Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Quanna Batiste Brown, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Touro Infirmary within LCMC Health, shares how she is redesigning nursing infrastructure, advancing workforce development, leveraging virtual nursing and AI, and driving culture change to improve quality, retention, and patient outcomes.

In this episode, Molly Biwer, Chief Marketing Officer of Emory Healthcare, discusses launching a bold new brand identity, deepening community trust through large scale experiential campaigns, and evolving marketing into a strategic growth driver powered by digital integration, AI, and a more personalized patient experience.

In this episode, James E. Moore, President of Connecticut Children's Specialty Group and System Chief Medical Officer at Connecticut Children's, discusses boosting clinic and OR efficiency to grow volume, strengthening culture to retain workforce talent, and expanding regional centers of excellence including advanced cellular and gene therapy and fetal care to ensure long term sustainability.

In this episode, Dr. Geralda Xavier, Regional Chief Medical Officer at Atlantic Health System, shares how her team reduced length of stay and improved throughput through multidisciplinary collaboration, while navigating workforce fatigue, financial pressures, and a continued focus on quality, safety, and equity in 2026.

In this episode, Jason Glover, CEO of Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center Adult Services, joins the podcast to discuss advancing evidence-based practice and creating a safe, high-reliability work environment for care teams. He shares key challenges for the year ahead, including strengthening team-based models and extending collaboration across payers, providers, and employer partners to drive better outcomes and alignment across the healthcare ecosystem.

In this episode, Eric Hamon, President and CEO of Driscoll Children's Hospital, discusses how Driscoll Children's is increasing access to pediatric care through new facilities, specialist recruitment, and an innovative fleet of planes that brings care directly to children across South Texas. He shares insights on the importance of early investments in children's health and strategies to address pediatric specialist shortages.

In this episode, Scott Hawig, Executive Vice President and CFO of BJC Health, shares how the $12 billion, 24 hospital system is strengthening access across the Midwest following its rebrand and merger with St. Luke's Health System. He discusses rising demand, aging populations, virtual care innovation, and the evolving CFO role as a strategic operator driving growth, research, and long term sustainability.

In this episode, Dr. Mayank K. Shah, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Advocate Condell Medical Center, part of Advocate Aurora Health, shares how his team elevated safety and quality to top Leapfrog grades, advanced AI adoption, and is building agility to navigate regulatory uncertainty and expand community focused care.

In this episode, Michael Hunn, CEO, and Yunkyung Kim, COO, of CalOptima Health discuss preparing for Medicaid eligibility changes, preventing coverage losses, and supporting providers amid rising uncompensated care risks. They also share plans for a 2027 Covered California marketplace launch and reflect on building community trust through collaboration and mission driven leadership.

In this episode, Amber K. Brooks, MD, MS, Founder of Onward and Upward, shares how her experience as a physician, researcher, and executive leader inspired her to launch a platform focused on helping healthcare leaders move from surviving to thriving. She discusses the importance of purpose, trust, authenticity, and human centered leadership in retaining talent and building strong cultures during challenging times.

In this episode, Saria Saccocio, MD, MHA, Chief Medical Officer of Essence Healthcare, discusses the growing collaboration between payers and providers, the push for site neutral care and pharmacy cost reform, and the need for stronger investment in cardiometabolic and population health. She also shares how quality performance, member experience, and social determinants of health are shaping health plan strategy and margins heading into 2026.

In this episode, James Mladucky, Vice President of Design and Construction at Indiana University Health, shares how the system is building adaptable facilities to support care, research, and education. He discusses leveraging technology, planning large-scale projects, and designing spaces that attract top talent and improve health outcomes across Indiana.

In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down eight urgent issues shaping healthcare today, including rising costs, physician and primary care shortages, rural access gaps, dominant insurers, and more.

In this episode, Gina Cronin, FACHE, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Children's National Hospital, discusses aligning leaders around a new five year strategy, redesigning roles amid major ERP and EHR transformations, and building resilient workforce capabilities and well being initiatives to support growth in world class pediatric care.

In this episode, Dr. Rob Bessler, CEO of Honest Health, and Amy Perry, President and CEO of Banner Health, discuss how tighter alignment between clinical care and financial accountability can transform primary care. They explore risk stratification, culture driven change, and practical steps health systems can take to accelerate the shift from volume to value while improving access and outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Dennis L. Disch, Vice President of Hospital Based Specialties for the Illinois and Wisconsin Divisions at Advocate Health, shares how integrating virtual critical care, expanding AI supported documentation, and redesigning anesthesia and hospital based staffing models are helping the system navigate reimbursement pressure, workforce shortages, and the shift toward ambulatory care.

