Podcasts about administrators

Optimizing time management for yourself and the executives you support is an EA superpower. Note the steps and tools to conduct a strategic time audit from processes and procedures expert Julie Perrine. Recorded at EA Ignite Spring 2025 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

In this episode, Leslie Jebson, Administrator of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Network at Prisma Health, shares insights on sustainable growth, AI integration in scheduling and administrative workflows, the future of ambulatory care, and more.

Dr. Mark McClellan has served as a Member of the President's Council of Economic Advisors, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But his experiences before, and accomplishments following these leadership roles at the highest levels of government health policy are equally important to his perspective on the healthcare ecosystem – especially during a time of rapid policy change.Dr. McClellan always intended on pursuing a medical degree and entered a joint Harvard-MIT program that took him in a slightly different direction. He ended up studying economics and the rising cost of healthcare at MIT. He ultimately earned a medical degree from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, a Ph.D. in economics from MIT, and a master's in public administration from Harvard's Kennedy School.Dr. McClellan began his career at the Treasury Department in the Clinton Administration, and returned to public service under the George W. Bush Administration where he led the FDA and CMS. Today, Dr. McClellan is the Robert J. Margolis, M.D., Professor of Business, Medicine and Policy at Duke University and the founding Director of the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. His work centers on improving health care through policy and research, with a focus on payment reforms, quality, value, and biomedical innovation.With his expertise in medicine, economics and public policy, Dr. McClellan talked to Keith Figlioli in this episode of Healthcare is Hard to share his perspective on adapting to rapid change in the current healthcare landscape. Topics they discussed include:Misalignment of innovation and outcomes. While advancements in digital health are coming to market faster than ever before, Dr. McClellan says there's still a lack of technology truly centered on keeping patients healthy. He says traditional payment methods make it hard to support this type of innovation. For example, advancements in AI are helping physicians gather information for prior authorization requests, and ambient scribing saves time with note taking and administration. But these technologies essentially help providers see more fee-for-service patients or bill for more profitable services. He argues that more outcome-oriented payments are needed to advance technology-embedded care models. The evolution of value-based care. After Congress passed the Medicare Modernization Act in 2003 to establish Medicare Advantage, Dr. McClellan became administrator of CMS at the President's request to lead its implementation. With unique insight from leading some of the earliest VBC programs, he shared his thoughts on the speed of adoption and why it hasn't happened faster. He discussed how early MA models needed to be based on existing fee-for-service infrastructure, his surprise that not much has changed, and his optimism that it's finally starting to.Mobilizing private capital for public health. Private investment will be essential to support the significant changes required to improve healthcare – especially with uncertainties around future levels of government funding. Dr. McClellan explained how the Duke-Margolis Capital Impact Council (CIC) was launched to guide and improve the role of private investment in healthcare. He described how members of the council are developing and sharing practices for investors and their portfolio companies to track health value return on investment alongside financial ROI.To hear Dr. McClellan and Keith discuss these topics and more, listen to this episode of Healthcare is Hard: A Podcast for Insiders.

In this episode, Leslie Jebson, Administrator of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Network at Prisma Health, shares insights on sustainable growth, AI integration in scheduling and administrative workflows, the future of ambulatory care, and more.

In this episode, Leslie Jebson, Administrator of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Network at Prisma Health, shares insights on sustainable growth, AI integration in scheduling and administrative workflows, the future of ambulatory care, and more.

What is the future of the EA profession? In short: Strategic executive operations supercharged by AI. Melissa Peoples breaks it down. Recorded at EA Ignite Spring 2025 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen talks last night’s efficient city council meeting.

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by WBro Kevin Otil, PM – Oxford #122, Oxford NC and Administrator of the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, and is brought to us by WBro David Koncz, PM – United #8, Brunswick ME. The fundamental values of Freemasonry to aid and assist every Mason […]

Space Updates: NASA Administrator, Reusable Rockets, and Satellite Cell Service GUEST NAME: Bob Zimmerman Bob Zimmerman discusses the potential renomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, noting Isaacman's previous private manned space missions. He highlights Stoke Space raising nearly $1 billion to develop its fully reusable Nova rocket, potentially cheaper than SpaceX's offerings. AST SpaceMobile signed Verizon (adding to AT&T) to use its "Bluebirds" satellites for direct cell phone service, eliminating dead spots. SpaceX recently flew a Falcon booster for its 29th flight. Congressional cuts zeroed out 15 potential space missions

Space Updates: NASA Administrator, Reusable Rockets, and Satellite Cell Service GUEST NAME: Bob Zimmerman Bob Zimmerman discusses the potential renomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, noting Isaacman's previous private manned space missions. He highlights Stoke Space raising nearly $1 billion to develop its fully reusable Nova rocket, potentially cheaper than SpaceX's offerings. AST SpaceMobile signed Verizon (adding to AT&T) to use its "Bluebirds" satellites for direct cell phone service, eliminating dead spots. SpaceX recently flew a Falcon booster for its 29th flight. Congressional cuts zeroed out 15 potential space missions

    PREVIEW: Ex-NASA Nominee Jared Isaacman Reportedly Meeting with Trump Again Bob Zimmerman discusses Jared Isaacman, a billionaire space walker and former NASA administrator nominee whose nomination was suddenly withdrawn by Trump. Withdrawal rumors involved Isaacman's Democratic donations or his ties to Elon Musk during a budget dispute. Anonymous sources now claim Isaacman is holding meetings with Trump to discuss NASA's operational and future plans.

Joseph diGenova, former U.S. Attorney for the District of ColumbiaTopic: Letitia James indictment 7:25- Col. Jack Jacobs, a retired colonel in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Vietnam WarTopic: Logistics of the Israel-Hamas peace deal Louis Tallarini, President of Real Property Investors, Inc.Topic: Italian American Heritage Month Liz Peek, Fox News contributor, columnist for Fox News and The Hill, and former partner of major bracket Wall Street firm Wertheim & CompanyTopic: "The ‘Schumer shutdown’ could be Trump's best chance to drain the swamp" (Fox News op ed) Corey Lewandowski, Trump 2024 Senior OfficialTopic: Trump's cabinet meeting, Israel-Hamas peace deal, other White House news Anat Alon-Beck, corporate law professor at Case Western Reserve University and a visiting scholar at Harvard Law SchoolTopic: "I nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize — here's why he deserves it" (Fox News op ed) Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection AgencyTopic: Trump cabinet meeting David Friedman, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and the author of "Sledgehammer: How Breaking with the Past Brought Peace to the Middle East"Topic: Israel-Hamas peace dealSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Riverton, WY) - County 10 is joined by members of the City of Riverton after each City Council meeting to recap the agenda and various items discussed at the previous night's meeting. We welcomed back Riverton City Administrator Kyle Butterfield this week to chat about a few different topics. The MMIR epidemic, Fire Prevention Week and safety concerns at the Riverton Branch Library were each brought up during the public comment period. Kyle also elaborates on some updates to the Riverton Police Department equipment, a discussion on permits for after hours park activities and details about the Riverton Youth Council. Listen to the full conversation in the player below, or by searching for the County 10 Podcast anywhere you get podcasts.

Lynwood Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul and Asst. Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Maribel Martinez discuss their new roles in the district as top administrators, implementing a 100-day plan, the four pillars that make up the District's strategic plan, their focus on mental wellness and commitment to students and families, and the personal journeys they took that inspired them to become educators.

Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel and City Administrator Ben Martig discuss last night’s city council meeting, where topics included a petition to establish a Special Services District downtown, water utility rates, and more.

