Mavericks in Healthcare: Chronicles of Innovation

In this episode, hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian sit down with Rivka Friedman, Head of Health Innovation at Morgan Health, to explore how JPMorgan is reengineering the employer-sponsored healthcare system. Rivka unpacks how Morgan Health's dual engine of investment and innovation is driving a smarter, more outcomes-focused model—scaling value-based care, piloting advanced primary care, and addressing critical gaps in maternal health and affordability.   The conversation dives into the complexities of aligning incentives in commercial insurance, the power of data in improving outcomes, and why small and mid-sized businesses are emerging as a new frontier for healthcare transformation. Whether you're a founder, policymaker, or just health-curious, this episode delivers bold ideas and practical insights for building a more resilient and equitable healthcare future.

Nurses are essential leaders in healthcare, extending their influence far beyond management to encompass holistic care and relationship building. In this episode, Asher Perzigian and Ajay Mody welcome Joyce Fitzpatrick, the Director of the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy and a distinguished professor at Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, to discuss the critical role of nursing in today's healthcare landscape. Joyce encourages nurses to see themselves as leaders, to speak up, and to drive change. She highlights the significant impact of nurse leadership on decision-making processes, the global reach of nursing, and the integration of technology in patient care. Joyce teaches her students to introduce themselves confidently, network effectively, and use technology to enhance their leadership, aiming to position nurses in key decision-making roles to better represent patient needs. Join us to explore how nurses are shaping the future of healthcare and to discover their vital role as the heart and soul of the healthcare system.

Nurses aren't just at the bedside—they're in boardrooms, legislatures, and labs. In this episode, Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian sit down with Dr. Allison Norful of Columbia University and Summer Davis of the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses to unpack how nurses are reshaping healthcare. From navigating towards full practice authority to driving policy and tackling mental health, this conversation reveals the untapped power of nursing leadership in a rapidly evolving system. Part of The Heart of Healthcare series—where the future of medicine gets personal.

Join hosts Asher Perzigian and Ajay Mody as they welcome Carolyn Jones, a renowned filmmaker and advocate for healthcare workers, to discuss the vital, yet often unrecognized, contributions of nurses. In this episode, Carolyn shares powerful stories from her film "American Delivery," highlighting the impact of the wholistic care nurses offer their patients. Carolyn, a brilliant storyteller, offers a unique perspective on the daily challenges and triumphs of these healthcare heroes, showcasing their technical expertise and unwavering compassion. Kicking off our Nurses Month mini series, The Heart of Healthcare, this episode is a timely reminder of the expertise and compassion that nurses bring to our communities each day. Tune in to explore the incredible work of these dedicated professionals and their crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare.

In this episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian sit down with trailblazing leader Beth Dolan, Dean of the College of Health at Lehigh University. Beth isn't just rethinking healthcare education—she's turning it on its head. From championing interdisciplinary learning to weaving data science into the fabric of public health, Beth shares how Lehigh is preparing students to tackle today's most urgent health challenges. Discover how the College's bold initiatives—like its cutting-edge Population Health program and hands-on community-based research—are shaping a new kind of health professional. Plus, Beth opens up about the critical role of mental health in academia and what it really means to build a truly supportive student experience. If you're curious about the future of healthcare, education, and innovation, this conversation is a must-listen. Beth Dolan is on a mission—and she's inviting the next generation to lead the way.

Join hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian on Mavericks in Healthcare as they sit down with Alicia Graham, COO and co-founder of Claimable. Alicia shares the inspiration behind launching Claimable—a groundbreaking AI-powered platform that helps patients and providers challenge unjust healthcare denials in minutes. From her decade-long journey uniting clinical expertise, AI innovation, and patient advocacy, Alicia reveals how Claimable turns personal stories into powerful appeals, tackling crippling medical debt and amplifying shared patient experiences. Tune in to meet a true Maverick in Healthcare driving change for all.

Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian host Shantanu Phatakwala, a co-founder of Qualified Health AI. Together they discuss the progress and challenges in adopting AI in healthcare. Shantanu shares insights from his diverse career, spanning national payers, value-based care organizations, and large employers. The conversation delves into the complexities of value-based care, the transformative potential of generative AI, and the mission-driven journey of Qualified Health. Tune in to explore lessons learned, innovations in AI governance, and the vital role of collaboration in revolutionizing healthcare.

Join your hosts, Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian, as they delve into the critical world of global health security with Dr. Nisha Marles, Global Health Security Practice Lead at RTI International. Dr. Marles provides a fascinating insider's look into the ongoing efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats worldwide. From the frontlines of outbreak response to the complex challenges of predicting and mitigating future pandemics, this episode explores: The real-world impact of global health organizations: Discover how organizations like RTI International and the WHO work to strengthen health systems and combat emerging threats. Lessons learned from COVID-19: Dr. Marles shares her insights on the successes and challenges of the global response to the pandemic, highlighting the importance of collaboration, communication, and community engagement. The looming threat of antimicrobial resistance: Explore the growing concern of AMR and the critical need for responsible antibiotic use and stewardship. The role of AI in disease surveillance: Learn how AI can be leveraged to predict disease trends and inform public health interventions. The impact of climate change on global health: Understand the complex interplay between environmental factors and emerging infectious diseases.

