Straight Outta Health IT

Straight Outta Health IT
Straight Outta Health IT

This is Straight Outta Health IT, an unfiltered dialogue of healthcare leaders and influencers covering a wide variety of issues affecting healthcare & the health tech industry. Host Christopher Kunney covers tech in a fresh and candid way you won’t want to miss. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Understanding Clinician Burnout - Maiysha Clairborne

    Burnout among healthcare professionals isn’t just a buzzword. In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Dr. Maiysha Clairborne, a physician and transformational coach, shares her personal experience with burnout early in her career, which led her to shift from clinical medicine to helping healthcare professionals prevent and recover from burnout. She highlights burnout’s key characteristics: physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of futility, where clinicians feel their efforts are never enough. Dr. Maiysha also stresses the role of psychological safety in addressing burnout, as a lack of safety creates stress and erodes trust. The conversation explores the root causes of burnout, including overwhelming workloads, excessive charting without support, inequities in workplace culture, and the increasing demands of technology. While AI-powered scribes and telemedicine provide flexibility and innovation, they can also contribute to clinician stress when poorly implemented or unsupported. Dr. Maiysha notes that systemic issues, such as toxic workplace environments and organizational inequities, often leave clinicians feeling isolated, underappreciated, and unable to advocate for necessary changes. Dr. Maiysha emphasizes the need for individual and organizational solutions to address burnout. On a personal level, clinicians must recognize burnout symptoms, identify primary stressors, and advocate for support and resources. From an organizational standpoint, leadership must prioritize psychological safety, listen to frontline workers, and take actionable steps to rebuild trust and support clinicians. Organizations can improve clinician well-being, reduce turnover, and ultimately enhance patient care by creating healthier environments and systems. Tune in to learn about the root causes of clinician burnout, the role of psychological safety, and solutions to help healthcare professionals reclaim balance and purpose!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

    35 min
  2. DEC 10

    The ABC's of Leadership with Nora Osman

    What does it take to inspire trust, lead boldly through challenges, and foster genuine connections in a rapidly evolving world? In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Nora Osman, CEO of Norvana, shares her leadership journey, highlighting her focus on empowering others and delivering exceptional customer experiences. She emphasizes the importance of integrating people, processes, and technology, assigning 50% of success to people, 30% to processes, and 20% to technology. Her leadership philosophy centers on creating scalable and consistent solutions while fostering trust and happiness among customers and teams. Nora's experiences in roles managing service automation, governance, and relationship management shaped her belief that technology should be an enabler, not the driving force, of impactful leadership. Nora and Christopher Kunney discuss the ABCs of Leadership: authenticity, boldness, and compassion. Authenticity builds trust and inspires others by showcasing vulnerability and consistency. Boldness requires leaders to take risks and lead through challenges to motivate others. Compassion involves creating a psychologically safe environment, fostering empathy, and balancing clarity with kindness in leadership. Nora reflects on the pandemic as a critical test of these principles, where she supported healthcare workers by advocating for their safety, ensuring fair compensation, and leading by example. As the founder of Norvana, Nora is dedicated to transforming customer experiences by focusing on simplicity, solidity, and scalability. She helps organizations deliver "hero moments" that set them apart and create lasting value. Nora encourages aspiring leaders to embrace a learning mindset, leverage tools like AI for growth, and tackle challenging paths to unlock their full potential. By applying the ABCs of leadership, she believes individuals can inspire trust, take meaningful risks, and build strong, compassionate connections in their professional journeys. Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadership and innovation, where we uncover the secrets behind authenticity, boldness, and compassion and how these principles can transform teams, businesses, and customer experiences! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

    35 min
  3. NOV 25

    Cancer is an A*****e! - Amanda Rose Ferraro

    Resilience and purpose shine through life’s toughest challenges. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, cancer patient advocate Amanda Rose Ferraro shares her journey of surviving AML Leukemia, her advocacy work through Cancer is an A* LLC, and her mission to provide resources, support, and hope to cancer patients and their families. Diagnosed in 2017 after a misdiagnosis, she underwent intensive chemotherapy and celebrated remission in early 2018. However, a relapse due to a genetic mutation (Tp53) required another round of aggressive treatment and a life-saving Stem Cell transplant later that year. Today, Amanda is cancer-free and credits her survival to medical advancements, her donor in Germany, and an unwavering determination to overcome immense challenges. Her experiences inspired her to create "Cancer is an Asshole LLC" a resource platform for cancer patients and their families. Recognizing gaps in available support, Amanda’s website provides practical tools such as information on legal aid, medical supplies, and emotional support. As a certified life coach, she also works directly with patients, offering guidance, advocacy, and a compassionate presence during medical appointments. Her advocacy aims to break the stigma around cancer and ensure no one feels alone in their journey. Amanda’s transparency about the emotional and physical toll of cancer resonates with many, fostering a supportive community through social media and her motivational writings. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, mental health awareness, and accepting help. Amanda’s message is clear: life is hard, but with support, hope, and determination, it’s possible to navigate even the toughest challenges. Tune in and discover an inspiring journey of strength, advocacy, and hope!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

