The Vurge

In this episode of the Vurge, host Wendy Hoffman sits down with Lainie Dean, President of UpVia Health, to discuss a new and evolving model designed to strengthen and sustain rural healthcare organizations. Lainie shares her professional background in healthcare strategy and operations and explains how she was brought in by Parkview Health to help launch UpVia Health as a management services organization (MSO) focused on keeping rural hospitals independent, financially stable, and clinically strong.The conversation explores the challenges facing rural and community hospitals, including financial instability, fragmented IT environments, workforce shortages, limited access to specialists, and operational inefficiencies. Lainie explains that extensive market research shaped UpVia’s initial service offerings, prioritizing areas that directly impact hospital sustainability, such as Epic Connect (shared EHR infrastructure), revenue cycle optimization, virtual care, supply chain leverage, and pharmacy services, including 340B and retail pharmacy support.A key theme throughout the discussion is the importance of scale without acquisition. Rather than pushing affiliation or consolidation, UpVia offers an a la carte, flexible services model that allows hospitals to adopt only what they need, when they need it. This approach helps organizations stabilize while remaining locally governed and community‑focused.Wendy and Lainie also discuss how technology, AI, and automation, particularly within the Epic ecosystem, can reduce burden on staff, improve workflows, and expand patient access to care, especially through telehealth and specialist connectivity. By leveraging Parkview’s advanced Epic environment and clinical expertise, smaller hospitals gain access to tools and capabilities that would otherwise be cost‑prohibitive.The episode closes with reflections on culture, leadership, and mindset, emphasizing humility, openness to outside perspectives, and the need to “think differently” in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Lainie positions UpVia Health as a proactive solution—one that intervenes before hospitals reach a crisis point—helping rural communities preserve access to high‑quality care while adapting to the future of healthcare delivery.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of The Vurge, host and Divurgent COO and President Wendy Hoffman sits down with Eric Bloom, Executive Director of the IT Management and Leadership Institute (ITML Institute) and a former CTO—to unpack what it really takes for technologists to move into management and leadership roles. Bloom explains why many IT professionals are promoted simply for being the “best techie,” then find themselves in a job they were never trained to do—one that requires letting go of hands-on work, delegating effectively, and finding fulfillment through the success of the team.Bloom lays out key growth areas for new and aspiring IT leaders: interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence; “interprofessional” skills like conflict resolution, negotiation, and difficult conversations; business understanding of the industry and stakeholders; the business of IT (budgeting, vendor management, service catalogs, user experience, and customer service); and executive presence that helps IT earn a seat at the strategy table. A recurring theme is mentorship. Bloom argues it’s the single most important accelerator for leadership growth, because management is learned faster with guidance than through trial-and-error alone.Looking forward, the conversation highlights how leaders must adapt to multi-generational teams, shifting expectations about purpose and work-life balance, and the realities of leading hybrid workforces. Bloom also emphasizes designing healthcare technology with the full patient population in mind, sharing an example of a well-built prescription app that failed users because it wasn’t accessible to many older patients. Finally, the pair discuss AI as a fast-moving set of distinct capabilities (not “one thing”) and the challenge of choosing tools wisely amid hype, consolidation, and long-term platform risk—reinforcing the need for strong governance, change management, and leadership fundamentals as IT modernizes.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of The Vurge, Mike Kritzman, founder and CEO of Skillnet, talks about the role of competencies and operational excellence in healthcare IT with Divurgent President & Chief Operating Officer Wendy Hoffman. Mike shares his journey from managing teams at Oracle to founding Skillnet, a platform designed to help organizations inventory workforce skills, build competency models, and create targeted training plans. The conversation explores how clear competency frameworks provide both managers and employees with a roadmap for success, enabling transparent performance reviews and personalized development.The discussion highlights Divurgent’s experience using Skillnet to support performance management and track one-on-one conversations, emphasizing the importance of clarity, consistency, and data-driven assessments. Mike explains how individualized training plans—based on skill gaps identified through assessments—help organizations foster growth and operational excellence. The episode concludes with advice for leaders: prioritize clarity in competency models to empower teams and drive continuous improvement.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

