Understanding Healthcare with Sam Feudo

In this episode of Understanding Healthcare, I sit down with Dr. Adam Ratner, Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU Langone Health. We discuss his upcoming book Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children's Health, the growing epidemic of vaccine hesitancy, and how to rebuild trust in science. Dr. Ratner also shares his thoughts on the ethical tensions between personal freedom and public health, the biggest infectious disease threats facing children globally, and what gives him hope for the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Karly Campbell, Chief Quality Officer at TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid Agency, to explore how Medicaid is transforming care delivery through value-based care and payment reform. They discuss TennCare's innovative programs, like Patient-Centered Medical Homes and Tennessee Health Link, and dive into the role of social determinants of health and health equity in improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Karly also shares her vision for the future of Medicaid and healthcare policy, offering practical lessons for leaders navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode of Understanding Healthcare, Sam Feudo sits down with Anne-Sophie Deman, Managing Director in the Healthcare & Life Sciences practice at FTI Consulting. Drawing on her expertise in healthcare policy and public affairs across the European Union, Anne-Sophie shares insights on how health systems are navigating budget constraints, rethinking incentives for innovation, and addressing the rising financial pressures on healthcare delivery. They discuss pharmaceutical innovation, strategies for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and how health systems can balance fiscal responsibility with the need to advance cutting-edge treatments.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Max Bronstein, a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation and health policy, to discuss the future of healthcare. From expanding access to genomic technologies to rethinking drug development models, Max shares insights from his work at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and beyond. They explore the challenges of scaling solutions for unmet medical needs, the promise of public-private collaborations, and preparing for the next wave of transformative healthcare innovations.

In this episode, Sam Feudo sits down with Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University, about the evolving role of faith, leadership, and innovation in healthcare and higher education. Greg shares his philosophy of “traditioned innovation” and how it shapes his vision for the Frist College of Medicine to prepare future leaders capable of driving social impact and navigating complex challenges in a rapidly changing world. They explore how ethics and technology intersect in healthcare, the difficulties of reweaving the social fabric amidst growing polarization, and Belmont's unique position within Nashville's dynamic ecosystem, offering insights on building hope and resilience in institutions and communities.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, author, and health policy advisor. Dr. Williams' remarkable career spans from his days at the Air Force Academy to his current roles in clinical practice and policy. In this episode, we explore his experiences on the front lines of healthcare, his perspective on systemic issues like gun violence and racism, and his dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and equity. Listen to hear how Dr. Williams' diverse background shapes his approach to health policy and advocacy, and his vision for a more equitable healthcare system.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Joshua Liao, Professor and Chief of the William T. and Gay F. Solomon Division of General Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Founder of the Program on Policy Evaluation & Learning (PROPEL). With a focus on reducing health disparities and enhancing patient care through innovative payment models, Dr. Liao provided insights into care delivery and the role of policy in shaping equitable health outcomes. We explored his journey in medicine, the challenges and successes he's encountered, and his vision for the future of healthcare.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. M. Kit Delgado, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit. Dr. Delgado shared his insights on leveraging digital health tools and behavioral economics to promote safer choices and improve health outcomes. From combating the opioid crisis to enhancing patient safety through innovative nudge techniques, this episode offers a deep dive into how data-driven strategies can reshape healthcare policy and delivery.

In a new episode, I spoke with Lord Nigel Crisp, former Chief Executive of the English NHS and Permanent Secretary of the UK Department of Health. We explored the human side of healthcare, the importance of addressing housing and other social determinants for better health outcomes, and lessons the UK can learn from international health practices. Lord Crisp shared invaluable insights on enhancing patient-provider relationships, navigating the complexities of healthcare reform, and preparing for future health challenges.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Ishani Ganguli, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ganguli shared insights on the systemic impact of low-value care and the role of health policies in shaping patient care. Delving into primary care payment and delivery models, digital health innovations, and the quest for equitable healthcare, this episode offers an invaluable perspective on the future of healthcare reform.

