Digital MD

From Biotech Startups to IMAX Films: Michael Langer’s Journey to Innovate Healthcare

In today’s episode of Digital MD, Dr. Liz Kwo talks with Michael Langer, co-founder of T-Rex Capital and a leader in the biotech and digital health sectors. Michael shares his journey from interning at Polaris Partners to pioneering roles in venture capital, highlighting his strategic moves across various innovative enterprises and his vision for the future of digital health.
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 
1.Early Exposure: Michael’s early involvement with family startups and venture capital shaped his career path, highlighting the importance of early exposure in the life sciences sector.
2.Career Development: From working at Pear Therapeutics to establishing a venture capital firm, Michael’s career showcases a trajectory filled with diverse experiences and significant growth in the digital and biotech sectors.
3.Impact of Digital Therapeutics: Michael discusses the rise and challenges of digital therapeutics, emphasizing the importance of adapting business models to changing healthcare landscapes.
4.Role of Storytelling in Biotech: As an executive producer of an IMAX film, Michael underlines the power of storytelling in biotechnology, aiming to inspire future generations of scientists.
5.Innovation and Family Legacy: The influence of Michael’s family, particularly his father Bob Langer’s contributions to science and entrepreneurship, continues to drive his career and aspirations.
 
 
📚 Get my book, Digital MD at www.digitalMD.co
 
TIMESTAMPS:
 
•00:00 START
•01:00 Journey through various startups and venture capital
•03:27 Challenges in digital therapeutics
•04:10 The evolution and potential of digital health
•06:25 Family legacy and its influence on Michael’s career
•07:49 Bob Langer’s impact on biotech
•10:24 Strategies for innovation and overcoming barriers in healthcare
•12:52 Transition to film production and its impact
•15:03 Reflections on personal legacy and impact through storytelling
•16:54 Time management and personal productivity insights
 
GUEST INFO:
🔗 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL LANGER
 
•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-langer-1811608b/
•Email: Langer@TRXCAP.com
 
HOST INFO:
🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. LIZ KWO
•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/
•Email: liz.kwo@everlyhealth.com
Website: http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
 
 
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
 
•T-Rex Capital: https://www.trexcapitalgroup.com/
•IMAX Film “Superhuman Body”:https://superhumanbodyfilm.com/

Leading Health Equity: Dr. Aditi Mallick's Visionary Approach at CMS

In this episode of Digital MD, Dr. Liz Kwo engages with Dr. Aditi Mallick, the acting director of CMS Office of Minority Health. Dr. Mallick shares her journey from clinical medicine to a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policy, emphasizing the integration of health equity into CMS policies and programs. Inspired by personal experiences and a deep understanding of healthcare's complexities, Dr. Mallick discusses her commitment to enhancing care for minority populations and her approach to systemic health improvements.
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Health Equity Leadership: Dr. Mallick’s role in transforming health policy to be more inclusive and equitable.
- Personal Journey: How personal experiences with healthcare disparities motivated her career in medicine and policy.
- Systemic Impact: The importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve healthcare outcomes.
- Policy Influence: Dr. Mallick’s insights on how health policies are crafted and implemented at the national level.
- Future Visions: Her outlook on the future of health equity and systemic changes needed to improve healthcare access and quality.
📚 Order my book Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare
👉http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
 
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - START
01:24 - Welcome Dr. Aditi Mallick
03:52 - Dr. Mallick’s personal motivation to improve healthcare
07:06 - Daily roles and responsibilities at CMS
10:56 - Innovations in health equity
17:54 - Challenges in adapting policies for diverse populations
26:05 - Dr. Mallick’s advice to future healthcare leaders
32:15 - Discussing climate and cultural experiences in different states
 
GUEST INFO
🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. ADITI Mallick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditi-mallick-md/
Email: aditi.mallick1@cms.hhs.gov
 
HOST INFO
🔗 CONNECT WITH LIZ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo
Email: liz.kwo@everlyhealth.com
Website: http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
CMS Office of Minority Health: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/OMH
Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! That's a win for members, providers, and the plans themselves.
 
Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com
 

From Legislation to Leadership: A Blueprint for Health System Reform with Rob Andrews

Did you know that improving preventive care can significantly impact your health plan's star ratings? Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com.
👨‍💼 Guest: Robert E. Andrews, CEO of Health Transformation Alliance
Dr. Liz Kwo talks with Rob Andrews, a pivotal figure striving to mend our fragmented healthcare system through innovative solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance. Dive into his remarkable journey from a 24-year tenure in Congress to leading an alliance that’s fundamentally transforming healthcare.
 
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Empathy in Healthcare: Insights into how empathy and trust are foundational to improving patient-provider relationships.
Healthcare Economics: Rob advocates for a value-driven approach where outcomes determine compensation, contrasting the current procedure-driven model.
Innovative Care Models: Exploring capitated payment models to encourage comprehensive primary care, enhancing patient satisfaction and provider well-being.
Data Utilization: Utilizing extensive data analytics to address healthcare disparities and improve employer healthcare strategies.
📚 Book Mention: "Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare" by Dr. Liz Kwo. Order now to explore how technological advancements are reshaping healthcare. Available on Dr. Liz Kwo’s Website
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - START
01:12 - Personal Influence on Career Choices
03:09 - From Congress to CEO: Shaping Healthcare Policy
04:09 - Economic Models in Healthcare
07:25 - Introducing Capitated Payment Models in Primary Care
10:08 - The Importance of Trust and Empathy in Patient Care
13:33 - Utilizing Data to Improve Healthcare Delivery
16:57 - Strategies for Health Tech Entrepreneurs in the Employer Space
26:52 - Effective Decision Making in Healthcare Leadership
🔗 Connect with Rob Andrews:
LinkedIn: Rob Andrews
Email: randrews@htahealth.com
📚 Resources Mentioned:
Health Transformation Alliance: HTA
Book: "Digital MD" by Dr. Liz Kwo

UPDATE: New Insights with Dr. Chinni on the Walmart Health Centers Shutdown

Welcome back to Digital MD! I'm your host, Dr. Liz Kwo. In this special episode, we're excited to share an exclusive update to our conversation with Dr. Chinni Pulluru, Co-Founder of My Precious Genes and former Chief Clinical Executive at Walmart Health. In light of recent developments following the Walmart announcement to close 51 clinics and shut down its telehealth service, Dr. Pulluru rejoined us to discuss the significant implications for healthcare innovation and patient care.
During the original interview, Dr. Pulluru shared insights from her extensive career in healthcare, highlighting her transition from large-scale operations to a startup environment and introducing her new venture in genetic counseling. Now, in this updated interview, she provides her perspective on the Walmart announcement and what it means for the future of healthcare.
Key Takeaways from the Updated Interview:
Impact of the Walmart Announcement:Dr. Pulluru provides an analysis of the recent Walmart announcement, highlighting the challenges faced in multi-specialty, de novo enterprise healthcare delivery.
Career Resilience and Entrepreneurship:Lessons on navigating failure, knowing when to pivot, and maintaining an optimistic outlook.
Bridging Gaps in Genetic Testing:Insights into how her new venture, My Precious Genes, aims to address disparities and improve patient outcomes.
International Opportunities and Innovation:How Walmart can leverage its global presence to impact healthcare delivery outside the U.S.
 
