The Strategy of Health

In this episode of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy podcast, host Cole interviews Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, the Deputy Health Commissioner for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Dr. Nelson discusses her journey from India to becoming a key figure in Philadelphia's public health system, overseeing several programmatic divisions. She emphasizes the importance of environmental justice, equity in health, and the role of community involvement in public health initiatives. The conversation also delves into balancing free market ideals with government intervention, measuring success through data, and the significance of collaboration and accessibility in improving public health outcomes.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:28 Meet Dr. Raval-Nelson01:02 Dr. Raval-Nelson's Role and Responsibilities02:33 Journey to Public Health Leadership10:08 Passion for Environmental Justice15:46 Balancing Free Market and Government Intervention21:33 Measuring Success in Public Health28:14 Collaboration and Community Engagement31:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Strategy of Health Podcast, Cole sits down with David O'Malley, former SVP of Strategy & Innovation at VNS Health, to explore how healthcare organizations can create sustainable, long-term innovation strategies. With over 20 years of experience in driving impactful change, David shares his four key principles of innovation: Be Deliberate, Create Innovators, Make Space, and Be Inclusive.00:00 Introduction to Sustained Innovation00:40 Meet David O'Malley01:55 Defining Innovation02:47 Challenges in Innovation03:47 Horizons of Innovation04:50 Creating an Innovative Organization09:51 Principles of Innovation10:31 Implementing Innovation Principles18:06 Making Space for Innovation22:03 De-risking Innovation Investments22:32 Understanding the Regulated Healthcare Environment22:51 The Concept of Tranche Funding24:16 Balanced Innovation Portfolio24:57 Implementing Tranche Funding in Healthcare29:09 Challenges in Innovation Implementation33:56 Decentralized Command and Micro Innovations37:30 Inclusivity in Innovation43:41 Final Thoughts on Healthcare Innovation

In this insightful episode of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, host Cole engages in a deep conversation with Tom Gaffney, Chief Growth Officer at Healthmap Solutions. The discussion delves into Healthmap's unique approach to kidney population health management, their strategic use of AI, and the company's commitment to early intervention in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Gaffney also shares the company's growth trajectory, their recent acquisition of Carium to enhance their technological capabilities, and the importance of building trust and relationships in local markets, including a successful example in Puerto Rico. This episode provides valuable insights not only for those in the CKD space but also for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to understand effective growth strategies in the healthcare sector. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:43 Tom Gaffney's Role and Healthmap Solutions' Journey 01:38 Healthmap's Value Proposition and Market Consistency 03:46 Focus on Early Stage CKD Management 06:45 Utilizing AI and Technology in Healthcare 08:45 Value-Based Care and Custom Care Pathways 12:37 Strategic Growth and Economic Models 24:29 Local Market Engagement and Success Stories 29:33 Future Plans and Closing Remarks

In this episode, Cole Lyons from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy interviews Dr. Kate Sowerwine, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and Chief Medical Officer at Recuro Health. Dr. Sowerwine shares her journey into telemedicine, starting with the startup Wellvia, which was since acquired by Recuro Health. She discusses Recuro Health's focus on behavioral and urgent care across all 50 states, emphasizing accessibility and personalized care through innovative services such as at-home lab tests, pharmacogenetics, and DNA testing for hereditary cancers. Dr. Sowerwine details the unique approach that Recuro Health takes towards customizing healthcare solutions for mid-market employers, TPAs, and brokers. She also highlights the importance of continuous care, physician satisfaction, and the strategic steps Recuro Health takes to ensure quality care and quick response times.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:33 Meet Dr. Kate Sowerwine00:49 Journey into Telemedicine03:00 Growth and Expansion of Services04:24 Personal Motivation and Mission05:43 Unique Aspects of Recuro Health07:02 Challenges and Solutions in Telemedicine08:06 Physician Experience and Satisfaction09:52 Virtual Primary Care and Accessibility15:04 Patient Records and Data Management22:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode, Cole from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy interviews Crystal Broj, the Chief Digital Transformation Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Crystal shares insights on MUSC's digital transformation journey, highlighting key innovations such as robotic process automation (RPA), Nuance DAX for ambient scribing, and the implementation of a natural language processing voice bot named Emily. With a focus on improving patient care and operational efficiency, Crystal discusses the challenges and successes in integrating these technologies. She also emphasizes the importance of leadership support, the physician partnership in adoption, and the need for continuous innovation. Join this episode to learn about the groundbreaking work happening at MUSC and the future of digital healthcare transformation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:34 Crystal's Role and MUSC Innovations 02:25 MUSC's Scale and Achievements 05:30 Innovative Projects at MUSC 07:48 Challenges and Successes in Digital Transformation 22:15 Voice Bot and Future Innovations 25:55 Collaboration and Implementation Challenges 28:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Cole from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy as he speaks with Tyler Smith, Director of Community Health at Mercy Health Lima, Ohio. In this insightful episode, Tyler shares the strategies and efforts involved in addressing community health needs, focusing on areas such as chronic disease management, housing, mental health, and food insecurity. He discusses the collaborative work with local health departments, nonprofits, and community partners to bridge healthcare gaps and improve health outcomes for diverse populations. Tune in to learn about the impactful programs and the comprehensive approach taken by Mercy Health Lima to extend care beyond the hospital walls. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:41 Role and Responsibilities of Community Health Director 03:07 Challenges in Community Health 04:25 Addressing Housing Issues 10:07 Community Health Improvement Plan 17:18 Engaging Rural and Urban Communities 21:06 Conclusion and Future Goals

Join Cole Lyons from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy as he interviews Arianne Dowdell, Vice President and Chief Culture & Engagement Officer at Houston Methodist. In this engaging discussion, Arianne shares her unique career journey from television and law to her current leadership role in healthcare. They explore the importance of DEI initiatives, the impact of a positive workplace culture, and how diverse perspectives drive innovation in healthcare. Discover how Houston Methodist is fostering a sense of belonging, improving retention rates, and contributing to the community through their DEI and health equity efforts.00:00 Introduction and Importance of Culture00:25 Meet Arianne Dowdell: Career Journey01:30 From Law to Healthcare: A Unique Path03:15 Mentorship and Early Career Influences05:11 Transition to Leadership Roles06:42 University Experience and DEI Involvement08:42 Joining Houston Methodist10:26 Key Qualities for Success in DEI15:14 Current Initiatives at Houston Methodist19:14 Impact and Benefits of DEI25:36 Innovation and Diversity of Thought30:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this insightful episode, host Cole Lyons from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy discusses executive project management techniques with Mitchell Fong, a seasoned leader with 15-20 years of experience in healthcare innovation and digital health. Mitchell shares his expertise on managing large-scale projects, especially under the immense pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of agile methodologies, community focus, transparent communication, and continuous improvement. Mitchell also offers valuable advice for healthcare executives on how to innovate effectively while managing capacity and avoiding burnout. Tune in for a comprehensive look into how to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems.00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:22 Meet the Expert: Mitchell Fong02:22 COVID-19 Response and Innovation06:09 Personal Strategies for Managing Crisis10:31 Agile Project Management in Healthcare21:09 Future Strategies and Community Focus22:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, host Cole Lyons is joined by Tannasia Gonzalez, Deputy Chief Quality Officer at the Jewish Board of Family and Children Services. Tannasia, who prefers to go by 'T', shares her extensive experience in improving quality and client experience in healthcare. She discusses her team's role in data analytics and quality improvement, focusing on how small data can transform healthcare processes. Drawing from her background, particularly her impactful work at an HIV/AIDS clinic, Tannasia emphasizes the importance of listening to clients, front desk staff, and leveraging small data for identifying and solving systemic issues. She also highlights the significance of customer feedback, the role of Six Sigma methodologies, and offers practical advice for getting started with quality improvement projects in complex healthcare settings. Don't miss this insightful conversation enriched with strategies to drive excellence in mental health and social services.00:00 Introduction to the Project00:24 Meet Tannasia Gonzalez01:00 Role and Responsibilities at the Jewish Board01:43 Quality Improvement and Data Analytics02:27 Lean Six Sigma and Organizational Transformation04:30 Understanding Small Data05:07 Impact of Small Data on Healthcare12:32 Challenges and Successes in Quality Improvement14:53 Engaging with Patients and Clients17:02 Getting Started with Quality Improvement22:29 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, host Cole Lyons interviews Dr. Damir Utrzan, Chief Compliance and Strategic Development Officer at Horowitz Health. Dr. Utrzan discusses his extensive career in mental health, transitioning from a clinician to a strategic business role. He emphasizes the critical importance of human connection in therapeutic outcomes and explores the challenges and solutions in staff shortages, profitability, and the complex processes of setting up mental health facilities. Tune in for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the intersection of clinical practice and business operations in the mental health sector. 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Human Connection 00:26 Meet Dr. Damir Utrzan: A Journey in Mental Health 01:36 Transition to Business Leadership 06:43 Challenges in Mental Health Staffing 11:34 Innovative Solutions for Mental Health Care 16:35 Sustainability and Profitability in Mental Health Facilities 25:06 Advice for Future Leaders