Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

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, Luminate, 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.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor in Chief of Becker’s Healthcare, shares insights on the 2026 outlook for healthcare providers, including policy shifts, Medicaid changes, consolidation trends, and financial pressures. She discusses why leaders are balancing near term challenges with cautious optimism as they plan for stability, access, and long term transformation.

In this episode,  Byron Glasgow, MBA, Vice President of Finance at Temple University Health System, discusses rising healthcare costs, value based care challenges, and the role of AI in easing administrative burdens. He also shares how Temple Health is pursuing mission aligned growth while serving as a vital safety net for Philadelphia.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features Saad Ehtisham, President & CEO, Atlantic Health. He shares his vision for sustainable growth, clinical excellence, and responsible AI adoption, emphasizing how technology and partnerships can drive efficiency, enhance care delivery, and improve patient outcomes across the system.

In collaboration with R1.

In this episode, Alex Lebrun breaks down the shift from soft ROI to precise, measurable financial impact as health systems scale AI beyond pilots. He explains why coding and revenue cycle use cases are leading the way, how end to end AI workflows will change measurement, and why the industry is still in the very early stages of its AI journey.

This episode is sponsored by Nabla.

In this episode, Dr. Hesham A. Hassaballa, Medical Director of Critical Care and Respiratory Therapy at Rush-Copley Medical Center, discusses how AI is transforming clinical care, the irreplaceable human elements of medicine, and the leadership values that guide his work. He also shares insights on physician excellence, system-level improvement, and what inspires him as he looks ahead to 2026.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Kunjan Divatia, Vice President of Digital Technology Solutions at Yale New Haven Health. He discusses how AI, virtual care, and emerging digital tools are reshaping provider workflows, improving patient access, and guiding health systems as they navigate new legislation, workforce pressure, and evolving operational demands.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable features Nick Barcellona, Chief Financial Officer, WVU Medicine. He discusses the system’s rapid expansion, its commitment to population health through integrated payer-provider models, and how AI is improving efficiency, reducing burnout, and enhancing the patient and provider experience.

In collaboration with R1.

This episode explores the critical role of post-fracture care (PFC) in improving patient care and optimizing healthcare systems. Two program coordinators highlight real-world examples of how PFC can reduce the risk of subsequent fractures and lower healthcare costs. They also share actionable strategies for how to integrate PFC best practices into existing healthcare frameworks including aligning objectives with the organization’s broader strategic goals and establishing and tracking against clear metrics.

This episode is sponsored by Amgen.

In this episode, Jamila M. Porter, DrPH, MPH, Chief of Staff and Principal Investigator of MADE for Health Justice at the de Beaumont Foundation, and Aysha Dominguez Pamukcu, JD, Policy Fund Director at the San Francisco Foundation, discuss their new book “Strategic Skills for Public Health Practice: Advancing Equity & Justice”. They share how the field can reclaim its social justice roots, push back against rising attacks on equity, and build a more inclusive and community driven future for public health.

This episode, recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features Dr. Yasir Tarabichi, CHAIO, CMIO of Ovatient, MetroHealth. He discusses how MetroHealth is deploying responsible, enterprise-wide AI solutions, balancing innovation with operational needs, and ensuring technology enhances care, equity, and clinician experience.

In this episode, Ashley Schutz, Director of IT Quality Assurance at University Health in San Antonio, Texas, shares how her team enhances patient flow and transparency while supporting major technology initiatives, including LeanTaaS' iQueue for Inpatient Flow and the system’s broader clinical and IT modernization efforts. 

This episode is sponsored by LeanTaaS.

In this episode, Will Yin, CEO of Mandolin, explains how AI driven automation is transforming specialty pharmacy by reducing time to therapy, preventing revenue leakage, and helping health systems navigate evolving payer requirements with greater clarity, consistency, and data insight.

This episode is sponsored by Mandolin.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Nikhil Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists. Dr. Shetty shares how independent ASCs are leveraging technology, lean operations, and price transparency to deliver faster, safer, and more patient-centered care while maintaining flexibility and efficiency in a growing outpatient surgery market.

In this episode, Grant Luke, ASC Ambassador and consultant in supply chain and healthcare technology, discusses the transfer of high-acuity cases and the operational adjustments needed for stronger asset management and workflow optimization. He shares how Cap Expert is reshaping technology in healthcare and offers advice for emerging leaders—especially on bridging finance and clinical perspectives.

In this episode, Michael S. Smith, MD, MBA, Associate System Chief of Gastroenterology for Clinical Operations and Strategic Planning at The Mount Sinai Health System and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses key trends in GI care, late cancellations, telehealth, AI adoption, and how strong leadership and culture can support both providers and patients.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Bob Bishop, Chief Designer, JointSpace. Bob discusses how emerging technologies like blockchain and advanced digital tools are transforming ambulatory surgery centers by streamlining operations, enhancing patient care, and restoring direct, trusted relationships between doctors and patients.

In this episode, Ellen Sexton, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Blue Shield of California, discusses the impact of major policy changes on Medicaid and commercial markets, how her team is preparing for uncertainty, and the strategies needed to support members, stabilize employer coverage, and advance innovation across California's health care landscape.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Ramis Gheith, Chief Medical Officer, DxTx Pain and Spine. Dr. Gheith shares how physician-owned ASCs are reshaping care delivery, highlights the transformative role of AI in spinal therapies and informed consent, and emphasizes the power of mission-driven culture in attracting top healthcare talent.

In this episode, Bernard R. Jones, Vice President, MGB Behavioral & Mental Health, Mass General Brigham; Vice President, MGB Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, McLean Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Faulkner Hospital, discusses his dual leadership roles across Mass General Brigham and the system’s work to integrate psychiatric services, expand innovative treatments, and improve both patient and provider experience.

In this episode, Dr. Maulik Purohit, Chief Health Innovation Officer at datosX Digital Health Labs and Head of Innovation at PAM Health, discusses the challenges of current quality metrics and their impact on patient care. He explores how aligning metrics with real outcomes, fostering team accountability, and reducing administrative burdens can improve health system performance and frontline provider experiences.

In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Brown, Medical Director and Clinical Lead for Women’s Health at Elevance Health, discusses Elevance Health’s expansion of doula services into select employer health plans, highlighting how doula support improves outcomes, reduces disparities, strengthens the care experience, and creates long-term value for mothers and babies.

In this episode, Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, joins the podcast to discuss the latest advancements shaping spine care. He shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of robotic technology, strategies clinicians can use to help patients avoid surgery when appropriate, and how to address today’s growing “information culture” and misinformation challenges. Dr. Anderer also highlights where he expects to see the most meaningful growth in spine care over the next one to two years.

In this episode, Lisa Borbon, MSN, RN, BC-NE, Administrator for the West Florida Division of Advent Health Home Care, discusses how telehealth, wearable devices, and AI are transforming patient engagement and clinical efficiency. She also underscores the importance of empathetic communication, informed insurance decisions, and supporting higher acuity care in the home.

In this episode, Harminder (Mindy) Grewal, MD, MBBS, DGO, DiplABOIM, FAAFP, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and Whole Health Clinical Lead at the Dayton VA Medical Center, shares how AI is streamlining efficiency and transforming clinical workflows. She discusses promising partnerships shaping the future of care, the importance of serving underserved and rural communities, and the initiatives driving sustainable growth in primary care and whole-health models.

In this episode, Harpreet Pall, MD, MBA, CPE, Chief Medical Officer at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital, shares strategies for reducing clinical variation, improving transitions of care, leveraging data for frontline teams, and building a culture of trust while offering guidance for emerging healthcare leaders.