Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health, joins Jakob Emerson to discuss how the organization is preparing for sweeping changes under the Federal Reconciliation Bill. He shares insights on preserving access to care, the importance of managed care partnerships, and how collaboration, communication, and innovation will be essential to maintaining Medicaid's long-term sustainability.

In this episode, Jeff Yuan, Co-founder of Mending, discusses how his company is building an AI-native health insurer focused on reducing provider burden and improving patient access through direct primary care partnerships. He also shares insights on rebranding, early success in Maine and Oklahoma, and plans for thoughtful national expansion.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Earl Kilbride, Orthopedic Surgeon, Austin Orthopedic Institute. He discusses workforce retention through culture-building, the growth and permanence of ASCs, and how his team forms direct partnerships with employers while exploring high-acuity cases and innovative procedures like peripheral neuromodulation.

 In this episode, Dr. Marlon Levy, CEO of VCU Health, shares how his team navigated an unprecedented five-day water outage while maintaining patient care and reveals the organization's strategic focus on expanding outpatient access, adapting to legislative change, and fostering internal collaboration to build a resilient future.

In this episode, Peter D. Banko, President and CEO of Baystate Health, reflects on the leadership lessons he's drawn from family farming, the power of anticipatory thinking, and the importance of community-centered healthcare. He also shares a memorable moment managing national media attention and discusses how CEOs can drive both long-term impact and local trust.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Matt Morton, Executive Director and Chief Information Security Officer, University of Chicago. He shares how his team is securing AI tools like Phoenix AI to support clinical research, discusses the cybersecurity staffing and resource challenges faced by academic medical centers, and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in leading through rapid technological change.

Kelly Macken-Marble, Chief Executive Officer at Osceola Medical Center, discusses the ongoing growth and progress within the ambulatory care space. She highlights efforts to improve access to care, particularly within the mental health sector, and the importance of addressing patient needs in a more community-centered way. Macken-Marble also shares her vision for future partnerships that will help expand services and enhance healthcare delivery across the region.

In this episode, Kurt Strudwick, System AVP of Operations for the Cardiovascular Service Line at Virtua Health, shares how emotional intelligence, structural clarity, and community-centered innovation are transforming cardiovascular care. He discusses expanding access to advanced services, building team trust, and leading with a mission-driven mindset in today's evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Andrew Molosky, President and CEO of Chapters Health and Chairman of the Board at SECUR, shares how embracing change, investing in workforce culture, and aligning growth with mission have fueled organizational success. He highlights the importance of decisive leadership, humility, and preparing for the future with a clear sense of purpose.

In this episode, Dr. Maria Ryan, former hospital CEO and now CEO of Standard USA LLC, shares a bold vision for reforming healthcare by addressing preventable costs and integrating health education into schools. She discusses the financial impact of unnecessary regulations, chronic disease, and premature births while outlining her plan to build a healthier, more informed generation.

In this episode, Erwin Estigarribia, CEO, and Dr. Felice Sheh, Chief Business Officer of Headlamp Health, explore how AI and multimodal data are revolutionizing mental health treatment. They discuss the shift toward proactive, precision-based care and the importance of responsible AI use in improving outcomes and reducing trial-and-error approaches.This episode is sponsored by Headlamp Health.

In this episode, Albert Wright Jr., President and CEO of WVU Health System, shares how bold decision-making, culture-driven leadership, and a strong mission focus have helped transform a five-hospital rural network into a $7 billion health system. He reflects on the importance of empowering staff, improving payer-provider alignment, and proving that great healthcare is possible in rural America.

Michelle Heritage, Executive Director of the American Brain Foundation, discusses critical funding initiatives and efforts to advance brain health research. She highlights how the Big Beautiful Bill could impact the future of scientific discovery, particularly expressing concern for its effects on healthcare access in rural communities and among at-risk populations. Heritage emphasizes the importance of sustained investment in neuroscience and equitable research support.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to break down the latest payer market trends. They explore Humana's improved earnings outlook and strategic pullbacks, contrasted with UnitedHealth's rising costs, leadership turnover, and major challenges across multiple business lines.