Watch the original episode here: https://youtu.be/eTprdSCC1T0
 
🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. CHINNI PULLURUEmail: spulluru@mypreciousgenes.com
My Precious Genes Website: https://www.mypreciousgenes.com/ 
 
🔗 CONNECT WITH LIZLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/ Email: liz@digitalmd.com 
Website: http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
 

Innovative Leadership in Healthcare: A Journey from Walmart to Startups with Dr. Chinni Pulluru

Did you know that improving preventive care can significantly impact your health plan's star ratings? Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! That's a win for members, providers, and the plans themselves.
Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com
 
In this episode of Digital MD, Dr. Liz Kwo speaks with Dr. Chinni Pulluru, Co-Founder of My Precious Genes and former Chief Clinical Executive at Walmart Health. Dr. Pulluru shares insights from her extensive career in healthcare, highlighting her transition from large-scale operations to a startup environment.  Additionally, Dr. Pulluru introduces her new venture in genetic counseling, aiming to bridge gaps in genetic testing and patient care.
 
Key Takeaways:
Career Transitions: Dr. Pulluru’s career choices were influenced by her early experiences and a desire to increase healthcare access at scale.
Leadership and Authenticity: Balancing professionalism with personal authenticity helps in connecting with teams and aligning stakeholders.
Startup Challenges: Transitioning to a startup allows for greater flexibility and innovation but requires a deep understanding of customer needs and operational challenges.
Healthcare Innovation: Dr. Pulluru emphasizes the potential of technology to improve healthcare delivery and address disparities.
 
📚 Order my book Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare  
👉http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
 
Timestamps:
00:00 - START03:09 - Transition to Startup Space04:31 - Balancing Career and Personal Life07:17 - Balancing Authenticity and Executive Presence11:04 - Role at Walmart and Expansion of Clinics20:11 - The Core Strength of Walmart21:23 - Overcoming Challenges and Innovating in Underserved Areas22:23 - Starting a Healthcare Enterprise in a Non-Healthcare Organization23:36 - Building Processes and Educating on Healthcare Complexity24:03 - Balancing Innovation and Resource Allocation25:08 - Long-Term Investment and Leadership Support26:33 - Using Technology and Focusing on Customer Experience27:08 - Advice for Healthcare Entrepreneurs28:05 - Measuring Success and Listening to Customers29:38 - Transitioning to Genetic Counseling Startup32:52 - Hot Takes: Career Advice, Life Quote, Overcoming Challenges, Exciting Healthcare Innovation, Superpower
 
🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. CHINNI PULLURU
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinnipullurumd/ Email: spulluru@mypreciousgenes.com
🔗 CONNECT WITH LIZ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/lizkwoEmail: liz.kwo@everlyhealth.com
Website: http://www.digitalmd.co/
 
 
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
My Precious Genes: https://www.mypreciousgenes.com/
 

Advancing Health Equity: Strategies for Inclusive Healthcare with NCQA's Dr. Bryan O. Buckley:

This episode is brought to you by Everly Health Solutions, leading the charge in at-home diagnostic testing, making healthcare accessible and convenient for all. Discover more about how they're transforming healthcare at EverlyHealthSolutions.com 
 
Key Takeaways:
Health Equity Leadership: Dr. Buckley's approach combines academic rigor and practical application to advance health equity.
Community Health Workers: Importance of systematic support for community health workers to integrate them into healthcare processes effectively.
Education and Advocacy: Dr. Buckley emphasizes the role of education in empowering BIPOC communities and promoting social capital.
NCQA's Role: NCQA serves a broad spectrum in healthcare, influencing not just health plans but the entire health continuum through its equity initiatives.
 
Order my book "Digital MD" here: http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
 
Timestamps:00:00 - START00:56 - Dr. Buckley's Motivation and Career Path03:38 - Role and Impact at NCQA05:27 - Typical Day and Strategic Initiatives08:53 - Specific Projects and Community Impact22:30 - Measuring Success in Health Equity33:37 - Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
 
🔗 Connect with Dr. Bryan O. Buckley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/BryanBuckley 
 
🔗 Connect with Dr. Liz Kwo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/ Email: drlizkwo@gmail.com 
website: http://www.digitalmd.co/
 
