Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Liz Popwell, System Vice President, Strategy and International, CommonSpirit Health, discusses how health systems can better unify care around patients, use technology and AI to solve operational challenges, and build stronger partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.

In this episode, Dr. AmirAli Talasaz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Guardant Health, discusses how blood-based screening can help close persistent colorectal cancer screening gaps and reach millions of unscreened patients. He also explores how the Shield Blood Test can increase screening participation, reconnect unscreened patients with health systems and enable earlier detection of colorectal cancer, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

This episode is sponsored by Guardant Health.

In this episode, Jason Elrod, Healthcare Chief Information Security Officer and Executive Advisor, Elisity, discusses how health systems can manage AI agent risk through operational governance, distinct identities, least privilege, segmentation and clear shutdown protocols.

This episode is sponsored by Elisity.

In this episode, Anthony Andre, PhD, CPE, Director, Interface Analysis Associates LLC, discusses how human factors can improve the safety, usability and adoption of healthcare products and systems. He explores the role of AI as a tool for clinicians, designing technology around real-world workflows, and lessons healthcare organizations can learn from medication errors.

In this episode, Austin Willuweit, CFO, Monument Health, discusses managing rising Medicare payer mix, tightening margins and disciplined capital allocation while continuing to grow and expand services in rural healthcare. He also shares lessons from integrating Rapid City Medical Center and how AI, automation and autonomous coding are creating near-term opportunities across finance and revenue cycle.

In this episode,Katrina Ascencio-Holmes, BSN, RN, Chief Nurse Officer, Sutter Health, discusses strategies to recruit, retain and develop the health system’s 18,000 nurses, including career development, mentorship, shared governance and frontline engagement. She also shares how Sutter is investing in workplace safety and technology while creating an environment where nurses can build meaningful, long-term careers.

In this episode, Halsey Wise, CEO, Lyric, discusses the importance of trust, truth and transparency in healthcare AI, including decision lineage, governed AI and keeping humans in the loop. He also explores how AI can reduce administrative waste, improve decision-making and strengthen trust among payers, providers and patients.

This episode is sponsored by Lyric.

In this episode, John Whyte, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Medical Association (AMA), discusses how AI, wearables and continuous health data are reshaping medicine and the physician-patient relationship. He also explores physician burnout, the need to modernize medical education and strategies to address the nation's physician shortage.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses the biggest challenges facing health systems, including workforce shortages, reimbursement pressure, access to care, AI strategy and rebuilding trust with patients.

In this episode, Marie Langley, Chief Executive Officer, Desert Valley Medical Group, discusses expanding specialty and outpatient services, strengthening hospital-physician collaboration and addressing healthcare access needs in the High Desert. She also shares the challenges posed by Medi-Cal uncertainty, physician recruitment and plans to expand emergency department capacity.

In this episode, Sheila Augustine, Director, Revenue Cycle, Nebraska Medicine, discusses how AI is helping identify missing charges, automate charge reconciliation and improve revenue cycle workflows while keeping staff engaged in the transformation. She also explores payer denials, Medicaid changes, succession planning and opportunities to further integrate AI across revenue cycle operations.

In this episode, Balaji Raman, MS, MBA, Enterprise Executive Director, Westchester Medical Center Health, discusses the rapid expansion of AI across the revenue cycle, Epic transformation, enterprise standardization and the importance of building strong processes before implementing new technology. He also shares leadership advice on listening, building relationships and creating an environment where teams can thrive.

In this episode, Tami McMasters Gomez, Executive Director, Mid-Revenue Cycle, UC Davis Medical Center, discusses leveraging AI and automation to address workforce shortages, strengthen coding and documentation, and improve financial integrity. She also shares her approach to AI governance, evolving revenue cycle roles and balancing innovation with human expertise.

In this episode, Michael Hassell, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Memorial Hospital, discusses rural healthcare sustainability, expanding specialty services and strengthening ambulance and behavioral health care. He also shares his perspective on revenue cycle management, workforce challenges and advocating for rural hospitals amid evolving healthcare policy.

