Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Aref Rifai, ophthalmologist and President of the Syrian American Medical Society, shares how the organization has expanded care across all 13 Syrian provinces following liberation. He discusses scaling hospitals and centers of excellence, launching a new radiation oncology center, strengthening medical education, and partnering with U.S. health systems to rebuild infrastructure and elevate quality of care.

In this episode, Nirav Shah, MD, President of US Digestive Health at U.S. Digestive Health and Assistant Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, shares insights on physician shortages, the future of colonoscopy, AI in endoscopy, and balancing autonomy with scale in a multi state GI platform. He also discusses advancing clinical research, ASC strategy, and building transparent physician led leadership for long term growth.

In this episode, Sierra Garvin, Senior Associate Director of Above Brand Marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim speaks with Mandy Leonard, Senior Director of Drug Use Policy and Formulary Management at Cleveland Clinic about the key drivers of rising healthcare costs, including chronic disease, multiple comorbidities, rare diseases, and wasteful spending. They explore practical strategies to lower total cost of care while maintaining quality and improving patient outcomes.This episode is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

In this episode, Steve Smith, Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Contact Center and Access at Inova Health System, shares how the organization is leveraging cloud based technology, digital assistants, and AI driven tools to streamline scheduling, improve self service, and enhance both patient and team member experiences.

In this episode, Robert A. Figlin, MD, FACP, Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology Oncology and Interim Director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer and the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, discusses aligning cancer strategy with system priorities, embedding research into clinical care, and building innovative, patient centered models to improve access and outcomes across the continuum.

In this episode, Paul Hiltz, FACHE, President and CEO of Naples Comprehensive Health, discusses doubling the organization's size while maintaining independence and a top tier focus on quality and access. He shares how strategic partnerships with groups like Hospital for Special Surgery and Northwestern Medicine, along with leadership development initiatives, are strengthening care delivery across Southwest Florida.

In this episode, Mara Nitu, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children, IU Health, joins the podcast to discuss improving care quality and access across pediatric and academic settings. She shares insights on hospital-acquired condition reduction efforts, optimizing access and care coordination, building partnerships for long-term sustainability, and identifying growth opportunities focused on expanding access to care.

In this episode, Jeff Flaks, CEO of Hartford HealthCare, shares how the organization is leveraging AI, virtual care, remote monitoring, and a new partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to expand access, improve quality, and make care more human and affordable. He outlines a bold vision focused on being the best at getting better while navigating policy and operational headwinds.

In this episode, Karen Walker Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Clever Care Health Plan, discusses how culturally competent, value based care is reshaping Medicare Advantage. She shares insights on strengthening provider trust, investing in community based engagement, and advocating for quality metrics that recognize cultural competence to improve outcomes and affordability.

In this episode, Stephen Merz, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sheppard Pratt Solutions, shares how partnering with health systems to integrate behavioral and physical care, improve access, and strengthen financial sustainability can help communities expand much needed mental health services nationwide.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Mabus, Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Parkview Health, shares how his team rapidly scaled generative AI across clinical and revenue cycle operations, driving efficiency, reducing burnout, and strengthening ROI. He also discusses governance, provider adoption, and expanding equitable access to AI tools across rural communities.

In this episode, Courtney Holladay, VP and Chief Learning Officer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, shares how the organization embeds leadership development across its 27,000 person workforce to improve engagement, patient experience, and research impact. She discusses cultivating leadership early, breaking down silos, and making development a strategic lever in the mission to eliminate cancer.

In this episode, Kelly Macken Marble, Chief Executive Officer of Osceola Medical Center, discusses expanding mental health and substance use services, investing in facility growth and specialty recruitment, and navigating Medicaid, 340B, and rural reimbursement challenges to sustain local access to care.

In this episode, Dr. Kapil Dhingra, A Physician-in-Chief at The Permanente Medical Group, discusses guiding a diverse patient population, integrating AI to enhance care, and leading with purpose in a physician-led health system. He shares insights on lifelong learning, mentoring, and creating opportunities for emerging leaders to grow and impact healthcare.

In this episode, Jeff Bak, President and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine360, shares how alternative health plan models and reference based pricing can lower employer costs while improving the member experience. He discusses narrowing networks, building provider trust, correcting broker misconceptions, and delivering guaranteed savings in a high pressure cost environment.

In this episode, Amaka Eneanya, former Chief Transformation Officer of Emory Healthcare, shares insights on integrating AI, advancing community partnerships, strengthening workforce well being, and leading bold, equity focused transformation to improve outcomes at scale.

In this episode, Dionne Dixon, Region Director of Education Services for the Northwest Region at CommonSpirit Health, shares how Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is accelerating training, expanding early career pipelines, and driving 100 percent retention in key roles through innovative workforce development and resiliency programs.

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, 14 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.This episode is sponsored by Honest Health.

In this episode, 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.