Tech It to the Limit

Elliott Wilson and Sarah Harper
  • 5.0 (9)
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Two wonks, one podcast, on a mission to make digital innovation in healthcare as entertaining as it is relevant! No medical degree required - just a sense of humor and a penchant for transformation!" ChatGPT Says: "Funny, ironic, and surprisingly informative - Tech It to the Limit!

  1. HEDIS and BOT-HEAD: Data and design justice with Dr. Rachel Harrington from NCQA

    AUG 1

    HEDIS and BOT-HEAD: Data and design justice with Dr. Rachel Harrington from NCQA

    In this episode of Tech it to the Limit, Dr. Rachel Harrington (NCQA) joins hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson to unpack how digital tools are reshaping healthcare—and why equity must be part of the equation. From fixing biased data to evolving HEDIS and designing with communities, it’s a sharp look at the future of human-centered, tech-powered care. Key Takeaways Start with the right data: If we don’t ask the right questions and reflect real diversity, we’re guessing, not solving.Co-create with communities: Don’t design for people—design with them to build solutions that actually work.Go beyond broad stats: Break down the data to see what different groups really need.Tackle the root causes: Health isn’t just about doctors—it’s about housing, food, transport, and more.Act, don’t just assess: Finding problems is easy. Solving them takes real action.In this episode: [00:00:00] Welcome to Tech it to the Limit[00:01:43] Insights from the Mayo Clinic AI Summit[00:04:05] Segment spotlight – “Guess That Quality Data Acronym”: [00:11:05] Conversation with Dr. Rachel Harrington, NCQA: advancing equity through data and measurement[00:26:15] Collaborating across sectors: the importance of community-based partnerships[00:27:12] Stratification and the role of data transparency in identifying quality gaps[00:27:44] Transitioning to HEDIS: why equity must be embedded in quality measurement[00:29:15] The impact of race and ethnicity stratification in performance metrics[00:32:13] Aligning incentives across payers, providers, and systems for greater accountability[00:39:12] Designing for equity: avoiding bias in digital health tools through inclusive development[00:42:57] A call to action: how digital health leaders can make equity core to their strategy[00:46:02] Final reflections and key insightsOur Guest Dr. Rachel Harrington is the Assistant Vice President of Health Equity at the NCQA, where she leads the Equity and HEDIS initiative. With a Ph.D. in pharmacy systems and a background in regulatory science, health economics, and public policy, Rachel has a wealth of experience in healthcare data, quality improvement, and social determinants of health. Her work ensures that healthcare systems deliver equitable, effective care for all communities. Resources Dr. Rachel Harrington NCQADr. Rachel HarringtonWe Ask Because We Care campaignTech It To The Limit Podcast Website Apple Podcast

    53 min
  2. Founder, Interrupted: What it really takes to be a woman founder in health tech.

    JUL 4

    Founder, Interrupted: What it really takes to be a woman founder in health tech.

