Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Michael Han, Chief Medical Officer, Ambience Healthcare, discusses how ambient AI is reducing clinician burnout, improving documentation quality, and driving adoption at scale by focusing on clinician trust, workflow integration, and measurable outcomes.This episode is sponsored by Ambience Healthcare.

In this sponsored episode, George Stein, Vice President of Digital at Montefiore Einstein, and Dr. Shivani Agarwal, Senior Director of Community Healthcare Improvement & Strategy at Montefiore Einstein, join the podcast to discuss innovative approaches to improving preventive cancer screening rates. They share how agentic AI outreach and digital solutions are helping patients navigate the screening process, reduce barriers to care, and connect more people with timely preventive services.

In this episode, David W. Zaas, MD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Duke University Health System, joins the podcast to discuss expanding access to care and bringing high-quality healthcare closer to home for patients and communities. He shares his vision for shaping the future of Duke Health, highlighting strategic growth initiatives, innovation, and the organization's commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the populations it serves.

In this episode, Baligh Yehia, MD, President of Jefferson Health and Executive Vice President of Jefferson, joins the podcast to discuss keeping patient well-being at the center of every organizational decision. He shares insights on the importance of fostering an aligned workplace culture, emphasizing how shared values, collaboration, and a unified mission help healthcare organizations deliver better outcomes for patients and communities.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Tesa Anewishki, President and Chief Executive Officer, Loretto Hospital. She discusses leading a safety net hospital through an electronic health record transformation, expanding access to care amid community hospital closures, and leveraging workforce development, communication, and resourcefulness to meet growing healthcare challenges.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Sarah Greichen, Chief Information & Innovation Officer at Sedgwick County Health Center, joins the podcast to discuss addressing staffing demands and reducing administrative burden through technology and innovation. She shares strategies for solving capacity challenges and explores opportunities to strengthen and improve healthcare delivery in rural communities.

In this episode, Dwight Raum, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer at Rochester Regional Health, joins the podcast to discuss the rise of AI in healthcare, including its costs, benefits, and long-term potential. He shares how technology can help reduce clinician burnout and address growing supply-and-demand challenges by supporting care teams, improving efficiency, and expanding access to care.

In this episode, Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs, Orthopedic Surgeon and Founder of the Joint Replacement Institute in Florida, joins the podcast to discuss how AI-powered chatbots can improve efficiency and streamline patient communication. He also shares his perspective on the fee-for-service model, strategies for delivering high-value orthopedic care, and efforts to limit opioid prescriptions while supporting safe and effective pain management.

In this episode, Carmela Rocchetti, MD, Assistant Dean of Community Engaged Medical Education and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, joins the podcast to discuss an innovative educational program designed to bring the social determinants of health to life for future healthcare professionals. She shares how teaching the human element of care helps clinicians better understand patients’ experiences, build trust, and foster stronger relationships that lead to more compassionate and effective healthcare.

In this episode, Renée Jensen, FACHE, CEO of Snoqualmie Valley Health, joins the podcast to discuss keeping community health at the forefront of healthcare strategy. She shares her perspective on moving beyond traditional “sick care” to support overall wellness and prevention, while also highlighting key growth initiatives that are helping expand services and strengthen the organization’s impact within the community.

In this episode, Crystal Broj, CPDHTS, Enterprise Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Medical University of South Carolina, discusses how MUSC is using AI, automation, and digital tools to improve patient access, streamline operations, and reduce workforce burden. She shares lessons from scaling voice AI across the enterprise, the importance of workflow redesign and governance, and her vision for a future where AI agents work seamlessly alongside healthcare teams.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Royce Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, AdventHealth Lake Wales. He discusses creating a unified organizational culture, investing in leadership development and executive coaching, and why curiosity, observation, and strong people connections are essential to making better decisions in a data-rich healthcare environment.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Allen Hsiao, MD, FAAP, FAMIA, Chief Health Information Officer at Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Health, joins the podcast to discuss the growing impact of AI on clinical care and healthcare operations. He shares insights on building effective AI governance frameworks, scaling innovation responsibly, and identifying the greatest opportunities for future growth as healthcare organizations continue to embrace digital transformation.

In this episode, David L. Callender, MD, President & CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System, reflects on his leadership journey, lessons learned from navigating major challenges including Hurricane Ike, and the importance of mission-driven healthcare leadership. He also shares insights on succession planning, community engagement, and why health systems must look beyond their walls to improve the health of the populations they serve.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features James Hereford, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fairview Health Services, Fairview Health Services. He discusses navigating complex leadership challenges, the need for healthcare organizations to help shape the future of care delivery, and how leaders can create clarity, accountability, and purpose while embracing transformative technologies like AI and precision medicine.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Luis E. Taveras, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Jefferson Health, joins the podcast to discuss expanding access to care across the communities Jefferson Health serves. He also shares insights on the importance of AI education and awareness, highlighting how healthcare organizations can reduce fears surrounding AI adoption and help teams embrace technology as a tool to enhance care delivery.