This episode of The Vurge features Chuck Christian, VP of Technology and CTO at Franciscan Health, in conversation with Divurgent Principal Pete Wiley. The discussion centers on the rapid pace of technological change in healthcare, comparing it to other industries and exploring whether healthcare is keeping up or lagging behind. Chuck shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting the challenges of balancing innovation with patient safety and the need for cautious adoption of new technologies. He uses vivid analogies, such as the "mule and buggy" metaphor, to illustrate how healthcare often plays catch-up with technological advances, emphasizing the importance of securing patient records and the complexities of integrating new systems across a large hospital network. The conversation also delves into the evolution of IT leadership roles, the creation of a technical innovation lab at Franciscan Health, and the critical role of clinical expertise in technology adoption. Chuck discusses the impact of AI agents, the ongoing struggle for interoperability in healthcare, and the importance of accurate patient identification. The episode concludes with reflections on change management, strategies to reduce clinician fatigue, and advice for emerging IT leaders: never stop learning, seek diverse perspectives, and look beyond healthcare for technological inspiration. Throughout, Chuck underscores the mission-driven nature of his organization and the need to ensure technology serves both clinicians and patients effectively.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

This episode of the Vurge podcast features Nasim Eftekhari, Chief AI and Analytics Officer at City of Hope, discussing her journey from computer science into healthcare and her leadership in AI-driven innovation within oncology. Eftekhari shares how her team developed predictive models for clinical decision support, including sepsis prediction for bone marrow transplant patients and models for surgical complications and mortality, all fully integrated with their EHR. She details the evolution of these models from traditional machine learning to generative AI, highlighting the development and impact of HOPE LLM—a domain-specific large language model trained on oncology and biomedical data. Eftekhari’s insights into AI governance are especially relevant. She describes City of Hope’s robust, multidisciplinary governance framework that balances innovation with risk management, ensuring ethical and responsible AI deployment. She also emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration with other leading cancer centers, and the need for IT teams to proactively adapt to AI’s impact on roles and workflows. She concludes with optimism about AI’s future in drug discovery, multimodal disease understanding, and the transformation of healthcare operations, while urging a balanced approach to both the excitement and limitations of AI.Learn more about Nasim on LinkedIn. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Join host Wendy Hoffman, President & COO at Divurgent, as she sits down with Colin Konschak, the company's Founder and CEO, to celebrate Divurgent's 18th anniversary. In this episode, they discuss Divurgent’s journey, the evolving challenges in healthcare IT, and how innovation and culture drive lasting impact. Discover how Divurgent supports clients through digital transformation, talent solutions, and managed services, all while staying true to their core values. Learn more about Colin Konschak on LinkedIn.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode, we're joined by Rick Schooler, the CIO of Florida-based Lee Health. Rick shares his journey from aspiring college athlete to healthcare IT leader, highlighting his extensive career in the industry. He discusses the significant transformations in healthcare IT, emphasizing the importance of governance and executive sponsorship for successful IT projects. Rick also addresses leadership challenges, such as maintaining team culture amidst constant changes and the shift in performance evaluations for remote workers. He stresses the need for leaders to immerse themselves in on-site operations to understand the realities of the work and build personal relationships with their teams. The episode concludes with Rick's reflections on his career and the lessons learned from his experiences.Learn more about Rick Schooler. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