The ASAP Career Stages Framework is a data-driven resource for executive assistants and administrative professionals to identify skills gaps and map their career progression. Want something executives and HR will listen to and that will move the needle for your career advancement? This is it. Recorded at EA Ignite Spring 2025 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

SummaryIn this episode, Shannon Valenzuela, Dr. Jeff Lehman, and Dr. Andrew Seeley explore the retrieval of the quadrivium and its significance in classical education, particularly in mathematics and science. They discuss their personal journeys in mathematics, the transformative power of the quadrivium, and the importance of integrating imagination and reason in learning. They emphasize the need for a community of educators to foster a deeper understanding of these subjects, and offer suggestions for teaching. The discussion also touches on the moral implications of education and the beauty inherent in mathematics and the arts.Topics Covered:The creative retrieval of the QuadriviumThe Quadrivium and the formation of the intellect and imaginationThe importance of fellowship among teachersBeauty and structure are integral to the arts and sciences.The Quadrivium and its contribution to moral formationToday's Guests:Jeffrey S. Lehman is co-founder and Dean of Fellows at the Boethius Institute and Professor of Philosophy and Theology and Director of the M.A. in Catholic Education program at the Augustine Institute's Graduate School of Theology. He is the founder and President of the Arts of Liberty Project, a Founding Fellow of the Center for Thomas More Studies, and he has taught at Biola University, Thomas Aquinas College, Hillsdale College, and the University of Dallas. He is the author of numerous publications, including Socratic Conversation: Bringing the Dialogues of Plato and the Socratic Tradition into Today's Classroom.Andrew Seeley is co-founder and President of the Boethius Institute. He also serves as the Director of Advanced Formation for Educators at the Augustine Institute. Over his three decades as a Tutor at Thomas Aquinas College in California, Dr. Seeley taught every subject in its integrated Great Books curriculum. Dr. Seeley co-founded the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education in 2005, where he served as Executive Director for 12 years. He became Executive Director of the Arts of Liberty Project in 2021. He was named the 2023 recipient of the Circe Institute's Paideia Prize.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Quadrivium and the Boethius Institute03:21 The Creative Retrieval of the Quadrivium07:16 The Importance of the Quadrivium in Classical Education12:09 Transformative Experiences in Teaching the Quadrivium16:27 Understanding the Four Arts of the Quadrivium20:52 The Role of Imagination in the Quadrivium23:23 The Interplay of Reason and Imagination33:46 Mathematics and Moral Formation39:18 Reimagining Mathematics Education43:38 Favorite Resources  48:11 ConclusionUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master's Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:More on the Quadrivium Retrieval: https://quadriviumretrieval.org/Francis Su, Mathematics for Human FlourishingStratford Caldecott, Beauty for Truth's SakeSupport the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

In this Special Episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle recorded live from the Ohio Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers Annual Conference in Columbus Ohio we interview some of the speakers and discuss recent activities for the association and the benefits of membership in the Association.   This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies.   Notes and Resources from this Episode: Membership Information for the Ohio Association: http://www.oaasc.net/aws/OAASC/pt/sp/join ASCA Membership Information: https://www.ascassociation.org/asca/membership/join-renew Dinsmore https://www.dinsmore.com/ INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central, a sister site to http://ascpodcast.com provides a link to all of our bootcamps, educational programs and membership programs! https://conferences.asc-central.com/ Join one of our Membership Programs! Our Patron Program: Patron Members of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle have access to ASC Central - an exclusive membership website that provides a one-stop  ASC Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance, Operations and Financial Management resource for busy Administrators, nurse managers and business office managers.  More information and Become Member The ASC-Central Premium Access Program A Premium Resource for Ambulatory Surgery Centers including access to bootcamps, education programs and private sessions More Information and Become a Premium Access Program Members Today! Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John's most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

From the Drug Violence of Miami to Colombia: His DEA Journey to the Cali Cartel. His early start in Law Enforcement was as a part-time police officer on the Jersey Shore, which eventually led to his role in one of the most dangerous assignments in law enforcement history, Chris Feistl's career is a story of grit, perseverance, and determination. His journey took him from the drug violence of Miami to Colombia, where he helped dismantle the infamous Cali Cartel, a saga now immortalized in books, podcasts, and Netflix series like Narcos. Chris Feistl is our guest on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available for free on our website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcast platforms. “Miami was chaos during those years,” Feistl recalls. “The violence from the Cocaine Cowboys was unlike anything most Americans could imagine. We were in the middle of a war.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. The Cocaine Cowboys Era After joining the DEA following his service as a Virginia Beach police officer, Feistl was assigned to Miami, Florida, ground zero for the cocaine trade in the late 1970s and 1980s. The era was defined by the so-called “Cocaine Cowboys,” traffickers who turned Miami into the epicenter of cocaine smuggling and drug-related violence. Look for supporting stories about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . One incident still stands as a symbol of the times. On July 11, 1979, a brazen daytime shootout erupted inside a liquor store at Dadeland Mall. Armed with submachine guns, assailants gunned down rivals in what police described as a “Wild West-style” shootout. Their escape vehicle, later found abandoned, was stocked with weapons and bulletproof vests, earning the nickname “war wagon.” “Miami was the Wild West,” Feistl explains. “Every arrest could turn into a gunfight. That's the environment we lived in daily.” From the Drug Violence of Miami to Colombia: His DEA Journey to the Cali Cartel. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. From Miami to Colombia While in Miami, Feistl's investigations often led back to Colombian suppliers. By the early 1990s, his path took him directly to Colombia itself. Arriving just after Pablo Escobar's death, Feistl shifted focus to the emerging powerhouse of the drug world: the Cali Cartel. “The Cali Cartel was unlike Escobar's Medellín Cartel,” Feistl said. “They operated with a corporate structure, independent cells reporting to managers. It made them more sophisticated and harder to infiltrate.” At the height of its reign between 1993 and 1995, the Cali Cartel controlled more than 80% of the global cocaine market, raking in billions annually. Robert Bonner, former DEA Administrator, once called them “the most powerful criminal organization in the world. No drug organization rivals them today or perhaps any time in history.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Taking Down the Cali Cartel Partnering with fellow DEA agent David Mitchell, Feistl joined a special task force charged with dismantling the cartel. Together, they spent years tracking the cartel's leaders, an effort that culminated in the arrest of the Cali “Godfathers” and the collapse of one of history's most powerful crime syndicates. “Our mission was clear,” Feistl says. “We had to take them down. It wasn't easy, but the Cali Cartel was too big, and too dangerous to continue unchecked.” From the Drug Violence of Miami to Colombia. His success earned him some of the DEA's highest honors, including the Administrator's Award of Honor and multiple Distinguished Service medals from the Colombian government. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Legacy in Media and Pop Culture Chris Feistl's extraordinary career has been documented across media platforms, ensuring his story reaches far beyond law enforcement circles. He co-authored the book After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History, offering readers a first-hand account of the operations that brought the cartel down. Netflix's hit series Narcos dramatized his work in Season 3, introducing millions of viewers to the complexities of the Cali Cartel. Feistl has also appeared on Drug Lords: The Cali Cartel (Netflix), Narco Wars (National Geographic), Finding Escobar's Millions (Discovery), and German Cocaine Cowboy (Prime Video). His journey and story resonates across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond. Beyond television, he has become a frequent guest on top podcasts including the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, sharing his expertise on platforms like their website along witt Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. He's appeared on This American Life, Game of Crimes, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, and The Adam Carolla Show. On the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show's Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and more fans can continue to follow his journey. From the Drug Violence of Miami to Colombia: His DEA Journey to the Cali Cartel. Looking Back After 26 years with the DEA, 12 of them spent in Colombia, Feistl retired in 2014 as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division. Looking back, he often reflects on the risks, the victories, and the lives lost along the way. “We were fighting something much bigger than ourselves,” Feistl says. “But if our work saved lives and slowed the violence, then it was worth it.” From the drug violence of Miami to Colombia, Chris Feistl's DEA journey to the Cali Cartel remains one of the most compelling law enforcement stories of modern history. Through books, Netflix, and podcasts, his legacy continues to educate, inspire, and remind the world of the human cost of the global drug trade. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on MeWe , X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast promoted across their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Get the latest news articles, without all the bias and spin, from the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Medium , which is free. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. From the Drug Violence of Miami to Colombia: His DEA Journey to the Cali Cartel. Attributions After Escobar Wikipedia Narcos Netflix All That Is Interesting Wikipedia Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Executive assistants and administrative professionals of all kinds are leaders with boundless potential and opportunities to improve their leadership skills. Take inspiration from executive leader Ellen Bailey to claim your seat at the table. Recorded at EA Ignite Spring 2025 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

On Thursday, former FBI Director James Comey was criminally indicted by a grand jury on two counts: alleged false statements within jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of congressional proceeding. Meanwhile, Congress is working to avoid a government shutdown, though members on both sides of the aisle refuse to negotiate on a deal. FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram discusses the significance of the Comey indictment and details how a government shutdown could impact Americans.   Later, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses the Trump administration's efforts to curb the autism epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we spoke with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, about the White House's plans to tackle autism. Dr. Oz outlined all the actions the White House is taking to reverse the alarming increases in diagnoses the country has seen over the last several decades. He also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the president's warning pregnant women they shouldn't be taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, citing research showing a link to autism. We often have to cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might want to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire interview with Dr. Oz, allowing you to hear even more of his insights into what may be behind the autism epidemic and what can be done to address it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday, former FBI Director James Comey was criminally indicted by a grand jury on two counts: alleged false statements within jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of congressional proceeding. Meanwhile, Congress is working to avoid a government shutdown, though members on both sides of the aisle refuse to negotiate on a deal. FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram discusses the significance of the Comey indictment and details how a government shutdown could impact Americans.   Later, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses the Trump administration's efforts to curb the autism epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we spoke with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, about the White House's plans to tackle autism. Dr. Oz outlined all the actions the White House is taking to reverse the alarming increases in diagnoses the country has seen over the last several decades. He also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the president's warning pregnant women they shouldn't be taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, citing research showing a link to autism. We often have to cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might want to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire interview with Dr. Oz, allowing you to hear even more of his insights into what may be behind the autism epidemic and what can be done to address it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we spoke with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, about the White House's plans to tackle autism. Dr. Oz outlined all the actions the White House is taking to reverse the alarming increases in diagnoses the country has seen over the last several decades. He also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the president's warning pregnant women they shouldn't be taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, citing research showing a link to autism. We often have to cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might want to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire interview with Dr. Oz, allowing you to hear even more of his insights into what may be behind the autism epidemic and what can be done to address it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler: Fighting Blue State Policies to Protect Small Businesses (7 min) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Laurie Noble, Administrator of The Endo Center at Voorhees, shares insights on ASC growth, the role of AI in improving patient outcomes, and how her team is adapting to changing payer trends and a growing younger patient population.

As part of the Trump administration's plan to fight and treat autism, the President says pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen because of research that suggests a link between the painkiller and autism. The announcement has received some pushback, as some in the medical community say there are studies that prove there's no link at all. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, joins the Rundown to break down the science behind the announcement, the potential litigation that may arise from it, and why the administration is hopeful they can curb the 'autism epidemic.'On Tuesday, President Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, criticizing the UN's effectiveness in resolving global conflicts and urging the organization to take stronger action. Former Secretary of State and FOX News Contributor Michael Pompeo joins the Rundown to react to the President's historic speech, including his criticism of America's European allies for recognizing a Palestinian state.  Plus, Commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick, Tomi Lahren   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Laurie Noble, Administrator of The Endo Center at Voorhees, shares insights on ASC growth, the role of AI in improving patient outcomes, and how her team is adapting to changing payer trends and a growing younger patient population.

In this episode, Laurie Noble, Administrator of The Endo Center at Voorhees, shares insights on ASC growth, the role of AI in improving patient outcomes, and how her team is adapting to changing payer trends and a growing younger patient population.

As part of the Trump administration's plan to fight and treat autism, the President says pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen because of research that suggests a link between the painkiller and autism. The announcement has received some pushback, as some in the medical community say there are studies that prove there's no link at all. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, joins the Rundown to break down the science behind the announcement, the potential litigation that may arise from it, and why the administration is hopeful they can curb the 'autism epidemic.'On Tuesday, President Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, criticizing the UN's effectiveness in resolving global conflicts and urging the organization to take stronger action. Former Secretary of State and FOX News Contributor Michael Pompeo joins the Rundown to react to the President's historic speech, including his criticism of America's European allies for recognizing a Palestinian state.  Plus, Commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick, Tomi Lahren   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel and City Administrator Ben Martig discuss last night’s City Council meeting, where topics included the tax levy, budget, and reformatting of boards and commissions.

Northfield Mayor Erica Zweifel and City Administrator Ben Martig discuss last night's City Council meeting, where topics included the tax levy, budget, and reformatting of boards and commissions.

12 - We kick off today with Trump and company getting stuck on a broken escalator. Is it a faux pas to put your hands on the railing because of the germs? 1205 - The Trump administration is advising that Tylenol use during pregnancy may cause autism. Dom shares his thoughts. 1210 - Side - “worst” person in the world 1215 - Kamala Harris still cannot get out of her own way, botching easy interview with the likes of The View and Rachel Maddow. How right were people about her? 1230 - Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz joins us today to discuss the findings the Trump administration is sharing that details the link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and children with autism. Why is Oz's breakdown of the findings so much different than the mainstream media's analysis? Why did they feel the need to share this info? Despite not having the complete information regarding the ongoing Tylenol study, why did Trump want this out there, knowing the messaging around it wasn't ready for the public yet? Will he classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a real malady? What else is Dr. Oz working on? 1250 - Teasing what is to come.

Don't let others define your EA or admin brand for you. Take notes from expert Jodie Mears to rewrite your story. Recorded at EA Ignite Spring 2025 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, we discuss the latest news and trends in the ASC industry, discuss the Annual Report to Congress by CMS on the Program Oversight of Accrediting Organizations and in our focus segment, we interview Kara Newbury from ASCA about the 2026 Proposed CMS ASC Payment Rule.    This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies.   Notes and Resources from this Episode: Anesthesia Time Limit Laws (From Beckers): https://www.beckersasc.com/anesthesia/anesthesia-time-limit-laws-where-3-bills-stand/?origin=ASCE&utm_source=ASCE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=0573H1191845C8E CMS Prior Authorization: https://ascnews.com/2025/09/ascs-still-struggling-with-prior-authorization-despite-payer-pledges/ QSO-25-25-AO/CLIA - FY 2022 Report to Congress (RTC): Review of Medicare's Program Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Validation Program:  https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-25-25-ao/clia.pdf INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central, a sister site to http://ascpodcast.com provides a link to all of our bootcamps, educational programs and membership programs! https://conferences.asc-central.com/ Join one of our Membership Programs! Our Patron Program: Patron Members of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle have access to ASC Central - an exclusive membership website that provides a one-stop  ASC Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance, Operations and Financial Management resource for busy Administrators, nurse managers and business office managers.  More information and Become Member The ASC-Central Premium Access Program A Premium Resource for Ambulatory Surgery Centers including access to bootcamps, education programs and private sessions More Information and Become a Premium Access Program Members Today! Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John's most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen recaps last weekend’s Oktoberfest and last night’s City Council meeting.

A school administrator in Ohio has been suspended after he sold eleven lawn mowers owned by the school district on Facebook Marketplace. https://www.lehtoslaw.com

SummaryIn this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and John Mays explore the principles of teaching science classically. They discuss the importance of beauty to the work of education, the importance of textbook design, and the need for a mastery-oriented curriculum that emphasizes long-term retention of knowledge. Mays introduces his Wonder-Integration-Mastery model for science education, which serves as a framework for teaching that integrates various disciplines and fosters the development of wisdom and virtue in students. The conversation highlights the role of teachers in modeling honesty and virtue, and the importance of effective communication in the classroom.Topics Covered:The role of beauty and wonder in educationTextbook designThe Wonder-Integration-Mastery model in education Integration of disciplines enriches the learning experienceThe end of a classical education: wisdom and virtueSelf-reflection and modeling for teachersToday's Guest:John D. Mays spent 14 years in industry in engineering and engineering management in the areas of electrical, controls, and telecommunications systems and has completed graduate degrees in Secondary Education (MEd) and Liberal Arts (MLA). John served as the Math-Science Department Chair at Regents School of Austin from 2001 until 2009, when he became Director of the Laser Optics Lab at Regents. He founded Novare Science in 2009 and Centripetal Press in 2015, both of which became part of Classical Academic Press in 2019. John is the author and editor of numerous student science texts and teacher resources. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:24 Introduction to Science Education and Curriculum Development06:18 The Cram-Pass-Forget Cycle11:39 Mastery-Based Teaching Model13:55 Textbook Design Philosophy17:41 The Importance of Beauty in the Education Environment23:05 Wonder, Integration, and Mastery in Science Education34:38 Distinctions between Modern and Classical Education40:40 The Importance of Self-Reflection for Teachers53:21 Modeling Virtue: The Teacher's Role55:28 ConclusionUniversity of Dallas Links:Classical Education Master's Program at the University of Dallas: udallas.edu/classical-edSt. Ambrose Center Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators: https://k12classical.udallas.edu/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:From Wonder to Mastery: A Transformative Model for Science EducationCentripetal Press: https://centripetalpress.com/Novare Science (Classical Academic Press): https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections/novare-scienceSupport the showIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review — it helps others find us!

