Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Eric Leroux, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer, Eisenhower Health, discusses how his organization is advancing quality, patient safety, and clinical innovation while preparing for the future of healthcare. Read his recent Health Affairs article here: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/hospital-safety-grades-aren-t-keeping-up-technology-here-s-they-need-measure-next

In this episode, Morgan P. Lorio, MD, FACS, joins the podcast to discuss redefining spine care through more personalized and evidence-based treatment approaches. He explores why treatment plans can fail, shares insights from his work on transitional reliability, and explains the importance of establishing clear rules of engagement to improve communication, decision-making, and patient outcomes.

In this episode, R. Kannan Mutharasan, MD, MBA, Medical Director of Health Network Development, Sarah Plaskett, PA, Vice President of Operations, and Kaleigh Powers, MSN, RN, Director of Operations at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, join the podcast to discuss the importance of system integration in delivering coordinated cardiovascular care. They also share how AI is supporting clinical and operational teams by improving efficiency, enhancing workflows, and helping create a more connected patient experience.

In this episode, Dr. Samuel Browd, pediatric neurosurgeon and Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington, Co-CEO & Chief Medical Officer at NeuFluent and co-Founder of the Foundation for Digital Neurosurgery, discusses how AI, data analytics, robotics, and brain-computer interfaces are reshaping neurosurgery. He shares insights on addressing workforce shortages, scaling specialized expertise, and why the next generation of surgeons will play a critical role in driving innovation across healthcare.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Ben Burch, Spine Surgeon, Atlanta Spine Institute. He discusses adopting new technologies, leading organizational change through a successful EMR transition, and why maintaining a patient first mindset is essential as AI and innovation reshape spine care.

In this episode, Ian Mcnickle, Chief Executive Officer, Icon Dental Partners, discusses the importance of strong partnerships with clinicians, and the strategies driving sustainable growth in dentistry. He also shares insights on leadership, supporting practice success, and preparing for the future of dental care.

In this episode, Alejandro Fernandez, MBA, CMPE, Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Orthopedic Specialists, Inc., discusses his journey in healthcare leadership, the value of physician led organizations, and his vision for building an integrated orthopedic platform that improves care and operational excellence.

In this episode, Jeremy Meller, CIO, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, shares lessons learned from opening a 2 million square foot hospital designed with AI, robotics, and real-time location systems at its core. He discusses how simulation-driven planning, “Cardboard City,” and integrated technologies like autonomous robots and virtual nursing are transforming patient experience, clinician workflows, and hospital operations.

In this episode, Dr. Krista Kappus, Dentist, Private Dental Practice, shares how her practice is navigating rising costs, insurance reimbursement challenges, and the growing role of AI in dentistry. She discusses using AI to streamline insurance workflows, improve practice efficiency, and what dental leaders should prioritize to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Robert Norton, Founding Partner and Spine Surgeon, Florida Spine Associates. He shares how investing in leadership, building high performing teams, and staying adaptable are helping his organization navigate workforce challenges, drive sustainable growth, and prepare for the future of spine care.

In this episode, Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health, discusses how workforce development is reshaping healthcare by expanding debt-free allied health training programs and strengthening employer alignment.

In this episode, Shelby Decosta, SVP and Chief Business Development Officer at Kaiser Permanente, discusses how strategic partnerships are expanding access to value-based care while improving quality, affordability, and patient outcomes.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. John Peloza, Physician, PelozaSpine. He discusses the growth of concierge spine care, performing complex procedures in the ASC setting, the importance of experienced teams and innovative technologies, and why patient outcomes and experience remain the foundation of a successful practice.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, discusses the legal battle over Medicaid work requirements and the evolving rural hospital M&A landscape, including Quorum Health's growth strategy and Banner Health's latest transaction.

In this episode, Paul Testa, MD, Chief Health Informatics Officer at NYU Langone Health, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is being leveraged to create the best possible patient experience. He shares the value of “practicing out loud” to foster transparency and collaboration, and explains why building trust among patients, clinicians, and technology leaders is essential to the successful adoption of AI in healthcare.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Shane Sanborn, Chief Executive Officer, Shoshone Medical Center. He shares how rural healthcare leaders can navigate uncertainty through strong communication, strategic partnerships, and organizational agility while aligning community needs with transformational funding opportunities and long-term sustainability goals.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Clay Dorenkamp, Orthopedic Surgeon, Michigan Orthopedic Center. He discusses leveraging technology to improve patient communication, reduce administrative burdens, and support revenue cycle operations, while emphasizing the importance of leadership alignment and clinician oversight as healthcare organizations adopt new AI-driven tools.

