Measuring Quality with NCQA Founder and President Margaret E. O'Kane

This Health Views episode features Brandon Cuevas, executive vice president, national health plan, for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals. With extensive experience across the health care industry, Brandon shares insights from his work at the intersection of strategy, customer relationships, and the evolving market landscape. Tune in to gain perspective on the trends and opportunities shaping the future of health care. 

In this episode, neuroscientist Eti Ben Simon, PhD from The Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley shares how sleep—or the lack of it affects our emotions, relationships, and work life. Drawing on her research, Dr. Ben Simon offers practical insights for anyone looking to improve their sleep and well-being.

In our June Health Views episode, Dr. Deb speaks with Karen Eber, bestselling author of The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories That Inform, Influence, and Inspire. Karen shares how storytelling engages our brains, builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires action in our work and daily lives. Don’t miss her insights on how stories can make a real impact. 

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re joined by Dr. Karen R. Stewart, Chief of Behavioral Health for The Southeast Permanente Medical Group. Tune in to hear about her dedication to advancing equitable, high-quality mental health care. Dr. Stewart also discusses the rising stress among parents, offering insights on how employers and care providers can help.

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, our April guest, Dr. Ericka Gibson, Kaiser Permanente ob-gyn discusses maternal health equity. Explore how disparities and social factors impact care outcomes and discover how culturally responsive care can help ensure all women and their babies achieve their full health potential.

The Health Views with Deb Friesen, MD podcast series continues with Sean Seitzinger, Vice President of Brand and Consumer Marketing at Kaiser Permanente. In this episode, Sean explores brand marketing’s role in health care, the impact of trust, digital health, AI, and how Kaiser Permanente connects with key audiences including the next generation of consumers.

Kick off 2025 with a new Health Views episode featuring Dr. Daniel Yang, Kaiser Permanente’s Vice President of AI and Emerging Technologies. During their conversation, Dr. Yang explores the expanding role of AI in health care, including its current impact, potential advancements, and the importance of its responsible use.

Happy Thanksgiving, Health Views listeners! In this special episode, Dr. Linda Shiue returns to share her favorite fall foods, her exciting new role at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, and a delicious pumpkin hummus recipe for your thanksgiving table. Here’s the link to Dr. Shiue’s pumpkin hummus recipe: https://spiceboxtravels.com/2019/10/20/pumpkin-hummus/

Dr. Pickens believes that the best version of ourselves comes not from the pursuit of happiness, but from the pursuit of healthiness. He invites us to reflect on the question: How can I get better? Listen to this conversation to hear innovative tools to help you grow into a healthier, more fulfilled version of yourself, with a focus on belonging, well-being, and curiosity.

Tune in to this episode of Health Views featuring Margaret E. O’Kane, founder and president of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Margaret delves into the fascinating NCQA origin story, her commitment to embedding quality in healthcare, and how NCQA is pioneering new approaches to evaluate virtual care, mental health and advance health equity.