Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Spring 2026 Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit features Dr. Janjri Desai, Interim VP, Pharmacy Services, Stanford Health Care and Dr. Seth Hartman, VP, Clinical Applications and Chief Pharmacy Information Officer, UChicago Medicine. They discuss how AI is streamlining administrative workflows, enabling more advanced clinical decision support, and reshaping pharmacy roles to improve patient care, workforce efficiency, and long-term health system sustainability.

This episode is sponsored by Omnicell.

In this episode, William Davis, MBA, CLSS, President, Illinois Region, Deaconess Illinois, discusses how strategic partnerships, technology investments, and disciplined execution are improving access to care in rural communities while helping the organization navigate financial pressures and workforce challenges.

In this episode, David Debono, MD, Oncology Medical Director at Carelon Health, shares how technology, clinical pathways, and data-driven insights are helping improve cancer care while supporting physicians, expanding access, and delivering more personalized treatment for patients.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, breaks down the latest hospital and payer earnings, examining how expiring ACA subsidies, Medicare Advantage margin recovery, and shifting reimbursement dynamics are reshaping financial performance and strategy across the healthcare industry.

In this episode, Kurt Barwis, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Health, shares how Bristol Health is preparing for its next chapter through strategic growth, operational discipline, and a planned partnership with UConn Health while navigating reimbursement changes, workforce challenges, and evolving care delivery.

In this episode, Bryant Lin, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Stanford, Author of Sunshine: An Exploration of Living When You Are Dying, Director of Medical Humanities and Arts, and Co-Director of the Center for Asian Health Research and Education, shares how his stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis reshaped his perspective on medicine, the importance of human-centered care, barriers like prior authorization, and why he remains hopeful about the next generation of physicians.

In this episode, Dan LaVallee, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement at UPMC Health Plan, and Dr. Brandy Hershberger, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Academic Affairs at UPMC, discuss how innovative apprenticeship programs, workforce partnerships, and community engagement are creating sustainable healthcare career pathways and strengthening the future workforce.

In this episode, Dr. Manish Sapra, System Vice President of Behavioral Health and Collaborative Service Lines for CommonSpirit Health, discusses strategies to expand access to behavioral healthcare, strengthen integrated care models, and address growing mental health needs through innovation and collaboration.

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.