On: This CEO is out for blood

[w1ntermute]

Here's how Theranos got all those high profile board members: http://fortune.com/2014/06/12/theranos-board-directors/

TL;DR: founder met/convinced one well-connected DC insider in 2011, and he brought all his buddies along for the ride.

[larrys → w1ntermute]

Also noting that with the exception of Frist a quick read shows no connection to healthcare.

As others noted these board members appear for another purpose such as government issues or attracting others by the halo of their importance.

[w1ntermute → larrys]

> with the exception of Frist a quick read shows no connection to healthcare

Well, there's also Shultz, who was "a director at biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences," according to this article.

But you're right that those people are mainly on the board for their influence in Washington. The importance of that when taking on an entrenched and heavily regulated industry can't be overstated.