In this episode, Imran Qadeer, MD, President and CEO of Allegheny General Hospital, discusses scaling AI driven virtual nursing and ambient listening, advancing population health and specialty service lines, and navigating workforce shortages and financial pressures as part of Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health.

In this episode, Jamie Wiggins, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Arkansas Children's, discusses record patient growth driven by streamlined access, a multi year expansion including the National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Effectiveness, and a five year strategy to strengthen rural pediatric care and chronic disease management across the state.

In this episode, Melinda Hancock, CFO of Sentara Health, shares how the system is uniting care delivery and health plan operations to improve patient experiences. She discusses redesigning processes, enhancing financial leadership, and leveraging technology to make care more seamless, affordable, and accessible.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down limited federal direction following the State of the Union, a potential drop in ACA exchange enrollment, Medicare Advantage surpassing 55 percent penetration, and how insurers and health systems are navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly strained payer landscape.

In this episode, Shawn Griffin, MD, President and CEO of URAC, discusses how voluntary accreditation is creating national guardrails for healthcare AI, helping organizations evaluate risk, strengthen oversight of developers and users, and build trust as innovation outpaces regulation.

This episode is sponsored by URAC.

In this episode, Anjalee Galion, MD, President of the Medical Staff and Chief Physician Wellness Officer at Rady Children’s Health of Orange County, shares how clinician led wellness initiatives, leadership development, and culture building are reducing burnout, strengthening alignment, and positioning the organization for growth amid industry uncertainty.

In this episode, Stacey-Ann Okoth, Chief Nursing Executive Officer at CommonSpirit Health Mountain Division, discusses strengthening workplace safety, enhancing patient experience, and addressing economic and workforce challenges. She shares strategies for nurse retention, rural care access, and innovative programs that prepare the system for future growth.

In this episode, Leon Clark, Chief Academic Affairs Officer at Sutter Health, discusses how strategic growth of the system’s graduate medical education programs, strong academic partnerships, and a focus on team based, technology enabled care are helping train and retain physicians to address workforce shortages and expand access across California.

In this episode, Malisha Patel, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Southwest and Sugar Land Hospitals, joins the podcast to discuss how major industry changes are reshaping healthcare delivery. She shares strategies for optimizing workflow, adapting to evolving federal and state policy shifts, and establishing an AI governance council to guide responsible innovation. She also outlines how her organization is navigating the transition to value-based care while maintaining operational excellence.

In this episode, Jim Molloy, Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer of Ochsner Health, shares how fresh perspective, disciplined integration, and a focus on access and experience are shaping his 2026 strategy. He discusses navigating government reimbursement pressures, driving efficiency as smart growth, and why optimism and urgency are essential mindsets for today’s health care CFOs.

In this episode, Patrick Velliky, Chief External Affairs Officer at HaloMD, breaks down the latest trends in health care policy, payer consolidation, and the No Surprises Act. He explains how providers can navigate reimbursement challenges, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on delivering care while staying independent.

This episode is sponsored by HaloMD.

In this episode, Douglas A. Ross, MD, CPE, FACS, Chief Medical Officer at AdventHealth Carrollwood, discusses rising pressures from age related neurological conditions, the shift toward team based and community anchored care models, and how biomarkers, functional imaging, and AI supported screening are reshaping early detection and treatment across the AdventHealth network.

In this episode, Luis Taveras, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Jefferson Health, shares how he is leading large scale integration, advancing AI with a human centered approach, and transforming IT into a value engine that supports clinical excellence and strategic growth.

In this episode, Hillery Smith Shay, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer and Senior Vice President of Communications at Children's Minnesota, shares how the organization is embedding a systemwide total experience strategy, launching Epic to power a seamless digital front door, and positioning experience as a true strategic differentiator amid financial and care delivery challenges.

In this episode, David Klein, MD, MBA, Senior Advisor at Marwood Group and Board Member of Northwest Healthcare REIT & Joseph Mercer, Managing Director at Marwood Group join Scott Becker to examine regulatory volatility, state budget pressures, compliance scrutiny, and emerging opportunities shaping healthcare investing and private equity strategy.

In this episode, William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, shares how healthcare leaders can align innovation with clear strategy, dedicated resources, and strong governance to drive measurable value. He discusses balancing structure with creativity, building trust and buy-in, and creating frameworks that help teams adapt and partner effectively amid rapid change.

This episode is sponsored by Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

In this episode, Nancy Beran, MD, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer of ambulatory care at Northwell Health, shares how her team screened more than 700,000 patients for depression, redesigned ambulatory quality oversight across 1,000 sites, and is leading integration and Epic implementation to drive safer, more standardized care.

In this episode, Dr. Zafar Chaudry, Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer and Chief AI and Information Officer at Seattle Children's, shares how the organization is deploying agentic AI for clinical pathways, ambient documentation and translation tools, while strengthening cybersecurity, optimizing IT spend and expanding digital access for patients and families.

