HLTH Forward Podcast
Smriti Kirubanandan
HLTH (Health) Forward is where we hold space for Healthcare leaders, physicians, and key health policymakers to discuss what takes us to move Healthcare Forward. We want to hear challenges, ideas, and out-of-the-box solutions for us to unite our ecosystems further and move the needle towards an innovative, affordable, and all-inclusive healthcare ecosystem.
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Top 10 HLTH Forward Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best HLTH Forward Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to HLTH Forward Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite HLTH Forward Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Next Frontier: Medtronic's CTO Ken Washington discusses AI, Robotics and Patient Outcomes
HLTH Forward Podcast
02/01/25 • 31 min
Medtronic's technological strategy represents a sophisticated convergence of AI, data analytics, and medical innovation, positioned to fundamentally reshape healthcare delivery. Under Chief Technology Officer Ken Washington's leadership, the organization is pioneering a model of technological augmentation that prioritizes human expertise while leveraging advanced computational capabilities. The core strategic approach focuses on developing intelligent medical devices that provide precision insights and predictive healthcare interventions.
The technology framework centers on comprehensive data infrastructure, spanning 70 distinct medical conditions. By meticulously collecting and analyzing patient data through advanced sensing technologies, Medtronic is developing AI-enabled platforms capable of personalized health monitoring and preemptive diagnostic capabilities. This approach transforms medical technology from a reactive to a predictive model, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes through early intervention strategies.
Washington's innovation model extends beyond technological development to include critical considerations of regulatory compliance, global scalability, and sustainable design. With a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2045 and strategic partnerships across healthcare and technology sectors, Medtronic is positioning itself as a leader in responsible, forward-thinking medical innovation. The organization's approach integrates high-precision robotics, advanced algorithmic models, and data-driven personalization to create transformative healthcare solutions that address complex global health challenges.
About
Ken Washington serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. In this role, Ken is responsible for accelerating Medtronic innovation through product development and technology strategies.
Ken joined Medtronic in 2023 and brought with him deep expertise in leading technology development and execution across industries including robotics, consumer products, automotive, and space. Ken inspires teams and pushes them even further in their ability to invent, innovate and create positive market disruptions. He partners closely with teams and leaders around Medtronic to ensure our products and therapies continue to advance the Mission to better serve patients and customers.
Prior to joining Medtronic, Ken was Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Robotics at Amazon. Prior to that, he was Chief Technology Officer at Ford Motor Company, overseeing development of the company’s technology strategy including next-generation vehicle architectures, controls and automated systems. He also spent seven years at Lockheed Martin in various leadership roles including Chief Technology Officer, Chief Privacy Officer and Vice President, Advanced Technology Center, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.
Ken is an internationally recognized thought leader on technology and innovation. He earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a PhD in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University. He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2020 and was inducted into the Black Engineer Hall of Fame in 2023.
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Rare Disease Advocacy: Tamar Thompson, Global Corporate Affairs @Alexion Pharmaceuticals by AstraZeneca
HLTH Forward Podcast
01/18/25 • 24 min
- 95% of rare diseases do not have approved treatments, highlighting the significant unmet need in the rare disease community.
- The unpredictable symptoms and long diagnostic process for conditions like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can lead to debilitating long-term disabilities.
- There is an urgent need for increased education, resources, and support to address the global diagnostic challenge and financial burden on rare disease patients and their families.
Tamar shares her inspiring healthcare journey, starting as a provider and then transitioning to the life sciences industry after marrying an Air Force member and moving to North Dakota. She now advocates for the rare disease community, particularly focusing on NMOSD, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. Tamar explains that while there are an estimated 7,000-10,000 rare diseases, only 5% have approved treatments, and 90% of these diseases do not have any approved treatments
The symptoms of NMOSD can be unpredictable and lead to long-term disabilities like vision loss and paralysis. Tamar emphasizes that the journey to diagnosis for rare disease patients can be long, often taking 7 years on average, and that NMOSD is more common in women in their mid-30s, though it can also affect men and children. Tamar discusses the challenges in diagnosing rare diseases like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
Rare diseases are often genetic in nature, making diagnosis difficult as symptoms can be ambiguous. Tamar highlights Alexion's history of pioneering research and development in the rare disease space, including complement-based therapies and the promise of cell and gene therapies. She emphasizes the global nature of the diagnostic challenge, with patients often seeing multiple specialists before receiving the correct diagnosis
Tamar highlights the significant financial burden on families dealing with rare diseases, with costs 10-20 times higher annually. She also touches on the promise of advancing technologies, like genome sequencing, to help with earlier diagnosis, but emphasize that access and affordability remain challenges. Overall, the discussion sheds light on the struggles faced by those impacted by rare diseases and the need for more education, resources, and support for patients and their caregivers
The discussion highlights the significant challenges faced by rare disease patients and their families, including the high financial burden and lack of awareness and support. There is a need for increased education, policy changes, and investment to foster rare disease diagnosis, treatment, and access to care.
