14 States, overseeing quality, patient outcomes, clinical strategy, and innovation. He also served as the first CMO for HealthTrust, the exclusive GPO for more than 1600 hospitals across the US and HCA’s supply chain management organization.

Dr Schlosser holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, and an MBA from Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon and completed his residency and fellowship at Johns Hopkins. In clinical practice he focused on complex spine reconstruction. He has held multiple physician leadership roles while in clinical practice, including Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff, and interim CMO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He has also served as a medical officer in the USA's Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiologic Health.

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Given the increasing burnout rate in the Healthcare industry and our desperate need to have great leaders in place, the art of cultivating resilience becomes key. In this episode, I am in conversation with renowned Suneel Gupta, a famous Author and Entrepreneur.

Suneel Gupta shares his unique journey through a diverse career background, including law, an MBA, and involvement in healthcare innovation. His story involves entrepreneurial ventures, including working at Groupon and his many struggles in the journey of entrepreneurship. Suneel emphasizes the pivotal moments of failure and the lessons learned from setbacks, such as his experience as a speaker at the Failure Conference and the subsequent viral New York Times article featuring him as the "poster child for failure." He turned this vulnerability into an opportunity, reaching out to admired individuals for advice, leading to insightful conversations, and eventually shaping his current role as a global traveler, meeting top achievers, and exploring the habits that contribute to success.

The conversation delves into the cultural perspective on failure, with Suneel acknowledging the challenges and shame associated with failure but highlighting the profound learning experiences and personal growth that arise from setbacks. He shares the concept of kintsugi, a Japanese art form symbolizing the beauty in repairing broken objects with golden lacquer, drawing parallels to embracing our vulnerabilities. The discussion transitions to resilience, with Suneel emphasizing the importance of daily moments in cultivating resilience. He introduces the Sanskrit concept of upeka, finding comfort in discomfort, and Viktor Frankl's idea of creating a space between irritation and response for true freedom. 

Suneel concludes by stressing the distinction between resilience and post-traumatic growth, advocating for the integration of reflective moments and self-love to facilitate genuine personal development.

About
As the founding CEO of RISE, a breakthrough wellness company, Suneel Gupta helped thousands of people build better habits for life and work. Now as a bestselling author and Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, Suneel has taken his mission one step further – helping people reset, reignite, and find meaning in their work by bolstering emotional resilience and engagement. Suneel asks, “How can an organization excel on the outside if its people are exhausted on the inside?” Grit and hustle are simply not a long-term answer to dealing with non-stop change and stress. Suneel offers leaders and teams a better way to work; one that results in sustainable innovation, productivity, and fulfillment. He arms people with science-based habits that will avoid burnout, boost energy, and improve their professional and personal lives.

Suneel is a business survivor and the author of the international bestselling book Backable (2020). That book is rooted in his inner journey from a twice-failed entrepreneur to becoming a leader behind two IPOs and being named “The New Face of Innovation” by the New York Stock Exchange. The book reveals the mindset shifts and hidden habits of people who are extraordinary at pushing new ideas forward.

In his transformative book, Everyday Dharma (2023) codifies Suneel’s mission to help people reset, reignite, and re-engage through a timeless practice called Dharma. Simply put, Dharma brings “who you are” and “what you do” into alignment. When we’re aligned, we can produce our best work and lead ourselves and others effectively, experiencing true joy along the way.

As a visiting scholar at Harvard Medical School, Suneel researches and teaches the interconnection between inner well-being and outer leadership. He is also an emissary for Gross National Happiness between the United States and the Kingdom of Bhutan. 

As CEO of RISE Suneel helped thousands of people establish a way to personalize thei

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In this enlightening podcast episode, I sit down with Mike, a seasoned automotive executive and COO of Blink, bringing over 25 years of invaluable experience in the automotive and technology sectors. With a keen understanding of the industry, Mike is pivotal in overseeing Blink's sales, business development, and operational aspects, contributing significantly to the company's expansion in the U.S. and globally. The episode delves into the profound transformation in the automobile industry as it undergoes a drastic shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). Mike provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with this shift, emphasizing the importance of optimizing operations, manufacturing quality charging equipment, and delivering a superior customer experience.

Beyond the automotive realm, the conversation expands to explore the interconnected relationship between the future of automobiles and public health. Mike discusses how the transition to EVs can contribute to a reduction in air pollution, positively impacting the well-being of communities and individuals. Furthermore, the episode touches upon the significance of LEED certification in healthcare systems, highlighting how environmentally sustainable practices, such as electric vehicle adoption, can contribute to earning ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) points. The discussion illuminates the potential benefits for patient care when healthcare facilities prioritize eco-friendly initiatives, promoting a healthier and more sustainable future.

One can expect to gain valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of the automotive industry, the environmental implications of the EV revolution, and the integral role it plays in fostering public health. Mike's expertise provides a nuanced perspective on how businesses can align with broader sustainability goals, positively impacting both the automotive sector and the well-being of communities at large.