We talk with Oliver Galicki of Memorial Hermann Health System, who transformed a football injury into a thriving career in healthcare IT. Listen as Oliver reveals how the leadership skills he developed on the field are now essential in guiding Memorial Hermann's Epic implementation. He shares the importance of teamwork, communication, and maintaining focus as Memorial Hermann approaches a critical Go Live milestone. Oliver shares the strategies that helped overcome resistance and manage employee concerns, and we delve into the unique dynamics of managing a remote IT team, maintaining employee satisfaction, and the benefits of structured in-person collaboration weeks. Tune in for a compelling blend of leadership, sports, and healthcare IT wisdom.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Venture with us into the heart of Renown Health's IT transformation, where CIO Chuck Podesta's financial savvy led to slashing IT overhead while safeguarding jobs and boosting staff morale. Discover the ingenious strategies that not only reduced spending from 7% to a lean 4%, but also enhanced operational efficiency and fostered employee engagement. Chuck's commitment to maintaining a human-centric approach amid fiscal challenges is a roadmap for any leader looking to navigate the rough waters of organizational restructuring without losing their team's trust and enthusiasm.Chuck's personal story is a masterclass in career agility and personal reinvention. Here he shares his inspiring journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to crossing finish lines at marathons worldwide. His metamorphosis into a passionate runner symbolizes his philosophy of perseverance and growth, which echoes through his professional mentorship. Chuck's mantra, 'aspire to inspire,' and his candid insights into overcoming setbacks will leave you motivated to set audacious goals and chase them down, one stride at a time.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, we welcome Debi Smith and Lily Farris to the show to unravel the tapestry of organizational change management (OCM). The duo tap into their rich experience in healthcare OCM to share how understanding the human side of transitions can lead to a successful transformation, especially when integrating intricate systems like Epic. Their stories reveal the delicate dance between developing strategic communication and nurturing leadership to guide teams through the ebbs and flows of change.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Imagine an environment where technology whispers timely advice, enabling care that’s as unique as our own fingerprints. On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca sits down with Claus Torp Jensen. Claus is a passionate c-suite leader with two decades of transformation and technology experience. He is dedicated to building, leading, and inspiring diverse teams that propel both patient care and team spirit forward. Tune in for an episode that sketches a future where healthcare transcends traditional boundaries, embracing a patient-centric model that harmonizes virtual and in-person care.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Embarking on a career pivot can feel like a leap into the unknown, but for Marissa , it was a leap that led to the birth of Proda Technology. The co-founder and CEO of Proda Technology joins us to recount the serendipitous moment she traded her legal aspirations for the tech world. Join us as we celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of women in technology for an episode about building lives that we can look back on with no regrets.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca welcomes Alvin Haygan, Jr. to continue the conversation on organizational change management. Together they peel back the layers of fear and resistance that often shroud transitions in healthcare IT, revealing the human heart of innovation. Discover how Alvin navigates these delicate shifts, turning apprehension into active participation and skepticism into collaboration. Small victories and personal acknowledgments—whether a handwritten note or a shared cookie—become the currency of a thriving organizational culture under his watch.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca welcomes Maggie Rigaux, Chief Growth Officer at Credivera. Her story is a testament to adaptability and foresight, from crunching numbers to shaping the future of credential verification. Maggie isn't just about tech; she's a beacon for harnessing its power to put us in the driver's seat of our personal data. Her passion for breaking barriers extends beyond the digital realm. An advocate for female empowerment and the necessity of women lifting each other up in male-dominated arenas, she shares insights into creating a company culture that thrived during the pandemic, with mentorship and positivity at its core.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca sits down with  Melissa Giampietri, Consulting for Human Services, to talk mental health. Together, they dig into the nuanced distinctions that set behavioral health apart from physical healthcare systems – from the complex web of regulatory and billing challenges to the intricacies of crafting effective treatment plans. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca connects with Joel Benware, an innovative healthcare technology leader and mentor. Tune in as they dig into the importance of education and life-long learning, remote culture, and Joel's journey from CIO to President of Acmeware. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Welcome to the first episode of 2024! Join Rebecca as she welcomes Amy Horner, CPA, MBA, founder of True Nine. Horner is a change enthusiast, keynote speaker and strategy consultant with a personal goal to complete 50 races in 50 states before her 50th birthday. Tune in for an invigorating conversation that intertwines motivation, embracing change, and the transformative impact of technology within healthcare and beyond.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Imagine being at the helm of a massive project, managing hundreds of people, and dealing with high-stress situations - all while keeping a composed poker face. On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca is joined by two of the best Divurgent road warriors, Nicole Boose and Nikita Brown to discuss the significance of thorough pre-planning, robust documentation, and the use of communication tools to help keep teams on track. But it's not all serious work - we also share our experiences of the fun and relaxation that comes with work travel. From sampling local cuisine to visiting must-see attractions, we highlight how these experiences offer a necessary respite from the demanding nature of our work.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca Woods is joined by Robyn Ewers, President of WiCys Healthcare. A partnership & alliances expert, Robyn talks about creating partnerships that deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. Passionate about the impact consistent and intrinsic cultures of communication can have across the organization, she shares her thoughts on servant leadership, partnership principals, and so much more! Highlights include:Handshakes instead of rollupsCollaboration instead of silosAuthentic communicationFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca is joined by Rachini Moosavi, Chief Analytics Officer at UNC Health. Together they dig into all things data & analytics, unraveling the magic of data and its transformative impact on the healthcare industry. Join Rachini as she elaborates on the community analytics model adopted by UNC Health, an innovative approach that arms clinicians and practitioners with data insights to enhance their efficiency, thus revolutionizing patient care. Additionally, she unveils their trailblazing data mining projects and provides a glimpse into the promising potential of large language models in healthcare and so much more! Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca sits down with Gretchen Britt, Vice President, Information Technology at Liberty Health. She talks about her journey from the NICU    to HIT leadership, her fervor for giving back to the community by volunteering for the hospital foundation and her initiatives in empowering women in healthcare, using her superpower of empathy in fostering connections. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, get to know Divurgent's EVP of Delivery, Joe Grinstead. Joe's vast experience and expertise bring insight to the interplay between the business side of healthcare and the IT industry. He shares his career journey, spotlighting the evolution of the CIO role and the impact of technology in bridging the gaps between infrastructure and end-users. Joe also unpacks the value of managed services offerings, elucidating the strategic benefits of vendor partnerships in handling predictable, high-volume work.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca sits down with Zahid Ali, the Chief Digital and Information Officer & Founder of TECHMEDO. Offering a unique perspective on leveraging technology to make healthcare more accessible, Zahid shares his vision of cultivating a culture of innovation and the transformative potential of AI and robotic process automation. Join us to discover the evolving landscape of healthcare and the pivotal role innovation will play in its future.As a leading Healthcare CIO coming with CTO background, Mr. Zahid's groundbreaking achievements have made an indelible mark on the industry. HIMSS, has recognized him as a FUTURE50 Health IT Leader and Change Maker in Health. His brilliance has also earned him a spot on Forbes Next 1000, Digital Leaders 100, and Global CIO200, while winning the esteemed SIEMENS Innovation Award.Beyond accolades, Mr. Zahid's passion is evident through his support for healthcare startups and innovations. He actively collaborates with UCSF Health Data Hub, Mass Challenge, Bridge the Billions, and MIT Solve. As a keynote speaker on Data, AI, Digital Twins, and ChatGPT, his insights captivate global audiences.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca welcomes Nishtha Jain, Head of Innovation and Digital Technology at Takeda. Together they cover her journey to biotech engineering from India to the United States. Listen as she sheds light on the future of healthcare, the synergy of AI and empathy in patient care, and the vital steps being taken to close the gender gap in tech. Finally, get a sneak peek into how Nishtha' s passion for travel sparks her innovative ideas. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that promises to not only educate but also inspire.