Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Sumana Moole of Merus Gastroenterology & Gut Health LLC,  discusses her path to founding an independent GI practice, the growth of complex procedures in ASCs, and how AI and physician-led models are reshaping patient centered gastroenterology.

On this episode, Cory Jones, System AVP of Oncology Services at Banner Health joins the podcast to discuss how targeted therapies are reshaping the oncology landscape. He also shares strategies for improving access to care by leveraging imaging capabilities, reflects on key responsibilities in his leadership role, and highlights what’s ahead in cancer care innovation.

In this episode, Dr. James McGee shares how OSF HealthCare is expanding access to advanced cancer therapies, including proton therapy, flash radiation, and innovative brachytherapy techniques. He also discusses the institute’s push toward personalized risk assessment, early detection, and bringing cutting edge research to rural communities.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Medical Director, UW Health Pain Services. He discusses the rapid growth of ASC models, how AI driven tools are improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden, and why joint ventures and collaboration are key to strengthening patient care and financial sustainability.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Jason Hill, Innovation Officer, Ochsner Health. He discusses the rapid evolution of AI in clinical care, the rise of ambient listening, the challenges of operational and ethical constraints, and why frontline insight is essential for meaningful technological transformation.

In this episode, Tom Buckley shares the biggest revenue cycle challenges facing health systems today, from payer denials to rising patient financial responsibility, and how Virtua Health is using AI, automation, and strong communication practices to stay ahead. He also reflects on evolving leadership expectations and what it takes to keep teams resilient and aligned in a rapidly changing environment.

In this episode, Rachel Feinman of Tampa General Hospital Ventures, discusses navigating regulatory uncertainty, scaling technology driven innovation, and leveraging AI and brand strength to drive system growth and enhance patient care.

Cheng-Kai Kao, MD, FACP, SFHM, Chief Medical Information Officer at UChicago Medicine, explores how technology is being leveraged to enhance patient care and streamline workflow efficiency. He discusses the necessity of AI governance in monitoring artificial intelligence and ensuring responsible implementation. Additionally, he shares his vision and strategies for setting up UChicago Medicine for long-term success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Kerri Webster, Vice President and Chief Analytics Officer at Children's Hospital Colorado, discusses how her team is leveraging data, predictive analytics, and AI to enhance patient care. She shares key milestones, future growth opportunities, and the importance of data literacy in shaping the future of pediatric healthcare.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Benjamin Levy, Gastroenterologist and Clinical Associate of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine. He discusses rising demand for colonoscopy driven by updated screening guidelines, the value of ASC partnerships, and how emerging AI tools are transforming documentation, polyp detection, and overall efficiency in GI care.

On this episode, Dr. Scott L. Blumenthal, Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute, joins the podcast to discuss the latest insights in disc replacements, including new research and the root causes of complications. He also shares his perspective on the role of private insurance in patient access and breaks down the biggest disruptors he expects to shape spine surgery in 2026, particularly growing restrictions around advanced technologies.

In this episode, Patti DeWane, CFO and Treasurer of UW Health Northern Illinois, discusses key industry pressures including workforce challenges, regulatory concerns, and the rising cost of technology. She also highlights new operational opportunities, service line expansion, and UW Health’s strategy to drive growth while keeping care close to home.

On this episode, Sha Edathumparampil, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Baptist Health South Florida, joins the podcast to discuss rising concerns around the cost of care and how health systems can expand access while improving the patient experience. He also highlights the role of digital strategy in enabling personalized medicine and delivering more tailored, effective care at scale.

In this episode, Brett Maxfield, MS, CRNA and President and CEO of Maxfield Healthcare Solutions, shares the top trends shaping ASCs today, including rising costs, anesthesia shortages, and the growing impact of AI. He also discusses technology adoption challenges, evolving specialties, and what he’s watching for ASC growth in the year ahead.

On this episode, Dr. Chandler Wilfong and Dr. Edward Cho of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at OSF Healthcare join the podcast to discuss their work in expanding access to GI cancer care. They share how their nursing navigation program supports patients throughout the care journey, efforts to streamline services for greater convenience, and their plans to scale and broaden reach across the health system.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Kaitlyn Torrence, Senior Director, Innovation, WellSpan Health. She shares how WellSpan is advancing AI use cases from ambient tools to agentic AI, balancing innovation with governance, preparing for evolving policy changes, and keeping patient needs at the center of technology strategy.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker’s Healthcare, breaks down the fast-moving developments around ACA enhanced subsidies, rising premiums, and how payers and health systems are preparing for major shifts ahead.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Teitelbaum, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Finance Officer at Mount Sinai Health System, shares insights from his three decades in clinical practice and leadership. He discusses the history and scale of Mount Sinai, the growing influence of payers on clinical decision making, and what physician leaders can do to reclaim autonomy and strengthen patient-centered care.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down Q3 financial results from major nonprofit systems and what they signal about ongoing stabilization and strain across the sector.

