Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, discusses the surge in health system M&A, including the proposed Intermountain Health and AdventHealth joint venture in Colorado and Salem Health's merger with Santiam Memorial Hospital in Oregon. He also explores how financial pressures, regulatory flexibility and the need for greater scale are shaping health system partnerships and transactions.

In this episode, Eddie Wilson, Managing Director at Deloitte, and Yuchen Chen, Associate Vice President at Deloitte, discuss how healthcare organizations can identify and address patient leakage through data, analytics, and improved access strategies. They also explore how stronger network retention, care orchestration, and emerging AI capabilities can support margin growth, patient engagement, and long term strategic planning.

This episode is sponsored by Converge Health Care by Deloitte.

In this episode, Nishith Khandwala, CEO and Co-founder at Bunkerhill Health, Sam Schwager, CEO & Co-Founder of SuperDial, Steve Liou, CEO and Founder of Clarium, and Bo Gu, MD, CEO, Youlify, discuss how AI is improving clinical workflows, reducing administrative burden, and expanding access to care. They also share the biggest challenges to AI adoption and what healthcare leaders should prioritize as these technologies continue to evolve.

In this episode, Martha Henley, Chief Executive Officer, Unity Medical Center, discusses expanding access to care in rural communities, restoring specialty services locally and strengthening hospital operations. She shares how Unity Medical Center is navigating workforce challenges, reimbursement pressures and growth opportunities while keeping patients at the center.

In this episode, Mark G. Moseley, MD, MHA, President, USF Tampa General Physicians; Executive Vice President, Tampa General Hospital, discusses navigating healthcare disruption through strong culture, focused leadership and simplifying the patient experience. He shares how Tampa General is approaching growth, access to care, technology and the future of academic medicine.

In this episode, Matthew McDonald, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Children's Specialized Hospital, RWJBarnabas Health, discusses expanding access to pediatric rehabilitation and specialized services while addressing workforce and funding challenges. He shares how innovation, new care models and a focus on family-centered care are helping more children reach their full potential.

In this episode, Dr. David Klein, Partner and MD, Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center, discusses how AI is improving scheduling, documentation, and insurance workflows, while creating more time for patient care and enhancing the physician experience.

This episode is sponsored by Heidi Health.

In this episode, Robert Stone, Chief Executive Officer, Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, City of Hope, discusses the organization’s approach to expanding cancer care access, building philanthropic partnerships and keeping patients at the center of growth. He also shares his perspective on AI, technology and the future of cancer treatment.

In this episode, Josh Orzel, Chief Nursing Officer, Saline Health System, discusses strengthening nursing culture, developing talent pipelines and supporting frontline caregivers through industry challenges. He shares his leadership philosophy and how investing in nurses drives better outcomes for patients, teams and communities.

In this episode, Kelly Haynie, DHA, MPA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus, discusses leading through growth, building a strong leadership culture, and preparing healthcare organizations for AI-driven transformation. He shares how AI can improve access, experience, quality and safety while reducing administrative burden and keeping care human.

In this episode, Rob Sumter, PhD, FACHE, President, Saint Joseph Hospital; Executive Vice President and Market Chief Operating Officer, Ascension, discusses how disciplined execution, investing in people, and thoughtfully applying AI are driving long-term sustainability. He also shares why staying agile, communicating through change, and keeping patients at the center are essential to successful healthcare transformation.

In this episode, Dr. Stanley Crittenden, Chief Medical Officer at Cigna Healthcare, discusses how AI-powered analytics and personalized care management are helping identify health risks earlier, improve outcomes and simplify healthcare navigation. He shares how Cigna is using technology to support clinicians, expand access to care and drive affordability while keeping human connection at the center.

In this episode, Sarah Adkins, director of public policy with the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute, discusses research showing lower telehealth utilization among rural populations and the barriers driving the gap. She shares strategies for payers and healthcare leaders to expand digital infrastructure, tailor telehealth programs and improve access for underserved members.

In this episode, Mike Lewis, CFO, Onvida Medical Group, discusses how his organization is measuring the financial and clinical impact of AI, including a 14% increase in patient-facing time, 35% documentation time savings and improved revenue yield. He also shares strategies for improving revenue capture, reducing payer denials and using technology to reduce physician burnout while strengthening margins.

In this episode, Joe Feldsien, Senior Vice President of Integrated Care at PDS Health, discusses the growing role of oral health in whole-person care, including advances in salivary diagnostics, CBCT technology and the mouth-body connection. He also shares leadership insights on building patient trust, prioritizing the right initiatives and using AI to strengthen strategy and structure in dentistry.

In this episode, Surendra Khera, MD, MSc, President, Cleveland Clinic Florida Accountable Care Organization; Vice Chief, Primary Care Institute, Florida Market, Cleveland Clinic, discusses how expanding access, redesigning primary care, and embracing AI are improving patient outcomes and clinician well-being. He also shares strategies for addressing digital workload, strengthening value-based care, and preparing primary care for the future.

