Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Stephen Sukumaran, Director of the Long-Acting Injectable Program at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, shares his expertise in public health, focusing on HIV prevention and health equity. He discusses overcoming operational barriers to LAI PrEP access and the importance of optimizing EHR workflows. By forming a multidisciplinary team and standardizing processes, Sukumaran achieved a 150% increase in appointments and streamlined patient initiation timelines. He emphasizes the role of EHR systems in enhancing equity and efficiency in HIV care.

Dr. Ashutosh (Ash) K. Tewari, a urologist and prostate cancer specialist at Mount Sinai, embraces groundbreaking approaches in his field. He discusses the alarming rise in prostate cancer cases and shares innovative strategies to minimize treatment side effects, particularly concerning sexual function. Tewari highlights the impact of advanced understanding of prostate anatomy on surgical recovery and his Million Strong initiative, which utilizes mobile units for early detection. His insights promise to reshape patient care and access significantly.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, shares his journey at Kerlan-Jobe and insights from decades of treating elite athletes. He discusses the evolution of surgical techniques driven by athletes' needs, highlighting innovations for quicker, safer recoveries. Mentorship plays a key role in his approach, emphasizing trust and communication with patients. Neal also reveals how advanced techniques like suture-bridge repairs have gained global adoption, transforming the future of orthopedic care.

Dr. Tim Calahan, CTO at Michigan Medicine, discusses innovative applications of AI and virtual care in clinical settings. He shares compelling use cases, like ambient NLP and Microsoft's DAX, to streamline workflows for healthcare professionals. Tim emphasizes the importance of ethical AI governance and adapting to legislation, such as the CARES Act, to enhance access and privacy in healthcare. He also highlights the need for leaders to stay focused on essential technology initiatives, including cloud migration and AI integration.

Brett Caplan, a Director at Berkeley Research Group, specializes in managed care and revenue analytics, while Peter Winslow, a Managing Consultant, focuses on payer-provider negotiations. They discuss the mounting pressures impacting payer-provider relationships and highlight the emergence of out-of-network strategies. The duo emphasizes the importance of finding win-win opportunities amidst ongoing tensions and offers insight into BRG's growth strategies. Lastly, they share valuable advice for emerging leaders on curiosity, initiative, and building professional relationships.

Stephen Rinaldi, the Senior VP and Chief Revenue Officer at UNC Health, shares his insights on revenue cycle transformation. He discusses the significant challenges facing the industry today, including reimbursement changes and labor issues. Rinaldi emphasizes the importance of nurturing future leaders through internal talent development and outlines strategic priorities for 2026, such as enhancing revenue integrity and adopting AI. He also highlights essential leadership traits, advocating for self-awareness and collaboration in driving success.

Pete November, President and CEO of Ochsner Health, shares his fascinating journey from law to healthcare leadership. He highlights the impact of mentorship, emphasizing the balance of kindness with high standards. Discover how family routines, strength training, and yoga keep him grounded and healthy. November reflects on pivotal risks that shaped his career, revealing how he applies his legal skills in team leadership. His greatest joy? Mentoring others and helping them grow in their careers.

Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, dives into the complexities of ACA premium tax credits and the impending votes shaping their future. He unpacks the intriguing hints of a partnership between Humana and Mark Cuban, aiming to disrupt pharmacy benefit management with innovative alternatives. Jakob also discusses the looming impacts of subsidy expirations on premium rates, especially in red states, and critiques the GOP's HSA proposal. His insights shed light on the evolving payer landscape as we head into the new year.

Lisa Stephenson, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at Cedars-Sinai, boasts a 25-year nursing career, half in informatics. She shares insights on integrating AI, like predictive analytics and Epic summarization, enhancing clinical workflows. Lisa discusses the innovative AVA nurse assistant and ambient documentation, showcasing significant ROI through efficiency. She highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration for virtual nursing pilots and the impact of legislation on tech investments. Her advice emphasizes early engagement and iterative refinements for successful tech adoption.

Join Brian Berkowitz, Chief Product Officer at Lyric, as he unpacks the future of payment integrity. He explores how AI and data can ease administrative burdens and enhance collaboration between payers and providers. Learn about the concept of trusted intelligence zones that harness AI, blockchain, and privacy to strengthen trust. Brian also predicts trends for 2026, highlighting data liquidity and consumer demands as catalysts for innovation, while stressing the importance of accountable and explainable AI in healthcare.