We share the call for urgent action to address these issues and prepare for the future, given the aging population and the potential for a "silent epidemic" if left unaddressed. We discuss the challenges of diagnosing rare diseases, emphasizing the need for greater education and awareness among medical professionals.
Planting a Seed to End Poverty : Darryl Finkton. Jr, Founder @EndPoverty.Make Trillions
HLTH Forward Podcast
02/21/23 • 25 min
With the Pandemic and war in Ukraine, there has been a drastic increase in Poverty - reaching up to 95 million people globally. In the US alone, 40 million Americans face Poverty, leading to a lack of access to healthcare, proper shelter, nutritious food, and a life of peace and dignity.
Darryl Finkton. JR, founder of End Poverty Make Trillions, Rhodes Scholar @Oxford University, Researcher @Harvard University.
He believes there’s enough money in the world to help put an end to poverty. But only if it’s distributed differently than it is today. Last year, the investor left a career in asset management to launch a $1 billion venture fund aimed at eradicating poverty. It’s an ambitious goal, but Finkton Jr. has a plan. And now he’s raised $200 million as an initial close to help execute that plan.
More- https://www.endpovertymaketrillions.com/the-plan
Power of Digital Transformation : Stuart Gilchrist, Healthcare Executive
HLTH Forward Podcast
06/10/22 • 25 min
Digital Transformation has taken importance in healthcare over many years; its reputation has been more pronounced since the pandemic. Here, we discuss with expert Stuart Gilchrist his experience, challenges, and innovative solutions on what it takes to move healthcare forward.
About Host
Smriti Kirubanandan has a strong background in robotics and public health and is a Healthcare Executive, where she focuses on driving significant transformations within the healthcare ecosystem, concentrating on customer experience, intelligent automation, data analytics and insights, and is determined to make healthcare more accessible and affordable through innovation and empathy. She also spearheads brand development, thought leadership, and market research.
Smriti is a selected Young Global Leader 2023 by the World Economic Forum, a member of the Young Leaders Circle at the Milken Institute, and is the Founder of HLTH Forward Podcast- an award-winning media platform that hosts healthcare leaders, policymakers, and artists to discuss the challenges in the system and what we could do collectively to move healthcare forward.
The Hidden Costs: How Global Tariffs Affect Our Social Lives, Smriti Kirubanandan a.k.a Simi
HLTH Forward Podcast
04/16/25 • 8 min
I'm diving into a fascinating topic this episode: how global tariff increases affect our wallets and social connections. With global tariff rates up 57% since 2021, households are spending 7-11% more on consumer goods, leading to a 14% decrease in social spending for every 5% increase in essential goods pricing. The health implications are significant - reduced social interaction correlates with increased depression, chronic stress, and loneliness. I'll share compelling data from countries worldwide showing how economic pressures are forcing people to cut back on social activities.
The good news is communities are developing creative solutions that I'm excited to explore. I'll highlight three approaches: resource-sharing systems like tool libraries and childcare exchanges that reduce costs while building relationships; rediscovering free social activities with park usage up 42% in tariff-affected areas; and consistency over frequency in social interactions. I'll share stories from communities worldwide who've found that navigating economic challenges together often creates stronger bonds than before. The episode will conclude with practical suggestions for maintaining social connections despite financial constraints, emphasizing that meaningful connections don't require significant spending.
