Scaling Behavioral Health While Preserving Clinical Autonomy with Ben Johnson

In this episode, Tim Lieb, Senior Vice President of Commercial Markets at Blue Shield of California, discusses the three-year impact of Virtual Blue, including lower costs, reduced ER utilization, improved access to care, and how virtual first models are reshaping employer and individual health plans.

In this episode, Ben Johnson, Director of Behavioral Health Provider Practices and Operations at Lakeland Regional Health-Florida, discusses how to standardize operational infrastructure without compromising clinical care. He also shares insights on leveraging technology, reducing administrative burden, and improving continuity across the behavioral health continuum.

In this episode, Pranav Loyalka, MD - Cardiologist, HCA Houston Heart Medical Center, Medical Director of Structural Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, HCA Gulf Coast Division, discusses major advancements like transcatheter valve replacement and the evolving role of AI in cardiac care. He also shares insights on training the next generation of cardiologists, balancing specialization, and addressing gaps in access to care.

In this episode, Paul Green, Pharm.D., MHA, BCPS, CPEL, DPLA - Director of Pharmacy Services, Westchester Medical Center, discusses how pharmacy is evolving from a cost center to a key driver of clinical, operational, and financial value. He shares insights on technology integration, workforce sustainability, and building a proactive pharmacy strategy aligned with broader health system goals.

In this episode, Rob Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Transformation Alliance, joins the podcast to discuss the ongoing pressures and competition within Medicare Advantage. He shares insights on chronic care initiatives and the importance of collaboration and compromise between carriers and providers to improve outcomes and control costs.

In this episode, Meagan Weber, DPT, CEO of Scotland County Hospital, shares how a grow your own workforce strategy is helping address rural staffing shortages through early student engagement and hands on experience. She also discusses the financial and volume challenges facing rural hospitals and the importance of building sustainable pipelines to support long term community care.

In this episode, Janel Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Children’s Nebraska, shares how a people first promise and retention focused strategy have strengthened culture, reduced turnover, and improved patient experience. She also discusses workforce development, leadership evolution, and the role of AI in creating a more human centered healthcare environment.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Warner Thomas, President And Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health, discussing how the organization is expanding ambulatory care, strengthening leadership and talent development, investing in digital tools that reduce workforce burden, and maintaining a growth mindset to navigate ongoing healthcare change.In collaboration with Insight Global.

In this episode, Ketul J. Patel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wellstar Health System, reflects on his leadership journey, emphasizing the power of culture, authenticity, and continuous learning. He also highlights the importance of partnerships and digital innovation to expand access to care, especially in rural communities.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features C.J. Marbley, Chief Nursing Officer, University Medical Center New Orleans; Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, New Orleans East Hospital, LCMC Health, discussing strategies to expand patient access, redesign care teams, invest in workforce development, and build resilience through international and contingent staffing models.In collaboration with Insight Global.