In this Special Episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle recorded live from the California Ambulatory Surgery Center Association 2025 Conference in San Diego, California we interview some of the speakers and discuss recent activities for the association and the benefits of membership in the Association.   This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies.   Notes and Resources from this Episode: Link to the California Association Website: https://casurgery.org/aws/CASA/pt/sp/home_page Link to Join CASA: https://casurgery.org/aws/CASA/pt/sp/membership INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central, a sister site to http://ascpodcast.com provides a link to all of our bootcamps, educational programs and membership programs! http://conferences.asc-central.com Join one of our Membership Programs! Our Patron Program: Patron Members of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle have access to ASC Central - an exclusive membership website that provides a one-stop  ASC Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance, Operations and Financial Management resource for busy Administrators, nurse managers and business office managers.  More information and Become Member The ASC-Central Premium Access Program A Premium Resource for Ambulatory Surgery Centers including access to bootcamps, education programs and private sessions More Information and Become a Premium Access Program Members Today! Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John's most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Standard Based Grading!References Iamarino, D. L. (2014). A critical evaluation of modern grading practices. Current Issues in Education, 17(2), 1‑13.Larsen, A. (2023). Investigating the potential benefits of Standards-Based Grading vs letter grading. Journal on Nursing & Instruction, 12(1).Marsh, V. L., et al. (2023). Standards-Based Grading: History, practices, benefits, challenges, and next steps. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 22(2), 67‑77.Morris, S. R., Parra‑Martinez, A., Wai, J., & Maranto, R. (2024). Administrators' perceptions of Standards-Based Grading practices. EdWorkingPaper: 24‑917. Annenberg Institute at Brown University.Townsley, M. (2020). What works for schools implementing Standards-Based Grading. Educational Considerations, 46(1).Tripp, M. (2018). Effects of Standards-Based Grading on students in high school agricultural education (Master's thesis). South Dakota State University.

Headline of the Week contender #4: Administrator suspended after selling Akron Public Schools' lawnmowers on FaceBook Marketplace, Headline of the Week recap and listener voting, $500K in debt feels less stressful than $3K? That's what a new debt survey of Americans reveals...

In this episode, former CMS official Jon Blum reflects on the evolution and impact of the IRA's drug provisions—from foundational drivers and political trade-offs to how 2026 Part D redesign and the M3P cost-smoothing program are reshaping access. We explore why M3P adoption remains limited, how CMS is monitoring plan behavior around negotiated pricing, and what shrinking standalone Part D options may mean for patients, especially in rural areas. Jon also challenges the “blame game” in Washington—emphasizing the systemic incentives behind each actor—and shares his own prescription for equitably balancing drug affordability, innovation, and policy integrity, including thoughts on MFN and future reform paths.

(Riverton, WY) - Riverton Mayor Tim Hancock and City Administrator Kyle Butterfield joined KOVE's Today in the 10 Morning Show to recap this week's busy City Council meeting. Among the agenda items were two proclamations, one regarding Suicide Prevention Month and another declaring September 18th Brunton International Day. The two spoke about the public comment period and concerns addressed by the Riverton Branch Library staff, a report from a 1/2% excise tax recipient, a construction project on Riverview Road and much more. To listen to the full interview, click the player below or search for the County 10 Podcast on any podcast platform!

On this episode of The OneStream Podcast, longtime OneStream software instructor, Tom Linton joins Peter Fugere to talk about the roles of Power Users and Administrators. This is an in-depth and informative discussion about how to advance your knowledge, skills and career in the OneStream ecosystem that you don't want to miss.

Learn how AI is changing the EA and administrative profession – and how you can stay ahead of the curve – with expert guest Neil Malek. Recorded at EA Ignite Spring 2025 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the battle of Nanjing. As the relentless tide of war approached Nanjing in December 1937, fear gripped its residents. As atrocities unfolded in the countryside, civilians flocked toward safety zones, desperate for refuge. Under the command of General Tang Shengzhi, the Chinese forces prepared for a fierce defense, determined to hold their ground against the technologically superior invaders. Despite heavy losses and internal strife, hopes flickered among the defenders, fueled by the valor of their troops. Key positions like Old Tiger's Cave became battlegrounds, exemplifying the fierce resistance against the Japanese advance. On December 9, as artillery fire enveloped the city, a battle for the Gate of Enlightenment commenced. Both sides suffered grievously, with the Chinese soldiers fighting to the last, unwilling to yield an inch of their soil. Each assault from Japan met with relentless counterattacks, turning Nanjing into a symbol of perseverance amidst impending doom, as the siege marked a critical chapter in the conflict, foreshadowing the brutal events that would follow.   #167 The Battle of Nanjing Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. By mid-December, the landscape surrounding Nanjing was eerily quiet. The Japanese Army marched through what seemed to be desolate fields and mountains, but they were not truly empty. Civilians were scarce, with most having fled, but a few remained in their homes, hiding in cellars and barns, clinging to the hope that the war would bypass them. Meanwhile, thousands of Chinese soldiers, left behind and unable to keep pace with their units, still posed a significant danger to the Japanese forces. The Japanese Army had not truly conquered the territory east and south of Nanjing; they had merely passed through. Mopping-up operations became a top priority. Soldiers from the 16th Infantry Division, stationed near Purple Mountain, spent early December conducting these missions far from the city's walls. “Chinese stragglers may be hiding in this area, and they must be flushed out. Any small structure of no strategic value to the Japanese Army must be burned!” This command rang out to the division's soldiers as they spread across the countryside around Unicorn Gate. Soon, isolated fires began to illuminate the horizon, one for each home. Soldiers from the 9th Infantry Division, who were not directly engaged in combat south of the Gate of Enlightenment, were also conducting similar mopping-up operations. On December 11 at noon, one squad received orders to investigate a suspicious farm building. Although it had been searched previously, movement inside prompted renewed caution. The Japanese entered carefully, moving from room to room. In the basement, they discovered eight Chinese soldiers who offered no resistance, immediately raising their hands in surrender. Bound together, they were brought outside. Using a few Chinese words supplemented by sign language, the Japanese gathered that the Chinese had been in the vicinity where one of their comrades had been killed days earlier. Unanimously, they decided the prisoners should be executed in front of their comrade's grave. Some of the older soldiers hesitated, reluctant to partake in the killings, leaving it to the younger ones to carry out the order. Soon, eight headless bodies lay sprawled before a solitary Japanese grave.  On the morning of December 11, the first soldiers of the 6th Japanese Infantry Division finally spotted the distant city wall of Nanjing. They had been engaged in fierce combat for nearly two days, attempting to dislodge the tenacious defenders of the Yuhuatai plateau, the elite soldiers of the 88th Division. In a desperate bid to maintain their foothold on Yuhuatai, the 88th Division deployed its reserved 528th Regiment along with a battalion of engineers. Despite their efforts, the regiment's ranks had been depleted, filled with inexperienced recruits, and their leadership nearly obliterated, limiting their effectiveness. Under the relentless assaults from the Japanese forces, their defenses began to falter almost immediately. Faced with the stiff resistance at the Gate of Enlightenment, the Japanese shifted their focus to the Chinese Gate on December 11. Japanese aircraft were summoned for tactical air support, forcing the 88th Division's defenders to retreat behind the wall. This withdrawal occurred swiftly and somewhat chaotically, allowing the Japanese to pursue closely. Before the Chinese could regroup, 300 Japanese soldiers had breached the wall. Only the mobilization of all available forces enabled the Chinese to push the attackers back outside. Meanwhile, the left flank of the 88th Division, stationed east of Chinese Gate, remained outside the wall. Here, they clashed with elements of the 9th Japanese Division but faced intense pressure and were compelled to fall back. By the end of the day, the Chinese division had shortened its defensive line, regrouping in front of the city wall. Plans for a nighttime counterattack were ultimately abandoned, as it became clear that the division's soldiers were too fatigued to mount an effective offensive. Overall, it proved to be a successful day for the Japanese 10th Army. Further south, the Kunisaki Detachment successfully crossed the Yangtze River at Cihu village, beginning their advance toward Pukou. Its special amphibious training made the detachment ideally suited for the operation, but its limited numbers, essentially a reinforced infantry regiment, raised concerns at field headquarters about whether it could accomplish the task alone. Prince Asaka proposed transporting part of the 13th Division across the Yangtze further north to sever the railway connecting Tianjin to Pukou, cutting off a potential retreat route for Chinese forces that had escaped Nanjing.  On December 11, Japanese artillery shells rained down relentlessly, targeting both the interior and exterior of Nanjing's city walls. Administrators of the Safety Zone were alarmed to witness several shells landing perilously close to its southern edge. In a bid to provide some semblance of security, American and foreign flags were raised around the zone's perimeter, though their protective influence against artillery fire from miles away was negligible. The leaders of the Safety Zone faced an unexpected dilemma: how to handle lawbreakers with the city courts now out of operation. That day, they encountered a thief caught in the act. As Rabe noted in his diary “We sentence the thief to death, then pardon him and reduce his punishment to 24 hours in jail, and ultimately, due to the absence of a jail, we simply let him go”. Refugees continued to pour in, with a total of 850 having found shelter at Ginling College. Vautrin and her colleagues began to feel that their initial estimate of 2,700 women and children seeking refuge on the campus was overly optimistic. They were soon proven wrong. On the banks of the Yangtze River, hundreds of injured soldiers and civilians were lining up to be ferried across to Pukou, where trains awaited to transport them further inland and away from danger. Many had been waiting for days without food. While ferries made continuous trips across the river to rescue as many as possible, the process was painfully slow. As of late December 10, approximately 1,500 wounded civilians remained stranded on the south bank of the Yangtze. The Japanese forces were confronted by a fiercely determined enemy composed largely of young soldiers from the Training Division. These soldiers had the advantage of having been stationed near Purple Mountain for several years, making them familiar with the terrain. Additionally, they were part of an elite unit, groomed not just in equipment and training but also instilled with a sense of nationalism rooted in Chiang Kai-shek's ideology. Li Xikai, the commander of the division's 3rd Regiment, had set up his command post directly in the path of the primary Japanese advance, yet his regiment continued to resist. Despite the fierce resistance, the Japanese gradually gained control over the Purple Mountain area. General Nakajima Kesago, commander of the 16th Division, visited an artillery observation post early in the day and was pleased to receive reports that his troops had captured two peaks of Purple Mountain and were poised to take the main peak.  Yet there loomed a problem on Nakajima's right flank. A widening gap was emerging between the 16th Division and the 13th Division, which had advanced along the southern bank of the Yangtze. There was a risk that Chinese forces could escape through this lightly guarded area. The 13th Division was stationed in the strategically important river port city of Zhenjiang, preparing to cross the Yangtze. The Central China Area Army ordered the 13th Division to mobilize three infantry battalions and one artillery battalion. This new formation, known as the Yamada Detachment after its commander, Yamada Senji, was tasked with remaining on the Yangtze's south bank and advancing westward to capture two Chinese fortresses on the river: Mt. Wulong and Mt. Mufu. This redeployment alleviated concerns about the gap, allowing the 16th Division to focus on the city wall. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, one Captain Akao Junzo prepared for what he believed would be his final assault. He had been ordered to seize a hill northeast of Sun Yat-sen Gate that overlooked the city entrance. His commander told him “The attack on Nanjing will likely be the last battle of this war, and I hope your company can be at the front when the enemy's lines are breached”. The hill was fortified with numerous machine gun positions, reinforced with mud, bricks, and tiles, and connected by an intricate network of trenches. Dense rows of barbed wire lay before the positions, designed to halt attackers and expose them to machine-gun fire. Additionally, the area was likely heavily mined, and Chinese soldiers maintained a high level of alertness. Akao knew this all too well; when he crawled forward and slightly lifted his head to survey the landscape, he triggered a hail of bullets, one of which grazed his helmet. Around late afternoon, four mountain guns from the regimental artillery began firing on the Chinese positions, sustaining the bombardment for over an hour. By 5:00 pm, as the winter sky darkened, Akao decided it was time to launch the attack. Expecting close-quarters combat, he instructed his men to carry only their rifles and small entrenchment tools. With the entire company poised to move, he dispatched a small group of soldiers ahead to cut openings in the barbed wire while receiving covering fire from the mountain guns and the rifles and machine guns of their comrades. The remainder of the company advanced with swords raised and bayonets fixed. As they approached within about 700 feet of the enemy positions, the artillery bombardment ceased as planned. The enemy, still reeling from the ferocity of the earlier assault, scrambled in a panic from their trenches, retreating in disarray. Akao and his fellow soldiers pressed forward, cutting down any opposition in their path. Seizing the momentum, Akao charged to occupy the hill that had been his target. He found it deserted upon his arrival and sent a triumphant message back to command, reporting that the objective had been achieved. However, the reply he received left him baffled: he was ordered to withdraw with his company and return to their lines. Apparently, the regimental command deemed the position too precarious. Sensing that a precious advantage was being squandered, Akao disregarded the order. Before his company could establish a defensive position on the hill, the Chinese launched a counterattack. Lying down, the Japanese soldiers returned fire while frantically digging into the earth to fortify their position. Gradually, they began to form a rudimentary perimeter at the summit. The fighting continued into the night. Exhausted from days without sleep, many soldiers rotated between guard duty and rest, dozing off intermittently in their shallow trenches, reassuring one another that everything would be alright before drifting back to sleep. They successfully repelled all attempts by the Chinese to reclaim the hill and were eventually relieved. On December 11, after leaving his capital, Chiang Kai-shek took time to reflect on everything that had happened in his diary. He reassured himself that his nationalist revolution would persist, regardless of whether he held Nanjing, “Temporary defeat can be turned into eventual victory.” Yet he did not fear so much the Japanese invasion itself, but rather how the weakening of his nationalist government might allow the Communists to rise. He wrote about how his nation was on the brink of becoming a second Spain. While foreign invasions were undoubtedly disastrous, they could eventually be overcome, if not immediately, then over years or decades. Sometimes, this could be achieved merely by absorbing the outmatched invader and assimilating them into Chinese society. In contrast, internal unrest posed a far more fundamental threat to the survival of any regime. As we have seen in this series, going back to the mid 19th century, was it the foreign empires of Britain, France and Russia that threatened to destroy the Qing dynasty, or was it the internal civil war brought on by the Taiping? As Chiang famously put it “the Japanese were a treatable disease of the skin. Communism however was a disease of the heart”. Chiang could accept a humiliating but rapid retreat from Nanjing. In his view, it would be far more difficult to recover from a bloody yet futile struggle for the city that might cost him what remained of his best troops. A prolonged defensive battle, he reasoned, would be a tragic waste and could shift the balance of power decisively in favor of the Communists. This new mindset was reflected in a telegram he sent late on December 11 to Tang Shengzhi: “If the situation becomes untenable, it is permissible to find the opportune moment to retreat to regroup in the rear in anticipation of future counterattacks.” On December 12, tankettes cautiously plunged into the Yuhuatai plateau. Unexpectedly the Chinese defenders abandoned their positions and rushed down the hillside toward Nanjing's walls. Upon discovering this, the Japanese tankettes opened fire on the retreating Chinese, cutting swathes through the masses and sending bodies tumbling down the slope. Some Japanese infantry caught up, joining in the slaughter and laughing boisterously as they reveled in the chaos. A tankette column escorted a group of engineers to the Nanjing wall and then drove east along the moat until they reached a large gate, flanked by two smaller openings, all securely shut. A chilling message, painted in blue, adorned the gate's surface. Written in Chinese characters, it conveyed a stark warning: “We Swear Revenge on the Enemy.” The wall itself loomed three stories high, but Japanese artillery was already targeting it, this was known as the Chinese Gate. Now that Yuhuatai was virtually in Japanese hands, capturing the gate had become the primary objective. At this location, the wall stood 70 feet tall, protected by a 100-foot moat to the outside. All bridges spanning the moat had been destroyed. The area around the gate was heavily defended, with approximately one machine gun positioned every 50 yards atop the wall. Inside, the gate was reinforced with a formidable barrier of sandbags. Chinese infantry armed with mortars and small arms could fire down on the Japanese attackers while others had established isolated positions in nearby buildings that had survived the “scorched earth” policy. Taking the gate and the heavily fortified southwestern corner of the wall was the responsibility of the 6th Division. The division was deploying its regiments: the 13th, the 47th, and the 23rd from east to west. The 45th Regiment, the final unit of the division, was tasked with skirting the western side of the wall and advancing northward, aiming for the Yangtze docks at Xiaguan. The soldiers of the division had already formed a rough understanding of the formidable defenses they were facing. During the night between December 11 and 12, they had advanced nearly to the wall, gathering intelligence to prepare for an assault at dawn. As planned, the assault commenced. Field artillery fired round after round at the gate, but the wall sustained minimal damage. A Japanese tank rolled up, firing point-blank at the gate but producing no visible effect. Next, it was the engineers' turn. A “dare-to-die” squad, equipped with long ladders, crept as close to the wall as possible without exposing themselves and then sprinted the final distance. The moment they broke into the open, a Chinese machine gun opened fire, cutting them down to the last man. At noon, three Japanese planes soared overhead, dropping bombs near a Chinese-held building outside the gate. The smoke from the resulting fire briefly obscured the area. Seizing the opportunity presented by the reduced visibility, a large group of Chinese soldiers holed up inside attempted to dash back to the wall. The Japanese spotted their movement instantly, and every soldier in the line opened fire. The fleeing Chinese were mowed down like ripe grass, collapsing in heaps.  Meanwhile the battle for the Gate of Enlightenment was drawing to a close. On the Chinese side of the wall, confusion reigned regarding the overall situation on December 12. Chen Yiding, brigade commander of the 87th Division, had been warned that heads would roll if the Gate of Enlightenment fell to the Japanese. Hearing the sounds of fierce fighting on the edges of Yuhuatai and seeing the smoke rise from numerous fires on Purple Mountain, he was left in the dark about their implications, surrounded by the fog of war. Chen's troops had finally managed to establish a telephone link to the rear, but by mid-afternoon, it was cut off, likely due to a stray artillery shell. After dark, Chen sent an officer to his left flank to make contact with the Chinese forces there. The report that followed was far from reassuring. A unit from Guangdong Province was abandoning its positions and retreating north, attempting to exit the capital through one of the gates in the city wall. The officer had attempted to inquire about their destination, but the retreating soldiers ignored him. With neighboring units evacuating autonomously, a significant gap was opening in the Chinese line atop the wall between the Gate of Enlightenment and Sun Yat-sen Gate. A frightening possibility emerged: the Japanese could walk right in across the undefended southeastern corner of the city wall and surround Chen Yiding's troops before they had a chance to withdraw. The situation was becoming untenable, a fact underscored by the artillery fire raining down on Chen's position. Despite this, retreat was not a simple decision for Chen and the other commanders of the 87th Division. They had been garrisoned in Nanjing before the war, and the city had become home to many of the soldiers. Shortly after midnight, Chen called a meeting with his senior officers. After considerable discussion, they concluded that they had no choice but to withdraw. Nonetheless, Chen insisted that everyone sign a document confirming their support for this decision, recognizing the potential danger of taking such a significant step without consensus. After all, his own life had been threatened if the situation deteriorated further. Soon after, the Chinese began to move out of their positions. The Japanese were initially unaware of the retreat; all they noticed during the night between December 12 and 13 was that the Chinese artillery fire began to grow increasingly distant. By 4:00 am it had stopped completely. The few remaining Chinese were quickly overwhelmed and killed. In the end, the gate, which had cost so many lives during the seemingly endless battle, was taken almost effortlessly by the Japanese. Soldiers of the 9th Division, stationed outside the wall, scrambled up the slope created by the previous days' shelling. Once at the top, they thrust their hands into the air, shouting “Banzai!” so loudly that they believed their families back home in Japan might hear them. Tears streamed down their faces as soldiers embraced and shook hands, reflecting on the friends they had lost throughout the months of fighting, from Shanghai to their current position. They reassured each other that their sacrifices had been worth it for this very moment. On December 12,  the slopes of Purple Mountain  were ablaze. Zhou Zhenqiang, commander of the Training Division's 1st Brigade, led his men in a desperate struggle to maintain control of the mountain's forested peaks. However, they were being overwhelmed by the better-equipped Japanese troops, and Zhou knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to relinquish his position. Zhou found himself unable to obtain any information from his superiors about the overall situation, despite repeated attempts to contact the Training Division's headquarters. He dispatched a runner, who returned a few hours later with disheartening news: the divisional commander had left late in the afternoon. Other reports indicated a general breakdown in command. The elite 88th Division was in disarray, and an entire division of Guangdong troops, that being the same force that had abandoned the wall near the Gate of Enlightenment, had been spotted marching out of the Gate of Great Peace, seemingly intent on returning home. With indications of collapse all around him, Zhou decided to execute an orderly withdrawal from Purple Mountain, leaving a small contingent behind to cover the retreat. His troops entered through the city wall at Sun Yat-sen Gate and marched in disciplined columns through the streets of Nanjing, where signs of imminent anarchy were evident. Chinese soldiers were scattered everywhere, speaking a cacophony of dialects, yet they appeared to lack any coherent command. Tang Shengzhi's grip on the situation was weakening. Meanwhile Japan's 13th Air Group had been busy with the final stages of the battle for Nanjing.  In the morning of December 12, after raiding Chinese positions at Sun Yat-sen Gate, they  received new orders. Intelligence indicated that Chinese ships, laden with troops, were moving up the Yangtze from Nanjing. Japanese infantry on the ground could only watch as this prize slipped through their fingers, and the army requested air support. All available planes at Changzhou, a mix of A4N fighters and Yokosuka B4Y bombers, totaling 24 aircraft, were assembled for the crucial mission. The day was clear, providing excellent visibility as the pilots headed toward the section of the Yangtze where they believed the vessels would be, based on reasonable assumptions about their speed. At 1:30 p.m., 28 nautical miles upriver from Nanjing, the pilots sighted four ships. Trusting their military intelligence, they saw no need for further identification. Initially, the B4Ys bombed the vessels from a considerable height. One bomb struck the lead ship, a military vessel, disabling its forward gun and snapping the foremast. Then, a first wave of six A4Ns dove down over the line of ships, attacking individually. In total, they dropped about 20 bombs. Several exploded close enough to the lead vessel to damage its hull and injure crew members on deck. A 30-caliber machine gun on board was manned, with gunners stripped to the waist firing at the Japanese planes but failing to score a hit. Several of the A4Ns strafed the ship with machine-gun fire. After 20 minutes of sustained bombing and strafing, the result was utter devastation. The lead vessel was stuck in mid-river, riddled with bullets, aflame, and listing to starboard. Two other ships were beached on the right bank, while another sat stranded on the left. Satisfied with their mission, the Japanese aviators broke off and returned to their temporary base. Upon their landing in Changzhou, instead of receiving accolades, the pilots were met with reprimands. Why hadn't they sunk all the vessels? They were ordered to return immediately to finish the job. Though they didn't find the original targets, they stumbled upon four other vessels closer to Nanjing. One aircraft dove toward the ships, releasing a 60-kilogram bomb that struck one vessel. As the pilot pulled up, he caught sight of the Union Jack on the hull and realized his mistake; he had inadvertently targeted neutral ships. The other pilots recognized the significance of the markings as well and withheld their bombs. The vessel was identified as the SS Wantung. Soon after, the Japanese pilots understood that the ships they had attacked earlier upriver from Nanjing were also Western; three of them were Standard Oil tankers. The last vessel, which had sustained the most damage, was the USS Panay, a lightly armed flat-bottomed gunboat,  tasked with protecting American lives and property along China's longest river. The Panay had been instrumental in evacuating American citizens from the war zone in November and December. On the day it was attacked, the Panay was carrying four American embassy personnel and ten American and foreign journalists to safety. The ship's doctor converted the engine room into a makeshift sick bay, treating a steady stream of injured personnel. By the end, he was tending to 45 patients. The soldiers and passengers were evacuated in two small boats to a nearby marshy island covered in reeds, where they hid, fearful of further strafing. From their hiding place, they watched as a Japanese powerboat filled with soldiers approached the Panay. After firing more volleys at the vessel, the soldiers boarded it, remaining for only five minutes before departing. The American flag still flew from the bow at that time. At 3:54 pm, the Panay rolled over to starboard and sank in seven to ten fathoms of water. Cold and frightened, the survivors waded through knee-deep mud to a nearby village, assisting those too severely wounded to walk.  