The Strategy of Health

In this insightful episode, Cole Lyons from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy interviews Meghan Gaffney, CEO of VEDA Data Solutions. Meghan shares her unique journey from healthcare policy in Washington, D.C. to co-founding an AI-driven company aimed at improving access to healthcare. She delves into the challenges and successes of using AI and machine learning to create more accurate and equitable healthcare provider data directories. Meghan also discusses the importance of diverse teams in tech and the future of AI in personalizing patient experiences. Tune in to learn how VEDA is making a significant impact in the healthcare industry.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:37 Meghan Gaffney's Background and VEDA Data Solutions02:03 Transition from Policy to Tech02:24 The Genesis of VEDA and AI Implementation04:49 Challenges and Successes in AI and Healthcare17:52 Building a Diverse and Equitable Team23:52 Future of AI in Healthcare26:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Antwan Williams, COO of Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital (soon to be Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital) and Co-Founder of The Advancement League & Young Health Leaders Summit. Antwan shares his journey from aspiring civil engineer to healthcare executive, offering powerful insights on adaptability, leadership, and the importance of lateral networking in career growth. 🔑 Key Topics Covered:• How Antwan transitioned from engineering to healthcare leadership• The importance of flexibility and adaptability in career advancement• The origins and impact of The Advancement League and the Young Health Leaders Summit• Strategies for networking and building meaningful professional relationships• Managing the demands of hospital leadership while growing an organization• The importance of seeking perspective and knowing when to take the next career step📅 Upcoming Young Health Leaders SummitMay 14-16, 2025 | Atlanta, GAGet your tickets now before they sell out!📍 About The American Journal of Healthcare StrategyThe AJHCS podcast brings top healthcare leaders to share insights on strategy, innovation, and career growth in the industry.Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on the latest episodes.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:39 Meet Antwan Williams01:42 Journey into Healthcare Administration05:05 The Advancement League and Its Impact08:26 The Unique Approach of the Young Health Leaders Summit12:03 Balancing Roles and Finding Good People17:39 Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Leaders20:10 Upcoming Conference Details and Conclusion

In this episode of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, host Cole interviews healthcare consultant John Sun, Chief Growth Officer at Sun Curating Group in San Antonio, Texas. With over 31 years of federal government experience and 22 years in healthcare, Sun shares his insights on the current challenges in healthcare policy, particularly in mental health and telehealth. He emphasizes the importance of aligning policies with community needs and leveraging public-private partnerships to improve healthcare access, especially in rural and Native American communities. Sun also discusses the role of technology, sustainable contracting mechanisms, and the significance of listening to and co-creating solutions with local communities. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:43 Meet the Expert: John Sun 01:47 Current Challenges in Healthcare Policy 02:11 Telehealth and Policy Evolution 03:39 Rural Health and Broadband Issues 08:25 Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare 09:38 Sustainable Solutions for Healthcare 14:04 Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare 22:00 The Importance of Collaboration 23:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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