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.

In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we're hosting Dr. Amar Setty, anesthesiologist and co-founder of Patient Premier, a startup reimagining how we measure and manage pain.

We explore his journey from medical school and Capitol Hill to launching a data-driven pain tracking platform that helps patients and providers make smarter decisions. Amar shares how Patient Premier's “Pain Scored” platform goes beyond the traditional 1–10 scale to capture a fuller picture of pain using remote monitoring and behavioral data. He also discusses the challenges of building a startup in healthcare, from navigating reimbursement models to integrating with clinical workflows. This conversation is a deep dive into how data can improve care, reduce opioid dependence, and reshape how we think about value in medicine.4o

In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we’re joined by Maitreyee Joshi, founder and CEO of Avon Health, an AI-powered EMR platform built to be fully customizable for modern healthcare teams.

Maitreyee shares her journey from working at Microsoft and PathAI to launching Avon, where she's rethinking what an EMR should do—from a rigid system to a flexible, low-code platform that adapts to each clinic’s unique needs. We dive into how her team validated the product with early design partners, scaled the company without a traditional sales team, and embedded AI to streamline charting, analytics, and more. Maitreyee also offers powerful insights into founder–market fit, building lean, and why fast iteration is key to long-term success. Whether you're a healthcare builder, clinician, or just curious about how software can transform care delivery, this episode offers both strategic depth and inspiration.