Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Simon Nazarian, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at City of Hope, joins the podcast to discuss how technology is reshaping patient outcomes and expanding access to care. He shares why health systems can’t afford to stand still as AI drives new efficiencies, and where he sees the greatest opportunities for growth as digital transformation accelerates across healthcare.

In this episode, Diana Richardson, President and CEO of Merrimack Health, shares how the newly formed Massachusetts health system came together at unprecedented speed, the operational and financial challenges of integration, and how a strong commitment to community and safety net care is guiding the organization forward.

This episode, recorded live at the 10th Annual. Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Dr. Brian Patterson, Physician Administrative Director for Clinical AI, UW Health, who shares where AI is delivering real impact today in revenue cycle and clinical workflows and offers guidance on deploying AI responsibly amid rapid innovation and evolving governance.

This episode, recorded live at the 10th Annual. Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Puneet Freibott, System Chief Nursing Officer, Beth Israel Lahey Health, who discusses how AI, ambient documentation, and virtual care can reduce clinician burden, improve patient outcomes, and why people centered governance is critical to scaling digital innovation.

In this episode, Dr. Sanjai Nagendra and Cameron Thomason of Labcorp discuss how lab stewardship is evolving into a systemwide strategy to improve quality, control costs, and support population health through data, analytics, and cross functional leadership alignment.

This episode is sponsored by Labcorp.

In this episode, Brandon P. Hirsch, MD, FAAOS, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at DISC Sports and Spine Center, discusses the expanding role of telemedicine, key policy changes shaping patient access, and emerging disruptors such as endoscopic techniques and digital engagement. He also shares his perspective on national healthcare reform and its direct impact on spine care.

In this episode, Stephen Rinaldi, SVP and Chief Revenue Officer of UNC Health, discusses payer pressure, Medicaid and ACA uncertainty, and workforce challenges shaping health system finance. He also shares how UNC Health is leveraging AI in the revenue cycle, clinical operations, and research while planning major growth initiatives, including a new children’s hospital and expanded care access across North Carolina.

In this episode, Dave Newman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Virtual Care at Sanford Health, explores the responsible and irresponsible uses of AI in healthcare and where the greatest benefits are emerging. He discusses how ambient AI is improving patient satisfaction, the role of AI and virtual reality in orthopedic surgery, and how virtual care innovations are shaping a more efficient and patient-focused future.

This episode, recorded live at the 10th Annual. Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Amy Trainor, CIO, Ochsner Health, who shares how the system is thoughtfully deploying AI across clinical, administrative, and virtual care settings while keeping clinicians, patients, and governance at the center of technology decisions.

In this episode, Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial at Becker’s Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to discuss how AI governance is evolving into a strategic priority, along with emerging AI use cases in revenue cycle, clinical decision support, and patient experience that could significantly change health system operations and payer relationships.

In this episode, Anthony J. Tortolani, MD, FACS, FACC, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeon and Professor Emeritus of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses the realities of declining profit margins and how leaders are balancing financial pressures with clinical excellence. He explores practical applications of AI in clinical medicine, including improvements in efficiency and less invasive surgical approaches, and shares why aligning strategic vision with day-to-day tactical planning is essential for long-term success in cardiovascular care.

In this episode, Gena Lawday, RN, BSN, Chief Quality Officer at UVA Community Health, shares how standardizing care delivery helps improve patient outcomes while driving greater operational efficiency. She discusses the critical role of patient education and outlines how quality and safety monitoring are evolving as more care moves into the outpatient setting.

In this episode, Andrew Tang, MD, Cardiac Surgeon at Medical City Heart & Spine Hospitals, discusses the increase in open-heart surgery and what it signals about patient needs and cardiovascular care trends. He reflects on the critical role mentorship plays in surgical training and leadership development, and shares his perspective on maintaining a healthy work-life balance while navigating the demands of a high-acuity surgical career.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Michael Redler, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Connecticut Orthopaedics. Dr. Redler discusses trends driving ASC growth, the role of advanced technology and AI in improving patient care and efficiency, and the benefits of collaboration between ASCs and health systems.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Tara Good-Young, MSHA, CASC, CEO, PDI Surgery Center. Tara discusses trends driving ASC growth, strategies for leveraging AI and technology to improve efficiency and patient experience, and the importance of collaboration with vendors and providers to optimize operations and sustainability.

