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

“Every project you might be involved in is still a business project at the end of the day,” says Nayan Patel, CIO at Upson Regional Medical Center. Nayan explains how simple tools like a top 10 list can foster transparency and trust, highlighting technology’s impact on and value to healthcare projects. During this conversation with host Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore, Nayan shares examples from the decades he has spent leading organizations during times of growth and transition. How does a health IT professional earn a seat at the executive table? What makes or breaks IT governance? Stream this episode for leadership advice you can apply in your healthcare organization. Key topics - How to align with the business - Using governance to guide strategy and priorities - Why technical debt and application rationalization deserve attention - Mentoring others and professional development

Ajai Sehgal, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Mayo Clinic, discussed the building blocks of healthcare data strategy and the value of data analytics from examples of physicians and patients who experienced better care, time savings and reduced cost. “Early detection of disease is a way of both curing patients and delivering better healthcare, but also scaling our physicians,” said Sehgal in this interview with host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer of CereCore. Hear more about Mayo Clinic’s approach to data governance, stewardship and literacy programs, and physician engagement. If you’re wondering where to begin or how your healthcare organization can take advantage of data analytics, stream this episode for Sehgal’s advice. Key topics: - Career highlights and transition to healthcare at Mayo Clinic - Data management and governance principles - Examples of solving health problems with data and early disease detection - Strategic direction, data governance and physician engagement - Quantifiable value of data analytics - Startup principles apply to data analytics - Advice for managing technology change

Listen to this masterclass in healthcare IT leadership from Marty Paslick, retired SVP and CIO of HCA Healthcare. He shares experiences from his nearly four decades in HIT and covers topics from workplace culture where “technologists see themselves as healthcare professionals first,” to financial and operational resiliency during adversity. He's not shy about sharing what worked and didn't work when mentoring leaders. Plus, he explains his approach to achieving innovation and quiet operations, authentic communication and three fundamental leadership principles. Enjoy this story-packed conversation with Marty and host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore. Key topics 00:02:12 - Becoming a CIO 00:06:10 - Quiet Operations and Continual Improvement 00:10:10 - Evolution of Healthcare IT and CIO Role 00:11:38 - Building Authentic Relationships 00:14:03 - Communication Strategies 00:17:09 - Leadership Style and Flexibility 00:18:05 - Storytelling in Leadership 00:20:44 - Final Words of Wisdom

Strategic plans and EHR technology fueled with data are key for rural healthcare operations today. And what else? Step into the shoes of Alma Alexander, CFO from Cuero Regional Hospital. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore, Alma shares what she’s learned as a healthcare finance leader in both large health systems and rural healthcare settings and how each are different and unique. How does a chief financial officer (CFO) tackle top challenges in rural healthcare today? What’s the secret to financially preparing for and managing large IT investments like EHR systems? Alma gives practical advice on using strategic plans as communication tool to align C-suite leaders and the board of directors. Hear first-hand CFO advice as Cuero embarked on a multi-year process to prepare, plan and implement a modern EHR. Key Topics 00:05:04 - Financial operations across different healthcare settings Alma compares financial operations in reference labs, metropolitan, and rural hospitals. 00:08:16 - Top challenges for rural healthcare leaders Alma talks about specific challenges faced in managing finances in a rural healthcare setting. 00:10:35 - Technology's impact on healthcare Discussion on how IT advancements like AI and telemedicine are influencing rural healthcare. 00:14:43 - EHR implementation and strategic planning Alma discusses the strategic planning and implementation process for a new EHR system. 00:18:37 - Decision making in EHR modernization Hear about key decisions and pivotal moments in the EHR modernization process and what success looks like from a CFO perspective. 00:22:40 - Maintaining leadership alignment Learn how this leadership team maintains alignment and communication regarding strategic plans. 00:25:59 - Closing thoughts and advice Alma offers final thoughts and advice about the people side of healthcare.

Cyber criminals only have to be right once to wreak havoc. In healthcare, we have to be right 100% of the time to manage the risk of cyberattack. In this episode, Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development talks to Darcy Corcoran, Principal for Cybersecurity Advisory Services. Hear how she uses her extensive background in the Department of Defense and work with NATO and the Pentagon to inform organization-specific tactics and industry best practices for cybersecurity in healthcare. In their conversation they cover the must haves and explore an often-overlooked aspect of considering AI use cases. Key topics: - Thoughts on cybersecurity in healthcare through lens of extensive cybersecurity background in defense - Misconceptions about malicious actors - Factors to include in cybersecurity strategy - The AI considerations leaders may overlook - Leadership responsibilities for cybersecurity in healthcare organizations

Many healthcare organizations are facing single digit or negative EBITDA and are searching for strategies to improve profitability, patient care and sustained growth. Examining revenue cycle is often a great place to start because of its far-reaching impact, explains Kim Waters, Principal Consultant for Revenue Cycle at CereCore. In this episode with host Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore, Kim shares her unique perspective having worked with healthcare leaders in managed services, revenue cycle, payer disciplines and now CereCore clients. Kim explains how her conversational approach uncovers quick wins, identifies root causes, and helps teams navigate complex changes. She brings business acumen and healthcare experience working with a variety of C-suite roles, health system boards of directors, and clinical teams. What common problems warrant an outside perspective? How can you achieve a productive partnership with a consultant? Kim answers these questions and explains why evaluating change readiness is important to innovation. She wraps up the conversation with a client story that highlights the impact care navigation can have on positive financial results for a health system, a patient and their family. Key topics - How to derive the most value from a consulting engagement - Top areas C-suite leaders are looking to improve today - Data, storytelling and the why behind decisions - Revenue cycle optimization can be ripe with opportunity - Care navigation client story: strategy yields savings for health system and patients

Maximizing the investment in an EHR platform is work that’s never really finished, and having the organizational discipline, resources, and mindset to continue pursuing EHR optimization often can feel like a battle. In this episode, Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development, talks with EHR experts Bob Gronberg, Assistant Vice President of MEDITECH Professional Services; John Walsh, Manager of MEDITECH Professional Services; and Stephanie Murray, Senior Director of Epic Services. Hear their strategic approaches for discovering optimization opportunities, common issues facilities face, and how assessments can help leaders prioritize optimizations and uncover root causes. The panel covers a wide range of topics such as managing through education needs and staff turnover, why getting behind on system updates can be costly and what a consistent maintenance and optimization process could look like. Each panelist shares parting words of wisdom based on their passion for healthcare and experience working in the EHR vendor setting and with healthcare leaders and clinicians in health systems across the US and abroad. Key topics: - Strategic approaches to EHR optimization and maintenance - How an EHR optimization assessment works - Things you can learn from an EHR assessment - Quick wins and trends from an assessment - Change management best practices - Governance, clinical council and budgeting advice

An EHR implementation is a massive project, especially for rural healthcare locations. Ismelda Garza, CIO of Cuero Regional Hospital and senior consultant at CereCore, explains the multi-year journey their hospital has been on to prepare for the transition to a modern EHR like MEDITECH Expanse. What prep work is involved? Ismelda shares practical advice and her experiences in this conversation with Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore. Hear more about the importance of infrastructure stability and early collaboration with third party application vendors to head off potential implementation delays and issues. Plus, Ismelda talks about her personal experience building solid relationships with her leadership team colleagues, staff and end users. Key topics: - How to prepare for EHR change, from infrastructure and vendors to staff - The broad impact of technology implementation in a rural setting - How to build solid C-suite relationships - EHR investments in rural health - HIT leadership career journey and passion for rural health

Shahzad Fakhar, HCA Healthcare, Vice President Field Operations – Information Technology Group, discusses innovation and how healthcare IT leaders can help their organizations adopt a mindset of constant innovation, break down silos and leverage partnerships. Preparing for the future, what are some big areas of opportunity for innovation? What should organizations be paying attention to? In this conversation with Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore, Shahzad talks about innovations HCA Healthcare is working toward, reflects on what the pandemic taught us about innovation and other lessons gleaned during his 30+ year career working in healthcare IT from rural to metropolitan healthcare settings. Key topics: - Navigating internal silos and external pressures that can stifle innovation - Uncovering opportunities for innovation from patient care documentation to modern EHRs and process automation - Collaborating effectively across service lines and with partners - Reflecting on what the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about innovation - Closing advice around anticipating the future demands of your customers, clinicians, and patients

The physician and IT professional can be radically different personalities and disciplines. What can a healthcare organization do to encourage better collaboration between the two? Dr. Charles Bell, a physician advisor for CereCore, believes that understanding the needs of physicians is the starting point to ease technology frustration and encourage adoption. The other is fostering teamwork. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development, Dr. Bell shares his experiences and practical advice gleaned from the various hats he has worn over the years as pharmacist, physician, chief medical information officer and physician informaticist working with all the major EHR platforms. Key topics: - Understanding physician frustration and barriers to technology adoption - Listening for the underlying message – what is your physician really saying? - Establishing a framework for multi-disciplinary collaboration and feedback - Embracing change and fostering teamwork Looking for more ways to improve your EHR for providers? Explore the comprehensive IT services CereCore provides.

Lynn Falcone, CEO of Cuero Regional Hospital, discusses the unique challenges of running a rural hospital in Texas. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development, Lynn explains why various levels of involvement with the community and advocacy organizations like the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) is essential to the operations and services they provide. She explains how communication from daily patient safety huddles to board of directors meetings encourage continuous improvement and led to the decision to move to the modernized EHR platform MEDITECH Expanse. Lynn shares her expectations for the upcoming EHR implementation project, especially around data and patient care. Key topics: - Rural healthcare operations and hospital services in Texas - Building a strong team - Upgrading our EHR system - Patient safety and data - Starting the EHR journey

The need to optimize is part of the EMR implementation process explains Cory Lane, director of operations at OakLeaf Surgical Hospital. She describes how their processes and collaborative team approach are helping them optimize MEDITECH Expanse on the heels of their go-live. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development, Cory shares why project management, partnership, and cross-departmental engagement are critical for a successful go-live and optimization. Hear practical examples of how they are staying true to their vision for getting more out of their EMR from improved data analytics, workflows and user experience.

Matt Connor is the chief information officer (CIO) for Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, and they were the first NHS organisation in the UK to go-live on MEDITECH Expanse. Matt talks about their EPR implementation journey with podcast host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore and co-host Dan Eyre, vice president of business development for CereCore International. Matt shares what it was like working with CereCore International, tapping into U.K. and U.S. resources, and how the partnership worked, from initial conversations through post go-live. He also dives into lessons learned, early benefits of the modern EPR, and the need for ongoing optimization. Hear Matt’s pearls of wisdom for digital health leaders embarking on a similar EPR transformation.

Anne Hargrave-Thomas, CEO of OakLeaf Surgical Hospital and vice president of operations at Surgery Partners, is a former nurse in healthcare leadership who views technology as a must-have for operations. Anne talks about what’s top of mind for a hospital CEO during an EHR implementation. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore, she walks through OakLeaf’s transition to MEDITECH Expanse and the village it takes for success. Hear her advice on getting the right people involved, communicating well, developing strong partnerships, being present as an executive leader and much more. Is your healthcare organization planning to transition to MEDITECH Expanse? Does your next large IT project require technical expertise you don’t have? Let’s talk. Our history in healthcare operations and end-to-end healthcare IT services could be a good fit for your organization.

Kevin McDonald, chief information officer (CIO) for HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic division, explains how preparation and partnership have been ingredients for operational excellence and strategic activities, especially when it comes to the adoption of Epic mobile capabilities. In this conversation with Phil Sobol, podcast host and vice president of business development at CereCore, Kevin talks about the time when Rover, Epic’s mobile app, helped nurses and providers continue their usual activities during an outage. Plus, Kevin packs in words of wisdom throughout the conversation about taking on new career opportunities and developing high performing teams.

Al Smith, SVP and CIO of Lifepoint Health, shares experiences navigating change driven by growth. He steps through the decision-making process to find a partner who can help with scale and ways to build relationships across healthcare disciplines and geographic locations. Al’s passion for healthcare IT comes through in this conversation with Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore, as he talks about the importance of putting people first and ways that IT is a team sport.

Richard "Rick" Keller, senior vice president and chief information officer at Ardent Health Services, discusses how they have measured return on investment (ROI) for pivotal healthcare IT decisions like implementing Epic and outsourcing their IT help desk management to CereCore. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore, Rick shares examples of how Epic has helped with physician recruitment and workflow efficiencies, MyChart with patient engagement and their vision to meet patients when and where they need care. Rick explains why outsourcing their IT help desk made sense and cites “ah-ha” moments rooted in metrics and analysis that have led to better customer service. He wraps up with advice on keeping pace, building a cross-industry network of CIO colleagues, and communicating “out” to stay aligned and have strong leadership team relationships.

Step into the shoes of L. Austin Fredrickson, MD, a board certified, general internist at Salem Regional Medical Center, as he explains the daily challenges of providing healthcare in his rural hometown of Salem, OH, how he uses healthcare technology and telemedicine, and what more he wishes IT could do. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore, Dr. Fredrickson talks about their health system's recent move to MEDITECH Expanse, how to engage physicians in the process and ideas for bridging the gap between physicians, the C-suite and technology teams. He answers questions like: What does a successful MEDITECH Expanse implementation look like for a physician? What is the lifespan of the physician advisory committee (PAC)? What advice would you give healthcare IT leaders as they plan for a technology implementation and its effect on physicians?

Thomas Kurtz, Ph.D., Chief Administrative Officer at Memorial Healthcare, shares his experience moving a community hospital system to an integrated, singular patient record with MEDITECH Expanse. He walks through making key decisions from EMR to implementation partner selection. He discusses the resources and expertise needed for a successful implementation, immediate benefits physicians experienced, and the long journey of EMR optimization. Tom looks back on the decisions made and why today he still stands by their big-bang implementation approach. Listen in on this conversation with host Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore, and Thomas Kurtz for practical advice on how technology can help provide a holistic understanding of patient care.

Varun Gadhok, Chief Information Officer at Surgery Partners, talks about experiences that have helped him earn trust and form collaborative relationships among senior leaders and peers. He shares approaches he has used to build high performing IT teams and how he has seen managed services partnerships fuel company growth and contribute to both employee and customer satisfaction. Varun wraps up with lessons learned and career advice like why you need a personal board of directors. Listen in on this conversation with host Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore, and Varun Gadhok that's packed with practical advice for today's healthcare CIO.