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights three positive healthcare trends, including AI adoption, the growth of GLP-1 access, and a stronger nursing workforce.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Justin Harris, Chief Executive Officer, Daviess Community Hospital, Deaconess Health System. He discusses restoring core healthcare services, achieving financial stability through strategic partnerships, and the leadership principles of transparency, positivity, and community engagement that are driving sustainable growth.

In this episode, Wendy Merchant-Schulte, Vice President of Nursing Services at Orbis, and Dr. Hollie Caldwell, Dean of the College of Nursing at Concordia University, discuss how collaborative academic and healthcare partnerships can create more consistent, student-centered nursing education while strengthening the workforce pipeline.

This episode is sponsored by Orbis Education.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Dominic Maggio, Owner, Chief Executive Officer and Neurosurgeon, Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists. He shares insights on building a strong organizational culture, balancing operational efficiency with high-quality patient care, and evaluating emerging technologies while strategically growing an independent spine practice and ASC.

In this episode, Manav Sevak, CEO, Novitas Holdings, Venkat Mocherla, Founder of Midstream, and Malinka Walaliyadde, CEO, AKASA, discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare operations, revenue cycle, patient navigation, and clinical decision-making. They explore why health systems should focus on high impact AI initiatives, rethink enterprise adoption, and prepare for a future where AI drives both operational efficiency and a better patient experience.

In this episode, Dr. Bobbie Kumar, Physician Founder and Director of MOOV Health and Wellness, discusses the growing interest in longevity medicine, the role of personalized prevention, and why preserving function and independence should be a central goal of healthcare. 

This episode is sponsored by Vituity & MOOV.

In this episode, Eric Huckins, Chief Growth Officer, Lumicera Health Services, Michael DePaz, Vice President of Supply Chain Specialty Pharmacy, Clarventa, and Jamie Palzkill, Director of Manufacturer Relations & Contracting, Clarventa, discuss rising drug costs, supply chain transparency, and the launch of Clarventa’s net-price procurement model. They explore how innovative partnerships can help health systems reduce costs, improve medication access, and create a more sustainable pharmacy ecosystem for patients and providers.

This episode is sponsored by Lumicera Health Services and Clarventa.

In this episode, Mouneer Odeh, MA, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer at Cedars-Sinai, joins the podcast to discuss the technology trends reshaping healthcare organizations and how AI is influencing changes in organizational structure. He shares how AI is helping simplify complex processes and explores the evolving relationship between people and technology, emphasizing the importance of using innovation to augment human capabilities and improve care delivery.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Leo T. Kroonen, Chief, Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaiser Permanente San Diego. He discusses tackling post-pandemic access challenges, redesigning care pathways through virtual orthopedics and provider collaboration, and why curiosity and openness to change are essential for healthcare leaders navigating growing patient demand.

In this episode, Brett Antczak, MHA, Founder of Age of Advantage L.L.C., discusses why burnout is a leadership design challenge rather than a wellness issue, sharing practical strategies for building resilience, creating sustainable success, and leading with greater clarity and purpose. He also highlights lessons from his new book, Architecting the Sovereign Leader, and his Mastery Beyond the Boardroom program.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Dr. JohnRich Levin, Chief Nursing Officer, Reeves Regional Health. He discusses preparing rural care teams for complex clinical scenarios, strengthening workforce and leadership development, and why clarity, visibility, and adaptability are essential for delivering high-quality care in resource-constrained communities.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Brian J. Cole, Chair of Orthopedics and RUSH, Managing Partner at Midwest Orthopedics, Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon, Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH. He discusses the importance of scale, culture-driven leadership, and principled decision-making as orthopedic organizations navigate growth, consolidation, and an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Akshay Yadhati, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Austin Regional Clinic. He discusses launching and scaling a spine surgery program, expanding access to advanced technologies such as robotic and endoscopic spine procedures, and creating comprehensive care pathways that improve patient outcomes while supporting ASC growth.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Brian Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CHAI. He discusses the growing need for AI governance, evidence-based adoption of emerging technologies, and how healthcare leaders can balance innovation with trust, workforce readiness, and responsible deployment of agentic AI.

In this episode, Sanjiv Shah, MD, Director of Research at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, joins the podcast to discuss strategies for improving provider satisfaction and supporting clinicians in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. He also shares why strong data infrastructure serves as the foundation for innovation, enabling organizations to advance research, improve care delivery, and drive better outcomes for patients.

