The Beat

About Ian Wijaya:

Ian Wijaya is the Co-Head of Lazard’s North America Healthcare practice. Ian joined Lazard in 2011 and co-founded the Firm’s healthcare services practice, with a focus on M&A, strategic advisory, and recapitalization advisory for managed care insurance payers, providers across the continuum of care (e.g., acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, post-acute care, etc.), PBMs, distributors, payor and provider services companies, HCIT, and digital health companies.

Ian is a member of Lazard’s Opinion Committee and the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Healthcare, as well as a Corporate Leader on the Council on Foreign Relations.

Ian has advised on more than $250 billion of corporate finance transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, financial restructurings and reorganizations, joint ventures, and other matters, and has advised on several of the largest and most transformative M&A transactions in healthcare, including three of the largest in recent history.

Prior to joining Lazard, Ian was an investment banker at Greenhill & Co. in New York, where he focused on healthcare M&A but also provided M&A advice to companies in the technology and retail sectors. Prior to Greenhill & Co., he worked in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs & Co. and the financial restructuring group of Houlihan Lokey in New York.

Ian has an M.B.A. in Finance and Strategy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a B.A. (cum laude) from Dartmouth College.

Things You’ll Learn:

• The candid examination of market barriers and what it takes to finalize deals in turbulent times.
• The healthcare tech market demands investments in businesses with sustainable unit economics and the potential for operating leverage, promoting a balance between profit and growth.
• Strategic buyers and private equity are looking for healthcare services that can enhance supply chain visibility, manage costs efficiently, and improve patient outcomes through tech-enabled solutions.
• AI stands poised to revolutionize healthcare across several domains, with an emphasis on clinical decision support, population health management, and automation of administrative tasks.
• AI in healthcare will likely boom in 3 areas: clinical support, population health management, and operational automation. 

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Ian Wijaya on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Lazard on their LinkedIn and website.

About Omkar Kulkarni:

Omkar P. Kulkarni is the first chief innovation officer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In his role, Kulkarni is responsible for fostering innovation across Children’s Hospital Los Angeles's clinical and research enterprises – including launching an enterprise virtual care program, incubating and implementing new digital health tools and medical devices, and rallying communities inside and outside of the hospital to solve problems in the field of pediatrics – all with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes for the children and families Children’s Hospital Los Angeles serves. Kulkarni is also the founder and managing director of KidsX, a consortium-based digital health accelerator that is comprised of over fifteen leading pediatric hospitals from around the world.

Prior to joining Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Kulkarni served as executive director of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator powered by Techstars, where he helped build and launch the accelerator program. In that role, he evaluated over 3,000 healthcare start-ups and provided extensive mentoring, serving as the main liaison between the start-up community and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Kulkarni also led the performance improvement department at Cedars-Sinai for many years and has experience in financial process redesign at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Kulkarni has a master’s degree in public health and health care management from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from George Washington University.

Things You’ll Learn:

• AI can predict patient no-shows and optimize scheduling, freeing up crucial appointment slots and ensuring resources are optimally allocated.
• Adopting new solutions not only streamlines processes but boosts staff engagement and patient satisfaction by refocusing skilled labor on patient care rather than auxiliary tasks.
• Beyond financial health, measuring access, clinical outcomes, and patient/family engagement provides a more comprehensive view of organizational success.
• The challenge of serving a diverse, multilingual patient population, many of whom are under the poverty line.
• How CHLA manages to provide top-tier clinical care, groundbreaking research, and education, all while "defying gravity" in the face of financial struggles.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Omkar Kulkarni on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Children's Hospital Los Angeles on their LinkedIn and website.

About Dr. Eve Cunningham:

Eve Cunningham, MD MBA, the Chief of Virtual Care and Digital Health at Providence, and an active member of the HIMSS community. Throughout her career, she's balanced surgical skills as a gynecologist with incubating and scaling digital assistant products for providers at Providence.