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Buckle up as we plunge into a riveting conversation with seasoned health tech entrepreneur, Dave Wattling. Strap in for a deep dive into the challenging yet exciting world of healthcare IT, spanning across Canada, Britain, and the U.S. Expect to uncover crucial insights into the ever-present issue of data interoperability and the untapped potential of data analytics and AI, waiting to revolutionize the healthcare sector. As we navigate this intricate landscape, we lay bare the critical need for trust – the cornerstone of a symbiotic relationship between providers and data systems.The journey doesn't end there. We shift gears to explore the perilous yet exhilarating road of entrepreneurship. Dave, with his extensive experience, shares invaluable wisdom for entrepreneurs considering a transition into board work, offering a roadmap to navigate the complex and often ambiguous terrains of startups.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca is joined by Stacy Olinger, Vice President Home Care at BJC Healthcare. Olinger is a seasoned healthcare executive and nurse, who's been on a fascinating voyage from the organic chemistry lab to the echelons of healthcare leadership. Be prepared to delve deep into Stacy's world, her transformative experiences as a home health aide in rural Alaska, and how it sparked her passion for personalizing healthcare. She enlightens us on how her nursing background has influenced her executive approach, with the patient's individual needs always at the forefront. On this episode, Stacy doesn't just stop at personalizing healthcare; she passionately advocates for women leaders, sharing their stories, challenges, and successes. She unveils her expert knowledge on implementing highly reliable systems to increase patient access to home care, and explores her vision of incorporating artificial intelligence to lessen the burdensome electronic health records. In our conversation, we delve into her strategy of unlocking her full potential, using empathy as a superpower, and finding joy in connecting with her children. You won't want to miss this episode as Stacy uncovers her visionary thinking and shares her plans for innovating healthcare.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Ever thought about the true impact of nonverbal communication in a remote work setup? Our conversation with Wendy Hoffman, Chief People Officer at Divurgent, reveals why the little camera on your device isn't just hardware, but a crucial tool for building transparent, authentic relationships in a remote work environment. Wendy shines a light on the Divurgent's unique work culture and the exciting activities they undertake to keep the team spirit alive - from fun song guessing games to casual coffee hours.Changing gears, imagine combining work with the joy of exploring new places, all from the comfort of your RV. This episode gives you an intimate glimpse of the joys and challenges of full-time RV living while keeping up with professional commitments. If you've ever considered embracing this adventurous lifestyle, you'll want to hear my tips on purchasing a used RV, starting small, and leveraging resources like YouTube to streamline your journey. So, buckle up as we take you on an inspiring journey about thriving in a remote work environment and living life on the road.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Ever wondered how virtual care can revolutionize healthcare? Today, we chat with Maia Carter, a dedicated primary care physician and virtual care pioneer. Carrying a unique perspective on patient care, Maia combines her passion for science and human connection, guiding her approach to medicine. She sheds light on how her focus on both the patient's environment and community can make a significant difference in disease processes and treatment plans. In this digital age, Maia assures us that virtual tools can cater to the immediate needs of Gen Z and help manage chronic pain.In the second part of our chat, Maia dives into the vast potential of predictive analytics in healthcare. She helps us understand how it can be used to identify and bridge health care disparities. Offering invaluable advice to new physicians and inspiring thoughts on mentoring women leaders, Maia truly believes in empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. As we conclude our insightful conversation, we look into the future of healthcare, discussing the significant role of technology and assuring that virtual care does not mean the loss of the crucial human connection. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode as we navigate the exciting intersections of technology, healthcare, and community.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Ready to navigate the complexities of the Epic Hyperdrive migration process? Join us, as we sit down with Divurgent Team Members, Adam Tallinger, the Executive Vice President of Client Service, and Dana Locke, the Vice President of Delivery, who share their expertise on executing a successful transition. From staffing considerations to third-party integrations, to managing upgrade backlogs, they've got you covered. You'll come away with tangible tips to prepare for your own organizational shift.As we transition into the second part of the conversation, we shift our focus to the human element. Imagine revamping your workflows in such a way that they not only streamline processes but also significantly improve user satisfaction and reduce burnout. Sounds enticing, right? We also delve deeper into the backend connection and infrastructure side of the migration process which, while a hefty task, is a crucial factor in driving efficiency. Finally, we emphasize the value of trial runs and gathering feedback, before rolling out changes on a larger scale. Get ready for a deep, insightful journey into the heart of organizational change.