Accumen's Healthcare Performance Insider Podcast

Jeff Sorenson started his career as an imaging field engineer more than 25 years ago and recently served as CEO of TeraRecon, the leader in medical advanced visualization and artificial intelligence solutions. After one discussion, this is what we know about Jeff Sorenson: he loves what he does, he lives in his work, he remains curious at all times and he believes in being dissatisfied with last year’s work.

Dr. Vachon credits his success to some great advice he received from a teacher: “be the best learner in the room and keep it simple.” It’s a maxim that he has followed diligently as a physician and healthcare leader, from his time in medical school to his career in the Navy. During his military... service, he was a flight surgeon with the Marine Corps deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2009. He returned to focus on radiology, where he became fascinated with machine learning. Recently the Healthcare Performance Insider caught up with Dr. Vachon and learned more about why he describes himself as a radiologist, informatic-ist, medical imaging domain expert, and machine learning enthusiast.

In this episode HPI connects with Mike Hostetler, Director of Marketing and Sales for Imbio. Imbio uses artificial intelligence to look at different patterns or anomalies in medical images, primarily focusing on CT scans of the chest. Their software essentially trains computers to recognize diseases that humans have previously determined to be present in patients with that specific disease, using thousands of patient scans, to help radiologists find diseases that are difficult to see with the human eye.

Bill Phillips, COO of Spectrum Solutions discusses with HPI the race to develop the first approved saliva collection device for COVID-19. In this episode Bill dives into how they grew the company from 94 to 750 employees.

In this episode of the Healthcare Performance Insider Podcast Dr. Irwin Gross, Jason Carney, and Tiffany Hall, industry pioneers provide their unique experiences with managing anemia and how it improves patient care and outcomes. Tune in to hear how having an anemia management program in place at hospitals and health systems can improve patient outcomes and in turn help hospitals and health systems.

HPI had a chance to catch up with Aryeh Shander, MD, FCCM, FCCP is a renowned Anesthesiologist and Patient Blood Management expert. During this episode Dr. Shander gave an overview down the path of his career and the importance of blood management.

Pierre Mouawad, MBA, is the laboratory director at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY, part of Northwell Health. He has been a lab leader for the past 8 years and is now the Laboratory Director of Lenox Hill Hospital. HPI had a chance to catch up with Pierre recently to learn about how service-line lab leaders are defining pandemic response and making a dramatic impact.

In this episode with Jon Harol, President of Lighthouse Lab Services provides his insight into building the largest group of medical lab scientists in the world and how he and the organization expanded its reach, review opportunities to meet market needs, and identifying three challenges that he literally built his business around. Tune in to listen to those challenges!

In this final episode of 2020 Mara reflects back on all of the myths discussed in this series and what we could have done better. It really all comes down to testing, policy and going back to work, safely. Tell us what you'd like to know about diagnostics in the New Year at HPIpodcast@accumen.com!

In this episode, HPI connects with Joseph Savoie Director of Imaging at Keck Medicine of USC. Joseph shares his experiences of being in a new role at the start of the COVID 19 pandemic and the lessons learned from leading through a crisis.

In this episode, HPI connects with Emily Broussard Radiology Director at Lafayette General Medical Center. 2020 has been a difficult year for every health system, Lafayette had two major crises to handle, both COVID and Hurricane Delta. Emily shares her experiences and learnings from these two hardships.

In this episode, HPI connects with Robert Michel Founder and Editor of the Dark Report. Robert is considered a visionary and has a special talent for identifying new business opportunities in clinical diagnostics. In this episode Robert shares his insight on Lab Automation, the value of the Hospital Lab, Outreach, and the pandemic's impact on the clinical laboratory.

In this episode, HPI connects with Katie Castree, an ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Katie is an Operations Excellence Manager at Accumen. She shares her insight on the improvement journey within health systems, how COVID has impacted the lab, critical gaps within healthcare, and the road to recovery.

In this episode of COVID Convo's Kim dives into the current numbers, state of testing in the current surge, as well as details on the long awaited vaccine; what's in it and who gets it first. Stay up to date on pandemic news each week as Kim breaks down critical topics. Send questions you'd like Kim to answer to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode Mara debunks several myths asked by our listeners from skepticism around the new technology used for the vaccine, to testing preference, susceptibility in kids, and finally discussing again if this pandemic will ever go away. Listen to the full episode to learn more and continue to submit your questions for Mara at HPIpodcast@accumen.com!

In this episode of COVID Convo's Kim shares where we are in the pandemic, the science behind the mRNA vaccine, and just how the country might roll it out. Stay up to date on pandemic news each week as Kim breaks down critical topics. Send questions you'd like Kim to answer to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode of COVID Convo's Kim dives into the current numbers and why hospitalization data matters in addition to Labor issues, Testing, and FDA and EUA Updates. Stay up to date on pandemic news each week as Kim breaks down critical topics. Send questions you'd like Kim to answer to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this bonus episode of COVID Convo's with Kim Zunker, we welcome two current lab leaders: Jennifer Voehringer and Melanie Boling. Kim facilitates a timely discussion around lab burnout in the midst of the pandemic, including perspectives on the causes and potential solutions employers can implement to help team members experiencing burnout.