In this episode, Larry Lacefield, Force Master Chief (Ret.), U.S. Navy and Healthcare Executive, shares how lessons from military leadership have shaped his approach to healthcare, discusses using AI and technology to improve access and patient experience, and explains why empowering frontline teams is essential to delivering better outcomes.

In this episode, Katie Catlender, Chief Operating Officer at Point32Health, discusses the organization’s push to consolidate legacy digital platforms, reduce administrative costs and create a simpler experience for members and providers. She also shares how Point32Health is using AI responsibly to personalize care, reduce friction and build trust while keeping members at the center.

In this episode, Thomas Lynch, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, joins the podcast to discuss expanding outpatient capacity to meet growing demand for cancer care while improving access and the patient experience. He also shares his perspective on preparing the next generation of physicians, highlighting the importance of education, mentorship, and innovation in shaping the future of oncology.

In this episode, Dr. Greg Rosencrance, President and Chief Executive Officer at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, discusses the organization’s focus on financial stability, service line growth and delivering accessible, high-quality care close to home. He shares how Thomas Hospitals is approaching innovation, ambulatory growth, workforce challenges and partnerships to support the future needs of its community.

In this episode, Melvin Price, DPM, President and Chief Executive Officer, MCR Health, discusses how federally qualified health centers are expanding access to care, the financial pressures facing community health organizations, and the opportunities in clinical trials and value-based care to better serve underserved populations.

In this episode, Haroon Ansari, Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss how healthcare organizations can align their strategies with an evolving market and changing patient needs. He shares his perspective on the greatest opportunities for growth in the years ahead, highlighting the importance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic planning to position health systems for long-term success.

In this episode, Jennifer Venator, MSN, RN, CNS, CNOR, CRNFA, Executive Director, Surgical Services, Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton CA, shares how trusted, real-time data is improving surgical access, operational efficiency, and collaboration across care teams. She also discusses how automation and emerging AI capabilities can streamline perioperative workflows, reduce administrative burden, and help clinicians stay focused on patient care.

In this episode, Swannie Jett, DrPH, MSc, MHA, Chief Executive Officer of Park DuValle Community Health Center, joins the podcast to discuss rethinking healthcare strategy in an era of AI, payer denials, and increasing reliance on outsourcing. He also shares how improving community health extends beyond the clinic, highlighting innovative efforts to provide nutrition education through the rehabilitation of a neighborhood grocery store and the ongoing work required to keep it operating as a sustainable community resource.

In this episode, Michael Antoniades, President, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, discusses the hospital's transformation through its partnership with UChicago Medicine, plans to expand residency programs and key service lines, and the leadership principles guiding its continued growth and investment in the Southland community.

In this episode, Mary McKenzie, FACHE, Chief Administrative Officer, UVA Physicians Group, shares how AI, virtual care, and thoughtful change management are helping reduce physician burden, expand access, and improve the clinician experience. She also discusses why communication, curiosity, and empathy are essential to leading successful transformation in healthcare.

In this episode, Bill McCarthy, President, Securitas Healthcare, and Stephanie Anderson, VP Cloud and Platform Strategy, Securitas Healthcare, discuss how real-time location solutions are evolving into enterprise-wide platforms that improve patient care, operational efficiency, and staff safety. They explore the roles of cloud technology, AI, executive sponsorship, and long-term strategy in unlocking the full value of RTLS across health systems.

This episode is sponsored by Securitas Healthcare.

In this episode, Akram Boutros, MD, Human Focused AI Builder + Health Transformation Crusader, shares how his experience as both a longtime health system CEO and patient inspired a new approach to care delivery, and discusses how AI can reduce clinician burden, improve patient outcomes, and create a more connected healthcare system.

In this episode, Matthew Ray Scott, MS, Principal & Managing Director, FEED. The Agency, and Scott Sigman,MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Podcaster, and Pioneer in opioid-sparing surgery, discuss their new book Physician Brand Rx, sharing how physicians can build trust, strengthen their digital presence, and shape their professional reputation in the age of AI.

In this episode, Kyle Clifford, Chief Executive Officer at amfAR, discusses the organization's mission to fund groundbreaking early stage HIV research, the expanding role of immune system science in cancer and chronic disease, and why backing bold ideas is essential to advancing healthcare innovation.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, examines how ACA coverage changes are affecting hospital finances, why elective surgery volumes are softening, and what these trends could mean for nonprofit health systems facing tighter margins.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses the latest CMS inpatient payment rule, rising ACA marketplace premiums, and the evolving Medicare Advantage landscape, along with what these changes mean for hospitals, health systems, and patient access to care.

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights the latest U.S. News and Forbes hospital rankings, the continued insurer pullback from Medicare Advantage, and more.

