Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Dr. Christopher Thomas, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, is a pulmonary and critical care physician credited with a groundbreaking 39% reduction in sepsis mortality. He shares the innovative approaches his team undertook, including novel diagnostics and improved patient triage. Dr. Thomas emphasizes the importance of frontline staff engagement and collaborating to enhance sepsis management. His insights shed light on the challenges and advancements in infection assessment within emergency care.

Ira Kornbluth, President of Clearway Pain Solutions, is a pioneer in advancing interventional pain management and transforming outpatient care. He discusses strategies for building scalable practices and the integration of cutting-edge technology like ambient dictation. Kornbluth emphasizes the shifting landscape of orthopedics and pain management, focusing on the move to outpatient surgery centers. He also highlights the importance of workforce strategies and employee recognition in enhancing service quality, all crucial for adapting to the evolving healthcare environment.

In a lively discussion, Chris Wasel unveils how innovative on-site services in skilled nursing and assisted living transform patient care in New England. He dives into overcoming access challenges and highlights the importance of value-based payment solutions in enhancing care quality. The conversation also covers achieving member satisfaction through effective engagement, while addressing the vital role of family involvement in healthcare decisions.

Megan Gillespie, CEO of Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, shares her inspiring journey into healthcare leadership. She delves into effective strategies for staff engagement, emphasizing the need for clear strategic roadmaps and proactive planning. The conversation highlights advancements in patient access through innovation and technology, while also exploring the profound impact of AI in healthcare. Megan discusses the importance of maintaining human connections amidst these technological shifts and cultivating a positive workplace culture to navigate modern challenges.

Michelle Adamolekun, EVP and Chief People & Culture Officer at Cone Health, delves into the organization's innovative workforce development strategy. She discusses the launch of Cone Health University, aimed at creating clear career pathways for staff. The conversation highlights the importance of empathetic leadership in healthcare and how Cone has proactively shaped its culture since 2010. Adamolekun emphasizes that investing in workforce development not only boosts employee satisfaction but also enhances patient care through a supportive environment.

Sabrina Schalley, Director of Behavioral Health Integration at Children's Nebraska, brings 30 years of expertise in mental health to the table. She discusses the innovative Caring Contacts program, which uses handwritten cards to uplift over 1,200 young patients, achieving zero deaths by suicide. Schalley shares the emotional power of these notes and the positive impact on both patients and social workers. Additionally, she previews the upcoming Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, set to expand these crucial services in 2026, further enhancing pediatric mental healthcare.

Jay Grider, Chief Quality Officer and CEO at the Kentucky Medical Services Foundation, dives into vital topics such as proactive workforce planning and the urgent nursing shortage. He highlights the collaborative initiative 'Advancing Kentucky Together,' aimed at uniting health organizations to address regional needs. Grider also emphasizes applying high-reliability principles to transform HR operations, ultimately enhancing recruitment and retention strategies in healthcare. His insights provide a fresh perspective on building a sustainable healthcare workforce.

Steve Beard, Chairman and CEO of Adtalem Global Education, discusses the urgent nursing shortage and innovative solutions to bridge the gap. He emphasizes the importance of building practice-ready clinicians through modern education methods, including immersive experiences and technology integration. Beard highlights impactful partnerships, like that with SSM Health, to develop training programs that support aspiring nurses. He also advocates for diversity in healthcare education to better serve underserved communities, ensuring a more inclusive workforce.

Nilesh Desai, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Baptist Health System, has spearheaded significant innovations in pharmacy services. He discusses the launch of a massive 102,000-square-foot central pharmacy, which enhances medication access and operational efficiency. Desai delves into how technology and collaboration can solve critical issues like drug shortages. He also highlights the importance of fostering the next generation of pharmacy leaders through targeted education, innovation, and a positive mindset in healthcare leadership.

This episode features Dr. Benjamin J. Pieters, Pediatric Anesthesiologist and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, discussing major trends in anesthesiology, including workforce shortages, private equity involvement, and evolving employment models. He shares how his team is leveraging data, evidence-based care, and leadership development to shape the future of pediatric anesthesia and healthcare delivery.