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca discusses using technology to enhance communication and improve user experience with Rich Temple, Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Deborah Heart and Lung Center. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca is joined by Shawn P. Walsh, CEO and Senior Consultant at Encore Strategic Consulting, LLC for a deep dive into becoming a better leader, learning from your peers, and empowering teams to be and do more through life-long learning, staying curious, and having an open mind. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this special episode of The Vurge, Rebecca welcomes Renee Broadbent to the show ahead of the New England HIMSS Annual Spring Conference to discuss the upcoming conference, data security and HITRUST, using data to address SDOH long-term, and more around digital health. Renee is the Chief Information Officer & Information Security Officer at SoNE HEALTH and serves as President Elect for the NE HIMSS chapter. Learn more about the NE HIMSS Spring Conference on June 8th  - https://ne.himsschapter.org/event/annual-spring-conference-social-reception-immediately-following-registration-now-openFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca is joined by John Mumford, President and Chief Risk Officer at Fellsway Group. Leading with the clear desk methodology, John and Rebecca discuss steps consumers of healthcare technologies can and should take to protect their data. Links: Best Practices for Securing Your Home NetworkFellsway Group Maturity Assessment  Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca is joined by Chris Hemphill - Sr. Director, Commercial Intelligence at WoeBot - to discuss the role AI plays in digital mental health, data ethics, breaking the stigma around mental health, and more.Podcast: Meeting of the Minds with Woebot Health, Conversations with healthcare leaders on health equity, mental health, and AI.Suggested Read: Feeling Great by David Burns, MDFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, Rebecca is joined by Ravi Kalidindi, Founder & CEO of Simple Interact, a software solution to automate the front office, reduce staffing needs, and improve patient experience for hospitals and medical practices. Ravi and Rebecca cover his journey to healthcare, launching a startup & team culture, and his passion to improve the patient experience & operational efficiency for healthcare organizations.  Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

Listen In! On this episode of The Vurge Podcast, Mark Eimer, SVP, Associate CIO & CTO at Hackensack Meridian Health discusses their Google Chrome OS Workspace Project. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge Shane Danaher, Chief Operating Officer for Divurgent, hosts a roundtable discussion with Doctors Airan-Javia and Bloomgarden around the delivery of care and how technology can improve it.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of The Vurge, Emily Carlson is joined by Dr. Matthew Lambert, Chief Medical Officer, Curation Health to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade through the lens of an acute care provider. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In our next episode of The Vurge, we hand the mic over to Emily Carlson, Vice President of Technology at Divurgent, to kick off a very special segment on women in technology. Emily has led clients through a variety of projects, ranging from enterprise architecture and security initiatives to the deployment of Tobias, Divurgent's first AI chat bot, which she created in 2019. Emily has over 20 years of experience in the information technology field, and in 2021 Emily was one of Consulting Magazine's women leaders in technology. In this special series, Emily will speak with other female leaders in the industry diving into topics of gender equality and  mentorship. In her first interview, she speaks with Claire Bonaci, Senior Director, US Health and Life Sciences at Microsoft and co-producer of the Confessions of Health Geeks podcast for Microsoft.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

