The Intersect: Healthcare Designed Across Disciplines

We're diving into the fascinating world of cognitive science, exploring the ideas from Chapter 6 of Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson's book, " The Elephant in the Brain. " Prepare to question your understanding of your own motives and actions. Are we truly the rational decision-makers we believe ourselves to be? Or are we more like a press secretary, spinning narratives to justify decisions made by a...

This episode explores the long history of energy use as told by Vaclav Smil in Energy and Civilization: A History ⁠, starting with the basic power of human and animal muscles and moving toward the harnessing of wind and water. We will look at how these traditional power sources were essential for early agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. The episode also examines the transition to the...

This Week in Healthcare, Jan 10, 2024 In this week’s episode of The Intersect , we dive into the latest headlines reshaping the healthcare industry. From CVS’s bold move to "cost plus" pharmacy pricing to Transcarent’s $621 million acquisition of Accolade , strategic shifts in healthcare delivery and benefits are taking center stage. We also explore the FDA’s efforts to tackle bias in AI-powered m...

This episode is adapted from a transcript of The Storytelling Expert: Hidden Triggers That Make People Act | Matthew Dicks on September 4, 2024 by The Knowledge Project Podcast from Farnam Street . Master storyteller Matthew Dicks reveals the hidden blueprint behind stories that win million-dollar deals, transform resistant teams, and turn skeptical investors into champions. Learn why most leaders...

Did you know that your doctor might be encouraged to diagnose you with conditions you don't actually have? This episode dives deep into the practices of UnitedHealth Group , the nation's largest health insurer, and their impact on Medicare Advantage payments. We explore how UnitedHealth 's system of employing doctors and providing them with checklists of potential diagnoses has led to significant...

This podcast discussion explores the hidden motivations behind patients' healthcare choices.   It argues that people seek medical care not primarily for medical outcomes, but for social validation and reassurance.   The discussion uses examples like the popularity of likeable but potentially ineffective doctors and patients' low interest in objective medical data to support this claim.  Experts hi...

This episode explores the concept of "nudging," using insights from behavioral science to influence decision-making for the better. We delve into how individuals and organizations can design choices that promote positive outcomes, from health and finance to environmental sustainability. We examine real-world examples of effective nudges, as well as potential pitfalls, including the misuse of nudge...

This episode dives into the world of Direct Primary Care (DPC), a healthcare model where patients pay a monthly fee directly to their doctor, similar to a gym membership. We explore a research paper that analyzes the financials of DPC and its potential to reshape the U.S. healthcare landscape. The study compares a hypothetical DPC practice to a traditional fee-for-service (FFS) practice. We discus...

What are the most critical topics in health, science, and medicine? From AI advancements in cell biology to the hurdles of finding therapies for rare diseases , we delve into the latest research and the personal stories driving progress. We analyze the effects of healthcare policy , the fight against misinformation , and the efforts to achieve fairness in medicine . We also investigate the connect...

Is the U.S. healthcare system broken? This podcast explores the major trends impacting healthcare, revealing a system struggling with rising costs, declining health, and ineffective regulations . We dive into the concept of a "negative-sum game" in healthcare, where stakeholders are not incentivized to prioritize patient outcomes or cost-effectiveness. Discover how increased utilization doesn't ne...

This episode explores the key shifts in digital health during 2024, drawing from the "Digital Health Trends (December 2024) Year in Review" report from CircleSquare. It was a year of significant developments and challenges across the industry. Key Discussion Points: ● EHRs: We'll discuss Epic's continued dominance and Oracle Health's new AI-powered EHR, along with the rise of specialty platforms a...