The Beat

AI @ HLTH: Inside Welldoc’s Mission: Responsible AI and the Next Leap in Digital Health

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Sandy Vance, along with Anand Iyer, discuss Welldoc's core philosophy of responsible innovation, particularly how they are pushing the boundaries of AI while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and member trust. Anand reveals how Welldoc is shaping the future of AI in healthcare by collaborating with the FDA, addressing bias, and leading a national effort for interoperability. Discover why responsibility, trust, and consumer empowerment are the keys to turning digital health innovation into safer, more proactive care. Healthcare innovation must be responsible in order to be effective.

Episode Notes

In this episode, host Sandy Vance, along with Anand Iyer, discuss Welldoc's core philosophy of responsible innovation, particularly how they are pushing the boundaries of AI while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and member trust. Anand reveals how Welldoc is shaping the future of AI in healthcare by collaborating with the FDA, addressing bias, and leading a national effort for interoperability. Discover why responsibility, trust, and consumer empowerment are the keys to turning digital health innovation into safer, more proactive care. Healthcare innovation must be responsible in order to be effective.

In this episode, they talk about:

• Healthcare innovation must be responsible.
• The four levels of AI and how they are best used
• Working with the FDA to advance safe, high-risk features.
• Driving interoperability, reducing friction, and encouraging consumer empowerment.
• Addressing Bias by using diverse data, garnering trust, and establishing the right guardrails
• Governance through consistent standards
• Partnerships are the key to growing AI responsibly
• Key Takeaways:
  • Trust, safety, and compliance are non-negotiable foundations of innovation.
  • Regulators are partners in shaping the future of AI, not barriers.
  • Responsible AI creates safer, more equitable, and more proactive care

A Little About Anand Iyer:

Anand is a respected global digital health innovator and leader, most known for his insights on and experience with technology, strategy, and regulatory policy. Anand has been instrumental in Welldoc’s success and the development of BlueStar®, the first FDA-cleared digital therapeutic for adults with type 2 diabetes. Since joining Welldoc in 2008, he has held core leadership positions that included President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. In 2013, Anand was named “Maryland Healthcare Innovator of the Year” in the field of mobile health. Anand was also recognized as a top AI thought leader globally when he was named to Constellation Research’s prestigious AI 150 list in 2024.