Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Jeffrey Akers, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPEL, Vice President of Pharmacy Services at UC Health Corporate Pharmacy Services and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences at the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, joins the podcast to discuss medication access services and the role pharmacy can play in improving access to care and supporting patients throughout their treatment journey.

In this episode, Deborah Greer, MD, System Lead for Advanced Appeals and Settlements, Denials Management and Prevention at CommonSpirit Health, joins the podcast to discuss her 2026 priorities of consistency and capacity in healthcare operations. She also shares insights on the need for greater transparency and how technology can help close gaps and strengthen denials management.

In this episode, Holly DuBois, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Connections Health Solutions, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of upstream care and expanding access to behavioral health services. She also shares insights on using telehealth to address access challenges and what the future of psychiatry may look like as care delivery continues to evolve.

In this episode, Tina Bennett, Chief Experience Officer at Yale New Haven Health, joins the podcast to discuss the growing need for human connection in healthcare and the importance of prioritizing the patient experience despite budget cuts. She also shares insights on creating greater convenience for patients and finding ways to strengthen the healthcare experience while navigating financial pressures.

In this episode, Tanner White, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer at Altru Devils Lake, joins the podcast to discuss the workforce challenges facing healthcare organizations and the importance of developing strategies to attract, retain and support staff in a changing environment. He also shares insights on leveraging community partners to strengthen local healthcare services, build relationships and address the needs of the community.

In this episode, Dr. Ed Lee, Chief Medical Officer, Nabla, discusses the shift from standalone AI tools to integrated clinical AI platforms, including ambient documentation, coding, clinical workflows, governance and the future of clinical intelligence.

This episode is sponsored by Nabla.

In this episode, PV Subba Rao, President, NTT DATA, discusses how agentic AI can improve revenue cycle outcomes, unlock cash and margin, reduce administrative burden and create capacity for broader health system transformation.

This episode is sponsored by NTT DATA.

In this episode, Graciana Garces, Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer, Tejano Center for Community Concerns, Susan Boland, Manager of Nursing Operations, Avenue 360 Health & Wellness, and Eryn Sims, LVN & Hypertension Nurse Champion, Avenue 360 Health & Wellness, discuss building sustainable, community-centered approaches to hypertension care through food access, education, remote monitoring and personalized patient support. They also share lessons on overcoming transportation, technology and care coordination barriers while strengthening partnerships between community organizations and healthcare providers. 

In this episode, Denise Scarpelli, PharmD, MBA, CPEL, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at UChicago Medicine, joins the podcast to discuss GLP-1 medications and strategies for keeping drug prices down. She also shares insights on managing drug shortages and developing payer-adaptive models.

In this episode, Dwight W. McBee, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, joins the podcast to discuss facilitating better communication with patients and advancing equity and inclusion in the healthcare experience. He also shares advice for emerging leaders and insights on building stronger connections with patients and the communities they serve.

In this episode, Christina Berg, RN, MHA, Sr. Director, Product Management, Imprivata, discusses how stronger patient identity can improve safety, protect against fraud, reduce duplicate records and denied claims, and create more efficient healthcare experiences. 

This episode is sponsored by Imprivata.

In this episode, Seema Verma, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Oracle Health and Life Sciences, discusses Oracle’s AI focused EHR strategy, trustworthy AI, revenue cycle transformation, oncology and using real time data to modernize healthcare.

This episode is sponsored by Oracle Health.

In this episode, Phillip Chang, MD, Chief Medical and Quality Officer at CommonSpirit Health, discusses physician burnout and well-being, the role of AI scribes and documentation tools, and how CommonSpirit supports both employed and independent physicians. He also shares lessons on physician leadership, moral injury and bridging the gap between clinicians and the C-suite.

In this episode, Tenisha Grimmer, MBA, CPA, PHR, Chief Financial Officer at Access Community Health Centers, joins the podcast to discuss removing barriers to care and building a positive workplace culture through intentional communication. She also shares insights on navigating Medicaid changes and the 340B program while supporting accessible, sustainable healthcare.

In this episode, Miguel "Mike" Vigo IV, MBA, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer, UC San Diego Health, discusses reducing controllable loss, strengthening revenue cycle fundamentals, addressing revenue leakage, and preparing for AI and automation. He also shares how UC San Diego Health is improving patient access, team development, charge capture, and patient throughput while balancing margins and reimbursement pressures.

In this episode, Miguel "Mike" Vigo IV, MBA, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer, UC San Diego Health, discusses reducing controllable loss, strengthening revenue cycle fundamentals, addressing revenue leakage, and preparing for AI and automation. He also shares how UC San Diego Health is improving patient access, team development, charge capture, and patient throughput while balancing margins and reimbursement pressures.

In this episode, Jason Shenefield, MBA, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Phelps Health, discusses expanding affordable care through direct-to-employer strategies, advancing patient experience with AI and ambient listening, and navigating workforce, reimbursement and regulatory challenges in rural healthcare.

In this episode, Matthew Hurford, President and CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health at UPMC, discusses workforce development, the growth of UPMC’s Telemedicine Bridge Clinic to 23,000 encounters, and strategies to expand behavioral health access, treatment engagement and recovery.

In this episode, Marlon F. Levy, MD, MBA, FACS, Chief Executive Officer of VCU Health System and Senior Vice President of VCU Health Sciences, joins the podcast to discuss managing strong demand while keeping the patient experience at the center of care. He also shares insights on staying grounded in what matters most to patients as healthcare organizations navigate growth and evolving needs.

