We're already into Week 3 of the #RoadToHLTH journey, and what a ride it's been! From scenic hikes to inspiring encounters, every day has brought its own set of memorable moments.

In this week's update, we'll take a look back at some of the standout experiences and the amazing individuals who've been part of this adventure. Buckle up and let's dive into the recap!

Long Island Experience with the Desiderios

The charm of Long Island was enhanced by the warm welcome from the Desiderio family.

Joe has been a trusted advisor for me, and to finally meet his artistic wife, Kathleen, and their daughter, Julia, was a delight. The main highlight of our time together was enjoying a gorgeous sunset in North Fork, a moment that encapsulated the beauty of both the location and the company.

HITea with Grace Tea Party in Boston

My journey to Boston, marked by scenic ferry and train rides, was an apt precursor to the enlightening discussions that awaited me. The tea party, sponsored by Dermavant, and cohosted by Grace Vinton, was a blend of refreshing beverages and stimulating discussions about the evolving world of healthcare.

From the future of virtual care to the potency of clean data and its AI applications, the tea party was a concoction of innovative ideas and collaborations. Moreover, these gatherings are a delightful way for women in the industry to connect. They often lead to inspiring collaborations and the blossoming of new friendships. Being a catalyst for such connection is precisely what the #RoadToHLTH journey is all about.

MIT Visit

Walking onto MIT's campus alongside Grace felt like drinking from the firehose – a flood of opportunity, networking, and knowledge. With MIT's reputation for churning out innovative ideas and paths, our experience lived up to expectations.

Amidst the intellectual stimulation, Grace and I even managed to put together a light-hearted TikTok to encapsulate the day's spirit. A notable highlight was recording a podcast with Kristen Ellefson and Bindu Chanagala, two of the three co-founders of Nurtur. This MIT startup aims to improve the symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Their insights on assisting individuals through postpartum challenges were compelling, and I'm eager to see where their venture leads.

Stay tuned for their episode, which will air in the coming weeks and also be featured on MIT's DeltaV podcast. 

The intellectual richness surrounding MIT and the innovative spirit of its graduates is truly humbling.

Coffee Break

On a caffeinated high, I met up for a power coffee date with the indomitable Janna Guinen of the HLTH Foundation. Together, we brainstormed dynamic ways to "IMPACT Like A Girl", setting the stage for some powerful collaborations in the future.

Walden Pond Adventure

Despite ominous clouds, the rain mercifully held off during our inspiring hike around Walden Pond. The supportive turnout from the New England HIMSS chapter was fantastic, always enriching our gatherings.

Our podcast featured a special release from Dimensional Insight with Nora Lissy on the same day, deepening our community's understanding of their mission and values. A big thank you to them for their generous sponsorship.

As we walked around Walden Pond, Thoreau's source of solace and inspiration became palpable. The tranquil waters, the enveloping trees, and the rich conversations underscored the day's confluence of nature and networking.

The Train Journey

Starting in Boston and heading West, a standout moment was my 24-hour catch-up with Julie Mann in Syracuse, NY.

My journey then led me to Chicago, IL, where I took a brief detour from the train to enjoy lunch with Dana Trampas, a shining moment amidst the travel's ebbs and flows.

Finally, in St. Paul, MN, the comfort of a cozy hotel room provided the much-needed relief after the day's travels.

Lastly, a reminder for all our listeners: this week's episode features the insights of Diana Nole, the CVP of Microsoft Health & Life, a Nuance Healthcare Division. Dive in and discover her rich experiences and perspectives!

LOOKING AHEAD

With Labor Day here, I'm excited about the next stops on my journey:

  • Portland

  • San Francisco

  • Denver

  • Chicago

  • Las Vegas

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS