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.

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.

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.