In this episode of Myth Busting, Mara uncovers the truths about employers and their part in this pandemic. Once again Mara uses real data and research as a source of information and shares details from a recently published report by Arizona State University in a partnership with the World Economic Forum and support from the Rockefeller Foundation. Mara outlines how employees feel, what employers can do, and the next steps to move forward. Be sure to send your myths into HPIpodcast@accumen.com and for a copy of the report, "Facing Uncertainty: The Challenges of COVID-19 in the Workplace" head on over to asuworkplacecommons.com

Tom Strauss, CEO of Sisters of Charity Health System talks about the critical steps his team took in response to COVID as well as the proud moments and enduring blessings that have occurred as a result.

Dr. James Brink, Chief of Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital gives HPI insight around how prioritizing communication helped him and his leadership team shift priorities in the wake of COVID and their Just in Time plan to reopen their imaging department.

In this episode of COVID Convos Kim discusses the current status of the country in the pandemic, testing and the need for more swabs, labor and personnel. Lastly, Kim touches on her own experiences with COVID-19 in her household.

In this week’s episode of Myth Busting with Mara Aspinall she debunks two myths circulating, 1. we have this pandemic under control and 2. K-12 schools are creating the surge. Mara provides prospective on what’s truly causing the surge.

Sherri Ozawa, RN and SABM President discusses the early days of blood management practices, how her work and involvement has evolved over the years, and reflections on the current pandemic.

Dr. Joe Chaffin, Founder of the “Blood Bank Guy” persona and website, and Chief Medical Officer of LifeStream Blood Bank, talks with HPI about the evolution of patient blood management programs, his reaction to the EUA of convalescent plasma amidst the COVID-19 crisis, and what's in store next for The Blood Bank Guy!

Rebecca Rock, RN and CFO of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM), connects with HPI to share her clinical experiences (across different countries!) that led to a passion for blood conservation, and the importance of celebrating awareness around the management of this precious resource. Patient Blood Management Awareness Week this year is November 5-9.

In episode 11 of COVID Convos with Kim Zunker, we walk through current developments in case numbers nationally, rapid testing, regulatory actions, hospital and healthcare worker testing, and much more. Join Kim weekly for more real time updates and keep sending your questions to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode Mara debunks a few of the biggest conspiracies related to COVID-19, including the who, what, where and why of the top theories plaguing the news today. Mara breaks down fact and fiction for each, starting with “COVID is a hoax”. Listen to the full episode to learn more and continue to submit your questions for Mara at HPIpodcast@accumen.com!

In this episode, HPI connects with Aaron Harding, Director of Laboratory at SHARP HealthCare in San Diego, CA to discuss how his military training and wartime experiences in Southeast Asia prepared him to lead through the current healthcare crisis, and how he's applying these learnings every day in the clinical laboratory.

In this episode Mara explains why it feels like this pandemic will never end. She shares the good news, bad news, and how she perceives the light at the end of the tunnel. Send your questions or myths you'd like to hear busted by Mara to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, Kim dives into current testing reports, highlighting declining statistics and mortality rates. Kim also shares her insights on President Trump's positive COVID test result, treatment to-date and the significance of the number of other White House Officials who have tested positive. Join Kim weekly for more real time updates and send your questions to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, our resident clinical lab expert sheds new insights on the race to a vaccine, increased testing (yes, we're STILL working on this) and current efforts to slow spikes in some states. Kim continues to arm us with facts and data as we continue to adjust to our "new normal". Send questions or topics for Kim to cover in future episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

Lab tests have never been in the healthcare spotlight like they are now. In this episode, HPI connects with Dr. Jane Dickerson from Seattle Children’s Hospital to talk Lab Stewardship. As an expert on the topic, Dr. Dickerson defines what stewardship really means while sharing best-in-class program examples from across the country - consistently highlighting the shared responsibility of clinicians to ensure the right tests are selected, interpretations are clear and visible, and results are received in a timely manner to best treat each and every patient in their care.

In this episode, Mara educates us on the impending "twindemic", explaining the key differences between the flu and COVID, how to best prevent exposure and when to test for one, the other or both. She also tackles some significant vaccine myths! Tune in to bust this myth with Mara - and be sure to continue to send topics you'd like Mara to cover in upcoming episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker dives into vaccine developments for COVID-19 as well as clinical trial work to-date. Tune in for updates on which countries and companies are having the most success in the race to be first to market, as well as Kim's opinions on the safety of those that make it that far. You can also continue to send questions you'd like Kim to answer to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, Mara dives into variables that fuel the virus in one area and limit it in others. From public transportation ventilation to differing protocols in education, professional or community settings, the lack of policy direction leaves the door open for more questions and future concerns. Tune in to bust this myth with Mara!

