Our behavioral science experts
Karen Horgan
Co-Founder & CEO
Karen’s passion for health, belief in evidence-based approaches, and experience developing high-impact engagement strategies led her to co-found VAL Health. As a thought leader in behavioral economics, Karen is a regular keynote speaker and holds an MBA from Harvard.
Kevin Volpp
Co-Founder & Principal
Dr. Volpp is an internationally recognized expert in developing original thought for behavioral economics and healthcare. He runs the NIH-funded research center, CHIBE, at the University of Pennsylvania, and has published over 250 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
David Asch
Co-Founder & Principal
Dr. Asch focuses on patient and provider behavior change as Executive Director of Penn Medicine’s Center for Health Care Innovation. He is the recipient of numerous industry awards and an acclaimed scholar, with over 350 published papers on the intersection of healthcare and behavioral economics.
Emily Boym
Principal
Emily is an accomplished consultant with a diverse healthcare background, having led client projects across the industry focused on strategy and behavior change. Emily formerly was a Manager with PwC's Strategy& and holds her MPH from Columbia University.
James Patton
Dr. Patton is an experienced health care investor, owner, and manager. He previously served in the United States Navy as a general medical officer and holds an MD and MBA.
Raina Merchant, MD, MSHP
Advisor
Dr. Merchant focuses on the intersection of digital media and health through her role at Penn Medicine. She was recognized by RWJF as one of 10 young investigators likely to have a significant impact on the future of health and health care.
George Loewenstein, PHD
Advisor
Dr. Loewenstein, a founding father of behavioral economics, specializes in human motivation, intertemporal choice, and improving human decision making. He is an accomplished researcher and author, with more than 200 publications in peer-reviewed journals and six books.
Patrick Conway, MD
Advisor
Dr. Conway has extensive experience spearheading the movement to value-based care in the payer space having held executive leadership roles at CMMI, and national and regional health plans. He is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and was a White House Fellow.
Matthew Press, MD, MSc
Advisor
Dr. Press is an expert in population health and payment reform, having led CMMI and CMS through the creation and rollout of innovative payment models. Dr. Press is currently leading clinical operations, practice transformation, and population health management at Penn Medicine.