Episode #85: ‘How COVID-19 is Reframing Healthcare in America’ with Andrew Parker of Papa

Dear Friends & Colleagues,Last week, I launched a limited podcast series addressing how the COVID-19 pandemic is reframing American healthcare.  You can find the introduction episode here.  In this series, I’ll be interviewing future-facing healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs - to ask two questions: (1) How is the COVID-19 pandemic immediately changing the way you are delivering healthcare?   (2) How will COVID-19 reframe American healthcare for years to come? In this episode, we’ll be interviewing Andrew Parker, the founder & CEO of Papa.  I recently interviewed Andrew and would encourage you to listen to this amazing entrepreneur and amazing new venture.  You can find that dialogue here.  Although I had recently posted that interview, Andrew was one of the first people I thought to reach out to in this limited series because of how critically important and relevant his service is in this time of social distancing, sheltering-in-place, and lockdowns. Papa is  an on-demand service designed to deliver companionship and non-clinical services to seniors and  families. These non-clinical services are delivered through so-called ‘Papa Pals’ who are college age students who assist in a number of ways including household activities, transportation, shopping, filling out forms… Another reason I reached out to Andrew was to learn how Papa had dramatically pivoted its service model to adapt to COVID-19.  It’s such a delight speaking with Andrew. His energy, enthusiasm, and vision; as well as his accomplishments and outcomes with Papa are uplifting, and provide us with tremendous hope for the future.These are unprecedented times, so I hope you find valuable information, guidance, and inspiration in listening to these experts and entrepreneurs share how they are adapting to this pandemic (in real time); and how they’re thinking about and planning for the future.Until next time, be safe and be well,Zeev Neuwirth MD