Balancing career with spouse and three children has been her biggest challenge. She advises working mothers to customize their balance based on beliefs, resources, and support. As a leader, she's sensitive to her team's challenges, balancing work and life.

Her future challenge is navigating healthcare transformation and integrating AI/ML technology into clinical workflows, advocating for clinician involvement to ensure responsible use.

Cunningham believes the future of health information and technology for women is bright, with more entering the field and changing gender ratios emphasizing value and competency.

Motivated by mentorship, she resonates with Steve Jobs' quotes on teamwork and revolutionary change. Cunningham is proud to serve on HIMSS committees and recently participated in the CMIO Panel at HIMSS22, focusing on innovations to address burnout and administrative burden.

Things You’ll Learn:

• Innovation in healthcare is not just about technology; it's about solving real challenges like workforce shortages and care fragmentation.
• Virtual care isn't just for minor issues; it spans from primary care to post-acute services, improving access and outcomes.
• Omnichannel healthcare aims to provide seamless care across different platforms, but regulatory hurdles and privacy concerns remain significant barriers.
• Collaboration between clinicians and tech experts is essential for meaningful innovation in healthcare.
• Successful healthcare transformation requires a holistic approach, considering both clinical outcomes and financial sustainability.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Eve on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Providence on LinkedIn and their website.

About Ken Washington:

Ken Washington serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Medtronic, leading the charge in accelerating innovation through strategic product development and technology initiatives. With a wealth of experience spanning various industries including robotics, consumer products, automotive, and space, Ken joined Medtronic in 2023, bringing deep expertise in technology development and execution.

As a visionary leader, Ken inspires and motivates teams to push the boundaries of invention and innovation, driving positive market disruptions. He collaborates closely with teams and leaders across Medtronic to ensure the continuous advancement of products and therapies in alignment with the company's mission to better serve patients and customers.

Prior to his role at Medtronic, Ken held notable positions including Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Robotics at Amazon and Chief Technology Officer at Ford Motor Company, where he oversaw the development of technology strategies and next-generation vehicle architectures. With seven years at Lockheed Martin, Ken held various leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of the Advanced Technology Center.

Ken is internationally recognized as a thought leader in technology and innovation, with accolades including induction into the National Academy of Engineering in 2020 and the Black Engineer Hall of Fame in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a PhD in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University.

Things You’ll Learn:

• Medtronic impacts two patients every second, showcasing the scale of their influence in healthcare.
• Innovation is key for Medtronic, as they continuously strive to engineer the extraordinary.
• Staying focused on its mission helps Medtronic differentiate its products in a competitive market.
• Medtronic's AI Center of Excellence accelerates the development of AI-enabled therapies for better patient care.
• Medtronic's mission is to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life through innovative therapies.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Ken on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Medtronic on LinkedIn and their website.
• Discover more about Medtronic’s GI Genius here.

About Max Cohen:

Max Cohen serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Sprinter Health, headquartered in California. The company deploys W-2 employees, dubbed "Sprinters," equipped with the medical assistant, phlebotomy, and Community Health Worker expertise, directly into households to engage patient populations that may otherwise be disengaged. Sprinter collaborates with health plans and health systems, offering preventive services with no copay or deductible. Prior to launching Sprinter Health, Max held the position of VP of Mobile at Oculus, and following the acquisition by Facebook continued to oversee various initiatives including Mobile VR, Mobile and Platform Products, and Media. Before his tenure at Oculus, Max contributed to the Product team at Google in Los Angeles and gained experience at McKinsey and Company, as well as Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works. Max holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering and a BS in Physics from Duke University, supplemented by an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Things You’ll Learn:

• Sprinter Health revolutionizes healthcare delivery by deploying W-2 "Sprinters" with diverse medical skills into homes, targeting under-engaged patient populations and bridging care gaps.
• By partnering directly with health plans and systems, Sprinter Health offers preventive services with no financial barriers, promoting accessibility and proactive care.
• Max Cohen's background at Oculus and Google informs Sprinter Health's innovative approach, prioritizing patient engagement and efficient execution.
• Sprinter Health's commitment to quality care is reflected in its high patient satisfaction ratings, demonstrating the effectiveness of in-home healthcare solutions.
• Strategic expansion plans aim to maximize market impact by prioritizing regions with existing business partnerships and potential for growth.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Max Cohen on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Sprinter Health on LinkedIn and their website.

