Becker’s Healthcare - Clinical Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Colleen Mallozzi, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at Jefferson Health, discusses how her team is using technology and process improvements to reduce documentation burden, give nurses more time at the bedside, and prepare for an innovative ambient listening rollout that transforms patient care.

In this episode, Nathan A. Merriman, MD, MSCE, Interim Senior Medical Director of Surgical Specialties for the Digestive Health Clinical Program at Intermountain Medical Center, discusses how a patient-centered, team-based approach can improve access to care while enhancing the overall human experience. He shares insights on driving operational efficiency across surgical services and aligning clinical teams to deliver high-quality, coordinated care that meets patients where they are.

In this episode, Gena Lawday, RN, BSN, Chief Quality Officer at UVA Community Health, shares how standardizing care delivery helps improve patient outcomes while driving greater operational efficiency. She discusses the critical role of patient education and outlines how quality and safety monitoring are evolving as more care moves into the outpatient setting.

In this episode, Dr. Allyson Brooks, the Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair of the Hoag Women’s Health Institute, discusses how Hoag is transforming menopause care through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and community engagement. She shares how the FDA’s recent hormone therapy update and women’s growing advocacy are reshaping the future of midlife health.

On this episode, Dr. James Wyant, Program Director of Sentara and Eastern Virginia Medical School's newly established neurology residency program, joins the podcast to discuss where residents can add value and improve quality of care, improving access to care, and the importance of collaboration across teams and disciplines.

In this episode, Jaimie Weber, System Director of Nursing for Perioperative Services at Alameda Health System, discusses how her team is using AI, predictive modeling, and technology-driven workflow improvements to enhance efficiency, staff satisfaction, and patient care. She also shares insights on investing in IT infrastructure to support telehealth, cybersecurity, and the future of connected healthcare.

In this episode, Jessie Scapinello of Elsevier and Allison Ouzts of UT Health San Antonio, share strategies for empowering novice nurses through strong communication, supportive culture, and intentional leadership to build confidence, retention, and long-term success in nursing.This episode is sponsored by Elsevier.

On this episode, Todd Smith, MD, Chief Physician Executive at Sutter Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss ambulatory growth strategies and clinical standardization. He shares insights on improving access to care and the importance of effective orientation programs for staff to ensure high-quality patient experiences.

In this episode, Dr. Gregg Furie and Dr. Wynne Armand share how Mass General Brigham is leading the way in sustainable healthcare through renewable energy investments, emissions reduction, clinician engagement, and education. They discuss the system’s progress toward net zero, the connection between climate and health, and practical steps for hospitals beginning their sustainability journey.

In this episode, Dr. Lindsay Mazzotti, Chief Medical Officer of Medical Education and Science at Sutter Health, discusses the system’s bold plan to expand residency and fellowship programs, the role of education in addressing physician shortages, and how Sutter is preparing future doctors to thrive in a rapidly evolving care environment.

In this episode, Mary Grace Cox, Senior Director of Clinical Programs at UAB Medicine, shares how her team is driving improvements in sepsis outcomes through process design, culture change, and the use of technology like the DART tool. She highlights lessons in supporting clinicians while advancing patient safety and quality.This episode is sponsored by Ambient Clinical Analytics & Zebra Technologies.

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Thomas, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, shares how his team dramatically reduced sepsis mortality through novel diagnostics, frontline staff engagement, and a patient-centered, data-driven triage model. He highlights the critical role of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in transforming sepsis care across the system.

In this episode, Renee Rafferty and Sabrina Schalley of Children’s Nebraska discuss their innovative Caring Contacts program, a handwritten card initiative that has supported over 1,200 pediatric patients and achieved zero deaths by suicide. They share insights into its origins, emotional impact, and expansion across behavioral health services, along with a preview of their upcoming Behavioral Health and Wellness Center opening in 2026.

This episode features Ashley Hunsucker and Jan Capps of Connexall as they explore how to transform clinical data into actionable insights. They discuss bridging the gap between technology and bedside care, the power of clinician-IT collaboration, and strategies for continuous improvement in healthcare workflows.This episode is sponsored by Connexall.

In this episode, Dr. Katherine A. Hinderer, Senior Nurse Scientist at Connecticut Children’s, shares insights into the development of the Emergency Behavioral Health Assessment Tool and its impact on pediatric mental health care. She discusses how evidence-based nursing practices are improving outcomes, reducing restraint use, and supporting frontline teams in addressing the growing mental health needs of children.

This episode features Lou Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans, as he shares how his journey to complete the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon has become a powerful tribute to the resilience of his patients. Lou dedicates each mile of the 100-mile race to a child treated at the hospital, using their stories of perseverance as inspiration to never give up.

This episode features Stephanie Mercado, CEO at the National Association for Healthcare Quality. Stephanie shares how healthcare organizations can scale quality and safety efforts, align their workforce for greater impact, and drive measurable ROI through the Workforce Accelerator Program and the findings of the (ROI-Q) report.This episode is sponsored by the National Association for Healthcare Quality.

This episode features Dr. Frederick L. Greene, Emeritus Chair of Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center and Medical Director of Cancer Data Services at Atrium Health-Levine Cancer Institute. Dr. Greene shares insights on improving cancer registries, the evolution of surgical oncology, and the future impact of robotics and AI on healthcare.

This episode features Dr. Matthew Potts, Neurosurgeon at Northwestern Medicine, discussing normal pressure hydrocephalus in light of increased public awareness following Billy Joel’s diagnosis. Dr. Potts explains key symptoms, the diagnostic process, and treatment options that can significantly improve patient outcomes when identified early.

This episode features Dr. Allyn S. Miller, Regional Director of Anesthesia Operations at Community Health Systems, discussing her work at the intersection of anesthesia leadership, data science, and workforce strategy. She shares how predictive analytics, dashboard design, and provider-focused models are transforming clinical operations and supporting sustainable care in under-resourced communities.

In this episode, Melissa Hasler, APRN, CNM, Director of Certified Nurse Midwifery at Fairview Health Services, discusses how Fairview is tackling the Black maternal health crisis by eliminating race-based screenings, rethinking care maps, and centering equity in prenatal and delivery care.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Meeker, VP and Chief Medical Officer at OSF St. Mary and Holy Family Medical Centers, shares how OSF is using FirstLook Lung, a groundbreaking blood test, to enhance early lung cancer detection—dramatically improving survival outcomes and streamlining care pathways.

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, Scott Liles, President of Adtalem Medical & Veterinary, joins us to discuss how today’s medical graduates are navigating the transition from Match Day to clinical practice. Scott shares key trends in residency placements, insights into the latest generation of residents, and the vital role international medical education plays in addressing the physician shortage.This episode is sponsored by Adtalem Global Education,

In this episode, Dr. Dani Hackner, Chief Clinical Officer at Southcoast Health, discusses the health system’s approach to digital innovation, quality improvement, and patient safety. He shares insights on leveraging technology, fostering a culture of collaboration, and the evolving landscape of healthcare transformation.

Geralda Xavier, MD, MPH, MBA, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer at Hackettstown and Newton Medical Centers, Atlantic Health System, discusses initiatives to improve patient access and affordability. She outlines the four key pillars guiding these improvements: performance, population health, growth/stability, and innovation/research. Dr. Xavier also highlights how technology is being leveraged to expand access to care and drive meaningful advancements in the healthcare space.

In this episode, Dr. Theresa McDonnell, Senior VP & Chief Nurse Executive at Duke University Health System, shares innovative approaches to nursing education and workforce development. She explores how integrating academic and clinical training is shaping the future of nursing, reducing burnout, and enhancing retention.

Tom Cox, Vice President of Operations, and Tenille Oderwald, Director of Operations at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, discuss how advancements in brachytherapy and proton therapy are enhancing cancer care. They highlight the importance of thorough risk assessment processes for patients, the value of compassionate staff dedicated to patient needs, and the critical role of post-treatment care resources in improving outcomes.

Jame Abraham, MD, FACP, Chairman of the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, discusses the continued recruitment of doctors and the strong support of team members as the clinic expands. He highlights progress in clinical and research efforts, along with strategies to support the team amid an influx of patients and the evolving impact of AI in healthcare.

In this episode, Maura Nazario, MSN, RN, SANE, Vice President of Clinical Operations for Home-Based Services & Hospital at Home at AdventHealth, discusses the organization's commitment to delivering whole-person care beyond traditional hospital walls. She shares insights on scaling hospital-at-home programs, leveraging technology for better patient outcomes, and ensuring personalized, high-quality care that aligns with AdventHealth’s mission.

In this episode, Marie Foley Danecker, DNP, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean University Medical Center, discusses innovative strategies for nurse retention, workforce stabilization, and supporting novice nurses through mentorship and resource programs.

In this episode, Meredith Foxx, Chief Nursing Officer at Cleveland Clinic, discusses key strategies for improving nurse retention, enhancing workplace safety, and expanding access to care through innovative models. Tune in to hear how Cleveland Clinic is fostering a strong nursing workforce and reimagining care delivery.

In this episode, Lillian Donnelly and Dr. Sarah Andre of Intermountain Health discuss how their innovative group mentoring program is enhancing nurse retention and professional development. They share insights on mentorship strategies, the impact on new graduate nurses, and plans to evolve the program to meet the changing needs of the nursing workforce.

In this episode, Dr. Marjorie Bessel, Chief Clinical Officer at Banner Health, discusses strategies behind Banner Health’s success in improving patient throughput, leveraging AI to reduce clinician burden, and fostering leadership development among healthcare professionals.

In this episode, Dr. Jean-Pierre Mobasser, President of Goodman Campbell, discusses the group's exciting initiatives for 2025. Dr. Mobasser discusses the launch of their neurosurgery residency, strategic growth into new markets, and their unwavering focus on delivering exceptional patient care and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

In this episode, Dr. Kian Asanad, Urologist and Male Fertility Specialist with Keck Medicine of USC, discusses the microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro TESE) procedure, specifically for men with testicular cancer. He shares a unique case, the challenges involved, and the teamwork required to perform this intricate procedure, ensuring fertility preservation for a patient facing high stakes.

Join Dr. Steven Devine, Chief Medical Officer at NMDP, formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program or Be the Match, and Executive Lead at the CIBMTR®, as he shares groundbreaking advancements in donor availability, transplant processes, and patient care. Discover how new strategies are expanding access to life-saving treatments, particularly for diverse populations, and learn about the collaborative efforts driving these transformative innovations.

In this episode, Aaron Hajart, MS, ATC, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer at Community Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, shares insights on the hospital's transformation into a robust teaching facility, their strategic focus on growth, recruitment, and patient care, and his perspective on adapting leadership to meet the evolving needs of a multigenerational workforce.

Join Heather Troutt, MSN, RN, CNL, RNC, Director of Women and Children’s Services at NorthBay Health, as she discusses the hospital's fourth consecutive U.S. News & World Report High-Performing rating in maternity care. Heather discusses the criteria behind the distinction, the importance of patient-centered care, and NorthBay’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible services for mothers and babies.

In this episode, Dr. Karen Cox, Ph.D., RN, FACHE, FAAN, President of Chamberlain University and Senior Executive of Adtalem Global Education, discusses the evolving role of men in nursing. From increasing enrollment numbers to unique career paths and leadership opportunities, Dr. Cox explores how men are reshaping the profession while addressing challenges and stereotypes. Learn how healthcare systems and educational institutions can foster inclusivity and support men entering this critical field.

In this episode, Andrea Highfill, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Carson Valley Health, discusses her journey in nursing leadership and the transformative programs shaping her organization. From innovative nurse apprenticeship and graduate programs to leveraging technology and balancing financial pressures, Andrea shares insights on workforce development, patient care improvements, and advice for aspiring nurse leaders.

In this episode, Dr. J. Dominic Femino, Chief of the USC Musculoskeletal Oncology Center, discusses groundbreaking advancements in sarcoma treatment, including minimally invasive surgeries and cutting-edge technologies. He also highlights efforts to expand access to expert care in Southern California, ensuring that patients receive the best outcomes through innovative treatments and community-based support.

In this episode, Dr. Angelo Milazzo, Vice Chair of Practice and Clinical Affairs at Duke Health, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare. He discusses priorities in workforce challenges, access to care, and the importance of community health management, while also highlighting innovative tools like AI to improve patient and provider experiences.

In this episode, Mark LePage, Senior Vice President of Medical Groups and Ambulatory Strategy at Trinity Health, discusses the innovative strategies driving Trinity Health's ambulatory care expansion and provider support. He highlights key initiatives, such as hypertension management and AI-driven tools to reduce administrative burden, while sharing insights on how demographic shifts are shaping the future of healthcare.

Join Deepak Sadagopan, Angela Marith, and Timshel Tarbet of Providence as they explore the intersection of health equity and value-based care. This conversation highlights innovative strategies to address healthcare inequities and the importance of integrating care for diverse populations.

In this episode, Dr. JR Ford and Krista Baty discuss the growth and transformation at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood. They highlight improvements in the emergency department, new service lines, and the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality care for the community.

In this episode, Deepak Sadagopan, COO for Population Health at Providence, and Angela Marith, Chief Administrative Officer for Population Health at Providence, are joined by Robert Malte, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington. Together, they explore the complexities of value-based care, with Robert offering a unique perspective as both a healthcare leader and a patient navigating Medicare decisions.

In this episode, Dr. Navneet Dang MD MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Geisinger Community Medical Center Scranton Pennsylvania, shares his insights on the healthcare system's innovative approaches to improving patient safety, optimizing access, and leveraging data for better outcomes. Discover Geisinger’s strategies for achieving a CMS 5-star rating and their future focus on expanding value-based care.

In this episode, Michael Thorn, APRN, C.N.P., M.S.N., M.H.A., discusses his journey from clinical practice to spearheading innovation initiatives at Mayo Clinic. He highlights the challenges nurse practitioners face in the innovation landscape and shares how his committee-based approach is empowering advanced practice providers to drive change within healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Andy Anderson, Chief Medical and Quality Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, discusses the evolving role of healthcare leaders in driving patient outcomes, reducing mortality, and re-engaging clinicians post-COVID. He shares strategies for integrating technology, enhancing frontline engagement, and preparing aspiring CMOs to become strategic business partners.

In this episode, Whitney Smith, Simulation Program Leader at Children’s Hospital Colorado, shares the innovative and engaging concept of "Sim Wars." Discover how this unique event not only brings healthcare teams together for friendly competition but also enhances patient outcomes, boosts staff morale, and strengthens the hospital's simulation program.