Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this episode, Jason Elrod, Healthcare Chief Information Security Officer and Executive Advisor, Elisity, discusses how health systems can manage AI agent risk through operational governance, distinct identities, least privilege, segmentation and clear shutdown protocols.This episode is sponsored by Elisity.

In this episode, Anthony Andre, PhD, CPE, Director, Interface Analysis Associates LLC, discusses how human factors can improve the safety, usability and adoption of healthcare products and systems. He explores the role of AI as a tool for clinicians, designing technology around real-world workflows, and lessons healthcare organizations can learn from medication errors.

In this episode, Austin Willuweit, CFO, Monument Health, discusses managing rising Medicare payer mix, tightening margins and disciplined capital allocation while continuing to grow and expand services in rural healthcare. He also shares lessons from integrating Rapid City Medical Center and how AI, automation and autonomous coding are creating near-term opportunities across finance and revenue cycle.

In this episode,Katrina Ascencio-Holmes, BSN, RN, Chief Nurse Officer, Sutter Health, discusses strategies to recruit, retain and develop the health system’s 18,000 nurses, including career development, mentorship, shared governance and frontline engagement. She also shares how Sutter is investing in workplace safety and technology while creating an environment where nurses can build meaningful, long-term careers.

In this episode, Halsey Wise, CEO, Lyric, discusses the importance of trust, truth and transparency in healthcare AI, including decision lineage, governed AI and keeping humans in the loop. He also explores how AI can reduce administrative waste, improve decision-making and strengthen trust among payers, providers and patients.This episode is sponsored by Lyric.

In this episode, John Whyte, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Medical Association (AMA), discusses how AI, wearables and continuous health data are reshaping medicine and the physician-patient relationship. He also explores physician burnout, the need to modernize medical education and strategies to address the nation's physician shortage.

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses the biggest challenges facing health systems, including workforce shortages, reimbursement pressure, access to care, AI strategy and rebuilding trust with patients.

In this episode, Marie Langley, Chief Executive Officer, Desert Valley Medical Group, discusses expanding specialty and outpatient services, strengthening hospital-physician collaboration and addressing healthcare access needs in the High Desert. She also shares the challenges posed by Medi-Cal uncertainty, physician recruitment and plans to expand emergency department capacity.

In this episode, Sheila Augustine, Director, Revenue Cycle, Nebraska Medicine, discusses how AI is helping identify missing charges, automate charge reconciliation and improve revenue cycle workflows while keeping staff engaged in the transformation. She also explores payer denials, Medicaid changes, succession planning and opportunities to further integrate AI across revenue cycle operations.

In this episode, Balaji Raman, MS, MBA, Enterprise Executive Director, Westchester Medical Center Health, discusses the rapid expansion of AI across the revenue cycle, Epic transformation, enterprise standardization and the importance of building strong processes before implementing new technology. He also shares leadership advice on listening, building relationships and creating an environment where teams can thrive.

In this episode, Tami McMasters Gomez, Executive Director, Mid-Revenue Cycle, UC Davis Medical Center, discusses leveraging AI and automation to address workforce shortages, strengthen coding and documentation, and improve financial integrity. She also shares her approach to AI governance, evolving revenue cycle roles and balancing innovation with human expertise.

In this episode, Michael Hassell, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Memorial Hospital, discusses rural healthcare sustainability, expanding specialty services and strengthening ambulance and behavioral health care. He also shares his perspective on revenue cycle management, workforce challenges and advocating for rural hospitals amid evolving healthcare policy.

In this episode, David Merritt, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, discusses rising healthcare costs, employer affordability pressures and the growing impact of the No Surprises Act’s IDR process. He also outlines potential reforms to curb excessive awards, increase transparency and slow premium growth.

In this episode, Shridar Ganesan, MD, Director, Center for Molecular Oncology at NYU Langone Health, discusses integrating genomic, clinical and radiographic data to improve cancer care and the role of AI in synthesizing complex patient information. He also explores the future of molecularly defined cancers, targeted therapies and the need to balance standard care with clinical research.

In this episode, Monica L. Baskin, PhD, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, joins the podcast to discuss the center’s Cancer Center Support Grant renewal and the work underway at Massey to advance cancer care and research. She also shares her experience as the first Black woman to be named director of an NCI-designated cancer center and the significance of that milestone.

In this episode, Dr. Sam Patel, healthcare business consultant and CEO of Astra Culture and Looped, discusses the growing gap between patient demand and healthcare capacity, including the rise of concierge and hybrid care models. He also explores how AI, telehealth and preventative care can improve efficiency and access while preserving the human connection at the heart of medicine.

In this episode, Hunter Foster, VP, Agency Operations and Strategy, benefitbay, explores the growing adoption of ICHRA and defined contribution models, including the demand for flexibility, predictability and employee choice. He also discusses successful implementation, broker adoption, AI's evolving role and what increased carrier participation could mean for the future of health benefits.

In this episode, Albert L. Wright, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of West Virginia University Health System, joins the podcast to discuss the 340B program and the role of alternative payment models in shaping healthcare delivery. He also shares insights on keeping communities healthy and strengthening the health system’s impact beyond traditional care.

In this episode, Anirban Maitra, MD, Director of Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, joins the podcast to discuss expanding cancer care to bring services closer to patients and communities. He also shares insights on integrating AI into oncology and how emerging technologies are enhancing training and preparing the next generation of cancer care professionals.

In this episode, Ajay Goel, PhD, AGAF, Professor and Chair, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope, discusses a promising blood-based test that detected 81% of advanced precancerous colorectal lesions and explores how earlier detection could shift cancer care toward prevention. He also examines screening access, reimbursement, follow-up care and the growing role of liquid biopsies in the future of oncology.