Meanwhile back at Chinese Gate, the mutual slaughter continued into the afternoon of December 12. The Japanese made no significant progress, although their failure was not for lack of trying. The commanders of the 6th Division had strategically placed the boundary between the 13th and 47th Regiments exactly at the gate, encouraging both units to compete to be the first to seize the position. Yet, despite their efforts, it became clear that willpower alone was not enough to breach the Chinese defenses at Chinese Gate. In peacetime, Nanjing's city gates served as entry points into a bustling capital, but in wartime, they transformed into heavily fortified and nearly impregnable strongholds. Any Japanese officer hoping for a swift victory would soon be disappointed; by early afternoon, the situation at the gate had devolved into a stalemate. The section of the wall manned by the 47th Infantry Regiment, located east of the gate, also saw little meaningful movement as the day wore on. Japanese soldiers, pinned down by Chinese fire from atop the wall, could do little more than take pride in a symbolic triumph. A small group of soldiers had managed to reach the wall and place a ladder against it, but it fell nearly ten feet short of the top. One soldier skillfully scaled the last portion, gripping protruding bricks and crevices of the nearly vertical surface. The entire Japanese front watched him with bated breath. He reached the top and unfurled a Japanese flag, but it immediately drew intense Chinese fire, forcing him to duck for cover. Soon, he vanished from sight, raising concerns among his compatriots about his fate. Later, it was revealed that he had taken refuge in a depression in the wall, waiting out the battle. The real breakthrough of the day would occur west of the gate. The 23rd Regiment was deployed there with orders to capture sections of the wall near the southwestern corner. It became evident that the wall could not be scaled without first bringing up artillery to create gaps in its solid masonry. A significant portion of the divisional fire support, 36 small-caliber mountain guns, four 100mm howitzers, and four 150mm howitzers, was assigned to this section. Artillery observers were also sent to the 23rd Regiment's forward command post to coordinate with the infantry and assess the effects of the shelling. By mid-afternoon, the artillery bombardment had created a ravine-like hole in the wall large enough for an assault. The 23rd Regiment positioned its 2nd and 3rd Battalions at the front, with the 1st Battalion held in reserve. First, the engineers undertook the challenging task. As the assault commenced, the rest of the regiment provided covering fire to force the Chinese defenders to seek shelter while the engineers charged into the 70-foot-wide moat. Once a human chain formed, they held up ladders as a makeshift bridge, allowing a company from the 3rd Battalion to rush across and into the gap in the wall. As the batteries switched to close infantry support, they laid down a barrage around the breach to prevent Chinese interference as the attack entered its decisive phase. The Japanese soldiers scrambled up the rubble, created by the artillery fire, which rose several dozen feet high. Shortly before 5:00 p.m., the Japanese seized control of the southwestern segment of the wall. The Chinese launched several counterattacks to reclaim the position, but none were successful. This action ultimately sealed Nanjing's fate; beyond the wall, there was nothing left to save the ancient city and its inhabitants. As defeat appeared imminent, more and more civilians sought safety in foreign-controlled areas, though danger still loomed large. Bits of shrapnel narrowly missed Dr. Robert Wilson while he operated in the Safety Zone. Every square foot of John Rabe's property became filled with families, many camping in the open with their own blankets. Some sought refuge under his large swastika flag, believing that this would make the area especially “bomb-proof” given the growing friendship between Tokyo and Berlin; they assumed Japanese aviators would think twice before targeting a region seemingly under German protection. With just hours left before the Japanese Army was expected to gain control, the residents of Nanjing made their last preparations, prioritizing personal survival. The brutal behavior of Japanese troops in conquered territories fueled intense concern over the possible fate of injured soldiers who might fall into enemy hands. As Nanjing's last hours as a free city unfolded, it became imperative for local hospitals to evacuate as many wounded soldiers as possible across the Yangtze. On December 12, doctors found a motorboat stranded on the riverbank, having apparently broken down. They managed to repair it and ferried several hundred patients to safety throughout the day. Throughout December 12, the citizens of Nanjing were subjected to the unsettling cacophony of heavy shelling, mixed with the roar of bombers overhead. By evening, the entire horizon south of the city glowed with flames. The sound of fighting emanated from all directions, continuing long after sunset. However, in the middle of the night, activity began to wan. Every few minutes, the muffled thuds of shells could still be heard, though their origin was unclear. For the most part, an eerie silence prevailed, as if the city was holding its breath in anticipation of the final onslaught. Chiang Kai-shek had indicated he would understand if Tang chose to abandon the capital. However, on December 12, he reversed his stance, sending a telegram to Tang expressing optimism that the Nanjing garrison could hold out significantly longer. In his words “If you do not shy away from sacrifices, you will be able to hold high the banner of our nation and our army, and this could transform defeat into victory. If you can hold out one more day, you will add to the pride of the Chinese nation. If you can hold out for half a month or more, the domestic and international situation could see a substantial change.” Tang adopted a hardline approach toward any signs of defeatism among his troops. When he learned that General Sun Yuanliang, commander of the formerly elite 88th Division, was leading approximately 2,000 men from the Gate of Enlightenment to the dock area, Tang acted swiftly. He dispatched Song Xilian, the commanding general of the 36th Division, to halt the retreat. When the two units met, a fratricidal clash nearly occurred. Fortunately, the 88th Division agreed to return to the gate and continue fighting. Whatever Tang's plans, they were rendered irrelevant at 3:00 pm,  when he received another telegram from Chiang, this time ordering a full retreat. Rumors that the Chinese Army had started evacuating Nanjing triggerec panic among many units. Thousands abandoned their positions and joined the throngs of soldiers and civilians moving slowly down the city's main avenues. The crowd seemed to have collectively decided that getting a boat out of Nanjing was the best option, and by late afternoon, a solid mass of humanity stretched for miles through the city toward the dock areas at Xiaguan. To reach Xiaguan, everyone had to pass through Yijiang Gate. This relatively modern structure had served as the main entry point for visitors arriving in Nanjing by boat in recent decades and now only half of the main entrance was open. A crowd of that size trying to get through such a narrow bottleneck was a recipe for disaster. Those unfortunate enough to be right at the front felt the crushing pressure of tens of thousands of individuals pushing from behind. In that densely packed throng, stumbling and falling to the ground was akin to a death sentence; anyone who went down was inevitably crushed by the oncoming waves of terrified civilians and soldiers. As chaos erupted, discipline evaporated entirely. Officers lost control over their men, leading to infighting among the soldiers. Pushing and shoving escalated into fistfights, and trucks drove directly into the mass of people to force their way through. Tanks, emitting sounds akin to prehistoric beasts, rolled through the mob, crushing many under their weight. Amid the madness, some soldiers, driven by frustration over the lack of movement, began shooting into the crowd at random. To relieve the pressure at Yijiang Gate, some units were ordered to exit Nanjing via the Gate of Great Peace at the northeastern corner of the city wall. Upon arrival, they found the entrance nearly sealed shut. Thick walls of sandbags had been erected around it, leaving only a narrow opening through which one person could pass at a time. Massive crowds fought among themselves to get through; even under perfect order and discipline, it would have taken the entire night and most of the following day for everyone to pass. In the midst of the frantic chaos, it could take a week or more. During the night of the 12th, a select group of Japanese soldiers, chosen for the offensive, stripped their equipment down to the bare essentials: rifles, bayonets, and helmets. They avoided any gear that could produce a metallic noise, alerting the Chinese defenders to their approach. Stealthily, they moved up to the wall, carrying bamboo ladders tied together in threes for added height. Ascending the rungs, they ensured not to make a sound that could betray their position to an alert Chinese sentry. Everything hinged on remaining undetected; even a couple of hand grenades tossed down the wall could halt the attack in its tracks. Reaching the top without being noticed, the soldiers quickly fanned out. Chinese soldiers stationed on the wall saw the swift dark figures and opened fire, but it was too late to thwart the assault. A brief fight ensued; most Japanese soldiers were too close to use their rifles and immediately resorted to their bayonets. The stunned defenders were pushed back, and the successful assault team established a perimeter, awaiting reinforcements from outside the wall. They didn't have to wait long. A massive assault along the length of the 6th Division's front line commenced at dawn on December 13. Japanese artillery concentrated its fire on a narrow section of the city wall, progressively working its way from the bottom up. Gradually, the shells formed a slope of debris that soldiers could use to scale the wall. A short air raid was executed, and after the planes had weakened the remaining resistance, a group of soldiers rushed up the slope. While their comrades provided covering fire, they climbed the last stretch, rolling down a rope ladder. Within minutes, 40 other Japanese soldiers had joined them. By 10:30 am, the Rising Sun flag was flying over the wall. The Japanese invaders were met with a horrific sight at the top of the wall. Beyond lay the grim aftermath of days of shelling. Some houses were leveled, while others burned. The ground was littered with bodies, some decapitated or disemboweled, and pools of blood surrounded them. As Chiang Kai-shek's order to abandon the city gradually filtered down to the troops manning the wall around Nanjing, things began to move rapidly.  By late morning on December 13, all the major entry points into the city had fallen to the Japanese. These included Chinese Gate in the southwest, the Gate of Enlightenment in the south, and Sun Yat-sen Gate in the east. The first thing that struck the Japanese soldiers upon ascending the wall was how starkly different it was from their expectations. They had anticipated a bustling city teeming with people, but instead, the area adjacent to the wall was characterized by farm plots, resembling countryside more than an urban center. The second notable observation was the complete absence of inhabitants. Cautiously, the Japanese soldiers entered the city they had just conquered, their bayonets fixed and rifles at the ready. Yet, surprisingly, very few shots were fired. After weeks of fearing death and injury, once the immediate danger receded, a certain stupor settled in. For most civilians in Nanjing, their initial encounter with the city's new rulers was uneventful. It took several hours for the Japanese to move from the wall into the urban parts of the capital. It was not until around noon that residents noticed the first groups of Japanese soldiers marching down the streets in clusters of six to twelve men. Initially, many met the conquerors with relief, hoping they would be treated fairly. Their optimism was bolstered by Japanese planes dropping leaflets over the city, reassuring residents of humane treatment. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. On December 9, fierce battles erupted, especially at the Gate of Enlightenment. Despite heavy fighting, the Chinese showed remarkable resilience, turning Nanjing into a symbol of determination. However, the tide shifted as overwhelming Japanese artillery and tactics began to breach defenses. By December 13, as chaos engulfed the city, the invaders claimed victory, but not without significant loss. Civilians, caught amid the destruction, clung to hope amid despair.