📚 Resources Mentioned:
NCQA Health Equity Initiatives: https://www.ncqa.org Community Health Worker Programs: https://connect.ncoa.org/products/engaging-community-health-workers-in-evidence-based-programs
Rise to Health Coalition: https://www.risetohealthequity.org

Maximizing Medicare Advantage, STARs Ratings, and AI Innovations with Rex Wallace

Summary:In this episode, Dr. Liz Kwo sits down with Rex Wallace, Founder and CEO of RWC, a consultancy dedicated to enhancing healthcare through quality, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement. Rex shares insights on the complexities of the payer ecosystem, focusing on the STARS Rating program which serves as a universal scorecard for Medicare Advantage plans. He discusses the importance of access to care, the integration of AI and telemedicine, and the potential for startups to influence healthcare positively. Additionally, Rex delves into the significance of health equity in Medicare and how various healthcare sectors can leverage technology to improve patient outcomes.
 
Key Takeaways:
STARS Rating Program: An essential tool for Medicare beneficiaries to choose healthcare plans based on quality rather than cost.
Access and Trust: Crucial factors in enhancing healthcare delivery and improving patient satisfaction.
Innovative Opportunities: AI and telemedicine are pivotal in increasing healthcare access and enhancing patient management.
Startup Challenges: Startups need to connect their solutions deeply with healthcare pain points to be effective.
Health Equity: Increasingly vital in Medicare, focusing on reducing disparities and enhancing care for all patients.
 
👉Order my book Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare  
Order Here: http://www.digitalmd.co/
Timestamps:
00:00 - START00:54 - Overview of the STARS Rating Program02:26 - Discussing the importance of access to care and trust in healthcare04:34 - Exploring innovation with AI and telemedicine06:00 - Challenges faced by startups in the healthcare sector08:21 - Evaluating different healthcare sectors for technology application10:26 - How to find and engage with healthcare experts and influencers12:52 - Strategies for approaching different healthcare markets: Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid16:00 - The growing importance of health equity in healthcare settings21:18 - Rex’s advice on leadership and navigating business challenges in healthcare26:02 - Conclusion and final thoughts
 
🔗 Connect with Rex Wallace:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexwallace/Email: rex.wallace@rexwallaceconsulting.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Liz Kwo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/Email: info@digitalmd.com 
Website: http://www.digitalmd.co/. 
 
📚 Resources Mentioned:
Medicare STARS Rating Program: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-star-ratings#:~:text=The%20Star%20Ratings%20system%20helps,health%20care%20decisions%20for%20them.
CMS Website: https://www.cms.gov RISE Star Ratings Masterclass: https://stars.risehealth.org SSN Stars and Quality Conferences: https://www.starratingssummit.com 
 
Sponsor:
Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! That's a win for members, providers, and the plans themselves.
Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com

The Future of Healthcare: Innovation, Digital Evolution, and Divergent Thinking with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth

Have you ever pondered how leaders in healthcare manage to drive significant changes and accomplish seemingly impossible goals? Today's guest, Dr. Zeev Neuwirth, is a beacon of transformation within the healthcare industry. As a healthcare executive, author, and innovator, Dr. Neuwirth has dedicated his career to enhancing healthcare delivery through innovative strategies, digital transformation, and fostering diverse perspectives. With a mission to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, Dr. Neuwirth has been at the forefront of changing how healthcare systems approach patient care, provider engagement, and community health. This episode dives deep into how Dr. Neuwirth spearheaded these changes, his insights on founding impactful initiatives, and his methods for setting and achieving ambitious goals. Enjoy.
 
Sponsored by Everly Health. Visit EverlyHealthSolutions.com .
Everly Health is revolutionizing healthcare through digital innovation and accessible care, aligning perfectly with today's episode themes.
 
