Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Tammy Smittle, CEO of Stonegate Surgery Center, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). She discusses the migration of higher acuity procedures to ASCs and the importance of direct partnerships with employers. Tammy highlights upcoming regulatory changes that will allow more procedures to be performed outpatient, emphasizing their potential to enhance patient care. Additionally, she offers strategies for growth, focusing on physician recruitment and innovative practices to maintain quality and safety in surgical environments.

Dr. Kiera Kingston, an Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine and foot and ankle surgery at Endeavor Health, shares her inspiring journey and passion for developing a women's sports medicine center. She discusses the importance of supporting female athletes and addresses healthcare access challenges. Kingston also dives into the relationship between parental expectations and youth sports choices, while emphasizing the role of mentorship for women in medicine and the potential of AI in healthcare, balancing its benefits with risks.

Michelle Szkolnicki, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, shares her extensive experience in nursing and innovative strategies for the healthcare sector. She discusses restoration of nursing staffing post-COVID, focusing on mental health support and tackling staffing shortages. Szkolnicki highlights creative recruitment methods involving current staff and diverse roles to enhance patient care. Leadership insights stress the value of experienced nurses and comprehensive solutions over quick fixes.

Dr. Bo Gu, CEO of Youlify and a former cardiothoracic surgeon, shares his journey from bedside to boardroom. He discusses the importance of AI in transforming revenue cycle management and solving billing issues for healthcare providers. Key insights include the need for transparency in financial transactions and how AI can significantly enhance denial management. Dr. Gu also highlights his mission to help smaller practices thrive amidst economic challenges, showcasing a success story of improved financial stability through innovative automation.

Ben Mirtes, CEO of Ingenovis Health and a healthcare staffing expert, discusses how innovative partnerships and AI are revolutionizing workforce strategies in healthcare. He highlights the pressing challenges of clinician well-being and rising costs, emphasizing the need for adaptive solutions. Mirtes showcases success stories, including turning contingent workers into permanent staff, and explores how digital tools can alleviate burnout while enhancing care quality. The conversation is a roadmap for building resilient healthcare teams as the industry evolves.

Dr. Izzy Lieberman, an Orthopedic Surgeon at the Texas Back Institute, dives into the evolving landscape of spine care. He tackles the challenges posed by social media, emphasizing the risks of misinformation. Lieberman also discusses critical workforce trends following the pandemic, highlighting innovative strategies to retain healthcare staff. Plus, he shares exciting advancements in treatment technologies, showcasing how data and AI are steering the future of spine surgery toward improved patient outcomes.

Dr. William Cooper is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Pediatrics and a health policy leader, focusing on professional accountability in medicine. He discusses the founding of the Vanderbilt Health Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy and strategies to manage high-risk physicians through data analysis and peer support. Cooper emphasizes the impact of effective feedback on professional growth and the importance of aligning work with personal passions, particularly to support vulnerable populations in healthcare.

Jennifer Friend, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of Friend Surgical Solutions, shares her expertise in the world of ambulatory surgery centers. She discusses key shifts in procedure sites, emphasizing the growing role of private equity and AI-driven efficiencies. Jennifer dives into the financial realities facing ASCs, offering strategies for sustainable growth in both urban and rural areas. She also examines the challenges posed by Medicaid cuts and the need for innovative revenue models in healthcare, including the rise of concierge medicine.

Mahoua Ray, CEO and Medical Director at Kansas Surgery Center, is a pioneering anesthesiologist and pain physician who helped establish the center from the ground up. In this discussion, she explores the exciting shift of medical procedures to outpatient surgery centers and how this trend improves patient experience. Mahoua delves into staffing shortages in the healthcare sector and the importance of transparency in healthcare costs to empower patients. She also shares effective strategies to enhance communication about costs, ensuring patients are well-informed in their financial responsibilities.

Dr. Joe Kimura, Chief Medical Officer at SCAN Health Plan, reveals how personalized care and data analytics are transforming Medicare Advantage. He discusses the future of senior healthcare, emphasizing coordinated care and tailored solutions. The conversation dives into the increasing demand for senior care and the necessity of strategic partnerships. Joe also highlights the importance of member engagement and technology in enhancing healthcare delivery, ensuring that underserved communities receive the attention they need.