The AI Gold Rush in Healthcare: Hype vs Reality

I just read Abhinav Shashank’s eye-opening reality check from HLTH 2024, and it truly resonates with my own experiences in the healthcare investment space.

As Abhinav aptly puts it, "AI won’t save healthcare" if we continue repeating the same patterns seen with blockchain, telehealth, and digital therapeutics.

Abhinav reminds us that while flashy startups are quick to promise AI-fueled revolutions, healthcare’s complexity demands solutions grounded in real-world utility, not just tech-driven excitement.

He highlights lessons from enduring giants like Epic and Optum, who built their success over decades by solving fundamental problems and understanding the importance of trust, reliability, and relationships.

Key Takeaways:

1. Be Boring: Healthcare thrives on practicality. Flashy AI promises can’t overshadow the importance of solid, dependable systems.
2. Focus on Revenue, Not Venture Money: Knowing how healthcare dollars flow is critical. Real success lies in generating revenue, not just raising capital.
3. Build Real Relationships: Solutions must be rooted in a deep understanding of hospital workflows, nurse realities, and compliance challenges.
4. Play the Long Game: Overnight success doesn’t exist in healthcare. Real impact takes time, persistence, and patience.

My Perspective: As a healthcare leader and investor, I've seen firsthand the gap between AI promises and what truly transforms care.

It’s crucial to focus on solving real pain points—like prior authorizations, clinical notes summary real-time during consults or infrastructure reliability—rather than chasing trends.

Successful healthcare innovation stems from respect for its complexity, a deep understanding of stakeholders' needs, and the willingness to play the long game, much like Abhinav and I advocate.

Let’s shift from "disruption" to building sustainable solutions that genuinely move the needle.

#Healthcare #Innovation #AI #LongGame #Leadership #Investment