Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Edward Bleacher, CFO, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, shares how his team navigates financial uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and post-bankruptcy recovery while building long-term sustainability. He also discusses key trends, strategic growth priorities, and the leadership mindset needed to thrive in today’s healthcare environment.

In this episode, Dr. Arash Motamed, Anesthesiologist and Medical Director of Sustainability with Keck Medicine of USC, shares how his team successfully eliminated nitrous oxide use, highlighting its environmental impact, the path to clinician alignment, and broader opportunities to reduce healthcare waste and emissions.

In this episode, Dr. Bradley Lamm, DPM, Director of the Foot and Ankle Deformity Center and Director of the Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction Fellowship at the Paley Institute, joins the podcast to discuss groundbreaking advancements in foot and ankle surgery. He highlights the world’s first patient-specific 3D-printed procedure, explores MedCad treatment options, and shares how these innovations are driving more advanced healing and improved patient outcomes.

In this episode, Shelly Soileau, CFO of Opelousas General Health System, discusses the financial realities facing rural hospitals, including transportation barriers for patients, shifting payer behavior, and workforce costs. She also shares how focusing on revenue integrity, denial management, and data driven decision making is helping stabilize margins and support smart growth.

In this episode, Pankhuri Sharma, Strategy and Operations Leader at Humana, joins the podcast to discuss gaps between population health strategy and real-world outcomes. She shares key priorities for effective population health programs and offers practical advice for emerging leaders navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Sri Narasimhan, VP of Enterprise Customer Experience and Insights at CVS Health, discusses how agentic AI twin simulations are enabling faster, more scalable, and more human-centered decision-making. He shares real-world examples of how this technology is uncovering new patient insights, improving adherence, and reshaping how healthcare organizations design and deliver care.

In this episode, Sunitha Reddy, Chief Revenue Officer and Vice President of Operations, Prime Healthcare, discusses how revenue cycle strategy powers hospital turnarounds, tackles payer pressure and denials, and leverages AI to improve efficiency while supporting care access.

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In this episode, Patrick DeAngelo, President of CorroHealth, discusses why health systems must shift from managing denials to preventing them by leveraging AI, rethinking workflows, and balancing technology with human oversight in an evolving payer landscape.

This episode is sponsored by CorroHealth.

In this episode, Geri Eaves, Vice President of Ambulatory Services, MedHQ, and Wes Battiste, Senior Advisor, Avanza Strategies, explore the rapid growth of ASC joint ventures and what drives their success. They discuss physician alignment, governance structures, and the importance of collaboration to deliver high-quality, cost-effective outpatient care.

This episode is sponsored by MedHQ.

In this episode, Ian Macdonald, CFO, Union Health, shares how his data-driven approach is guiding major transformation including a recent hospital acquisition, dual system integrations, and strategic investments in AI and technology to drive future growth.

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In this episode, Ajay Kapare, President & CEO, ELLKAY, explains how strong data integrity, interoperability, and governance form the foundation for scalable AI success, and why organizations that prioritize enterprise data strategy are the ones seeing real results.

This episode is sponsored by ELLKAY.

In this episode, Nikhil Buduma, Co-Founder and CEO of Ambience Healthcare, and Alfred Lumsdaine, Chief Financial Officer of Ardent Health, discuss how ambient AI is reducing clinician burden, improving documentation and revenue cycle performance, and helping health systems navigate financial and operational pressures.

This episode is sponsored by Ambience Healthcare.

In this episode, Todd Butka, co-founder and CEO, Murj, discusses the shift from episodic to interval-based cardiac monitoring and why continuous, data-driven care models are essential for better outcomes and reimbursement. He also shares how health systems can evaluate technology partners and prepare for the next generation of remote monitoring.

This episode is sponsored by Murj.

In this episode, Selynto Anderson, PhD, FACHE, Chief Community Health and Impact Officer at Lee Health, joins the podcast to discuss the power of community partnerships in improving health outcomes. He shares how his team is working to better serve underserved populations and reduce disparities across the health system through targeted, community-focused initiatives.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, breaks down the latest Medicare Advantage rate updates, policy changes targeting upcoding, and ongoing efforts to reform prior authorization amid transparency challenges.

In this episode, Sudipto Srivastava, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Montefiore Health System, joins the podcast to discuss building effective AI governance programs and ensuring data safety across the organization. He shares priorities for 2026, including strengthening the revenue cycle and supply chain through data-driven strategies, and highlights key areas for organizational growth as analytics capabilities continue to evolve.

In this episode, Lukas Recio, Managing Director, VMG Health, and Emily Rizos, Director, VMG Health, break down key trends shaping healthcare mergers and acquisitions, including valuation alignment, private equity activity, and growing interest in outpatient care. They also explore future opportunities and risks, from evolving deal structures to regulatory pressures and shifting care models.