In this episode, Morgan Kendrick, EVP and President, Commercial Health Benefits, Elevance Health, discusses the rising cost pressures facing employers and explores how balanced funding, self-funding, and multiple employer welfare arrangements can help improve affordability while simplifying healthcare benefits for businesses and their employees.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, discusses Ascension's landmark acquisition of AMSURG, the continued evolution of outpatient care strategies, and how independent rural health systems are pursuing growth and sustainability amid financial and reimbursement challenges.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses how health systems are navigating AI adoption, strengthening cybersecurity defenses, managing emerging technology costs, and responding to major shifts in ambulatory care strategy and healthcare consolidation.

In this episode, David L. Callender, MD, President & CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System, reflects on his leadership journey, lessons learned from navigating major challenges including Hurricane Ike, and the importance of mission-driven healthcare leadership. He also shares insights on succession planning, community engagement, and why health systems must look beyond their walls to improve the health of the populations they serve.

In this episode, Deb Muro, Chief Information Officer, El Camino Hospital, discusses how healthcare organizations are adapting to consumer expectations, leveraging AI to improve access and operational efficiency, and creating more personalized patient experiences. She also shares insights on agentic AI, smart healthcare environments, and the future of technology-enabled care.

In this episode, Scott Becker discusses 10 major trends unfolding currently in the healthcare space, including supply and demand, payment and payer issues, AI expansion, and more.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Heather Resseger, Senior Vice President, Chief Hospital Operations Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, NorthBay Health. She discusses driving strategic growth while maintaining independence, reimagining care delivery and workforce models, and fostering a culture of continuous learning to improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare teams.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Amanda de los Reyes, MBA, FHFMA, EHRC - Vice President Revenue Cycle, Renown Health, discusses the growing impact of payer denials, automation, and regulatory changes on revenue cycle operations, while sharing how Renown is leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to expand access to care and support future growth.Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand

In this episode, Rhonda Randall, DO, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare, Commercial Business, Board member of the United Health Foundation, discusses findings from the America’s Health Rankings 2026 Senior Report, highlighting encouraging gains in preventive care and physical activity alongside rising concerns around drug deaths, suicide, and food insecurity among older adults.

In this episode, David Kelly, Chief of Ambulatory Operations and Vice President of Revenue Cycle at Mary Rutan Health, joins the podcast to discuss financial assistance programs that help patients access the care they need. He also shares insights on the importance of care coordination and strategic partnerships in improving patient outcomes, enhancing the care experience, and supporting long-term organizational success.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Kent Riddle, Chief Executive Officer, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. He shares his unique journey from patient family member to healthcare leader, discusses the importance of culture and leadership development in addressing workforce challenges, and explains how a mission-driven, "yes we can" mindset has fueled growth, innovation, and expanded access to rehabilitation care.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Theresa Meadows, CIO, symplr, discusses how healthcare leaders can cut through technology hype by aligning people, process, and technology to drive sustainable operations. She also shares insights on application rationalization, AI readiness, clinician engagement, and reducing administrative burden through smarter automation.This episode is sponsored by symplr.

In this episode, Nicolle W. Davis, PhD, RN, SCRN, FAHA, Director of the Mobile Stroke Program at UF Health, and Janice Walker, DHA, MBA-HCM, NEA-BC, BSN, RN, System Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President at UF Health, join the podcast to discuss the development of stroke protocols and the growth of innovative mobile stroke programs. They share how bringing specialized stroke care directly to patients can improve outcomes, reduce treatment delays, and strengthen coordinated care across the health system.

In this episode, Kate Heilpern, MD, President of Yale New Haven Hospital, and Dr. Deb Rhodes, Internist and Chief Quality Officer, Yale New Haven Health System, discuss the cultural transformation, leadership strategies, and systemwide approach that helped Yale New Haven Hospital achieve a five-star CMS rating.

In this episode, Brian Lancaster, VP/CIO of Information Systems at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, joins the podcast to discuss building effective AI governance processes and measuring success as organizations adopt new technologies. He shares how innovation is improving operational efficiency and explores how healthcare leaders are reshaping the “front door” of healthcare to expand access and create a more seamless patient experience.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features John Nickens, President And Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix Children’s. He discusses his first six months leading the organization, the power of listening before acting, workforce and generational shifts in healthcare, and how Phoenix Children’s is preparing to lead the future of pediatric care.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Rajiv Pramanik, MD, CIO and CHIO at Contra Costa Health, joins the podcast to discuss leveraging automation and technology to drive cost efficiencies across healthcare operations. He shares insights on navigating regulatory changes, establishing effective governance structures, and aligning IT strategy with organizational goals in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

In this episode, Kevin D. Gordon, MBA, Vice President, Supply Chain, Grady Health System, discusses leading supply chain transformation through technology modernization, standardization, and change management.

