Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Lee A. Fleisher, M.D., M.L., of the University of Pennsylvania and former Chair of Anesthesia at Penn
Jul 29, 2025
Lee A. Fleisher, M.D., a prominent physician leader and former Chair of Anesthesia at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his deep insights into healthcare challenges. He discusses the regulatory landscape for AI and its vital role in enhancing patient care, as well as the impact of the 'Big Beautiful Bill' on organizations still grappling with COVID-related strains. Fleisher also emphasizes the urgent need for systemic transformation to bolster hospital capacity and resilience in the face of financial pressures.
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Episode notes
Financial and Workforce Strains
- The "big, beautiful bill" has added financial pressure to health systems, especially in rural Medicaid areas.
- Workforce strain persists post-COVID, complicating patient care amid rising AI use and patient inquiries from AI sources.
AI Risks and Regulation in Healthcare
- AI in clinical settings can hallucinate and may not be trained for diverse populations.
- Local implementation must include quality assurance and performance improvement akin to other medical error oversight.
Clinician Safety During COVID
- During COVID, clinicians felt unsafe due to rising violence, necessitating hospital leadership focus on staff and patient safety.
- Governing bodies were held accountable for quality assurance and staff safety as part of conditions of participation.