In this episode, Mark Makhinson PharmD, Senior Director of Outpatient Pharmacy at Mount Sinai Health System, discusses how digital innovation, AI driven workflows, and a modern patient facing platform are reshaping specialty pharmacy, improving access, streamlining operations, and enhancing outcomes across the health system.

In this episode, Ratnakar Lavu, Chief Digital Information Officer at Elevance Health, discusses how AI is driving simpler, more personalized member experiences, streamlining provider workflows, and improving internal productivity, while emphasizing responsible AI governance and measurable impact across the healthcare ecosystem.

In this episode, Saurabh Bhansali, Partner at Health Velocity Capital shares how his firm identifies and scales market leading healthcare companies, highlights emerging investment themes like AI enabled services and revenue cycle management, and explains what he looks for in founders who thrive through disruption.

In this episode, Michael Verdon, DO, FACOS, Neurological Spine Surgeon at Transcendent Care, Inc., discusses the challenge of delivering the same high level of spine care with fewer resources and the expanding clinical applications of AI. He highlights where he expects the most meaningful growth in the next 1–2 years, including efforts to standardize patient care, and explains how technologies traditionally used in the operating room are increasingly migrating into the clinic to improve efficiency and outcomes.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Brenda Fernández, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Puerto Rico ASC Holding. Brenda discusses strategies for financial stewardship, leveraging technology and AI to optimize ASC operations, and opportunities for collaboration and growth in the outpatient surgery space.

In this episode, John Mallia, Interim CFO, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, discusses the key financial challenges facing health systems today, including workforce costs, payer pressures, and reimbursement uncertainty, while sharing how his organization is investing in Epic, revenue cycle partnerships, and strategic leadership to drive stability and performance.

In this episode, Denise J. Jamieson, MD, MPH, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Carver College of Medicine at University of Iowa Health Care, shares her journey from the CDC to academic leadership, the mission of serving Iowa, and her priorities around physician workforce development, mentorship, and sustaining impact in healthcare.

This episode, recorded live at the 10th Annual. Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Nancy Beale PhD, RN, NI-BC, FAMIA, Chief Nursing Information Officer, VP of Clinical Informatics, Catholic Health. Dr. Beale shares insights on how AI is transforming patient care, the importance of aligning technology with strategy, and tips for health care leaders navigating innovation and operational challenges.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features Patrick O'Shaughnessy, President and CEO, Catholic Health. He discusses how Catholic Health is embracing AI and digital transformation to enhance care delivery, strengthen patient and provider experiences, and stay true to its mission amid financial and industry challenges.

In collaboration with R1.

In this episode, Marcus Perez, President of Altera Digital Health, discusses how trusted, well governed data is the foundation for meaningful AI adoption in healthcare. He shares practical use cases around ambient documentation, workflow improvement, value based care, and why AI driven progress must evolve at the pace of clinicians and organizations.

This episode is sponsored by Altera Digital Health.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, discusses consolidation across the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, rising friction between payers and providers over coding and denials, and how AI and upcoming CMS prior authorization rules are reshaping the payer landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Jackie Kissel and Dr. Alvin Choy share how Equitas Health built a streamlined, team based workflow to manage long acting injectable PrEP and HIV treatments, highlighting the critical role of communication, customized tracking tools, and clinical pharmacy expertise in improving patient care.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features James Dover, President and CEO, Avera Health. He discusses Avera’s strategic plan, Illuminate, the organization’s approach to AI and technology adoption, and how mission-driven leadership guides innovation, growth, and care delivery across its multi-state network.

In collaboration with R1.