In this episode, David Merritt, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, discusses rising healthcare costs, employer affordability pressures and the growing impact of the No Surprises Act’s IDR process. He also outlines potential reforms to curb excessive awards, increase transparency and slow premium growth.

In this episode, Shridar Ganesan, MD, Director, Center for Molecular Oncology at NYU Langone Health, discusses integrating genomic, clinical and radiographic data to improve cancer care and the role of AI in synthesizing complex patient information. He also explores the future of molecularly defined cancers, targeted therapies and the need to balance standard care with clinical research.

In this episode, Monica L. Baskin, PhD, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, joins the podcast to discuss the center’s Cancer Center Support Grant renewal and the work underway at Massey to advance cancer care and research. She also shares her experience as the first Black woman to be named director of an NCI-designated cancer center and the significance of that milestone.

In this episode, Dr. Sam Patel, healthcare business consultant and CEO of Astra Culture and Looped, discusses the growing gap between patient demand and healthcare capacity, including the rise of concierge and hybrid care models. He also explores how AI, telehealth and preventative care can improve efficiency and access while preserving the human connection at the heart of medicine.

In this episode, Hunter Foster, VP, Agency Operations and Strategy, benefitbay, explores the growing adoption of ICHRA and defined contribution models, including the demand for flexibility, predictability and employee choice. He also discusses successful implementation, broker adoption, AI's evolving role and what increased carrier participation could mean for the future of health benefits.

In this episode, Albert L. Wright, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of West Virginia University Health System, joins the podcast to discuss the 340B program and the role of alternative payment models in shaping healthcare delivery. He also shares insights on keeping communities healthy and strengthening the health system’s impact beyond traditional care.

In this episode, Anirban Maitra, MD, Director of Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, joins the podcast to discuss expanding cancer care to bring services closer to patients and communities. He also shares insights on integrating AI into oncology and how emerging technologies are enhancing training and preparing the next generation of cancer care professionals.

In this episode, Ajay Goel, PhD, AGAF, Professor and Chair, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope, discusses a promising blood-based test that detected 81% of advanced precancerous colorectal lesions and explores how earlier detection could shift cancer care toward prevention. He also examines screening access, reimbursement, follow-up care and the growing role of liquid biopsies in the future of oncology.

In this episode, Nathan Frank, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Aetna, discusses how AI and digital tools are simplifying prior authorization, improving interoperability and enhancing member and provider experiences. He also shares Aetna’s approach to responsible AI, emphasizing human connection, trust and practical technology solutions that reduce administrative burden.

In this episode, Nishant Anand, MD, FACEP, President and CEO of Altais, joins the podcast to discuss the shift toward holistic, value-based care and the role of technology in supporting physicians and patients. He shares insights on ambient listening, moving beyond reactive care, and what long-term success in physician well-being could look like as healthcare continues to evolve.

In this episode, Amit Rastogi, MD, MHCM, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jupiter Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss how population growth and rising labor costs are shaping healthcare operations. He also shares insights on leveraging AI solutions to improve productivity, streamline workflows, and help healthcare teams meet growing demand more efficiently.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, discusses Centene’s exit from the commercial group markets in California and Oregon, rising employer health insurance costs and growing pressure on coverage. He also explores specialty drug spending, AI-driven administrative costs, payer consolidation and the evolving politics of health insurance.

In this episode, Donna Berizzi, DNP, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Executive Director of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, & Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Cancer Service Line, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, discusses rising oncology volumes, workforce pressures and the need to redesign care workflows. She shares how Johns Hopkins is combining predictive analytics, advanced clinical evaluation, drug preparation, and specialized care pathways to reduce delays, improve capacity, and create a more sustainable experience for patients and care teams.

This episode is sponsored by LeanTaaS.

