Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Alen Voskanian, MD, MBA, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President at Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, discusses what makes a successful practice, emphasizing servant leadership and the importance of creating aligned goals. He highlights strategies for mitigating common access-to-care challenges to improve patient outcomes and explores opportunities for growth and development, including the role of AI and machine learning in advancing healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Steven J. Bachta, pediatric hospitalist at Endeavor Health Medical Group, joins the podcast to share his journey from caring for hospitalized children to competing on American Ninja Warrior. He discusses the lessons learned from the course, balancing medicine with training, and advice for leaders on resilience and embracing new opportunities.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, discusses escalating contract disputes between payers and providers and the Department of Justice's expanded investigation into UnitedHealthcare, highlighting the growing pressures across the insurance landscape.

In this episode, Kyle Glass, Regional CFO at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, shares his perspective on key healthcare trends including Medicaid reform, outpatient growth, and AI-driven efficiency. He also highlights the impact of the UChicago partnership and offers thoughtful advice for rising healthcare leaders.

Alen Voskanian, MD, MBA, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President at Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, discusses what makes a successful practice, emphasizing servant leadership and the importance of creating aligned goals. He highlights strategies for mitigating common access-to-care challenges to improve patient outcomes and explores opportunities for growth and development, including the role of AI and machine learning in advancing healthcare.

Trampas Hutches, MHA, Regional President of the Mountain Region at MaineHealth, discusses integration processes and the importance of recruitment in strengthening care delivery. He highlights strategies for elevating the level of care while reducing costs and reflects on his leadership responsibilities in guiding teams through ongoing healthcare challenges.

Margaret Fry, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boston Children's Pediatric Physicians' Organization, shares insights on the organization's current strategy and how they are leveraging technology to improve care delivery. She highlights the role of information technology, including AI scribes, and discusses approaches to addressing ongoing workforce challenges.

In this episode, Sara Bradley, CFO of UNC Health Southeastern, shares insights on financial sustainability, Medicaid funding, and strategies for supporting a diverse community. She also highlights recent successes in quality, culture, and patient satisfaction that are positioning the organization for future growth.

In this episode, Robert W. Brenner, M.D. - President & CEO at Valley Health System shares lessons from a milestone year that included relocating Valley Hospital, expanding clinical programs, and boosting patient access. He reflects on growth opportunities in cardiology, oncology, and primary care, and offers his “20-mile march” approach to navigating healthcare's challenges.

In this episode, Robert W. Brenner, M.D. - President & CEO at Valley Health System shares lessons from a milestone year that included relocating Valley Hospital, expanding clinical programs, and boosting patient access. He reflects on growth opportunities in cardiology, oncology, and primary care, and offers his “20-mile march” approach to navigating healthcare's challenges.

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.

Mimi Coomler, Chief Executive Officer of Tucson Medical Center, highlights her work serving the southern Arizona community and the recent launch of the cancer strategy center. She addresses the pressing issues of affordability and reliability in the health system, while also sharing how new AI upgrades and technological advances are shaping the future of care delivery.

In this episode, Becker's Healthcare Editor-in-Chief Alan Condon and Vice President of Editorial Laura Dyrda share the top stories they're following, from AI adoption and value-based care strategies to hospital consolidation and the future of mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode, Scott Becker explores how Tempus AI is supporting oncologists and health systems with predictive analytics and data-driven insights, filling critical gaps as physicians face increasing demands and overwhelming workloads.

In this episode, Highland Park Parade shooting survivor Sheila Gutman shares her powerful story of resilience, recovery, and the ongoing challenges survivors face. She reflects on her medical journey, the emotional impact of trauma, and the urgent need for stronger community support for victims of mass shootings.

This episode features Susan Grant, Chief Clinical Officer, and Theresa Meadows, Chief Information Officer in Residence at symplr, who share candid insights on the complex but critical relationship between clinical and technology leaders. They discuss how trust, empathy, and intentional collaboration drive better outcomes for patients and healthcare teams.This episode is sponsored by symplr.

In this episode, Nick Warfield, Director at Ziegler, shares insights on the latest trends in revenue cycle management, including consolidation, AI adoption, and private equity investment. He also reflects on his career in healthcare finance and offers advice for emerging leaders in the field.

In this episode, Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial at Becker's Healthcare, shares the top five questions health system CEOs are facing in the wake of new legislation, financial pressures, and ongoing workforce shortages.

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights key developments in healthcare, including hospital closures, system financial struggles, pharmacy growth opportunities, and an innovative AI lung cancer detection partnership in Chicago.

In this episode, Erik G. Wexler, President and CEO of Providence, reveals how personal practices like fitness and meditation help him lead with resilience and balance. He also talks about building trust, embracing diversity, and the importance of recognizing every role in healthcare to create a culture of compassion and connection.

In this episode, Richard Mulry, President and CEO of Northwell Holdings, discusses advancing innovation through strategic investments, AI-enabled solutions, and new company launches while building partnerships that enhance care delivery and support the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gordon, President and CEO of St. Charles Health System, discusses expanding access to care in Central Oregon, strengthening clinical services, and building a patient-centered future amid financial and workforce challenges.

In this episode, Barbara Joers, President and CEO of Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, shares her leadership journey, the unique role Gillette plays in advancing pediatric specialty care, and how mission-driven innovation is shaping the future for children with complex conditions.