In this episode, Chris Carmody, SVP and CTO of UPMC, discusses the health system's journey toward a single Epic instance, including the technological and organizational hurdles of wave one of the UPMC Bridges project. He shares lessons learned, how UPMC approaches integrating newly acquired sites, and what sets their large scale consolidation apart as they prepare for Wave Two.

 In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down major CMS policy changes affecting inpatient-only procedures, ASC growth, and the push toward site neutrality. She also highlights the evolving political landscape around ACA subsidies and what these developments mean for hospitals, ASCs, and patients.

On this episode, Dr. Debra A. Wong, Medical Oncologist at City of Hope and Medical Director at AccessHope, joins the podcast to discuss better supporting frontline oncologists in resource-limited settings, improving cancer care access, and the importance of not losing sight of the human element in care.

In this episode, Joel Vengco discusses Hartford HealthCare’s commitment to expanding access, harnessing data, and building consumer centered digital experiences, while sharing how AI, agentic technologies, and workforce evolution will shape the system’s future.

On this episode, Roberta Schwartz, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Houston Methodist, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of implementing new technologies amid increasing information overload and the importance of transparency in adoption. She also highlights efforts to reduce mortality rates, ongoing challenges around access and reimbursement for telehealth services, and her perspective on the future of AI in healthcare.

On this episode, Randy Robbins, MD, President of Valiant Anesthesia Associates, joins the podcast to discuss the effects of COVID on anesthesia, the importance of quality of care, and fostering strong physician engagement.

On this episode, Joey Seliski, Director of Digital Health Strategy and Operations at Allegheny Health Network, joins the podcast to discuss workplace shortages and burnout, growth and adding value through digital initiatives, and preparing for rapid change in healthcare technology.

In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down the top healthcare developments of the week, including CMS rate updates, financial trends across health systems, hiring freezes, job cuts, and more.

On this episode, Kyle Benoit, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Bayhealth joins the podcast to discuss challenges around access and cost of care, strategies for optimizing the organization’s technology footprint, and navigating Medicaid cuts. He also shares insights on expanding and improving the ambulatory care footprint while maintaining high-quality patient outcomes.

On this episode, Matthew Cantonis, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of USF Tampa General Physicians joins the podcast to discuss how leadership culture drives improvements in patient access. He highlights the role of agentic communication in reducing manual touchpoints, the importance of data transparency in decision-making, and how academic expansion will shape the future of access across the system.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Patrick Garman, Executive Administrator, Spartan Health Surgicenter. He discusses key forces driving ASC growth, the evolving role of technology, and how physician-led decision making shapes effective partnerships and long-term sustainability.

 In this episode, Dr. Allyson Brooks, the Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair of the Hoag Women’s Health Institute, discusses how Hoag is transforming menopause care through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and community engagement. She shares how the FDA’s recent hormone therapy update and women’s growing advocacy are reshaping the future of midlife health.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Tricia Wollam, CASC Administrator, Alliance Surgery Center. She shares insights on the key trends driving ASC market growth, the impact of higher acuity procedures, and how technologies like EHRs are transforming efficiency and care coordination.

In this episode, Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer at Essence Healthcare, explains how strong provider partnerships, real time data, and a member centered approach drive the plan’s four and a half star performance. She also shares how addressing social needs and listening closely to members shapes future benefit design and care delivery.

In this episode, Steve Tringale, President of Mass General Brigham Health Plan, shares how the organization is expanding its product portfolio, entering the dual eligible market, and investing in integrated digital care management to better support members across all stages of life.

On this episode, Dr. Vladimir Manuel, Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for the Department of Family Medicine, and Scott Jahnke, Senior Director of Operations at UCLA Health, join the podcast to discuss de-escalation of care, improving decision-making effectiveness and efficiency in healthcare, reducing admission rates, and operationalizing data to drive better outcomes.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Emily Jacobsen, VP Clinical Systems and Chief of Clinical Informatics at the University of Maryland Medical System. She discusses how her team advances AI use cases, strengthens virtual care, and balances innovation with governance, clinician needs, and rapidly evolving legislation.

On this episode, Janet L. Carlson, MSN, BSN, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, Vice President of ASC Operations at Commonwealth Pain & Spine | Advanced Surgical Institute, joins the podcast to discuss advancements with AI, the growth of the ASC space over the next year including the rise of multi-specialty centers, and how her team continues to prioritize patient satisfaction.

In this episode, Vijay Bachani, President and Chief Growth Officer of New York Bariatric Group, discusses ASC trends, expansion opportunities, and how partnerships, negotiation leverage, and high BMI capabilities position his organization for strong growth in the year ahead.

In this episode, Brenna T. Loufek, Director of AI Regulatory and Quality at Mayo Clinic, discusses how the organization safely translates AI innovations into clinical practice. She explains governance frameworks, ethical considerations, and strategies for deploying AI tools to support both administrative efficiency and clinical decision-making while maintaining trust and patient safety. - The views expressed are Brenna’s personal views, and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Mayo Clinic.

In this episode, Aron Klein shares insights on the top revenue cycle pressures facing health systems today, including payer policies, rising denials, and regulatory uncertainty, while also discussing how Carle Health is using automation and systemwide efficiencies to strengthen performance and improve patient access.