Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Stacey A. Rizza, MD, Medical Director for Global Commercial Solutions at Mayo Clinic International, joins the podcast to discuss how technology has transformed medicine and enabled faster, more accurate diagnoses. She also shares insights on the importance of global health collaborations and how partnerships can help advance healthcare delivery worldwide.

In this episode, Dan Shields, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Medicine, Ochsner Health, discusses scaling digital medicine, using AI responsibly, redesigning primary care and combining people and technology to improve access, outcomes and clinician efficiency.

In this episode, Leigh Steinberg discusses athlete representation, physician empowerment, brain health, the changing business of college sports and the importance of resilience, values and listening in leadership.

In this episode, Jeff Feldgoise, Co-founder & CEO, Revealed, discusses using AI and healthcare intelligence to improve go-to-market efficiency, prioritize high-value opportunities and help companies sell more effectively into healthcare organizations.

In this episode, Emily C. Jakacki, President of Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, discusses leading a smooth leadership transition, maintaining top decile quality scores, and focusing on patient safety, equity, and efficiency. She also shares priorities for 2026, including managing emergency department throughput, leveraging data for informed decision making, and expanding ambulatory, diagnostic, and surgical services to meet community needs.

In this episode, Dr. Janice Walker, DHA, MBA-HCM, NEA-BC, BSN, RN, System Chief Nursing Officer, Senior Vice President, UF Health, discusses standardizing nursing practice, accelerating nurse recruitment, strengthening the talent pipeline, and reimagining clinical education through UF Health’s Clinical Reimagining Model.

In this episode, Terry Gilliland, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Geisinger, discusses the health system’s turnaround, financial and workforce pressures, health plan strategy, and efforts to expand access through technology and redesigned care delivery.

In this episode, Erik Mikaitis, MD, MBA, FACP, CPE, Chief Executive Officer of Cook County Health, discusses the impact of Medicaid policy changes, the Get Medicaid Facts initiative, and efforts to help vulnerable populations maintain coverage and access to care.

Jamie D. Bailey, MBA, CPA, CFE, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, UTMB Health, discusses UTMB’s growth strategy, its expanding focus on AI and opportunities to improve efficiency across healthcare operations. He also shares his approach to empowering teams, developing people and helping leaders move from task execution to strategic leadership.

In this episode, Paul Battle, President and Co-Founder, Medome, discusses using AI to reduce misdiagnosis, transform primary care and enable more proactive, personalized healthcare.

In this episode, Sri Adusumalli, Vice President & Chief Health Information Officer, Penn Medicine, discusses using AI to improve access, simplify clinical workflows and transform care delivery. He also shares lessons from Penn Medicine’s internally developed Chart Hero generative AI tool and the importance of responsible technology governance.

In this episode, Morgan Lorio, MD, FACS, Orthopaedic Spine and Hand Surgeon, discusses healthcare economics, physician reimbursement, administrative costs and his concept of clinical macroeconomics, which examines how financial decisions ultimately affect patient care and clinical value.

In this episode, Arun Kumar, MD, Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at MU Health Care, and Amy Begemann, Senior Director of Cardiovascular, Neuroscience and Ancillary Services, join the podcast to discuss their certification journey and the process behind achieving it. They also share insights on standardizing clinical processes and protocols to deliver more consistent, high-quality outcomes for patients.

In this episode, Kevin McGeachy, FACHE, President of Mather Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of prioritizing the patient experience and reducing readmissions. He also shares insights on the critical role of employee engagement in creating a strong culture and delivering better outcomes for patients.

In this episode, Omar M. Ghanem, MD, Professor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Chair of the Division of Metabolic & Abdominal Wall Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Director of Mayo Clinic International – Middle East, and Program Director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, joins the podcast to discuss advances in obesity treatment and the role of metabolic surgery. He shares insights on minimally invasive techniques, how success should be measured for patients with obesity, and why surgery should be viewed as an important treatment option rather than a last resort.

In this episode, Diane M. Simeone, MD, Director, Moores Cancer Center, Koman Family Presidential Director’s Chair, UC San Diego Health, discusses streamlining clinical trials, using AI to accelerate trial activation, and expanding access to innovative cancer treatments.

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross, discusses expanding behavioral health networks, improving access and navigation, and using integrated care strategies to reduce costs and emergency department utilization.

In this episode, Arnold Blake, nursing student at Galen College of Nursing, an HCA Healthcare affiliate, shares his journey from the U.S. Navy to nursing and the lessons he is gaining through hands-on clinical experience. He also discusses advances in nursing education, healthcare technology, working under pressure and advice for the next generation of nurses.

