Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

George Cybulski, MD MBA, is the Chief of Neurosurgery and AI clinical leader at Humboldt Park Health. He dives into the surge of outpatient spine surgery and the impact of Medicare shifts. Dr. Cybulski discusses how AI can break down barriers among care teams, enhancing workflow efficiency. He emphasizes the need for robust collaboration between providers and vendors to minimize fragmentation and improve patient outcomes. Plus, he shares insights on transformative AI innovations and highlights his bestselling book on optimizing patient flow.

Dr. Earl Kilbride, an orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience at Austin Orthopedic Institute, tackles key healthcare trends like consolidation and reimbursement challenges. He dives into the impact of AI on the industry and highlights the exciting shift towards outpatient procedures in ASCs. Dr. Kilbride also shares strategies for independent practices to thrive, emphasizing the importance of community connections and innovative marketing. His insights are invaluable for anyone navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.

Helen M Lowenwirth, the Administrator of East Side Endoscopy, draws on her 14 years of experience to highlight significant trends in the healthcare landscape. She discusses the ongoing shift of procedures from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), emphasizing the benefits for patient access. Lowenwirth also explores how AI and technology are enhancing efficiency in documentation and scheduling. Furthermore, she addresses the importance of collaboration among hospitals, vendors, and policymakers to improve patient care and drive regulatory changes.

Reed Smith, Chief Consumer Officer at Ardent Health, shares insights from over 25 years in healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of reducing friction in the patient journey and balancing innovative technologies with practical solutions. Reed discusses the need for a solution mindset to tackle industry challenges, highlighting investments in mobile-friendly billing and online scheduling to enhance patient experience. He also predicts growth in virtual care and wearable tech while reflecting on the need for purposeful leadership to support team wellbeing.

Dr. Stephen Parodi, Executive VP at The Permanente Federation and an infectious disease physician, tackles pressing issues in healthcare. He discusses innovative strategies to combat workforce shortages and physician burnout through AI and team-based care. Parodi also addresses policy challenges affecting residency slots and funding. Additionally, he highlights the shift toward home-based care and the promise of generative AI in enhancing patient outcomes. His insights paint a picture of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Keith Givelekian, Rob McDaniel, and John Talaga delve into the modernization of patient payments at Cleveland Clinic. Keith highlights the pressing need for a seamless payment experience amidst technological setbacks. Rob discusses how patient expectations mirror consumer frustrations, emphasizing the importance of timely, clear financial communication. John shares insights on translating healthcare needs into actionable tech solutions, advocating for a collaborative, patient-first approach in revenue cycle management and payment innovations.

Haris Ackerman, Director of Integration and Strategic Operations at Virtua Health, brings a rich engineering background to the discussion. He dives into how Virtua Health is transforming patient experiences through integrated care and innovative technologies like wearables and AI. The conversation highlights partnerships with academic institutions, including new medical programs and advancements in proton therapy. Haris also shares invaluable leadership insights, emphasizing the importance of technology and patient-centered decision-making for emerging healthcare leaders.

Sylvia Trent-Adams, President and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, boasts an impressive career in nursing and public health leadership. In this conversation, she reveals how IHI is transforming healthcare through system-wide change and tech integration. Sylvia discusses the importance of optimizing EHRs to empower clinicians and reduce their administrative burden. She also shares her vision for the future, focusing on partnerships, equity, and enhancing workforce well-being in healthcare.

Dr. Gregg Nicandri, Chief Medical Information Officer at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is an orthopedic surgeon leveraging technology to enhance healthcare. He reveals how AI and ambient documentation are reshaping clinician workflow and patient care. Nicandri emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with operational capacity and advocates for solutions grounded in frontline staff insights. He also discusses the impact of regulatory changes on telehealth and the need for continuous improvement in healthcare systems.

Samuel Pueringer, MHA, is the Senior Director of Retail Health Operations at Hartford HealthCare, where he drives innovative hospital strategies. He discusses the evolution of patient access via retail and virtual care, including pioneering care kiosks at airports. Samuel dives into the distinctions between in-person, hybrid, and virtual healthcare models, explaining how they meet patients where they are. He offers valuable advice for emerging healthcare leaders, emphasizing continuous learning and effective teamwork.