FemTech Focus

Techquity and Cultural Humility in Digital Health with Dr. Harpreet Nagra - Episode 156

Episode Summary

In today’s episode, I interview Dr. Harpreet Nagra, a behavioral scientist, clinical researcher, licensed psychologist, and equity expert. She serves as the VP of Behavior Science and Advanced Technologies at One Drop. One Drop is a digital health company harnessing the power of behavioral science, mobile computing, and data science to transform the lives of people with diabetes and other chronic conditions worldwide. In this interview, we speak about techquity. Techquity refers to digital health solutions being more equitable, accessible, and inclusive. I know many of you listeners know about the systemic biases in AI/ML algorithms used in healthcare that aren’t being addressed – in just one example, most of the data used to power AI are from studies done predominantly with male subjects. In another example, a 2019 study found that an algorithm assigned the same health risk scores to Black patients who were considerably sicker than white patients. As we continue to see digital health exploding, these companies are based their solutions on biased algorithms. Dr. Harpreet and I discussed how we must prioritize the creation and refinement of digital health tools to advance “techquity” and cultural humility. Enjoy the episode!

Episode Notes

Harpreet Nagra, PhD, is a behavioral scientist, clinical researcher, licensed psychologist, and equity expert with over 15 years of experience in non-profit organizations, academic institutions, medical clinics, and private practice. At One Drop, Dr. Nagra serves as the VP of Behavior Science and Advanced Technologies. In her role, Dr. Nagra guides the application of behavioral science frameworks and methodologies across key components of our AI-powered platform, including one-on-one coaching, goal setting, health predictions, and an interactive learning experience.

One Drop is a digital health company harnessing the power of behavioral science, mobile computing, and data science to transform the lives of people with diabetes and other chronic conditions worldwide. Evidence-based and clinically effective, the One Drop app brings affordable, accessible self-care to every person with a smartphone, as well as their insurers, employers, and healthcare providers. 

FemTech Focus is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to empower, equip, and bring together healthcare professionals, life-science entrepreneurs, and forward thinking investors to revolutionize women’s health and wellness. FemTech Focus elevates the FemTech industry through increased awareness, providing resources to FemTech founders, & creating opportunities to support FemTech startups through exposure, networking, and access to capital.

The FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings femtech experts – including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders – on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as femtech) that are improving women’s health and wellness. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.

Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. While finishing her PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Brittany founded Pheramor, the first nationwide DNA-based dating app. She then embarked into venture capital as the Senior Venture Associate at Capital Factory and was tasked with launching the fund’s Houston branch. Brittany now has her sights on advancing women’s health. She is host of the FemTech Focus podcast which has 150+ episodes and 30 thousand downloads in 105 countries. Brittany is the co-founding partner of Coyote Ventures, a US-based venture fund investing in early-stage women’s health startups.