TheHealthMavenblog.com

Innovation Drivers - Matthew Holt and Indu Subaiya

2012-11-13T13:37:40Z

Do you know how to read the signals of change? In my recent interview with Dr. Indu Sabaiya, she could have said that the most significant driving force in healthcare innovation today is a result of consumers becoming more interested in their own health, the explosion of sensors and devices, or even technological possibilities – but, she did not. Instead, she went to the to the core of the matter and said that the single most important driving force is that the current healthcare system is not sustainable and that, “healthcare for the most part is still a source of frustration and heavy financial burden for the average person, and that force is causing healthcare stakeholders to innovate, change and improve.” That’s a true innovator talking – opting out of the buzz. I had the great privilege of interviewing the highly respected innovators and founders of Health2.0 this week,Matthew Holt and Dr. Sabaiya, who have taken their business from an idea to the global arena. If you are wondering if this is your time to innovate, take a few minutes to listen to their deep experience on how to listen for signals of change.

While there are some CEO’s who have been successful at reinventing and innovating, like Aetna’s Mark Bertolini, Holt admits that it is not easy to spot the signals of change. This is true especially for larger companies because once they identify a market tipping point, making the jump from a declining business model to one that is on the incline is difficult. He pointed to the importance of looking for signal events like companies coming to the market with different offerings, legislative mandates like ACO’s, companies buying products in different ways. Holt added that the most difficult element of growth is discerning if the market is moving beyond those early adopters into a real tipping point, then ask, “How is it different this time?” For the full interview click here!

Purpose Driven Innovator: Alan Blaustein

2012-09-20T21:14:39Z

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Ralph Waldo Emerson said that, “the purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” I have a friend whom Emerson would be pleased with and his name is Alan Blaustein; he has a big presence, when he walks into a room people notice, they listen, and before long they want to start a company. Why? He has an innovation story. He also has a patient story. In 2005 he was diagnosed with thymic cancer and experienced first-hand the inefficiencies of the healthcare system to a degree that compelled him to launch CarePlanners with his business partner, Dr. Nancy Snyderman.

There are many reasons why CarePlanners will be successful, but the main reason is because the founders have a well-defined mindset:

• They challenge orthodoxies. The founders understand the unmet needs of healthcare consumers and question the rules of the industry.

• Purposeful innovation is their driver. They are determined to make innovation happen by openly seeking others opinions and knowledge, sharing their vision, and leveraging a sense of urgency.

• They have created a unique and focused culture. Check out their manifesto – they have implemented a No BS culture – cool, right?

• Experience. Alan is a hurdler, but that’s an easy one to figure out. They have a combination of deep medical, entrepreneurial, and legal expertise.

There is nothing random about their team, what they do, or their next move. These observations are just starters – there are many reasons why CarePlanners will make it, but take a listen and come up with your own reasons!

Big Thanks to Drew Marshall, the innovators go to guy & Skarzynski, Peter; Gibson, Rowan (2008-03-18). Innovation to the Core: A Blueprint for Transforming the Way Your Company Innovates. Perseus Books Group.

Competitive Innovator - Jason Gorevic

2012-07-10T16:20:52Z

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Sometimes we get it wrong. Einstein did not invent the theory of relativity; it was Galileo. We do not have five senses; we have nine. And the business competitive spirit is not lost; it’s trying to reignite. Business leaders know they need to rethink competition – in the March issue of Harvard Business Review, Editor-in-chief, Adi Ignatius, and Dean of Harvard Business School, Nitin Nohria, posed a difficult question, “has the United States lost its competitive edge?” While I’m not convinced that we have lost our competitive edge, I will submit that it does originate with competitive leaders and that is where we are in short supply. Think about the 2012 Right Management survey, where the top concern of companies is the lack of high-potential leaders within an organization. In light of the market changes, how do emerging leaders instill the qualities of competitive advantage throughout a company? For those holding on to traces of skepticism let me share that competitive leaders in healthcare do exist and they are driving their own trajectory with vision, innovation and competitive advantage. Innovation performance expert Drew Marshall and I had the privilege of interviewing the respected CEO of Teladoc, Jason Gorevic, who embraces the new reality of retaining top talent and thrives on the business imperative of innovating for current customers. Gorevic is a refreshingly present CEO, who understands why Teladoc is in business and confidently manages the competitive edge of his company...for the full blog post take a gander at Innovation Excellence!

