# Technology and Humanity Are Fueling Advances in Health Equity

By Brian Urban · Published 2023-09-27 · Updated 2026-07-23 · Healthcare on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/healthcare/technology-and-humanity-are-fueling-advances-in-health-equity

> Human-centered innovation is closing critical gaps in healthcare access and outcomes across underserved communities

## Key points

- Health disparities have resulted in a 30% higher mortality rate in underserved communities compared to others.
- The intersection of technology and human-centered care is essential for achieving health equity.
- Emphasizing a bottom-up approach can drive meaningful change in healthcare.

When technology and humanity converge in a positive direction, they can do many things, including fueling the advances much needed in the strive for [health equity](https://marketscale.com/industries/healthcare/achieving-health-equity-in-healthcare-requires-investment-data-and-better-educational-tools/).

> When technology and humanity converge in a positive direction, they can do many things, including fueling the advances much needed in the strive for health equity.

The healthcare industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on human-centered care. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, making pursuing health equity more urgent than ever. According to a recent study, health disparities have led to a [30% higher mortality rate](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9914526/) in underserved communities than their counterparts.

So, how can technology and humanity come together to bridge these gaps and ensure equitable healthcare for all?

Welcome to the [Healthcare Rethink](https://marketscale.com/shows/finthrive/) podcast. In this episode, host **Brian Urban** weighs in on the intersection between technology and humanity to find out how they fuel advances in health equity. Joining him in the discussion are two esteemed guests, **Karen Murphy, Ph.D.**, Executive Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer, and Founding Director of The Steele Institute for Health Innovation at **Geisinger**, and **Aneesh Chopra**, President at **CareJourney** and former US White House Chief Technology Officer.

In this enlightening conversation, they discuss:

- The pivotal role of digital data and generative AI in transforming healthcare
- The challenges and opportunities in leveraging technology to address health disparities
- The importance of a bottom-up approach in driving meaningful change in the healthcare sector

### About the Speakers

**Karen Murphy** has had an illustrious career, starting as a registered nurse and later transitioning into hospital administration. Recognized as one of the top women leaders by Modern Healthcare in 2021 and 2023, she has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Her journey includes serving as the CEO of a community hospital, leading the state innovation models initiative at CMMI, and her appointment as the Secretary of Health by Governor Wolf.

**Aneesh Chopra** has a diverse background, starting as an analyst at Morgan Stanley and later transitioning into public service. Recognized as one of the most influential persons by Modern Healthcare, he has been a strong advocate for leveraging technology for the public good. His tenure as the US White House Chief Technology Officer saw him leading several initiatives, including the National Wireless Initiative and Start-up America. As the President of CareJourney, he focuses on using public data to improve healthcare outcomes.

Together, these experts shed light on the future of healthcare, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach that combines the strengths of technology and humanity to achieve health equity.

Tags: Aneesh Chopra, Brian Urban, CareJourney, Dr. Karen Murphy, Geisinger, health equity, Healthcare Rethink podcast, technology and humanity

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