UnHack with Drex DeFord

January 19, 2026: Bill Russell, Drex DeFord, and Sarah Richardson unpack OpenAI's two major healthcare announcements that could fundamentally reshape how patients interact with their health data—and how health systems govern AI. ChatGPT Health promises to finally deliver on the personal health record dream, letting patients aggregate everything from Apple Health to medical records in one secure place. Meanwhile, ChatGPT for Healthcare gives CIOs the governed sandbox they've been desperate for. Hear why patient data monetization, clinical trial recruitment, and the shift from provider liability to patient empowerment could make this time actually different.
Golf Tournament Registration: https://carahevents.carahsoft.com/Event/Details/686801-ThisWeekHealth
Key Points:
05:00 ChatGPT Health Announcement
17:40 Personalized GPT and Analytics in Healthcare
22:05 Wearable Health Tech and Personal Health Records
25:35 Community Events and LinkedIn Series

As healthcare organizations deploy AI agents across clinical, business, and research operations, we're creating a new class of insider threat—one that works 24/7, follows instructions perfectly, and moves at machine speed. Drexel explores why AI agents with tool access become de facto insiders and why we need clear boundaries, tight access controls, and human approval workflows before these powerful assistants cause unintended damage. The key insight: the moment an AI agent gets tools, it becomes an insider that must be governed like one.
Remember, Stay a Little Paranoid
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January 12, 2026: Epic is defending three simultaneous lawsuits while CIOs grapple with vendors imposing staggering price increases—some as high as 600%. Bill, Sarah, and Drex tackle the uncomfortable truth about AI leadership: it's time to figure it out or risk getting left behind. They explore why AI with context is transformative while AI without it looks foolish, discuss whether board members know how to hire AI-savvy CIOs, and predict a major shift in how healthcare organizations approach their EHR relationships. Could we see a return to building custom solutions powered by modern AI?
Key Points:
02:44 Predictions for 2026
14:18 Staffing and Workforce Implications
21:10 Epic's Legal Troubles

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Drex breaks down ISC2's 2025 cybersecurity workforce study and explains why healthcare's security staffing problem isn't about finding more people—it's about broken operating models and unrealistic expectations. He covers the critical skills gap in translating cyber risk to business risk, the burnout driving away mid-career talent, and why third-party risk management has become more complex than ever. Plus, practical solutions healthcare CISOs are using: growing security teams internally by hiring from other departments and strategically leveraging managed services. The workforce gap won't be fixed by traditional hiring—it requires designing better systems and building resilience instead of just buying more tools.
Remember, Stay a Little Paranoid
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Donate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

January 6, 2026: Healthcare is transforming through connection, and 2026 promises to take that mission further than ever before. This Week Health is expanding its reach with 63 events across 30 cities, bringing healthcare leaders together for deeper conversations and meaningful relationships. From coast-to-coast dinners connecting local leaders to new training programs educating both sides of the healthcare IT ecosystem, the focus remains on building bench strength across the industry. With 176 HCSP members already engaged and a new fellowship program launching to advance IT professional careers, the entire talent pipeline is being transformed. Discover how community, education, and personal connections are shaping healthcare's future in 2026.
Key Points:
00:13 Exciting Plans for 2026
01:51 Women's CIO Summit and Talent Pipeline
04:04 Community Building and Networking
09:12 Fundraising and Charity Events

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Donate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer