Pulse Check: LGBTQ+ Health Equity, Smart Diagnostics, and Authentic Leadership with Jason Bellett of Eko Health

In this special Pride Month episode of Tech It to the Limit, co-hosts Sarah Harper and Elliott Wilson dive into LGBTQ+ health equity, inclusive tech, and leading authentically in healthcare. They’re joined by Jason Bellett, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Eko Health, whose intelligent stethoscope is transforming how providers detect heart disease. Jason opens up about his journey as an openly gay founder, the intersection of innovation and equity, and the urgent need for inclusive leadership.

Key Takeaways

• LGBTQ+ healthcare has come a long way—but the fight for equity and access continues.
• Eko Health’s AI-powered stethoscope enables early heart disease detection through FDA-cleared algorithms and inclusive design.
• Algorithmic equity matters: representative datasets and diverse health partners are key to reducing bias.
• Authentic leadership in healthcare requires visibility and courage, especially in today’s climate.
• In the face of policy rollbacks, private sector leaders must step up to build inclusive tech and equitable systems.

In this episode:

• [00:00:00] Pride Month kickoff + queer health visibility
• [00:01:25] “Holz Check” LGBTQ+ healthcare rights timeline
• [00:08:27] 10+ health tech companies advancing queer care
• [00:12:28] Interview with Jason Bellett
• [00:15:30] What is an intelligent stethoscope?
• [00:20:15] Equity in AI + reducing algorithmic bias
• [00:25:35] Eko’s role in smart hospitals and virtual care
• [00:27:46] What Jason wishes he knew 10 years ago
• [00:31:05] Leading authentically as a gay founder
• [00:34:14] Advice for LGBTQ+ health tech professionals
• [00:38:45] Call to action for DEI in healthcare
• [00:42:22] Spicy Nuggets: Buzzwords, pride, and cooties

Resources and Links

Jason Bellett

• LinkedIn
• Eko Health

Pride Month Spotlights

• Folks Health
• Plume Health
• QueerDoc
• OutCare Health
• Howard Brown Health
• Mazzoni Center
• Fenway Health
• Euphoria Apps
• MyLabBox
• For Them
• Equality MD