Katie’s Notebook: April 22, 2026
Hello,
How has it been almost six months since my last post?! I transitioned from consulting to a full time job in September of 2025 which meant that life got a lot busier. As a consultant I was able to plan time for some creative writing during my work day (sometimes the output was this newsletter) but now that I am more actively on my computer doing work things, I don’t want to look at screens in the evening and am busy with the second shift — taking care of my kids. I also set a goal of reading 50 books this year and I am already 30 in! Keeping that pace means that if you see me out and about I won’t have much to say about current TV but will happily make suggestions for your To-Be-Read list.
Right now I am finishing up Project Hail Mary on the heels of Heart the Lover(broke my heart a million times!) It’s been such a fun read with the recent Artemis expedition and I am looking forward to catching the movie before it leaves theaters. I spend so much of my time thinking about product and innovation but the challenges that Ryland Grace faces are much more intense and the solutions are so creative! It got me thinking about how incredible humans are at problem solving, and that while the news can be challenging, we are all living in “an oasis where we get to exist together.” (paraphrase from an interview with Artemis crew.)
Let’s jump into the FIVE for you
I posted a summary of a recent research study on the adoption of wearable technology for adults with chronic diseases. It was amazing to read that in 2024, a WHOPPING 106.6 million U.S. adults used a wearable for health/activity tracking, up from 67.3 million in 2019 — a 58% increase. The post sparked a lot of conversation and dialogue about what drives engagement and how we can capitalize on consumer adoption with healthcare integration (a personal passion area!) Have a peek at the comments and join in on the discussion!
The best networking sparks longterm relationships. I met Nina about ten years ago and we’ve stayed in touch with our mutual interest in women’s health and health technology. She recently authored Silicon Valley Bank’s women’s health report and I was thrilled that I could connect her with some interesting people to interview. It sparks so much joy to see an amazing final product due to all of Nina’s hard work and knowing I helped a tiny bit. I recently caught up with another friend in my network that I met when his company was opening a new office in NC. It’s been ages since we’ve seen each other but it was fun to compare notes on what niche things our kids both like, recent family trips, and where our careers have taken us. Over the weekend, I ran into a former colleague from Duke. She followed up after our brief restaurant bathroom chat (for real) with questions about health trackers for patients with cancer or diabetes. I was so happy to be able to share some insights! To me, a quality network means having a group of friends with the same professional interests. In the same way that my IRL friendships work, these relationships are built over years of tiny touch points and can be just as meaningful as the ones I have with neighbors or college friends.
Every day I waffle between amazement and annoyance with AI. The latest in amazement: Elicit is a powerful research sidekick and has definitely helped me run the equivalent of a systematic review in minutes. I think back on how many hours I spent in the library answering similar questions and how different that experience would be now! Annoyance: Is the plot of the latest Mission Impossible movie coming to life? What a time to be alive.
A friend and I were joking that every commercial during the Super Bowl was either for AI-powered this or that (see previous bullet point) or GLP-1 medications. A new study out of Georgetown shows that women who take GLP-1s to lose weight face social stigma and are perceived as taking a “shortcut” for weight loss. Despite the cultural zeitgeist around GLP-1s (the study stated about 18% of US adults have taken them) I think we need to be conscious of the fact that there are still real access challenges to them — from insurance coverage to out of pocket costs. Just because there are telehealth docs everywhere willing to prescribe GLP-1s doesn’t mean the average American can afford $300-$500 a month. Also, interviews with 5 people on Ozempic.
FDA launches at-home patient monitoring challenge to reduce readmissions. The Medicare Hospital at Home program was extended for 5 years and buoyed by the READI-Home innovation challenge. Everyone knows that hospitals are breeding grounds for infections and hard places to get much-needed rest for patients. I am all about the hospital at home model and remote care. Can’t wait to see who the applicants and winners are of this challenge!
Fun Finds
I panic ordered this black corset sundress from Target a day before I left for Costa Rica and I’ve already worn it twice! It is so easy to dress up or down (once with flip flops and a turquoise necklace, another time with red heels and pearls) that I know it is going to be in heavy rotation this summer combined with my essential strapless top solution. Note — it runs large so size down.
I stumbled across these jean shorts and was thrilled that they fit perfectly when I tried them on! Not too short, no frayed hem. I bought them immediately and will be leaning into Carolyn Bassette-Kennedy style with my signature white button down on top.
Love a multiple. Old Navy came out with new colors of my favorite athletic shorts and into the cart they went!
You may ask why I am suggesting a merino t shirt when it’s about to be summer, but this is truly one of the best purchases of the last year. This shirt is so soft, looks great under a blazer or with a sweatshirt, hangs dry wrinkle free, and is as comfortable in 30 degree temps as 75 degree temps. Quince wins, again.
That’s a wrap. Hope to be back in your inbox again soon.
Be well,
Katie
