Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Cory Jones, System AVP of Oncology Services at Banner Health, oversees the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center Program. He discusses how targeted therapies and immunotherapies are transforming treatment options and costs in oncology. Cory shares insights on leveraging telemedicine and AI in diagnostics while emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary teams in delivering care. He offers advice for aspiring oncology leaders and expresses hope in the future of cancer care through innovative therapies and coordinated care.

Dr. James McGee, President of OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, shares his mission to enhance cancer care in rural communities. He discusses innovative treatments like proton therapy and flash radiation, emphasizing personalized risk assessments and early detection. With a focus on reducing access disparities, McGee highlights advancements in brachytherapy and the importance of genomic profiling for tailored care. His experiences in South Africa and Chicago add depth to his insights on improving oncology services, aiming to bring cutting-edge research to local patients.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, the Medical Director of UW Health Pain Services, shares his insights on the booming growth of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). He explores how autonomy and efficiency are driving this model's popularity, enhancing patient care. Dr. Abd-Elsayed also highlights the transformative role of AI in alleviating staffing challenges and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of joint ventures in building financial resilience for ASCs, positioning it as a strategic approach to patient care.

In this discussion, Jason Hill, Innovation Officer at Ochsner Health and a skilled hospitalist with a background in engineering and clinical informatics, explores the fast-paced advancements of AI in healthcare. He shares insights on the promising use of ambient listening and vocal biomarkers, while addressing operational challenges and ethical risks in AI deployment. Jason emphasizes the importance of frontline clinician feedback for meaningful technological progress and reflects on the need for supportive legislation, especially for rural health innovation.

Tom Buckley, Senior VP of Revenue Cycle and Managed Care at Virtua Health, dives into the pressing challenges in healthcare finance. He discusses payer denials and the complexities of patient billing, emphasizing the rising burden on patients. Buckley shares innovative solutions, like ClearBalance and AI tools, to enhance payment processes. He also highlights the importance of clear communication and team engagement, noting how strong leadership helps align goals in a fast-evolving environment. Buckley's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of healthcare revenue operations.

Rachel Feinman, Vice President of Innovation at Tampa General Hospital Ventures, shares her journey from lawyer to healthcare innovator. She discusses the importance of navigating regulatory uncertainty and how legal skills fuel her investment strategies. Feinman emphasizes leveraging AI and technology to accelerate growth and improve patient care, highlighting projects like RTLS and computer vision in operating rooms. She argues for investing in brand strength and consumer-centric models to enhance the hospital's growth.

Cheng-Kai Kao, MD, is a practicing hospitalist and the Chief Medical Information Officer at UChicago Medicine, specializing in EHR optimization and clinical AI. He dives into the transformative role of technology in enhancing patient care and workflow efficiency. Kao emphasizes the importance of AI governance to ensure responsible implementation. He shares insights on virtual care design that focuses on minimizing patient burden and calls for policies to keep pace with tech advancements. His vision for the future highlights human-centered approaches that engage both clinicians and patients.

Kerri Webster, Vice President and Chief Analytics Officer at Children's Hospital Colorado, shares her journey from nursing to tech leadership. She highlights how data and AI are transforming pediatric care through predictive analytics but stresses the importance of data quality and governance. Kerri advocates for data literacy, empowering 'citizen data consumers' to make informed decisions. She emphasizes a problem-first approach to tech adoption and underscores the need for a diverse and balanced work culture to sustain meaningful change.

Dr. Benjamin Levy, a Gastroenterologist and Clinical Associate of Medicine at the University of Chicago, shares his expertise on advancing GI care. He highlights the rising demand for colonoscopies due to new screening guidelines and emphasizes the benefits of ASC partnerships. Dr. Levy discusses innovative AI technologies like GI Genius, which enhance polyp detection, and ambient dictation tools that streamline documentation. His insights on improving patient prep and the role of nursing navigators offer a fresh perspective on enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes in gastroenterology.

Dr. Scott L. Blumenthal, a seasoned orthopedic spine surgeon and leader at the Texas Back Institute, dives into the latest in disc replacement techniques and research. He discusses the impressive longevity of these procedures compared to traditional surgeries like hip and knee replacements. Blumenthal reveals the challenges posed by private insurance barriers that hinder patient access to innovative care. He also predicts significant disruptions in spine surgery by 2026, especially regarding technology restrictions, while highlighting the emerging trends of robotics and AI in the field.