Innovation from the Inside: Bruce Cryer

2012-04-11T13:49:58Z

Sensazione is the continual refinement of the senses, sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, especially sight, as the means to enliven experience. After another mind clearing Sunday of wandering the National Gallery I picked up Michael J. Gelb’s, book How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, and had to smile when I discovered that Gelb is a creativity and innovation expert whose writing inspires both the innovator and everyday individuals looking to disrupt their own thinking. Ironically, it was Gelb that helped me to connect the dots on the success and growth of HeartMath LLC, a company which understood its creative potential from the very beginning.

After my interview with innovator Bruce Cryer, a founding member and Global Director of HeartMath, I am certain that the concept of sensazione and understanding how to leverage time were two key ingredients to their success. Cryer explains that they started with a simple concept “when your heart is involved in what you do, things go better.” I’ll borrow a quote from author, Catherine Hrudicka who says that creativity is the, “synthesis of ideas and that we must have a vision or an intuition of a place to go, new products, innovations and business models.” What steps did HeartMath take to make it to the global market from having a great idea? Designing a product around a new understanding of how the heart and brain talk to each other is not so simple.

A Creative Team
Cryer describes that in 1991, Doc Childre intentionally put together a founding team with backgrounds from science, business, education, art and music to design a product that would help consumers learn to transform stress. One question that was always raised during development meetings was, “how will the customer respond to this idea?” HeartMath’s objective was to make the technology enjoyable for consumers as they learned about controlling stress. Cryer recognized early on that Steve Jobs always intrigued and inspired consumers and HeartMath did not keep the Jobs philosophy in the abstract. Had they a looking glass, they would have seen that their product would eventually be featured in a number of scientific peer-reviewed journals, the NBC Today Show, ABC World News Tonight, CBS’ The Early Show, CNN’s Headline News, Discover.com, and win the People’s Choice Competition for the Last Gadget Standing Award at CES 2009. For the full length of my interview, please go to Innovation Excellence!

Beyond Strategy: Jack Corrao

2012-04-10T21:21:06Z

Brian Solis has it right, it is the end of business as usual, and healthcare is no exception. Has the market reality produced a new set of assumptions, emerging opportunities, or a better climate for disruptive innovation? In my interview with Jack Corrao, the managing director of the Corrao Group, he stated that the healthcare landscape is being challenged by innovations such as cloud computing, microsensor devices, and most of all, healthcare consumerism. Just as Solis wrote his book to “groom a new generation of leaders, people who want to lead and are looking for the answers and inspiration necessary to guide others into uncharted territory,” Corrao observed that there is a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who want and need to learn quickly how to diminish any probability of failure.

Corrao’s perspective is also in sync with the recent PricewaterhouseCoopers 15th Annual Global CEO Survey which indicated that CEO’s are “slightly less optimistic than they were last year, but are still focused on growth. Further, customer demand is the primary driver of corporate strategy which includes getting the product and service portfolio right…and encouraging the free flow of ideas and innovation regardless of where they originate.” The report also notes that “almost all US CEO’s are revising their innovation strategies with 72% focusing on creating new products and services within existing business models.” As an example, many in healthcare have recently focused on Aetna, as a company that is just not talking about innovation, but leading change by leveraging innovation as a vehicle for growth. Check out what Aetna and Chairman and CEO, Mark T. Bertolini, @mtbert is tweeting: “…DC is not the answer, just the catalyst. Disruptive technology in the hands of the doc and consumer will disrupt healthcare!” Corrao agrees that, “Aetna serves as a perfect example that ‘seeing what is next’ does not only come from startup’s – Aetna is responding to the new demands of the market place, and hopefully we will see more companies doing the same; it’s important to realize that the market is much more peer-to-peer connected due to social media and technology platforms.”