About Yuechen Zhao :

Yuechen is a Partner at GSR Ventures, where he focuses on early-stage investments in enterprise software and consumer platforms. Prior to GSR Ventures, Yuechen founded a personalized travel startup and built products at Google, Uber, and Meixin (fintech). Yuechen received his BA in Computer Science from Harvard University.

Things You’ll Learn:

• Despite public and private market fluctuations, a steady, long-view approach in investment strategy remains central, with a focus on substantive innovations with enduring value.
• Emerging AI technologies offer transformative potential in healthcare accessibility and patient empowerment.
• Successful investing is anchored in a decade-long commitment and the intimate support between founders and investors that goes beyond mere financial transactions.
• As investment climates shift and the health tech scene faces valuation declines, GSR Ventures strategizes to remain steadfast, resourceful, and committed to its portfolio companies.
• Entrepreneurs need market momentum and passion for problem-solving to sustainable business models that promise scalability and defensibility.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Yuechen Zhao on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about GSR Ventures on their LinkedIn and website.

About Novlet Mattis :

Novlet Mattis, Senior Vice President, Chief Digital and Information Officer, As Orlando Health’s chief digital and information officer, Novlet provides executive leadership for information technology, digital capability supply chain, and systems that advance clinical and business strategies, digitally engage patients, providers, and businesses, and optimize operational processes.

Before joining Orlando Health in 2018, she was with Ascension Health in St. Louis, where she served as vice president of information technology, supporting more than 125 hospitals across the U.S. and international joint ventures.

Novlet was also vice president of IT and chief information officer at UNC Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has held leadership positions at Dell Global Services, Lucent Technologies, and AT&T.

She earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Howard University and an MBA from George Washington University, both in Washington, D.C. She is a Certified Healthcare CIO through the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

Things You’ll Learn:

• Orlando Health strikes a crucial balance between managing finances and innovating, particularly by adopting a unified EMR system and ventures into AI to improve patient care.
• The organization is not just expanding its physical footprint but also investing in data and digital platforms for future growth. 
• Orlando Health’s response to COVID-19 and push towards digital innovations like virtual sitters demonstrate resilience and forward thinking. 
• By centralizing their data, the organization is paving the way to monetize information while ensuring enhanced patient care.
• Orlando Health stands out because of physician loyalty, strong economies, and unparalleled patient care.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Novlet Mattis on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Orlando Health on their LinkedIn and website.

About Jayme Strauss:

Jayme Strauss is the Chief Clinical Officer of Viz.ai. Jayme has over 10 years of experience as a healthcare executive building clinical service lines in the areas of Neuroscience and Oncology. Jayme previously was the Executive Director of Neuroscience at Piedmont Healthcare in Georgia and Assistant Vice President of Neuroscience and Oncology at Baptist Health South Florida. Jayme is passionate about evolving the way that healthcare is delivered globally, ensuring patients have access to life-saving therapies, and moving science forward through research.

Things You’ll Learn:

• Leveraging a wealth of healthcare data, AI is applied by Viz.ai to enhance early patient identification for treatment, potentially revolutionizing patient outcomes, specifically in stroke care and cardiac monitoring.
• Commitment to rigorous clinical evidence and real-world application signifies an impactful step away from AI speculation to tangible, measurable improvements, demonstrating decreased hospital stays and faster treatment times by Viz.ai.
• Successfully navigating complex healthcare systems to deliver personalized, impactful AI solutions, Viz.ai intricately involves diverse care teams in product design and focuses on scalability.
• Engaging with everyone from physicians to clinic schedulers, tailored AI tools addressing the intricate needs of patient care are created by Viz.ai.
• Getting through to the complex web of healthcare stakeholders isn't easy, and that's where Viz.ai’s bespoke solutions shine.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Jayme Strauss on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Viz.ai on their LinkedIn and website.

