The BetterCare Podcast

EvidenceCare's CEO, Bo Bartholomew, sits down with Dr. DeAnn Bullock, Chief Medical Officer at Nashville General Hospital, to discuss clinical leadership at a safety-net hospital. From her background in emergency medicine to her current role overseeing hospital-wide clinical operations, Dr. Bullock shares how Nashville General delivers care to underserved populations while maintaining quality and operational efficiency.The conversation covers Dr. Bullock's journey from emergency department physician to CMO, practical strategies for improving clinician workflows, building equitable care programs that address patient needs beyond medical treatment, managing partnerships with other health systems, and what it takes to balance mission-driven care with operational realities.Key Takeaways:Emergency medicine as leadership training. Dr. Bullock's experience as ED medical director taught her to say yes, take on challenges, and support teams—skills that translated directly to hospital-wide leadership.Clinician-first improvements start with listening. Rather than assuming what providers need, Dr. Bullock spends time with clinicians to understand their challenges and prioritize solutions that improve workflow without adding burden.Equitable care means meeting patients where they are. Nashville General provides transportation vans, food pharmacies, meds-to-beds programs, clothing closets, and community care teams to address the full spectrum of patient needs.EMR consolidation improves care coordination. Moving clinics, ED, and hospital to a single EMR improved provider workflow, enabled better communication with other systems, and streamlined patient scheduling.Simplicity is the magic wand. Healthcare is too complicated for patients and providers—from insurance navigation to prior authorizations. Dr. Bullock advocates for making the system simpler at every touchpoint.Dr. DeAnn Bullock Bio:Dr. Bullock joined Nashville General Hospital in 2007 and was named the emergency department medical director in 2014. In addition to her role as Chief Medical Officer, she continues to serve as the emergency department medical director as well as the medical director for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. Board Certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Bullock earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College before completing her residency in Emergency Medicine as Chief Resident at the Medical College of Georgia. She practiced at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before joining Nashville General. Dr. Bullock works tirelessly in her pursuit to build and lead teams, develop collaborative relationships, mentor, and facilitate change within a landscape inclusive of public, private and academic stakeholders, while at the same time providing excellent patient care to a diverse and largely underserved population.---The BetterCare Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. DeAnn BullockLinkedInFollow Nashville GeneralLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInYouTubeTikTokX

In this episode of The BetterCare Podcast, Bo Bartholomew (EvidenceCare) talks with Jason Zachariah (EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Lifepoint Health) about the real-world mechanics of running a distributed system: connecting data across settings, improving flow from ED to inpatient to post-acute, clarifying ownership around bed management and transfers, and building an inclusive culture that enables teams to execute. They also touch on the leadership journey—what scales, what doesn’t, and how to balance mission and margin without losing sight of the frontline. Recorded live during Nashville Healthcare Sessions 2025. Topics include:Why a diversified footprint (acute, rehab, behavioral) strengthens access, continuity, and system performanceHow clinician-centered innovation helps with earning adoption by solving workflow friction firstBuilding a “control-tower” view of patient flow, bed management, and inter-facility transfersMaintaining operating discipline while expanding access in a rural strategyHow leadership behaviors translate to quality, experience, and retentionKey TakeawaysDiversification as strategy. Integrated acute, rehab, and behavioral services make the system more resilient and patient pathways clearer.Adoption beats aspiration. Solutions stick when they reduce friction for nurses and physicians.See the whole system. Real-time visibility and clear ownership improve throughput, LOS, and handoffs.Rural doesn’t mean rudimentary. Disciplined operations and connected data can raise the floor for access and experience.Lead with heart and clarity. Culture is an operating asset when it’s built intentionally.Jason Zachariah Bio:As executive vice president, chief operating officer, Jason leads operations for Lifepoint’s key lines of business, including acute care hospital operations, rehabilitation, behavioral health operations, quality and clinical support, and Medical Group Services.Zachariah most recently served as president, integrated solutions, a role in which he led rehabilitation and behavioral health operations, joint venture services, physician services, information