In this episode of Paradigm, host Dr. David Rallis is joined by Dr. Jai Mediratta, a Mayo Clinic oral and maxillofacial surgery resident and long-time contributor to Paradigm Oral Health. The two reflect on Jai's unconventional journey from aspiring medical student to oral surgery assistant, tech entrepreneur, and research leader. They explore the inception and evolution of Loop, a software born out of clinical necessity, and examine paradigm-shifting research in outpatient anesthesia and opioid prescribing. The conversation also dives into AI, big data, 3D printing, and the challenges of scaling healthcare systems—painting a picture of a specialty on the cusp of transformation.

• Jai Mediratta’s pivot from medicine to dentistry and early connection with Dr. Rallis
• Their collaboration and the development of Loop, a communication software for oral surgery
• Building a software product from scratch while shadowing and assisting
• The foundational role of research in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Publishing anesthesia safety data from 65,000+ patient records
• Use of NLP and AI to scale research and analyze clinical records efficiently
• The evolution of Paradigm’s opioid stewardship program
• Building infrastructure for data-driven best practices in pain management
• Leveraging surveys and machine learning to guide patient care
• The future of healthcare innovation: AI, 3D printing, biomaterials, and smart scheduling
• How Mayo Clinic's principles and structure inspire Paradigm’s culture
• Dr. Mediratta’s reflections on residency and personal experiences shaping his career

• Jai Mediratta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaikumarmediratta
• David Rallis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rallis-374a071a8
• Paradigm Oral Health: https://paradigmoralhealth.com/

In today’s episode, David Rallis becomes the interviewee as Mike Walker takes on the guest-host role. We dive into David's personal and professional journey, revealing the experiences that have honed his approach to healthcare and leadership at Paradigm. This episode unpacks how Paradigm turns seemingly unattractive deals into golden opportunities and fosters a work culture that scores high in employee satisfaction. We discuss the strategic mergers that have catapulted Paradigm's growth across states and delve into the company's commitment to innovation—from leveraging data to employing cutting-edge technology. Join us as we explore the transformative shifts in Paradigm's approach to patient care, the critical role of innovation in shaping healthcare's future, and how Paradigm's teams navigate and embrace change.

Dr. Michael Walker is a board certified member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Walker is also a highly-sought presenter at local and national conferences focused on maxillofacial surgery. Additionally, Dr. Walker is passionate about serving others, having volunteered for organizations including Give Kids a Smile and the Special Olympics.

Key Points From This Episode:

- An overview of David’s background

- How a family legacy and Mayo Clinic shaped David's patient-centric approach

- The creation of Paradigm through a blend of top-tier care and business strategy

- Challenges of nurturing a long-term vision and shared mindset for sustainable growth

- How David's innovation and founder mindset drive Paradigm's industry disruption and sustained success

- The successful integration of CareStack at Paradigm, supported by credibility and a collective mindset

- Balancing risk with culture fit is critical to David's merger strategy for Paradigm's growth

- Building Paradigm’s culture on a foundation of integrity and more-than-business values

- Paradigm’s greatest success thus far

Links:

Mike Walker on LinkedIn

David Rallis on LinkedIn

Chester County Oral Surgery

Paradigm Oral Health

In this podcast episode, we explore the professional journey and contributions of Dr. Edward Zuckerberg, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., a vanguard in the dental field renowned for his innovative integration of technology and clinical research into dental healthcare. His foray into dentistry began at NYU Dental School, where, despite his initial lack of industry knowledge, his innate abilities to work well with people and perform intricate tasks with his hands led him towards a career in dentistry.

Dr. Zuckerberg has a distinctive knack for identifying what attributes make a dental product essential and profitable. He stresses the reduction of material hardware costs and champions products that provide significant returns on investment, enhance operational efficiency, allow for the execution of new procedures, and elevate the quality of patient care.

A notable aspect of Dr. Zuckerberg's career is his strategic use of social media to boost patient engagement and education, employing digital platforms to share knowledge and interact with the community.

Currently, Dr. Zuckerberg channels his passion for technology and his expertise in dentistry into the realm of venture capital, with a keen focus on dental practice companies. His advisory role extends to guiding projects from conceptualization to market, inclusive of navigating the intricacies of fundraising. Furthermore, he serves as the Chief Dental Officer for two pioneering biotech firms that are at the forefront of oral health research and treatment solutions, underscoring his enduring commitment to advancing dental care through innovation.

In this podcast, Karan Garg (KG) discusses his extensive experience as a leader in healthcare investment banking and how he fell into the world of dentistry. 

Karan began his career in investment banking right after completing his undergraduate studies, embarking on a long and successful journey in this field. He has spent 17 years in the healthcare department, with a particular emphasis on healthcare investment banking. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various aspects, including mergers and acquisitions and private equity funds.

Success in investment banking, Karan emphasizes, hinges on a deep passion for the business, strong sales and marketing skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and provide critical advice. This role offers individuals the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills over time.

Karan also highlights the profound impact that mentors in investment banking have had on companies like Paradigm. He finds great joy in helping these companies advance to the next level through financial and strategic guidance.

Karan's journey into dentistry was somewhat serendipitous, but over the past decade, he has been involved in over 50 transactions totaling $30 billion. He identifies promising opportunities in dentistry, seeing it as a sector with potential for rapid growth compared to other markets.

Looking into the future of dentistry, Karan envisions opportunities for companies to collaborate with payers (insurance companies) and providers (dentists) to enhance patient outcomes. Aligning the interests of these stakeholders is key to success in this field.

When it comes to building value in dental businesses, Karan stresses the importance of both tangible and intangible value. This encompasses not only financial assets but also factors such as reputation, patient satisfaction, and community engagement.

In terms of advice for success, Karan shares valuable insights. He encourages individuals to maintain a clear vision and stay focused on their goals despite external distractions. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of successful CEOs delegating tasks, finding the right people, and holding them accountable, as trying to do the job of multiple people alone is unsustainable. Lastly, he encourages being open to criticism and change, embracing a coachable attitude to continually improve and adapt.

In this podcast, Karan Garg's insights shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare and investment banking, as well as his experiences in the world of dentistry and business leadership.

Indraneel Kanaglekar, the Global Dental President of ZimVie, offers a deep dive into the world of dentistry and its significance in the landscape of global healthcare. Under his leadership, dentistry not only serves as the linchpin for ZimVie but is also envisioned as its future growth trajectory.

Background:

• Educational & Career Journey: Starting off as an engineer (though self-admittedly not a very good one), Indraneel pivoted to the business sector after obtaining a business degree. His experience spans management consulting and a special focus on mergers and acquisitions. His passion for dentistry began in the realm of R&D, which was instrumental in rejuvenating ZimVie's product lineup.

ZimVie's Approach:

Holistic Presence: ZimVie's expansive presence is designed to cater to both clinical and business requisites.

Three Pillars:

1. Product & Workflow Solutions: Dedicated to streamlining processes and enhancing product offerings.
2. Medical Education: Providing a robust knowledge base for professionals.
3. Service & Experience: Prioritizing client experience and seamless transactions.

Innovations:

• Encode Empowered Program Technology: A hallmark of ZimVie's tech arsenal. Its scanning capabilities are groundbreaking, poised to redefine complicated dental procedures by making them more accessible and simplified.

Mergers & Acquisitions Insights: 

• Drawing from his expertise, Indraneel shares the three cornerstones for a successful business acquisition:
• Market Attractiveness: A viable and growing market is crucial.
• Strong Brand Presence: The acquisition target should have an established and positive brand image.
• Pricing: The acquisition should be financially sound and beneficial.

Being disciplined and consistent with these criteria paves the way for smart investments.

The Key to Business Longevity:

• Avoid Market Disruption: Businesses should ensure they don't disturb existing market equilibriums adversely.
• Incessant Innovation: Companies should continually strive for better products, leveraging proprietary technologies that ensure efficiency and rapid scalability.
• Patient-Centric Approach: Prioritizing patient care stands businesses in good stead, placing them head and shoulders above competition.

The Future of Implant Dentistry: 

Indraneel predicts a surge in advancements within the domain of dental implants. This will be catalyzed by innovations in AI and automation, pointing towards a future where dental procedures are more precise, efficient, and patient-friendly.

Tune in for a compelling conversation on the convergence of business, technology, and dentistry with Indraneel Kanaglekar.

In this podcast episode featuring data scientist expert James Card, he is highlighted as the "most Interesting man in the world" due to his transformative work in business intelligence within the healthcare sector. When he initially joined Paradigm, it was a blank canvas, but he managed to revolutionize the use of data in healthcare by taking it to new heights.

James Card's passion for artificial intelligence, science, and technology led him to pursue a master's degree in predictive analytics, which eventually became the foundation for his innovative work in healthcare data analysis.

The healthcare industry has been somewhat slow in adopting advanced data utilization techniques, and James recognized this gap. He initiated the creation of a data ecosystem specifically tailored to serve surgeons, focusing on improving their work processes and outcomes.

A "data ecosystem" refers to a comprehensive system that connects various databases and programs, aggregating the data they contain and presenting it through a proprietary dashboard. This ecosystem is designed to provide a unified platform for accessing and analyzing data, enabling better decision-making and operational efficiencies.

James Card's perspective on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and business intelligence (BI) is noteworthy. He emphasizes the importance of being an early adopter, and his team was among the first to embrace these technologies. This early adoption has resulted in significant improvements in efficiency, and the potential of AI and BI is far from fully explored.

The discussion delves into the realm of algorithms and prediction. James has developed machine learning models that utilize algorithms to make predictions. He talks about the concept of probability over the upcoming months and how various contributing factors influence this prediction process. He also addresses the ongoing efforts to enhance these models, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.

A key point that James highlights is that once the foundational data is accurate and comprehensive, it becomes possible to generate multiple reports that can serve the needs of surgeons and medical practices. The ability to iterate and refine these reports based on accurate data enables the healthcare industry to continually enhance its practices and patient outcomes.

Overall, James Card's expertise, passion for AI and data, and innovative approach to creating a data ecosystem in healthcare make him a standout figure in the field. His work exemplifies the power of harnessing data for meaningful improvements in healthcare processes and patient care.

In Episode 10 of the podcast, the guest is Guillaume Daniellot, the CEO of Straumann Group. Straumman Group is a pioneer in the field of dental implants and as the CEO Guillaume has been instrumental in driving research and innovation to provide better care for patients. And on this episode the conversation revolves around his journey as a leader, the importance of thinking innovatively, building a strong corporate culture, and the role of technology in dentistry.

Guillaume's career trajectory started in France, where he studied physics and eventually transitioned into the healthcare industry. He attributes three major drivers to his successful career:

Delivering Value Beyond Business: Guillaume emphasizes the importance of making a meaningful impact on people's lives through his work. He believes in influencing decisions based on the input from those close to customers, as they can provide valuable insights into their needs and preferences.

Lifelong Learning: Guillaume's passion for learning has been a constant driving force in his career. He values the discovery of new things, interactions with diverse people and cultures, and how these experiences have contributed to his growth as both a professional and an individual.

Teamwork and High Performance: Building strong teams and achieving high performance is another aspect that excites Guillaume. He values collaboration with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, working together to create success.

A key topic discussed is how to build effective teams and a strong corporate culture, especially in a large national corporation. Guillaume emphasizes the importance of communication, connectedness, and creating an environment where employees can share the same values. He believes in empowering his teams to make their own decisions, take risks, and learn from failures, all while helping them become the best versions of themselves.

When it comes to business focus, Guillaume advises putting the customer at the forefront. He believes that the success of the company is directly tied to the success of its customers. This customer-centric approach guides the company's strategies and decisions.

Guillaume's groundbreaking work in dental implants has led to innovative solutions that provide better care for patients. Looking into the future, he sees disruptive trends in the field, including a consolidation of care providers and significant changes in care delivery. These changes are expected to result in higher quality and more consistent patient care. Guillaume stresses the importance of investing in technology and education to stay at the forefront of these developments.

Overall, the episode highlights Guillaume Daniellot's journey from physics to healthcare, his leadership philosophy, and his insights into the future of dental implants and technology in the industry. His emphasis on customer value, continuous learning, teamwork, and innovation serves as a source of inspiration for both current and aspiring leaders in the healthcare sector.

Dr. Mike Walker is a successful oral surgeon who has made significant strides in his career. His journey to success began during dental school when he exhibited leadership by placing his first dental implant. This achievement not only showcased his skills but also demonstrated his dedication to advancing in the field. During this time, he began building connections with oral surgeons in his local area, which would later play a pivotal role in shaping his career.

As he continued to foster relationships with experienced oral surgeons, he had the opportunity to closely observe their work and found himself fascinated by the procedures they performed. One particular oral surgeon asked him why he was drawn to oral surgery, a question that lingered in his mind. Eventually, this question led him to pursue a path in oral surgery, driven by his passion for the field.