In this episode, Heitham Hassoun, MD, Chief Executive for International at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, shares how the organization is building a global care network that blends medical travel, local clinics, and long term partnerships. He discusses continuity of care, international strategy, workforce challenges, and what it takes to deliver Cedars-Sinai quality across diverse global markets.

In this episode, Joseph Izzo, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer at San Joaquin General Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss leading informatics and AI strategy in a public teaching hospital while balancing innovation, governance, and cybersecurity. He shares insights on emerging digital health tools, data driven care, and advice for clinicians navigating rapid technological change.

In this episode, Dan Collard, Co Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group, shares how “rewiring excellence” helps leaders drive meaningful change through practical, incremental improvements, with a focus on workforce retention, emotional onboarding, and early engagement to reduce turnover and strengthen organizational performance.

This episode is sponsored by Healthcare Plus Solutions Group.

In this episode, Rev. Inetta A. Reddell, Pastoral Care Coordinator at Charter House, Mayo Clinic Retirement Living, shares her leadership journey at the intersection of pastoral care, bioethics, and healthcare, including her historic role as the first woman of color to lead the Association of Professional Chaplains. She discusses advancing diversity, sustaining resilience, and the importance of human connection and ethical leadership in modern healthcare.

In this episode, Matt Boles, MD, MHA, MSc, Chief Medical Officer at Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics, joins the podcast to reflect on the early stages of his executive journey in medicine. He discusses procedural capacity challenges, key priorities for 2026 including physician shortages, and areas for organizational growth, with a focus on the evolving role of the medical executive committee.

 In this episode, Neil Roy, MD, MBA, FACEP, CPE, Vice President of Diagnostic and Operative Services and Chief Medical Officer at Adventist HealthCare, shares how marketplace rounds, high risk discharge clinics, and remote monitoring cut length of stay by up to 15 percent and lowered readmissions below 10 percent, while strengthening physician engagement and preparing for AI driven patient flow innovation under Maryland’s global budget model.

In this episode, Eric C. Hunter, President and CEO of CareOregon, discusses how the organization is aligning with providers to improve quality and performance while managing cost pressures. He shares insights on leveraging AI, navigating regulatory challenges, and creating sustainable solutions for Medicaid and community health.

In this episode, Tracey Spangenberg, Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer at UC San Diego Health, joins the podcast to discuss system growth and early successes across the organization. She shares insights on the expanding role of outpatient care and retail pharmacy, outlines key challenges facing pharmacy leaders in the new year, and highlights how strategic investments today are positioning the system for future growth.

In this episode, Scott MacLean, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at MedStar Health, discusses EHR modernization, application rationalization, and the role of AI and digital platforms in improving patient access, experience, and quality across the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region.

In this episode, Brandy Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Benefitbay, shares where payer strategy continues to fall short in execution, what investments could reshape health plans, and how reducing administrative complexity can improve margins and access to care.

In this episode, Michelle Stansbury, Associate Chief Innovation Officer and VP of IT Applications at Houston Methodist, discusses how the system leverages AI, smart hospital technology, and operational data to improve patient experience and staff efficiency. She shares insights on scaling innovations, optimizing workflows, and using technology to deliver more accessible and patient-centered care across multiple hospitals.

In this episode, Dr. Randi Goldman, Associate Professor at Hofstra/Northwell and Program Director for the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship, discusses how Northwell Health is scaling fertility preservation and oncofertility pathways. She shares strategies for improving patient access, coordinating care across specialties, and using data to drive outcomes and innovation in reproductive health.

In this episode, Girish N. Nadkarni, Chair of the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Director of the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health, and Chief AI Officer, and Nicholas Gavin, MD, MBA, MS, Vice President and Chief Clinical Innovation Officer at Mount Sinai Health System, discuss building AI governance and assurance frameworks, expanding asynchronous care, and using generative AI to improve access, efficiency, and patient centered innovation.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Han, Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer at MultiCare Health System, shares results from a large scale ambient documentation vendor evaluation that significantly reduced clinician burnout and outlines his focus on AI governance, safety monitoring, and prioritizing high value innovation amid financial headwinds.

In this episode, Michele Szkolnicki, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, discusses her multi-year initiative to rebuild and stabilize the nursing workforce, achieving a zero percent vacancy in medical-surgical units, and shares how nursing can drive value, improve patient outcomes, and support hospital finances in 2026.

In this episode, Rob Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Transformation Alliance, discusses how employers and providers can work more closely to improve value, reduce middleman costs, and drive better outcomes. He shares perspectives on payer competition, transparency, GLP 1 cost pressures, and how technology and personalized medicine may reshape health plans in the years ahead.