Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Discover the latest in healthcare as major health systems embark on billion-dollar expansions. Explore the challenges posed by hospital closures and rising drug prices. The impact of GOP legislation on the industry also takes center stage. Plus, hear about the rise of concierge medicine and a notable book launch in healthcare innovation. It's a whirlwind tour of critical trends shaping the future of healthcare.

Dr. James Lu, CEO and Co-founder of Helix, is a physician scientist with a refreshing take on precision medicine. He breaks down how genomic data is moving from specialty use to a core component of everyday healthcare. The conversation highlights the need for integration strategies that address social determinants of health and ensure data privacy. Lu emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence and the importance of holistic approaches to healthcare, ultimately painting an optimistic picture of the future where personalized treatment is accessible to all.

Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial at Becker’s Healthcare, delves into significant healthcare trends amid sweeping Medicaid cuts. She discusses the drastic implications of a $1 trillion reduction and how it may lead to coverage loss for millions. Gamble shares insights on the challenges of managing enrollment and the risk of hospital closures, particularly in rural areas. With perspectives from healthcare CFOs, she paints a stark picture of what hospitals might face heading into 2025.

Stephanie Mercado, CEO of the National Association for Healthcare Quality, shares her extensive 25-year journey in advancing healthcare quality and safety. She discusses how organizations can scale their quality and safety efforts while maximizing ROI through the Workforce Accelerator Program. Key insights focus on the substantial financial returns from investing in healthcare quality, the transformative potential of specialized training, and the importance of aligning workforce skills with strategic initiatives to drive measurable improvements.

David Banks, President and CEO of AdventHealth, and Mohan Giridharadas, Founder and CEO of LeanTaaS, delve into innovative strategies to tackle healthcare capacity challenges. They discuss how AI-powered smart rooms and advanced technology can enhance patient care and efficiency. The duo emphasizes the need for a consumer-centric healthcare model and draws parallels between healthcare and airport management to optimize operations. With insights on strategic infrastructure investments, they explore ways to modernize healthcare delivery amidst rising demand.

Dr. Rita Shane, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Cedars-Sinai and Associate Dean at UCSF School of Pharmacy, passionately discusses medication safety and the challenges of polypharmacy. She highlights crucial trends in healthcare, including economic hurdles and innovative therapies for chronic conditions. Collaboration is a key theme, especially during patient care transitions. Rita also shares impactful lessons from the pandemic, emphasizing how teamwork and communication are vital in enhancing patient outcomes and tackling medication errors.

Dr. Jason R. Williams, President of Williams Cancer Institute, and Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an Integrative Medicine Physician, dive into the transformative world of integrative oncology. They discuss groundbreaking strategies combining ablation and immunotherapy to bolster the immune response against cancer. The duo highlights the pivotal role of the microbiome in cancer treatment and how environmental factors shape it. Emphasizing patient empowerment, they explore innovative, collaborative approaches aimed at improving not just survival rates but the overall quality of life for patients.

Dr. John Patrick Co, Vice President of Education at Mass General Brigham, and Dr. Jason Morris share valuable insights on the innovative integrated approach to graduate medical education. They discuss the importance of cross-institutional training, highlighting how it enriches clinical experiences and nurtures collaboration. Topics include overcoming cultural challenges in emergency medicine and the vital feedback from residents that drives program improvements. They also touch on the financial implications of residency programs amid operational efficiencies, showcasing a roadmap for sustainable growth.

Malik Bahar, AVP of Access Center and Loyalty at Virtua Health, focuses on human-centric patient experiences, while Erica Carney, Director of Virtual Care Transformation, leads innovative virtual care strategies. Together, they explore how advanced technologies and AI are reshaping healthcare delivery and enhancing patient outcomes. They discuss the challenges of a professional shortage and the demand for healthcare amidst an aging population, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human connections in a tech-driven world.

Discover how a health leader from Mexico City is transforming U.S. healthcare through data and cultural understanding. Learn about the importance of mental health and wellness education initiatives. Explore the innovative use of technology and metrics like Net Promoter Score to enhance patient satisfaction. Delve into the connection between reducing healthcare costs and promoting health equity, while advocating for community-based solutions to ensure access to nutritious food and safe exercise.