The Pursuit of Health Podcast

The Pursuit of Health is a weekly podcast dedicated to a thorough exploration of the American Healthcare System at a critical time in our nation’s history. The podcast’s creator and host, Dr. Eric Fethke, is a pediatric cardiologist and educator trained at Columbia University, with over 25 years of experience practicing medicine. Students, professionals, and everyday people alike are invited to learn from guest experts who are pursuing groundbreaking work to improve America's health. Join us on our journey towards a better healthcare!

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The Pursuit of Health Podcast

Ep83: Insured To Death: Empowering Patients to Achieve Access to Care in 2025 w/Neal Shah

July 30, 2025 • Dr. Eric Fethke

A conversation with Neal Shah

The healthcare insurance system is on the cusp of collapsing.

Enter former Wall Street hedge fund manager Neal Shah, who channelled personal experiences of managing care for family members into a mission for transforming our entire system.

As CEO of social enterprise and health tech platform CareYaya and Chairman of Counterforce Health, Neal is dedicated to spearheading a revolution: bringing direct relationships to the forefront and bypassing huge corporations.

With costs rising, health statistics worsening, a workforce tiring, a population ageing - the time is now to act for change.

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We spoke about concepts from his new book Insured to Death, the systemic failures of health insurance in America, how patients can use AI and advocacy to challenge claim denials, and what it will take to build a more humane, transparent system that serves us all.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @ericfethkemd and checkout my website at www.EricFethkeMD.com.

My brand new book, The Privilege of Caring, is out now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP6H6QN4