In this episode, I spoke with David Sylvan, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at University Hospitals. We explored David's journey from public accounting to spearheading health system growth and transformation, including his approach to integrating technology and human-centered design in care delivery, the importance of global collaboration to address complex health challenges, and his insights on the future of healthcare.

In this episode, I spoke with Robert Yates, Executive Director of the Centre for Universal Health at Chatham House. A political health economist specializing in universal health coverage (UHC) and progressive health financing, Rob recounted a career-defining experience that reshaped his perspective on health financing reforms. Our discussion explored the complexities of UHC, the critical role of political will in health system transformation, and the interdisciplinary nature of driving effective health policies in times of crisis.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Jan Anthonie Bruijn, an esteemed physician and President of the Senate of the Netherlands. With a remarkable career spanning healthcare, academia, and public administration, Dr. Bruijn offered invaluable insights into the relationship between medical expertise and political leadership, underscoring the need for comprehensive education in producing well-rounded future healthcare leaders. His perspective on affordability, gleaned from experiences within international health systems, illuminated the delicate balance between public and private funding and the challenge of upholding accessibility. Moreover, our conversation emphasized the rapid advancements taking place in his area of pathology and the crucial role of communication in managing global health crises. Dr. Bruijn offered a panoramic view of the connections between healthcare and public governance, profoundly enriching our understanding of the complexities inherent in these fields.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. David Walton, U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator for the President's Malaria Initiative. Throughout his career, Dr. Walton has worked to improve healthcare delivery for marginalized communities by integrating technological advancements and building successful local partnerships. We discussed his path and approaches to combating malaria, the importance of diverse perspectives in global health, and strategies for creating sustainable healthcare systems.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Sandro Galea, Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health. We discussed his extensive career, spanning numerous disciplines including clinical medicine, global health, and public health research with a focus on epidemiology and trauma. Our brief conversation touched on the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding health, the commercial determinants of health, lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of health in public discourse.

In a new episode, I spoke with Dr. Richard Pan, pediatrician and former California State Senator, with a distinguished career spanning academia, clinical practice, and public service. We discussed his journey into medicine, work on social determinants of health and increasing vaccination uptake to improve public health outcomes. Dr. Pan's unique experiences provide a valuable perspective on the importance of bridging the gap between healthcare and public policy.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Ruby Wang, Managing Director at Lintris Consulting, delivering health & tech policy analysis and strategic partnerships across Europe & Asia. Dr. Wang is a physician leader with vast clinical, policy, and tech experience, including serving on the NHS frontlines in London during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as at the United Nations in China and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. We discussed her career spanning clinical medicine, industry consulting, and health diplomacy; the promise of digital health technologies; and the importance of global cooperation in strategies to improve health outcomes.

In this episode, I spoke with Edwin Park, Research Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, where he focuses on issues related to healthcare financing and the impact of legislation like the Affordable Care Act on coverage expansions. He also analyzes tax policies related to health care, private health insurance markets, and policies related to prescription drugs. We discussed his career in health policy, working across sectors to make healthcare more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for everyone, and his insights on some of the most consequential issues we face moving forward.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Hussain Lalani, Primary Care Physician and Fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on understanding the challenges patients face to accessing affordable and equitable healthcare and evaluating the impact of policies and interventions, especially as it relates to the complexities of prescription drug pricing. We discussed his background, thoughts on current trends in healthcare delivery, and his efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to build healthier communities and combat health misinformation.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Ali Khan, Chief Medical Officer for Value-Based Care Strategy at Oak Street Health. Dr. Khan works at the intersection of medicine, health policy, public service, and population health to transform healthcare delivery in America. We discussed his career across clinical practice and advocacy, the role of physicians and healthcare providers in policy-making, and advancing value-based care with a focus on achieving health equity.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Vivian Lee, President of Health Platforms at Verily Life Sciences, an Alphabet company dedicated to bringing the promise of precision health to everyone, every day. Dr. Lee has worked throughout her career to support health system improvement and advance population health. We discussed her passion for medicine, utilizing technology to improve quality and reduce costs in healthcare, and her thoughts on strategies to instill greater value in healthcare.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Commissioner Vasan is a primary care physician, epidemiologist, and public health expert working to improve physical and mental health as well as social welfare and public policy for marginalized populations in New York City, nationally, and globally. We discussed his career expanding our perspective of health and the factors contributing to our wellbeing, lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, and insights for current and future health leaders.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Alice Hm Chen, Chief Medical Officer at Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace, which actively works to ensure that Californians can find affordable, high-quality coverage. Dr. Chen has held leadership positions across state government and academic institutions with an aim to enhance access and quality of care for vulnerable communities. As a clinician, her unique perspective on health delivery systems, primary care investment, the social determinants of health, and advocacy imparts key insights for current and future leaders in healthcare and policy.