Historically, the FDA was used to approving material health products and medical devices.

But with the rise of health technology, including generative AI, the department must approach regulations differently to ensure that digital products remain safe and effective once they’re on the market.

So, how does the FDA think about monitoring digital health products and diagnostics? How do they assess the risks associated with innovations in the healthcare space?

Troy Tazbaz is Director of the Digital Health Center of Excellence at the FDA, where he's responsible for envisioning a future of safe and effective healthcare delivery with a focus on advancing public health goals with the use of technology.

On this episode of The Beat, Troy joins hosts Dr. Jessica Shepherd and Dr. Gautam Gulati to discuss the role of the FDA in the regulatory oversight and safety of digital health products and diagnostics.

Troy explains how losing his wife to cancer informs his work and shares the risk management framework the FDA uses to keep up with the speed of health innovation.

Listen in for Troy’s insight on prioritizing technology that addresses labor shortages that delay care and learn how the FDA develops policy around emerging technologies in healthcare. 

Topics Covered

• Troy’s 4 areas of focus as Director of Digital Health at the FDA
• How losing his wife to cancer informs Troy’s approach to innovation and regulations in healthcare
• How not being a doctor or lawyer gives Troy a different perspective on digital health regulations
• The risk management framework the FDA uses to keep up with the speed of innovation
• Why it’s the health system’s decision whether to integrate digital health products based on the level of risk they’re comfortable with 
• How Troy thinks about mental health concerns that might arise from generative AI products
• Prioritizing technology that addresses labor shortages that delay care
• Who should be responsible for identifying when things go wrong in digital health products
• The potential to exacerbate the digital divide when health systems must monitor digital health products and diagnostics on their own
• Why prevention is the best way to deal with chronic conditions
• What Troy is most excited about when it comes to innovation in healthcare
• What federal agencies can do to build trust with the public

Connect with Troy Tazbaz

• FDA Digital Health Center of Excellence
• Troy on LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Gautam Gulati & Dr. Jessica Shepherd

• ViVE
• HLTH
• Dr. Shepherd on Twitter
• Dr. Shepherd on LinkedIn
• Dr. Gulati on Twitter
• Dr. Gulati on LinkedIn

Resources

• The Continuum Diaries

About  Maneesh Goyal:

Maneesh leads operations, strategy, and financial performance for Mayo Clinic's Platform initiative

He brings a cross-disciplinary background in finance, investing, product development and engineering. Prior to joining Welltok, Maneesh was a Managing Director with Miramar Venture Partners, a leading early-stage investor focusing on the information technology space. With Miramar, Maneesh led investments and was an advisor and board member for several health and consumer Internet companies. Before entering the venture world, Maneesh was an early employee with Broadcom, a Fortune 500 Company, leading product development and engineering efforts in more than a dozen communications technology solutions.

Maneesh earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a master’s in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California, and an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.

Things You’ll Learn:

• AI is utilized for early disease detection and precision medicine, revolutionizing patient outcomes while significantly reducing costs compared to traditional methods.
• The Mayo Clinic Platform integrates technology to facilitate a seamless convergence of providers, innovators, and healthcare institutions, emphasizing its holistic approach beyond mere technological advancements.
• Mayo Clinic's collaborations drive healthcare progress, facilitating global accessibility to clinically validated tools and highlighting their dedication to integrated medicine.
• The Mayo Clinic platform seeks to overhaul the healthcare system, aiming for reduced infection risks and more efficient home care, thereby modernizing hospitals that have remained largely unchanged for 150 years.
• Through seamless partnerships, the Mayo Clinic platform utilizes technology to deliver healthcare services in unprecedented ways, prioritizing innovation and efficiency.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Maneesh Goyal on LinkedIn.
• Follow the Mayo Clinic on LinkedIn and visit their website.