Another company that seems to have responded to the connected customer and consumer is Salesforce.com, the enterprise cloud computing company, which has built an ecosystem that allows companies to bring their ideas to market. Corrao states that, “they recognize that companies need innovation to succeed and have responded to the impact of social media; companies are changing the way they collaborate and communicate with customers and Salesforce.com provides the ability for businesses to transform themselves into a social enterprise – a tremendous tool for healthcare innovators.” The full length of my interview can be found at Innovation Excellence!

Rick Lee: The Innovators Innovator

2012-02-22T22:16:11Z

John Lennon said, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” When I asked Rick Lee, the CEO of Healthrageous, where his entrepreneurial roots came from, he did not give an expected answer. When I asked him about healthcare and innovation, again, he did not give an expected answer. This is why I am certain that his company is going to make a distinctive difference - he was not imitating someone else or their philosophy . Rather than quell innovation by a passive acceptance of the status quo, his eloquent ease with questioning authority has resulted in innovation that provides a unique experience for healthcare consumers. You will enjoy this interview, because while Lee acknowledges his roots from the 60's, he clearly has crafted a well thought out company that has responded to the changing and unmet needs of the healthcare consumer.

The full post of my interview with Rick Lee can be found on Innovation Excellence, but here is a teaser..." He contends that we, as consumers, have more skin in the game and are in a rapidly moving groundswell – "just as corporate America can no longer afford pensions to their workers, we are rapidly approaching a time where corporate America can no longer provide healthcare to its workers." Lee is correct and interestingly, within the healthcare landscape this awareness has morphed thousands of medical devices, app solutions, and investment dollars into the groundswell. Now that consumers are in the mix, product innovation, differentiation, and creativity will leave old paradigms in the dust...."

Healthcare Entrepreneur, Thomas M. Lee

2012-02-11T02:20:34Z

Biz Stone said, "timing, perseverance, and ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success." This quote is a perfect description of Tom Lee, who shared with our listeners that his roots in healthcare business began in high school while washing dishes in an acute care facility - the business equivalent of starting in the mail room. He shares that when he was presented with the task of creating a facility from the ground up, he saw an opportunity to differentiate care delivery. Innovation appears to be in his DNA as well.

Over time Tom has developed an unparalleled reputation for both timing and recognizing business entry points. As we explored the impact of social media within the healthcare landscape, he emphasized that we have moved from discussions debating the benefit of an online presence, to how that presence is controlled. Tom describes the new obligations of providers to facilitate credible information and ultimately this realization gave way to the The Hashtag Project and his current venture, Symplur. You will be inspired by listening to Tom not only as he talks about his new ventures, but the why's behind his innovations. He mentions more than once how important it is to be nimble because healthcare is a dynamic playing field. One last observation, you can always recognize leaders because they take the time to mention those who have had a role in their success. I was not the least bit surprised by those he gave a shout out to because they are kindred spirits and will never be mistaken as shy. I know you'll enjoy time with Tom, I did!

"...I was excited to be a part of change."

The Creativity of Dr. Steven Eisenberg

2011-09-02T14:30:35Z

Where does creativity come from? According to Ken Robinson's Out of Our Minds, some people have strong abilities in many areas, music, mathematics, verbal reasoning, visual thinking and so on, and typically think of such people as Renaissance type figures. And while he explains that high ability in one area does not entail in others, he also frames creativity as not only a matter of inspiration, but that skill is involved as well. There could not be a better description of Dr. Steven Eisenberg, a board certified doctor of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology, who connects with his patients beyond their diagnosis of cancer, by creating and singing music for them.

Yesterday, I had the great privilege of interviewing Steven about his creative approach and he shared what he calls sailing the #7C's: Caring, Connection, Collaboration, Creativity, Compassion, Community and Communication. Steven believes in possibilities and passes on hope and a strong sense of well-being to his patients. He shares how music can trigger positive emotional and physiologic reactions, and that those with cancer can have quality of life, even should they physically decline.

Of course, I asked of the Twitterverse, if creativity could be learned, and of course, @Ken_Rosen was the first to respond with a resounding yes. Ken Robinson agrees with Ken, or vice versa. I would have to agree - in this context, music therapy has been around since ancient times and in Western medicine since the 1950's; Dr. Steven Eisenberg decided to use his gift by picking up his guitar and his stethoscope to change lives. I hope that you enjoy this unplugged interview...I did!