In this episode, I spoke with Joe Grogan, former Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council and current Senior Fellow at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics. Joe has a unique wealth of experience, having seen health care policy from both the corporate and policymaking perspectives. We talked about his career in health policy, issues such as prescription drug costs and access to lifesaving treatments, the balance between innovation and costs in healthcare delivery, and insights on some of the most important healthcare debates.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Andrew Kim, physician and recent White House Fellow with interests across clinical medicine, peace, spirituality, as well as international development and global health. Andrew's unique background and perspective on the issues we face can serve to inspire future professionals as well as people from all walks of life to pursue their interests through the lens of moral leadership. We discussed his path to medicine, experiences in government and healthcare, research on vaccine diplomacy, and how a diverse range of interests can serve to enrich our health and well-being. 

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. David Margolius, Director of Public Health for the City of Cleveland. Dr. Margolius has an extensive background in primary care with an eye towards patient safety, community service and leadership in public health. We discussed his path to medicine and public service, his new role in Cleveland, trends in public health both locally and across the U.S., and advice for future physicians and healthcare leaders.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Rebekah Gee, President and Founder of Nest Health. Dr. Gee is a leader in quality improvement and health services research in addition to state and national health policy landscapes. We spoke about her career in medicine as an OBGYN, her work leading health systems including LSU Health and as the former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, her thoughts on areas for growth and advancement in healthcare, and ways in which we can more efficiently use the resources available to us to improve population health outcomes.

In this episode, I spoke with Bruce Solomon, Senior Advisor with the Health practice at the Albright Stonebridge Group. Bruce has decades of experience developing and leading innovative health care delivery systems around the world and has served in senior leadership positions at multiple world-class medical institutions. We spoke about health systems and how care has and will continue to change coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, global health trends, and overarching themes emerging from the pandemic in terms of healthcare delivery, strategic collaborations and partnerships, and policy reforms.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Bernard Ashby, cardiologist and Florida state lead for the Committee to Protect Health Care. Dr. Ashby brings new and innovative ways of thinking to medicine and has been a key voice throughout the pandemic on ways to protect the health and wellbeing of populations and tackle disparities in health outcomes. We spoke about his career and thoughts on cardiovascular issues in health today, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare delivery and technological innovation, and his commitment to new ways of thinking in how we provide healthcare.

In this episode, I spoke with Jay Kasey, Senior Vice President of Administration & Planning at The Ohio State University. Jay has extensive experience leading and improving the operational performance of healthcare and academic institutions throughout the country. We talked about his career and experience in hospital administration, university operations especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and his thoughts on the changing roles of higher education and healthcare organizations in promoting health and well-being.

In my 8th episode, I spoke with Tom D'Aunno, PhD, Professor of Management at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Dr. D'Aunno's research and teaching focus on the organization and management of healthcare services. We talked about his career in health policy and management, how COVID-19 has shaped healthcare organizations' operations and healthcare delivery more broadly moving forward, trends in health services, his research on treatment systems for substance-use disorders in addition to Accountable Care Organizations and their similarities, our increased awareness and cognizance of public health today, and reflections on a career in public health and health administration.

