Kathleen Hickman, RN, BSN, MS, CASC, Administrator and Clinical Director of Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center

On this episode, Dr. Scott L. Blumenthal, Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute, joins the podcast to discuss the latest insights in disc replacements, including new research and the root causes of complications. He also shares his perspective on the role of private insurance in patient access and breaks down the biggest disruptors he expects to shape spine surgery in 2026, particularly growing restrictions around advanced technologies.

On this episode, Dr. Debra A. Wong, Medical Oncologist at City of Hope and Medical Director at AccessHope, joins the podcast to discuss better supporting frontline oncologists in resource-limited settings, improving cancer care access, and the importance of not losing sight of the human element in care.

On this episode, Randy Robbins, MD, President of Valiant Anesthesia Associates, joins the podcast to discuss the effects of COVID on anesthesia, the importance of quality of care, and fostering strong physician engagement.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Patrick Garman, Executive Administrator, Spartan Health Surgicenter. He discusses key forces driving ASC growth, the evolving role of technology, and how physician-led decision making shapes effective partnerships and long-term sustainability.

On this episode, Janet L. Carlson, MSN, BSN, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, Vice President of ASC Operations at Commonwealth Pain & Spine | Advanced Surgical Institute, joins the podcast to discuss advancements with AI, the growth of the ASC space over the next year including the rise of multi-specialty centers, and how her team continues to prioritize patient satisfaction.

This episode features Tim Fuchs, Chief Growth Officer, and Amanda Whitener, Senior Director of Client Development at nimble solutions. They share actionable strategies ASCs can use to accelerate cash flow, strengthen revenue cycle performance, and stay proactive in the face of rising costs, increasing payer complexity, and ongoing industry uncertainty.This episode is sponsored by nimble solutions.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Nyleen Flores, Owner, Med Elevate Solutions. She discusses the forces accelerating ASC market growth, how deeper tech integration and AI are reshaping operations, and the opportunities ASC leaders have to strengthen efficiency and collaboration.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Tricia Wollam, CASC Administrator, Alliance Surgery Center. She shares insights on the key trends driving ASC market growth, the impact of higher acuity procedures, and how technologies like EHRs are transforming efficiency and care coordination.

In this episode, Vijay Bachani, President and Chief Growth Officer of New York Bariatric Group, discusses ASC trends, expansion opportunities, and how partnerships, negotiation leverage, and high BMI capabilities position his organization for strong growth in the year ahead.

In this episode, Kathleen Hickman, RN, BSN, MS, CASC, Administrator and Clinical Director of Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center, shares insights on ASC growth through higher acuity cases, the impact of new CMS codes, and how innovation and culture are shaping the future of surgical care.