Belong.life bills itself as the largest social network for cancer patients and caregivers. With over 100,000 participants, Belong is approaching the scale at which it can generate meaningful insights, and leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a “hyper-personalized” experience.

I spoke recently with Irad Deutsch, Chief Technology Officer. He described how his personal experience as a caregiver led him to co-found the company, and talked about what makes Belong valuable and differentiated.

Overview:

• (0:12) What are some of the main unmet needs for cancer patients and caregivers? Why was there a need for Belong in the first place?
• (2:15) What, specifically does Belong do for patients that they can’t get elsewhere?
• (4:23) How are providers and payers involved with Belong? Is this mainly a branding and cost-saving tool for them?
• (7:03) What about pharmaceutical companies?
• (8:00) You recently released a cancer fatigue survey. Why did you conduct that and what did it show? Any real surprises?
• (10:08) You talk a lot about big data and machine learning but it’s not readily evident how those play in to Belong. Can you explain?
• (12:50 What is the company’s business model?

By healthcare business consultant David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group.