About
HEALTHCARE UNCENSORED: Matthew Holt, Healthcare Curmudgeon
HLTH Forward Podcast
10/21/24 • 48 min
In this episode I am in conversation with Matthew Holt, a prominent figure in health technology and policy; an uncensored discussion on the current state of healthcare. Known for his frank and often controversial opinions, Holt is expected to delve into pressing issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on medical practices, the ongoing challenges of healthcare affordability, and the slow pace of digital transformation in the industry. We'll explore his views on why many promised healthcare innovations have failed to deliver and what he believes are the most promising solutions on the horizon.
The interview will also touch on sensitive topics that often go undiscussed in mainstream healthcare conversations. Holt may share his unfiltered thoughts on the influence of big pharma and insurance companies, the shortcomings of current health policies, and the real-world consequences of a fragmented healthcare system.
About
Matthew Holt is the founder and publisher of The Health Care Blog and still writes regularly for the site and hosts the #THCBGang and #HealthInTwoPoint00 video shows/podcasts. He was co-founder of the Health 2.0 Conference and now also does advisory work mostly for health tech startups at his consulting firm SMACK.health.
The Four-Day Formula : Dale's Vision for Modern Work Culture For Better Health, Dr. Dale Whelehan, Founder @ Four Day Work Week
HLTH Forward Podcast
05/18/25 • 66 min
In this episode I had the opportunity to interview a fascinating behavioral scientist and former CEO of Four Day Week Global about the concept of reduced working hours- Dr. Dale Whelehan. He explained how his interest in this field began when observing surgeons suffering from impaired decision-making and emotional regulation due to excessive working hours. What struck me most was his insight that today's workforce has fundamentally changed since the five-day workweek was introduced – we've shifted from physical, repetitive labor to highly cognitive work, yet human attention spans remain limited to about 3.5 hours of optimal performance daily. He emphasized that a four-day workweek isn't merely about cutting hours but redesigning work to eliminate unproductive time, with pilot studies across multiple countries showing reduced stress, better recovery, increased productivity, and improved business outcomes.
During our conversation, I was particularly moved by his observations about the broader personal and societal impacts of reduced working time. People report sleeping more, exercising more, and having greater time for family, friends, and community engagement. Women especially report higher levels of wellbeing, helping close persistent gender gaps. He shared a compelling perspective on how work has become a "de facto religion" in our society as we worship productivity at the expense of human connection. When I asked about the future of healthcare, his response was thought-provoking: AI will transform knowledge requirements for healthcare professionals, creating an opportunity to refocus on interpersonal connections and compassionate care. He cautioned that we must address systemic issues of recruitment and retention rather than simply attracting healthcare workers from countries that need them most – a perspective that left me contemplating the global ethics of our current healthcare systems.
About
Dr. Dale Whelehan is a behaviour scientist with a diverse range of experience comprising human capital, culture, change management, workforce experience, performance consulting, organisational behaviour, and representation and rights.
Having originally trained as a physiotherapist, Dale completed a PhD exploring the impact of fatigue and sleep deprivation in healthcare workers, particularly surgeons, and has published extensively in this field. More recently, Dale was a senior human capital consultant for Deloitte Ireland where he specialised in behavioural science implementation to enable large scale organisational change.
Considered an expert in the field of wellbeing, Dale is passionate about the intrinsic role work plays in fatigue and performance - and how shorter working hours can bring about radical transformation for people's health and happiness.
Data is King: Integrity, Integration, Interoperability:Micky Tripathi, National Coordinator, Health IT @HHS
HLTH Forward Podcast
11/22/22 • 34 min
Data plays a crucial role in determining one's entire ecosystem to give them the proper care at the right time. Data integrity, integration, and interoperability are critical in helping us achieve this. In this episode, I speak with Micky Tripathi, the National Coordinator for Health Information at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We discuss the role data plays in our health and wellness ecosystem, the evolution of data standards like HL7 and FHIR, and the future of digital health. We get a bit more candid about what standardization means, whether we all speak the same language, and the work we collectively have to do to address social determinants of health, creating transparency and, most importantly, building trust. Micky also shares the importance of changing the lens from interoperability to interactivity to reign in a more human touch to the world of Health IT.
About Micky Tripathi
Micky Tripathi is the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he leads the formulation of the federal health IT strategy and coordinates federal health IT policies, standards, programs, and investments.