EnlightenMed, LLC and Lyrical Life were founded by Dr. Steven Eisenberg, a board certified doctor of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. He is a founding member of Pacific Oncology and Hematology Associates in greater San Diego. Dr. Eisenberg uses music, humor and heart to transform his patients’ journeys through the minefield of cancer.

@drseisenberg on Twitter

Aesop's Fables - The Swan and the Goose A CERTAIN rich man bought in the market a Goose and a Swan. He fed the one for his table and kept the other for the sake of its song. When the time came for killing the Goose, the cook went to get him at night, when it was dark, and he was not able to distinguish one bird from the other. By mistake he caught the Swan instead of the Goose. The Swan, threatened with death, burst forth into song and thus made himself known by his voice, and preserved his life by his melody.

Business Communication with Baron Hanson

2011-06-24T12:03:00Z

Tom Peters said, “If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.”
There is an abundance of information on how to run or launch a successful business, but when it comes to turning around a business, the thinking elevates to an entirely new level. Yesterday, I had the privilege of interviewing Baron Hanson, the lead consultant for Red Baron Consulting on the mindset and communication skills necessary for implementing successful business turnarounds – they have 220 successful turnarounds under their belt.

Many of us are all too familiar with businesses that have fallen on hard times in this uncertain economy, and find ourselves cheering for the innovators and entrepreneurs who are determined to finish strong. Like many, I have become fascinated with the skill set of the elusive turnaround artist - whether innovation breakdowns, operational inefficiencies, or talent shortage, chances are, they are the bearer of the wake up call.
Baron shares his formula for meaningful first meetings with potential clients, and what he describes as the four C’s of turnaround management: Cost, Customer, Competition, and Consensus. When I asked if most CEO’s are cognizant that they need help, he responded with genuine insight on what keeps the C-suite and employees up at night. I think that you will find this interview full of useful and rich content, please listen and enjoy!

Guess which Presidential candidate is known for successful turnarounds…

Finding 'Flow' In Social Media

2011-06-22T18:21:00Z

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, defines flow as "...being fully immersed in what he or she is doing by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of activity," in other words, optimal experience, engagement and skill. I have observed that the most effective communicators in social media are those that have a 'flow' mindset - Brian Solis, says it well, "continuity, cadence, and a voice that readers can connect with." There is a fair amount of creativity that is being shared and responded to with genuine curiosity, but what I find the most fascinating, however, are the individuals that have found their unique voice in all the noise.

Finding the appropriate communities where one can leverage involvement and focus requires consistency, planning and intent. It's time to start taking note of the business relationships that stem from online conversations.For relationships to flow, you need to invest some time in relevant conversations. For instance, yesterday, four ladies that I interact with on a weekly basis, finally scheduled some Skype time, #cafefab (stay tuned) - beyond amazing is that all of us commented immediately on how our voices represented our online personas: extrovert, grace, calm, and insightful. The warmth and generosity of spirit, as one of our gals described, was our fifth guest; because we had invested time and skill in cultivating an optimal experience. Mihaly was right - the energy and flow was meaningful.

So the question is can you engage in social media without causing disruption in your life? Yes. When I engage with new clients, I ask three questions before creating an action plan:

Do you have a voice? People want to hear your voice.

Have you identified your strategic goals for engaging online?

Are you ready to meet some serious thought leaders? Think intention.

The technical skills will come; but, to achieve a flow that will benefit you personally requires focus and strategy. In my BlogTalkRadio show this morning, I interviewed, communication expert, Jill Royston, on how she discovered the meaning of flow in a very unexpected adventure while in London. Please listen to Jill's amazing story as she encourages all of us to challenge our boundaries, be intentional and to open up to flow...

* For those who are wondering who extrovert, gracious, calm, and insightful, might be - girlfriends never tell, but if you follow us online, you'll know who we are!