    In this episode of Tech It to the Limit, Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson chat with Elizabeth Boudreau, ex-AWS exec and co-founder of Practical Acceleration. They kick off with a satirical “SnoreSense” pitch, then dive into real talk on building meaningful healthcare tech, covering equity, trust, and designing for life’s seasons. Honest, smart, and full of heart—don’t miss it. Key Takeaways Tech equity starts at the margins. Building inclusive digital health solutions means designing first for the communities most often left out. Not only is it ethical, it's a smart strategy.Startups need soul and structure. Elizabeth encourages founders to reject burnout culture and instead design businesses that align with their energy, values, and the season they’re in.AI needs boundaries and trust. Success in health tech is about more than algorithms; it’s about solving real problems, with real people, in ways that build confidence and connection.Talk to the people you're building for. Your user knows what’s broken. You just have to ask. Assume less. Ask more. Build better.In this episode: [00:00:00] Introduction: July birthdays, post-Pride recovery, and co-host reunion in NYC[00:02:37] Startup satire: “Snore Sense” pitch parody AI pillows, shame graphs, and FDA awareness[00:08:18] Interview with Elizabeth Boudreaux, Co-Founder of Practical Acceleration[00:11:30] What is tech equity? Designing with, not just for, underserved communities[00:16:50] AI hype cycle: The danger of black box solutions in healthcare[00:18:00] The future of tech that disappears—ambient voice and reconnection at the bedside[00:19:55] Women in tech: Navigating leadership, equity at home, and saying yes to the unknown[00:26:07] A day in the life of a founder: Lists, calendars, and no such thing as “typical”[00:30:04] Redefining success: Building companies that match your life stage[00:35:35] Behind the scenes: Putting HIPAA data in the public cloud for the first time[00:40:50] Founder advice: Talk to your user, challenge your assumptions, solve real problems[00:45:12] Wise Nuggets: Career truths, growth seasons, and the ROI of building slowGuest Elizabeth Boudreau is co-founder of Practical Acceleration, a firm that helps health tech companies scale with purpose. A digital transformation leader, she previously drove U.S. healthcare strategy at AWS, launching its first consumer diagnostics product during COVID-19. With a career built on innovation and inclusion, Elizabeth has led HIPAA-compliant cloud projects, championed techquity, and advised both startups and governments. Her mantra: success isn’t about the grind, it’s about building a life that works. Resources Elizabeth Phillips Boudreau Practical Acceleration Elizabeth BoudreauSarah Harper Sarah Harper Elliott Wilson Elliott WilsonFlying Pig Consulting

    53 min
  3. Pulse Check: LGBTQ+ Health Equity, Smart Diagnostics, and Authentic Leadership with Jason Bellett of Eko Health

    JUN 6

    Pulse Check: LGBTQ+ Health Equity, Smart Diagnostics, and Authentic Leadership with Jason Bellett of Eko Health

    In this special Pride Month episode of Tech It to the Limit, co-hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson dive into LGBTQ+ health equity, inclusive tech, and leading authentically in healthcare. They’re joined by Jason Bellett, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Eko Health, whose intelligent stethoscope is transforming how providers detect heart disease. Jason opens up about his journey as an openly gay founder, the intersection of innovation and equity, and the urgent need for inclusive leadership. Key Takeaways LGBTQ+ healthcare has come a long way—but the fight for equity and access continues.Eko Health’s AI-powered stethoscope enables early heart disease detection through FDA-cleared algorithms and inclusive design.Algorithmic equity matters: representative datasets and diverse health partners are key to reducing bias.Authentic leadership in healthcare requires visibility and courage, especially in today’s climate.In the face of policy rollbacks, private sector leaders must step up to build inclusive tech and equitable systems.In this episode: [00:00:00] Pride Month kickoff + queer health visibility[00:01:25] “Holz Check” LGBTQ+ healthcare rights timeline[00:08:27] 10+ health tech companies advancing queer care[00:12:28] Interview with Jason Bellett[00:15:30] What is an intelligent stethoscope?[00:20:15] Equity in AI + reducing algorithmic bias[00:25:35] Eko’s role in smart hospitals and virtual care[00:27:46] What Jason wishes he knew 10 years ago[00:31:05] Leading authentically as a gay founder[00:34:14] Advice for LGBTQ+ health tech professionals[00:38:45] Call to action for DEI in healthcare[00:42:22] Spicy Nuggets: Buzzwords, pride, and cootiesResources and Links Jason Bellett LinkedIn Eko HealthPride Month Spotlights Folks Health Plume HealthQueerDocOutCare HealthHoward Brown HealthMazzoni CenterFenway Health Euphoria AppsMyLabBoxFor ThemEquality MD

    52 min
  4. Who Run the Ward? Nurse-Led Innovation and the Fight for Equity in Healthcare with Dr. Katie Boston-Leary

    MAY 2

    Who Run the Ward? Nurse-Led Innovation and the Fight for Equity in Healthcare with Dr. Katie Boston-Leary

