As the world confronts the aftermath of COVID-19, it is crucial to destigmatize mental health, leverage technology, and foster empathy to ensure open dialogue and accessible care for all.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Lindsay Demboski, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Integrated Psychiatric Consultants, talks about the profound impact COVID-19 had on mental health worldwide. She shares her connection to mental health challenges, drawing on experiences with postpartum anxiety and her commitment to supporting people, especially children. Lindsay underscores the challenges posed by the pandemic, including heightened uncertainty and anxiety, resulting in a surge in mental health issues globally. She emphasizes the need to comprehend the current state of mental health post-COVID-19, particularly as societies transition into what is considered the "new normal."

The stigmatization of mental health is something that Lindsay considers key to target, as she sheds light on cultural and religious barriers that contribute to the reluctance to acknowledge mental health struggles and raise stigma. Throughout the conversation, she focuses on the importance of fostering open discussions, normalizing mental health conversations, and educating communities to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health issues. She advocates for recognizing mental health as a real illness, encouraging individuals to seek help, and fostering an environment of empathy and support. 

Lindsay explores available treatment options and services, highlighting the significance of the 988 mental health crisis hotline. She provides insights into the role of technology, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine in improving access to mental health services. Lindsay also believes it is critically important for parents to be involved in understanding and addressing youth mental health, encouraging open communication, and emphasizing the need for kindness and support in the face of mental health challenges.

Tune in and dive into the transformative role of technology, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine in revolutionizing mental healthcare accessibility!

All organizations should foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within them.

In this episode, experts Geoffrey Roche, Sweta Sneha, and Angelita Howard discuss the Supreme Court's recent affirmative action ruling and its profound impact on the healthcare talent pool, particularly within the healthcare technology industry. 

Geoffrey Roche, Director of Workforce Development (North America) for Siemens Healthineers, underscores the critical need for organizations to persevere in recruiting diverse candidates. Despite potential challenges and questioning from state leaders, he urges companies to reflect on whether they aspire to be progressive workplaces of the future or cling to outdated practices. Geofrrey also encourages leaders to actively pave the way for a more inclusive and representative workforce.

Sweta Sneha, Founder and Executive Director of Healthcare Management and Informatics at Kennesaw State University, believes that intentional efforts must be made to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a growing institution and a health tech program boasting almost equal representation of men and women, Sweta highlights the importance of fostering diversity in the classroom and maintaining a commitment to students from diverse backgrounds.

Angelita Howard, Founding Dean for Online Programs and Extended Programs at the Morehouse School of Medicine, discusses her institution's response to the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing its purpose to rectify past and present discrimination. She explores the impact on historically black medical colleges and the potential increase in enrollment at institutions due to the absence of race considerations.

Tune in and learn about the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling, its implications for healthcare technology, and the crucial role diversity plays in shaping a brighter future for the industry!

Ever wondered how to achieve a thriving career without sacrificing your health?

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, host Christopher Kunney welcomes Dr. Patricia Boulogne, a high-performance mastery mentor and coach who is the CEO and founder of Health Team Network, who talks about empowering success, mindset mastery, and superior wellness, focusing on the challenges faced by business leaders and entrepreneurs in their quest to achieve work-life balance. Dr. Boulogne shares her journey from initially resisting college to finding her passion in chiropractic, highlighting the significance of discipline and effective systems in her successful practice. She and Christopher discuss the need for self-care and the alignment of personal and professional goals, as they believe it is very important to prioritize well-being for enhanced productivity and creativity.

Dr. Boulogne's book "Why... Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired?" underscores the necessity of understanding one's health and making informed lifestyle choices. She explains why everyone should have conscious dietary decisions and self-care practices, advocating for a deeper understanding of one's body. Throughout the conversation, she shares insights into stress management and maintaining a positive mental attitude, highlighting the power of belief, desire, and expectation. She offers advice on learning from mistakes, managing toxic individuals, and maintaining holistic well-being, and mental, physical, and emotional health. 

