Episode 300- Ten Resolutions For Health System Leaders

The status quo is expensive, exhausting, and unsustainable—so we set out a practical playbook to do better in 2026. Nathan Kaufman shares ten no‑nonsense resolutions for health system leaders who want measurable outcomes, stronger teams, and smarter payer strategies without falling for vendor hype or wishful thinking.We get specific about capital discipline and why “mission” can’t justify chronic losses that drain resources from services that actually improve patient care. We talk through what it takes to win the talent war by treating physicians as true partners, then dive into dyad leadership that cuts across supply chain, HR, and IT to remove friction and accelerate results. Culture becomes operational with real-time metrics, fast feedback loops, and leaders spending more time in the field and less time in meetings that signal low trust and unclear decisions.Payment strategy is front and center. We explain how to use 340B responsibly to close funding gaps, why some value-based schemes are a race to the bottom, and how to negotiate Medicare Advantage so contracts yield at least 100% of Medicare after accounting for administrative burden. Affordability demands that we take significant cost out by removing layers, standardizing clinical pathways, and focusing on core services rather than chasing panaceas like provider-owned health plans or sponsored “research” that flatters a product.If you’re ready to lead with data, align teams, and make tough calls that protect patient access and quality, this conversation is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a dose of operational courage, and leave a review telling us which resolution you’ll tackle first.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!