Chapter 12: Future of Integration

Embracing Machine-to-Machine Integration for a Transformative Healthcare Future

In a recent discussion, Narinder Singh and Eric Yablonka emphasized the need for machine-to-machine integration in healthcare, arguing that humans should not be the mediators in this process. They highlighted how outdated technologies can create friction and hinder openness, which is essential for innovation. Yablonka praised the impressive work being done at institutions like Mayo Clinic and Stanford, as well as emerging startups led by passionate young CEOs. He believes that healthcare organizations must be willing to embrace these innovative ideas to drive meaningful change in the industry. The conversation serves as a reminder that the future of healthcare relies on a commitment to openness and a willingness to adapt to new technologies. 

Listen to Narinder Singh and Eric Yablonka discuss how fostering an environment of collaboration and embracing technological advancements can empower healthcare organizations to overcome traditional barriers and unlock new opportunities for improved patient care.

 

Video Transcript

Narinder Singh: 

Said something earlier in the conversation that really resonates with this point, which is we need machine to machine integration to not be mediated by humans. And I think this is part of the humans 

Eric Yablonka: 

Are not the integrator. We want the machine. 

Narinder Singh: 

And I think this is a reflection of older technologies that force them to have a health system bring you to versus being open. There could certainly be some attitudes that prevent that, but that technology friction that’s involved makes it so that you’ve got to really believe in openness versus sort of believe in openness to actually create an environment that is open. I want to end a little bit more positive. I’d love to hear two or three people firms, groups that you’ve looked to earlier in your career today for innovation or insights, just straight talk on healthcare. 

Eric Yablonka: 

Well, I mean I think the Mayo platform people are incredible. Everything I read about that is just so impressive. The work that Stanford is doing as well, their AI center is incredible and their imaging AI imaging experts are unbelievable. So there’s a lot of great work coming out of academic medical centers. And I’ve also been a mentor at Matter, which is the health tech incubator in Chicago. And I’ve met young CEOs with startup companies like Laura Epstein at Pulse Charter Connect, and Josh Love at Zeit ai. These young people both have the energy and the excitement and really, really, really good ideas to bring to the healthcare marketplace and it’s up to the healthcare organizations, not only to discover them, but to embrace their capabilities, which they might not get from anybody else, including Cerner, epic, or anybody Google. Anybody else you want to mention. 

So that’s been one of my pleasures in the roles I fill now working with Health 2047 and Accelerate Health Ventures, is to really see these new companies, these young CEOs who are just not satisfied with healthcare, whether it’s their own experience, family experience, or just their knowledge. And these people are a couple years out of school or just out of school and they want to change the industry. And I think the healthcare organizations have to be ready for people like that because they’re the ones that are bringing the innovations. Perhaps the 40-year-old companies, 50-year-old companies struggle just a little bit more on their digital transformation. I 

Narinder Singh: 

Think that’s an inspiring message and really resonates with me, except for the young part, and I think Me too. Thanks. I appreciate your kind of guidance and giving back to those companies and to look deep. You’ve been a wonderful advisor to kind of give us this perspective of wanting new innovation with the pragmatic earned experience of 35 years of getting beat up day in, day out. So thank you for that and also for your time here today. Eric, this has been wonderful. 

Eric Yablonka: 

Thank you. No, I appreciate your time. Bye.