D.D. Johnice

This 👂 podcast episode and insight’s from a16z Bio + Health's Julie Yoo spoke so clearly to the fundamental challenge facing both 🩺 clinicians and 🏥 healthcare systems.  There is a huge disconnect between supply, in the availability of clinicians, and demand, in the increasing volume and complexity of healthcare needs. -     36% of physicians plan to reduce their hours next year according to the AMA -     48% of physicians reported feeling burned out in a 2024 Medscape survey At the same time, the demographic baby boomer bubble and steady increase in the prevalence of major chronic disease, which consumes up to 90% of healthcare expenditures according to some estimates, is driving demand. With this context, Yoo points to a major opportunity for AI adoption in healthcare in 2025. Yeah, a VC hyping a wave of new AI companies that will replace the decades of training and experience of clinicians, the skeptic would say.  But Yoo is thoughtful in pointing to the role AI can play, and is already playing, through solutions such as ambient, autonomous scribe solutions (of which local star Abridge is leading the pack) in not replacing, but freeing up productivity for clinicians. There is so much unstructured context in both the complexity of disease and treatment options and the social/emotional considerations that we shouldn't be looking for AI to *replace* clinicians. But companies are getting better at finding the structured, repetitive and time-consuming places where AI tools can *help* clinicians. Nearly two-thirds of doctors cited bureaucratic tasks as the leading contributor to burnout. Rigorously trained-AI driven solutions can be a force multiplier for clinicians, and I’ve seen several interviews where nurses and doctors go as far as to say some of these solutions are ”restoring their joy in practicing medicine”. Our health is precious; and we rightly want any technology engaging with it to be developed thoughtfully and thoroughly tested. This requires top AI talent and diverse and realistic training data. Pittsburgh’s strengths in both areas is why we are an emerging hub for data-driven healthcare. #AIinhealthcare #clinicianburnout #healthinnovation #digitalhealth

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"Don't Make it a Thing - Just Do the Damn Thing" ✨ 2024 Highlight Reel - One day, I'm helping founders raise capital, and the next accidentally organizing an entire event week... 🎯 The Greatest Hits ✅ Watched in as my former colleagues at Alliance for Southern California Innovation helped startups secure $110M+ in funding. (Congrats Eric Eide, Dan Davidson, and Nima Ashraf) ✅ Collaborated as CogX Festival Ambassador with Charlie Muirhead (CogX) & Crew ahead of their first LA Conference. We threw 8 salons that were basically tech TED talks with better snacks at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Special shoutout to Brandon Florian and Travis DeMeester for making "Dual-Use Technologies" exciting. ✅  Reunion with the Aerospace & Defense community thanks to my long-lost brother from another mother, Rahul Singh, at the DIU & NSIN roundtable. ✅ Then came the "hold my coffee" moment: SoCal Deep Tech Week 2024 with Owen Fileti, Joshua Peng, Rahul Singh, and many others. Zero resources, all hustle - somehow convinced 900+ brilliant minds to show up (and 60% actually did! 🎉) 🙏 What 2024 Taught Me 📝 Seize opportunities immediately - waiting only leads to missed chances 📝 Make decisions and commit to your course 📝 Trust your well-intentioned decisions, even amid uncertainty 📝 Leverage your network when the mission matters - people will support what they believe in 📝 Embrace imperfection - treat everything as a pilot and iterate aggressively 📝 Above all: Don't make it a thing - just do the damn thing 🏀 2025 Game Plan ☒ Assist in revitalizing the Industrial Base across Deep Tech ☒ Increase collaboration within and outside ecosystem (no siloes) ☒ Talk to more Deep Tech Founders, hear their story, and introduce them to funders, business, etc. (more on this soon) ☒ Share more brain dumps (I keep too much in my head.) 🔮 2025 Predictions ✨ More "Applied AI" / "Physical AI" + "" – AI is the Engine and Interface, and Data is its fuel.  ✨ History class finally becomes useful (ex: Defense Production Act & National Defense Education Act) ✨ Global politics gets industrial (CHIPS Act is just the appetizer) ✨ Two-front challenge: Rebuilding at home while playing global chess ✨ The Great Talent Hunt: Brace for more conversations about workforce gaps (spoiler alert: upskilling and education are about to become everyone's favorite buzzwords for social mobility) Thanks to all who supported, contributed, and shared the moments this year. Here's to a wild 2025... 🫡🇺🇸

