#32 - At Process: Transforming Healthcare Through AI and Process Improvement.

Dr. Krishna Vedala, host of the Connected by Health podcast, interviewed John Thomas and Landon Arnold about their backgrounds in process improvement, artificial intelligence, and enterprise operations. Thomas has two decades of experience in enterprise operations, intelligent automation, Lean principles, and Six Sigma. Arnold has worked in consulting and large enterprise environments, helping organizations identify inefficiencies, redesign workflows, and improve how work gets done. Their shared experience led them to focus on the practical relationship between process improvement and AI. The discussion, led by Dr. Krishna Vedala, highlighted that At Process was created to offer organizations a more collaborative alternative to traditional consulting. After witnessing failed projects and strained client relationships in large consulting firms, Thomas and Arnold wanted to build partnerships in which clients were treated as collaborators rather than cost centers. At Process is a Chicago-based boutique AI solutions firm that primarily serves small and medium-sized businesses. Its goal is to deliver practical value by reducing inefficiencies and improving operations. At Process follows a process-first methodology. Before introducing AI or automation, the company maps the existing workflow, examines the interaction between technology and human behavior, identifies inefficiencies, and redesigns the process. The team emphasizes that successful AI implementation depends heavily on planning, with much of the work involving an understanding of how information moves through an organization. Lean and Six Sigma principles help distinguish value-added activities from unnecessary work before technology is applied. During Dr. Vedala's interview, Thomas also explained the difference between traditional chatbots and agentic AI. Chatbots generally respond to individual prompts, while agentic AI operates proactively by following defined goals, rules, and objectives. It can make decisions, learn from situations, and coordinate activity across multiple systems. This capability is particularly valuable in healthcare, where disconnected enterprise systems and manual workflow gaps create significant administrative challenges. Dr. Krishna Vedala and the guests identified healthcare's administrative burden as one of the most important areas for AI improvement. AI could support intake, scheduling, documentation, and other tasks, allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients. They also noted that AI is becoming affordable for small and medium-sized businesses, including construction, landscaping, finance, and insurance companies. However, Thomas and Arnold cautioned organizations not to adopt technology simply because it is new. Leaders should understand their processes, conduct due diligence, work with trusted partners, and invest in solutions that address specific needs and provide measurable value. Where Health, Society, and Innovation Intersect Connected by Health is a forward-thinking podcast built on a simple but powerful truth: healthcare is not a cost to be cut — it is an investment that shapes the future of everything around us.  Millions of people struggle with healthcare challenges each year — whether it's lack of insurance, unaffordable costs, limited access to care, or managing chronic disease — affecting not only their health, but their financial stability and overall quality of life. Their stories are not isolated — they are all connected. From economic growth and workforce productivity to education, technology, national security, and community stability, health is the thread weaving them together. Each episode blends real-world stories with data-driven insight to show how strategic healthcare investment drives innovation, reduces long-term costs, strengthens public health infrastructure, and fuels economic resilience. Grounded in evidence but driven by purpose, Connected by Health reframes healthcare not as a line item expense, but as foundational infrastructure — because when we invest in health, we invest in people, potential, and the strength of our entire society. ──────────────────────────────────────── 🤝 If today's conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to leave a review, it truly makes a difference. 🎧 And don't forget to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode when it drops.