Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Mark Behl, President and Chief Executive Officer, NorthBay Health. He shares how he is balancing growth with financial constraints, engaging frontline teams in decision making, and building a more resilient workforce through data driven focus and long term talent strategies. In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Scot Becker highlights 6 key healthcare stories including ACA marketplace disruptions, breakthroughs in AI driven early cancer detection, major health system deals, and more.

In this episode, Chad Wallace, President of the Eligibility Service Division at Med-Metrix, breaks down the implications of Medicaid eligibility reforms and funding changes for hospital revenue and operations. He shares strategies for using technology, improving enrollment processes, and proactively supporting vulnerable populations to maintain coverage and financial stability. This episode is sponsored by Med-Metrix.

In this episode, Shannon Libbert, Senior Partner, Kingsley Gate, shares how AI is reshaping workforce strategy, leadership expectations, and organizational culture across healthcare. She discusses the shift from experimentation to execution, the importance of trust and change management, and how leaders can navigate generational change while building more resilient, AI-ready teams. This episode is sponsored by Kingsley Gate.

In this episode, Hasan Shanawani, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, joins the podcast to discuss rising healthcare costs and the growing role of AI in payer decision-making. He shares how AI can enable organizations to “say yes” more often, while maintaining trust, transparency, and quality as these tools increasingly face consumers.

In this episode, Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, President of The University of Texas Medical Branch and CEO of UTMB Health, shares his journey from Germany to the U.S. and how being a generalist, building human connection, and acting decisively have shaped his leadership approach. He also discusses the importance of personal discipline, lifelong learning, and fostering a culture where purpose and passion drive innovation in healthcare.

In this episode, Michael Cureton, MHA, FACHE, CEO of Sutter Davis Hospital at Sutter Health, joins the podcast to discuss how foundation partnerships are supporting growth and expanding access to care. He shares insights on the expansion of the birthing center, along with Sutter Health’s high patient satisfaction and strong employee engagement across the organization.

In this episode, Dr. Sterling L. Carter. DPT, MS, CSCS, CST. President & CEO. Licensed Physical Therapist and Stephen Levi Carter, MBA, PMP, CEO & Co-Founder, Sterling Staffing Solutions, share insights from their book on building and scaling healthcare businesses. They discuss entrepreneurship, acquisitions, operational excellence, and how leaders can leverage people and AI to drive sustainable growth. Learn more about relentlessly raising RCM yield here: https://med-metrix.com/?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=brand

In this episode, Brendan Harris, President, UPMC for You and State Programs & Patti Jackson-Gehris, President, UPMC North Central and Williamsport markets, discuss UPMC’s strategies to improve rural healthcare access through workforce development, telehealth expansion, and innovative care models that address geographic and socioeconomic barriers.

In this episode, Edward J. Dohring, M.D., of the Spine Institute of Arizona, discusses the value of multidisciplinary collaboration, emerging innovations in spine care, and the evolving role of AI and minimally invasive approaches. He also shares insights on improving patient outcomes, balancing cost and quality, and shaping the next generation of spine leaders.

In this episode, Dr. Sterling L. Carter. DPT, MS, CSCS, CST. President & CEO. Licensed Physical Therapist and Stephen Levi Carter, MBA, PMP, CEO & Co-Founder, Sterling Staffing Solutions, share insights from their book on building and scaling healthcare businesses. They discuss entrepreneurship, acquisitions, operational excellence, and how leaders can leverage people and AI to drive sustainable growth.

In this episode, Tim Lieb, Senior Vice President of Commercial Markets at Blue Shield of California, discusses the three-year impact of Virtual Blue, including lower costs, reduced ER utilization, improved access to care, and how virtual first models are reshaping employer and individual health plans.

In this episode, Ben Johnson, Director of Behavioral Health Provider Practices and Operations at Lakeland Regional Health-Florida, discusses how to standardize operational infrastructure without compromising clinical care. He also shares insights on leveraging technology, reducing administrative burden, and improving continuity across the behavioral health continuum.

In this episode, Pranav Loyalka, MD - Cardiologist, HCA Houston Heart Medical Center, Medical Director of Structural Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, HCA Gulf Coast Division, discusses major advancements like transcatheter valve replacement and the evolving role of AI in cardiac care. He also shares insights on training the next generation of cardiologists, balancing specialization, and addressing gaps in access to care.

In this episode, Paul Green, Pharm.D., MHA, BCPS, CPEL, DPLA - Director of Pharmacy Services, Westchester Medical Center, discusses how pharmacy is evolving from a cost center to a key driver of clinical, operational, and financial value. He shares insights on technology integration, workforce sustainability, and building a proactive pharmacy strategy aligned with broader health system goals.

In this episode, Rob Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Transformation Alliance, joins the podcast to discuss the ongoing pressures and competition within Medicare Advantage. He shares insights on chronic care initiatives and the importance of collaboration and compromise between carriers and providers to improve outcomes and control costs.

In this episode, Meagan Weber, DPT, CEO of Scotland County Hospital, shares how a grow your own workforce strategy is helping address rural staffing shortages through early student engagement and hands on experience. She also discusses the financial and volume challenges facing rural hospitals and the importance of building sustainable pipelines to support long term community care.

In this episode, Janel Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Children’s Nebraska, shares how a people first promise and retention focused strategy have strengthened culture, reduced turnover, and improved patient experience. She also discusses workforce development, leadership evolution, and the role of AI in creating a more human centered healthcare environment.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Warner Thomas, President And Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health, discussing how the organization is expanding ambulatory care, strengthening leadership and talent development, investing in digital tools that reduce workforce burden, and maintaining a growth mindset to navigate ongoing healthcare change. In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Ketul J. Patel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wellstar Health System, reflects on his leadership journey, emphasizing the power of culture, authenticity, and continuous learning. He also highlights the importance of partnerships and digital innovation to expand access to care, especially in rural communities.