Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Kuldip R. Patel, PharmD, FASHP, Senior Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer at Duke University Health System, discusses how pharmacy services are expanding across the continuum to reach more patients and improve outcomes. He shares insights on supply chain resilience, ambulatory and inpatient pharmacy growth, and the technologies shaping the future of pharmacy practice.

In this episode, Joseph Lee, MD, President and CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, discusses the growing crisis among young people, exploring the links between trauma, isolation, mental health, and substance use, and why integrated, community centered treatment is critical for lasting recovery.

In this episode, Darin Roark, President and COO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, shares how his team doubled down on quality to achieve major improvements in patient outcomes, length of stay, and safety. He also discusses leadership lessons, sustaining momentum, and key priorities for growth and care delivery in 2026.

In this episode, Naman Mahajan, President of Baylor Scott and White Grapevine, shares how focused efforts on employee engagement, throughput, and physician partnership have driven meaningful operational and patient experience improvements. He also discusses building a strong community value proposition and expanding care across the full continuum to meet evolving patient needs.

In this episode, Nathan A. Merriman, MD, MSCE, Interim Senior Medical Director of Surgical Specialties for the Digestive Health Clinical Program at Intermountain Medical Center, discusses how a patient-centered, team-based approach can improve access to care while enhancing the overall human experience. He shares insights on driving operational efficiency across surgical services and aligning clinical teams to deliver high-quality, coordinated care that meets patients where they are.

In this episode, Rebekah Le, CFO of Legacy Community Health, shares how the nation’s largest FQHC in Texas is navigating financial pressures through data centric decision making, revenue cycle optimization, and technology investments. She also discusses cybersecurity, mission driven leadership, and aligning financial strategy with community impact.

In this episode, Dhruv Bansal, MD, MBA, Director of Immunotherapy, Precision and Thoracic Oncology at Endeavor Health, joins the podcast to discuss how precision medicine is becoming a foundational tool in oncology. He explores how teams are bridging the gap between genomic research discoveries and real-world patient treatment, and why vaccines are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of cancer care.

In this episode, N. Nicole Moayeri, MD, MS, Neurological Surgeon at Cottage Health, joins the podcast to discuss creating better outcomes for patients through collaboration and thoughtful care delivery. She shares how working closely with other specialists can improve both clinical results and costs, while keeping patients at the center of every decision.

In this episode, Sterling Elliott, PharmD, BCMTMS, Clinical Pharmacist Lead, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern Medicine & Affiliate Faculty Member, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, shares how pharmacists are stepping into expanded leadership roles in ambulatory and procedural care amid rising cost pressures and the shift to value based care. He discusses opioid stewardship in orthopedic surgery, innovative patient education models, and the barriers and opportunities facing pharmacists practicing at the top of their license.

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.