How To Be An Influencer

2011-06-03T15:42:00Z

           The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority, Kenneth Blanchard

In my second interview with executive coach and communication expert, Jill Royston, we explore influence from the perspective of leadership communication. Jill points out that formulating what you want to achieve when first engaging, is a basic communication skill that acknowledges intention - 'it's unlikely, that if you cannot formulate, you'll be able to influence." She agreed with Gunter Wessels, a healthcare executive, that getting a commitment for continued dialogue, is a result of prep work.

Jill shared three key points on how to become an influencer:

'Influence' is something that you can develop- and that it is a leadership skill.

Test your views with the other persons, do not keep repeating the same point - make sure that you know where the other person is in the conversation.

At the end of a conversation, evaluate to see if value was created or if the intended outcome happened.

Trust and authenticity is a topic that is often discussed online and one way that Jill suggests to look at trust is, as a pattern over time - a track record!    Thank you for tuning in!

The best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray - Jill and I lived this today! Jill lost her phone and found it seconds after we went on air - and I did not go on air until 5 seconds before and lost my notes! We love Friday morning interviews! Next...

Navigating Around The Noise Of Health Reform

2011-05-27T19:24:00Z

             John Powell said that, 'communication works for those who work at it.'

In my blogtalkradio show this week, I had the privilege of interviewing Gunter Wessels, Ph.D., MBA, B.Sc., Partner and Health Care Practice Principal at The Total Innovation Group. He shares his communication template for navigating around emotional issues, like healthcare reform, to ultimately accomplish business goals. Gunter's strategic approach begins with understanding the mission, discerning the success metrics, follow up, and then matching up the same framework to the potential client before a conversation takes place. He provides examples of recent conversations where current legislation had the potential to disrupt the business process and how he used knowledge and expertise to redirect. I invite you to listen to a respected industry pro and thought leader provide insight on getting to the other side of the conversation.

Uncommon Communication, pt. 1

2011-05-13T15:05:00Z
This morning, I had the pleasure of interviewing communication expert, Jill Royston, on the art of communication and authentic listening. Jill shares three key perspectives that will yield positive outcomes when communicating:

Effective communication, begins with intent. People choose to listen, because they care about what is being said and have interest in what will happen next. Listeners look for information that is relevant, interesting or useful.

It is important during conversations to 'match up pictures' and test assumptions by asking questions, to understand the other persons point of view.

Communicating to share a viewpoint is not influence; influence begins when 'creating' together, in order to surface information and choices that point to a positive outcome.

This interview with Jill is the first in a three part series. Our next discussion will focus on what influence looks like. Thank you!

"To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well"   John Marshall

Social Media Listening

2011-05-12T16:31:00Z

I recently had the privilege to listen to Jan Molino, the managing director of Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson, speak at a CryerHealth and Levik Strategic Communications HBA, breakfast, where she spoke to listening, as the most critical aspect of communication. Similarly, I have observed, that the most effective social media tribe builders and influencers are those individuals who listen as a means and purpose to engage. Meaning that, their online contribution is not just a path to a business deal or broadcasting, but to support and invest in thought leadership and communities.

According to Madelyn Burley-Allen, in her book, Listening: The Forgotten Skill: A Self-Teaching Guide, listening involves a more sophisticated mental process than hearing and has a responsibility to the communication process. Her definition of "listening is (a) taking in information from speakers, other people or ourselves, while remaining nonjudgmental and empathetic; (b) acknowledging the talker in a way that invites the communication to continue; and (c) providing limited, but encouraging, input to the talker's response, carrying the person's idea one step forward."

After I read this definition, I immediately thought of Drew Marshall, the founder and Principal of Primed Associates, and the bar that he sets for genuinely listening and then driving an idea or conversation to the next potential. In 140 characters or less, he captures meaning by not letting the words or information drift off. I believe that the transformative capability of social media will be from the consistent involvement and support of savvy listeners and generous communicators, like Drew. Interacting with appropriate Twitter chats will provide an environment for creative and strategic thinking from multiple viewpoints, perspectives and backgrounds; resources not readily available to tap, otherwise. The more you interact online, you'll be able to identify those who just hear information and post rapid fire tweets, rather than extend what is important to the group. Another strong resemblance to real life communication, is mindfulness of online body language and focused listening will provide you with a solid return for your time.