In this episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian talk with Beth Ratliff, COO of Premise Health, to explore the innovative direct healthcare model that is transforming employee health services.  Beth discusses Premise Health's history, their unique value-based approach, rapid growth, and the implementation of advanced technology systems to improve care efficiency.  Learn how Premise Health integrates pharmacy and behavioral health into comprehensive care and hear inspiring stories, including how data-driven care saves lives.

Tune in to learn how Natalie Davis and her organization, United States of Care, listens to diverse communities across America to identify shared healthcare values and translate those insights into impactful policy recommendations.  They work to identify themes of putting patients first, addressing the challenges of achieving affordable healthcare, reframing the value-based care conversation, and addressing the role of AI in healthcare, all while working to advocate everyone has access to quality, affordable care.  Natalie shares her unique journey from museum curator to healthcare advocate, discussing her experiences at CMS during the Affordable Care Act rollout and her passion for data-driven change. 

Join Accenture's Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian as we talk with Mike Niffenegger, SVP and General Manager of Harmony Cares, a leading provider of in-home primary care. Mike shares how Harmony Cares is revolutionizing healthcare delivery for complex patients, leveraging technology and a value-based approach to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of in-home care and the future of this rapidly growing field. Tune in to learn how Harmony Cares is making a real difference in the lives of patients who need it most.

In today's demanding work environment, mental fitness is essential for individual and organizational success. Join us for a conversation with Lissy Alden, founder and CEO of MYNDY, a cutting-edge mental fitness company designed for leaders, teams, and high-performing professionals. Lissy discusses the science behind MYNDY's unique framework, which combines daily mental movements with targeted exercises to strengthen key mental muscles. Lissy also shares insights on integrating mental fitness into company wellness programs and leveraging technology to promote employee well-being.

Get an exclusive look at the technology behind Palantir's healthcare revolution.  AJ Mody and Asher Perzigian chat with Lauren Friedman Stat, Board Member at Palantir, about Foundry, an enterprise operating system that integrates real-time data for improved decision-making, and Apollo, an infrastructure management and support system that keeps everything running smoothly.  Discover how these powerful tools are transforming the healthcare landscape while giving healthcare professionals the tools they need to make better, faster decisions, leading to more effective and personalized care.

In this episode, we delve into the profound world of end-of-life care with Skelly Wingard, RN, MSN, PHN, CEO of By the Bay Health. With a robust background in health plan operations and a deep-rooted passion for clinical care, Skelly offers a wealth of expertise and heartfelt perspectives. Together, we explore the distinctive hurdles and gratifications of delivering compassionate healthcare services, while uncovering how By the Bay Health's innovative care system is positively impacting the community every day.

In this episode, we explore the influence of private equity and the evolution of the healthcare industry with Larry Leisure, Co-founder & Managing Partner at Chicago Pacific Founders, a healthcare operator private equity firm with nearly $3 billion in assets under management. Tune in to hear Larry's journey in becoming the “most connected man in healthcare”, his experiences with successful investments, winning pitches, and his thoughts on making healthcare more affordable.

In this episode, we discuss healthcare innovation with Lindsey Dunn Burgstahler, VP at the American Hospital Association (AHA). While many of our listeners likely know AHA does advocacy, they also drive a focused agenda on innovation with their member organizations to drive better care outcomes for all of us. We examine the shift towards value-based care models acknowledging challenges and exploring the significance of both high-tech investments and low-tech strategies for enhancing performance and patient safety. Hosted by Accenture Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian, we'll be featuring some of the smartest people in the industry to talk about healthcare innovation and beyond.

Asher Perzigian and Ajay Mody continue their discussion with Rohit Narayan, Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer at Cured, unveiling his career journey at an EHR giant at the dawn of the 2008 financial crisis, accelerating at a CRM platform unicorn, and becoming an entrepreneur building a better digital marketing solution through the covid pandemic. Gain insights into digital health engagement strategies for growth and acquisition. Hosted by Accenture Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian, we'll be featuring some of the smartest people in the industry to talk about healthcare innovation and beyond.

Asher Perzigian and Ajay Mody sit down with Rohit Narayan, Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer at Cured, to discuss his journey of unifying data to enhance patient outreach and experiences. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and strategic decisions that positioned Cured for its recent acquisition from Innovaccer.  This insightful conversation explores the evolving intersection of technology and healthcare, revealing how Innovaccer's commitment to data integration is reshaping patient outcomes.  Hosted by Accenture Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian, we'll be featuring some of the smartest people in the industry to talk about healthcare innovation and beyond.