HWL Talks

Rural healthcare leaders are being asked to do the impossible—deliver high-quality care with fewer resources, tighter margins, and an increasingly strained workforce. In this episode of HWL Talks, host Tommy Binner welcomes back Aidan Hettler, CEO of Sedgwick County Health Center, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to lead and grow a rural hospital today.Aidan shares his unconventional journey to becoming a CEO at just 22 years old and reflects on the lessons learned while stabilizing and expanding a critical access hospital on the front lines of rural care. The conversation explores workforce recruitment and retention in frontier communities, building culture through personal connection, and why retention strategies must be dynamic—not one-size-fits-all.Aidan also dives into how technology and AI are helping rural hospitals close long-standing gaps—from reducing clinician burnout to strengthening documentation, payer negotiations, and data-driven decision-making. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on the future of rural healthcare, the realities behind the $50B rural health funding headlines, and what true transformation will require beyond temporary relief.This is an honest, practical look at leadership, resilience, and innovation in rural healthcare—straight from someone living it every day.

In this episode of HWL Talks, host Tommy Benner sits down with Nancy Bourg, RN, BSHCA, MBA, Executive Vice President of Insourcing and Chief Clinical Officer at HWL, for a candid conversation on the past, present, and future of the nursing workforce.With decades of experience spanning bedside nursing, agency staffing, and health system leadership, Nancy shares how early efforts to aggregate spend and standardize contracts laid the foundation for today’s MSP, VMS, and internal resource pool models. Together, they unpack the realities facing nursing in 2026—from burnout and bedside shortages to generational shifts, travel nursing evolution, and why flexibility is no longer optional.Nancy also offers a compelling reframing of nursing as a revenue protector, not just a cost center, and explains why hospitals must rethink culture, career pathways, and flexible staffing models to retain talent long term. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare leaders looking to balance cost, quality, and clinician experience in a rapidly changing workforce landscape.

Season 2 of HWL Talks kicks off with a powerful conversation featuring Kent McMackin, Chief Operating Officer of Syncoro Health LLC, Navy veteran, and healthcare leader with more than four decades of experience spanning clinical care, hospital administration, physician services, and workforce strategy.Kent shares how his early years in clinical medicine and 23-year Navy career shaped his leadership philosophy, grounding it in service, empathy, and accountability. Together with host Tommy Binner, he explores the realities facing healthcare today—from physician shortages and rural hospital closures to chronic disease burden and the evolving role of technology in care delivery.This episode dives deep into:Why workforce strategy directly impacts patient outcomesThe balance between “high-tech” systems and “high-touch” human connectionWhat rural healthcare needs to survive and adaptHow MSPs and data-driven workforce models can improve retention, reduce cost, and strengthen provider partnershipsWhy honesty, integrity, and listening to clinicians are critical to sustainable healthcare transformationA must-listen for healthcare executives, workforce leaders, and anyone passionate about building a system that supports providers while keeping patients at the center.

As we close out the year, HWL Talks welcomes a special guest—HWL Co-Founder and President Jonathan Ward—for a candid conversation on the state and future of healthcare staffing.With more than 30 years of industry experience, Jonathan reflects on the biggest workforce challenges healthcare organizations face today, from ongoing staffing shortages and financial pressure to the growing role of AI, data, and transparency in workforce decision-making. He shares how contingent labor models, MSP and VMS adoption, and smarter analytics are reshaping nursing, allied, and physician staffing—and why the next phase of innovation must focus on reducing friction for both healthcare organizations and agency partners.Jonathan also offers a look ahead at what excites him most about HWL’s evolution, including investments in advanced analytics, greater pricing transparency, and technology designed to support long-term, sustainable workforce strategies.Whether you’re a healthcare leader, recruiter, or workforce strategist, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry has been—and where it’s headed next.

In this episode of HWL Talks, we sit down with Dr. Akram Boutros, a leader who has spent his career bridging medicine, business, and innovation. Now the founder and CEO of Nexus Bedside, Dr. Boutros is pushing the boundaries of what inpatient care can look like through virtual nursing models and advanced multimodal AI.Dr. Boutros shares why traditional healthcare leadership often stalls innovation, how fearlessness (not recklessness) drives meaningful progress, and why fixing the nursing crisis requires more than staffing—it requires rethinking the entire care environment. He also breaks down real outcomes from Nexus Bedside, including major reductions in documentation burden, improved nurse experience, and measurable gains in patient safety.This conversation offers a candid look at leadership, risk-taking, and the future of high-touch, technology-supported care. For executives, clinical leaders, and innovators looking beyond incremental change, this episode provides a clear view of what bold transformation can look like.