In my 7th episode, I spoke with Autumn Glover, MCRP, MPA, Senior Director of Community Health Partnerships at OhioHealth. Autumn is a leader in community health outreach, clinical programming and strategy, and local government relations to build collaborative partnerships that advance health equity. We talked about her career in community engagement and healthcare, thoughts on the response to COVID-19 and ways to prioritize and address the longstanding health disparities that have been exacerbated, the importance of trust in local leaders and organizations in today's climate, the social determinants of health, and how healthcare organizations should engage with surrounding communities to improve health outcomes.

In the 6th episode, I spoke with Mia Keeys, MA, Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02). Mia was previously the Director of Health Equity Policy & Advocacy with the American Medical Association. She formerly served as the Policy Director of Congresswoman Kelly's Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust, the premier health policy arm of the CBC. We talked about her thoughts on COVID-19 and how her health policy priorities have changed as a result, a renewed societal focus on public health especially due to longstanding disparities and inequities within healthcare, progress made on health equity initiatives and healthcare delivery, and her career in public health and advocacy across all levels of government.

In the 5th episode, I spoke with Michelle Mello, PhD, Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and Professor of Health Policy at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Mello's work encompasses the effects of law and regulation on health care delivery and population health outcomes in addition to medical liability, public health law, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, biomedical research ethics and governance, health information privacy, and other topics. We talked about COVID-19's long-term impacts on healthcare delivery, her takeaways from the global COVID-19 response, vaccine regulations and recent mandates, how public health law has been shaped throughout the pandemic to ultimately help or hurt us in future situations, and what steps are ahead to make sure we are better prepared for future diseases.

In the 4th episode, I spoke with Mayor Bo Dorough of Albany, Georgia. We talked about his experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, how his governing priorities have either changed or stayed the same as a result, and ways in which local governments can learn from the pandemic to improve the way in which they carry out their responsibilities. Mayor Dorough assumed office in early 2020 and has been on the frontlines at the local level to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and improve the health of his community.

In the third episode of season 2, I spoke with Dr. Michael Salata, Division Chief of Sports Medicine and Director of the Joint Preservation and Cartilage Restoration Center at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Associate Team Physician for The Cleveland Browns. We talked about his career in medicine, how sports medicine and orthopedic surgery have evolved over time, and ways in which current and future healthcare professionals can improve health outcomes and create innovative methods of healthcare delivery as we transition into a new normal from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the second episode of season 2, I spoke with Aidan Crowley, a first-year medical student at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. We talked about her interests in medicine, ethics, and health policy, important topics for future physicians and students interested in healthcare to be aware of, and how the COVID-19 pandemic can help to spur improvements in patient-provider communication and begin to address issues related to poverty, among other factors.

In the first episode of season 2, I spoke with Jason Schwartz, PhD, Associate Professor of Health Policy and the History of Medicine at the Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine. We talked about vaccine policy and innovations that have emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, public health policy decision making and the ethics of various medical interventions, the processes by which health regulations are formulated and implemented, and long-term takeaways from COVID-19, especially as it relates to improving our overall health and being better prepared for future disease threats.

In my 20th episode, I spoke with Kristina Johnson, PhD, President of The Ohio State University. President Johnson has held senior roles in the academic, business and public policy sectors. She has also founded several successful science and technology companies, served as under secretary of energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, and held academic leadership positions at several institutions. In our conversation, we talked about the changes made in higher education throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, her role and how she views the future of Ohio State, and the interconnectedness of healthcare at Ohio State.

In my 19th episode, I spoke with Sarah Gordon, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management at the Boston University School of Public Health. Her research focuses on evaluating policies that impact low-income populations, specifically on health insurance and access to care. Her work has analyzed the impacts of state-level healthcare policies and the Affordable Care Act in addition to more recent policies on health outcomes. We talked about her research interests and background in public health, medicaid expansion and increasing access to care for lower-income populations, and her takeaways from the past year on how COVID-19 has impacted healthcare services and existing health disparities.

In my 18th episode, I spoke with Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. His work is focused on emerging infectious disease, pandemic preparedness, and biosecurity. We talked about COVID-19 and where we are right now as people get vaccinated while variants are spreading at the same time across the world. We also discussed his career and his thoughts on how to move forward in a way that improves our healthcare system and makes us better prepared for future pandemics.

In my 17th episode, I spoke with Dr. Hal Paz, EVP and Chancellor for Health Affairs at The Ohio State University and CEO of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Paz has held several leadership positions at healthcare organizations in the past and continues to practice internal and pulmonary medicine. We talked about ways in which health systems have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare moving forward in order to improve affordability, accessibility, and quality of care. We also discussed his career and the tremendous amount of innovation that has occurred in healthcare throughout the past couple of years in addition to the great deal of work ahead to make healthcare more accessible and reduce disparities in outcomes.

In my 16th episode, I spoke with J.R. Heckman, actor, vocalist, and NYU Tisch School of the Arts student about his path to music, how music education and the arts relate to health and wellness, especially in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what he is doing to bring people together in this time that has forced so many to be apart.

In my 15th episode, I spoke with Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C., Director of Campus Ministry at the University of Notre Dame. Fr. Pete has played an important role at Notre Dame both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic through his work to engage with students spiritually and meeting their needs to make for a unique and formative student experience. We talked about his role and thoughts on improving the health and well-being of students in this time, his takeaways from the past year, his path to becoming a priest, and what Notre Dame has done to tackle COVID-19 and move forward towards a new normal.

In my 14th episode, I spoke with Melissa Shivers, PhD, Senior Vice President for Student Life at The Ohio State University. Dr. Shivers is a leader in student affairs with experience at several public universities and has in the past led initiatives designed to focus on student health, safety, and well-being. We talked about how COVID-19 has impacted the overall student experience, takeaways from the changes made in response to the pandemic, her path to a career in student life, trends moving forward in higher education, and how Ohio State is leading the way in adapting to the pandemic to provide a unique experience to all students, faculty, and staff.

In my 13th episode, I spoke with Dr. Shelly Senders, President & CEO of Senders Pediatrics in Cleveland, Ohio. We talked about his career, how COVID-19 has impacted his practice, and research and new developments in the health and well-being of children in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic and moving forward.

In my 12th episode, I spoke with Dr. Andrew Thomas, Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Associate Vice President for Health Sciences at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Thomas has a background in internal medicine and works to facilitate care between specialties and coordinate collaboration between departments while also guiding organizational strategy and representing physicians around the business table. We talked about his career and roles in both the clinical and administrative sides of medicine, how COVID-19 has impacted healthcare delivery, and trends in medicine moving forward in the way care is provided. 

In my eleventh episode, I spoke with Dr. Stan Gerson, Interim Dean of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Director of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Gerson is a leader in the area of hematology-oncology and has won many awards for his research and subsequent discoveries in addition to his many leadership roles across the US healthcare landscape. We talked about how COVID-19 has impacted medical education and the operations of healthcare organizations throughout the past year, how being a physician influences his administrative work, why he chose to go into medicine, and his innovative research in the areas of stem cells and DNA repair.

In my tenth episode, I spoke with Dr. Faruk Örge, William R. and Margaret E. Althans Chair and Professor in Pediatric Ophthalmology, Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University and director of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. We talked about how COVID-19 has impacted his clinical, research, and administrative work, the accelerated use of tele-health and improving patient care going forward, current trends and issues in pediatric ophthalmology, and his path to medicine.

In my ninth episode, I spoke with Radhika Tampi, PhD student in Health Policy at Harvard. We talked about her background and research interests, improving global health equity and reducing the burden of various infectious diseases, and how our response to COVID-19 can inform other disease prevention and eradication strategies around the world.

In my eighth episode, I spoke with Dr. Timothy Pawlik, surgeon-in-chief of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, chair of the Department of Surgery in the College of Medicine, and the Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Pawlik is a surgical oncologist and has both clinical and administrative roles in medicine. We talked about how COVID-19 has impacted patient care as it relates to surgery, his thoughts on trends in medicine moving forward, why he got into medicine, and the importance of patient-physician communication in clinical encounters.