Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Dr. Nolan Wessell, an assistant professor and well-being co-director at the University of Colorado, shares insights on the evolving challenges in spine surgery. He discusses the significance of AI and robotics in enhancing surgical efficiency and clinician decision-making. Nolan highlights the critical issue of declining reimbursement rates and their impact on healthcare accessibility. He emphasizes the importance of physician advocacy in shaping policies to support both providers and patients in this changing landscape.

Adam Williams, VP of Payer Operations and Strategy at Tava Health, shares his deep commitment to improving mental health care stemming from personal experiences. He emphasizes the necessity of placing mental health at the forefront of healthcare strategies. Williams discusses the challenges of provider burnout due to heavy caseloads and stresses the importance of administrative support. He advocates for innovative care models and strategic partnerships as pathways for growth, aiming to enhance both access and quality in mental health services.

Julie Kline, Chief Human Resources Officer at Erie County Medical Center Corporation, dives into the complexities of workforce development post-COVID. She discusses innovative retention strategies and the importance of career development pathways that adapt to individual needs. Kline emphasizes the significance of aligning employee roles with organizational goals to enhance efficiency. For emerging leaders, she shares insights on fostering creativity, positive psychology, and lifelong learning as essential tools for success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Dr. Ardeshir Rastinehad, a dual-trained interventional radiologist and urologic oncologist, dives into the cutting-edge landscape of prostate cancer treatment. He highlights the importance of MRI-based screening and reveals how focal therapy can selectively target cancerous areas, showcasing impressive success rates with cryotherapy. Rastinehad also discusses the burgeoning Focal Therapy Society and the potential for expanding access to minimally invasive procedures, promising a brighter future for patients managing prostate health.

Frank D. Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., PhD, is the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, with expertise in spine care and motion-preserving technologies. He discusses the evolving role of AI in spine research, predicting its growth for analytics and patient management. Vrionis highlights the importance of motion preservation technologies over traditional fusion methods, while also addressing the challenges of insurance barriers that limit patient access to innovative treatments. Educating patients on their options remains crucial amidst these challenges.

Andrew Lovewell, CEO of Columbia Orthopaedic Group, shares his extensive experience in orthopedics and outpatient care. He delves into the migration of cases to ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and the vital role of technology in enhancing operations. Lovewell emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and engaging employers to maximize the value of ASCs. He also offers insights on selecting impactful technology, recommending a phased approach to adoption. This candid discussion highlights the future of orthopedic care in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this lively discussion, Luis Taveras, Senior VP and CIO at Jefferson Health, delves into the transformative power of ambient AI in clinical settings, highlighting its positive reception among clinicians. He shares insights on how to scale digital tools efficiently without burdening operations and emphasizes the need for CIOs to prioritize value-driven leadership. Luis also reflects on the current legislative landscape's limited impact on IT strategy, hinting at future changes driven by AI regulations.

Geri Eaves, a seasoned CEO and administrator at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, dives into the booming ambulatory surgery center (ASC) market. She explores how market forces, like the shift towards outpatient procedures and cost pressures, are driving ASC growth. Eaves highlights the transformative power of robotics and AI in improving operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Additionally, she discusses the need for strategic partnerships and agile leadership to navigate the future of healthcare effectively.

James Mooney, a complex and minimally invasive spine surgeon at VCU Health, dives into the future of spine surgery. He discusses how AI is transforming clinical decision-making and enhancing patient-specific technologies. Mooney emphasizes the shift from volume-based care to value-based models, exploring the growth of minimally invasive techniques and 3D-printed implants. He also highlights the challenges of integrating these advancements within healthcare systems, predicting a convergence of AI and engineering to reshape spine care.

David L. Skaggs, MD, Co-Director of Cedars-Sinai Spine and an expert in spinal surgery innovations, discusses groundbreaking developments in spine care. He explains the benefits of synthetic CT scans derived from MRIs, particularly in reducing radiation exposure for children. The conversation explores the use of robotics for minimally invasive pediatric procedures and the importance of tailoring surgical tools for smaller hands. Skaggs also provides insights on the future of healthcare, emphasizing the role of AI in enhancing accessibility and affordability.