In this episode, Daniel M. Sciubba, MD, MBA, Lucille & Milton Cohn Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and Senior Vice President of the Neurosurgery Service Line at Northwell Health, joins the podcast to discuss the growing importance of personalized, tailor-made approaches to healthcare. He also shares his perspective on the future of AI in healthcare and how emerging technologies may enhance clinical decision-making, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

In this episode, Sahir Jaggi, CEO & Founder at Forus, discusses how his company is using AI to automate prior authorizations, appeals, and medication access workflows, helping providers and patients navigate one of healthcare’s most complex challenges.

In this episode, Kelly Daly, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Expert on Dental Fear, discusses how dental anxiety impacts patients and providers, common misconceptions about anxious patients, and groundbreaking research using digital tools and telehealth to make evidence-based treatment more accessible

In this episode, Dr. Marquita Lyons-Smith, Health Administration Program Director at North Carolina Central University, and Dr. W. Andre Walker, PHD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Health Administration at North Carolina Central University, discuss the opportunities and limitations of technology in transforming rural healthcare. They explore health literacy, workforce development, digital trust, and the importance of designing solutions with communities to improve access and outcomes for underserved populations.

In this episode, Namath Hussain, MD, MBA, Neurosurgeon in the Department of Neurosurgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center, discusses the future of endoscopic spine surgery, the growing role of AI in healthcare, the importance of surgeon leadership, and how mindfulness, mentorship, and continuous learning can help physicians build exceptional careers.

In this episode, Rahul Vanjani, Co-Founder of ITO Health, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brown University, and Medical Director at Amos House, discusses the intersection of addiction medicine, social determinants of health, and Medicaid policy. He shares insights on the coming Medicaid changes, their impact on vulnerable populations, and how healthcare organizations can help patients maintain access to critical coverage and care.

In this episode, Elad I. Levy, MD, MBA, FCNS is a Neurosurgeon at Atlas Surgical Center and Chair of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo and Director of Neurosciences at Kaleida Health, discusses the creation of the nation’s first Ambulatory Neurosurgery Center and the opportunities it creates for patient access, cost reduction, and clinician well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Klasko, Chief Executive Officer, Health Assurance Foundation, discusses his vision for transforming healthcare through health assurance, AI, and human-centered innovation. He shares how the new foundation aims to improve health equity, support caregivers, rethink medical education, and create practical proof points for a future where technology and people work together to deliver better outcomes.

In this episode, Gary Janchenko, D.Sc., Chief Information Officer at Central Ohio Primary Care, joins the podcast to discuss how AI-powered note-writing tools are helping reduce the burden of clinical documentation. He shares his perspective on using AI to reconnect clinicians with the meaningful aspects of their work, emphasizing that the technology is designed to support and empower healthcare professionals rather than replace them.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Joy White, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Legacy Health Good Samaritan Medical Center, who shares insights on advancing access, excellence, and sustainability in healthcare delivery. She discusses building system thinking across nursing leadership, prioritizing what matters most, and strengthening workforce engagement through human-centered leadership and belonging.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Ryan Cameron, Executive Vice President, Chief Information & Innovation Officer, Children's Nebraska, shares how his team is leveraging AI, real-time data, and human-centered design to improve care delivery across pediatric settings. He discusses innovative initiatives ranging from school-based telehealth and Medicaid automation to command center technology and empowering clinicians to build their own digital solutions.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, discusses Cigna’s decision to drop GLP-1 weight loss drug coverage for employees, the financial pressures facing health insurers, the challenges of implementing new Medicaid work requirements, and the ongoing retreat of provider-sponsored health plans.

In this episode, Erik Summers, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Division of Hospital Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, joins the podcast to discuss how healthcare organizations can attract and retain physicians through culture, transparency, and personalized recruitment experiences.

In this episode, Curtiss T. Stinis, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Director of Peripheral Interventions, Interventional Cardiology, Scripps Clinic, joins the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast to discuss the latest TAVR durability data, key differences between leading valve platforms, and what health system leaders need to understand about lifetime valve management.This episode is sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences.

In this episode, Daniel M. Sciubba, MD, MBA, Lucille & Milton Cohn Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and Senior Vice President of the Neurosurgery Service Line at Northwell Health, joins the podcast to discuss the growing importance of personalized, tailor-made approaches to healthcare. He also shares his perspective on the future of AI in healthcare and how emerging technologies may enhance clinical decision-making, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

In this episode, Isaiah Nathaniel, CPHIMS, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer (SVP & CIO), Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc., shares his vision for using AI, interoperability, and digital health to strengthen care delivery for underserved communities. He discusses leading a major Epic implementation, reducing administrative burdens for clinicians, and building a more connected healthcare ecosystem centered on the patient.