Welcome to Found, where we dive deep into the stories behind the startups. This week, Becca and Dom are joined by Eli Ben-Joseph, the co-founder and CEO of Regard, a startup that uses AI to streamline the clinical side of medicine in an effort to reduce physician burnout.
The Journey Begins
Eli’s journey with Regard began when he was considering attending medical school. However, he had reservations about the impact it would have on his mental health and well-being. As he delved deeper into the world of healthcare, he realized that burnout among physicians was a pervasive issue.
The Decision to Forgo Medical School
Eli shares that one of the primary reasons he decided not to pursue medical school was due to the high likelihood of experiencing burnout. He knew many physicians who had already burned out and were looking for ways to escape the system. This realization solidified his decision to explore alternative paths.
The Birth of Regard
Fast forward several years, Eli found himself at a crossroads, pondering how he could make a meaningful impact on the healthcare industry. He began by observing and talking to physicians, understanding their pain points and challenges. The more he learned, the more convinced he became that AI could be used to alleviate some of these burdens.
The Importance of Human Touch
When building Regard’s AI model, Eli and his team knew they had to strike a balance between automation and human interaction. They wanted to create an AI system that would augment, rather than replace, the work of physicians. This meant incorporating design principles that prioritized empathy, clarity, and transparency.
The Role of AI in Reducing Burnout
Physician burnout is often caused by overwhelming administrative tasks, long hours, and high-stakes decision-making. Regard’s AI model is designed to alleviate these burdens by automating routine tasks, providing data-driven insights, and streamlining clinical workflows.
What it’s Like to Sell to Hospitals
Selling Regard’s technology to hospitals has been a unique challenge for Eli and his team. They’ve encountered resistance from some physicians who are skeptical of AI’s ability to replace human judgment. However, they’ve also met with healthcare leaders who recognize the value of leveraging AI to improve patient outcomes.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Eli shares that one of the most significant lessons he’s learned is the importance of listening to feedback from physicians and hospital administrators. Regard has made deliberate efforts to integrate user input into their product development process, ensuring that their technology meets the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
The Future of Healthcare Technology
As we move forward in the era of digital health, Eli emphasizes the need for greater collaboration between technologists, clinicians, and policymakers. By working together, we can create solutions that not only reduce physician burnout but also improve patient care and outcomes.
Conclusion
Eli’s journey with Regard is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing complex problems like physician burnout. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare technology, it’s essential to prioritize empathy, human interaction, and collaboration.
Listen to the Full Episode
To hear more about Eli Ben-Joseph’s experiences and insights on using AI to reduce physician burnout, tune into the full episode of Found. You can also connect with Becca and Dom on Twitter or Instagram for more stories from founders each week.
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Senior Reporter, Venture
Becca is a senior writer at TechCrunch that covers venture capital trends and startups. She previously covered the same beat for Forbes and the Venture Capital Journal.
Senior Reporter, Venture
Dom is a senior venture capital and startup reporter at TechCrunch. He is based in New York City. You can contact him on Signal at +1 (646)-831-7565.