Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Joe Avelino, CEO of College Medical Center, reflects on how his military service, nursing background, faith, and personal resilience have shaped his leadership style. He shares lessons on work-life balance, navigating adversity, leading with empathy, and staying focused through both professional and personal challenges.

In this episode, Nishith Khandwala, CEO and Co-founder at Bunkerhill Health, shares how his team is helping health systems rapidly deploy AI agents that drive real clinical and operational results. He discusses the future of AI in healthcare, the importance of fast iteration, and the lessons he's learned building a venture-backed company focused on transforming healthcare delivery.

In this episode, Dr. Tommaso Falcone, Executive Vice President and President, International and Emerging Markets, Cleveland Clinic, discusses the organization's strategy for expanding its global reach through trusted partnerships, physician leadership, and a shared commitment to quality. He also shares how Cleveland Clinic is building sustainable international collaborations while adapting to the unique needs of healthcare systems around the world.

In this episode, Craig Glover, EdD, MBA, MA, FACHE, FACMPE, President and Chief Executive Officer, FamilyCare Health Centers, discusses expanding access through urgent care, community pharmacies, and patient-centered services. He also shares how mission-driven leadership and a strong organizational culture are helping improve care for underserved communities.

In this episode, Nick Stavros, Chief Executive Officer, Community Medical Services, discusses the organization's steady growth, navigating Medicaid and regulatory changes, and the opportunities AI presents for improving care and operations. He also shares his philosophy on servant leadership and empowering teams to drive lasting impact.

In this episode, Michael Wagner, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Care New England Health System, discusses restoring financial stability, expanding AI to improve the clinician experience, and the leadership principles guiding the organization's long-term growth.

In this episode, Matt Boles, MD, MHA, MSc, Chief Medical Officer, Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics, discusses the leadership strategies needed to navigate today's healthcare challenges, from workforce and operational priorities to advancing high quality patient care in a rapidly evolving environment. He also shares insights on fostering collaboration and preparing health systems for long-term success.

In this episode, Ashley Vertuno, President Arizona Market, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company, shares her priorities for strengthening physician engagement, expanding patient access, and driving sustainable growth through value-based care. She also discusses the importance of innovation, technology, and leadership in navigating healthcare's evolving landscape.

In this episode, Audrey Gregory, PhD, Senior Executive Vice President and CEO at AdventHealth Multi-Division Delivery Network, shares how mentorship, servant leadership, and investing in people early create resilient leaders and lasting organizational culture. She also discusses AdventHealth's approach to leadership development, whole person care, and building a strong talent pipeline for the future. For more resources visit: linkedin.com/in/audreygregoryphd

In this episode, Patrick A. Woodard, MHA, MD, Chief Information Officer, Monument Health, shares how the health system is using AI to improve patient access, clinician workflows, and revenue cycle performance while emphasizing the importance of preserving human connection in healthcare.

In this episode, Christian Burchill, PhD, MSN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Research, Evidence-based Practice and Innovation at Penn Medicine and Director of Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, shares how his research is helping healthcare organizations better measure staff safety, strengthen reporting, and build safer workplaces through leadership and evidence-based strategies.

In this episode, Susan Mullaney, Chief Operating Officer at Blue Shield of California, discusses how stronger payer-provider partnerships, AI, value-based care, and pharmacy innovation can improve health outcomes, lower costs, and reshape care delivery for the future.

In this episode, Dr. Nick Holekamp, Chief Health Transformation Officer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in St. Louis, discusses why play is a critical part of recovery for children with medically complex conditions. He shares how innovative care models, research, and programs focused on development, socialization, and healing are helping improve outcomes for children transitioning from hospital to home. Learn more here: RankenJordanFoundation.org

In this episode, Frantz M. Berthaud, MPH, FACHE, Senior Vice President, Oncology Services, University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), discusses why cancer care leaders should measure both return on investment and return on humanity. He also shares insights on expanding oncology capacity, advancing health equity, and building a workforce and culture centered on compassionate, patient-focused care.

In this episode, Matt Heywood, CEO at Aspirus Health, discusses the health system's growth strategy, the unique challenges of serving rural communities, and how innovation, workforce investments, and partnerships are shaping the future of care.

In this episode, Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial at Becker’s Healthcare, discusses the growing trend of health system joint ventures, including the AdventHealth and Intermountain partnership, and how organizations are pursuing scale, flexibility, and strategic growth through new deal models.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, breaks down the rising costs tied to the No Surprises Act arbitration process, evolving CMS and congressional actions, and what these policy changes could mean for payers, providers, employers, and healthcare pricing.

In this episode, Jordan Johnson, MSHA, Bridge Oncology, ABA Health Law Oncology Advocacy, discusses the major CMS policy shifts reshaping oncology, the growing role of AI governance, and why healthcare leaders must think beyond reimbursement rates to prepare for the future of care delivery. He also shares advice for entrepreneurs on building systems thinking across finance, clinical care, compliance, and technology.

In this episode, Amanda Chawla, CMRP, MHA, FACHE, Chief Supply Chain and Post Acute Care Officer, SVP at Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children’s Health, discusses the evolving role of supply chain as a strategic driver for healthcare organizations. She shares insights on building resiliency, leveraging data and AI, developing the future workforce, and advancing value-based management to improve efficiency and outcomes.

In this episode, Daniel T. Pickett III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Albany Med Health System, shares how the organization is advancing its First Choice 2030 vision, strengthening clinical excellence and preparing for the future of healthcare. He discusses workforce strategy, AI and digital transformation, ambulatory growth, and creating a more integrated health system focused on patients and communities.

In this episode, Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Emerson Health, discusses strengthening community healthcare through workforce investment, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful adoption of AI. She also shares her vision for expanding care closer to home while maintaining financial stability and delivering high quality, patient-centered care.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, examines the growing momentum behind state hospital price cap legislation, evolving scrutiny of private equity in healthcare, and new federal Medicaid payment actions. He discusses how these policy changes could affect hospital finances, operations, and long-term sustainability.

In this episode, Chris A. Klay, MA, PT, MHA, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Illinois Market, Hospital Sisters Health System, shares how physician recruitment, operational efficiency, and improving patient access are fueling growth across the market. He also reflects on his journey from physical therapist to health system leader and the importance of balancing quality, access, and affordability in healthcare.

In this episode, Gabrielle Cummings-Johnson, President, Evanston Hospital and NorthShore Hospitals, Endeavor Health, shares how her teams are balancing workforce shortages, quality, safety, and financial priorities while preparing for industry changes. She also discusses building the future healthcare workforce, strengthening employee engagement, and creating safer environments for patients and care teams.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses how health system leaders are managing rising AI costs, evaluating vendor partnerships, and strengthening governance around new technologies.

Hear from two experts in osteoporosis as they introduce the Osteoporosis Action Network—a volunteer coalition of osteoporosis leaders and industry partners focused on redefining the standard of care in osteoporosis, with a bold ambition of preventing 3 million fractures by 2033. Rita Roy, MD, CEO, National Spine Health Foundation will discuss the coalition’s mission and vision, while Susan Bukata, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics, UC San Diego, will discuss the motivation behind the creation of the coalition and share her experience with post-fracture care programs. Listeners will gain insights into action they can take to get post-fracture care...

John M. Fogarty, FACHE, President, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham, discusses the major healthcare trends shaping leaders today, including workforce disruption, rising chronic illness, behavioral health needs, and the shift toward community-based care. He also shares how his organization is strengthening employee engagement, embracing AI, and preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

In this episode, Scott Becker explains why hospital price caps and private equity restrictions could have unintended consequences for hospital finances and patient access.

In this episode, Edward Sankary, MD, FACP, FAMIA, ABPM-CI, Vice President, Chief Health Informatics Officer and Chief Value Officer, UT Health San Antonio; President, Regional Physician Network ACO, discusses how AI, digital health platforms, and governance are reshaping clinical workflows and value-based care.

In this episode, Patrick Velliky, Chief External Affairs Officer, HaloMD, discusses how the No Surprises Act has improved patient protections while ongoing delays in arbitration payments continue to create financial challenges for providers. He also explores the need for stronger enforcement, the impact on independent physician practices, and what comes next for the law.

This episode is sponsored by HaloMD.

In this episode, Jeremiah J. Hodshire, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hillsdale Hospital, discusses how rural hospitals can expand specialty services, strengthen community access, and build sustainable growth strategies amid unprecedented healthcare challenges. He shares his perspective on workforce shortages, reimbursement pressures, and the future of independent rural healthcare.

In this episode, Austin Jones, SVP and CFO of NKC Health, discusses how the health system has driven organic growth while navigating workforce shortages, reimbursement pressures, and revenue cycle challenges. He also shares why culture, strategic leadership, and a strong focus on stewardship are essential to long-term financial success.

In this episode, Craig Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Speare Memorial Hospital, shares his vision for strengthening rural healthcare through strategic partnerships, workforce development, and expanded access to care. He discusses the opportunities and challenges facing independent critical access hospitals as they invest in sustainable growth and plan for the future of their communities.

In this episode, William Morris, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Tennr, and Sarah Kier, Principal, ECG Management Consultants, discuss the growing challenges of patient access, referral management, and specialty care wait times. They explore how care orchestration, AI-enabled workflows, and stronger operational leadership can improve access, reduce friction for patients, and create a more equitable healthcare experience.

In this episode, Anna Singh, Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations, Heartland Dental, discusses the evolving dental landscape, from workforce sustainability and organic growth to the role of AI, data, and technology in improving care delivery. She shares how dental leaders can drive meaningful transformation while preserving clinical judgment, culture, and patient relationships.

In this episode, Ebrahim Barkoudah, MD, MPH, MBA, Inaugural Chief, UT Southwestern, discusses the future of inpatient care delivery, from leveraging AI and clinical informatics to strengthening physician leadership and workforce development. He shares how health systems can improve access, optimize operations, and deliver high-value care while keeping patients at the center of innovation.

In this episode, Dr. Jan D. Hirsch, Founding Dean of the University of California, Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, discusses how AI, precision medicine, and interdisciplinary education are shaping the future of pharmacy while preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders to improve patient outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Trager, Owner, Dentists for Airport Employees, shares insights from his 57 years as a solo practitioner, including the importance of patient relationships, navigating insurance challenges, and adapting to changes in dentistry. He discusses AI, consolidation, and why convenience and strategic practice management will shape the future of dental care.

In this episode, Jeffrey E. Lee, M.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive, The University of Texas MD Anderson, discusses how advances in cancer treatment are transforming survivorship care by improving outcomes while reducing treatment burden. He shares MD Anderson's approach to supporting patients beyond remission through personalized care, survivorship programs, and innovations that prioritize both longevity and quality of life.

Tom Nguyen, M.D., System Chief Executive, Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care; Chief Medical Executive, Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute; Chair and Professor, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and Ashford Denman, Vice President of Heart & Vascular Services at Baptist Health South Florida, where he oversees operations for Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, which includes both Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Lynn Cardiac & Vascular Institute, discuss how they are advancing cardiovascular care through clinical excellence, minimally invasive technologies, and strategic growth.