Turn on the Lights Podcast

AI is rapidly transforming health care, offering technology companies new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing care delivery.In this episode, Dr. Michael Howell, Chief Clinical Officer at Google, explores how technology giants like Google are impacting health care, sharing insights on AI advancements and their potential to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Howell believes machine learning breakthroughs, particularly in image recognition, have enabled significant progress in diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy and cancer. He highlights Google's mission to provide better health information while also leveraging AI to support clinicians and enhance care delivery. Dr. Howell also discusses recent innovations, such as pulse detection in wearable devices and large-scale public health campaigns, emphasizing the role of trust and data security in Google's health initiatives.Tune in for an insightful conversation on how big firms plan to use AI to reshape health care and unlock new opportunities for innovation in patient care!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transforming health systems requires addressing social determinants of health and expanding beyond traditional hospital care.In this episode, Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, talks about how he is redefining health system leadership by addressing broader health determinants and expanding services beyond traditional hospital care. He shares his journey from a background in human services to leading Northwell Health, where he focuses on integrating community services and growing access. Michael discusses Northwell's extensive network and proactive measures in areas like gun violence and mental health. He also advises that leaders should promote decency, respect, and community well-being to improve overall health, suggesting that political leaders should embody these values to support better health outcomes.Tune in to discover how Michael Dowling is redefining health care by tackling social determinants of health and expanding the role of health systems beyond traditional hospital care!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a time when trust in health care leadership and media is faltering, how can transparent, local, and solution-driven journalism bridge the gap and rebuild confidence in the stories that shape our health and lives?In this episode, David Rousseau, Publisher and Executive Director of Journalism and Information Technology at KFF Health News, talks about the challenges that today’s health care journalism faces and how he seeks to build trust in health care leadership and media. KFF Health News, a trusted and non-partisan source, focuses on explaining complex health care issues through policy analysis, polling, and journalism. Throughout this conversation, David addresses the challenges of navigating the health care system, the impact of local news decline on health reporting, and the role of misinformation. He also emphasizes how rebuilding trust requires transparency, diverse experts, and localized storytelling.Tune in and learn about the future of health reporting, trust, and the impact of misinformation on our health care system!About CareQuest:CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI implementation in health care, especially for predicting conditions like sepsis, needs collaboration between data scientists and clinicians to ensure accurate and valuable results.In this episode, Dr. Eric Poon, professor of medicine and the Chief Health Information Officer at the Duke University Health System, discusses the significant impact of information technology on health care, mainly focusing on electronic medical records (EMRs) and the growing influence of AI technologies. He touches on the challenges of integrating AI into health care, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between clinical practice and IT. Dr. Poon shares insights on the evolving role of digital scribes, ambient technologies, and the potential of AI to enhance patient care. He also highlights the need for human supervision to ensure AI systems are safe and accurate and explains how generative AI could both challenge and improve the future of health care.Tune in and learn how technology is reshaping the health care landscape and what the future might hold for both clinicians and patients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Community organizing empowers patients, clinicians, and providers to advocate for necessary reforms.In this episode, Dr. Pedja Stojicic, Executive Director of People Power Health, discusses the urgent need for change in healthcare and the challenges faced by established organizations. He highlights the role of agency in health, arguing people experience better outcomes when they have control over their health future. Dr. Stojicic touches on the influence of Marshall Ganz's organizing principles, which emphasize building relationships and collective action as the foundation for change, and explains how these skills have been applied in diverse contexts, from climate change advocacy to improving healthcare policies in the U.S. He also urges listeners to consider the power of small actions in driving larger change, underscoring the importance of growing leadership and engagement within communities to create a more sustainable healthcare system.Tune in and learn how grassroots organizing can transform healthcare and empower communities to take control of their health futures! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early online patient communities were pioneers in sharing personal health data to support others with similar conditions.In this episode, Susannah Fox, anthropologist and author of Rebel Health, dives into the evolving landscape of health care, where the traditional power dynamics between patients and providers are shifting. Susannah explores the concept of co-production of care, where patients' experiences are valued as much as scientific knowledge. She highlights the rise of patient-led communities and innovations, particularly in diabetes care, where patients have hacked their devices to improve their outcomes. Susannah also discusses AI's role in health care, emphasizing the importance of integrating patient experiences into AI tools. Tune in and learn how patients are revolutionizing health care and shaping its future! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Studies indicate that treating patients at home can result in lower mortality rates compared to traditional hospital care.In this episode, Dr. Bruce Leff, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, discusses the transformative shift of healthcare from hospitals to home-based care. He underscores the importance of trust, patient education, and personalized care, particularly in home settings where patients feel more comfortable. Dr. Leff also explores the economic benefits and challenges of hospital-at-home care, highlighting its potential to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and address the looming "silver tsunami" of aging adults. He highlights the growing acceptance and effectiveness of this model, supported by global studies showing improved mortality rates and patient satisfaction. Dr. Leff also stresses how hospital-at-home care has expanded to treat over 100 different conditions, showing its versatility and effectiveness across various diagnoses.Tune in and learn how home-based care is reshaping the future of healthcare, offering a more humane and cost-effective alternative to traditional hospital settings! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ukrainian medical community has shifted from emotional reactions to systematic approaches in response to the war.In this episode, Dr. Olesya Vynnyk, coordinating medical initiatives for the World Congress of Ukraine, and Dr. Miguel Cendoroglo Neto, the CMO for Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital, focus on the challenges Ukraine's health care system faces during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Dr. Vynnyk highlights the struggle of maintaining medical care amidst bombs and corruption, and the essential role of international support and education. Dr. Cendoroglo stresses his efforts to bring resources and training to Ukrainian health care workers and help Dr. Vynnyk navigate the complexities of the situation. It’s remarkable that despite these inhuman conditions, both doctors remain optimistic for the future, calling for global solidarity and action to support Ukraine's medical community.Tune in and learn how you can join the fight against aggression and help transform health care during times of war! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Browder began using art at 13 to channel her energy and fight against racism, leading to her lifelong journey in activism.In this episode, Michelle Browder, an American artist and activist known for her work in reimagining the future of gynecology and obstetrics in the US, explores the connection between art, activism, and medicine. Michelle's journey from a young fighter against racism to a renowned artist began at 13, using art to channel her energy and convey the need to dismantle racism. She discusses her plans to create a museum in Montgomery, Alabama, combining art, history, and medicine to educate and inspire future healthcare professionals, emphasizing empathy, dignity, and the need for equitable care. Collaborating with institutions like Harvard and UAB, Michelle aims to empower young women to pursue careers in healthcare despite societal barriers, expressing optimism about the future due to the dedication of young people fighting for justice and equity.Tune in and learn about the transformative power of art in addressing historical and contemporary issues in gynecology and obstetrics! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How accountable are we when it comes to injuries caused by medical errors?Since this archive episode aired, patient safety remains a serious issue, with thousands of Americans dying from errors in their care. Although interest in improving patient safety has sadly waned, many are working to revive it and increase attention to the problem.In this interview, Sue Sheridan, founder and a global leader of Patients for Patient Safety US, shares how, ever since going through family tragedies caused by medical error twice, she’s actively worked to improve and ensure patient safety across the United States. As a newborn, Sue’s son’s unattended Kernicterus caused permanent brain damage, and some years later, her husband died because of a late-stage sarcoma diagnosis that had been previously detected; after these events, she decided to make a change and share her family’s story across health care. However, patient safety has been deprioritized as there are still gaps in the system regarding data collection that can catch mistakes. With Patients for Patient Safety, Sue seeks to democratize patient safety by highlighting transparency, illustrating the magnitude of the problem, and using input from the patient community when coming up with changes or solutions.Tune in to learn more about the importance of patient safety! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices