From Finance to Healthcare: Navigating the Shift with Michi Kono

Software Architecture Insights

Michi Kono, the CTO of Garner Health, joins us to discuss the intersection of technology and healthcare. Garner Health leverages advanced data management techniques to help employers find the best healthcare providers for their employees. Michi shares insights from his extensive background in the financial sector, where he led significant tech initiatives, and explains how those experiences inform his current work in healthcare. We explore the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, including data accessibility and the challenges posed by outdated practices. Michi emphasizes the importance of modernizing data systems and the role of startups in driving innovation in this vital industry.

The conversation with Michi Kono, CTO of Garner Health, delves into the intersection of technology and healthcare. Michi shares his transition from the financial sector, where he played significant roles at companies like Capital One and Stripe, to the healthcare field. At Garner Health, he leads initiatives that leverage data analysis to guide employees in choosing quality healthcare providers. The discussion highlights the importance of utilizing modern data management techniques to improve healthcare outcomes, underscoring how data-driven approaches can enhance the quality of life for millions. Michi explains how the complexities of the US healthcare system, including regulation and privacy concerns, present unique challenges compared to the financial industry. The episode also touches on the evolution of healthcare data management and the need for modernization within healthcare organizations to keep up with technological advancements.

Takeaways:

• Michi Kono transitioned from financial technology to healthcare to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
• Garner Health utilizes data science to analyze medical outcomes and recommend quality healthcare providers.
• The healthcare industry is complex and unique, reflecting challenges in data access and integration compared to finance.
• Modern data management in healthcare is evolving, yet many systems still rely on outdated practices, slowing innovation.
• Healthcare startups face unique challenges but have opportunities to leverage new technologies for improved patient outcomes.
• Understanding data flow and machine learning basics is essential for future engineers in both healthcare and financial technology.

Links referenced in this episode:

• softwarearchitectureinsights.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Gartner Health
• Stripe
• Meta
• Capital One
• Snowflake
• Zocdoc
• EPIC

Mentioned in this episode:

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