In the upcoming book "Your Deck of Success," she will provide practical advice on how individuals can enhance their productivity, creativity, and overall life satisfaction by developing a resilient mindset. Amongst the featured collaborators, her chapter on high performance and success, titled the "Jack of Hearts." Overall, throughout this insightful interview, Dr. Boulogne and Cristopher underscore the importance of mindset mastery, self-awareness, and a comprehensive approach to wellness in leading a fulfilling and successful life in both personal and professional domains.

Tune in and uncover the transformative strategies for achieving a resilient mindset and sustainable success in today's competitive business landscape! 

Dive into the incredible journey of a man whose life took a profound turn after a devastating accident. His story is one of faith, resilience, advocacy, and the extraordinary possibilities of modern medicine.

In the first episode of the third season of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Robert Chelsea, the first black man recipient of a full facial transplant, discusses the transformative journey that he found after having a severe car accident. Being a devout Christian from Los Angeles with a daughter, he shares how his life took a tragic turn in 2013 when a drunk driver's collision left him with severe burns over 60% of his body and face. Despite the challenges, Robert's faith and perspective played a vital role in his recovery, a beacon of hope and resilience. Throughout this conversation with Christopher Kunney, he highlights the transformative power of facial transplantation and its ability to restore identity and self-confidence in recipients.

After describing the horrific accident and the subsequent coma, Robert reflects on his recovery and the support he received from dedicated medical professionals. He highlights the transformational aspect of his experience, emphasizing his deep faith and the belief that divine presence guided him throughout the journey. Rather than viewing his situation as tragic, Robert sees it as an opportunity for growth and spiritual insight. He shares how adapting to the physical and psychological changes became a unique perspective on life, fostering empathy and gratitude.

Robert discusses the rigorous process of qualification for a face transplant, involving extensive evaluations and psychological tests. His surgery was performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, where he became the first black recipient and the oldest in the world to receive a full facial transplant. The conversation transitions into the challenges faced by both recipients and their families during this process and emphasizes Robert's advocacy efforts, particularly in schools, to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation. He stresses the importance of empathy and kindness in the world, encouraging people to help others without discrimination based on background or circumstances.

Tune in to follow Robert Chelsea's journey and discover the emotional depth of this life-changing procedure!

Using generative AI in healthcare has opened the gates for exploring untapped potential and new challenges.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Kathy Dalton Ford, chief product and strategy officer at Ronin, discusses the transformative impact of generative AI within the healthcare sector with host Christopher Kunney. This tool is emerging as a powerful technology capable of reshaping disease diagnosis, treatment methodologies, and patient care. Throughout this conversation, Ms. Ford highlights how generative AI can empower clinicians by offering patient-specific insights at the point of care. She also believes these technologies can enable informed decision-making that enhances treatment efficacy. 

At the heart of this episode, we find the notion of patient-centered healthcare. Generative AI, as a tool, equips clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of individual patient needs, preferences, and treatment objectives. Ms. Ford explains how by drawing insights from vast datasets, generative AI assists clinicians in formulating personalized treatment plans that align with patient goals, bridging the gap between medical expertise and patient aspirations. She emphasizes the need for data transparency, regulatory oversight, and responsible implementation to ensure that the potential benefits of generative AI are harnessed with minimal risks. 

Kathy and Christopher also dive into broader challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry. Ms. Ford sheds light on the pressing issues of clinician shortages and patient health equity. She underscores the role of technology in addressing these challenges and optimizing healthcare delivery. Ms. Ford is also very certain that by collaborating across sectors and embracing AI's potential to provide real-time, patient-specific insights, stakeholders can collectively shape a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the critical role of clinicians in providing optimal patient care.

Tune in to learn more about the promise of generative AI in patient-centered healthcare! 

Kathy Dalton Ford is a transformative leader in healthcare, currently serving as the Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Ronin. With a 30-year career driving strategic business development in Global Healthcare IT and Medical Device sectors, Kathy's expertise spans leadership, scaling, and solution commercialization.

At Ronin, Kathy spearheads AI-driven solutions for efficient cancer treatment decisions, merging data and context at the point of care. She's a visionary strategist, ensuring market-leading solutions that enhance global health.

Kathy's impact is felt beyond Ronin; she advises on the Health Foundation C-suite program, mentors healthcare leaders, and co-founded Jellyfish Health, revolutionizing patient flow logistics. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition, including Becker's Hospital Review's "Women in Health IT to Know" in 2019, 2022, and 2023, cementing her legacy as a pioneering healthcare influencer.

Collaboration and partnership are required characteristics to drive innovation in Healthcare IT. 

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, we feature Stephen Konya, Senior Advisor to the Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT and Innovation Portfolio Lead at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who talks about the impact of the federal government on healthcare transformation. Stephen shares insights into his career journey, highlighting his experience in the Marine Corps and various roles within state government agencies, and discusses the evolution of the ONC and its role as a collaborator in advancing health technology programs. 

Stephen emphasizes the ONC's focus on driving innovation, supporting the healthcare technology workforce, and fostering a national innovation ecosystem through initiatives like the Together.Health Collaborative, which is aimed at fostering collaboration and support for healthcare innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates. He discusses the impact of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act as a pivotal moment in supporting emerging technologies like telehealth and artificial intelligence in healthcare. The ONC aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, addressing challenges related to interoperability, responsible use, and governance of healthcare technologies. Stephen explains how ONC also promotes collaboration, sharing best practices, and coordinating efforts with federal agencies and international partners. 

The ONC considers diverse stakeholders involved in the innovation community, including startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations. They care deeply about collaborating with the innovation community, providing access to programs, promoting policies, and addressing challenges in health IT adoption. He shares valuable information about some of the ONC’s initiatives, such as the public health informatics training program and efforts to address challenges and opportunities in healthcare technology, and encourages listeners to engage.

Tune in to learn about the ONC’s initiatives’ impact on advancing transformation with health technology programs!

Patient advocacy is a powerful way to navigate the healthcare maze.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, we feature Pegasystems’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kikelomo “Dayo” Oshunkentan, who talks about the power of patient advocacy and navigating complex healthcare systems. She stresses the importance of patient advocacy, especially for individuals dealing with serious illnesses or injuries. Patient advocacy involves promoting and protecting patients' rights to receive the best care possible. Dr. Dayo explains how patients can actively participate in their healthcare decisions by becoming their own advocates, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed.

Dr. Dayo and Christopher delve into the patient advocate role in effectively communicating their concerns and well-being to healthcare providers. She defines a patient advocate as someone with medical knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system, allowing them to navigate it and effectively convey patients' needs. They both highlight the importance of effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for patients to be knowledgeable and empowered. Dr. Dayo and Christopher also discuss seeking second opinions, understanding patient rights, and utilizing technology for better access to care.

Patients must be aware of their worth and right to receive quality care. Therefore, the conversation touches on patients' rights and the importance of self-advocacy. They also address the challenges of limited physician capacity for in-depth conversations and suggest using emerging technologies to summarize patients' diverse information creating more effective communication with providers. Finally, they recognize the efforts of patient advocates and the importance of maintaining records and voicing concerns, escalating them when necessary to ensure appropriate care.

Tune in to learn more about patient advocacy and how to approach it effectively!

Clinical trials can be a ticket to better healthcare, so breaking the barriers that limit People of Color to participate is essential.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Jayne Morgan, executive director of Health and Community Education at Piedmont Healthcare Corporation, has a chat with Christopher Kunney about the current lack of minority participation in clinical trials and how to overcome the obstacles that directly impact it. Diverse populations have a mistrust towards the healthcare systems as a result of multiple care disparities and events like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Hence, how physicians approach these patients and build trust with them is incredibly important when offering research opportunities. Amongst the many effects of COVID-19, there was an increase in confidence in health providers and participation of communities of Color in clinical trials, but the challenge lies in maintaining the momentum now that the public health emergency has ended. Having established the gravity of the problem, Christopher and Jayne discuss ways to ensure equitable access to research in healthcare.

Trial diversity will ensure treatment applicability for a broader range of people instead of a population predominantly composed of white men or other majority groups. Jayne explains how clinical trials offer access to tomorrow’s medications and treatments. Being able to participate in a trial means having access to maximum therapy quality and attention, and in cancer trials, participation has led to increased remission rates. For her, representation is a crucial step toward rebuilding trust and moving beyond exploitation toward health equity.