In this episode, Kevin Campbell, MD, Chief Executive Officer, STREAMD, discusses how his experience as an orthopedic surgeon inspired the creation of a patient engagement platform, the role of AI in orthopedic care, and the trends shaping outpatient surgery, private practice, and healthcare innovation.

In this episode, Ben Harder, Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis at U.S. News & World Report, discusses the evolution of the Best Hospitals rankings, including a greater emphasis on risk-adjusted patient outcomes and expanded regional specialty rankings. He also shares how hospital leaders can use the data to benchmark performance, identify improvement opportunities, and better communicate their strengths to patients.

In this episode, Deborah Visconi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses advancing patient-centered care through ambulatory expansion, behavioral health integration and a major Epic implementation. She also shares how investing in culture, workforce development and community partnerships is helping strengthen care for vulnerable populations while navigating financial and policy challenges.

In this episode, Ronda Lehman, PharmD, MBA, FACHE, President, Mercy Health Lima, discusses expanding access across rural communities, strengthening recruitment and retention, and using technology and team based care to improve the patient and provider experience. She also shares her perspective on leadership, operational excellence, and preparing health systems for long term growth.

In this episode, Emily Moorhead, President of the Macomb Market at Henry Ford Health, shares how she is leading operational and workforce stabilization amid rapid growth and industry headwinds. She discusses financial sustainability, staff engagement, patient safety, and making disciplined decisions to support long-term access, trust, and community-centered care.

In this episode, David Walker, Chief Executive Officer, George E. Weems Memorial Hospital, shares how the hospital is expanding local access to care through new pharmacy, oncology, rehabilitation, and specialty services while strengthening its financial foundation. He also discusses workforce strategies, cybersecurity, and the importance of investing in rural communities to build a more sustainable future.

In this episode, Alyssia Crews, MBA, FACHE, Vice President of Orlando Health Cancer Institute, joins the podcast to discuss expanding access to cancer care and improving clinical access for patients across the communities the institute serves. She shares insights on addressing workforce and staffing challenges, as well as the key operational and strategic issues oncology leaders are navigating to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Leanne Yanni, MD, MHCM, President and Chief Executive Officer, Illinois Physician Enterprise, Hospital Sisters Health System, discusses building a long-term strategy for physician growth, expanding access in rural communities and strengthening leadership across the organization. She also shares how ambient AI, team-based care and population health are helping improve clinician experience and patient outcomes.

In this episode, Jim Andrews, MHL, President and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center, reflects on the leadership principles that have shaped his career, from treating others with empathy to staying grounded through continuous learning. He also shares how purpose, mentorship, and perspective help him navigate the challenges of leading a specialty hospital while fostering a culture where employees and patients feel valued.

In this episode, Jodi Skiles, MD, Medical Director of the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, joins the podcast to discuss a groundbreaking milestone in pediatric medicine—the world's first bone marrow stem cell transplant using cells from a deceased donor in a 14-year-old patient. She shares the significance of expanding access to this innovative donor source and how advances in transplant medicine are creating new opportunities to improve outcomes for children in need of life-saving care.

n this episode, Shawn Martin, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, American Academy of Family Physicians, discusses the growing momentum behind independent primary care, the financial and policy challenges facing physicians, and how AI could help reshape the future of family medicine. He also shares why affordability and innovation will define healthcare's next chapter.

In this episode, Dr. James McGee, Osf Healthcare Cancer Institute, discusses the urgent need to expand cancer prevention and early detection in rural communities while addressing the unique challenges rural providers face. He also shares his perspective on AI in oncology, the growing impact of obesity on cancer care, and emerging innovations that could improve access and reduce the cost of treatment.

In this episode, Dr. Maulik Purohit, Chief Health Innovation Officer at datosX Digital Health Labs, discusses the rapid evolution of digital health, why clinicians must remain central to AI-supported decision making, and how leaders can foster trust and collaboration when technology and human expertise diverge.

In this episode, David N. Bernstein, MD, PhD, MBA, MEI, Harvard Orthopaedic Surgeon, shares his perspective on the future of orthopedic care, discussing value-based healthcare, ambulatory surgery centers, AI, and why measuring the outcomes that matter most to patients will shape the next generation of care delivery.

In this episode, I. Naya Kehayes, Entrepreneur, Healthcare Business Professional and Speaker, shares how personal adversity shaped her leadership journey, the lessons she's learned building a career in healthcare, and why resilience, purpose, and authentic relationships are essential for long-term success.

In this episode, Maria Ghazal, President and CEO of the Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), discusses the policy trends shaping healthcare, including affordability, AI, and workforce challenges, and explains why collaboration and active engagement with policymakers are essential to driving meaningful change.

In this episode, Holly McCormack, DNP, RN, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cottage Hospital, discusses expanding specialty and behavioral health services, securing critical grant funding, and strengthening rural healthcare through patient-centered growth, recruitment, and age-friendly care initiatives.