Happy weekend! I write to you as I’m returning from the West Coast, where I witnessed the renaissance of San Francisco - in large part due to a boom in AI. A few friends in tech shared with me that the new trend isn’t just to have an AI therapist, but also an AI boyfriend or girlfriend. There’s something very alluring to people about someone who agrees with everything they say, and a relationship without drama or pushback or conflict. Meanwhile, I saw the headlines that Australia has taken a very different step and is restricting social media usage for teenagers. Part of me wonders if we are racing towards a very dystopian future, or the opposite. Are we searching for new ways to reclaim our humanity and connection to each other?
Another topic I’ve been mulling, both as I wear my investor hat and writer hat: How do we make it cool again to practice medicine? My physician friends have noted the rise of side hustles and concierge practices and their friends leaving the profession altogether for fields like startups and consulting. We rightfully blame the system. But what education and tools do we need to provide to the next generation of clinicians to thrive within the system? Or better yet, advocate to change it? On that note, our primer piece on revenue cycle management (how the money flows in healthcare) is out this week.
Thank you to all those who volunteered to help me with the market map. Stay tuned!