#036: Introducing health EQ!
Greetings, my Gurus!
First off—I’ve missed you! After a hiatus since February 2024, I’m excited to share some exciting updates.
Many of you have checked in (thank you!), wondering where I've been. The truth is that I hit both a personal and creative block last year. You can read the whole story here, but in short: I found myself increasingly tired of seeing the same ol’ healthcare topics circulate endlessly in my newsfeed and inbox.
And while data remains a critical component for the future of healthcare, it hasn’t been as fulfiing to me as a standalone because it often lacks the context that makes findings meaningful. While data is a powerful lens to understand healthcare's challenges, it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle with many gaps. Those gaps are where I find myself spending most of my time thinking about these days.
Still, 2024 was incredibly productive in unexpected ways. I consulted throughout the year, built a following on TikTok (who knew?), and helped launch the Health Innovation Hub I'd previously announced. The Hub has already hosted several successful events, bringing together healthcare stakeholders across our region to spark innovative ideas and forge new partnerships. In 2025, we're doubling down on digital health and tech innovation for population health and health equity, supported by a generous grant to train the next generation of health data technologists on these concepts. More details coming soon!
But the biggest shift happened in my own thinking. Starting my doctoral program opened my eyes to decades of research and theory that still feels presented like "new ideas" in healthcare settings. I've also noticed how subtle variations between healthcare delivery and public health create subtle disconnects in language, intent, and incentives. We might think we're aligned, but the gaps persist—and they're affecting our ability to create meaningful change.
Which brings me to the big news...
Welcome to health EQ: Where the What Meets the Why and How
Health Data Guru is evolving into health EQ—a platform that bridges the gap between what the data shows, why those patterns exist, and how we can use that knowledge to create a more equitable, effective healthcare system for all.
You can expect actionable and approachable discussions of the data, research, theories, and social context shaping decisions and dynamics in U.S. healthcare.
Here's what I envision:
Unpacking Hidden Assumptions
Why do our favorite frameworks sometimes fall short?
How do social structures shape health outcomes beyond individual choices?
Where are we oversimplifying complex challenges?
What can healthcare learn from decades of public health research?
Building Bridges
Translating between healthcare delivery and public health perspectives
Examining how language shapes our understanding and actions
Moving beyond buzzwords to meaningful health equity work
Understanding technology's role in advancing (or hindering) health equity
Practical Tools & Frameworks
Evidence-based strategies that consider social context
Frameworks for implementing equity-focused initiatives
Data analysis approaches that capture the full story
Real-world case studies and data instructionals
Innovation with Impact
Digital health solutions that advance equity
Community-driven approaches to population health
Exploring emerging technologies
Bridging innovation and implementation
. . .
Why health EQ?
As the evolution of Health Data Guru, health EQ explores healthcare through both quantitative AND qualitative lenses, combining empirical evidence with social context to approach healthcare challenges in new ways: with both "head and heart."
This matters because our current approaches aren't working for everyone. Our loved ones and community members continue to fall through the cracks, costing us lives, dollars, health, and trust. And no matter what we call it, I'm talking about building systems that work better for everyone—and if we want to maximize impact, that means discussing and working through this in a language we can all resonate with.
My goal is to create a space where:
Complex academic concepts become actionable insights
Data analytics meet social context
Innovation intersects with equity
Theory translates into practice
Silos turn into into conversation and collaboration
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, public health expert, leader, student, or technologist, health EQ will provide the tools and perspectives to navigate challenges, articulate clearly, and implement more thoughtful solutions through approachable content, actionable ideas, and resources that distill nuanced concepts into practical insights.
I'm more energized than ever about the conversations ahead. You can expect the same evidence-based, thoughtful analysis you've come to know, now enriched with deeper context and broader perspectives.
Visit the website for resources and updates, and follow me on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Medium to stay up-to-date!
. . .
This is just as much of a learning journey for me. So I’m excited to hear your insights, input, and perspectives along the way.
I hope you’ll continue to follow along! 📚 💡 💪
Until next time,
-Stefany
P.S. If you have any ideas, suggestions, feedback, or requests for specific topics, I’m always open. Hit reply and let me know!!
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If you want to learn more about health data, equity, population health innovation, or just plain level up your healthcare game, I recommend subscribing to this newsletter and checking out my free Guides. Courses and more resources are coming soon, so check back often!