Courage and Advocacy: The Ricki Fairley Story on Breast Health Equity

Culture, Caregiving & the Future of Inclusive Healthcare with Uma Rana

The Kaleidoscope:  Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market with Sheila Thorne, Episode 20 May was Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. We were pleased to welcome Uma Rana, Chief of Strategic Partnerships at Gryt Health, as a guest on the 20th episode of Sheila Thorne’s podcast, The Kaleidoscope:  Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market. As a proud South Asian leader, Uma is passionate about advancing representation, fostering inclusive leadership, and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and impact within the AAPI community and beyond. Uma is a strategic partnerships and healthcare innovation executive. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience across the healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, and patient advocacy sectors. At Gryt Health, Uma focuses on advancing patient-centered innovation, strategic collaborations, and inclusive engagement initiatives across healthcare and clinical research. Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * Uma’s immigration story, coming to America at thirteen, working fast food jobs and running the household while building her future from nothing  * When a father is misdiagnosed and hospice cannot speak your language or honor your faith, who fights for your family?  * Cultural identity shapes how South Asian families approach illness, seek care, and navigate healthcare's most difficult moments  * Uma leads Gryt Health's PACE Council, uniting patients, survivors, and caregivers to keep human voices central to AI in healthcare  * How can healthcare innovation truly serve diverse communities when millions of patients have no box to check on the census? Learn more about Uma Rana:  * Connect with Uma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-rana-0a36177 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-rana-0a36177/]  * Follow Gryt Health on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gryt-health [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gryt-health/]  * Visit Gryt Health’s website: https://www.grythealth.com [https://www.grythealth.com/] *********************************** About The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market: Each episode of Sheila Thorne’s The Kaleidoscope podcast highlights leaders and patients of color to discuss culturally linguistically appropriate strategies and services.  * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411]  * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne Connect with Sheila Thorne:  * Website: https://sheilathorne.com [https://sheilathorne.com/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32/]  * Twitter: https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg [https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne [https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne]

Healthcare AI Is Moving Fast—Equity Must Move Faster (The Kaleidoscope) with Dr. Hassan Tetteh

The Kaleidoscope:  Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market with Sheila Thorne, Episode 19 April is National Minority Health Month 2026, and Sheila Thorne is closing it out with a clear message: Healthcare AI must be built for equity, not just efficiency.  In The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America – From Molecule to Market, Sheila’s spotlighted leaders of color pushing advocacy, innovation, and better outcomes. Now she goes straight to the urgency—because AI is already shaping decisions, access, and care. In the upcoming episode, she’s joined by Hassan A. Tetteh, MD, author of Smarter Healthcare with AI, to ask the questions we can’t dodge:  Will AI narrow disparities—or harden them? Who gets protected, who gets overlooked, and who gets to be accountable? The train has left the station. The work now is transparency, responsible governance, and fairness—baked into every model, workflow, and rollout. Tune in, share, and subscribe—and help make equity the default setting in healthcare AI. In this episode, hear about:  * Sheila’s yearlong AI learning journey and focus on impacts for communities of color and health equity  * Dr. Tetteh’s background as a thoracic surgeon, retired U.S. Navy captain, educator, and author of “Smarter Healthcare with AI”  * The practical definition of AI as machines mimicking human behavior, with examples like large language models and facial recognition  * Concerns that biased and undiversified clinical and public health data may amplify disparities, along with the potential for greater access to information  * Military medicine examples of AI use: battlefield triage predicting transfusion needs, and Project Salus forecasting COVID hotspots using claims and supply-chain data  * AI’s potential in suicide prevention pattern detection, treatment personalization (including cancer targeting), and closing disparities through leadership, accountability, and inclusive participation Learn more about Dr. Hassan Tetteh:  * Connect with Dr. Hassan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassanatetteh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassanatetteh/]  * Visit Dr. Hassan’s website: https://doctortetteh.com [https://doctortetteh.com/]  * Visit HumanCare Technologies website: https://humancaretech.com [https://humancaretech.com/]  * Follow HumanCare Technologies on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-care-technologies-inc [https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-care-technologies-inc] *********************************** About The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market: Each episode of Sheila Thorne’s The Kaleidoscope podcast highlights leaders and patients of color to discuss culturally linguistically appropriate strategies and services.  * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411]  * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne Connect with Sheila Thorne:  * Website: https://sheilathorne.com [https://sheilathorne.com/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32/]  * Twitter: https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg [https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne [https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne]

