Becker’s Healthcare Digital Health + Health IT

John Henderson, Vice President, Chief Information & Digital Officer, and CIO at Rady Children's Health, joins the podcast to discuss how he keeps his organization engaged and aligned around a clear digital vision. He shares insights on improving both patient and employee satisfaction, developing a strong organizational identity, and preparing for long-term success amid a dynamic healthcare environment. Henderson also touches on the role of mergers in shaping the future of care delivery.

In this episode, Dr. T.Y. Alvin Liu, Inaugural Director of the AI Innovation Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine, shares how one of the nation’s top academic health systems is pioneering AI implementation, governance, and the future of oculomics. He unpacks the challenges of real-world deployment and why collaboration and rapid iteration are key to success.

In this episode, Divya Pathak, Chief Data and AI Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, discusses how the nation's largest public health system is leveraging AI to enhance patient access, streamline operations, and ensure ethical, equitable care—while laying a strong foundation of governance and multidisciplinary collaboration.

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In this episode, Dr. Syl Trepanier, Chief Nursing Officer at Providence, joins Laura Dyrda to share insights on building a mission-driven nursing culture, developing innovative care models like co-caring, and the critical strategies Providence is using to recruit, retain, and empower nurses for the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Eric Cheng, Chief Medical Informatics Officer at UCLA Health Sciences, shares his unique journey from neurology to informatics, dives into the intersection of AI and data quality, and explores how UCLA is reimagining growth, regulation, and patient-centered documentation in healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Clara Lin, CMIO and VP of Digital Health & Informatics at Seattle Children’s, joins Laura Dyrda to discuss driving clinician satisfaction, partnering with Google on innovative AI tools like the “Pathway Assistant,” and preparing the pediatric workforce for the future of healthcare tech.

In this episode, Dr. Yasir Tarabichi, Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Ovatient and Chief Health AI Officer at MetroHealth, discusses the latest advancements in AI-driven healthcare and virtual care integration. He shares insights on strategic AI implementations, virtual care collaborations, and the importance of governance in fostering long-term success in healthcare technology.

In this episode, Praveen Chopra, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Emplify Health, shares how the organization is empowering staff through responsible AI use, driving innovation with agile teams, and cultivating a “huggable” culture that keeps people at the heart of healthcare transformation.

Omkar Kulkarni, MPH, Vice President and Chief Transformation & Innovation Officer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, shares how the organization is leveraging AI in ways that align with its mission—highlighting what excites him most about the technology and how it's being integrated across the system. He discusses workforce improvements and how they’re preparing for the future, while also addressing challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving technology and the critical need to rely on strong, core operational processes.

In this episode, Pamela Landis, Senior Vice President of Digital Engagement at Hackensack Meridian Health, shares how her team is improving patient access, enhancing digital experiences, and addressing industry challenges. She also discusses the importance of collaboration, leadership, and navigating uncertainty in healthcare.

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In this episode, Dr. Sarah Pletcher, Chief Digital Health Officer at Houston Methodist, shares how cutting-edge digital health innovations—like AI, virtual care, and smart hospital technology—are reshaping patient care. She discusses the challenges of change management, the future of healthcare delivery, and the key strategies driving long-term success.

In this episode, Dr. Justin Coran, PhD, MPH, Former Chief Analytics Officer and Adjunct Professor, discusses the evolving role of AI and analytics in healthcare. From groundbreaking machine learning models to administrative automation, he shares key insights on innovation, efficiency, and the future of healthcare IT.

In this episode, Dr. Deepti Pandita, Vice President & Chief Medical Information Officer at UCI Health, shares how her team is transforming clinical informatics, integrating AI for efficiency, and streamlining governance to unify health systems. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption, the importance of shared decision-making, and how UCI Health is preparing for the future of digital healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca G. Mishuris, Chief Medical Information Officer and VP at Mass General Brigham, discusses the groundbreaking use of generative AI in ambient documentation. She shares how this technology is transforming clinician workflows, reducing burnout, and enhancing patient care—while also exploring the future of AI-driven healthcare innovation.

Tony Anani, MD, MPH, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, and Kevin Greene, President of Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper TX, discuss how their organization has earned the #1 ranking for inpatient and emergency care. They highlight their ongoing efforts to expand access to care and recruit top talent while navigating staffing challenges. Additionally, they share the opportunities they are excited about and the strategies they are implementing to ensure long-term success.

