In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, nurse practitioners (NPs) are not only pivotal in patient care but also essential in leading innovation and change within digital health. In the latest episode of the Well Kept Podcast, hosts Jackie Giannulli and Carmen Stansbury, both board-certified nurse practitioners, engage in a compelling conversation with Laura Demuth, Senior Vice President of Patient Care and Head of Medical at Curology. They explore the challenges, opportunities, and the dynamic roles NPs can play in digital health.

Listen to this episode of the Well Kept podcast!

Show Notes

In this episode of the Well Kept Podcast, hosts Carmen Stansbury and Jackie Giannulli dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare innovation, wellness products, and revolutionary care models. Joined by Laura Demuth, Senior VP of Patient Care and Head of Medical at Curology, the discussion centers around the journey from traditional nursing roles to trailblazing in the digital health space. They explore challenges and triumphs of telehealth, the integration of technology and patient care, and insights into scaling a digital health company. The conversation also covers crucial advice for aspiring nurse practitioners, the importance of learning business and finance in healthcare, and the prospects and potential of engaging in digital health entrepreneurship.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Well Kept Podcast
• 00:11 Meet the Hosts: Carmen and Jackie
• 00:34 Podcast Mission and Audience
• 01:35 Introduction to Laura Demuth
• 02:34 Understanding Curology and Digital Health
• 05:12 Laura’s Career Journey
• 08:22 Challenges and Growth in Digital Health
• 09:37 Scaling and Business Strategies
• 15:03 Navigating Later Stage Startups
• 20:10 Understanding the Financial Side of Healthcare
• 21:04 The Role of Digital Health and Venture Capital
• 22:05 Navigating Business Education as a Healthcare Professional
• 23:23 Learning from Financial Experts and Coaches
• 24:30 The Importance of Clinicians in Business Leadership
• 25:53 Advice for Aspiring Digital Health Professionals
• 32:01 The Future of Digital Health and Hybrid Care
• 36:38 Resources and Networking for Healthcare Professionals
• 39:32 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice

Breaking Through Healthcare Barriers

The podcast kicks off with an introduction to the digital health landscape, discussing how NPs are uniquely positioned to break through traditional healthcare barriers and adopt innovative care models. Jackie and Carmen emphasize the importance of NPs stepping out of their comfort zones to explore entrepreneurial opportunities within healthcare.

Laura Demuth’s Journey into Digital Health

Laura Demuth shares her inspiring journey from a bedside nurse to a leader in digital health. With over two decades of experience, Laura’s transition began as a curiosity about combining technology with patient care. She recounts her early days at Curology, a digital health platform specializing in telehealth dermatology, where her role has evolved significantly over the years.

Understanding the Role of NPs in Digital Health

A key takeaway from Laura’s story is the importance of understanding digital health beyond the screen. Far from just conducting telemedicine, digital health involves collaborating across functions like product development, marketing, and finance. This collaborative environment requires NPs to adapt their clinical skills to problem-solving in a business context.

Challenges and Triumphs in Scaling Startups

The podcast delves into the unique challenges faced when scaling a startup from a nascent idea to a thriving business. Laura shares insights on the evolution of Curology through various funding stages and the complexities of managing a growing team and expanding service offerings.

Adapting to the Changing Healthcare Environment

Both Jackie and Laura agree on the necessity for NPs to understand the business side of healthcare. They discuss the underrepresentation of financial literacy in NP education and the importance of NPs knowing where healthcare dollars are spent to enhance their influence in decision-making processes.

The Future of Healthcare Leadership

Looking to the future, Laura expresses her passion for staying at the forefront of digital health innovation. While entrepreneurship may not be for everyone, she emphasizes the need for strong leadership within digital health to foster environments where both patients and clinicians thrive.

Advice for Aspiring Nurse Practitioners

The episode concludes with valuable advice for current nursing and NP students. Emphasizing the importance of clinical experience, Laura suggests harnessing digital platforms for networking and continuing education. She also highlights the significance of getting involved in digital health communities and following industry leaders to stay informed about emerging trends.

Conclusion

The Well Kept Podcast episode featuring Laura Demuth provides an enlightening view into the transformational opportunities available for NPs in digital health. By embracing these roles, NPs not only contribute to the innovation of the healthcare system but also craft careers that are fulfilling and versatile. The key lies in being open to learning new skills, understanding the business of healthcare, and integrating clinical expertise with strategic problem-solving. As digital health continues to grow, so do the possibilities for nurse practitioners to influence and lead the future of healthcare.