About
Mike is a seasoned automotive executive who brings over 25 years of automotive and technology experience to Blink with deep connections throughout the auto industry. As COO, Mike oversees Blink’s sales, business development, and all aspects of operations, playing a vital role in the Company’s expansion in the U.S. and globally. Mike is committed to optimizing Blink’s operations, producing quality charging equipment, and providing a best-in-class customer experience.

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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, I engage in a heartfelt conversation with Piyush Tewari, a distinguished Indian social entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation. Focused on transforming road safety, enhancing access to emergency medical care, and championing urban governance in India, Tewari is best known for his instrumental role in advocating for the passage of the Good Samaritan Law in the country. The narrative unfolds as Tewari shares the profoundly personal origin of his mission—a poignant account of losing a cousin in a tragic accident. This catalyst ignited his unwavering commitment to reforming legislation in India.

We are taken on a journey through Tewari's life, exploring the challenges and triumphs accompanying his pursuit to change the law and create a safer, more compassionate society. Notably recognized by GQ Magazine as one of the most influential young Indians and featured as an expert on the socially impactful TV show Satyamev Jayate, Tewari's story inspires those who seek to make a meaningful difference.

This episode also delves into Tewari's broader vision beyond legislative changes, shedding light on the profound concept that healthcare extends far beyond the clinical setting. Through his experiences, we explore the interconnectedness of road safety, emergency medical care, and urban governance as integral components of a holistic approach to public health. Tewari's insights prompt reflection on the transformative power of social entrepreneurship and the potential for individuals to drive systemic change by addressing pressing societal issues.

In essence, this podcast episode captures the essence of Piyush Tewari's impactful journey—from personal tragedy to becoming a catalyst for legal reform and social change in India. It not only highlights the transformative effects of one individual's dedication but also underscores the broader implications of healthcare as a multifaceted and interconnected aspect of societal well-being.

About
Piyush Tewari is an Indian social entrepreneur focused on improving road safety, access to emergency medical care, and urban governance across India. He is the Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, and is best known for his work to pass a Good Samaritan Law in India. In 2016, GQ Magazine named him one of the most influential young Indians. In 2014, Tewari was featured as an expert on Satyamev Jayate, a popular TV show on social issues hosted by actor Aamir Khan. The episode Tewari was featured in was focused on the epidemic of road accidents in India.

He is also an empaneled speaker with The Outstanding Speakers Bureau and is the subject of "The Golden Hour", a feature documentary produced by Roma Sur and Jessica McGough of the Film School at the University of Colorado, Denver, USA. He is a commentator on Road Safety in Indian media and has been covered by the New York Times, TIME Magazine, and National Geographic, among other media outlets.

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In a captivating dialogue with Shyamal Patel, Head of Science at Oura Ring, we embarked on a journey into the heart of the science of sleep and its profound implications for healthcare and wellness. With infectious enthusiasm, Patel narrated how the Oura Ring is not just a wearable but a beacon illuminating the path to optimal health through a deep understanding of sleep patterns. The interview was a testament to sleep's pivotal role in overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of leveraging data to tailor personalized wellness strategies. With its intricate sensors and algorithms, Patel's insights underscored how the Oura Ring is a guardian of restorative sleep, offering a tangible tool for individuals and healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of life through proactive wellness management.

In an unexpected and groundbreaking turn, Patel delved into the intersection of the Oura Ring with fertility tracking. This revelation added a new chapter to the narrative, where technology meets the delicate nuances of reproductive health. The Oura Ring's integration of fertility insights brings a holistic dimension to healthcare, providing individuals with a comprehensive view of their well-being.  Their recent partnership with Headspace, which drives to focus on one's mental health and clubbing their presence in the FSA/HSA segment, ensures the affordability and availability of Oura ring was refreshing.

This innovation aligns with the evolving landscape of personalized medicine. It positions the Oura Ring as a trailblazer in merging cutting-edge technology with the delicate intricacies of individual health journeys.

About
Shyamal Patel is the Head of Science at ŌURA, where he leads an interdisciplinary organization focused on research and development of algorithms that translate sensor data into accurate measures of health and wellbeing. He is passionate about building digital health solutions that transform healthcare from a largely subjective, episodic, and reactive model to become more objective, continuous, and proactive. 

Before ŌURA, Shyamal led data science teams in several startups and, most recently, at Pfizer, where his work was focused on the development, validation, and deployment of new digital endpoints across multiple therapeutic areas in regulated clinical trials. Shyamal has a PhD in electrical engineering specializing in signal processing and applied machine learning from Northeastern University. He completed his post-doctoral research at Harvard University and lives in Boston.

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In this compelling podcast episode, I engage in a profound conversation with Jared Genser, renowned as "The Extractor" by The New York Times, acknowledging his tireless efforts in liberating political prisoners globally. Serving as pro bono counsel to five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Genser's impact is highlighted by his representation of figures like Aung San Suu Kyi, Liu Xiaobo, and Ales Bialiatski—individuals whose laurels were earned while enduring imprisonment. The discussion navigates through the intricacies of Genser's journey, unraveling his unwavering dedication, resilience, and profound belief in the inherent right to freedom.

As we explore the profound stories behind Aung San Suu Kyi, Liu Xiaobo, and Ales Bialiatski, imprisoned laureates whom Genser has championed, the podcast delves into the intersectionality of human rights and the pressing need for justice on a global scale. Genser's commitment to serving as the legal voice for those who have been silenced sheds light on the challenges inherent in navigating complex legal landscapes while advocating for fundamental rights.

Genser's narrative unfolds as a testament to the delicate balance required when fighting for the rights of others, emphasizing the need to align legal strategies with a moral compass.

In essence, this podcast episode serves as a powerful exploration of Jared Genser's life and work, offering a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with being at the forefront of human rights advocacy. It inspires reflection on the shared values of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom, both in the legal arena and in the broader context of conducting business with dignity.

About
Jared Genser has been an international human rights lawyer for over two decades. He is Managing Director of Perseus Strategies, a public interest law firm, Special Advisor on the Responsibility to Protect to the Organization of American States, and outside General Counsel to the Neurorights Foundation. Referred to by the New York Times as “The Extractor” for his work freeing political prisoners worldwide, he has served as pro bono counsel to five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, including the last three Laureates who won their Prize while imprisoned — Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma, 2006-2010), Liu Xiaobo (China, 2010-2017), and Ales Bialiatski (Belarus, 2023-Present) — as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Elie Wiesel.

Genser was previously a partner in the government affairs practice of DLA Piper LLP and a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. He has also been an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and the University of Michigan Law School, across which he taught semester-long seminars about the UN Security Council seven times.

In addition, he was an Associate of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University from 2014-2016, a Visiting Fellow with the National Endowment for Democracy from 2006-2007, and earlier in his career was named by the National Law Journal as one of “40 Under 40: Washington’s Rising Stars.” Genser’s other past clients have included former Czech Republic President Václav Havel, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed. Over his career, he has also advised multilateral institutions, governments, companies, foundations, and civil society organizations on ensuring their work was consistent with international human rights, labor rights, and environmental rights standards. Coming from his experience freeing his first client as a law student, in 2001 he founded Freedom Now, a non-governmental organization that works to free prisoners of conscience worldwide.

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In this enlightening podcast interview with Dr. Momo, Chief Science Officer at Viome, we delve into the profound significance of microbiome research and its pivotal role in maintaining optimal health. With meticulous research and compassionate insight, Dr. Momo elucidates how the intricate ecosystem of microbes living within us profoundly influences our mental and physical well-being.

Drawing on a wealth of scientific studies, Dr. Momo highlights the symbiotic relationship between the human body and its microbial inhabitants. These tiny organisms, residing in our gut, skin, and other organs, play a monumental role in digestion and immune response functions. Their delicate balance is a linchpin of overall health.

He underscores the connection between gut health and mental well-being through empathetic storytelling. As research advances, we are beginning to fathom the extent to which the microbiome shapes our emotional states. A flourishing microbial community is intrinsically linked to reduced anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. Dr. Momo provides touching anecdotes and relatable scenarios that underscore the profound impact of microbiome health on individual lives.

Furthermore, the conversation delves into the vital importance of personalized nutrition. Dr. Momo vividly describes how understanding one's unique microbial composition can revolutionize dietary choices. By tailoring nutrition plans to support the specific needs of an individual's microbiome, we can unlock a new level of vitality and well-being.

The podcast also delves into the implications of an imbalanced microbiome on chronic diseases and conditions. Dr. Momo shares poignant stories of patients who have experienced transformative recoveries through microbiome-focused interventions, illuminating the hope and potential this research brings to those suffering from various health challenges.

As the conversation draws to a close, he leaves us with a resonant message: the microbiome is not only a subject of scientific curiosity but a cornerstone of our health and vitality. We collectively agree that we must approach our well-being with reverence and curiosity, recognizing the profound impact that nurturing our microbiome can have on our mental and physical health.

About
Momo is an entrepreneur-scientist whose passion is to advance scientific discoveries into tools that improve humanity. He is focused on building a healthier future without pandemics, chronic diseases, and cancer. He has used his extensive scientific expertise and business acumen to lead the development of advanced technologies and their application towards healthier humanity. These technologies are enabling the transformation of the current healthcare, which focuses on symptom management, into a completely novel preventative and curative model, where individuals can take control of their health and maintain a long health span.

Before co-founding Viome in 2016, Momo spent 12 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory, leading the Applied Genomics team.

Momo obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Utah and BS in Microbiology from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is also an adjunct professor at New Mexico Tech University.

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