Cheng-Kai Kao, MD, FACP, SFHM, Chief Medical Information Officer at UChicago Medicine, explores how technology is being leveraged to enhance patient care and streamline workflow efficiency. He discusses the necessity of AI governance in monitoring artificial intelligence and ensuring responsible implementation. Additionally, he shares his vision and strategies for setting up UChicago Medicine for long-term success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Shakeeb Akhter, Senior Vice President & Chief Digital & Information Officer at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, shares insights on the hospital’s digital transformation, AI-driven advancements, and cloud migration initiatives. Tune in to hear how CHOP is leveraging technology to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and drive groundbreaking innovation in pediatric healthcare.

Michael Hasselberg, PhD, Chief Digital Health Officer at the University of Rochester Medical Center, discusses the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence governance in healthcare. He highlights growth opportunities in generative AI while addressing regulatory challenges and the complexities of building trust in AI-driven solutions.

Turgay Ayer, Professor at Georgia Tech’s School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, explores the role of data in decision-making processes, emphasizing the value of randomized control trials. He discusses challenges in data accessibility and communication gaps with end users. Additionally, Ayer addresses controversies surrounding increased healthcare spending for correctional facilities, offering insight into the complexities of resource allocation.

Steven Ramirez, Chief Information Security Officer at Renown Health, shares insights on improving the end-user experience through continuous adjustments and support. He emphasizes the importance of clearly articulating risk to drive strategic investments and ensuring those investments deliver value. Ramirez also discusses his proactive approach to setting himself up for long-term success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

James Matera, DO, FACOI, ACPE, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at CentraState Medical Center, discusses the importance of evidence-based medicine and adhering to guidelines to enhance care quality. He also highlights how the organization is addressing community needs and emphasizes the role of monitoring key performance metrics to drive improvement.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Townsend, Chief Clinical Digital Ventures Officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health, discusses how health systems can leverage real-world data and unstructured clinical notes to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes. He shares insights on Bon Secours’ partnership with OmniHealth, the role of AI in clinical decision-making, and strategies for building a data-driven culture in healthcare.

In this episode, Sameer Sethi, SVP and Chief AI & Insights Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, shares how the health system is leading the way in AI adoption. From scaling automation to embedding AI into clinical workflows, he discusses key innovations, challenges, and the future of AI-driven healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Chris DeFlitch, Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer at Penn State Health, discusses the health system’s rapid transformation. From pioneering EHR advancements to Penn State’s impactful philanthropic efforts like the Four Diamonds Fund, Dr. DeFlitch shares how technology and community-driven care are shaping the future of healthcare in Central Pennsylvania.

In this episode, Gulshan Mehta, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Blanchard Valley Health System, discusses the organization's approach to digital transformation. He highlights the importance of building a strong IT foundation, leveraging AI and automation, enhancing data accessibility, and overcoming industry challenges like workforce adaptation and cybersecurity.

In this episode, Reed Smith, MBA, Chief Consumer Officer at Ardent Health Services, discusses how the organization is leveraging technology to enhance patient experience, improve access to care, and support clinicians. Reed shares insights on the future of healthcare technology, including the importance of interoperability and prioritizing consumer needs in an evolving landscape.

In this episode, Chris Carmody, Chief Technology Officer at UPMC, shares insights on the health system’s shift towards a single electronic health record (EHR) platform. He discusses the challenges, planning, and leadership involved in this transformative project and highlights the importance of supporting teams for long-term success in healthcare IT.

In this episode, Dr. J. Scott Smitherman, Associate Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer at Providence Clinical Network, shares insights on how AI-driven technologies like ambient documentation are transforming clinical workflows, reducing physician burnout, improving patient care, and more.

In this episode, Sandra Powell-Elliott, MBA, Vice President and Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, shares insights on fostering a culture of innovation, leveraging AI and translational research, and navigating funding challenges to drive the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Tim Callahan, Chief Technology Officer at University of Michigan Health, discusses his organization’s ambitious cloud transformation journey. He shares insights on IT modernization, cloud migration strategies, workforce upskilling, and the future of AI and innovation in healthcare technology.

In this episode, Michael Archuleta, Chief Information Officer and HIPAA Information Security Officer at Mt. San Rafael Hospital, shares how his team is revolutionizing rural healthcare through cutting-edge AI, advanced cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He discusses the hospital’s nationally recognized IT achievements, the power of AI-driven radiology, and the critical role of cybersecurity in modern healthcare.

In this episode, Kerri Webster, Vice President and Chief Analytics Officer at Children's Hospital Colorado, discusses how her team is leveraging data, predictive analytics, and AI to enhance patient care. She shares key milestones, future growth opportunities, and the importance of data literacy in shaping the future of pediatric healthcare.

Lisa S. Stump, BSPharm, MS, FASHP, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Information Officer, and Dean of Information Technology at Mount Sinai Health System, discusses key areas of growth for the year, including advancements in AI and clinical innovation. She addresses anticipated challenges such as the rapid pace of change and transforming operating models, while sharing her strategies for setting the organization up for long-term success.

Garrett Olin, MBA, Chief Information Officer at Shasta Community Health Center, discusses the center's expansion efforts, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and the ethical implementation of AI into workflow to enhance operational efficiency and patient care.

Cole Zanetti, DO, MPH, Chief Health Informatics Officer at Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System, discusses his commitment to supporting veterans from all backgrounds. He shares insights on leveraging AI to streamline workflows for care teams and the importance of evaluating the effectiveness and impact of healthcare investments.

In this episode, Kathy Sanford, DBA, RN, FAAN, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at CommonSpirit Health, discusses the health system’s innovative approach to nursing, including virtual care models, workforce development, and the next five-year strategic plan. Tune in to hear how CommonSpirit is tackling staffing challenges, enhancing patient care, and preparing for the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Richard Zane, Chief Innovation Officer at UCHealth, discusses UCHealth’s approach to AI, virtual care, and reducing complexity in healthcare. He also shares insights on navigating financial pressures, regulatory challenges, and building a high-reliability health system for the future.

Greg Poulsen, Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at Intermountain Healthcare, shares insights on the importance of being goal-oriented and making patient-centered decisions. He emphasizes creating value for both patients and caregivers while addressing the rising costs of healthcare. Poulsen also discusses the need for solutions to support patients who cannot afford necessary care and highlights the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to healthcare.

Umberto Tachinardi, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Health Digital Officer at UC Health, discusses how the organization is advancing digitally and ensuring that all tools, from devices to cybersecurity components, remain up to date. He highlights the goal of expanding clinical informatics groups, the challenges he faces in the evolving healthcare landscape, and the critical role of staff education in keeping teams informed and prepared.

Isaiah Nathaniel, CPHIMS, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc., discusses the integration of AI into healthcare strategies to enhance patient care. He shares his goals for improving efficiency in the new year through workflow optimization and addresses the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting patient information.

In this episode, Amit Patel, MSN, NI-BC, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at Tampa General Hospital, discusses the hospital’s rapid expansion, innovative IT integrations, and the role of AI in streamlining patient care. He shares insights on navigating change management, enhancing telehealth infrastructure, and fostering a culture of adaptability in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

Rajiv Pramanik, Chief Information Officer and Chief Health Informatics Officer at Contra Costa Health, discusses the expansion of access to care through the implementation of new technology. He highlights the role AI plays in these advancements and shares insights on leadership, emphasizing the success he’s found in guiding teams rather than micromanaging.

In this episode, Richard Clarke, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Analytics Officer at Highmark Health, discusses how the organization is leveraging AI, data integration, and value-based care models to enhance healthcare outcomes and affordability. He shares insights on payer-provider collaboration, generative AI adoption, and the future of intelligent workflows in healthcare.

In this episode, Gregory Bryant, Chief Information Officer at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital, shares insights on the hospital’s digital transformation, including AI adoption, virtualization, and cybersecurity advancements. He also discusses strategies for expanding service lines and overcoming rural healthcare challenges to enhance patient care and community impact.

J.D. Whitlock, Chief Information Officer at Dayton Children's Hospital, discusses growth opportunities for his team in the coming year, including the expansion of mental health facilities. He also delves into the challenges of cybersecurity in healthcare, exploring measures to strengthen protection and how AI will impact cybersecurity concerns. Additionally, Whitlock examines the implications of new proposed HIPAA regulations and their potential effects on the work environment.

In this episode, Robert Poznanovich, Chief Growth Officer at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, shares insights into the evolution of addiction treatment, the integration of mental health and substance use care, and the impact of technology in behavioral health. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the field, including patient engagement and staff retention, and reflects on his personal journey in recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Zafar Chaudry, Senior VP, Chief Digital, AI, and Information Officer at Seattle Children's, discusses the intersection of technology and pediatric care. He shares insights on AI integration, digital transformation, and the challenges of evolving healthcare systems—all while ensuring a patient-centered approach.

In this episode, host Erica Carbajal speaks with Fariha Siddiquie, Director of Healthcare Services at The Kaleidoscope Group, about the critical role of patient-centered care in shaping the future of healthcare organizations. They discuss key strategies for prioritization, integrating patient experience into workflows, and ensuring technology meets diverse patient needs. Tune in for expert insights on how healthcare leaders can sustain compassionate, effective care amid evolving industry challenges.This episode is sponsored by The Kaleidoscope Group.