In this episode, Ashley Hilliard, MBA, MSN, RN, CPAN, Administrator of Piedmont Outpatient Surgery Center, shares insights on new ASC procedure codes, reimbursement challenges, and the impact of North Carolina's changing certificate of need laws on future growth.

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones welcomes three inspiring guests to discuss the origins and impact of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation in Fort Madison, Iowa. Brent Zirkel shares how the foundation was created to blend culinary arts with education, providing students with essential life and academic skills. Kumar Withanage, a renowned chef and passionate educator, recounts his journey from Sri Lanka to the U.S. and his motivation to give back to the community through after-school programs that teach both cooking and life lessons. Julian Pope, a former student and participant, describes how the Test Kitchen became a turning point in his life, offering mentorship, practical skills, and opportunities that helped him pursue higher education. The conversation highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and the value of providing safe, supportive spaces for students to grow.How Test Kitchen Education Foundation came to be. How Julien got involved through the robotics program. Cooking provides instant feedback.The power of mentorship.ACT - Appreciate, Clean up after yourself, Thank everyone.Mentorship and agreements or commitmentsAbout Kumar WickramasinghaKumar Wickramasingha is best known in southeast Iowa for his culinary expertise and his deep commitment to educational equity. A native of Sri Lanka, Kumar immigrated to the United States in 1986, where he was welcomed by George and Jean Alton—two Fort Madison educators who gave him a home and the encouragement to pursue higher education. Inspired by their generosity and belief in the power of education, Kumar fulfilled his American dream by becoming a successful restaurateur and later a healthcare executive.Kumar's most enduring legacy, however, may be his work in education reform. As the founder of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation (TKEF), he created the Elliott Test Kitchen (ETK)—a one-of-a-kind afterschool program that used food and mentorship to bring academic support to students in rural Iowa. With a blend of culinary creativity and educational accountability, the program helped countless students from all backgrounds succeed in school, build life skills, and discover their potential.Today, Kumar is collaborating with former ETK student Julien Pope on a forthcoming book that tells the story of the Test Kitchen's origins, challenges, and powerful impact. The book not only highlights the life-changing effects of academic support and mentorship, but also draws a powerful connection between the decline of quality education in rural communities and the rise of political polarization in America. Through real stories and hard truths, the project aims to spark a national conversation—and offer a roadmap for healing both systems.Kumar continues to live in Fort Madison and remains passionate about giving back to the community that once lifted him up. His work is a testament to the idea that the best way to thank a community is to build something lasting within it.About Julien PopeJulien Pope is a ghostwriter and freelance developmental editor currently working in Fort Madison, Iowa. As a high schooler, his life was positively impacted by the Elliott Test Kitchen, and, using the resources provided to him by the ETK, he successfully enrolled at the University of Iowa as an English and Creative Writing Major. Recently graduated, he has returned to Fort Madison to work on a series of writing projects, one of which being the memoir of Kumar Wickramasingha and the story of the Elliott Test Kitchen. As the author of this memoir, Julien will use both personal narrative and in-depth research to create a compelling argument for the solution to rural America's educational decline - namely, that only through dedicated, passionate community involvement and cultural appreciation will education be able to flourish and heal the rifts in our fracturing society. About Brent ZirkelBrent Zirkel is currently the Elementary Principal at Mary Welsh Elementary in Williamsburg, Iowa, a school of about 650 students.  He also serves as the district ELL Director, Migratory Education Program Director, and Preschool Program Director. Brent has previously served as the Associate Principal at Williamsburg Jr/Sr. High School (7-12) and Fort Madison Middle School (4-8).  Brent taught Spanish at Fort Madison High School for 12 years where he was honored for 5 consecutive years with the Terry Branstad Inspiring Teacher Award for serving as a motivational force to some of Iowa's top-performing high school students. He has a BA in Geography and Spanish Education, an MS in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Bilingual Education (ELL), and is certified as a Pre-K-12 Administrator and Special Education Supervisor.Brent is also an educational consultant for the Test Kitchen Educational Foundation: a non-profit organization that creates innovative after-school programming for rural communities in Iowa by getting youth excited about learning through engagement in academics, culinary arts, and valuable life skills.  Brent is married to Michelle, a K-6 Media Teacher, and has two children, Brevin (16) and Bram (10). Brent enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid fan of Survivor, the TV show, and is a true believer in progress through struggle. Brent sees education as the greatest opportunity to build a better tomorrow by positively impacting the lives of his students today. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode, Mark Mayo, CASC, Administrator at Associated Surgical Center, discusses the top challenges and opportunities for ASCs today. He shares insights on physician independence, regulatory changes, and how outpatient surgery centers can prepare for growth in a shifting healthcare landscape.