    34 min
  4. NOV 11

    The Chronically Undertouched Project - Ben Wilson

    Human touch is essential for emotional well-being and mental health. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Ben Wilson, founder and CEO of the Color of Sound Foundation and leader of their Chronically Undertouched project,  discusses "touch starvation" and its prevalence and impact within communities of color. Throughout this conversation, he explains his nonprofit's mission to address these issues through initiatives focused on racial healing, restorative justice, and economic development. Ben elaborates on the Chronically Undertouched Project, which is rooted in anti-racist work but specifically aims to address the absence of non-sexual, tender touch among Black men. He describes how this phenomenon has historical roots in stereotypes that frame Black men as threatening, fostering a lack of physical closeness and tenderness even within the community itself. Ben shares that the project includes a short film titled Dark and Tender, which aims to engage viewers, especially Black men, in understanding and healing from the effects of touch deprivation. Additionally, Ben talks about plans to leverage digital platforms to build awareness and engagement around the topic, including social media and virtual events. He emphasizes the need to normalize and research platonic touch within Black communities, describing it as an "ungoogleable" concept that he hopes to make more accessible and well-understood. Through this work, the Chronically Undertouched Project aspires not only to foster connections within Black communities but also to educate broader audiences on the structural and historical forces that contribute to touch deprivation, with the ultimate goal of bringing people together across backgrounds. Tune in for a powerful conversation that uncovers the hidden impact of 'touch starvation' in communities of color, exploring how simple acts of tenderness can heal, connect, and transform lives!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

    31 min
  5. NOV 7

    Bone Deep: Unveiling the Myths and Realities of Osteoporosis - David Lee

    Despite being labeled a 'women's disease,' osteoporosis silently threatens millions of men as well, often going unnoticed until a life-changing fracture occurs. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, David Lee, the founder and Chief Collaboration Officer of Health Collaboration Partners, explores the realities of osteoporosis, a condition causing low bone mass and increased fracture risk in both men and women, particularly those over 50. Though osteoporosis is commonly associated with women, men are also vulnerable, with one in four men over 50 expected to experience osteoporosis-related fractures. This misconception has led to underdiagnosis and undertreatment among men. The disease is often called "silent" because it typically goes undetected until a fracture occurs, making it difficult for patients to prioritize bone health, especially in brief primary care visits. David describes the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis due to an aging population and highlights significant risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use, glucocorticoids, and genetic predispositions. He emphasizes the need for weight-bearing exercise and sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake to strengthen bones. Advances in treatment, such as fracture liaison services, aim to ensure that those who experience fractures receive necessary osteoporosis care, reducing their risk of subsequent fractures by half.  Looking forward, David shares promising developments in osteoporosis research, including efforts to expedite drug trials by focusing on bone density rather than fracture reduction as the primary endpoint. He stresses that while osteoporosis can be managed with lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication, it cannot be fully reversed, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and treatment improvements are crucial to reducing fractures and improving the quality of life for those affected. Tune in to uncover the hidden dangers of osteoporosis and learn how proactive steps today can protect your bones and transform your health for the future! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

    36 min
  6. OCT 14

    Are Leaders Born or Made? - J. Bryan Bennett

    Are great leaders born with innate abilities, or can anyone be shaped into a successful leader through practice and mentorship? Leadership is like dancing; some may have natural abilities, but everyone can improve through training and practice. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT, J. Bryan Bennett, founder and Executive Director of the Healthcare Center of Excellence, explores the classic debate of whether leaders are born or made. According to Bryan, leadership is like dancing. He believes those with innate leadership traits, such as risk-taking and vision, tend to have a higher leadership ceiling, while qualities like empathy and humility may be more challenging to cultivate. Bryan explains that great leaders take risks, articulate a clear vision, and demonstrate empathy and humility. Poor leaders, on the other hand, are often self-serving, toxic, and uninterested in others’ success. Leadership development can be aided by mentors, who play a vital role in guiding both young and seasoned professionals. Bryan emphasizes that leadership is a continuous learning process, and the best leaders are always seeking to grow.  Additionally, Bryan notes that leadership skills are generally the same across demographics, though perceptions may vary. He recommends investing in personal development through reading, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship, with both mentors and coaches playing crucial roles in career advancement. He also stresses the importance of self-reflection, having an external voice through a mentor, and always being open to growth as key strategies for becoming an effective leader. Tune in to discover the key traits that shape effective leadership and learn how you can cultivate them in your own journey!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

    31 min
  7. OCT 1

    What's happening to Italy's Health IT? - Giorgia Pezzotta

    Amidst the complexities of Europe's healthcare system, innovation and technology are transforming the future of patient care in Italy and beyond. In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Christopher Kunney welcomes Giorgia Pezzotta, a health and innovation engineer who is a Strategy and Marketing Associate at Doctolib, currently scaling Siilo, a medical communication app for healthcare professionals in Italy. Together, they explore challenges and opportunities within the European healthcare technology ecosystem, with a focus on Italy. Giorgia shares her personal journey into healthcare, driven by her family's experiences with chronic illness, the impact of COVID-19 in her village, and her own health transformation. She highlights key challenges in the European healthcare system, including digital literacy, bureaucracy, and fragmented healthcare regulations. Giorgia discusses initiatives like the European Health Data Space and Italy’s Electronic Health Record, aimed at improving patient data sharing and digital health management. Within their conversation, they also touch on cybersecurity, with Giorgia explaining the importance of tools like Doctolib Siilo for secure communication among healthcare professionals. They discuss the slow pace of innovation in public healthcare due to bureaucracy but acknowledge advancements in virtual care and telemedicine, especially post-pandemic. Giorgia concludes by advising professionals to find their purpose and form meaningful connections, emphasizing that each healthcare system has unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Tune in for insights on navigating Europe's evolving healthcare landscape and the power of technology to drive lasting change!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

This is Straight Outta Health IT, an unfiltered dialogue of healthcare leaders and influencers covering a wide variety of issues affecting healthcare & the health tech industry. Host Christopher Kunney covers tech in a fresh and candid way you won’t want to miss. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-kunney/support

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