Courage and Advocacy: The Ricki Fairley Story on Breast Health Equity

The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market with Sheila Thorne, Episode 18 In this episode of The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market, Sheila Thorne speaks with Ricki Fairley, CEO and co-founder of the Black Breast Cancer Alliance. As a survivor of triple-negative breast cancer, Fairley leads efforts to address health disparities, advocate for inclusive research, and empower Black women in their healthcare journeys. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Surviving Against the Odds: Ricki Fairley shares her journey as a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, crediting self-advocacy and experimental treatments. * Triple-Negative Breast Cancer's Unique Challenges: Fairley addresses TNBC’s aggressive impact on Black women and her role in ancestry-linked research. * Systemic Barriers in Black Women’s Health: Fairley highlights systemic healthcare barriers for Black women and stresses early risk assessments. * Promoting Health Literacy and Clinical Trial Inclusion: Fairley advocates for better health literacy and Black representation in clinical trials. * Empowering Self-Advocacy Amidst Racism in Healthcare: Fairley encourages Black women to self-advocate against healthcare racism and provides resources to support equitable care. Learn more about Ricki Fairley: * Visit The Black Breast Cancer Alliance®’s website: https://touchbbca.org [https://touchbbca.org] * Connect with Ricki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricki-fairley-561a43 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricki-fairley-561a43] * Follow Ricki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickidove [https://www.instagram.com/rickidove] * Read Ricki’s story on breastcancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/personal-stories/improving-cancer-care-for-black-women [https://www.breastcancer.org/personal-stories/improving-cancer-care-for-black-women] *********************************** About The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market: Each episode of Sheila Thorne’s The Kaleidoscope podcast highlights leaders and patients of color to discuss culturally linguistically appropriate strategies and services. * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411] * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne [https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne] Connect with Sheila Thorne: * Website: https://sheilathorne.com [https://sheilathorne.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32] * Twitter: https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg [https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne [https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne]

Transforming Healthcare for Men of Color

The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market with Sheila Thorne, Episode 17 In this episode of The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market, Sheila Thorne interviews Dr. M. Leon Seard, a clinician focused on prostate cancer education, along with Retired Deputy Chief Wayne P. Harris, a prominent advocate for police reform. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Health Disparities and Cultural Competence: Dr. Seard stressed the need for culturally competent care in communities of color. * Increased Prostate Cancer Incidence: They highlighted that a Black man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 18 minutes. * Importance of Early Screening: They urged Black men to start screening discussions at age 40. * Role of Education in Prevention: Deputy Harris and Dr. Seard emphasized awareness of prostate health. * Holistic Approach to Treatment and Diagnosis: Dr. Seard and Deputy Harris noted early detection and understanding risk factors are vital in prostate cancer care. Learn more about Deputy Chief Wayne P. Harris (Ret.) and M. Leon Seard, II, MD: * Connect with Deputy Chief Wayne P. Harris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-harris-65190639 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-harris-65190639 ] * Connect with Dr. M. Leon Seard on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-leon-seard-2a8b2575 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-leon-seard-2a8b2575] *********************************** About The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market: Each episode of Sheila Thorne’s The Kaleidoscope podcast highlights leaders and patients of color to discuss culturally linguistically appropriate strategies and services. * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411] * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne [https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne] Connect with Sheila Thorne: * Website: https://sheilathorne.com [https://sheilathorne.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32] * Twitter: https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg [https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne [https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne]

Striving for Health Equity in Minority Populations with Dr. Rahn K. Bailey

The Kaleidoscope:  Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market with Sheila Thorne, Episode 16 In this episode of The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market, Sheila Thorne interviews Dr. Rahn K. Bailey, Chief of Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College. Dr. Bailey highlights the importance of culturally competent mental health care and efforts to reduce disparities in treatment among minority populations. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Violence as a Public Health Crisis: Rahn K. Bailey, MD emphasizes why the Surgeon General and the American Public Health Association have declared violence a public health crisis, and goes over its implications for community health. * Impact on Communities of Color: Rahn K. Bailey, MD discusses how violence disproportionately affects communities of color, highlighting economic disparities. * Race-Based Traumatic Stress: Rahn K. Bailey, MD explores the concept of race-based traumatic stress, where daily racial discrimination leads to PTSD-like symptoms. * Health Disparities: Rahn K. Bailey, MD connects racial stress to health disparities, emphasizing how systemic issues in healthcare contribute to poorer health. * Systemic Racism in Medicine: Rahn K. Bailey, MD addresses historical abuses and ongoing issues of unconscious bias in healthcare. Learn more about Rahn K. Bailey, MD: * Connect with Rahn K. Bailey, MD on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahn-bailey-md-d-f-a-p-a-40720a6 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahn-bailey-md-d-f-a-p-a-40720a6]  *********************************** About The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market: Each episode of Sheila Thorne’s The Kaleidoscope podcast highlights leaders and patients of color to discuss culturally linguistically appropriate strategies and services.  * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kaleidoscope-healthcare-in-a-diverse-america-from-molecule-to-market/id1715004411]  * Subscribe to The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne Connect with Sheila Thorne:  * Website: https://sheilathorne.com [https://sheilathorne.com/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thorne-63b5a32/]  * Twitter: https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg [https://twitter.com/sthornemhmg]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne [https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaThorne]