Taking the Pulse: a Health Care and Life Sciences Podcast

How will generative artificial intelligence address some of healthcare's biggest challenges, including operational inefficiencies, physician burnout, and the development of innovative treatments? Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Dr. Robert Pearl, a renowned physician, author,  Stanford professor, and former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, to discuss the transformative potential of AI in the healthcare industry. Dr. Pearl shares his expertise on how generative AI could likely reshape care delivery and help healthcare organizations improve outcomes while reducing costs. We also explore the barriers to adoption and the importance of physician training and buy-in. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into the future of healthcare!

How can independent rheumatology practices succeed in an increasingly challenging healthcare environment? Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Mike Chavez and Ray Waldrop, Co-Founders of The Leaders Rheum, to discuss the challenges facing rheumatology practices, including workforce shortages, rising costs, and increasing payer pressures. We also explore how independent practices are leveraging technology and collaborative business models to improve operations while maintaining physician autonomy. Tune in for a look at how The Leaders Rheum is empowering rheumatology practices for long-term success!

Hosts Heather and Leighton welcome Dr. Eric Poon, Chief Health Information Officer of Duke Health, to discuss the development of AI governance programs and the lessons healthcare leaders can apply as they evaluate new tools. Dr. Poon shares insight into Duke Health’s AI governance journey, including the importance of balancing innovation with oversight, measuring the value of AI investments, and adapting governance frameworks as technology evolves. We also explore how organizations can create processes that support both efficiency and responsible adoption. Tune in for insight into how healthcare organizations are navigating the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI governance!

How are independent physician practices adapting as employers take a more active role in shaping healthcare decisions and costs? Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome AnnMargaret McCraw, CEO of Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, to discuss her insights into the challenges facing independent practices, including declining reimbursement, rising costs, and increased organizational consolidation. We also explore how employer-driven programs like surgical carve-outs and centers of excellence are reshaping patient choice and provider dynamics. Tune in for a look at how private practices are navigating change and positioning themselves to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care.

How can health systems cut through the noise of evolving AI tools to identify technology that truly improves operations and patient care? Hosts Heather, Matthew, and Leighton welcome Dr. Mark Sendak, Co-Founder and CEO of Vega Health, to discuss how he helps healthcare organizations navigate the artificial intelligence landscape and implementation process. Dr. Sendak shares insight into where AI adoption most commonly breaks down as organizations work to evaluate vendors, implement new technology, and improve patient outcomes. We also discuss how Vega Health helps bridge the gap between developers and providers, and why eliminating the digital divide is critical for improving access and population health. Tune in for a look at how innovators are working to make AI more accessible and impactful across healthcare.

This episode,  Heather and Matthew welcome attorney John Erwin, the newest addition to Maynard Nexsen’s Health Care and Life Sciences team, to discuss the landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the life sciences industry. John shares insight from his decades of experience in complex healthcare and life sciences transactions, including how data considerations and emerging technologies are shaping deal activity. We also discuss regions like North Carolina’s Research Triangle that continue to attract investment. Tune in for a look at how transactional strategy is adapting and what may lie ahead for life sciences over the next year!

Hosts Heather and Lauren are joined by Leslie Isenhour, Dean of Biotechnologies and North Carolina BioNetwork Capstone Center at Wake Tech Community College. With the growing demand for life sciences talent in North Carolina, Dean Isenhour shares how Wake Take is preparing the community through customized training programs, apprenticeships, and early exposure at the high school level. We discuss what draws major companies to the region and how community colleges partner with industry to close skill gaps, as well as the role of workforce development in supporting continued growth in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Tune in to hear how education, infrastructure, and community investment come together to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline in North Carolina!

Recorded at the SCbio Annual Conference, hosts Heather and Lauren welcome John Balchunas, Workforce Director at the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, known as NIIMBL. John shares insight into how the life sciences industry is approaching workforce and talent development at a national level. The conversation explores challenges facing the biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, the growing influence of automation and AI, and why skills based hiring and regional cooperation will play an important role in building a sustainable talent pipeline. Tune in for a look at how organizations are working to future-proof the workforce behind advanced manufacturing and life sciences innovation!