Kicking Off with Nostalgia
The conversation kicks off with Matt reminiscing about his early career days, including his stint at Microsoft where he worked on the Windows kernel and Surface Pro. They both quickly delve into how the tech landscape has transformed over the years, particularly highlighting how back in 2011, decisions to build systems like EHRs (Electronic Health Records) were seen as innovative but may have underestimated future complexities.
The One Medical Experiment
Matt dives into a rich discussion about One Medical's journey of building its own EHR system. Back in the early 2010s, the decision to build an in-house solution was driven by the intuition that technology would be a competitive advantage. However, this came with unforeseen technical debts and regulatory challenges as the industry shifted towards electronic prescribing, adding layers of complexity to their system.
Matt was brought on board specifically to spearhead the development of a prescriptions module, which was not just a coding challenge but a project management feat. The build versus buy decisions were multifaceted: while some components were deemed strategic differentiators, others were acquired to save on development time and complexity.
Lessons from the Trenches
One of the key takeaways Matt shares is the importance of aligning technical decisions with business strategy. When building technology, it's crucial to ensure it's the true differentiator of your business, rather than a tech challenge you take on without realizing the long-term commitment.
The discussion also touches on price transparency data and the formation of Matt’s current venture, Crif Health. Here, Matt illustrates the evolution of their business model and how initial assumptions can pivot based on market needs and opportunities. The conversation naturally evolves to consider the impact of new technologies like AI and its role in product development and customer service.
Family First, Always
In a delightful diversion, Matt talks about managing not just projects but also a bustling family of five children. He shares the surprising joy of purchasing a Ford Transit 350 XLT – initially something he never thought he’d own, but now appreciates for its vast space, making it perfect for his lively household.
Recap
Mang-Git and Matt wrap up their chat with a friendly exchange about maintaining work-life balance and pursuing passions outside of work. Despite the complexities of engineering and healthcare systems, Matt’s insights offer a grounded perspective on making strategic tech decisions that are just as applicable to personal life as they are to business.
Thanks for joining us on this journey through tech decision-making, heartfelt family anecdotes, and future-forward thinking. Stay tuned for more episodes, and in the meantime, keep questioning, creating, and connecting the dots in your own tech voyage!