In Episode 11 of HWL Talks, host Tommy Binner sits down with Shane Jackson—President of Jackson Healthcare, author, philanthropist, and leadership thought leader.Shane shares insights from his new book, This Is the Thing, and opens up about the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare leaders today. From navigating the rapid rise of AI and its impact on healthcare staffing, to fostering cultures that prioritize retention over reaction, Shane delivers candid perspective on what it takes to lead during times of uncertainty.Whether you’re a healthcare executive, workforce strategist, or simply passionate about leadership, this episode offers powerful takeaways on staying grounded in your values while embracing innovation.

In this episode of HWL Talks, host Tommy Binner sits down with healthcare pioneer Joane Goodroe—a nurse, administrator, entrepreneur, and national thought leader who has testified before Congress on healthcare cost models.Joane shares her remarkable journey from the ICU to shaping Medicare pilot programs, pioneering gainsharing, and challenging the long-held belief that lowering costs means lowering quality. Together, Tommy and Joane explore:Why healthcare costs have skyrocketed from $725 billion in 1990 to $4.9 trillion today—and where they’re headedHow bundled payments and gainsharing created new models for cost savings without sacrificing qualityThe impact of regulations, drug pricing, and chronic disease on the future of healthcare accessWhy retaining nurses and empowering frontline staff is critical to solving today’s workforce crisisFresh perspectives on pharmacy disruption, telemedicine, and what really needs to changeJoane also shares a personal story of resilience through her son’s journey with autism, highlighting how perseverance and innovation can reshape possibilities in healthcare and beyond.Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening discussion on the urgent need to rethink cost, quality, and workforce sustainability in healthcare.

On this episode of HWL Talks, host Amanda Wheeler, VP of Insourcing at HWL, sits down with two powerhouse leaders: Laurie DiMarzio, SVP of Client Services at HWL, and Darlene Souza, SVP & CHRO at South Shore Health. What started as a high-stakes workforce challenge during the height of the pandemic evolved into a true partnership built on trust, transparency, and transformative collaboration.Together, they explore:The “likeability dilemma” women face in leadership—and how to rise above itWhat it really means to be kind (but not necessarily nice) in businessHow vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and active listening can build lasting partnershipsTips for fostering connection and respect—even in moments of disagreementThis episode is a candid conversation about breaking molds, supporting other women, and redefining what leadership looks like in healthcare. Whether you're a seasoned executive or emerging leader, you’ll walk away with inspiration—and actionable takeaways—for building stronger, more collaborative teams.

In this episode of HWL Talks, host Tommy Binner sits down with Amanda Wheeler, RN, BSN, MBA — HWL’s Vice President of InSourcing and a fourth-generation nurse — to unpack the complex state of the nursing workforce.From the lasting impact of burnout to the importance of flexible staffing models, Amanda shares insights drawn from her extensive clinical and executive experience. The conversation explores how healthcare systems can transition from reactive crisis management to proactive, sustainable workforce strategies — with a special focus on the value of internal contingent models, predictive analytics, and Gen Z’s evolving expectations.You’ll hear:Why healthcare must prioritize workforce well-being to improve patient careHow flexible internal staffing models reduce turnover and burnoutStrategies for bridging the generational gap in nursingWhat it means to move from “just-in-time” to “ready all the time”Whether you're a nurse, healthcare executive, or industry observer, this episode offers a candid, experience-rich perspective on reshaping the future of nursing.

In this special sponsored episode, produced in collaboration with AONL, Bill Klaproth steps in as host to interview Amanda Wheeler, Vice President of InSourcing at HWL. Together, they explore proactive and sustainable strategies for tackling the ongoing nursing workforce crisis—a challenge expected to escalate as more than 600,000 nurses are projected to exit the profession by 2030. Amanda shares innovative approaches that prioritize flexibility, internal mobility, and retention of experienced clinicians, offering hospital leaders real-world tactics to strengthen their nursing teams in today’s volatile healthcare landscape. 

In this episode, Jeff Niles, Chief Revenue Officer at HWL, sits down with Sandro Altherr, Vice President of Provider Recruitment at RWJBarnabas Health, to discuss physician recruitment in one of the most competitive healthcare markets in the U.S.Recruiting in a Crowded Market: How RWJBarnabas Health sets itself apart amid dense provider competition in the New York metro area. Culture as a Magnet: The vital role of organizational culture, reputation, and word-of-mouth referrals in attracting top physician talent. Tailored Opportunities: Creating diverse practice environments—from academic to community-based—to match physicians’ career goals. Strategic Locums Use: When and why locum tenens play a pivotal role in meeting patient care demands across a large health system. Streamlining Through HWL: How HWL’s centralized platform simplified processes, reduced administrative burden, and aligned stakeholders system-wide.Sandro shares real-world insights into physician workforce challenges and the benefits of a unified staffing strategy in a complex, multi-entity health system.Tune in for a grounded and practical conversation about physician recruitment, organizational growth, and operational excellence.