This episode is sponsored by VMG Health.

In this episode, Mansour Razminia, MD, Medical Director of Electrophysiology for the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, shares how intracardiac echo is transforming ablation by eliminating radiation exposure and improving safety for patients and care teams while challenging traditional training models.

In this episode, Brittney Anderson, MD, FAAFP - Physician / Owner at Anderson Family Care and Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, shares her journey to independent practice. She discusses creating autonomy, coaching other physicians, and strategies for building sustainable, patient-centered practices.

In this episode, Beauregard Health System CEO Traci Thibodeaux explores how the rural health system is redefining clinical excellence through innovative technology—highlighting impactful initiatives in sepsis reduction, telehealth, and patient engagement that are transforming care close to home.

This episode is sponsored by MEDITECH.

In this episode, Dr. Paula Ferrada, MD, FACS, FCCM, MAMSE, Department of Surgery Chair, Inova Fairfax Hospital, shares how data, trust, and teamwork are transforming perioperative operations, improving access, and boosting efficiency while keeping patients at the center of care.

This episode is sponsored by LeanTaaS.

In this episode, Howard Maunus, MD - Fellow, Climate Health Organizing Fellowship, Cambridge Alliance and Harvard Medical School; Member, Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity, discusses practical ways healthcare can reduce waste and emissions while improving efficiency. He also shares insights on finding purpose after clinical practice and building community around climate and health advocacy.

In this episode, Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President at UnitedHealth Group, discusses engaging patients through social media, addressing rising health risks in younger populations, and building a resilient healthcare workforce through innovation and collaboration.

In this episode, Dr. William Shutze, a vascular surgeon at Texas Vascular Associates and former Executive Board Member of the Society for Vascular Surgery, and Dr. Robert Molnar, a vascular surgeon and Chief of Surgery at McLaren Flint and Executive Board At Large Member of the Society for Vascular Surgery, discuss how strong vascular surgery programs drive better patient outcomes, enable complex care, and strengthen hospital performance. They highlight the critical roles of early collaboration, infrastructure investment, and strategic alignment across service lines.

This episode is sponsored by Society for Vascular Surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Faisal Tai, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of PsychPlus, shares how overreliance on virtual care, lack of standardization, and poor care coordination hinder behavioral health outcomes, and explains how in-person models and integrated systems can improve patient flow, quality, and financial sustainability.

This episode is sponsored by PsychPlus.

Susan Jacob, PharmD, MBA, Assistant Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services at NYC Health + Hospitals, shares insights on advancing pharmacy’s role in patient education, health equity, and system-wide care improvement. She also discusses leadership, serving vulnerable populations, and building strong, empowered teams.

In this episode, Kevin Knight, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidecar Health, joins the podcast to discuss making healthcare more intuitive and consumer-friendly. He shares how giving money back to consumers through tools like HSAs can improve engagement, and explains why competition and technology are key drivers of meaningful system-wide improvement.

In this episode, Samir Mehta, MD, Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma & Fracture Service and Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of trauma care and how machine learning and AI are shaping the future of the field. He also shares practical advice for emerging leaders looking to grow and lead in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

In this episode, Joel Selanikio, MD, Physician, former CDC Epidemiologist, TED/Keynote Speaker, Technologist, Entrepreneur, explores how consumer technology, AI, and new care models are reshaping demand for healthcare and why the industry must better understand these shifts to prepare for the future.

In this episode, Jenn Balchunas, MHL, CPC, Director of Onboarding & Optimization, DevelopMe Leadership Coach at UNC Health Medical Group, and Sachin K. Gupta, MD, FAAFP, Chief Medical Officer Primary Care/Statewide at UNC Health Medical Group, share how they built an onboarding and optimization team to improve workflows, reduce burnout, and strengthen clinician support. They discuss lessons learned, the role of data and relationships, and how AI and new tools are shaping the future of workforce efficiency.

In this episode, Victor Navarro, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Central Region, Jefferson Health System, shares insights on the growing role of artificial intelligence, virtual care, and precision medicine, along with strategies to manage capacity across a large health system. He also discusses leadership lessons on flexibility, resilience, and driving high-quality, mission-focused care.

In this episode, Seanna-Kaye Denham-Wilks, PhD, FPCC, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator of Nursing Home Operations at NYC Health + Hospitals | McKinney, joins the podcast to discuss transforming care culture from transactional to relational models. She outlines three key areas of focus—sustaining excellence, supporting workforce sustainability and wellbeing, and innovating care delivery models to better serve patients and staff.

In this episode, Rosy Thachil, MD, MBA, FACC, FAMWA, FACVC, Cardiologist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, joins the podcast to discuss why patient care cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. She shares how translation services help bridge communication gaps, and how integrating specialized, data-driven care is improving outcomes and delivering more personalized treatment for diverse patient populations.

