The Digital Patient - Episode 57 - Dr. Joseph D. Whitlark: Digital Patient Engagement to Increase Patient Experience & Market Share

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Audio:

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Video:

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In this episode of the SeamlessMD Podcast, Dr. Joshua Liu, Co-founder & CEO at SeamlessMD, and marketing colleague, Alan Sardana, chat with Dr. Joseph D. Whitlark, Director of Robotic Surgery and Director of Thoracic Surgery at Crozer Health, about "Digital Patient Engagement to Increase Patient Experience & Market Share."

See the full show notes below for details.

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Guest(s):

Dr. Joseph D. Whitlark, Director of Robotic Surgery & Director of Thoracic Surgery at Crozer Health

Dr. Joshua Liu (@joshuapliu), Co-founder & CEO at SeamlessMD

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‍Episode 57 – Show notes:
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[0:00] Introducing Dr. Joseph D. Whitlark, the Director of Robotic Surgery & Director of Thoracic Surgery at Crozer Health;

[1:15] Why Dr. Whitlark is motivated by new technologies and healthcare innovation because of the improvements on patient wellbeing he’s seen over the past 50 years;

[4:57] Why Dr. Whitlark created the robotic surgery program to provide exceptional patient care with the best technology for patients in the Philadelphia suburbs as traditionally, complex thoracic patients would be “shipped off” to the city;

[7:45] Why Dr. Whitlark prioritizes patient connectivity – often calling patients to ensure they have clarity on what to expect before and after surgery – as he’s seen a positive correlation on patient outcomes;

[8:30] Why Dr. Whitlark implemented Digital Patient Engagement (SeamlessMD) for its ability to enhance patient connectivity pre- and post-surgery, and to insights into patient recovery at home;

[9:36] How Thoracic patients are often overwhelmed by their cancer diagnosis and why Dr. Whitlark will personally talk to each patient about SeamlessMD, explaining how it is a better way to communicate, answer questions and how it prevents unnecessary office & ER visits;

[11:11] How Dr. Whitlark’s brother’s cancer journey helped him reflect on the patient journey and better understand the gaps and misinformation that is rampant with thoracic surgery;

[13:55] Why Dr. Whitlark believes Digital Patient Engagement is an important asset to alleviate patient concerns and unknowns;

[16:40] Why Dr. Whitlark appreciates the education on SeamlessMD as patients are focused on the right questions such as options for their cancer diagnosis as opposed to fears around bronchoscopy;

[18:23] How the level of personalization and familiarity embedded within Digital Patient Engagement is a game-changer for patients as they are focused on their results and actions they can take as opposed to their fears;

[20:25] How Dr. Whitlark implemented SeamlessMD as part of a larger digital transformation at Crozer Health to increase patient experience and market share, competing with the larger health systems in the city;

[26:42] Why Dr. Whitlark believes Digital Patient Engagement fills a gap re: Patient-Reported Outcomes as patients are more connected and thus more willing to fill out PRO surveys;

[32:30] Why Dr. Whitlark believes virtual care benefit certain subspecialties more than others and how Thoracic surgery uses the “eyeball test” which is difficult to replicate virtually; 

Fast 5 / Lightning Round:

1. What is your favorite book or book you’ve gifted the most?
   “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
   
   

2. Eagles or Cowboys?
   “That’s an easy question… *shows off Eagles memorabilia* My favorite team is the Eagles and whoever Dallas is playing.”
   
   

3. Would you rather have Super strength, super speed, or the ability to read people’s minds?
   “I’m uncomfortable enough in my own mind… Superspeed.”
   
   

4. What is something in healthcare you believe that others might find insane?
   “The amount of trash/waste in healthcare!”
   
   

5. COVID-19 lockdown related – what is 1 hobby or activity you’ve gotten into since the pandemic?
   “Extended family zoom meetings. It’s a time for us to drink together and present on various topics; one of mine was a genealogy search. I’ve been able to trace our father’s lineage back to the 800s.”