In this episode, Lisa R. Fox, Chief Executive Officer, The Bradley Center, shares lessons on authentic leadership, resilience, building trust, investing in people and keeping children and families at the center of every decision.

In this episode, Melinda Giese, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Client Solutions at CHG Healthcare, discusses building a flexible workforce strategy, improving physician retention and autonomy, and using technology and AI to address workforce gaps.

In this episode, David Marcozzi, MD, MHS-CL, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at University of Maryland Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss embracing changes across inpatient and outpatient care and viewing capacity as a strategic resource. He also shares insights on the importance of effective patient handoffs and how they can support safer, more coordinated care.

In this episode, Himalee Sabnis, MD, MSc, Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, joins the podcast to discuss bridging gaps in care and facilitating strong communication with patients and families. She also shares insights on strengthening connections across the healthcare journey to support more coordinated and patient-centered care.

In this episode, Sarah McGoldrick, Executive Director of Finance at Singing River Health System, joins the podcast to discuss evolving payer changes and their impact on the revenue cycle. She also shares insights on opportunities for growth and the introduction of GLP-1 medications and their implications for healthcare organizations.

In this episode, Kathleen Sanford, DBA, RN, FAAN, Senior EVP, Chief Nursing Officer, CommonSpirit Health, discusses improving nurse retention through virtual integrated care, nurse residency programs, career support and shared governance.

In this episode, Miguel "Mike" Vigo IV, MBA, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer at UC San Diego Health, joins the podcast to discuss the impact of health benefits expenses and the goals and initiatives shaping revenue cycle operations. He also shares insights on how patient demand remains a primary driver of healthcare operations and financial performance.

In this episode, Dr. Brendan Lloyd, Chief Medical Officer for Providence Clinical Network, joins the podcast to discuss how healthcare organizations can redefine roles to meet the evolving needs of patients, providers, and care teams. He also shares insights on training the next generation of healthcare professionals and preparing them to lead in a changing healthcare environment.

In this episode, Jason Foland, MD, MBA, CPE, FACHE, FAAP, FCCM, President of Studer Family Children's Hospital, shares lessons from the military, the importance of preparation and team empowerment, and his journey from pediatric critical care physician to hospital leader.

Robert Isaiah Nielsen, Epic Site Director for Jacobi Medical Center and North Central Bronx at NYC Health and Hospitals, joins the podcast to discuss reducing clinician burnout and the importance of investing in people as much as technology. He also shares insights on future opportunities for growth, including the potential of remote patient monitoring to enhance patient care and support healthcare teams.

In this episode, Greg Damron, Chief Financial Officer and Interim School of Medicine Executive Director of Finance at University of Missouri Health Care, joins the podcast to discuss rebuilding trust with patients and addressing the growing affordability crisis in healthcare. He also shares insights on balancing financial priorities with the need to deliver accessible, patient-centered care.

In this episode, Stephen McGee, Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at SandsRx, discusses building AI governance, vendor accountability and staff trust while using AI to improve specialty pharmacy workflows, patient access and operational efficiency. 

This episode is sponsored by URAC.

In this episode, Heather Geisler, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand and Experience Officer at Henry Ford Health, joins the podcast to discuss why patient and consumer experience should be viewed as interconnected aspects of healthcare. She also shares insights on optimizing the “front door” through tools such as websites and contact centers, while emphasizing the importance of workplace culture and team member engagement.

In this episode, Carol Gomes, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss making care safer and improving outcomes for patients. She also shares insights on expanding pediatric services and advancing clinical programs to meet the evolving needs of the community.

In this episode, Jeffrey Marshall, MD, Chief of Cardiology at the Northside Hospital Heart Institute, joins the podcast to reflect on defining moments throughout his career and the evolution of cardiology at Northside. He also shares how his role has changed over time and offers his perspective on the growing attention surrounding artificial intelligence, including why he believes AI may be overhyped by the media.

In this episode, Thomasina Wilkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Sinai Chicago, joins the podcast to discuss mission-driven care and the importance of improving the patient experience. She also shares insights on strategies for excellence in care and how organizations can strengthen their approach to delivering high-quality patient-centered services.

In this episode, Austin Jones, CPA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at NKC Health, joins the podcast to discuss balancing investment in physicians with the financial priorities of a healthcare organization. He also shares insights on pharmacy benefit management and strategies for managing demand in today’s healthcare environment.

In this episode, Brooke A. Schweitzer, DMSc, MSPA, PA-C, FACHE, Chief Advanced Practice Officer at UChicago Medicine, joins the podcast to discuss creating a framework that strengthens organizational culture and improves the patient experience. She also shares insights on using transparent data through individualized scorecards and the power of peer influence to drive engagement and meaningful change.

In this episode, Jon Alford, CFO of UW Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Washington, joins the podcast to discuss “Project Refuel” and the importance of customization in healthcare operations. He also shares insights on driving sustainability and developing strategies that support long-term organizational goals.

In this episode, Stacey A. Rizza, MD, Medical Director for Global Commercial Solutions at Mayo Clinic International, joins the podcast to discuss how technology has transformed medicine and enabled faster, more accurate diagnoses. She also shares insights on the importance of global health collaborations and how partnerships can help advance healthcare delivery worldwide.

In this episode, Dan Shields, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Medicine, Ochsner Health, discusses scaling digital medicine, using AI responsibly, redesigning primary care and combining people and technology to improve access, outcomes and clinician efficiency.