Driving Community Impact Through Medicaid Innovation at UPMC

In this episode, Melissa Golombek, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Tampa General Hospital, shares how her team is advancing operational strategy, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for future challenges. She also reflects on her leadership journey and the evolving role of the COO in academic health systems.

In this episode, Ashley Hilliard, MBA, MSN, RN, CPAN, Administrator of Piedmont Outpatient Surgery Center, shares insights on new ASC procedure codes, reimbursement challenges, and the impact of North Carolina’s changing certificate of need laws on future growth.

In this episode, Mandy Fauble, PhD, LCSW, Vice President of Operations at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, discusses workforce transformation, community partnerships, and the role of technology in expanding access and improving behavioral health services.

In this episode, Brendan Harris, president of UPMC for You and state programs, shares how initiatives like the Pathways to Work program and Neighborhood Centers are addressing social determinants of health, supporting Medicaid members, and strengthening local communities.

Rick A. Mars, DDS, Dental Care Group President and Align (Invisalign) Global Faculty Member, joins the podcast to share insights on the latest trends in the dentistry space. He emphasizes the critical role oral health plays in overall wellness, explores the growing use of AI in dentistry, and raises concerns about the risks of DIY dentistry.

In this episode, Dr. Anshelle Tucker, Clinical Director at Aspen Dental, shares her perspective on the rapid adoption of dental technologies, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving expectations of patients. She also highlights how leaders can prepare for the future by embracing innovation and guiding the next generation of clinicians.

Paula Ferrada, MD, FACS, FCCM, MAMSE, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (IFMC), Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia, Division and System Chief of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, and Medical Director of Perioperative Services at IFMC, highlights her focus on driving long-term success. She emphasizes viewing failure as a learning opportunity, building a culture of trust, and the importance of fostering community within an organization.

Merage Ghane, Ph.D., Director of Responsible AI in Health at the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), discusses the consequences of AI misuse and the importance of building trust in clinical applications of AI. She highlights the need for human-centered solutions, emphasizing ethics in healthcare, and discusses the evolution of the healthcare industry.

In this episode, Mack McGee, Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, shares how the organization earned top marks for customer experience in Forrester’s 2025 rankings and discusses the importance of trust, personalization, and simplifying healthcare interactions for members.

In this episode, Krista Kappus, DDS, a private practice dentist in California, shares her perspective on staffing shortages, rising costs, and the role of insurance reform in shaping the future of dentistry. She also highlights exciting innovations such as AI, 3D printing, and digital tools that are transforming patient care and practice operations.