In this episode, Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial at Becker’s Healthcare, highlights the rise of oral GLP 1 treatments, key leadership changes at Cleveland Clinic London, and evolving hospital M and A trends shaping the healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Scott Becker reviews 7 key healthcare stories including hospital financial turnarounds, Oracle layoffs, technology ROI, rising digital leadership, health system consolidation, and more.

In this episode, Zachary C. Dietch, MD, Transplant Surgeon at Northwestern Medicine, joins the podcast to discuss optimizing referral pathways for transplant surgery and integrating new specialties into treatment plans. He also shares recent advancements in liver transplant surgery and how these innovations are improving outcomes for patients.

In this episode, Jason Mouzakes, MD, FAAP, President and Chief Executive Officer of Albany Medical Center Hospital and Professor of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics, joins the podcast to discuss workforce challenges and the importance of empowering care teams. He shares why listening is a critical leadership skill, along with his perspectives on improving access to healthcare and supporting patients across the continuum of care.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, breaks down new prior authorization transparency rules and the growing scrutiny of insurer vertical integration, exploring what these trends could mean for costs, policy, and the future of the payer landscape.

In this episode, Scott Becker discusses major healthcare trends including hospital financial strain, cuts to labor and delivery services, Medicare Advantage growth, policy shifts impacting the future of care delivery, and more.

In this episode, Samantha Smeltzer, VP of Simulation at Orbis Education, explores how simulation is transforming nursing education by bridging gaps between theory and real-world practice. She shares how hands-on training, debriefing, and stronger collaboration with health systems can improve clinical readiness, patient safety, and workforce retention.

This episode is sponsored by Orbis Education.

In this episode, Melissa Chase, PharmD, BCSCP, CPEL, Director of Pharmacy at Valley Children’s Healthcare, joins the podcast to discuss investing in new technologies, including robotics, to enhance pharmacy operations. She shares how these innovations support patient and staff safety, and emphasizes the critical role frontline team members play in delivering high-quality, reliable care.

In this episode, Jeffrey Cohen, MD, FACS, FASCRS, CPE, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Operating Officer at Hartford HealthCare, joins the podcast to discuss breakthroughs in outpatient care management and how data is improving safety and quality. He shares insights on HHC 2035 and the shift toward a more consumer-centric healthcare system, along with ways Hartford Healthcare is enhancing the overall patient experience.

In this episode, Benjamin Schwartz, MD, MHCM, President of Academic Delivery, Banner Health, and Patricia A. Prelock, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at University of Arizona, reflect on a decade-long partnership advancing academic medicine, workforce development, and research-driven care. They share lessons on trust, shared purpose, and aligning clinical and academic missions to deliver world-class outcomes.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses the rise of AI adoption, evolving care delivery models, and why health system leaders remain cautiously optimistic about the future. She also highlights financial pressures in rural healthcare and renewed investment in digital health and workforce innovation.

In this episode, Jeff Flaks, Chief Executive Officer, Hartford HealthCare, reflects on pivotal moments like 9/11 and COVID-19 and how they shaped his leadership philosophy. He shares insights on continuous improvement, team-driven culture, and the need to disrupt healthcare to advance access, affordability, and quality.

In this episode, Mac Boyter, revenue cycle management and Business Solutions Research Director at KLAS Research, and Josh Margulies, VP of Brand Advocacy, Suki AI, discuss how health systems can validate ROI and scale ambient AI from pilot to enterprise. They explore key findings on revenue lift, clinician efficiency, patient satisfaction, and the importance of strong partnerships and change management.

This episode is sponsored by Suki.

In this episode, Meeta Gandhi, Chief Operations Officer at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, shares her perspective on human-centered leadership, building trust with teams, and developing strong workplace culture. She outlines five key practices leaders can adopt to stay grounded, connected, and effective in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

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In this episode, Srilekha Akula, Chief Data & AI Officer, TRIMEDX, shares how AI is enabling real time, data driven capital planning and connecting predictive maintenance to smarter supply chain decisions. She explores how health systems can reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and protect patient care by breaking down data silos.

This episode is sponsored by TRIMEDX.

In this episode, Dr. Maulik Purohit, Chief Health Innovation Officer at datosX Digital Health Labs, shares how better documentation tools, thoughtful AI implementation, and policy changes can reduce clinician burnout and improve patient care. He also reflects on the importance of supporting frontline healthcare workers to build a more sustainable system.

In this episode, Jason Hinkle, CFO, Illinois Region of Deaconess Health System, shares how empowering frontline leaders, strengthening financial partnerships, and embracing innovation are shaping sustainable performance. He also discusses the evolving role of CFOs as strategic leaders in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand