Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Becker's Healthcare

The Becker's Healthcare Podcast is devoted to the people who power U.S. healthcare. Four new 15-minute episodes are released daily containing industry news, analysis and thought leadership from powerful healthcare decision-makers.

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AI Governance, Prior Authorization and the Future of Healthcare with Dylan Reid
Today at 3:00 AM

In this episode, Dylan Reid, President of Dylan Reid Media, discusses AI governance, prior authorization, regulatory transparency and the need for stronger clinical alignment as healthcare organizations adopt new technologies. He also shares leadership lessons on culture, accountability and understanding the technology behind AI.


Kevin Webb on Making Hospitals Safer Through Culture and Error Prevention
Today at 12:00 AM

In this episode, Kevin Webb, retired health system leader and author of Is Your Hospital Safe?, shares lessons from 35 years of hospital leadership and discusses reducing medical errors through stronger cultures, better processes, transparency and effective escalation.


Reducing Waste and Improving Musculoskeletal Care with Dr. Steve Schutzer
Today at 12:00 AM

In this episode, Steve Schutzer, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon & Co-founder, Upswing Health, discusses unnecessary MSK utilization, the limits of virtual care, specialty care navigation and how price transparency can help employers improve outcomes and reduce costs.


Robotic Breast Surgery Advances and Personalized Cancer Care with Dr. Noran Barry
Yesterday at 9:00 PM

In this episode, Dr. Noran Barry, Dual-Trained Breast Surgical Oncology & Surgical Critical Care UC Berkeley MPH student, discusses robotic nipple sparing mastectomy, advances in breast reconstruction, and how health systems can expand access to innovative, patient centered breast cancer care.


Expanding Access to Heart Transplantation Through Innovation and Collaboration with Sharon Klarman
Yesterday at 5:00 PM

In this episode, Sharon Klarman, Associate Vice President of Solid Organ Transplantation and VAD at Tufts Medical Center, discusses innovations in donor heart procurement and preservation, regional care partnerships, and strategies to expand transplant access and grow heart transplant programs.


Building a More Connected Approach to Spine Care with Maureen Cappola & Caitlin Rivet
Yesterday at 3:00 PM

In this episode, Maureen Cappola, Executive Director of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at Tufts Medicine, and Caitlin Rivet, BSN, RN, Director of Clinical Operations at New England Neurological Associates, discuss how multidisciplinary collaboration and coordinated referrals can streamline the spine care journey, improve patient access and reduce delays.


Using AI and Virtual Reality to Strengthen EMS Training with Dan LaVallee
Yesterday at 10:00 AM

In this episode, Dan LaVallee, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement at UPMC Health Plan, discusses how an AI powered virtual reality simulator is helping EMT students build clinical readiness, confidence and communication skills. He shares how UPMC’s Freedom House program supports workforce development and how this training model could expand to other communities.


Tower Health’s Shift From Turnaround to Sustainable Growth with Michael Stern
Yesterday at 3:00 AM

In this episode, Michael Stern, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tower Health, discusses the health system’s financial recovery, strategic growth priorities, patient access, workforce culture and payer challenges. He also shares how partnerships and a focus on patient experience are shaping Tower Health’s future.


Sinai Chicago Prepares for Medicaid Changes and Healthcare Innovation with Thomasina Wilkins
Last Friday at 9:00 PM

In this episode, Thomasina Wilkins, Chief Revenue Officer, Sinai Chicago, discusses preparing for Medicaid changes in 2027, reducing healthcare disparities, strengthening financial sustainability and using AI to improve clinical operations and patient financial services.


Advancing APP Leadership and Team Based Care with Rhonda Hoyer & Britney Broyhill
Last Friday at 4:30 PM

In this episode, Rhonda Hoyer, Vice President of Advanced Practice, Wisconsin & Illinois Divisions at Advocate Health, and Britney Broyhill, Vice President of Advanced Practice, North Carolina and Georgia division at Advocate Health, discuss strategies for optimizing the advanced practice workforce, improving patient access, and strengthening team based care through dedicated executive leadership.


Beyond the Doomerism: What Safe Healthcare AI Looks Like in Practice
Last Friday at 10:00 AM

In this episode, Munjal Shah, Co-Founder & CEO of Hippocratic AI, discusses how healthcare AI can improve patient access and outcomes through rigorous safety testing, clinical safeguards and responsible deployment. 

This episode is sponsored by Hippocratic AI.


Tonya Johnson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Health System Chief Operating Officer at MU Health Care
Last Friday at 3:00 AM

In this episode, Tonya Johnson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Health System Chief Operating Officer at MU Health Care, joins the podcast to discuss the role of specialized physicians and care teams in delivering high-quality care. She also shares insights on making care more convenient for patients and creating models that better meet their evolving needs.


Building Better Patient Experiences with Alan Dubovsky
Last Thursday at 9:00 PM

In this episode, Alan Dubovsky, Vice President and Chief Patient Experience Officer, Cedars-Sinai, discusses improving patient experience metrics, simplifying the healthcare journey, integrating patient experience into operations, and connecting employee and patient experience.


Advancing Clinical Decision Support and AI in Patient Care with Dr. Danny Lee
Last Thursday at 4:30 PM

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 11th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Conference features Danny Lee, MD, Chief Medical Informatics Officer, Johns Hopkins Medicine Community Physicians, who discusses using AI to synthesize clinical data, support real-time decision-making, reduce provider burnout, and strengthen care coordination across settings.

In collaboration with Philips.


How AI and Data Are Reshaping Pharmacy Operations
Last Thursday at 10:00 AM

In this episode, Susan Wright, PharmD, MBA, FGSHP, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Wellstar Health System, discusses how AI, connected data, and automation can address pharmacy workforce shortages, improve medication inventory and safety, and give pharmacists more time to focus on patient care.

This episode is sponsored by BD.


Betty Jo Rocchio, DNP, RN, CRNA, Executive Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Advocate Health
Last Thursday at 3:00 AM

In this episode, Betty Jo Rocchio, DNP, RN, CRNA, Executive Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Advocate Health, joins the podcast to discuss the workforce, workflows and work environment factors shaping the nursing profession. She shares insights on using flexible work hours and staffing and scheduling systems to support nurses, the retention strategies that are delivering results, and how healthcare organizations can help new graduates thrive as they begin their careers.


Putting Nurses at the Center of AI and Health IT Innovation with Lavonia Thomas
Last Wednesday at 9:00 PM

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 11th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Conference features Lavonia Thomas, Chief Nursing Informatics And Innovation Officer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who discusses connecting patient data, strengthening care transitions, and ensuring nurses help define problems and workflows before AI and technology solutions are implemented.

In collaboration with Philips.


Rural Health Transformation Funding and Strategies for Hospital Sustainability
Last Wednesday at 4:30 PM

In this episode, Michael Morgan, SVP Strategic Analysis, Community Hospital Corporation, discusses the Rural Health Transformation Program, financial pressures facing rural hospitals, and strategies involving revenue cycle, partnerships, operational efficiency, and community support to strengthen long-term sustainability.

This episode is sponsored by Community Hospital Corporation.


How SSM Health Is Supporting Their Workforce with Education
Last Wednesday at 10:00 AM

In this episode, Amber Wood, DNP, RN, MBA, Vice President of Clinical Education & Clinical Placements, SSM Health, discusses how SSM Health is using accessible education, clinical cohorts, and leadership development to strengthen talent pipelines, improve retention, and support workforce growth.

This episode is sponsored by InStride.


Erica Rubinstein, Vice President of Patient Experience at Mount Sinai Health System
Last Wednesday at 3:00 AM

In this episode, Erica Rubinstein, Vice President of Patient Experience at Mount Sinai Health System, joins the podcast to discuss the patient and staff experience in ambulatory surgery and the opportunities to improve care beyond the clinical encounter. She shares insights on creating a more seamless experience for patients while also supporting staff and addressing the operational factors that shape how patients experience their care.


AI Driven Solutions for Scheduling, Prior Authorization and Practice Efficiency with Xavier de Gracia
Last Tuesday at 9:00 PM

In this episode, Xavier de Gracia, Co-Founder, Prosper AI, discusses how AI agents automate patient calls, appointment scheduling, insurance verification and prior authorization workflows to reduce administrative burdens, prevent revenue leakage and improve practice revenue.


Advancing Whole Child Health and Early Intervention with Dr. Patrice Harris
Last Tuesday at 4:30 PM

In this episode, Patrice Harris, MD, MA, Executive Vice President and Chief Health Impact Officer, Nemours Children's Health, discusses whole child health, kindergarten readiness, early intervention and the leadership needed to drive meaningful healthcare transformation.


Where AI Can Help Health Systems Manage Complexy & Specialty Pharmacy Operations
Last Tuesday at 10:00 AM

In this episode, Kim Tzoumakas, CEO, VytlOne, discusses how AI can streamline complex pharmacy operations, strengthen 340B compliance, reduce administrative burden, and support better revenue management while keeping clinical decisions with qualified teams.

This episode is sponsored by VytlOne


Dr. Chris Thomas, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at FMOL Health
Last Tuesday at 3:00 AM

In this episode, Dr. Chris Thomas, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at FMOL Health, joins the podcast to discuss new innovations and the importance of feedback in improving healthcare quality. He also shares insights on how diagnostic accuracy can create more patient-centered outcomes and the importance of evaluating and improving care for sepsis patients.


Lauren G. Wirth on Leadership, Relationships and Taking Risks
Last Monday at 9:00 PM

In this episode, Lauren G. Wirth, President and CEO of New London Hospital, shares lessons on building relationships, listening, embracing complexity, supporting teams and taking risks to pursue new leadership opportunities.


Scaling AI in Healthcare Through Better Data, Workflow and Trust with Nirav Shah
Last Monday at 4:30 PM

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 11th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Conference features Nirav Shah, Associate Chief Medical Informatics Officer, AI and Innovation, Endeavor Health, who discusses using AI to reduce cognitive burden, unify fragmented clinical data, improve care transitions, and responsibly scale AI tools through measurable value and trust.

In collaboration with Philips.


Improving Patient Experience Through Frontline Care with Eddie Borrego
Last Monday at 10:00 AM

In this episode, Eddie Borrego, SVP & CEO, Regional Hospitals & Physician Services, Chief Patient Experience Officer, Jackson Health System, discusses how standardized care practices, frontline engagement and stronger communication have improved patient experience and helped Jackson Health System advance its quality and experience ratings.


Stephanie Everett, Administrator, CEO, Foundation Director, and PR and Marketing Director at Mountrail Bethel Home, Mountrail County Medical Center, and Mountrail County Health Foundation
Last Monday at 3:00 AM

In this episode, Stephanie Everett, Administrator, CEO, Foundation Director, and PR and Marketing Director at Mountrail Bethel Home, Mountrail County Medical Center, and Mountrail County Health Foundation, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of remaining balanced while leading across multiple areas of healthcare. She also reflects on the handling of COVID-19, the ongoing need for greater attention and support for nursing homes, and the challenges facing long-term care.


Chirag Choudhary, MD, MBA, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and Marc Babi, MD, MBA, FNCS, Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic and Case Western University, Florida Region, and Center Director for Neur
10/11/2026

In this episode, Chirag Choudhary, MD, MBA, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and Marc Babi, MD, MBA, FNCS, Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic and Case Western University, Florida Region, and Center Director for Neurocritical Care, Neurohospitalist, Stroke, and Neuro-Intervention, join the podcast to discuss improving access to care for stroke patients and the best practices and quality metrics that support high-quality stroke care. They also share insights on putting patients and caregivers first while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety.


Robert Rose, DNP, System Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Nursing at Ascension
10/11/2026

In this episode, Robert Rose, DNP, System Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Nursing at Ascension, joins the podcast to discuss strategies for improving nurse retention and building a stronger nursing workforce. He also shares insights on developing nurses and strengthening leadership capabilities to support both individual growth and the future of nursing.


Strengthening Medicaid and Maternal Health in Florida with Fiona Fang
10/11/2026

In this episode, Fiona Fang, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Florida, discusses Medicaid challenges, maternal and infant health, whole person care and efforts to help members maintain coverage. She also shares how data, community partnerships and targeted outreach can improve outcomes.


Dr. Lee Kojanis of Premier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in New Jersey
10/11/2026

In this episode, Dr. Lee Kojanis of Premier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in New Jersey joins the podcast to discuss the impact of private equity on oral and maxillofacial surgery practices and how changes in the practice environment are shaping the delivery of care. He also shares insights on patient-specific surgery and the use of digital treatment planning to develop more individualized approaches to surgical care.


Terry McDonnell, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Duke University Health System and Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs at Duke University School of Nursing
10/10/2026

In this episode, Terry McDonnell, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Duke University Health System and Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs at Duke University School of Nursing, joins the podcast to discuss the growing clinical skills gap and the importance of preparing nurses with the skills and confidence needed to succeed at the bedside. She also shares insights on introducing specialized training earlier in education and addressing high turnover rates among bedside nurses.


Redefining Success in Spine Surgery with Dr. Aqib Zehri
10/10/2026

In this episode, Aqib Zehri, MD, Neurosurgeon practicing in Portland, Ore, discusses the importance of long term outcomes in spine surgery, using patient reported data to evaluate success, and how standardization and technology can improve sustainable spine care.


Building Better Health Plans for Small Businesses with Meredith Duncan
10/10/2026

In this episode, Meredith Duncan, president and CEO of Texicare, discusses expanding access to affordable health coverage for small businesses, virtual care, provider network growth and the importance of building strong local relationships with providers and brokers.


Building a Stronger Patient Experience Through Employee Engagement with Jill Mabry
10/10/2026

In this episode, Jill Mabry, Vice President of Patient Experience, Novant Health, discusses how investing in team member engagement, recognition, culture, and patient feedback can strengthen patient experience and drive meaningful improvements across a growing health system. She also shares how Novant Health’s SPARK program brings these strategies to life.


Using AI to Turn Healthcare Data Into Actionable Insights with Dr. Cheng-Kai Kao
10/09/2026

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 11th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Conference features Cheng-Kai Kao, MD, FACP, SFHM, Chief Medical Information Officer, UChicago Medicine, who discusses using AI to turn complex patient data into actionable insights, improve care transitions, streamline AI adoption, and close gaps in care coordination.

In collaboration with Philips.


Leadership, Resilience and the Power of Whole Person Care with Dr. Anthony Hilliard
10/09/2026

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Hilliard, President of Loma Linda University Health and CEO of Loma Linda University Health, Hospitals, shares lessons from his healthcare journey, the resilience he developed through sports and serious injuries, and his approach to leading with vulnerability, reflection and purpose. He also discusses his transition from interventional cardiology to health system leadership and his focus on strengthening the patient and caregiver relationship across the organization.


Health System Margins, Growth, and M&A with Alan Condon
10/09/2026

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, discusses improving financial performance among major health systems, growth strategies amid reimbursement pressures, and the latest wave of hospital M&A and market consolidation.


Rethinking What Health Systems Should Own, Build, and Partner On with Laura Dyrda
10/09/2026

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses health system restructuring, the shift toward strategic partnerships, and how leaders are rethinking what they should own, outsource, or build in-house.