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If there is a disconnect between decisions that are being made about technology without involving the people that are closest to the work it that is concerning. We are early in many of these discussions about emerging technologies and there is a lot to learn. I believe the folks at Kaiser and elsewhere will get it right. By putting patient care, and direct line workers first. Designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML models in critically sensitive areas like healthcare. Requires a comprehensive approach from decision makers in all levels that ensure human oversight “in, on, over, and outside the loop.” To ensure accountable and ethical standard are in place to reduce moral injury, mitigate risk, to avoid any potential catastrophic harm. “At Kaiser Permanente, AI tools don't make medical decisions — our physicians and care teams are always at the center of decision-making with our patients," the spokesperson said. "We believe that AI may be able to help our physicians and employees and enhance our members' experience. As an organization dedicated to inclusiveness and health equity, we ensure the results from AI tools are correct and unbiased; AI does not replace human assessment." #Accountable #Business #Insights #Decisions #Experiences

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“So... Apple is entering the hearing space!” For the past two weeks, I've been flooded with messages asking how Apple's latest announcement will impact Concha Labs. Another consumer tech giant is stepping into the hearing space, but what does this really mean? With over 1.5 billion people affected by hearing loss globally, this is a massive market. Yet, like mental health, hearing loss is something people don’t talk about much. If you ask anyone who’s tried hearing aids, you’ll likely hear stories of frustration—they’re often disliked because of impersonal sound quality. For me, they were always too loud or too quiet, and I could never find the “right” fit. This isn’t new. Apple, like Bose before them, will likely face similar challenges in replicating the status quo. Despite their audio expertise, Bose entered the hearing aid space but exited due to the same hurdles. Bluetooth earpieces, with their short battery life and social awkwardness, also highlight how hard it is to create a practical, long-term solution. But here’s the good news: more attention on hearing health, thanks to Apple’s announcement and the OTC Hearing Aid Act, is a win for everyone. It’s sparking conversations about hearing loss—something I kept hidden for decades. Concha Labs' hearing aids are nearly invisible, like contact lenses. When I tell people I’m wearing our product, they’re always shocked because they don’t notice them, even with my hair up! (And this goes for the guys who wear them, too!) What’s clear to me is that while awareness is growing, real innovation comes from solving actual user pain points. That’s where Concha Labs comes in: we offer a fully personalized hearing experience, much like how Spotify revolutionized music personalization beyond iTunes. Our solution is designed for real-world usability—comfortable, discreet, personalized, and customizable in multiple sizes and colors. Created by people who were tired of the status quo (like me!), our Concha Sol hearing aids are made for those who want something better. So, if you’re tired of the same old hearing aids, let Concha Labs empower you to hear clearly. We promise, you’ll notice the difference. 😉 Amy www.conchalabs.com #hearing #hearingaids #apple #conchalabs #invisible #otchearingaids #startup

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🌟 Exciting News in the Fight Against Homelessness in California! 🌟 🏠 Imagine a world where healthcare extends beyond the hospital walls and directly into the communities that need it most. That's exactly what California is pioneering with its CalAIM initiative! Launched in 2022, CalAIM is transforming how Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, addresses homelessness by integrating healthcare with critical housing support services. 🤯 Did you know? In 2023 alone, over 68,600 Californians benefited from CalAIM’s “housing trio” services, which help individuals secure housing, maintain their living situations, and manage initial move-in costs. But that's not all - the program also offers medically tailored meals, medical respite care, and more, all designed to create a healthier, more stable environment for those in need. 🔄 However, there’s a catch - this groundbreaking program operates under federal waivers that are set to expire at the end of 2026. The future of CalAIM hangs in the balance, depending on the renewal decisions of the federal administration. This uncertainty poses a significant challenge to the continuity of services that many depend on. 🔍 Looking ahead, California advocates are pushing to make these essential services a permanent part of Medi-Cal, aiming to safeguard the future of healthcare and housing integration. This proactive approach illustrates the critical need for sustainable solutions in addressing homelessness. 🏛️ At PHOCIS Capital™, we believe in the power of sustainable development and the role of private money in driving social change. Our commitment to financial empowerment and success ties directly into initiatives like CalAIM, where thoughtful investment can yield transformative societal impacts. 💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts! How do you see the integration of healthcare and housing evolving? What role can private investors play in supporting initiatives like CalAIM? 👍 Like, comment, and share to spread the word about this innovative approach to tackling homelessness! 📢 #RegisterNow to stay updated on how you can contribute through impactful investments with PHOCIS Capital™. #HousingForAll #SustainableDevelopment #PrivateMoney #fixandflip #hardmoney #FinancialEmpowerment #RealEstateHumor 🔗 [Your thoughts and actions can help pave the way for a brighter, healthier future!]