One of the very first things to accomplish to encourage participation from People of Color is to involve physicians who have a cultural congruence and trusting relationship with the community in leadership roles within clinical trials, and it needs to happen at all levels of research to establish cultural understanding and trust when interacting with patients. Even though community involvement through leaders, churches, and civic organizations can have impactful results, direct dialogue with physicians will ultimately open the first gates to clinical trials for diverse people. This is why Jayne encourages listeners to find providers who communicate effectively and engage in conversations with the healthcare system to understand and learn the necessary information firsthand.

Tune in and learn more about the importance of diversity in research and how to open the gates of this space for everyone, regardless of their profile or background!

Patients can take the wheel of their health, thanks to social media.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Grace Cordovano, founder of Enlightening Results, and Grace Vinton, patient advocate, talk about social media as a powerful medium to access medical information, connect providers with their patients, and amplify the patients’ voices. On Grace Vinton’s podcast, HIT Like a Girl, women share patient stories, discuss how to include patient and caregiver voices in innovation processes, and amplify women's work in the healthcare industry to make a positive impact. At Enlightening Results, Dr. Grace Codovano works to decrease the patient administrative burden caused by all the tasks and bureaucratic steps they or their caregivers must take in the care delivery process. She also teaches patients how to turn that access to care into power with AI tools to help them hack healthcare in their favor.

Both Graces found a passion in patient advocacy after they went through misdiagnoses, where information was vital for them to find the correct path, as opposed to their initial recommendations. In today’s world, information about medical conditions, treatments, and medications are readily available online. Social media not only acts as an open-access information hub but as a space where patients and providers can connect regarding health issues and basic inquiries, and patients and caregivers can speak up about their journeys and learn from others’ experiences.

Culturally, it was uncommon for a patient to come into the office with previous information or even question what a doctor said. Nowadays, that shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign of disrespect but more as an approach where the patient and provider have shared accountability. Many patients and caregivers have become very literate about their medical issues, especially those that have navigated the rare disease world for years. With so much misinformation online, one way to help patients, who will inevitably try to look up information about their health, is to create a sheet or list with all the trusted sites and sources for them, making the content fun and understandable. Many patients don’t have access to the same information as professionals, so doing this would prevent them from entering the fake information rabbit hole. Patients and caregivers are powerful drivers in healthcare, and including them will only benefit innovation and the system as a whole. 

Tune in and learn more about the power of social media for the future of healthcare!

People living in rural areas deserve a better healthcare experience.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Chris sits down at the ViVe 2023 conference to talk with Michael Hasselberg, Chief Digital Health Officer at the University of Rochester Medical Center, about the impact of the current economic conditions on rural healthcare and how advancing technology, services, and policies can help these communities. Michael shares his journey from finding an interest in geriatric psychology to developing telemedicine infrastructure in the state of New York. 

It was during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic that Michael really noticed the health disparities that rural communities face day to day, like transportation barriers, lack of health insurance, and limited availability to healthcare professionals, most of which link to having very low incomes. When everybody was forced to adapt to digital modalities, people in these communities engaged more through audio-only visits than those with video as they couldn’t afford Internet access in their homes, having only cellular data plans available to them. Additionally, healthcare providers, generalists, and specialists are not drawn or motivated to set up shop in these rural communities, which is why Michael is set to develop creative solutions to increase their access. Some ways he achieves this include technology innovations like text-based approaches and mobile app solutions or seeking new care sites like libraries, barber shops, retail stores, and community centers, common places to meet the population where they’re at.

Rural communities also have patients dealing with chronic diseases that require management and care. For them, telehealth, patient monitoring, and virtual care technologies are important, but there are ways to innovate while taking their social conditions into account. In their case, one of the best resources available is their voice, so patient-reported tools are very valuable in their care. Michael believes collecting these PROs can help health systems and plans better understand these patients from their perspective, increasing their engagement.

Listen to learn more about the innovative solutions that close the health gap rural communities face!