In this episode, Marty Bonick, President and CEO of Ardent Health, shares how lessons from aviation, endurance sports, and stoic philosophy shape his leadership approach in healthcare. He discusses the importance of resilience, empathy, and humility while emphasizing the value of self-care and trusted support networks in guiding teams through change.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Trevor Martin, Chief Information Security Officer, UW Health. He shares how his team is navigating AI implementation through staff literacy initiatives, advancing virtual care to improve access, and fostering a culture of flexibility and human-centered leadership.

In this episode, Dr. Maulik Purohit, Chief Health Innovation Officer at datosX Digital Health Labs, shares insights on the rapid evolution of AI in healthcare and the importance of validating digital tools. He emphasizes maintaining human connection in care as technology enhances efficiency and transforms the patient experience.

In this episode, Scott Becker shares six timely healthcare stories, including Duke Health's workforce changes, HCA's strong financial performance, and more.

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights the impactful work of National Medical Fellowships, an organization providing financial aid and scholarships to students pursuing medical and healthcare careers. He also acknowledges the leadership of CEO Micheline Davis and shares details on their upcoming fundraising event in New York on October 3rd.

Dr. Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, Executive in Residence at General Catalyst, discusses the current landscape of clinical research and the pressing workforce shortages among nurses and physicians. He shares his perspective on using AI to enhance, rather than replace, human capabilities in healthcare and emphasizes the importance of designing a future-ready medical system. Dr. Klasko outlines how innovation and bold thinking can help shape a more sustainable and human-centered healthcare future.

Lee A. Fleisher, M.D., M.L., of the University of Pennsylvania and former Chair of Anesthesia at Penn, shares his insights on addressing health system challenges from a policy perspective. He discusses the regulatory landscape surrounding AI, the implications of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on healthcare organizations still recovering from COVID-era strain, and ongoing financial pressures. Dr. Fleisher also explores hospital capacity concerns and the need for systemic transformation to ensure resilience in the future.

In this episode, Tammy Smittle, CEO of Stonegate Surgery Center, discusses the shift of higher acuity procedures to ASCs, direct partnerships with employers, and rising hospital investment in outpatient settings. She also highlights upcoming regulatory changes and her balanced approach to growth through physician recruitment, innovation, and strong internal relationships.

In this episode, Dr. Kiera Kingston, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Endeavor Health, Sports Medicine and Foot and Ankle Surgery, joins Scott Becker to share her journey, passion for sports medicine and foot and ankle surgery, and her leadership in developing a women's sports medicine center. She also offers insights on artificial intelligence in healthcare, access challenges, and advice for aspiring women physicians.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Michele Szkolnicki, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Michelle shares how her team has restored staffing levels, prioritized nurse well-being, and creatively restructured workforce roles to meet post-COVID challenges and strengthen the future of bedside nursing.

In this episode, Dr. Bo Gu, CEO of Youlify and former cardiothoracic surgeon, shares how his experience in emergency medicine led him to create an AI-augmented revenue cycle management platform designed to support physicians. He discusses key trends in healthcare billing, the importance of transparency, and his mission to help practices improve financial performance and stay open.

In this episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, Lukas Voss of Becker's Healthcare sits down with Ben Mirtes, CEO of Ingenovis Health, to explore how forward-thinking partnerships and emerging technologies are reshaping the future of healthcare staffing. From workforce strategy shifts to clinician well-being and the growing influence of AI, Ben shares actionable insights and real-world examples of how health systems can scale smarter. Tune in for a timely conversation on building a resilient, tech-enabled workforce in an evolving healthcare landscape.This episide is sponsored by Ingenovis.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Izzy Lieberman, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Texas Back Institute. Dr. Lieberman discusses the evolving role of spine care, challenges with social media in surgery, workforce trends, and the promise of data and AI in improving outcomes for patients.