In this episode, Susan Goodson, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, joins the podcast to discuss the adoption of ambient scribe technology and other AI tools that are transforming healthcare operations. She shares how AI is reshaping organizational culture, fostering innovation, and helping care teams work more efficiently while enhancing the experience for both clinicians and patients.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, discusses the latest trends in healthcare finance, including the surprising slowdown in hospital closures this year and the ongoing financial pressures facing rural providers.

In this episode, Saurabh Tripathi, CFO, Ascension, discusses the health system’s ongoing financial turnaround, the operational improvements driving strong Q3 results, and Ascension’s strategic shift toward ambulatory care following its AMSURG acquisition. He also shares insights on smart growth, balance sheet management, and advice for emerging healthcare finance leaders on finding purpose and building a meaningful career.

In this episode, Mike O'Neill, CEO, MedicaSoft, discusses how ACOs can move beyond data collection to real-time, actionable insights that improve care quality, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes. He also explores the growing role of FHIR, interoperability, and data strategy in supporting value-based care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

This episode is sponsored by MedicaSoft.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Dallas Killian, Chief Operating Officer, East Adams Rural Healthcare. He discusses guiding a rural hospital through financial challenges, the importance of transparency and community trust, and how empowering teams to help solve problems can create sustainable paths forward during times of uncertainty.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Eric Price, Chief Financial Officer, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. He shares insights on balancing innovation with long-term strategy, approaching AI thoughtfully in a rural setting, and why communication, visibility, and a steady leadership mindset are essential amid constant change in healthcare.

In this episode, Holly Buckley, Chair of Healthcare at McGuireWoods, shares insights on the current state of private equity investment in physician practice management, the specialties attracting the most interest, and the operational factors shaping today's healthcare transactions.

In this episode, Katie Haifley, Senior Director of Product at NRC Health, and Tanya Hammon, Director of Experience at Parkview Health, discuss how ambient AI is enhancing leader rounding by reducing documentation burdens, capturing deeper patient insights, improving service recovery opportunities, and strengthening patient-provider connections. 

This episode is sponsored by NRC Health.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Kevin Bozic, Professor and Chair, Surgery and Perioperative Care Department, Dell Medical School at UT Austin. He discusses leading through rapid growth, preserving organizational culture, and why purpose, adaptability, and mission alignment are essential for long-term success in healthcare.

In this episode, Maria Sexton, MBA, CISSP, CRISC, CDPSE, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at University Health System, joins the podcast to discuss the growing need to expand patient access and deliver more seamless healthcare experiences. She shares insights on emerging developments shaping the industry and explains how rapid experimentation and innovation are helping organizations adapt, improve operations, and better meet the needs of patients and care teams.

In this episode, Jeff Ellman and Michael Krasman of UrbanBound discuss how technology, AI, and smarter relocation strategies are helping healthcare systems attract top talent, reduce costs, and improve the employee experience. They also share insights on innovation, workforce challenges, and lessons learned from building and scaling successful businesses.

In this episode, Karla Mills, Vice President of Product Innovation, Surescripts, discusses how health plans can use medication data as an early signal to identify risk, prioritize new members, and improve care management. She shares practical strategies for preparing ahead of enrollment surges and leveraging existing programs to drive better outcomes and operational performance. For more information, please check out our website: https://surescripts.com/who-we-serve/health-plans

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, shares key themes emerging from conversations with healthcare CEOs and CFOs, including access to care, financial sustainability, workforce resilience, and policy advocacy. She also discusses how leaders are balancing uncertainty around reimbursement and Medicaid changes with growing optimism about AI, innovation, and the future of healthcare transformation.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, shares insights from a rare behind-the-scenes visit to UnitedHealth Group’s headquarters, exploring how the company is investing in AI, software, and data infrastructure to reshape healthcare.

In this episode, Scott Becker reviews 8 key healthcare developments, including telehealth expansion, Medicare Advantage challenges, CEO turnover, AI governance, and more.

In this episode, Dorsey Morrow, CEO of Liberty HealthShare, discusses the growing affordability challenges facing healthcare consumers, the rise of alternative healthcare payment models, and the importance of transparency, trust, and prevention in improving access to care.

This episode is sponsored by Liberty HealthShare.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. William Levine, Frank E. Stinchfield Professor and Chair, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Chief, Shoulder Service, and Co-Director, Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center. He discusses navigating financial and operational pressures in academic medicine, expanding ambulatory care, and the leadership principles that help organizations adapt and thrive during times of constant change.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Rural Health Leadership Summit features Kyle Kramer, Chief Executive Officer, Day Kimball Health. He discusses strengthening access to care in rural communities, leading through rapid change, developing innovative transportation solutions, and advancing initiatives focused on equity, affordability, and preventive care.