One last thought: listening can provide you with that one thought, insight, or vision of where you want and need to be. Circling back to Jan Molino, she emphasized that if you listen carefully, you'll find that people often share information and nuggets that will help you to the next level. Who doesn't need that, right?

                    It is the province of knowledge to speak. And it is the privilege of wisdom to
                    listen. Oliver Wendell Holmes

             I'll be interviewing communication expert, Jill Royston on BlogTalkRadio ~ coming soon!







I Am Not A Hipster...

2011-05-03T00:33:00Z

I’m not a hipster. I have no Indie cred. I live in the suburbs and have no idea who the Shins are; a big night for me is sipping a glass of wine with Bob and Teresa. Could I have anything in common with a creative hipster? Maybe. I'm intrigued by their use of language, intuitiveness, and unique communicability. Interestingly, the use of social media provides some of the same appeal - the means to communicate a unique message and story to a target community. For example, there is an increasing number of healthcare thought leaders contributing to social media conversations, addressing the pain points of the industry. Chances are, you will not see this same group mixing with Charlie Sheen. These thought leaders know what they bring to the table, what they stand for, and use their voice.

I would guess that 'time' and fear of a large learning curve have kept some from jumping into the ring. I suggest that the use of social media tools is like implementing any other strategy - ask yourself, what it is that you want to accomplish by expressing your point of view.

It helps to not approach social media as if learning a completely different language - even, if it's been some time since you expressed yourself other than as an employee. Take some time to find your voice. If communicating your own personal brand were easy, you would already be a millionaire and have written several books. Author, Amy Tan said that, "I thought I was clever enough to write as well as these people and I didn't realize that there is something called originality and your own voice."

It could be that you will meet yourself through your social media writing.  Your authenticity will fuel your social media currency, and that it all begins with one thought at a time. It's time to unleash your voice, achieve your potential and make a difference.  And one last word for all those content farms out there...find your own voice, hon.

* Recognize the clock? You are right, it's the clock from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. It's known as a portal to one of the most beautiful cities of the world. Not just a clock. And your voice is just not another voice.

A Consumer Perspective On Healthy Mindedness

2011-04-16T18:16:00Z

Have you ever wondered what healthy mindedness looks like? Perhaps it looks like someone who takes their personal potential and lifestyle choices to heart. In my interview with JoAnna Brogdon, the ultimate fitness and energy ambassador, I asked what the tipping point was that made her health a priority. JoAnna shared that she was determined to change her life during her early school years, after feeling like an outsider. She has continued to adopt a daily discipline of fitness and motivates others to think differently about their health. "...wellness comes from the other areas of our life, including, mental, emotional, and spiritual health."

What strikes me, when reviewing this interview is that passion, empowerment and energy appear to be a result of being mindful, as well as the mindset. While JoAnna climbs a mountain every year, participates in marathons and triathlons, she shares
how important it is to start out with an accountability partner and finding the right tools to stay engaged. She highly recommends checking out The Energy Project as a starting place for those who know that they need to do something different - or want a better life!




I hope that you enjoyed our discussion today!



New Business Models Means New Target Markets

2011-04-05T16:25:00Z

Before stoking your social media bonfire you need to have a strategy in place, if you want to be successful. It’s an exciting time to be in healthcare because the landscape is changing due to the emergence of new business models, entrepreneurs and innovators. There is also a groundswell of activity focused on casting wide social media nets in order to build a presence and extend brands online. Strategically speaking, what is this best way to leverage the timing of this market and the tools of social media for those who find themselves in new territory? The answer is to draw on the experience of those entrepreneurs and influencers with extremely successful track records. This week I interview Ken Rosen, the managing partner of Performance Works, on the importance of understanding the basics of how to identify a target market before launching a social media strategy.

While social media begins with, the who, and not the what, the ultimate goal for entrepreneurs is to be successful, and Ken provides insight on how to build a foundation to discover the challenges, industry pains and ultimately, buying triggers of potential clients. We also discuss how to approach clients in existing markets, as well as, new markets. You’ll enjoy this unedited podcast as Ken (@Ken_Rosen) shares over 20 years experience in sales, marketing and strategy development, including executive roles in both start-ups and industry-leading companies. Join us!

Your Senses, Savoring, and Sleep...

2011-03-31T01:13:00Z


Taking the time to savor may be the key to becoming more
healthy minded. Today, I had the privilege of interviewing
Dr. Stuart Seale, MD and  Dr. Virginia Gurley, MD,  on lifestyle health choices, diet and fitness. One of the benefits of speaking with physicians who believe in what they are doing, is that they inspire change at a completely different level - Passion! You'll enjoy this BlogTalkRadio episode as both physicians discuss the importance of savoring the dining experience, the importance of sleep, and staying fit to become a more healthy minded consumer. For those of you who are interested in Lifestyle Medicine, they conclude by explaining why this emerging field is rewarding for both patients and physicians. I invite you to listen & enjoy! I'll ask you my
favorite question again, are you healthyminded?

O for a life of Sensations rather than of Thoughts! Keats, 1817

Healthcare Innovation is Social

2011-03-22T20:47:00Z

Is social media the first step to testing the healthcare appetite for open innovation? In other words, what is the likelihood of those in the healthcare industry to look beyond collaboration and engage with external resources to develop new products and services? After reading A Guide To Open Innovation and Crowdsourcing, edited by Paul Sloane, I was challenged to think about the mindset for shaking things up and how to creatively reach across industry segments to generate ideas.

Open Innovation (OI), is described in the book as a concept developed by Henry Chesbrough, as a step beyond collaboration, where external resources are harnessed to work alongside a team to develop new products and services.   Crowdsourcing as an extrapolation of OI, where a challenge is presented to a group of people, known or unknown, to solicit their ideas and solutions. Contributor, Renee Hopkins, takes a deep dive into the definition and models of crowdsourcing and emphasizes that if done right, the benefits are "unparalleled" and speaks to "it's power to disrupt."

Healthcare may be the perfect environment for crowdsourcing and OI, because, as the GAO indicates, we are on an 'unsustainable path'. Running out of time and money is a fairly significant incentive to test our capacity to innovate and willingness to reach out. I do believe that we are seeing the rise of physician entrepreneurs, mHealth innovators, and focused startup companies during this time of market transition and uncertainty - and who better to lead the way, than those who look through the lens of real people, in the real world, where good ideas come from. These visionaries, could indeed, be laying the foundation for our next generation of healthcare solutions, and they are, engaging with one another online, sharing ideas and forming tribes.

But, there are companies that need and want to evolve and for those, Braden Kelley, in his chapter, The Importance of a Strategic Approach to Open Innovation, reminds us that "innovation is social" and that "great innovators make connections to other industries and other disciplines to help create the great insights that inspire great solutions." At the end of the day, innovation will come from those thought leaders that are thinking differently about how to lower costs, drive quality and satisfaction. Over the next few weeks, I hope that you will join me as we speak to some of the contributors of this book...stay tuned!

Mobile Health and The Consumer

2011-03-11T14:27:00Z
    Dr. Virginia Gurley, M.D., MPH, Founder and President of AuraViva, and Lea Carey, TheHealthMaven, discuss the insightful PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute survey on mobile health, within the context of consumer adoption. This is the first in a series of three podcasts focusing on the mHealth industry as related to the HRI report and the survey topics covered in this first episode:

Half of consumers surveyed said they would buy mobile technology for their health, of those 20%  would use it to monitor fitness or wellbeing and 18% want their doctors to monitor their health conditions.

While 40% of respondents would be willing to pay for a monthly mobile phone service or device that could send information to their doctor, they would prefer to pay less than $10 for the monthly mobile phone service and less than $75 for the devices.

Even though surveys show women make most health decisions for the family, the HRI survey showed that men are twice as likely as women to use their cell phone to get health related reminders.

Even though most Americans are insured through group health policies, the survey showed that individual policy holders were more likely to buy mobile health applications and to pay out of pocket for electronic visits with physicians.

Please join us for our next episode when we discuss Mobile Health and Physicians, so stay tuned, Lea