Dr. William Cooper, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Pediatrics and Health Policy and President of the Vanderbilt Health Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy (CPPA), joins the podcast to share his work around professional accountability in medicine. He discusses the founding of CPPA, research into why some physicians face more malpractice claims than others, and how adjusting certain practices can lead to better patient and professional outcomes. Dr. Cooper also reflects on what continues to inspire and motivate his work in healthcare.

In this episode, Jennifer Friend, Chief Executive Officer and Owner at Friend Surgical Solutions, shares insights on key trends in ambulatory surgery centers including shifting procedure sites, AI-driven efficiencies and private equity's evolving role. She also discusses the financial realities facing ASCs and offers strategies for sustainable growth and care access in both urban and rural settings.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Mahoua Ray, CEO and Medical Director, Kansas Surgery Center. She discusses key trends including the migration of procedures to ASCs, managing staffing shortages, and improving patient communication around cost and coverage.

In this episode, Dr. Joe Kimura, Chief Medical Officer at SCAN Health Plan, discusses how SCAN is leading innovation in Medicare Advantage through personalized care, data analytics, and strategic partnerships. He also explores the critical role of technology and member engagement in improving outcomes for a growing senior population.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Joseph Lamplot, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist, Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute. Dr. Lamplot discusses consolidation in health systems, how his organization is navigating staffing pressures, the shift toward outpatient care, and the impact of AI and digital tools on efficiency and patient engagement.

Michael McGarry, Chair of the Board of Directors at Tahoe Forest Health System, joins the podcast to explore critical issues in healthcare today, including clinician burnout and the rising costs of care. He reflects on his career beginnings in biomedical engineering and discusses recent leadership changes within Tahoe Forest Health System, offering insights into navigating today's healthcare challenges with resilience and innovation.

In this episode, Michael Gale, Administrative Director at Sentara Obici Ambulatory Surgical Center shares insights on the migration of higher acuity cases to ASCs, obstacles posed by certificate of need laws, and the importance of tailored patient care in today's evolving ambulatory landscape.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Nikhil Shetty, COO of Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists. Dr. Shetty shares insights on the shift to outpatient care, staffing strategies, the expanding role of ASCs, and the promise of AI in streamlining clinical and administrative workflows.

This episode features Amy Jordan, Vice President of Consumer Digital Engagement at UnitedHealthcare, discussing the launch of Smart Choice, a data-driven provider search tool designed to simplify healthcare navigation. Amy shares how the platform uses personalization and quality metrics to improve member experience and how it fits into UnitedHealthcare's broader digital transformation strategy.

In this episode, Dr. Elisabeth Potter shares her journey as a leading reconstructive microsurgeon, the challenges of staying in-network with insurers, and her mission to expand access to high-quality breast reconstruction. She also sounds the alarm on how current insurance structures threaten independent medical practices and patient care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Kenneth Waller, Chief Executive Officer of Norwalk Community Health Center. He shares how the organization is scaling services, leveraging data and AI, and staying mission-focused while navigating funding challenges and industry uncertainty.

In this episode, David Ohm, Chief Strategic Development Officer at MultiCare Health System, shares insights on expanding access to care across the Pacific Northwest, investing in workforce well-being, and leading innovation through technology, behavioral health services, and community partnerships. He also highlights the importance of financial sustainability, patient-centered care, and strategic collaborations in shaping the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial at Becker's Healthcare, shares insights on a wave of CEO transitions at major health systems and the growing investment in cancer care infrastructure.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to break down major shifts in the payer market including soaring ACA premium proposals, earnings cuts across major insurers, and a deep dive into UnitedHealth's vast and complex corporate structure.

Becky Compton, DNP, MBA, Chief Clinical Officer at the University of Virginia Physicians Group, shares insights into her leadership journey and the core qualities that define effective leadership in healthcare. She discusses how she sets the standard for her team, fosters professional growth, and builds a culture of support and excellence throughout her organization.