Matt Steele, Director of State and Local Advocacy at CareQuest

In this episode, Matt Steele, Director of State and Local Advocacy at CareQuest, discusses the impact of upcoming Medicaid changes, the importance of community water fluoridation, and strategies for ensuring vulnerable populations maintain access to essential dental care.

In this episode, Michael Ugwueke, President and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, reflects on lessons from his career journey, the importance of balance and wellbeing in leadership, and how taking risks has shaped both his life and impact on the healthcare community.

In this episode, Mathew Timmons, COO of Manning Family Children's, shares insights on advancing pediatric care through expanded access, brand amplification, and a focus on behavioral health. He also reflects on the evolving role of the COO, balancing strategy with operational detail, and leading with a family-centered approach.

In this episode, Eric Huckins, Vice President of Business Development at Lumicera Health Services, discusses how health systems can build stronger specialty pharmacy programs by navigating challenges such as 340B, payer access, and accreditation. He also highlights the role of strategic partnerships, biosimilars, and technology in improving patient care and driving growth.This episode was sponsored by Lumicera Health Services.

In this episode, Mary Frances Southerland, Chief Administrative Officer at UVA Health, shares how the system is building a culture of empowerment, advancing integration across hospitals, and expanding access to care. She also highlights UVA Health’s focus on innovation and collaboration to serve patients and support its workforce.

In this episode, Dr. Maulik Purohit, Chief Health Innovation Officer at datosX Digital Health Labs, explores the benefits and challenges of quality metrics in healthcare. He shares insights on how metrics affect patient care, physician burnout, and the balance between true quality improvement and administrative burden.

In this episode, Jawad Shah, MD, CEO of Insight Health System, shares his vision for reopening Trumbull and Hillside hospitals and the impact this will have on local communities. He discusses lessons learned from the transition, Insight’s broader mission, and the role of hospitals in addressing social determinants of health.

In this episode, Jim Heilsberg, CFO of Tri-State Memorial Hospital, discusses the hospital’s community-driven growth, expansion of specialty services, and strategies to balance financial sustainability, culture, and innovation to ensure high-quality rural healthcare for the future.

Gabrielle Cummings, President of Evanston Hospital and NorthShore Hospitals, emphasizes how kindness and compassion play a vital role in healthcare. She shares her personal strategies for maintaining wellness, including meditation, and how she bounces back from challenging days. Cummings also addresses the growing concern of workforce violence and its impact on the healthcare environment.

In this episode, Dr. Nwando Olayiwola and Dr. Matt Anderson of Advocate Health share how the system is advancing rural care, building local workforce pipelines, and leveraging technology to expand access. They also discuss leadership, lifelong learning, and the importance of tailoring care to diverse communities.