What if technology could give doctors more time to care, and patients more time to live?

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni sits down with Dr. David Feinberg, Chairman of Oracle Health and one of the most influential leaders in modern medicine. From his beginnings as a pediatric psychiatrist to leading organizations like UCLA Health, Geisinger, Google Health, and now Oracle Health, Dr. Feinberg has always focused on one thing: making healthcare more compassionate, connected, and human.

Together, they explore how artificial intelligence and data are transforming care, not by replacing doctors, but by empowering them. Dr. Feinberg shares how Oracle Health is building a more open, equitable system that connects patients, providers, and communities in ways that make care simpler and smarter. It’s a conversation about innovation, empathy, and the belief that better data can lead to better care, and ultimately, better lives.

Episode Resources:

Oracle Health EHR

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia

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Oracle Health Website

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What does the future of diabetes and nutrition look like for kids?

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni speaks with two remarkable pediatricians shaping that future from different angles. Dr. Larry Deeb, a pioneer in pediatric endocrinology, looks back on five decades of diabetes care, from the days of urine glucose tests to the revolutionary technology of continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin pumps. He explains how innovation has transformed type 1 diabetes from a life-limiting illness into a manageable condition and shares what’s next in early screening and prevention. Then, Dr. Senbagam Virudachalam joins to discuss how food access and education are central to preventing chronic disease. She shares the story behind Home Plate, a six-week food-skills program that empowers parents to cook healthy meals, strengthen family connections, and build long-term health habits from a child’s first 1,000 days of life.

Together, they paint a picture of a future where science, empathy, and systems-level change work hand-in-hand to help children live longer, healthier lives.

Episode Resources:

Home Plate: An Intervention Empowering Low-income Parents to Prepare Healthy Food at Home

WIC: USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SNAP-Ed Connection

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Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Website

Life for a Child Website

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Dr. Larry Deeb LinkedIn

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The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Website

University of Pennsylvania

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This episode of A Dose of Optimism explores how technology and compassion are reshaping the autism journey, from early diagnosis to innovative therapy.

Host Omkar Kulkarni talks with Dr. Colleen Kraft, past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, about how pediatricians are identifying developmental differences earlier than ever. She explains how AI tools like Canvas Dx, developed by Cognoa, are helping families get answers faster and start life-changing interventions while children’s brains are still rapidly developing. Dr. Sharief Taraman, a pediatric neurologist and CEO of Cognoa, shares how technology is expanding access to care by reducing wait times and empowering more clinicians to diagnose and support children with autism.

The conversation continues with Vijay Ravindran, founder and CEO of Floreo, who describes how virtual reality is being used to teach social and life skills in a safe, immersive environment. His platform is helping children practice everything from crossing the street to making friends, turning therapy into a truly interactive learning experience.

From AI to VR, these breakthroughs are giving families hope, access, and the support they need, proving that innovation in children’s health is both possible and powerful.

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Cognoa Website

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Sharief Taraman LinkedIn

Sharief Taraman Instagram

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Floreo Website

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Read:

NYC autism school embraces VR to teach social skills and boost learning

Schools turn to VR to develop a ‘future-ready’ neurodivergent workforce

For people with disabilities, stressful situations may be traumatic. VR can help | Opinion

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