    In this Nurses’ Month special episode, Tech It to the Limit co-hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson honor nurses for their dedication and pivotal role in healthcare innovation. This episode explores the ongoing challenges in digital healthcare technology, the mistakes made by overlooking nurses in tech design, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how we can create nurse-centered designs to improve healthcare systems. They also interview Dr. Katie Boston-Leary, Senior VP of Equity and Engagement at the American Nurses Association, who brings over 30 years of leadership experience to discuss how health tech can better serve nurses and patients alike. Key Takeaways The importance of nurse-centered design in healthcare tech and why it’s essential for designers to involve nurses throughout the entire product lifecycleHow AI and automation in healthcare tools are often ineffective without input from nurses, leading to errors and inefficienciesThe impact of gender bias and misogyny in technology development, contributing to the underrepresentation of nurses in health tech decision-makingThe need for empathy in leadership, where healthcare leaders must engage with their teams, understand their challenges, and adapt technology to support—not replace—human connectionDr. Katie Boston Leary’s insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare, and how healthcare leaders should be responsible for both the intent and impact of their decisionsIn this episode: [00:00:00] Introduction to Nurses Month & Why It’s Important to Highlight Nurses in Tech[00:02:05] New Segment: Tech That Didn’t Ask a Nurse, Highlighting Tech Blunders[00:17:00] Why nurse-centered design matters and how it benefits patient outcomes[00:20:00] Interview with Dr. Katie Boston Leary: Nurses Leading the Charge for Change in Health Tech[00:23:30] The Role of DEI in healthcare leadership and tech development[00:27:00] How to approach repairing trust in technology and healthcare[00:30:30] Empathy, collaboration, and leadership: Building a better tech ecosystem for healthcare[00:38:00] Wrapping up Nurses Month & Honoring Healthcare Workers[00:40:30] Closing Remarks: Stay Tuned for Next Month’s EpisodeNotable Quotes: [03:40 - 03:59] “If you’re building healthcare technology without involving nurses, you’re doing it wrong. You can’t create something that works for them if you don’t ask them what they need.” – Elliott Wilson [12:14 - 12:30] “Technology is meant to support nurses, not to make their jobs harder. We’ve got to get it right from the start.” – Sarah Harper [34:01 - 34:15] “You can’t fix healthcare with just a product. You need the right people at the table, and that includes the nurses who are on the front lines every day.” – Dr. Katie Boston-Leary Resources and Links Dr. Katie Boston-Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebostonlearySarah Harper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbethharper/Elliott Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewelliottwilson/

    39 min
  5. [AI]ncarnate: Humanoids in Healthcare? Meet Ameca!

    APR 4

    [AI]ncarnate: Humanoids in Healthcare? Meet Ameca!