In this episode, Trevor Strauss, FACHE, Senior Vice President at HWL, sits down with Carey Goryl, CEO of AAPPR, and Liz Mahan, Director of Professional Development and Solutions at AAPPR, to explore the evolution of physician and provider recruitment and the critical role of professional communities in healthcare.Strengthening Recruitment Networks: How AAPPR fosters a community that empowers recruiters to navigate industry challenges.Leading Through Change: Strategies for adapting to healthcare's evolving landscape, from post-COVID realities to shifting immigration policies.Strategic Storytelling: Why physician recruiters must advocate for their work and build partnerships with the C-suite.Thriving in Uncertainty: Building resilience and the importance of self-care for recruitment professionals facing external disruptions.Carey and Liz share powerful insights on leadership, community building, and sustaining momentum in a complex healthcare environment.Tune in for an engaging conversation about advancing the future of physician recruitment through collaboration and innovation.

In this episode, Trevor Strauss, FACHE, Senior Vice President at HWL, sits down with Aidan Hettler, MSHCT, CEO of Sedgwick County Health Center, to discuss his extraordinary journey into healthcare leadership and the challenges of leading a rural hospital.Breaking Barriers: How Aidan became the youngest hospital CEO in the country at just 22 years old.Servant Leadership in Action: His approach to meeting staff where they are and fostering a culture of inclusion.The Power of Relationship-Centered Care: Why patient and provider connections are key to a thriving healthcare system.Innovating in Rural Healthcare: The unique challenges and opportunities of leading a critical access hospital.Aidan shares his perspective on leadership, innovation, and the future of rural healthcare, offering valuable insights for both current and aspiring healthcare leaders.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leading with purpose and making an impact in healthcare.

In this episode, Trevor Strauss, FACHE, Senior Vice President at HWL, sits down with Dr. Josh Hargraves, MD, FACEP, Divisional President at ApolloMD, for an insightful discussion on the challenges and future of emergency medicine.The Reality of Emergency Medicine: Why delivering patient care remains as challenging today as it was 30 years ago.Lessons from the Past: A TIME article from the ‘90s highlights ER struggles that still persist—what’s changed and what hasn’t?The Role of Technology: AI, ambient listening, and other innovations are shaping the future, but can they truly ease provider burdens?Looking Ahead: What’s next for emergency medicine, hospital systems, and the clinicians on the front lines?Dr. Hargraves shares his perspective as a practicing emergency physician and healthcare leader overseeing 25 emergency and hospital medicine programs across multiple states.Tune in now to gain valuable insights into the state of emergency medicine and what’s needed to drive real change.https://time.com/archive/6714962/medicine-do-you-want-to-die/

Episode Description:In this episode of HWL Talks, we sit down with Valerie Myers, Senior Physician Recruiter FL Division at Humana, to explore how physician recruiting is evolving in today’s competitive healthcare landscape. With years of experience in recruitment and workforce strategy, Valerie shares how data, AI, and analytics are transforming the way healthcare organizations attract top talent.Hosted by Trevor Strauss, FACHE, this conversation delves into:The shift from traditional recruiting to becoming a strategic workforce advisor.How data and analytics can enhance recruitment strategies and gain leadership buy-in.The role of AI and generative technology in improving outreach and engagement.Best practices for balancing candidate needs with internal stakeholder expectations.Whether you're a recruiter, healthcare leader, or someone passionate about workforce innovation, this episode offers valuable takeaways and actionable strategies for optimizing physician recruitment.Tune in to learn from Valerie’s expertise and learn how to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of healthcare recruitment!

In this insightful episode of HWL Talks, we sit down with Dr. Leigh Hamby, Chief Medical Officer at Piedmont Healthcare, to explore his extraordinary journey from the operating room to the executive boardroom. With decades of experience in healthcare, Dr. Hamby shares his unique perspective on leadership, decision-making, and navigating the challenges of today’s dynamic healthcare environment.Hosted by Trevor Strauss, FACHE, this conversation delves into:The critical lessons learned from practicing medicine that shaped Dr. Hamby’s approach as a healthcare executive.The evolving role of Chief Medical Officers in driving patient outcomes and organizational success.Strategies for fostering innovation and collaboration in healthcare systems.How personal experiences have influenced his leadership philosophy and decision-making style.Whether you're a clinician, healthcare leader, or someone passionate about the future of medicine, this episode offers valuable takeaways and thought-provoking insights.Tune in to gain inspiration from Dr. Hamby’s story and discover actionable strategies for thriving in the healthcare industry!