technology, marketing, business transformation and development initiatives. Before joining Lifepoint, he served as president and chief operating officer (COO) of Kindred Healthcare, where he led the company’s hospital division, rehabilitation services and behavioral health operations. Prior to that, he served as president of Kindred’s rehabilitation services and in various roles in the company’s hospital division, including COO and executive director for the division’s California/Arizona district. During his tenure with Kindred, he drove a culture of patient advocacy, quality outcomes, employee engagement and operational efficiency and demonstrated a passion for innovation, care enhancement and diversity, equity and inclusion.He earned his MBA with Distinction from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Northwestern and a bachelor’s degree with distinction in biology and a chemistry minor from Duke University.---The BetterCare Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Jason ZachariahLinkedInFollow Lifepoint HealthLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInYouTubeTikTokX

In this episode of The BetterCare Podcast, Amy Deaton (EvidenceCare) sits down with Dr. Edmund Jackson (UnityAI) during Nashville Healthcare Sessions 2025 to talk about where AI is delivering dependable value in healthcare operations today, and how to deploy it safely and responsibly. Drawing on Edmund’s experience leading data science at HCA Healthcare and now building AI for clinical operations, they dig into why AI succeeds (or stalls), how to move beyond pilots, and what it looks like to deliver measurable value—not only in hospitals but across the broader healthcare ecosystem.Key TakeawaysOperational AI first. Scheduling and access are ripe for agents; keep clinical decision-making out of scope.Voice + reasoning changed the game. Natural conversations + better research/reasoning models enable reliable, patient-friendly interactions.Trust is built with process. Humans-in-the-loop, transparent transcripts, and outcome monitoring make governance real—not just a checklist.Start small, de-risk. Target low-risk workflows (e.g., referral follow-ups, reminders) to prove value and earn expansion.Serve more than hospitals. Balance health system partnerships with ambulatory and other settings to learn faster and scale sustainably.Dr. Edmund Jackson Bio:Dr. Edmund Jackson is the CEO and Co-founder of UnityAI. With expertise in data science and machine learning across healthcare, biotech, and finance, he has led innovations that improve healthcare quality and efficiency.Previously, as Chief Data Officer at HCA Healthcare, Edmund spearheaded AI initiatives that enhanced clinical practices and saved thousands of lives. A visionary leader and mentor, he is dedicated to leveraging AI to transform healthcare and drive meaningful impact.---The BetterCare Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Edmund JacksonLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s VP of Clinical Strategy, Carol Howard, sits down with Darin Gordon—Founding Partner of Speire Healthcare Strategies, President & CEO of Gordon & Associates, and former Director and CEO of TennCare—to break down what the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) means for hospitals and Medicaid programs across the country. Drawing on his decades of public service and national consulting work, Darin explains how OBBB impacts Medicaid eligibility, funding, and operations—and what hospital leaders must do to stay ahead of these sweeping changes.The conversation covers critical topics like new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, the strain of provider tax reductions, looming DSH cuts, and the urgent opportunity for states and hospitals to collaborate on the $50B Rural Provider Relief Fund. Darin offers practical advice for hospital executives and Medicaid leaders navigating limited resources, policy uncertainty, and the push for sustainable innovation.Key Takeaways:Medicaid enrollment surged during COVID due to paused eligibility checks; OBBB initiates a major reset.Hospitals must act quickly to engage with their state agencies to access Rural Provider Relief Funds.Provider tax caps and DSH cuts will significantly pressure state budgets and hospital revenue streams.Hospitals should prioritize early engagement with Medicaid agencies and hospital associations to influence decisions.While OBBB doesn’t mandate value-based care, budget pressure may accelerate adoption of innovative models.Darin Gordon Bio:Darin Gordon is the Founding Partner of Speire Healthcare Strategies and President & CEO of Gordon & Associates. He previously served as the Director and CEO of TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, where he led one of the most operationally successful and fiscally sound Medicaid programs in the country. Today, he advises state agencies, hospitals, and health plans nationwide on Medicaid strategy, financing, and reform. View full bio---The BetterCare Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Darin GordonLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInYouTubeTikTokX

EvidenceCare’s Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Dr. Michael van Duren, current Medical Director at Providence Health Plan and an expert clinical advisor to multiple companies and health systems over the years.They discuss how health systems can approach the difficult but necessary work of reducing unwarranted clinical variation with practical strategies that engage physicians at an individual level and also make a system-wide impact.Drawing from his experience at multiple hospitals, Dr. van Duren shares lessons learned from building variation reduction teams, introducing unblinded peer metrics, and helping physicians reflect on practice patterns—without damaging trust or autonomy.Key Takeaways:Clinical variation often stems from well-intentioned physicians lacking the right feedback, not bad actors.Peer comparisons can be powerful—but only when backed by clear methodology, timely data, and psychological safety.The key to behavior change is curiosity, not control.True progress happens when clinicians lead the variation reduction conversation themselves.Dr. Michael van Duren Bio:Dr. Michael van Duren is the Medical Director for Medicare/Medicaid & Health Equity at Providence Health Plan. He previously served as a Chief Medical Officer and VP of Variation Reduction at Sutter Health and has advised multiple organizations—including EvidenceCare—on leveraging unblinded metrics and physician engagement to drive sustainable quality and cost improvements.---The BetterCare Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Michael van DurenLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInYouTubeX

EvidenceCare’s Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Dr. Walker Keach, Medical Director of Hospital Care Management and Patient Flow at Denver Health.Dr. Keach shares how his team successfully reduced length of stay (LOS) by launching a multimodal improvement initiative—without compromising patient outcomes. Dr. Keach walks us through the urgent 100-day challenge issued by Denver Health’s CEO, how they targeted specific DRGs, leveraged internal data tools, and changed the cultural conversation around LOS. He also addresses common concerns about readmissions and explains why Length of Stay Index (LOSI) is a more actionable metric than average LOS alone.Key Takeaways:A system-wide LOS improvement can start with executive urgency and a focused timeline to drive alignment and momentum.LOSI is a more precise, risk-adjusted benchmark that helps identify where excess days truly exist.A deep dive into internal analytics enabled care teams to act quickly and target the right cases.Reducing LOS didn’t increase readmissions or worsen outcomes, dispelling a common myth about efficiency efforts.Sustaining progress depends heavily on team engagement, transparency, and embedding LOS ownership into everyday workflows.Dr. Walker Keach Bio:Joseph “Walker” Keach, MD, is the Medical Director of Hospital Care Management and Patient Flow at Denver Health and an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He led a length of stay research initiative titled, Reducing Hospital Length of Stay: A Multimodal Prospective Quality Improvement Intervention, published in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Walker Keach:Dr. Keach’s published articleFollow Denver HealthLinkedInXFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s VP of Clinical Strategy, Carol Howard, leads a discussion on mastering change management and process improvement in hospitals. Panelists Candice Powers from USA Health, Jason Metcalf from CommonSpirit, and Ryan Schultz from UAB Medicine share their insights into effectively managing change in complex healthcare environments and the nuances of choosing the appropriate project management methodologies. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, measurement, and cultural understanding in facilitating successful project implementation and ensuring changes stick.Key Takeaways:Effective change management in healthcare relies on strategic communication, process monitoring, and understanding the "why" behind changes.Different project management methodologies such as Scrum, Waterfall, and A3 adhere to specific needs and challenges in healthcare projects.Involving frontline workers and other key stakeholders is essential for successful project execution and fostering a culture that embraces change.Benchmarking against existing data and industry standards helps identify performance gaps and informs improvement opportunities.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Download our A3 framework guide---Follow Jason Metcalf: LinkedInFollow Candice Powers: LinkedInFollow Ryan Schultz: LinkedInFollow EvidenceCare:LinkedInYouTubeTikTokX