This episode features Bob Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare, and Michelle Conger, future CEO, as they discuss leading through transition, fostering a culture of innovation, and building sustainable care models to serve communities across Illinois and beyond. They share insights on reimagining care delivery, leveraging technology, and preparing for the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Jeff Francis, Vice President of Finance and CFO of Nebraska Methodist Health System, shares insights on the top trends shaping healthcare finance, including AI, cost management, and denials prevention. He also discusses strategic growth initiatives, workforce optimization, and his vision for the system's future.This episode is sponsored by  Altera Digital Health (https://www.linkedin.com/company/altera-health/). Learn more about Paragon®, their cloud-native SaaS solution designed for rural, critical access and community hospitals here: https://www.linkedin.com/products/altera-health-paragon%C2%AE/

This episode features Anthony Poole, System Executive Director of Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement at the Medical University of South Carolina. He discusses his path from clinical practice to system leadership, key quality initiatives across MUSC, and how mentorship, lifelong learning, and passion-driven work fuel lasting impact in healthcare.

In this episode, Kelly Johnston, Interim CFO of St. Vincent Hospital, shares insights on leading a successful financial turnaround, optimizing revenue cycles, and positioning the organization for long-term growth in rural healthcare.

In this episode, Vilas Sastry, CEO of Teledentistry.com, shares insights on the evolving role of virtual dental care, the impact of policy changes and fluoride removal, and how new technologies like AI and augmented reality are shaping the future of dentistry.

In this episode, Dan LaVallee and Dr. Brandy Hershberger of UPMC share how the health system is creating innovative apprenticeship programs to support Medicaid members and employees in pursuing meaningful careers. They discuss workforce development, grant funding, and how these programs are shaping the future of healthcare talent pipelines.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Medical Director, UW Health Pain Services. Dr. Abd-Elsayed discusses reimbursement challenges, workforce shortages, the rapid growth of outpatient care, and innovations such as minimally invasive procedures and enhanced perioperative pain management that improve outcomes and efficiency.

In this episode, Alan Cohen, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Centivo, joins the podcast to share his perspective on escalating healthcare costs, premium increases, and the risks facing the ACA market. He also explains how Centivo partners with high-performing providers to deliver cost-effective, sustainable coverage for employers and their employees.

In this episode, Marc Welsh of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Dr. Jean Sumner of Mercer University School of Medicine share how their Kids Alliance for Better Care (KidsABC) program is addressing pediatric care gaps in rural Georgia. They discuss the program's impact, including workforce development, hospital support, mental health initiatives, and the power of long-term community trust and collaboration.

This episode features Kiran Mysore, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Sutter Health, who shares how his team is using AI and data-driven strategies to improve patient access, support clinicians, and drive organizational growth. He highlights real-world examples of AI in diagnostics, workflow efficiency, and digital care, while outlining Sutter's vision for future expansion and innovation.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Omar Khokhar, Managing Partner, Illinois GastroHealth. Dr. Khokhar discusses the growing demand for GI care, strategies to navigate workforce shortages, the role of artificial intelligence in improving colonoscopy outcomes, and how financial transparency can strengthen trust between patients and providers.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Janet L. Carlson, Vice President of Ambulatory Operations, Commonwealth Pain & Spine. Janet shares insights on emerging trends in outpatient spine and orthopedic care, from smart implants and digital patient engagement to financial transparency and strategies for retaining top clinical talent.

Cory Ferrier, Chief Operating Officer of AdventHealth Colorado, shares his perspective on enhancing and expanding care to meet evolving population needs. He discusses the importance of cultivating a strong company culture, adapting to demographic shifts, and identifying future growth opportunities to strengthen the organization's impact in the community.

In this episode, Daniel Roth, M.D., EVP and Chief Clinical and Community Division Operations Officer at Trinity Health, discusses how AI, ambient listening, and outpatient care expansion are improving efficiency, access, and patient experience—while keeping the focus on the “why” behind every change.

In this episode, Ngan KN MacDonald, Chief of Data Operations at the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine at Northwestern University, discusses integrating AI into medical education, building strong data foundations, and the future of augmented intelligence in healthcare. She highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to drive meaningful innovation.

In this episode, Tom Vasko, CEO of Newman Memorial Hospital, shares how he's using for-profit strategies, data-driven decision-making, and deep community partnerships to revitalize a rural critical access hospital. He discusses the challenges of access, policy pressures, and why bold, servant-minded leadership is essential for sustaining care in underserved areas.

This episode features Ted Wang, CFO of John Muir Health, as he shares key industry trends he is monitoring, strategies for adapting to regulatory shifts, and the collaborative culture fueling the system's success. Ted also highlights recent accolades, major facility expansions, and his vision for enhancing access and efficiency in the year ahead.

In this episode, Frances Monroe, Former Imterim Chief Administrative Officer at Triad HealthCare Network with Cone Health, shares her insights on improving access to care, supporting providers, integrating AI, and leading population health efforts. She also discusses her leadership philosophy, current healthcare trends, and her advice for emerging healthcare leaders.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to discuss UnitedHealth's latest acquisitions, Berkshire Hathaway's investment in the company, and the broader trends shaping the payer landscape.