Dr. Tripathi has over 20 years of experience across the health IT landscape. He most recently served as Chief Alliance Officer for Arcadia, a health care data and software company focused on population health management and value-based care, the project manager of the Argonaut Project, an industry collaboration to accelerate the adoption of FHIR, and a board member of HL7, the Sequoia Project, the CommonWell Health Alliance, and the CARIN Alliance.
About Host
Smriti Kirubanandan has a strong background in robotics and public health and is a Healthcare Executive, where she focuses on driving significant transformations within the healthcare ecosystem, concentrating on customer experience, intelligent automation, data analytics and insights, and is determined to make healthcare more accessible and affordable through innovation and empathy. She also spearheads brand development, thought leadership, and market research.
Smriti is a selected Young Global Leader 2023 by the World Economic Forum, a member of the Young Leaders Circle at the Milken Institute, and is the Founder of HLTH Forward Podcast- an award-winning media platform that hosts healthcare leaders, policymakers, and artists to discuss the challenges in the system and what we could do collectively to move healthcare forward.
Embracing Your Body's Rhythms: Dorothy Kilroy, Chief Commercial Officer, Oura
HLTH Forward Podcast
06/11/24 • 43 min
On today's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dorothy Kilroy, Chief Commercial Officer at Oura, the innovative company behind the popular Oura ring wearable device.
Oura has been making waves in the health tech space by providing valuable sleep, activity, and biometric data to help people optimize their well-being.
Dorothy gives us an inside look at the technology and science behind the Oura ring. We'll learn about the key benefits and features that have made it a favorite among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to elevate their health and performance.
Dorothy will also share insights into Oura's groundbreaking work in areas like women's health tracking and partnerships with major sports leagues. Whether you're already an Oura user or just curious about wearable tech, this interview will be incredibly informative.
So get ready to take notes as we dive into the world of sleep optimization, readiness scores, and cutting-edge health data with Dorothy Kilroy of Oura.
The Jason Carter Interview: Boots on the Ground, Roots in the Community
HLTH Forward Podcast
04/22/25 • 30 min
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jason Carter — grandson of President Jimmy Carter and a force in global health and justice in his own right. As we talk, Jason reflects on the unique balance of carrying a legacy while forging his own path. He shares how his work — from the Georgia Senate to chairing the Carter Center — is rooted in impact, not just identity. He’s thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly open as he walks us through the shifts he sees in global public health, especially in a post-Covid world, where our interconnectedness is more real than ever.
Throughout the conversation, Jason keeps bringing us back to what truly matters: people. Whether we’re talking about eradicating Guinea worm in Uganda or building trust with communities in Mali, he makes it clear that real change comes from deep relationships, not surface-level aid. We dive into how the Carter Center’s “boots and roots” approach — building long-term, locally led partnerships — is creating powerful, sustainable change. He opens up about the role of trust, technology, and even business in shaping the future of health equity, reminding us that solutions don’t just live in labs — they live in people.
And as we wrap, the energy is still buzzing. Jason drops insights about purpose, legacy, and the surprising value of simplicity — stories that make you pause, reflect, and rethink what it means to make a difference. This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a moment. One that, as the Japanese phrase goes — ichigo ichie — happens only once in a lifetime.
About
Jason Carter is an American attorney and politician who served as a member of the Georgia State Senate from 2011 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he gained prominence as a candidate for governor of Georgia in 2014, where he challenged incumbent Republican Nathan Deal. Carter is also the grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Throughout his career, he has focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic equality. Known for his advocacy for working families and his commitment to public service, Carter has also worked as a civil rights attorney and a community leader.
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FAQ
How many episodes does HLTH Forward Podcast have?
HLTH Forward Podcast currently has 67 episodes available.
What topics does HLTH Forward Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Management, Ai, Equity, Health Tech, Digital Health, Music, Medicine, Fitness, Physician, Podcasts, Health, Business, Innovation and Healthcare.
What is the most popular episode on HLTH Forward Podcast?
The episode title 'The Next Frontier: Medtronic's CTO Ken Washington discusses AI, Robotics and Patient Outcomes' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on HLTH Forward Podcast?
The average episode length on HLTH Forward Podcast is 31 minutes.
How often are episodes of HLTH Forward Podcast released?
Episodes of HLTH Forward Podcast are typically released every 14 days, 4 hours.
When was the first episode of HLTH Forward Podcast?
The first episode of HLTH Forward Podcast was released on May 7, 2022.
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