EvidenceCare’s Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviewed four digital health experts in their respective areas – Dr. Aaron Wilcox from Kaiser Permanente, Meghan Huffman from Novant Health, Dr. Jordan Messler from Glytec, and Dr. Rich Loomis from Elsevier.In this episode, we cover helpful digital health strategies for hospitals, specific use cases for AI in clinical care, approaches to reducing clinical burden and burnout, and what areas of healthcare our guests most wish to fix. Key Takeaways:Integration of Digital Health – Dr. Aaron Wilcox explores how digital solutions enhance patient care journeys and support health beyond medicine.Smart Room Technology – Meghan Huffman shares how Novant Health is using smart room technology to improve patient experience, boost retention, and enable remote capabilities.AI in Healthcare – Dr. Richard Loomis highlights the rapid adoption of AI, its role in reducing clinician burnout, and its seamless integration into workflows.Improving Diabetes Management – Dr. Jordan Messler discusses technology for safer, more effective insulin management in hospitals, reducing preventable errors.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Aaron Wilcox: LinkedInFollow Meghan Huffman: LinkedInFollow Dr. Jordan Messler: LinkedInFollow Dr. Rich Loomis: LinkedInFollow EvidenceCare:LinkedInX

In this special episode, guest host, Dr. Rex Hoffman (Providence) facilitates a conversation with Dr. Doug Koekkoek and Dr. Mark Olszyk on how to be a successful hospital Chief Medical Officer.All 3 of our guests have extensive experience as CMOs and have collaborated together on books and presentations to help other aspiring CMOs to succeed in their positions. Most recently, Dr. Rex Hoffman authored, I Want to be a Chief Medical Officer: Now What?In this episode, they share some of the insights from that book and their own experiences of leading from the CMO position. Key Takeaways:When and how to transition from a clinical role to Chief Medical Officer, including recognizing the right time and gaining the right experience.The essential skills for success, from balancing clinical expertise with leadership to fostering a team-oriented environment.How to approach your first 90 days, focusing on relationship-building, understanding organizational dynamics, and setting yourself up for long-term impact.Key leadership strategies, including managing relationships with hospital executives, setting clear expectations, and maintaining transparency.How to align personal and organizational goals to create meaningful change and leave a lasting legacy.Dr. Rex Hoffman Bio:Dr. Hoffman is the Chief Medical Officer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He earned his medical degree at Tulane School of Medicine and is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He has served in many clinical leadership roles across Providence Health System for over a decade.Dr. Doug Koekkoek Bio:Dr. Koekkoek has served as Chief Medical Officer at Providence St. Joseph Health and as the Chief Physician Executive at PeaceHealth. He received his medical degree from the Oregon Health Sciences University. His clinical practice in internal medicine included inpatient and outpatient care before transitioning fully to Hospital Medicine and then moving into administrative and physician leadership roles.Dr. Mark Olszyk Bio:Dr. Olszyk is the Chief Medical Officer and VP of Medical Affairs for Carroll Hospital in Westminster, Maryland. He earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He also wrote the book, The Chief Medical Officer’s Essential Guidebook.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Rex Hoffman: LinkedInFollow Dr. Doug Koekkoek: LinkedInFollow Dr. Mark Olszyk: LinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s CEO, Bo Bartholomew, interviews Scott Becker, Founder, Publisher, and Chief Content Officer for Becker's Healthcare.Scott shares stories and examples of bringing entrepreneurship to large organizations, how clinical leaders can build great teams and avoid burnout, and innovative approaches to some of healthcare’s biggest issues such as physician shortages and rising costs.Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurial Drive: Lessons from Scott's journey from law to healthcare media on using entrepreneurial spirit to innovate within established industries.Building Great Teams: Success in any field requires cultivating and working with talented teams; a key theme Scott emphasizes.Healthcare Innovation: There is a critical need for innovative thinking in healthcare to address issues such as workforce shortages and rising costs.Leadership Characteristics: Effective leaders are not only competent but also likable, striking a balance that helps sustain long-term success.Continuous Learning: Scott shares the importance of lifelong learning and adapting, especially for clinician leaders transitioning into executive roles.Scott Becker Bio:Scott Becker is the founder, publisher, and chief content officer of Becker's Healthcare, a leading healthcare media company. Scott is also a long-time partner at McGuireWoods. He hosts the highly ranked Becker's Healthcare Podcast and Beckers Private Equity Podcast. He is also the author of several books, a regular speaker on business and healthcare trends, a proponent of physical and mental health as a foundation to life, and an active investor in private equity and venture capital funds and companies.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Scott BeckerLinkedInScott's New Book, The Entrepreneur's EdgeFollow Becker's HealthcareLinkedInXFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

In this episode of The Better Care Podcast, EvidenceCare's VP of Clinical Strategy, Carol Howard, hosts a live panel of experts on regulatory updates and strategies for health systems related to Medicare Advantage and the two midnight rule to assure compliance and optimize revenue capture.Guests:Jackie Kimmell, Senior Director of Strategy Catalyst, The Health Management AcademyDr. Adam Fall, Corporate Medical Director of Utilization Management, Erlanger Health SystemDr. Jeny McNair, President and Chief Physician Advisor, Physician Advisory, Med-MetrixKey Takeaways:Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are set to grow significantly, prompting policy changes to control federal spending, such as the Version 28 HCC Model and adjustments to star ratings.Hospitals are encountering increased payer friction, with a significant rise in MA denials and a need for robust strategies to manage Medicare patient classifications.Proper documentation and understanding of payer rules, including the CMS two midnight rule, are paramount to minimizing administrative burdens and ensuring appropriate reimbursements.The importance of contract negotiations, advocating for shorter contract terms and clear terms regarding the use of AI in care management.The potential impact of the Chevron ruling on medical necessity appeals could lead to significant legal and operational shifts in how hospitals manage and appeal payer decisions.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow EvidenceCare:LinkedInX

In this special episode of The Better Care Podcast, EvidenceCare's President & COO, Amy Deaton, engages with industry leaders live at the Nashville Healthcare Sessions conference to discuss the evolving industry landscape. These conversations focus on rural healthcare challenges, integrated mental health services for women's health, and patient-centric solutions in digital innovation.Guests:William Haugh: Division President of Lifepoint HealthAmy Green: Founder & CEO of Mamaya HealthAnika Gardenhire: Chief Digital & Information Officer of Ardent HealthKey Takeaways:Maintaining local healthcare services and how technology is a pivotal aid in overcoming rural healthcare challenges.How improved EHR integration can advance holistic and specialized women's health care from menstruation to menopause.Digital innovation as crucial for enhancing healthcare access and operational efficiency, with a focus on community connections and staffing solutions.Embracing a culture where failure is part of the learning process which can lead to more effective healthcare innovation.The importance of diversity in healthcare leadership and board representation as essential for driving meaningful change and innovation.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow EvidenceCare:LinkedInX

In this special episode of The Better Care Podcast, EvidenceCare's CEO, Bo Bartholomew, brings together a diverse group of healthcare leaders to explore innovation and transformation within the industry. Recorded live from the Nashville Healthcare Sessions conference, the conversations emphasize the importance of collaboration, technology, and strategic partnerships in redefining patient care.Guests:Phil Gibbs: CEO of Care Transformation StudioVic Gatto: Co-founder & Managing General Partner of Jumpstart CapitalFahad Tahir: President & CEO of Ascension St. ThomasJudith Byrd: Executive Director of the Greater Nashville Venture Capital AssociationMarty Bonick: President & CEO of Ardent HealthKey Takeaways:Cross-Industry Innovation: Utilizing technology from non-healthcare sectors, such as adapting solutions from the prison system for patient registration, can improve healthcare efficiency.Collaborative Ecosystem: Nashville’s healthcare sector thrives due to collaboration across various stakeholders, fostering a community of innovation and continuous improvement.Technological Empowerment: Technology is shifting from a burdensome necessity to a transformative enabler, particularly in reducing administrative burdens and improving patient-centric care.Healthcare Investment Growth: Nashville is becoming a venture capital hub for healthcare innovations, with significant impacts expected health tech.Patient-Centric Approach: The future of healthcare lies in integrating care delivery systems, focusing on simplifying and enhancing the patient experience.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow EvidenceCare:LinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s Co-Founder & CMO, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Melinda Hancock, EVP & Chief Transformation Officer for Sentara Health.Melinda shares how health systems can use transformation processes to align and balance clinical practices, patient outcomes, and financial sustainability.Key Takeaways:Healthcare Transformation: How to approach integrating clinical and financial goals, while still focusing on optimizing care delivery and ensuring patient safety and quality.Ideation and Innovation: Unique ways to encourage innovation that allows all employees to submit ideas with a robust vetting and prioritization process to ensure impactful projects are implemented.Technology and Analytics: Investments in ambient documentation and advanced analytics are crucial in reducing clinician burnout and improving operational efficiency.Integrated Delivery Network: The synergy between Sentara’s health plan and care delivery systems allows for a unique, pilot-based approach to enhancing patient care and health outcomesMelinda Hancock Bio:Melinda S. Hancock, CPA, FHFMA is Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer for Sentara Health. She oversees several Sentara teams, including Strategy, Growth, Transformation, Integration and Project Management.Hancock joined Sentara in August 2021 as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Before joining Sentara, Hancock was the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer at VCU Health System, where she made significant contributions to advance the infrastructure of the health system that includes programs and models that improve the patient experience and the health of vulnerable populations. Prior to her time at VCU Health, Hancock was a partner with Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP (DHG) where she helped lead the payment model team to develop products related to the transformation of volume-based reimbursement to value-based reimbursement. Before joining DHG, Hancock was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Virginia market of Bon Secours Health System. Hancock's career prior to Bon Secours included eight years at Culpeper Regional Hospital and experience as a healthcare consultant and auditor with Ernst & Young and Deloitte.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Melinda HancockLinkedInFollow Sentara HealthLinkedInXFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s CEO, Bo Bartholomew, interviews Adam Kaufman, digital health expert and consultant, currently at Baylor Scott & White Health.Adam and Bo provide insight into the evolution of digital health innovation and economics for healthcare leaders looking to navigate today's complex landscape.Key Takeaways:Economic Distribution in Healthcare: They break down how healthcare spending is allocated.The Evolution of Digital Health: From early telephonic disease management to today's sophisticated digital platforms.Strategic Alignment in Innovation: Learn why aligning digital health initiatives with strategic goals is key to driving operational success in health systems.The Future of Healthcare Therapies: The impact of GLP-1 drugs on obesity and how therapeutic innovations are shaping the future of healthcare.Adam Kaufman Bio:Adam Kaufman is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and board member providing pioneering leadership in digital health, medical services, and healthy living. For more than two decades he has been a pioneer of digital health and its accompanying transformation of the healthcare industry. He is known for driving organizational improvements through technical advancements as well as defining strategic vision to penetrate new markets, expand product lines, and grow revenue.Most recently, Adam reorganized Weight Watchers B2B healthcare division while leading the launch of the first dedicated broad WW consumer solution for people with diabetes. He defined a successful go-to-market plan while positioning the product line for significant growth within this new vertical. Previously, Adam has been a startup founder and CEO at Canary Health leading the company through several rounds of financing and growth to a $10M in annual recurring revenue run rate.Adam has particularly deep expertise in VC and PE backed healthcare companies supporting their digital transformation and entrance into new markets often after growth has stalled or declined in initial strategies. He has worked to redefine value propositions, adjust go-to-market strategies and build and lead marketing and sales teams.Leveraging a Ph.D. in Applied Microeconomics (with a focus in healthcare) from the University of Southern California, Adam also worked as an Adjunct at USC, teaching healthcare Industrial Organization and Applied Statistics. He served as a Fulbright Scholar at the Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico and completed a dual Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Adam KaufmanLinkedInFollow Baylor Scott & White HealthLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Dr. Jon Handler, Senior Fellow of Innovation at OSF HealthCare.Jon explores the intricacies of healthcare innovation, sharing his journey on getting adoption for various clinical technologies and the critical nexus of coding and clinical practice.Key Takeaways:Practical tips for engaging clinicians and hospital leaders in new technologyDeveloping an EHR system before they were mainstreamServicing the "long tail" in healthcareStrategically using AI to benefit the patientEpisode clarifications from Dr. Handler:Dr. Handler's residency was at George Washington-Georgetown's combined emergency medicine residency program.Dr. Handler's comments are his own and not necessarily representative of his employer or anyone else.The Azyxxi team aimed to get virtually all information into the system and make it readily and usefully available to clinicians who needed it. If they didn't get absolutely everything, they certainly got a lot.Unless explicitly said otherwise, Dr. Handler's comments are not drawn from specific experiences with any current or prior affiliates, but rather from his general observations related to technology in healthcare.Dr. Handler says in response to the Amazon story, "For the record, I also love our local bookstore, and our library too." Dr. Handler notes: "While many healthcare technologies have origins in health systems, the first CPOE reportedly was actually developed by Lockheed Martin, with El Camino Hospital as its partner – an early example of the value of vendors partnering with providers.”Dr. Jon Handler Bio:Dr. Jon Handler is a Medical Informaticist and Emergency Physician focused on entrepreneurship and innovation in advanced data analytics, AI/machine learning, telehealth, and other clinical applications, with a proven track record of building high performing, data-driven businesses. He has more than a decade of clinical experience in high volume, high acuity care and more than twenty years of experience in creating healthcare software and implementing solutions. Dr. Handler is an award-winning lecturer and educator, published researcher, and entrepreneur.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Jon HandlerLinkedInFollow OSF HealthCareLinkedInFollow OSF InnovationLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Dr. Stacey Johnston, VP and Chief Applications Officer at Baptist Health (Jacksonville).Stacey shares the complexities and triumphs of transitioning to a new EHR system and takes listeners behind the scenes of Baptist Health's remarkable journey achieving a ten-star Epic implementation rating within its first year.Key Takeaways:Emphasizing the culture of collaboration led to the successful Epic implementation at Baptist Health.The challenges of change management and training during the transition to a new EHR were mitigated through targeted physician support.Innovations and optimizations post-EHR implementation are key, with projects saving millions of clicks for providers.Future-focused initiatives, including AI and hospital at home programs, are central to Baptist Health's strategy.Dr. Stacey Johnston Bio:Stacey Johnston, MD, was named vice president, chief medical information officer (CMIO) of Baptist Health in October 2019, after serving as associate CMIO for hospitalist informatics since August 2018. A board-certified family physician and a member of the Baptist Hospitalist Group, Dr. Johnston has extensive experience in the use of electronic medical records, clinical technologies across a broad spectrum of clinical settings and knowledge of electronic medical record infrastructure.Prior to joining Baptist Health, she served as the CMIO and medical director of the hospitalist program at Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, S.C., where she also served on the Board of Trustees. She is a 2002 graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Ga. She is a member of the Scottsdale Institute, a forum for senior healthcare executives to share best practices around IT-enabled clinical and business transformation.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Stacey JohnstonLinkedInFollow Baptist Health (Jacksonville)LinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Dr. Michelle Flemmings, Industry Executive & Market Development Director at Oracle.Michelle shares a compelling and challenging vision for using AI technology in healthcare and her journey from emergency physician to physician executive.Key Takeaways:How to challenge executive hesitation for adopting AI for cliniciansPractical ways to adopt emerging tech and AI solutions in hospitalsThe "simple" things that help prevent cyberattacksHow Oracle is working to have a global impact on healthcareDr. Michelle Flemmings Bio:As the Industry Executive Director and Market Development Leader for Healthcare for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, I support client relationships and help healthcare organizations to achieve their digital transformation goals. Bringing over 3 decades of bedside patient care, clinical leadership, and industry governance experience to this role, I am passionate about forming meaningful and trusted client partnerships focused on solving real world problems; achieving and maintaining operational efficiency, realizing cost containment, making the successful pivot to, once again, concentrate on growth initiatives, and improving the retention and recruitment of talented clinical workforce. I believe that data is most powerful when actioned upon. By helping clients to successfully navigate their digital roadmap, identify the right data management tools, thoughtfully implement artificial/augmented intelligence, and adopt data analytics, I believe that the power of data can be magnified - measured in terms of clinical and business results achieved and not just numbers of patient encounters. I believe that by utilizing that data to glean business insights, recognize and predict population trends, capture patient feedback supporting new treatment initiatives and better access to care, we have the potential to impactfully address the social determinants of health that often prove insurmountable for our patients. Helping clients use their data to identify opportunities that provide relief for physicians, nurses and all providers of healthcare, and helping organizations to successfully make the transition to become more proactive and more strategic in decision making is my strength and I believe that in partnership, we can drive improved clinical outcomes that can change lives.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Michelle FlemmingsLinkedInFollow OracleLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInX

EvidenceCare’s Chief Operating Officer, Amy Deaton, interviews Novlet Mattis, SVP and Chief Digital & Information Officer at Orlando Health.Novlet shares how technology is leveraged at Orlando Health to greatly enhance patient care and outcomes, as well as the importance of doing the hard work of updating outdated systems. This discussion is hospital leaders wanting to be at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare IT.Key Takeaways:Novlet Mattis narrates her unexpected entry into the field of healthcare IT and her rise to a leadership role, advocating the importance of a passion for solving problems and having a purposeful impact on healthcare delivery.Orlando Health's significant investment in IT infrastructure and digital strategy resulted in prestigious accolades.Overcoming challenges in the adoption of new technology requires stringent change management, robust cybersecurity measures, and critical evaluation of new partnerships.Investing in future leaders through an internship program emphasizes the need for nurturing the next generation in healthcare IT.Novlet Mattis Bio:As Orlando Health’s Chief Digital and Information Officer, Novlet provides executive leadership for information technology, digital capability supply chain, and systems that advance clinical and business strategies, digitally engage patients, providers and businesses, and optimize operational processes.Prior to joining Orlando Health in 2018, she was with Ascension Health in St. Louis, where she served as vice president of information technology, supporting more than 125 hospitals across the U.S. as well as international joint ventures.Novlet also was vice president of IT and chief information officer at UNC Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has held leadership positions at Dell Global Services, Lucent Technologies and AT&T.She earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Howard University and an MBA from George Washington University, both in Washington, D.C. She is a Certified Healthcare CIO through the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Novlet MattisLinkedInFollow Orlando HealthLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInTwitter

EvidenceCare’s Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brian Fengler, interviews Dr. Miguel Benet, SVP of Clinical Operations at Community Health Systems (CHS).Miguel shares the focus behind significant reduction in patient safety events over the past decade at CHS, and their approach to scaling clinical operations while considering local market needs. Key Takeaways:The importance of patient engagement and dedication to safety initiativesThe concept of "rigidly flexible" in clinical operations in order to promote innovative improvementUnique ways of expanding into digital health and AI in areas like remote patient monitoring for improved outcomesDr. Benet's own journey into leadership and the importance of self reflection and investing in your team's developmentDr. Miguel Benet Bio:Miguel S. Benet, M.D., M.P.H., has leadership responsibilities for clinical services and operations including the CHS PSO – Patient Safety Organization, clinical research, clinical informatics, case management/utilization review, ED, OR, OB cardiovascular service lines, transfer center operations, pharmacy, behavioral health, post-acute services, clinical data science, process improvement, clinical documentation improvement and physician coding and documentation, physician practice management, and graduate medical education (GME) programs within CHS-affiliated hospitals.Before joining CHS in 2021, Benet served as Chief Medical Officer for HCA’s North Texas Division where he had responsibility for all clinical, safety and quality activities and led strategic implementation of clinical programs across the 16-hospital network. In his more than 20 years as a physician executive and practicing provider, he has held leadership roles including Chief Resident, Anesthesiology Department Chairman, medical staff committee chairmanships, and CMO at individual hospitals.Benet earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his medical degree along with a master’s degree in public health, health management and policy from the University of Michigan. He completed his anesthesia residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.Benet was a Nashville Health Care Council Fellow in 2023 and chosen as a Top 25 Minority Leader in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare in 2020.---The Better Care Podcast is produced by EvidenceCare.Sign up for email updates when new episodes are released.---Follow Dr. Miguel BenetLinkedInFollow Community Health SystemsLinkedInFollow EvidenceCareLinkedInTwitter