    In this first-ever video episode of Tech It to the Limit, co-hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson welcome special guests Leo Chen, U.S. lead at Engineered Arts, and Ameca, one of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots. Together, they dive into how humanoid robots might augment care delivery, bring joy to elder communities, and redefine digital companionship. The conversation blends deep tech insights with punchy humor, live impressions, and even a robotic roast. From rethinking patient intake to the ethics of AI in medicine, this episode explores the frontier of human-machine collaboration in healthcare with some unforgettable voice cloning and dance moves from Ameca along the way. If you’re a healthcare innovator, technologist, or just curious about where robots fit into your hospital system (or podcast), this is one not to miss. Key Takeaways How humanoid robots like Ameca can support—but not replace—human healthcare workersThe role of facial expressions and physical presence in building trust with patientsWhy latency matters more than perfect accuracy in real-time robot interactionsHow Engineered Arts uses “personality prompting” instead of separate AI modelsThe potential of humanoids in elder care, education, and medical simulationWhy training LLMs locally is crucial to responsible healthcare AI adoptionThe sticky ethics of decision-making, bias, and liability in AI-driven care“Digital diplomats,” not bouncers—how robots can help de-escalate tense clinical momentsBehind the scenes of Ameca’s voice cloning, personality shifts, and dance demoWhy “bringing joy” is a valid mission statement for human-centric roboticsIn this episode: [00:00:00] First video episode – why Ameca had to be on camera[00:02:27] Sarah & Elliott’s favorite “tweezer nuggets” from the interview[00:05:04] Meet Leo Chen and Ameca, the humanoid robot[00:08:22] Ameca’s dad joke debut and bedside ambitions[00:09:06] How humanoids can support eldercare, simulation, and intake[00:11:33] The power of facial expressions in human-robot connection[00:15:40] Where automation ends and empathy begins[00:18:36] Ameca’s multilingual skills and patient-facing roles[00:21:00] Under the hood: prompting LLMs and voice cloning[00:25:00] Bias, liability, and the ethics of decision-making[00:30:05] Emotional intelligence: simulated or sincere?[00:34:57] Why Ameca is a “digital diplomat,” not a robot bouncer[00:38:00] Funding and scaling humanoids in healthcare[00:41:06] Elliott gets roasted—and secretly loves it[00:43:00] What keeps Leo up at night about robotics[00:46:08] Final thoughts: accountability, humanity, and being excellentNotable quotes: [03:31 - 03:58] “Ethical balancing acts? That’s a human specialty… I leave the life or death calls to the flesh and blood experts.”– Ameca [33:10 - 33:20] “We’re never going to claim Ameca is sentient. This is all meant to engage people—not pretend it has a soul.” – Leo Chen [46:08 - 46:24] “It’s important to remember the humans. I hope we can be excellent to one another.” – Leo Chen

    1h 7m
  6. Cliffnotes

    MAR 7

    Cliffnotes

    Dr. Aditi Joshi of Telehealth.org joins Sarah and Elliott for a riveting play-by-play of the all-too-familiar faceoff between federal budget negotiations (again…) and healthcare providers about permanent reimbursement for telemedicine. Dr. Joshi also shares advice from her book, Telehealth Success: How to Thrive in the New Age of Remote Care, for healthcare organizations across the globe who are just beginning to dip their toes in the vast waters of creative use cases for virtual care. Be there, or be square! Original music by: Evan O’Donovan

    1h 9m
  7. Journeymen

    FEB 7

    Journeymen

    In this Season 3 opener, your favorite tech wonks are joined by two healthcare IT legends and the ultimate power couple: Cris Ross and Ed Marx. Elliott and Sarah delve deep into Cris and Ed’s new book, Diagnosed, which explores the multiplicity of being a CIO and a cancer patient attempting to navigate the very systems these executives helped fashion. Talk about a mind-bending, Janus-faced odyssey, which we are happy to report has a happier ending than most Roman and Greek myths. Amazon.com: Diagnosed: An Insider's Guide for Your Healthcare Journey eBook : Ross, Cris, Marx, Ed: Kindle Store Original music by: Evan O’Donovan

    1h 16m
  8. #Twinning

    12/27/2024

    #Twinning

    Join Sarah and Elliott as they double down on digital transformation in healthcare with Dr. Lisa Shah, Chief Medical Officer at Twin Health. From tackling chronic metabolic diseases to revolutionizing care with precision and personalized medicine, Dr. Shah shares insights that are twice as nice, powered by 3,000 data points per patient per day to create game-changing digital twins. Tune in for a conversation so good, you’ll be seeing double! Original music by: Evan O’Donovan

    1h 27m
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About

Two wonks, one podcast, on a mission to make digital innovation in healthcare as entertaining as it is relevant! No medical degree required - just a sense of humor and a penchant for transformation!" ChatGPT Says: "Funny, ironic, and surprisingly informative - Tech It to the Limit!

Information

  • Creator
    Elliott Wilson and Sarah Harper
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tech It To The Limit 2023
  • Show Website
    Tech It to the Limit

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