In this episode, Courtney McNamee, Director, Revenue Cycle and Reimbursement, Altru Health System, discusses building a more proactive, patient-centered and data-driven revenue cycle while responding to payer pressure, reimbursement changes and the growing role of AI and automation. She also shares how Altru is preparing for thoughtful growth across rural communities and strengthening the patient financial experience.

In this episode, LeWanza Harris, MD, MPH, MBA, MS, Chief Quality Officer at Emory Healthcare, joins the podcast to discuss addressing quality gaps and improving workflow reliability across healthcare operations. She also shares insights on leveraging Epic foundation tools and technology to strengthen sepsis care and improve outcomes.

In this episode, Dan Collard, Co-Founder, Healthcare Plus Solutions Group, discusses how healthcare organizations can develop new and emerging leaders through individualized learning, better questions and a stronger focus on listening and coaching. He also explores Gallup research on hope, trust, compassion and stability, and how leaders can communicate context, action, impact and progress to their teams.This episode is sponsored by Healthcare Plus Solutions Group.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Deaton, Fertility Expert, Author & Director, Wake Forest University Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery, discusses the changing landscape of fertility care, including egg freezing, expanding insurance coverage and advances in embryo genetic testing. He also shares his leadership philosophy, the importance of mentorship and his focus on training the next generation of fertility specialists.

In this episode, Liz Popwell, System Vice President, Strategy and International, CommonSpirit Health, discusses how health systems can better unify care around patients, use technology and AI to solve operational challenges, and build stronger partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.

In this episode, Dr. AmirAli Talasaz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Guardant Health, discusses how blood-based screening can help close persistent colorectal cancer screening gaps and reach millions of unscreened patients. He also explores how the Shield Blood Test can increase screening participation, reconnect unscreened patients with health systems and enable earlier detection of colorectal cancer, particularly in rural and underserved communities.This episode is sponsored by Guardant Health.

In this episode, Jason Elrod, Healthcare Chief Information Security Officer and Executive Advisor, Elisity, discusses how health systems can manage AI agent risk through operational governance, distinct identities, least privilege, segmentation and clear shutdown protocols.This episode is sponsored by Elisity.

In this episode, Anthony Andre, PhD, CPE, Director, Interface Analysis Associates LLC, discusses how human factors can improve the safety, usability and adoption of healthcare products and systems. He explores the role of AI as a tool for clinicians, designing technology around real-world workflows, and lessons healthcare organizations can learn from medication errors.

In this episode, Austin Willuweit, CFO, Monument Health, discusses managing rising Medicare payer mix, tightening margins and disciplined capital allocation while continuing to grow and expand services in rural healthcare. He also shares lessons from integrating Rapid City Medical Center and how AI, automation and autonomous coding are creating near-term opportunities across finance and revenue cycle.

In this episode,Katrina Ascencio-Holmes, BSN, RN, Chief Nurse Officer, Sutter Health, discusses strategies to recruit, retain and develop the health system’s 18,000 nurses, including career development, mentorship, shared governance and frontline engagement. She also shares how Sutter is investing in workplace safety and technology while creating an environment where nurses can build meaningful, long-term careers.

In this episode, Halsey Wise, CEO, Lyric, discusses the importance of trust, truth and transparency in healthcare AI, including decision lineage, governed AI and keeping humans in the loop. He also explores how AI can reduce administrative waste, improve decision-making and strengthen trust among payers, providers and patients.This episode is sponsored by Lyric.

In this episode, John Whyte, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Medical Association (AMA), discusses how AI, wearables and continuous health data are reshaping medicine and the physician-patient relationship. He also explores physician burnout, the need to modernize medical education and strategies to address the nation's physician shortage.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses the biggest challenges facing health systems, including workforce shortages, reimbursement pressure, access to care, AI strategy and rebuilding trust with patients.

In this episode, Marie Langley, Chief Executive Officer, Desert Valley Medical Group, discusses expanding specialty and outpatient services, strengthening hospital-physician collaboration and addressing healthcare access needs in the High Desert. She also shares the challenges posed by Medi-Cal uncertainty, physician recruitment and plans to expand emergency department capacity.

In this episode, Sheila Augustine, Director, Revenue Cycle, Nebraska Medicine, discusses how AI is helping identify missing charges, automate charge reconciliation and improve revenue cycle workflows while keeping staff engaged in the transformation. She also explores payer denials, Medicaid changes, succession planning and opportunities to further integrate AI across revenue cycle operations.

In this episode, Balaji Raman, MS, MBA, Enterprise Executive Director, Westchester Medical Center Health, discusses the rapid expansion of AI across the revenue cycle, Epic transformation, enterprise standardization and the importance of building strong processes before implementing new technology. He also shares leadership advice on listening, building relationships and creating an environment where teams can thrive.

In this episode, Tami McMasters Gomez, Executive Director, Mid-Revenue Cycle, UC Davis Medical Center, discusses leveraging AI and automation to address workforce shortages, strengthen coding and documentation, and improve financial integrity. She also shares her approach to AI governance, evolving revenue cycle roles and balancing innovation with human expertise.

In this episode, Michael Hassell, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Memorial Hospital, discusses rural healthcare sustainability, expanding specialty services and strengthening ambulance and behavioral health care. He also shares his perspective on revenue cycle management, workforce challenges and advocating for rural hospitals amid evolving healthcare policy.

In this episode, David Merritt, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, discusses rising healthcare costs, employer affordability pressures and the growing impact of the No Surprises Act’s IDR process. He also outlines potential reforms to curb excessive awards, increase transparency and slow premium growth.

In this episode, Shridar Ganesan, MD, Director, Center for Molecular Oncology at NYU Langone Health, discusses integrating genomic, clinical and radiographic data to improve cancer care and the role of AI in synthesizing complex patient information. He also explores the future of molecularly defined cancers, targeted therapies and the need to balance standard care with clinical research.

In this episode, Monica L. Baskin, PhD, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, joins the podcast to discuss the center’s Cancer Center Support Grant renewal and the work underway at Massey to advance cancer care and research. She also shares her experience as the first Black woman to be named director of an NCI-designated cancer center and the significance of that milestone.

In this episode, Dr. Sam Patel, healthcare business consultant and CEO of Astra Culture and Looped, discusses the growing gap between patient demand and healthcare capacity, including the rise of concierge and hybrid care models. He also explores how AI, telehealth and preventative care can improve efficiency and access while preserving the human connection at the heart of medicine.

In this episode, Hunter Foster, VP, Agency Operations and Strategy, benefitbay, explores the growing adoption of ICHRA and defined contribution models, including the demand for flexibility, predictability and employee choice. He also discusses successful implementation, broker adoption, AI's evolving role and what increased carrier participation could mean for the future of health benefits.

In this episode, Albert L. Wright, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of West Virginia University Health System, joins the podcast to discuss the 340B program and the role of alternative payment models in shaping healthcare delivery. He also shares insights on keeping communities healthy and strengthening the health system’s impact beyond traditional care.

In this episode, Anirban Maitra, MD, Director of Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, joins the podcast to discuss expanding cancer care to bring services closer to patients and communities. He also shares insights on integrating AI into oncology and how emerging technologies are enhancing training and preparing the next generation of cancer care professionals.

In this episode, Ajay Goel, PhD, AGAF, Professor and Chair, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope, discusses a promising blood-based test that detected 81% of advanced precancerous colorectal lesions and explores how earlier detection could shift cancer care toward prevention. He also examines screening access, reimbursement, follow-up care and the growing role of liquid biopsies in the future of oncology.

In this episode, Nathan Frank, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Aetna, discusses how AI and digital tools are simplifying prior authorization, improving interoperability and enhancing member and provider experiences. He also shares Aetna’s approach to responsible AI, emphasizing human connection, trust and practical technology solutions that reduce administrative burden.

In this episode, Nishant Anand, MD, FACEP, President and CEO of Altais, joins the podcast to discuss the shift toward holistic, value-based care and the role of technology in supporting physicians and patients. He shares insights on ambient listening, moving beyond reactive care, and what long-term success in physician well-being could look like as healthcare continues to evolve.

In this episode, Amit Rastogi, MD, MHCM, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jupiter Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss how population growth and rising labor costs are shaping healthcare operations. He also shares insights on leveraging AI solutions to improve productivity, streamline workflows, and help healthcare teams meet growing demand more efficiently.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, discusses Centene’s exit from the commercial group markets in California and Oregon, rising employer health insurance costs and growing pressure on coverage. He also explores specialty drug spending, AI-driven administrative costs, payer consolidation and the evolving politics of health insurance.

In this episode, Donna Berizzi, DNP, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Executive Director of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, & Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Cancer Service Line, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, discusses rising oncology volumes, workforce pressures and the need to redesign care workflows. She shares how Johns Hopkins is combining predictive analytics, advanced clinical evaluation, drug preparation, and specialized care pathways to reduce delays, improve capacity, and create a more sustainable experience for patients and care teams.This episode is sponsored by LeanTaaS.

In this episode, Neil J. Farber, MD, Retired Physician and Medical Researcher and Author, discusses the healthcare crisis, including physician burnout, shrinking provider capacity, worsening access and the impact of administrative demands on patient care. He also shares insights from his upcoming book, Treating a Broken System: A Physician’s Cure for the Healthcare Crisis, and explores potential solutions to the healthcare workforce shortage.