 On this episode of The Vurge, we talk about the intersection of healthcare technology and research, specifically, digging into the topic of real-world evidence. We're joined by Dr. Shaun Grannis and Chris Federick from the Regenstrief Institute. Dr. Grannis is an internationally respected expert in public health informatics and is a fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics. Chris brings significant digital product development experience and currently serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Regenstrief Institute. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, we're joined by Jason Jones, to discuss the benefits of an Epic Community Connect Program to the community physician, community hospital, or patients, while we take a look at some of the key considerations and factors to consider in order to run a successful Connect program.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On this episode of The Vurge, we're joined by Nate Pluke, founder and head of products at Switch RCM, a healthcare revenue cycle management company focused on using artificial intelligence to improve outcomes, to discuss how organizations are using artificial intelligence to identify incorrect issues with claims.Learn more about Switch RCM.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of The Vurge, we’re joined by Hope Young, the founder, and CEO of Biomedical Music Solutions, or BMS. BMS uses the power of artificial intelligence to advance the capabilities and global reach of music-assisted rehabilitation.  BMS recently was awarded the Tech and Innovation Award from the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and the results from their product, Sound Steps, were published in the International Journal of Neuroscience in early 2020. Hope has been widely recognized for her contributions to music therapy and the integration of it and biotechnology.Learn more about Biomedical Music Solutions. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of The Vurge, we sit down with Dr. Alex Baqui, co-founder and CEO of Valhalla Healthcare, to talk about how Allevia not only leverages intake forms to collect information but takes it a step further and uses that information in combination with AI in EHR data to improve care delivery.Valhalla is a team of doctors, developers, and data scientists focused on deploying solutions that make healthcare more affordable, accessible, and effective. Valhalla's first product, Allevia, is a patient-driven AI-powered intake solution that automates clinical documentation for healthcare providers. Learn more about Valhalla Healthcare. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of The Vurge, we're joined by Eric Gombrich, CEO of Tickit Health, to discuss the history of customer-reported data and some of the challenges that organizations face when using traditional data collection tools. Join Steve and Eric as they discuss the concept of digital empathy and why it's important in the context of collecting information. Learn more about Tickit Health. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode we sit down with Eduard DeVries, Vice President of IT Business Consultancy at SSM Health,  to talk about an important challenge that leaders face creating a customer centric and productive culture. We'll dig into some of the key considerations when shifting from a task-oriented to a problem-solving oriented mindset, exploring how we can make our teams more focused on improving these clinical or financial performance outcomes.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode, we're joined by Luke Bonney, the CEO, and co-founder of Redox to talk about digital health trends and how those trends have shifted given the COVID-19 pandemic. Redox is a platform that connects digital health applications to over 700 organizations. Learn more about Redox, here. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

On today's episode, we're going to talk about how top leadership in healthcare is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with our guest, Bert Reese, the former CIO of Sentara Healthcare, an integrated health system in Virginia and North Carolina.Bert oversaw the implementation of Sentara's enterprise health record, Epic, achieved HIMSS analytics stage seven, and continues to advise some of the nation's top health systems through his independent consulting firm in Divurgent today.As healthcare CXOs shift their mindset from responding to the immediate COVID-19 situation to recovering, we're seeing new business models unfold as consumer behavior changes, expectations for safety increase across employees, and patients and businesses adjust strategies. Join us as we dig into the specifics on how this pandemic has and continues to impact healthcare.Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of the Vurge, we meet with Steve Waye, the founder, and COO of Agathos,  a transparency platform designed specifically for physicians. Agathos integrates clinical claims and economic data to generate simple, actionable, and user-adaptive insights for physicians to help reduce clinical variation.Learn more about Agathos. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.

In this episode of the Vurge, we meet with Brendan Downing, co-founder and CEO of Janus, a healthcare technology company focused on automating healthcare revenue cycle processes through Robotic Process Automation. Join us as we discuss what RPA is and how industries inside, and outside, of healthcare are using it to reduce administrative costs. Learn how Robotic Process Automation can be utilized in Data Storytelling & Narrative Insights and how they apply to the application of RPA in the healthcare revenue cycle as we look into how Janus is helping organizations take action using predictive and prescriptive analytics.  Learn more about Janus. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Vurge for the latest episodes and more.Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to learn more.