Beyond Clinical Data: The Power of Social Determinants in Healthcare Decision-Making

Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation in this week’s Promote Profit Publish episode: “More Health, Less Healthcare” featuring Brenner Williams and host Peter Boland.In this episode, Brenner pulls back the curtain on how social determinants of health (SDOH)—factors like food access, transportation, and financial stability—shape wellness outcomes far beyond the doctor’s office. Together, Brenner and Peter break down how proactive, data-driven strategies can empower employers, health plans, and entire communities to create real change.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why quantifying social risk unlocks smarter resource allocation and cost savings.How an “analyze first” mindset redefines the way organizations act on data.Ways self-insured employers use social risk data to build benefits that truly meet people’s needs.A behind-the-scenes look at Socially Determined’s Socialscape platform and how it visualizes community risk in powerful new ways.Why evidence and integration are essential for sustainable health innovations.Bonus insight:You’ll also hear how Brenner’s early experiences during the dot-com boom—and even a failed startup—shaped his forward-thinking approach to healthcare technology today.Tune in and be inspired to rethink what health really means. Whether you’re leading a business, managing a health plan, or simply passionate about innovation, this episode will leave you ready to measure smarter, act faster, and invest more wisely in better health for all.Dr. Williams is a family physician, entrepreneur, former health system executive and consulting leader, and past founder and CEO of Clinovations, sold to the Advisory Board Company in 2014. In 2017, Dr. Williams co-founded Socially Determined to create an analytics platform that integrates the social determinants of health with clinical and claims data to quantify and visualize social risk and the specific impacts on health and healthcare outcomes. Dr. Williams’ unique perspective is formed at the intersection of healthcare and technology. He has an extensive understanding and knowledge in the implementation of healthcare technology, health plan market growth, and SDOH strategy development for leading healthcare stakeholders. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and received his Medical Doctorate from Marshall University.