📚 If you're looking to dive deeper into healthcare innovation and transformative strategies, check out Dr. Neuwirth's books! 👉 Beyond the Walls https://a.co/d/blBw0s
Reframing Healthcare: https://a.co/d/54GKVrT 
Order my book Digital MD: Revolutionizing the Future of Healthcare  👉http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
 
TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(04:14) The Need for Change in Healthcare(06:56) Adopting Divergent Perspectives(08:02) Strategies for Innovative Senior Care(11:01) New Business Models in Healthcare(14:22) Embracing Digital Transformation(18:26) Valuing Diverse Backgrounds in Healthcare(20:34) The Philosophy of Focusing on Others(23:59) Balancing Missions with Professional Responsibilities(27:48) Dr. Neuwirth's Philosophies for Success
 
🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. ZEEV NEUWIRTH
[Website] https://www.zeevneuwirthhealth.com [Linkedin ] https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeevneuwirth/ [YouTube Channel] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE-NO0OgzaRIKkOYuQaTdvQ [Twitter] https://twitter.com/zeevneuwirth?lang=en 
🔗 CONNECT WITH LIZ
[Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/ [Twitter] https://twitter.com/LizKwo [Website] www.drlizkwo.com , http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
Reframing Healthcare: A Roadmap to Creating Disruptive Change by Dr. Zeev Neuwirt: https://a.co/d/blBw0s Beyond the Walls: Looking at the Megatrends and Movements Transforming American Healthcare by Dr. Zeev Neuwirthhttps://a.co/d/54GKVrT 

Empowering Healthcare: Career Growth, Cancer Care, and Innovation in Employer Direct Health with Nicki MacManus

Did you know that improving preventive care can significantly impact your health plan's star ratings? Everly Health Solutions is the leader in at-home lab testing for health plans. Their convenient, member-centric approach has helped plans achieve industry-leading results. In just one year, Everly Health Solutions helped a multi-state Medicare group improve 15 of their plans by at least one star! That's a win for members, providers, and the plans themselves.
Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com
 
Key Takeaways:
Building and leveraging a robust professional network can significantly impact career progression.
Transitioning roles within an organization can open up new learning opportunities and pathways for growth.
The critical role of mentorship and advocacy in supporting women in healthcare leadership and board positions.
Employer Direct Healthcare's innovative approach to managing cancer care through end-to-end patient support.
The transformative potential of health tech innovations like generative AI in enhancing healthcare delivery
 
Order Dr. Liz Kwo's Book: Digital MD, an essential read for anyone interested in the future of healthcare and digital innovations.
📚 Order your copy here: http://www.digitalmd.co/ 
 
TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Nicki MacManus and today's topic01:05 Nicki's background and journey in healthcare06:21 Nicki's experience and roles at CVS Health12:05 Discussing the importance of owning a P&L and female leadership in healthcare19:26 Breaking into boardroom roles and mentorship22:31 Employer Direct Healthcare's mission and operations27:14 The ROI of employer-based healthcare programs33:19 Nicki's views on health tech innovation and future trends38:22 Maximizing time and personal insights
 
🔗 CONNECT WITH NICKI MACMANUS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickimacmanus/Employer Direct Healthcare: https://www.edhc.com/solutions-for-organizations/cancer-care-direct/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickimacmanus
 
🔗 CONNECT WITH DR LIZ KWO
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkwo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlizkwo/Website: https://digitalmd.podbean.com
Learn how Everly Health Solutions can elevate your health plan at EverlyHealthSolutions.com

Digital MD with Dr Liz Kwo

DigitalMD - Dive into the heart of innovation with Dr. Liz Kwo, a visionary physician executive from Harvard, as she demystifies the digital revolution transforming healthcare. This podcast is your all-access pass to understanding how technology is making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone. From the latest in data-driven tools to the dynamic interplay among healthcare's key players—pioneers, providers, patients, payers, and policymakers—DigitalMD is your guide to the innovations that are reshaping healthcare right before our eyes. Join Dr Liz Kwo for a journey filled with compelling stories, expert insights, and the promise of a healthier tomorrow, one episode at a time.visit my website at http://www.digitalmd.co/