The CereCore Podcast

What does it take for a community hospital to modernize its EHR, stay independent, and embrace AI responsibly? Craig Rice, Vice President and CIO at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana, has a lot to say about it. Schneck Medical Center is the only organization in Indiana to receive the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. They made a deliberate choice to stay independent and stay on MEDITECH, even while surrounded by Epic-based health systems between Indianapolis and Louisville. Craig walks through the full arc of their Expanse journey, from a rigorous open selection process to early adoption of MEDITECH Traverse for interoperability, managing 80+ integrations, and the lessons that only come from going live. He also talks about how Schneck recently launched Suki for ambient AI documentation and what responsible AI governance looks like for a community hospital that knows it can not afford to get it wrong. Key topics include: - Why Schneck chose MEDITECH Expanse over Epic's Community Connect program - Early adoption of MEDITECH Traverse and the interoperability challenge of staying independent - Managing 80+ integrations and what Craig would do differently - How fast decision-making and a culture of fun kept the team going through go-live - Ambient AI with Suki, responsible adoption, governance, and early results - The difference between a vendor and a true partner - Practical advice for community CIOs trying to stay innovative without burning out Connect with show host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer of CereCore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-sobol-8696991/ Connect with Craig Rice, Vice President and CIO at Schneck Medical Center: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-rice-schneck/ Did this topic resonate with you? Reach out and start a conversation to learn more: https://cerecore.net/contact Exploring a MEDITECH Expanse implementation or optimization project? Let's talk about how CereCore can help. MEDITECH professional services are just the beginning. We also support application management, infrastructure, interoperability, revenue cycle, and more. Like what you hear? Follow or subscribe!

Paula Blomquist has spent her career figuring out what people need before they know they need it. She calls it retail magic. Now, as Chief Experience Officer at GoHealth Urgent Care, she is working to bring that same instinct into healthcare. Paula leads patient and consumer experience strategy across GoHealth's national network of urgent care centers, which operates through joint ventures with health systems including UPMC, Northwell Health, and Hartford Healthcare. Her background is unique for healthcare: a degree in mathematics and computer science, an MBA in marketing, and years leading retail operations. That combination shapes everything about how she thinks about technology, people, and care. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, she talks about: - What retail magic looks like in a clinical setting, and why it does not undermine care - How GoHealth designed AI scribing, online scheduling, and self-registration tools around staff needs first - Why rationalizing your tech stack matters more than adding new tools - What it really takes to make joint venture technology partnerships work - How GoHealth is building an AI roadmap and governance framework across diverse markets - Practical advice for leaders who want to improve the digital front door without overcomplicating everything Paula is the kind of leader who gets curious about what is not in the database. This is a conversation worth slowing down for. Connect with host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer of CereCore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-sobol-8696991/ Connect with Paula Blomquist, Chief Experience Officer, GoHealth Urgent Care: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-puleo-blomquist-b873155/ Did this topic resonate with you? Reach out and start a conversation: https://cerecore.net/contact

Rural hospitals are not too small to be targeted. In fact, they are often more vulnerable. In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, Phil Sobol sits down with Chris Riha, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor at CereCore, to talk about one of the biggest risks facing community hospitals today: cybersecurity. Chris brings a rare operator perspective. He spent more than 14 years inside Carilion Clinic leading clinical systems and medical device security and previously worked with the US Army Medical Department and MITRE. He understands both the operational realities of hospitals and the growing sophistication of cyber threats. They discuss: • Why rural hospitals are often targeted • The real impact of cyber incidents on communities • What a fractional CISO model actually looks like • How tabletop exercises build confidence and muscle memory • Federal and state funding opportunities many hospitals overlook Chris shares a powerful story of a critical access hospital that survived a cyber incident thanks to preparation, but not without significant strain on a very small IT team. If you are a rural CEO, CIO, board member, or healthcare leader trying to balance limited resources with growing cyber threats, this conversation offers practical, grounded guidance. Connect with show host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer at CereCore Connect with Chris Riha, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor at CereCore Want to evaluate your cybersecurity posture or explore fractional support options? Start a conversation with our team. Like what you hear? Follow or subscribe to The CereCore Podcast.

