In this episode of Tech it to the Limit, Dr. Rachel Harrington (NCQA) joins hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson to unpack how digital tools are reshaping healthcare—and why equity must be part of the equation. From fixing biased data to evolving HEDIS and designing with communities, it’s a sharp look at the future of human-centered, tech-powered care.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the right data: If we don’t ask the right questions and reflect real diversity, we’re guessing, not solving.
• Co-create with communities: Don’t design for people—design with them to build solutions that actually work.
• Go beyond broad stats: Break down the data to see what different groups really need.
• Tackle the root causes: Health isn’t just about doctors—it’s about housing, food, transport, and more.
• Act, don’t just assess: Finding problems is easy. Solving them takes real action.

In this episode:

• [00:00:00] Welcome to Tech it to the Limit
• [00:01:43] Insights from the Mayo Clinic AI Summit
• [00:04:05] Segment spotlight – “Guess That Quality Data Acronym”:
• [00:11:05] Conversation with Dr. Rachel Harrington, NCQA: advancing equity through data and measurement
• [00:26:15] Collaborating across sectors: the importance of community-based partnerships
• [00:27:12] Stratification and the role of data transparency in identifying quality gaps
• [00:27:44] Transitioning to HEDIS: why equity must be embedded in quality measurement
• [00:29:15] The impact of race and ethnicity stratification in performance metrics
• [00:32:13] Aligning incentives across payers, providers, and systems for greater accountability
• [00:39:12] Designing for equity: avoiding bias in digital health tools through inclusive development
• [00:42:57] A call to action: how digital health leaders can make equity core to their strategy
• [00:46:02] Final reflections and key insights

Our Guest

Dr. Rachel Harrington is the Assistant Vice President of Health Equity at the NCQA, where she leads the Equity and HEDIS initiative. With a Ph.D. in pharmacy systems and a background in regulatory science, health economics, and public policy, Rachel has a wealth of experience in healthcare data, quality improvement, and social determinants of health. Her work ensures that healthcare systems deliver equitable, effective care for all communities.

Resources

Dr. Rachel Harrington

• NCQA
• Dr. Rachel Harrington
• We Ask Because We Care campaign

Tech It To The Limit Podcast

• Website
• Apple Podcast

In this episode of Tech It to the Limit, Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson chat with Elizabeth Boudreau, ex-AWS exec and co-founder of Practical Acceleration. They kick off with a satirical “SnoreSense” pitch, then dive into real talk on building meaningful healthcare tech, covering equity, trust, and designing for life’s seasons. Honest, smart, and full of heart—don’t miss it.

Key Takeaways

• Tech equity starts at the margins. Building inclusive digital health solutions means designing first for the communities most often left out. Not only is it ethical, it's a smart strategy.

• Startups need soul and structure. Elizabeth encourages founders to reject burnout culture and instead design businesses that align with their energy, values, and the season they’re in.

• AI needs boundaries and trust. Success in health tech is about more than algorithms; it’s about solving real problems, with real people, in ways that build confidence and connection.

• Talk to the people you're building for. Your user knows what’s broken. You just have to ask. Assume less. Ask more. Build better.

In this episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: July birthdays, post-Pride recovery, and co-host reunion in NYC
• [00:02:37] Startup satire: “Snore Sense” pitch parody AI pillows, shame graphs, and FDA awareness
• [00:08:18] Interview with Elizabeth Boudreaux, Co-Founder of Practical Acceleration
• [00:11:30] What is tech equity? Designing with, not just for, underserved communities
• [00:16:50] AI hype cycle: The danger of black box solutions in healthcare
• [00:18:00] The future of tech that disappears—ambient voice and reconnection at the bedside
• [00:19:55] Women in tech: Navigating leadership, equity at home, and saying yes to the unknown
• [00:26:07] A day in the life of a founder: Lists, calendars, and no such thing as “typical”
• [00:30:04] Redefining success: Building companies that match your life stage
• [00:35:35] Behind the scenes: Putting HIPAA data in the public cloud for the first time
• [00:40:50] Founder advice: Talk to your user, challenge your assumptions, solve real problems
• [00:45:12] Wise Nuggets: Career truths, growth seasons, and the ROI of building slow

Guest

Elizabeth Boudreau is co-founder of Practical Acceleration, a firm that helps health tech companies scale with purpose. A digital transformation leader, she previously drove U.S. healthcare strategy at AWS, launching its first consumer diagnostics product during COVID-19.

With a career built on innovation and inclusion, Elizabeth has led HIPAA-compliant cloud projects, championed techquity, and advised both startups and governments. Her mantra: success isn’t about the grind, it’s about building a life that works.

Resources

Elizabeth Phillips Boudreau

• Practical Acceleration
• Elizabeth Boudreau

Sarah Harper

• Sarah Harper

Elliott Wilson

• Elliott Wilson
• Flying Pig Consulting

In this special Pride Month episode of Tech It to the Limit, co-hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson dive into LGBTQ+ health equity, inclusive tech, and leading authentically in healthcare. They’re joined by Jason Bellett, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Eko Health, whose intelligent stethoscope is transforming how providers detect heart disease. Jason opens up about his journey as an openly gay founder, the intersection of innovation and equity, and the urgent need for inclusive leadership.

Key Takeaways

• LGBTQ+ healthcare has come a long way—but the fight for equity and access continues.
• Eko Health’s AI-powered stethoscope enables early heart disease detection through FDA-cleared algorithms and inclusive design.
• Algorithmic equity matters: representative datasets and diverse health partners are key to reducing bias.
• Authentic leadership in healthcare requires visibility and courage, especially in today’s climate.
• In the face of policy rollbacks, private sector leaders must step up to build inclusive tech and equitable systems.

In this episode:

• [00:00:00] Pride Month kickoff + queer health visibility
• [00:01:25] “Holz Check” LGBTQ+ healthcare rights timeline
• [00:08:27] 10+ health tech companies advancing queer care
• [00:12:28] Interview with Jason Bellett
• [00:15:30] What is an intelligent stethoscope?
• [00:20:15] Equity in AI + reducing algorithmic bias
• [00:25:35] Eko’s role in smart hospitals and virtual care
• [00:27:46] What Jason wishes he knew 10 years ago
• [00:31:05] Leading authentically as a gay founder
• [00:34:14] Advice for LGBTQ+ health tech professionals
• [00:38:45] Call to action for DEI in healthcare
• [00:42:22] Spicy Nuggets: Buzzwords, pride, and cooties

Resources and Links

Jason Bellett

• LinkedIn
• Eko Health

Pride Month Spotlights

• Folks Health
• Plume Health
• QueerDoc
• OutCare Health
• Howard Brown Health
• Mazzoni Center
• Fenway Health
• Euphoria Apps
• MyLabBox
• For Them
• Equality MD