In this episode, Neil J. Farber, MD, Retired Physician and Medical Researcher and Author, discusses the healthcare crisis, including physician burnout, shrinking provider capacity, worsening access and the impact of administrative demands on patient care. He also shares insights from his upcoming book, Treating a Broken System: A Physician’s Cure for the Healthcare Crisis, and explores potential solutions to the healthcare workforce shortage.

In this episode, Hannah Galvin, MD, FAAP, FAMIA, CHCIO, CDH-E, Chief Health Information Officer at Cambridge Health Alliance, discusses the shift from AI pilots to enterprise-wide implementation, including governance, evaluation, patient trust and equity. She also shares lessons from Cambridge Health Alliance’s AI initiatives and advice for emerging healthcare technology leaders.

In this episode, Stacey Benson, Director, Revenue Cycle Operations, Houston Methodist Physician Organization, discusses using AI, analytics and workflow technology to improve revenue cycle efficiency, address payer downcoding and denials, and support team performance. She also shares how Houston Methodist is building a strong remote culture while preparing revenue cycle teams for the challenges ahead.

In this episode, Rhiannon Doherty, DHA, APRN, Director of Usability and Clinical Optimization at Baptist Health, shares how human-centered design, change management and frontline engagement helped drive adoption during a major EHR communication transition. Moderated by Stephanie Lahr, MD, Chief Medical Officer at uPerform, the conversation explores turning resistance into insight and putting users first.

This episode is sponsored by uPerform.

In this episode, Peggy Duggan, MD - EVP, Chief Physician Executive and Chief Medical Officer, Tampa General Hospital, discusses addressing physician burnout by reducing administrative friction, using ambient AI and creating space for physicians to lead improvement efforts. She also shares how transparent data and a shared focus on patient outcomes can align physicians across different employment models.

In this episode, Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD, Architect, ACA, and Miriam Paramore, Health Tech CEO of RxUtility, discuss strategies to make prescription drugs more affordable, including generic drug access, price transparency, PBM reform and direct-to-consumer pricing. They also explore how healthcare can reduce administrative complexity while improving access, adherence and outcomes.

In this episode, Shannon Cameron, MBA, MHIIM, CPC, Chief Operating Officer, Anesthesia Financial Solutions, LLC, discusses how AI, automation and advanced analytics are reshaping revenue cycle operations, from denials and prior authorization to reimbursement and payment accuracy. She also shares lessons on governance, workforce evolution and leading effectively across complex healthcare organizations.

In this episode, Benjamin M. Schwartz, MD, MHCM, President, Academic Delivery, Banner Health, discusses the future of academic medicine, the opportunities and risks of AI in clinical care, and how Banner is improving outcomes, accelerating clinical trials, and strengthening the physician workforce. He also shares leadership lessons on servant leadership, purposeful hiring, and building high-performing teams.

In this episode, Alex Dresner, Co-Founder & CEO, Imagen Technologies, discusses using AI and subspecialized radiologists to improve radiology accuracy and access, the growing radiologist shortage, and why healthcare technology companies must focus on solving operational problems rather than simply selling software.

In this episode, Anish Desai discusses healthcare innovation, AI-enabled care, physician shortages, emerging care models and how physicians can adapt to a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Anish Desai are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any organization with which he is affiliated.

In this episode, Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, President, University of Nebraska System, discusses workforce development and retention, healthcare headwinds, precision medicine and the growing role of AI in improving care. He also shares his vision for earlier disease detection, expanding access to rural communities and building a culture where employees feel part of something bigger than themselves.

In this episode, Austin Reeder, MHA, MPH, President, Froedtert Hospital, discusses expanding hospital capacity, improving maternal-fetal care and growing ambulatory services. He also shares his approach to navigating workforce pressures, rising costs, AI and other simultaneous changes facing healthcare leaders.

In this episode, William Morice II, MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discusses the evolving role of diagnostics, AI and precision medicine in improving patient care. He also shares Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ growth priorities, the changing expectations of patients and the challenges of advancing innovation amid reimbursement pressures.