What happens when a practicing hospitalist becomes both CMO and CMIO? Dr. Devjit Roy shares his journey from COVID frontlines to dual leadership at Nathan Littauer Hospital. As author of Between Heartbeats and Algorithms: Reclaiming What Matters in Healthcare, Dr. Roy makes a powerful case for compassion and presence in an era of metrics and automation. Hear how he keeps clinicians connected to mission, optimizes MEDITECH in a rural setting, and approaches AI as a flashlight rather than a steering wheel. From digital health equity to physician voices in technology decisions, this conversation offers practical wisdom for healthcare leaders navigating the intersection of humanity and technology. Key topics: - Dual CMO/CMIO perspective on rural healthcare challenges - Keeping clinicians engaged during EHR transitions and burnout - Why physicians must be at the table for AI decisions - MEDITECH optimization with CereCore partnership - Workforce shortages and digital health equity in rural settings - What makes a meaningful IT partnership in resource-constrained environments Connect with show host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer of CereCore Connect with Dr. Devjit Roy, CMO, CMIO, and VP of Medical Affairs at Nathan Littauer Hospital Did this topic resonate with you? Reach out and start a conversation to learn more. Need help optimizing your MEDITECH implementation? MEDITECH professional services can help identify gaps and create a roadmap for improvement. Serving a rural community? Learn how IT advisory services can extend your team's capacity.

From the bedside to the boardroom, Holly Davis has spent nearly three decades advocating for nurses and patients in rural healthcare. In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, Holly, Chief Nursing Officer at Bingham Memorial Hospital, joins host Phil Sobol to share a practical, people-first view on nursing leadership, technology adoption, and sustaining nursing careers. Holly discusses the realities of leading nursing teams across hospital and clinic settings, the cognitive and emotional burden nurses carry, and why innovation only works when it reduces effort instead of adding complexity. She also shares how Bingham Memorial Hospital is using tools like mobile point-of-care documentation, virtual nursing, and AI-assisted clinical notes to support nurses without losing the human connection at the heart of care delivery. In this episode What a day in the life of a rural CNO really looks like The physical, emotional, and cognitive realities of nursing today Practical approaches to nurse resilience and retention Using technology to reduce burden, not increase it Mobile documentation and virtual nursing in a rural setting Early lessons from AI-assisted clinical documentation Why leaders must stay close to frontline workflows Connect with show host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer of CereCore Connect with Holly Davis, Chief Nursing Officer at Bingham Memorial Hospital Did this episode spark your interest? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s start a conversation about how technology can better support nurses and care teams. Need help evaluating your EHR or identifying opportunities to reduce clinical burden? We can help you assess your current environment and build a practical roadmap. CereCore extends the capacity of healthcare IT teams through MEDITECH professional services, application management, IT support, infrastructure services, regulatory reporting, and advisory services.

What happens when bold leadership meets groundbreaking technology? In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, host Phil Sobol speaks with Sir David Sloman, former Chief Operating Officer of NHS England, about the digital transformation of one of the world’s largest healthcare systems. From artificial intelligence and data-driven care to leadership resilience and global collaboration, Sir David shares lessons from four decades of healthcare transformation. His message is one of optimism, humility, and courage—showing how digital progress and human connection can coexist to deliver better care. In this episode: - How a bold AI breakthrough is transforming patient care - The mindset required to lead large-scale digital change - Why optimism and humility matter as much as innovation - The evolving role of data, compassion, and trust in healthcare - Lessons from the NHS that apply to every healthcare system Connect with show host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer at CereCore. Connect with Sir David Sloman, former Chief Operating Officer, NHS England. Like what you hear? Follow or subscribe to The CereCore Podcast on your favorite platform.

What does it take to thrive as an independent specialty hospital today? In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, host Phil Sobol talks with Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital, about balancing financial discipline with clinical excellence, leading teams through EHR change, and building a culture of care in northern Idaho. Rick shares his journey from CFO to CEO, why technology and partnerships are critical to sustaining independence, and how his team is navigating workforce challenges while keeping patient outcomes front and center. He also offers a message to the employees of CereCore about the impact of their work and the value of true partnership. Whether you are a healthcare executive, IT leader, or rural hospital champion, this conversation offers practical lessons on leadership, technology, and innovation. Key Topics - Journey from CFO to CEO at Northwest Specialty Hospital - Role of IT and EHR in driving patient outcomes and financial sustainability - Balancing financial discipline with clinical excellence - Workforce and staffing strategies to build a culture of care - Lessons learned from leading teams through EHR change - What to look for in a true partnership and how CereCore supports that journey - Opportunities and innovations ahead for specialty hospitals - Life and leadership in northern Idaho

From his early days as a finance intern at Cerner to leading Oracle Health Services at CereCore, Richard Barrett has witnessed healthcare IT evolve through seismic shifts: the rise of SaaS and the cloud, interoperability breakthroughs, the Oracle acquisition, and now the AI revolution. If you’re a CIO, IT strategist, or healthcare leader navigating Oracle Health, this episode of The CereCore Podcast offers grounded wisdom, practical lessons, and inspiration from someone who has “seen it all.” Richard joins host Phil Sobol to reflect on his two decades in healthcare IT and why governance, clinician buy-in, and trusted partnerships are more important than ever. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Lessons from working with some of the nation’s largest health systems - The transformation of Cerner into Oracle Health — and what that means for providers - Why Oracle’s partner-driven model is reshaping client expectations - The future of AI, SaaS, and interoperability in healthcare IT Connect with show host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer at CereCore Connect with Richard Barrett, Senior Director of Oracle Health Services at CereCore

What happens when a hospital leader takes lessons from both the CEO and CFO seat into statewide advocacy? You get a strong advocacy voice for rural health. In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, host Phil Sobol talks with Tim Powers, Chief Financial Officer of the Idaho Hospital Association, about his 35-year journey in healthcare leadership. From turning around struggling hospitals in Idaho and Nevada to guiding 51 member hospitals today, Tim shares how advocacy, partnerships, and culture are essential to financial resiliency. He unpacks the challenges rural hospitals face from workforce shortages and labor costs to revenue cycle management and cybersecurity and explains why collaboration is the key to thriving, not just surviving. Listeners will hear stories of turnaround, mentorship, and the calling of rural healthcare leadership. In this episode: - Tim’s journey from “fix-it guy” to rural hospital CFO and CEO - How turnaround stories shaped his passion for advocacy - The value of Healthcare Business Ventures in supporting IHA members - Why Medicaid expansion, workforce culture, and cybersecurity top the financial agenda - Lessons from ransomware and EMR conversions in critical access hospitals - Advice for rural leaders: do not operate in a silo, lean on each other Whether you are a hospital executive, board member, or policy advocate, this episode offers practical perspective and inspiration on the role of advocacy and financial stewardship in sustaining rural health. Connect with - Show host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer of CereCore - Tim Powers, CFO of the Idaho Hospital Association Explore Resources CereCore® brings hospital operations experience and healthcare IT expertise together to support organizations like IHA members. From revenue cycle technology assessments and EHR optimization to managed IT services and cybersecurity, we can help you extend your team’s capacity. - Revenue Cycle Technology Adoption Model: Where does your organization stand? - Cybersecurity Assessments: Protect your data and minimize risk - IT Advisory Services: Gain an outside perspective rooted in healthcare operations

From the ED to the C-suite, Dr. Kathy Tussey, CEO of Harrison Memorial Hospital, has never stopped solving problems. Dr. Tussey shares how EHR optimization became a strategic imperative and why it’s about more than technology. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, she discusses the ripple effect of technology on staff, patient safety, regulatory and revenue cycle. Hear how her nursing roots shaped her approach to executive leadership, why rural hospitals can’t afford to lag behind, and how partnerships like the one with CereCore are helping her team work smarter, not harder. In this episode: - How a curious nurse became a forward-thinking hospital CEO - The critical role of EHR optimization in rural healthcare - How AI and analytics can reclaim time with patients - Why partnerships are essential for transformation - Leadership lessons from a collaborative, growth-oriented leader Dr. Tussey is an encouraging leader who is dedicated to operational excellence in healthcare. Whether you’re a CNO, CIO, or aspiring healthcare leader, stream this episode and get inspired to lead with purpose, optimize your technology, and never stop learning. Connect with show host Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer of CereCore Connect with Dr. Kathy Tussey, CEO of Harrison Memorial Hospital Did this episode spark your interest? We'd love to hear from you. Let’s start a conversation about how we can help you improve healthcare technology for providers and staff. Need to evaluate your EHR? We can help you assess your EHR and develop a roadmap like we provided Dr. Tussey and Harrison Memorial Hospital. We can extend the capacity of your team from MEDITECH professional services to ongoing application management, IT support, infrastructure, regulatory reporting, and virtual chief information security officers.

Explore a remarkable journey of transformation, resilience, and leadership in rural healthcare. Host Phil Sobol welcomes back Lynn Falcone, CEO of Cuero Regional Hospital, and Ismelda Garza, CIO Cuero Regional Hospital and CereCore manager, for a candid conversation about their multi-year effort to implement MEDITECH Expanse and evolve into a high reliability organization (HRO). From overcoming infrastructure limitations to unifying disparate systems across hospital and clinic settings, Lynn and Ismelda share how they build trust within their teams and continue to manage change through constant communication. They discuss: - Why Cuero chose MEDITECH Expanse and how it improved patient safety and operational efficiency - The critical role of communication and governance in sustaining momentum post-go-live - How IT supports a culture of safety and continuous improvement - The realities and misconceptions of rural healthcare leadership - Practical insights on navigating AI, staffing challenges, and change fatigue Whether you're leading a rural hospital or managing enterprise-wide IT transformation, this episode offers grounded wisdom, humor, and inspiration for healthcare leaders navigating complex change. Listen to discover how Cuero Regional Hospital is redefining what’s possible in rural healthcare.

What happens when a former clinician becomes the architect of digital transformation? You get bold, practical innovation that actually works. In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, we talk with Julie Demaree, Executive Director of Clinical Innovation and Transformation at St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam, about how she’s turning tech frustration into clinical empowerment. From rebuilding trust in the EHR to rolling out ambient AI and automation bots, Julie shares how her team is making digital tools work for—not against—providers. If you're a healthcare CIO, informatics leader, or tech strategist, this episode is your blueprint for: - Building a digital strategy that clinicians actually love - Creating governance that fuels innovation (not red tape) - Using data, AI, and automation to solve real-world problems - Bridging the gap between IT and clinical care—without burning out your teams Julie’s experience proves that clinical innovation isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving problems with purpose. Listen and get inspired to lead your own transformation journey.

How do you strike the right balance with IT governance? Peyman Zand, chief strategy officer at CereCore, talks about developing strategic plans and IT governance to drive innovation and growth. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore, Peyman shares how to align strategic planning and governance with enterprise goals. Hear why it's important to establish a multidisciplinary governance structure, the pitfalls of overly complex or simplistic models, and how emerging technologies like AI can be integrated without hindering progress. Tune in to discover how effective IT governance builds strategic alignment so your leadership team can better navigate today's pressures. Key topics - Achieving the right balance of IT governance - How strategic planning and IT governance work together - Pitfalls of governance models - Decision making tool for navigating challenges like tight capital budgets Explore resources Connect with CereCore to collaborate on strategic roadmaps that will help you drive innovation and move your organization forward. Get strategic guidance with our advisory team.

Clinical staff want more from their EMR explains Judy Krupala, Chief Nursing Officer at Cuero Regional Hospital. In this episode, hear what’s important to clinical leadership and staff when it comes to technology, their experience transitioning to MEDITECH Expanse and approach to integrating technology into patient care. In this conversation with Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer at CereCore, Judy covers a wide range of important topics for nurses in rural health, from training and leadership programs for the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders to the importance of partnerships. Tune in to hear stories of community, devotion, and words of wisdom from Judy Krupala, a nurse leader who's been serving Cuero, Texas for more than 30 years. Key topics - Technology and innovation in nursing – what nurses want, what’s important and what’s changed - MEDITECH Expanse – the challenges and successes of transitioning to a new EHR - Training and equipping nurses in rural health - The multiple hats a CNO wears - Cuero Regional Hospital’s family-like culture - The importance of community and collaboration with organizations like TORCH (Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals) Explore resources CereCore brings unique perspective as hospital operators with deep expertise in the major EHR platforms, MEDITECH, Epic, and Oracle Health (Cerner). Learn how you can maximize your EHR investment, regardless of your technology roadmap or stage of the journey.

AI is going to change our entire healthcare system, and so are strategic approaches to EHR optimization and continuous improvement. Darrell Bodnar, CIO of North Country Healthcare, unpacks top of mind healthcare leadership topics from operationalizing new technologies like AI and machine learning to optimizing the EHR for clinical efficiencies and workflow optimization. Hear practical leadership advice for navigating today’s cost pressure challenges and creative approaches to employee development and satisfaction. And, hear how Darrell’s career pivot from culinary arts to CIO comes full circle with his passion today for hospice care and giving back to the community. Key topics: - Adoption of AI and ambient listening - CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program - Aligning technology with organizational goals - Challenges and lessons learned with merger and acquisition - Empowering employees and satisfaction with Yellow Belt training - Importance of partnership

Focus on what’s most important for a health system. That’s what Kevin Olson, CIO at Jupiter Medical Center, explains as he talks about their Epic implementation, the challenges and opportunities of unifying fragmented systems, and governance in IT decision-making. Kevin also delves into the role of AI in healthcare, the significance of understanding market dynamics, and much more in this conversation with podcast host, Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore. Listen for practical advice from a healthcare IT leader with 20+ years of experience and whose heart runs deep in serving others. Key topics include - Epic implementation and legacy EHR support - The important role of governance in IT project prioritization and execution - Practical applications and governance of AI in healthcare - Understanding AI models, bias, and risk management - Market dynamics, competition and its impact on IT strategy - Recharging during intense IT projects - The value of mentorship, peer collaboration, and continuous learning in healthcare IT

How can we make the EHR implementation process less manual? Krischan Krayer, VP of Expanse Implementation & Operations at HCA Healthcare, discusses ways healthcare organizations can evaluate and use automation for EHR implementations. He shares experiences working with stakeholders and teams to educate them on what’s possible with automation. Hear more about EHR adoption trends, insights from his role as physician advocate and IT “translator” and career advice. Key topics include: - Improving the EHR experience for physicians - Why use automation for EHR implementation - How to evaluate the value and potential use of automation - Evolution of EHRs and the effect of generational changes on adoption Automation is a solid strategy for scaling IT services and resources whether focused on an EHR implementation or other more day-to-day IT operations. Tune in to hear leadership perspective from Krischan who stands in the gap and serves as liaison between healthcare providers, operations and technology—with the goal to leverage EHR technology to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to communities.

Dr. Patrick Woodard is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Monument Health. Monument Health operates the busiest ER in South Dakota, serving a remote area where the nearest comparable trauma center is over 300 miles away. In this episode, hear how Dr. Woodard’s background as practicing internist ignited a passion for healthcare technology and health policy. He discusses how healthcare technology like policy can impact thousands of patients, emphasizing the importance of reliability, invisibility and quality IT support. Key topics - The evolution of healthcare technology and its adoption by physicians - Balancing clinical practice with IT leadership - The role of AI in improving documentation and reducing physician burnout - Strategies for effective healthcare IT support - The importance of listening to frontline caregivers to drive meaningful tech improvements Dr. Woodard's personal anecdotes provide a compelling look at the intersection of medicine and technology. Whether you're a healthcare professional, IT specialist, or simply interested in the future of healthcare, this episode offers real world insights on the critical role of clinical IT support. Tune in to hear how Monument Health is leveraging technology to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to its diverse patient population.

Dr. Aaron Parker Banks, Chief Medical Informatics Officer (CMIO) at UK St. Claire Healthcare treats patients in the clinic four days a week and he's using technology throughout the day to help him provide the best care to his tight-knit community in Kentucky. Listen to this “day in a life” episode to hear how this CMIO led physicians, nurses and staff through technology change during their EHR go-live. Dr. Banks shares personal stories that will leave you inspired by his passion for taking care of his community and encouraged in the ways you serve yours. Key topics: - Physician experiences with technology in patient care - Maximizing use of technology - Patient-centered decision making - Rural and community healthcare - Bridging the generational technology gap

A highly customized EHR in need of costly updates challenged the new CIO at Oklahoma Heart Hospital (OHH) to evaluate the technology stack he inherited and chart a new course at this award-winning healthcare organization. In this episode, Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer, talks with David Miles, Chief Information Officer of OHH, and Jim Wetzel, the facility’s director of clinical systems. The duo shared valuable insights from their recent Epic implementation that was completed in just 11 months (earlier than the 12-month goal established at the onset of the project). Key topics: - Guiding principles for evaluating your healthcare technology stack - Keys to OHH’s Epic implementation timeframe - What’s next at OHH