In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we sit down with Dr. John Morrison, a professor at Columbia University and the architect behind its Cognitive Science program. 

He shares how his background in philosophy led him to explore the mind through neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and computational modeling. We dive into his research on perceptual confidence and how both brains and machines may operate probabilistically, from perception to decision-making. He walks us through his work using transfer learning to uncover which algorithms neural networks use to process information. We also discuss the unique role philosophers can play in shaping emerging sciences like neuroscience. Whether you're curious about cognition, AI, or the philosophy of mind, this episode unpacks the deep questions driving this interdisciplinary field.

The Philosophy Behind AI and the Mind | Columbia Professor John Morrison

In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we sit down with Ashley Reid, founder and CEO of Wellist, a platform that connects patients and employees to personalized support services, from childcare to mental health.

Ashley shares her journey from a corporate strategy leader to an innovative entrepreneur determined to reshape the healthcare landscape. She dives into Wellist’s mission to create systems that ensure patients and employees find the right resources, ranging from childcare to mental health support, exactly when they need them. We discuss how her team has built a platform designed to systematize support services and why reallocating resources, not just spending more, is the real solution to improving healthcare outcomes. Tune in to learn how Wellist is bridging the gap between clinical care and social determinants of health, ensuring people get the holistic care they deserve.

Don't Spend More, Spend Better | Wellist CEO Ashley Reid

In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we’re joined by Dr. Arpit Rao, oncologist and co-founder of Ankr Health, a Y Combinator-backed startup using AI to transform cancer care.

We explore his path from running FDA clinical trials to launching a platform that predicts treatment-limiting side effects before they happen. He also discusses the startup’s go-to-market journey, including their first major deal with AstraZeneca, and how they’ve built a solution tailored specifically for the pharma industry. This conversation is a powerful look into how machine learning can improve outcomes, reduce patient drop-off, and reimagine the future of oncology care.

From Oncology to Building for Pharma at YC | Ankr Health CEO Arpit Rao

In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we're hosting Dr. Amar Setty, anesthesiologist and co-founder of Patient Premier, a startup reimagining how we measure and manage pain. 

We explore his journey from medical school and Capitol Hill to launching a data-driven pain tracking platform that helps patients and providers make smarter decisions. Amar shares how Patient Premier's “Pain Scored” platform goes beyond the traditional 1–10 scale to capture a fuller picture of pain using remote monitoring and behavioral data. He also discusses the challenges of building a startup in healthcare, from navigating reimbursement models to integrating with clinical workflows. This conversation is a deep dive into how data can improve care, reduce opioid dependence, and reshape how we think about value in medicine.4o



Solving Pain Points in Pain Management | Patient Premier CEO Amar Setty

In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we’re joined by Maitreyee Joshi, founder and CEO of Avon Health, an AI-powered EMR platform built to be fully customizable for modern healthcare teams. 

Maitreyee shares her journey from working at Microsoft and PathAI to launching Avon, where she's rethinking what an EMR should do—from a rigid system to a flexible, low-code platform that adapts to each clinic’s unique needs. We dive into how her team validated the product with early design partners, scaled the company without a traditional sales team, and embedded AI to streamline charting, analytics, and more. Maitreyee also offers powerful insights into founder–market fit, building lean, and why fast iteration is key to long-term success. Whether you're a healthcare builder, clinician, or just curious about how software can transform care delivery, this episode offers both strategic depth and inspiration.

How to Find Founder-Market Fit | Avon Health CEO Maitreyee Joshi

This episode, we sit down with Albert Katz, founder and CEO of Flagler Health, a startup revolutionizing musculoskeletal (MSK) care. 

With an operating system designed specifically for MSK providers, Flagler uses AI-powered triage tools to reduce readmissions, optimize patient care, and boost clinic efficiency—all while navigating the complexities of the healthcare ecosystem. Albert shares his unexpected journey into healthcare, the tough realities of building a startup, and the challenges of working with physician workflows. He dives into how Flagler partners with medtech giants, differentiates itself from virtual PT players like Hinge Health and Sword Health, and builds sticky, value-driven solutions that clinicians actually use. 

The Power of Partner-Led Growth | Flagler Health CEO Albert Katz

We sit down with Aasim Saeed, CEO & Founder of Amenities Health, to explore how his company is transforming patient-provider relationships and hospital economics. 

With experience in medicine, policy, McKinsey, and digital health at Baylor Scott & White, Aasim shares how health systems undervalue patient loyalty, why primary care is a loss leader, and how technology can drive both engagement and profitability. We discuss insights from 6,000 patient surveys, revealing that price transparency and convenience matter more than access, and why hospitals struggle to implement patient-first solutions. Aasim also explains how premium memberships can build patient retention, why hospitals mistakenly fund competitors like One Medical, and what it takes to create a true digital front door for healthcare.

Loyalty is Healthcare's Best Medicine | Amenities Health CEO Aasim Saeed

We sit down with Abhishek Mohanty, the founder of CareFlick, a startup leveraging AI to combat loneliness and isolation among seniors.

Abhishek shares his unconventional journey into healthcare, from running a design firm and a D2C brand to leading a senior care startup before launching CareFlick. We dive into how Yana (aka You Are Not Alone), CareFlick’s AI-powered digital companion, is redefining senior care by providing engagement, companionship, and proactive health monitoring. Abhishek discusses the evolution of Yana—from a team management tool for caregivers to a culturally adaptable AI assistant capable of analyzing facial expressions and conversation tone to detect emotional and mental health changes in real time. Tune in to hear how AI is transforming senior care and how CareFlick is paving the way for a more connected and compassionate aging experience.

A Digital Companion for Seniors | CareFlick CEO Abhishek Mohanty

How does our brain turn limited sensory data into a rich visual experience? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Brainard, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, to dive deep into the world of visual perception, inference, and computational modeling.

Dr. Brainard shares his journey from physics to psychology and explains how his research explores how the brain processes light, interprets color, and makes inferences about the world around us. We also discuss his work in computational modeling, which is transforming our understanding of retinal function, neural efficiency, and AI-driven vision systems. From cutting-edge research to the future of brain-computer interfaces and neurodegenerative treatments, this episode is packed with fascinating insights into how we see and how AI is learning to see.

Visual Perception and AI Inference | Penn Professor David Brainard

In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we're speaking with Erica Jain, the co-founder and CEO of Healthie, a New York-based software platform enabling telehealth and virtual care. 

Erica shares her journey from studying international health disparities to working in healthcare consulting at BCG and launching Healthie to improve patient-provider interactions. She discusses the challenges of scaling a healthcare technology company, the evolving landscape of virtual care, and Healthie’s mission to empower clinicians with modern digital tools. This conversation covers the impact of COVID-19 on virtual care, how Healthie differentiates itself from traditional EHR systems, and the balance between profitability and long-term healthcare innovation.

Scaling Software in Virtual Care | Healthie CEO Erica Jain

The Healthcare Theory explores the future of healthcare through technology and innovation.  Join us every week for interviews with startups and thought leaders reshaping the healthcare industry.

Nikhil Reddy

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