His journey took him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he initially applied for an intern position. However, fate had different plans for him, as he was soon offered a residency spot instead. This unexpected turn of events reinforced his belief that things happen for a reason and set the stage for his future accomplishments.

Upon completing his education, Dr. Walker found himself in an ideal situation at his current practice. With a strong vision centered around providing the best patient care, investing in referral relationships, and prioritizing education, he was well-equipped to excel. However, he quickly realized that running the practice posed its own set of challenges.

Dr. Walker's growth and learning journey took another significant leap when he joined Paradigm, a group of like-minded surgeons. This connection allowed him to not only find camaraderie but also to evolve as a professional. Together with his fellow surgeons, he aimed to change and improve the practices and approaches within the field of oral surgery. Dr. Walker's goal is to revolutionize the way oral surgery is performed, making it more efficient, effective, and patient-centered.

In conclusion, Dr. Mike Walker's success can be attributed to his leadership skills, dedication to patient care, and his ability to connect with and learn from experienced professionals. His journey from dental school to his current position as an oral surgeon is marked by a series of fortuitous events and deliberate choices that have shaped him into a visionary in his field. As he continues to collaborate with like-minded individuals, he envisions a future where oral surgery is transformed for the better, benefiting both patients and practitioners alike.

In this episode of the podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Michael Shapiro, an oral surgeon from Ohio Dental Implants and Oral Surgery. The discussion primarily focused on Dr. Shapiro's background, his plans for the future, his practice philosophy, practice development, and his partnership with Paradigm.

Dr. Shapiro began by sharing his journey in establishing the practice. He initially joined with an oral surgeon who retired, and over time, he took on the responsibility of building the practice on his own. However, he recognized the limitations in further growth and decided to partner with Paradigm, a move that allowed him to tap into their resources and expertise.

The discussion focused on the importance of looking at the bigger picture and being an entrepreneur rather than solely functioning as an oral surgeon. Dr. Shapiro emphasized the significance of taking calculated risks and investing in cutting-edge technology, such as digital scanning and printing, to enhance the quality of patient care and improve outcomes.

A key aspect of Dr. Shapiro's practice philosophy revolves around prioritizing the best interests of his patients. He highlighted the importance of providing optimal care in every aspect of treatment, aiming for the best possible outcomes for each patient.

Looking towards the future, Dr. Shapiro discussed his plans for practice development. He expressed his commitment to continuous improvement and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in oral surgery. By embracing innovative techniques and technologies, he aims to provide his patients with the highest level of care and achieve exceptional results.

Overall, this podcast episode provided insights into Dr. Michael Shapiro's background, his perspective on practice development, his philosophy of prioritizing patient care, and his decision to partner with Paradigm. Listeners gained an understanding of his entrepreneurial mindset and his commitment to embracing technological advancements to provide the best possible outcomes for his patients.

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Rallis speaks with "G", a former Navy Seal, who shares valuable insights on the characteristics of building high-performance teams and the significance of mental toughness in Navy Seal training.

G didn't initially plan on becoming a Navy Seal. However, everything changed when the tragic events of September 11th occurred while he was in college. Driven by a deep sense of duty and a desire to serve his country, he made the decision to join the Navy Seals.

Throughout his experience as a Navy Seal, G worked alongside individuals who shared common traits, such as being like-minded, determined, and high achievers. This sense of community and shared values made the Navy Seals an ideal fit for him.

One of the key takeaways from his time as a Navy Seal is the importance of a strong organizational culture. Building a cohesive team with shared values and a common mission is vital for achieving high performance. When team members are aligned with the organization's values and goals, they work together more effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, G emphasizes the significance of drive and determination to achieve success. Navy Seals are known for their relentless pursuit of excellence and their ability to overcome challenging situations. Instilling this drive within a team can lead to outstanding performance and results.

Communication and good leadership are also highlighted as crucial elements for a successful team. Effective communication fosters understanding, trust, and collaboration among team members. Furthermore, strong leadership is essential to guide and inspire the team towards their objectives.

Overall, G's experiences as a Navy Seal have provided him with invaluable insights into building high-performance teams. Through the cultivation of a strong culture, fostering determination, and emphasizing communication and good leadership, teams can achieve remarkable results in any field.