In this episode, Solomon Moshkevich, president of clinical diagnostics at Natera, discusses how molecular data, MRD testing, and AI-driven tools are transforming clinical decision making across oncology, prenatal care, and chronic kidney disease. He shares insights on evidence generation, system integration, and the opportunities ahead for more personalized, cost-effective care.

This episode is sponsored by Natera.

In this episode, Braheem Santos, US Segment Leader for Healthcare at Schneider Electric, discusses how health systems can better integrate siloed technologies, design smarter infrastructure, and prepare for the next era of AI and facility optimization. He shares key takeaways from a recent leadership workshop and highlights why broader collaboration across departments is essential for future-ready care delivery. Learn more about how Schneider Electric meets healthcare transformation for every moment of care, as well as their Patient Engagement System, here: https://www.se.co/548683ad

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor in Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, breaks down key healthcare financial stories including a closely watched Indiana hospital merger, evolving antitrust dynamics, and accelerating consolidation. He also discusses strong performance from major for profit systems like HCA and Tenet Health as outpatient growth and portfolio transformation reshape the sector.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor in Chief of Becker’s Healthcare, shares insights on the 2026 outlook for healthcare providers, including policy shifts, Medicaid changes, consolidation trends, and financial pressures. She discusses why leaders are balancing near term challenges with cautious optimism as they plan for stability, access, and long term transformation.

In this episode,  Byron Glasgow, MBA, Vice President of Finance at Temple University Health System, discusses rising healthcare costs, value based care challenges, and the role of AI in easing administrative burdens. He also shares how Temple Health is pursuing mission aligned growth while serving as a vital safety net for Philadelphia.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features Saad Ehtisham, President & CEO, Atlantic Health. He shares his vision for sustainable growth, clinical excellence, and responsible AI adoption, emphasizing how technology and partnerships can drive efficiency, enhance care delivery, and improve patient outcomes across the system.

In collaboration with R1.

In this episode, Alex Lebrun breaks down the shift from soft ROI to precise, measurable financial impact as health systems scale AI beyond pilots. He explains why coding and revenue cycle use cases are leading the way, how end to end AI workflows will change measurement, and why the industry is still in the very early stages of its AI journey.

This episode is sponsored by Nabla.

In this episode, Dr. Hesham A. Hassaballa, Medical Director of Critical Care and Respiratory Therapy at Rush-Copley Medical Center, discusses how AI is transforming clinical care, the irreplaceable human elements of medicine, and the leadership values that guide his work. He also shares insights on physician excellence, system-level improvement, and what inspires him as he looks ahead to 2026.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Kunjan Divatia, Vice President of Digital Technology Solutions at Yale New Haven Health. He discusses how AI, virtual care, and emerging digital tools are reshaping provider workflows, improving patient access, and guiding health systems as they navigate new legislation, workforce pressure, and evolving operational demands.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features Nick Barcellona, Chief Financial Officer, WVU Medicine. He discusses the system’s rapid expansion, its commitment to population health through integrated payer-provider models, and how AI is improving efficiency, reducing burnout, and enhancing the patient and provider experience.

In collaboration with R1.

This episode explores the critical role of post-fracture care (PFC) in improving patient care and optimizing healthcare systems. Two program coordinators highlight real-world examples of how PFC can reduce the risk of subsequent fractures and lower healthcare costs. They also share actionable strategies for how to integrate PFC best practices into existing healthcare frameworks including aligning objectives with the organization’s broader strategic goals and establishing and tracking against clear metrics.

This episode is sponsored by Amgen.

In this episode, Jamila M. Porter, DrPH, MPH, Chief of Staff and Principal Investigator of MADE for Health Justice at the de Beaumont Foundation, and Aysha Dominguez Pamukcu, JD, Policy Fund Director at the San Francisco Foundation, discuss their new book “Strategic Skills for Public Health Practice: Advancing Equity & Justice”. They share how the field can reclaim its social justice roots, push back against rising attacks on equity, and build a more inclusive and community driven future for public health.