In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker provides major testing updates, details on the Convalescent Plasma EUA, CDC guidance on asymptomatic testing, death certificate data, and a new rule CLIA rule under HHS reporting. Send questions you'd like to hear answered to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, HPI connects with Dr. Claudia Cohn, Chief Medical Officer of AABB and the Blood Bank Laboratory Director at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Cohn shares her experiences and learnings throughout the pandemic to-date in both roles - one advising the largest blood management organization in the U.S. and the other as a blood laboratory leader foreseeing a shortage in both blood and ICU beds - and needing to find a solution, FAST.

In this episode, members of the Alvarez & Marsal team walk us through the Provider Relief Fund terms and conditions, including what recipients should know and do to best demonstrate compliance. Join the team to understand the value of a compliance framework as well as important policies, processes and documentation that will help mitigate risk. Send questions you'd like to hear answered in future episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker provides updated information the new HHS reporting structure, the announcement that the HHS rescinded the guidance that allowed FDA to require premarket review of the laboratory developed tests, and where we are with the development of a vaccine. Send questions you'd like to hear answered to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this myth busting episode with Mara Aspinall, she provides us the in depth truth of whether this is the first pandemic in 100 years or if there are others. Tune in to learn the truth and what we've learned from previous healthcare crises. Send your questions or myths you'd like to hear busted by Mara to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, HPI is joined by Dr. Darrel Weaver, Vice President, Health Care Network Services at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, currently serving over 2.9 million members. Dr. Weaver shares his insights on the value of healthier patients, the importance of data driven strategies to influence change in a value-based care world, and the recent boom in telehealth specifically allowing BCBSAL increased reach to its rural members.

In this episode of COVID Conversations, Kim Zunker highlights new EUAs, what reporting looks like in week 32 of the pandemic, plus updates on asymptomatic and antigen testing. Stay up-to-date on pandemic news each week with Kim as she breaks down all the critical topics. Send questions you'd like to hear answered to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, members of the Alvarez & Marsal team provide an overview of the Public Health and Social Services Fund (commonly referred to as the Provider Relief Fund), including structure and key compliance considerations that Recipients should keep in mind when accepting these funds. Alvarez & Marsal is a global professional services firm notable for its work in turnaround management and performance improvement of a number of large, high-profile businesses both in the US and internationally. Send questions you'd like to hear the Alvarez & Marsal Healthcare Industry Group's Regulatory and Compliance Services team answer in future episodes to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, Kim compares COVID hot spots, updates on reporting guidelines, and the status of vaccine development. Stay up to date on pandemic news each week as Kim breaks down critical topics. Send questions you'd like Kim to answer to HPIpodcast@accumen.com.

In this episode, Mara tackles the ever-present myth that if you feel fine, you are fine. She shares facts and insights on child immunity, asymptomatic testing, the impending flu season, expanding COVID symptoms, and of course - masks. You won't want to miss this one! And if you have a myth that needs busting, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com to be considered for future episodes.

To say COVID-19 testing methods are changing rapidly is an understatement! To keep you up-to-date, Kim joined us for a bonus episode this week to share recent updates on COVID testing, including: detection and antibody tests, unique testing being investigated, and multiplex testing.

In this episode, Kim dives into the current dichotomy between states in surge and recovery phases of the pandemic in parallel to a shared goal to scale lab testing, increase testing options and continue to identify new technology solutions. Join Kim weekly for more real-time updates and, if you have a specific question, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com for Kim to answer!

The Joint Commission is one of the many government agencies working hard to be a resource for healthcare, supporting those on the front lines, during the current crisis. Heather Hurley chats with HPI about how The Joint Commission pivoted during the COVID-19 crisis, including guidance and resources available for healthcare organizations. Ms. Hurley has held several distinguished roles at The Joint Commission, currently serving as the Executive Director of Laboratory Accreditation and Health Systems Strategic Accounts. The Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. Its vision is that all people always experience the safest, highest quality, best-value health care across all settings. You can find The Joint Commission on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-joint-commission/

Mara Aspinall continues her mission to raise the profile of diagnostics in the COVID-19 spotlight by busting myths in this 6-part series. Episode 2 busts the myth: "It's not safe to go back to work". Ms. Aspinall talks temperature checks, masks, hand washing frequency and the strength of  sanitzer. Each episode in this series busts a current myth in detail. If you think you have a myth that needs busting, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com for Mara's review!  

In this episode, Kim chats with HPI about three significant areas in the news today: (1) current virus spikes and using Rt values as a measurement of infection severity, (2) the impact of the President's decision to remove pandemic control from the CDC, and (3) specimen pooling as a new form of testing with potentially shorter turn-around times. Join Kim weekly for more real time updates and, if you have a specific question, send it to HPIpodcast@accumen.com for Kim to answer!