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Digital health isn't just about apps and wearables. It's about rewiring our neural circuitry for wellbeing. Join me on Charmhealth's podcast as we explore the frontier of brain-based behavior change. #DigitalHealth #NeuroscienceRevolution https://lnkd.in/gTFka44P

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An interesting new service for accelerating time to market for digital health products and embedding them properly in pathways. Palantir's recent CEO statement is also very revealing. While focused on their defence work, it can be equally read as a rather blunt critique on where much (but not all!) of the digital health industry is at right now: "A premium was placed on developing software products whose principal purpose was to sell themselves. And a perception of value became more important than value itself....... Those companies, however, are now being swept to the side. They attempted to seize the cultural and moral high ground at the expense of anything resembling a commitment to outcomes. And society, not to mention customers, have grown disinterested in their theater." Ouch. https://lnkd.in/e8iVd9wV

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AI in healthcare? LIVEMED Telehealth™’s framework on deploying AI effectively has guided the innovation of VIRTUALIS™ and is fuelling their rapid growth in US telemedicine. It is so refreshing to be supporting a company solving real issues in such an innovative but pragmatic way. #telemedicine #healthcare #virtualcare #healthtech

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I am superfan of Damon Davis & his podcasts, not only because he asks great questions (with that velvety voice!) but also because he brings his own insights and experience to the conversation. For example, he connected our work at HHS on #OpenData to the current public debate about AI and health care. Here's a quick clip about why patients, survivors, and caregivers should be on AI design teams #RebelHealth #PatientsUseAI https://lnkd.in/e6NJECav

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Thank you Arik Hill for the shout out and thank you to Shirley Wang and The Wall Street Journal for including our work at Lyssn, as well as my colleague Tim Althoff in her thoughtful piece on the use of and impacts of chatbots in mental health.  (Gift link in comments.) Properly validated and tested AI does indeed have a role in improving both access and quality in mental health, human services, and crisis intervention. And, as the article notes, there are both significant risks and growing opportunities to do both in a way that enhances patient outcomes while supporting clinicians on the front lines. At Lyssn, we use a research-led model of product development to ensure that our platform supports the use of evidence-based practices and minimizes risk, including bias.  Even in high-risk situations like crisis calls and 988, our NIMH-funded work with @protocall is demonstrating the platform’s safety and utility. We've been working on AI and mental health for over 15 years. Now, change is coming more rapidly. We believe that clinically-validated tools, including chatbots, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of people suffering from mental health challenges.

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We all have seen by now that AI holds the promise of reshaping healthcare delivery, and this goes particularly for marginalized communities. Its widespread adoption, however, necessitates careful navigation of potential biases and ethical concerns to ensure equitable outcomes for all! As we embrace AI's transformative potential, we must continue to actively address issues of access, transparency, and workforce readiness in order to promote a future where technology enhances, rather than hinders, health equity initiatives. #HealthEquity #Healthcare #AI

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Healthcare 1.0 - what's keeping it afloat? Think really hard about this for a moment. On operating revenues of $100,847 Kaiser Permanente had: Operating costs of $100,518 vs $96,678 in 2023 Operating margin of .3% or $329M vs ($1,270) in 2023 Other income was $3,793 vs ($4,468) in 2023 Let's pause. Costs are up by almost 4 billion. Without the other income KP is losing money every single day. Membership declined by 51K but that's NOT the story - the story is ZERO growth. Are you getting it yet? Sick people drive revenues. Really sick people drive more costs because they cannot bend the cost curve ahead of time. Premiums and Copay revenue always lags a year. Digital Health is an operating cost to Healthcare 1.0 because their business model is sickness - revenue. And that will NEVER change. Healthcare 1.0 lives on the brink between life and death and the willingness of debt holders who collect their fees. Healthcare 1.0 is on life support. Why invest in something that is on life support. It cannot be fixed. Lonnie Hirsch, Ellen Brown, Adam Carewe MD https://lnkd.in/eppxSNUb

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Sora AI just launched... I wanted to share my first text to video creation here, but as you can see, others beat me to it. In the words of The Californians (from SNL) - it's jammed! Until I can test drive it, here's some info: 1. Sora is a text-to-video service from OpenAI (ChatGPT folks). 2. You can also create videos from your images. 3. The videos are short: Up to 20 seconds 4. It's available to anyone - not just paid plans - from the Explore Feed. 5. ChatGPT Plus subscribers get up to 50 video generations per month at 720p resolution, with each video capped at five seconds. ChatGPT Pro subscribers get more 6. As of Dec. 9th, it's only live in the U.S. and select countries (not yet in UK and EU). Has anyone been able to access Sora?

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Great points here to think about....Revisiting the core values...

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🏥 The future of healthcare is preventive, not reactive. This week, Wellworthy spoke with Truemed's Justin Mares, AgelessRx's co-founder Sajad Zalzala M.D., and 23andMe's Noura Abul-Husn to break down proactive healthcare. The reality: Half of Americans have at least one chronic disease. But there's a better way forward through prevention and proactive health choices. Here's what the experts recommend: 🔍 Get baseline diagnostics early 🥗 Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods 😴 Prioritize quality sleep 🤝 Maintain strong social connections "We have more control over our health trajectory than we think," says Mares. "Starting with one healthier decision today could change your healthspan and life." Read the full report: ⬇ https://lnkd.in/eJvWcKvg Presented by Nike.

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What I Learned from the HLTH Conference: Key Takeaways for the Future of Healthcare Attending the HLTH Conference was an eye-opener in many ways. Here are a few of my key takeaways that can reshape how we approach healthcare: Funding the Future: Sustainable funding models remain crucial. Whether through traditional routes like Medicaid (despite its fragmentation) or exploring alternative payment sources, it's clear that innovative payment models are essential to ensuring broad access to care. Outpatient SUD Treatment: 90% of substance use disorders (SUD) can be treated in outpatient settings. This shift could reduce healthcare costs and ease the burden on emergency rooms, where many addicts currently turn due to lack of primary care support. Technology and Wearables: The role of wearables and AI in healthcare is growing. Brainwave monitoring, biosensors in wearables for addiction management, and camera-based non-verbal emotion recognition are all promising advancements. Continued collaboration with tech leaders like Microsoft, Google, Samsung, and others is key to scaling these solutions. Workforce Challenges: By 2025, we could face a shortage of 3 million doctors, forcing healthcare to rethink delivery models. One solution? Empower patients to help each other—technology can facilitate this transformation. The Power of Partnerships: Engaging with partners, whether through foundations, tech companies, or local community-based programs, will be essential to overcoming healthcare’s biggest challenges. Collaboration is at the heart of progress. Looking forward to following up with the incredible individuals and organizations I met at HLTH and continuing to push forward in addressing some of healthcare's toughest issues! #HealthcareInnovation #HLTH2024 #WearableTech #AddictionRecovery #OutpatientCare #Partnerships #FutureOfHealthcare #DigitalHealth

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#AHIPDigital peeps in Nashville: Looking forward to seeing you at 2:30 today in Room 101 A. We're covering culture, and how to change it to be customer centric. We'll talk about all sorts of things from why NPS is not the right metric to what steps to take to create long-term, real culture change at an organization. Because as we all know, #EXDrivesCX. Period.

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One door closes, another opens At the beginning of June earlier this year, I made the announcement that Blendily retail stores would close. As I went through the process of closing/shuttering operations in Portland. I experienced a flood of emotions, some positive, but also of bitterness. What needs to be different, for a concept such as Blendily to work? I've observed lots of quit letters from founders. Long-winded accounts that show humanity and emotion, or very vague light 'that's a wrap!' type announcements. I thought that if I had to write a quit letter, I would try to land somewhere in the middle. But the thing is, I wasn’t quitting. I AM NOT quitting. Curtain call botanic kitchens in PDX & SEA. Will there be any more kitchens? That remains to be seen. We will continue to offer our best-selling Made in Cascadia line of products, we will still be adding new offerings imbued with Pacific Northwest spirit.  Other plans for events, to teach, to write, to create, are still brewing. Blendily operates seed-to-soul botanic kitchens all over the World, connecting nature to people, purpose & place. Our mission is to spread botanic magic. It has a nice ring to it, still! Our team is hiring, we are regrouping. We are looking for business partners, collaborators, and amplifiers! Please consider joining our splendid squad, spread the word on our offerings, and cheer the evolution of the brand. Our Anniversary sale is the perfect occasion to restock on favorites, and share some Blendily magic with loved ones! Use the Code Blendily11 for 30% Sitewide with FREE US Continental Shipping. Thanks for reading, and thanks to everyone following the Blendily journey. Be Well, Ivy Chuang #femalefounder #founderjourney #entrepreneur #thefutureisfloral

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"As a founder, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of purpose." At The Investor's Den SF, we’re connecting startups focused on meaningful change—like MyBabyMyWay.AI—to the resources and support they need to thrive. In healthcare, impact and innovation must go hand-in-hand. Are you a founder with a purpose-driven mission? Let’s work together to bring that vision to life. #StartupLife #VentureCapital #SocialImpact #HealthTech #AI

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