Micro-Moments With Peter

In this episode of Micro Moments, Dr. Peter Pronovost is joined by Dr. Ron Charles to explore how culture drives healthcare transformation. Dr. Charles shares lessons from ERAS surgical work at University Hospitals, where strong protocols led to better outcomes, but trust, relationships, and teamwork made those results possible. The conversation also explores how he is working to improve operating room culture through the 6R model: relationships, role modeling, rhetoric, rituals, recognition, and reward. Together, they discuss why culture is not separate from performance. It is how teams connect, learn, and create better care every day.

In the Season 4 premiere of Micro Moments, Dr. Peter Pronovost is joined by Dr. Corey Scurlock, CEO of Equum Medical, to explore what it takes to make telemedicine work at scale without losing humanity. Corey shares how growing up in rural East Texas, and watching his hometown hospital close due to provider shortages, shaped his mission to bring care to communities regardless of geography. What began with one hospital now supports about 220 hospitals nationwide. Together, they discuss why telemedicine is not primarily a technology story it’s a people and culture story. Success depends on trust, communication, and eliminating “remote vs. bedside” thinking so teams operate as one. The conversation also highlights how tele-ICU and other virtual services can help deliver the right care in the right place at the right time and why the future won’t be built by adding beds, but by investing in people and process.

In this special episode, Peter is joined by longtime colleague Dr. Patrick Runnels to share the story behind Intersection: A Conference to Transform Healthcare, taking place in Cleveland, OH, from September 22 to 24, 2025. Designed as more than just another healthcare conference. Intersection is a space for humility, curiosity, and bold conversations. A place where healthcare leaders can share what’s working (and what’s not), challenge the status quo, and commit to the long game of transformation. With keynote speakers, thought-provoking panels, and intimate breakout sessions, the agenda is designed to spark genuine dialogue and lasting change. If you believe healthcare needs more than incremental improvement—it needs elevation—this is your moment. Learn more and register here. https://whova.com/web/GDBh2z2kjahuUuKUU0BkgybhKW79W%4050Yr7%40TiAEqtE%3D/ Use promo code: micromoments for 50% off registration through August 19, 2025.

In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Kimberly McBennett to explore a different kind of harm in healthcare, one we rarely talk about, but patients never forget. We have built systems to track medical errors but where are the systems to track compassion gaps? These are the moments when care becomes mechanical, when pain is overlooked, and when patients feel unseen. This may not show up on the chart but leaves lasting impressions. Together, we reflect on how compassion can't be left to chance. It must be a part of how we design deliver, and measure care. Because the secret to great care is love, and love begins with understanding.

In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Jennifer Gonzalez, a brilliant leader helping us to face one of healthcares toughest challenges: reducing costs and waste without compromising caregiver experience or patient outcomes. We walk through a simple yet profound framework, Jennifer introduced. Stop. Automate. Shift. Protect. It starts by asking what can we remove, not just what we can add. From eliminating hundreds of documentation policies, to introducing remote nursing and smart insulin technologies, this is about freeing up what only humans can do: connect, heal and care. True transformation begins not with more complexity but with the courage to simplify thoughtfully, safely and together.

What if one of the most powerful forms of healing is something simple and often overlooked? In this episode, Peter is joined by Julia Skarbinski and Karen Bitzer to discuss Move to Heal, a transformative program across University Hospitals that puts mobility at the center of patient recovery. They explore why movement is medicine, how it prevents harm, and how teams come together across disciplines and departments, to bring this program to life.

In this episode, Peter sits down with Alan Pitt, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Vitalchat, to explore how rethinking hospital room technology can restore what matters most. Connection, communication, and trust. Alan shares how Vitalchat is working to redesign the hospital environment to reduce isolation, support clinical teams, and bring safety and joy back to the work of caregivers. From virtual nursing mentorship to family centered video access, the conversation dives into how human centered design can improve outcomes. Peter and Alan also explore how true innovation isn't built for people, it's built with them.

In this solo episode, Dr. Peter Pronovost reflects on the real world impact of Living and Leading with Love model. What some call the “soft stuff” is actually the foundation for lasting transformation. Peter shares powerful proof points from University Hospitals and beyond that show how this model leads to better outcomes, faster improvement, and sustainable cost reduction. It’s not a theory. It's the path to proven performance.

Healthcare continues to cost too much, harm too often, and improve too slowly. And the people who pay for care are left carrying the burden. In this episode of Micro Moments with Peter, Trevor Putnoky, CEO of the Healthcare Purchaser Alliance, joins to talk about the hard truths behind rising costs, unchecked variation, and the lack of transparency in our system. Trevor shares how employer coalitions are pushing for change from data, to policy. What emerges is a conversation about tension and possibility. About what it means to hold people accountable with compassion.

In this episode of Micro Moments with Peter, we’re joined by Dr. Juan Moldes, Pediatric surgeon and urologist at University Hospitals, whose act of leadership is inspiring a ripple effect across surgical teams. The operating room can be one of the most intense and emotional spaces in healthcare. But Dr. Moldes sensed something was missing. That led to the creation of the Surgical Compassionate Pause. A brief, intentional moment of reflection taken with the whole team just before an incision. It’s not long. Just a deep breath. A shared moment of presence. A quiet return to purpose, courage, and care. This practice has become rocket fuel across University Hospitals, igniting energy, unity, and compassion among clinical teams. Tune in to hear how one small pause is changing the way surgeries begin and the way people show up for each other.

In this episode of Micro Moments with Peter, we’re joined by Ashley Carlucci, Market Chief Nursing Officer for University Hospitals, and Dr. Amitabh Goel, Clinical Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve University and Director of Surgery and Critical Care at University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center. Together, they tell a story that embodies what love looks like in healthcare. It started with an email, a mother searching for the best care for her son. Her search led her to Dr. Goel, in a small, rural hospital. What happened next reshaped her expectations of where great care can be found. This episode is about more than a single story. It’s about a culture that sees patients as neighbors, not strangers. It’s about ten years of infection-free care, and a team where every voice matters—from maintenance staff to surgeons. The outcome? A place where zero harm isn’t just a goal—it’s the lived reality. Tune in to hear how extraordinary outcomes are being made possible by those who are united by one purpose: patient safety.

Human-centered design remains one of the most underdeveloped areas in healthcare—and that may be why 1 in 4 patients continue to experience harm, a statistic that has remained unchanged for decades. In this episode of Micro Moments with Peter, Sara Edwards, Director of Design Operations for the Veale Initiative for Healthcare Innovation at University Hospitals, joins the conversation to explore how human-centered design can reshape patient safety. This problem-solving approach starts with deep empathy, ensuring that solutions are built around the needs of the people we serve. Love’s other name is understanding. Without understanding, there’s no real path to progress—whether in healthcare, innovation, or human connection. Tune in for a conversation on how embracing this mindset of understanding can lead to safer, more effective, and compassionate care.

In this episode of Micro Moments with Peter, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Cooper, Professor and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Beyond his groundbreaking research and leadership in dermatology, Dr. Cooper has cultivated a deep commitment to love and humanism in medicine. We explore the micro-moments that help him stay present and see each patient as a whole person. From small pauses throughout his day to intentional resets, Dr. Cooper shares how he remains his best self for every patient—day in and day out. Tune in to learn how these simple yet powerful practices can create meaningful connections and improve patient care.

This week, I’m talking with Dr. Bobby Hughes. Dr. Hughes is the Vice Chair of Quality for UH Emergency Medicine. He also serves as the Director of the UH Emergency Medicine Quality Network, the Director of University Health System Operations and Logistics, and the Medical Director of the UH System Operations Center. Dr. Hughes and I discuss the national state of emergency departments, specifically the complex challenge of boarding in the ED. According to a 2023 study in JAMA, an overnight stay at the ED increases elderly patient mortality from 11% up to 16%. Join us as we discuss: - How boarding in the ED affects patients and the healthcare system - Potential ways to solve boarding and capacity in the ED - Turning strangers into neighbors in the ED

Extremely honored to announce this week’s podcast with Dr. Apurv Gupta. Dr. Gupta is the Vice President of Advisory Services at Premier Inc. He is a thought leader and innovator who leads with love and has helped pioneer the Loving Organization model, an innovative and proven approach to leadership. In this episode, we explore the game-changing impact of leading with love and the undeniable performance boost that comes from infusing our work with love. Join us as we discuss: • How to prevent the proverbial “monsters in the closet” • Proven methodologies that infuse love into healthcare systems Prepare to be inspired by this enlightening conversation, which showcases the incredible power we all possess to transform lives through love.

In this episode, host Dr. Peter Pronovost is joined by Dr. Patrick Runnels, Kristina Port, and Erika Kura, a mother-daughter duo, to delve into the transformative impact of trauma-informed care. Discover how leading with love and compassion can make patients feel truly seen and heard. Our guests share inspiring stories and practical insights on how this approach not only benefits patients but also uplifts coworkers and fosters a supportive environment. Tune in to explore the power we possess to change lives through love and understanding.

This week, we have an extraordinary episode as I’m joined by the healthcare power couple - Thomas Knowles, a Lead Operations Engineer at UH, and Dr. Sarah Knowles, a Principal Project Manager at the UH Quality Institute. Their personal story, intertwined with their professional journey at University Hospitals, is a testament to the power of love and shared accountability in creating change. Tune in as we discuss the practical applications of different types of love and accountability that give us the tools to create great results.

Dr. Bordeaux is a distinguished physician, the Division Director of Dermatological Surgery, and the Director of the Multidisciplinary Melanoma Disease Team at University Hospitals. He also serves as a Professor of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University. In this episode, we delve into how love uplifts and connects us. Dr. Bordeaux will share how he has cultivated an environment of love and respect in his practice. We'll also learn about his three abiding principles: teamwork and collaboration, creating a comfortable space for communication, and applying these principles effectively in his practice. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of Dr. Bordeaux's approach and gain valuable insights that can inspire us all.

This week, we present a special episode where Peter is joined by Lisa Pointer, the Supervisor of Community Health Workers (CHW) at University Hospitals. Peter and Lisa engage in a profound discussion about the crucial role of community health workers in hospital systems and the communities they serve. Lisa shares invaluable insights into how CHWs establish trust with their patients. Join us to understand why community health workers are the heart of healthcare, embodying the saying “understanding is love’s other name.”

Join host Peter and Dr. Randy Vince, urologist and Director of Minority Men's Health at UH Cutler Center for Men, shares his mission to address health disparities. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the problem and harnessing the power of love and collaboration to create lasting change. Dr. Vince explains how uniting as a team and family is vital in tackling inequities and achieving rapid progress. Listen in to explore how his approach aims to turn the tide on disparities and foster a healthier, more equitable future for all.

In this week's episode, Peter brings on Michelle Schreiber, the Deputy Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality for the Centers (CCSQ) for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Director of the Quality Measurement and Value-Based Incentives Group. The pair discusses how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is partnering with health systems to improve care, improve measures, and reduce burdens. Tune in to hear more about what they believe will be the future trends in healthcare.

In this insightful episode, host Peter welcomes Karen Snyder, a principal project manager specializing in OKR’s and Zero Harm, to delve in the critical issue of workplace violence. As part of Workplace Violence Awareness Month, they explore the challenges and strategies related to protecting caregivers. Listen in to learn about the innovative approaches being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of caregivers, highlighting the importance of addressing and preventing workplace violence.

Join host Peter and guests Kelsey Fuller, Dr. Patrick Runnels, and Tyler Barnett in a deep discussion about integrating the "Believe, Belong, Build" model into the healthcare system. Dr. Runnels and Tyler discuss the use of the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) Framework and how it amplifies a sense of trust and accountability in the system. Tune in to be inspired by their vision for a collaborative approach to healthcare.

Join host Peter and guest Valerie Reese, Vice President of University Hospitals Population Health, in a dynamic discussion on revolutionizing healthcare. They explore a care model centered on patient needs, integrating primary care, specialists, and support services to manage chronic diseases effectively and keep patients healthy at home. Discover how empowering care teams and leading with love and energy can create sustainable healthcare solutions. Tune in to be inspired by their vision for a collaborative and loving approach to healthcare.

Join host Peter and Joe Kiani, CEO of Masimo, in exploring the profound impact of technology on patient safety and data sharing in healthcare. Kiani advocates for breaking barriers in data sharing to enhance patient safety, emphasizing that when data is shared, everyone benefits, especially patients. Drawing on the power of love and compassion, he envisions a future where technology revolutionizes healthcare for improved outcomes. Tune in for insights into the future of patient-centered care and the transformative role of technology.

Join Peter and our guest this week, T.J. Grimm in an engaging conversation about the value of pharmacy in keeping patients healthy at home. The pair discusses new programs that Pharmacy is engaging in and the inspiring outcomes of these interventions.

Join Peter and special guest Jessica Jurcak in engaging conversations about redefining the concept of wellbeing and exploring how enhancing lifestyle habits can lead to a transformative shift in overall health.

In this week's episode, Peter and Jennifer Gonzalez discuss the burdens that lead to nurse burnout. Join us as we explore what innovative change we can enact to minimize the burdens our nurses are facing to ensure we can continue to offer high-value care to our patients.

Join Peter with Dr. Balaji Ramadoss, Founder & CEO of Edgility, as they explore the transformative potential of leveraging generative AI and real-time reporting to create micro-moments for clinicians and patients.

In this week's episode, Dr. Amitabh Goel and Peter discuss the hard reality that patients face with healthcare financial burdens and the potential solutions that clinicians and healthcare systems can utilize to lower that burden on the populations we serve and care for.

On this week's episode of Micro-Moments with Peter, Dr. Betul Hatipoglu joins to discuss her experience in diabetes and metabolic care and how she addressed these issues with over 50,000 ACO patients. This week's episode shares some amazing practices that focus on passion, patient care, and healing the community.

In this episode, Dr. Rab Razzak and Peter discuss the importance of humanizing patients and staff when dealing with the difficult moments every healthcare professional faces in this line of work. The key to humanizing healthcare is injecting love and empathy into our everyday interactions.

Dr. Patrick Runnels and Steve Schreiber join Peter on this episode of Micro-Moments with Peter. In this episode, the group discusses intensive care management and the discovery that success in changing patients’ lives comes from building trust, communication, and, most importantly, love.

Dr. Trygve Dolber joins Peter on this episode of Micro Moments with Peter. The two discuss a new program at University Hospitals: Personalized Care for Complex Lives and how relationship building, empathy, and love are at the center of personalized care. Correction: The spend analysis referenced in the episode is not $2,000 reduction per member per month, but $1,200 reduction per member per month.

Join Dr. Peter Pronovost and Dr. Debra Leizman as they discuss the secret to how to deliver an exceptional patient experience. Dr. Debra Leizman recently was recognized by Press Ganey as a 2022 Human Experience Pinnacle of Excellence Award winner. Peter and Deb discuss the radical, yet simplistic, model of finding humanity in each person and unlocking a sense of gratitude for the honor it is to serve patients the way they do.

Join Dr. Peter Pronovost and Kelsey Fuller as they discuss the principles of Zero Harm and why this work is so critically intertwined with leveraging the power of love in healthcare.

Join Dr. Peter Pronovost and Kelsey Fuller as they discuss what micro moments are, why they are critical to transforming healthcare and how we are leveraging this philosophy in our work.