Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Rebuilding Syria’s Healthcare System with Dr. Aref Rifai of SAMS Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Aref Rifai, ophthalmologist and President of the Syrian American Medical Society, shares how the organization has expanded care across all 13 Syrian provinces following liberation. He discusses scaling hospitals and centers of excellence, launching a new radiation oncology center, strengthening medical education, and partnering with U.S. health systems to rebuild infrastructure and elevate quality of care.

Leading Gastroenterology Through Innovation and Growth with Nirav Shah, MD Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nirav Shah, MD, President of US Digestive Health at U.S. Digestive Health and Assistant Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, shares insights on physician shortages, the future of colonoscopy, AI in endoscopy, and balancing autonomy with scale in a multi state GI platform. He also discusses advancing clinical research, ASC strategy, and building transparent physician led leadership for long term growth.

Strategies for Reducing the Total Cost of Care: Part 1 Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Sierra Garvin, Senior Associate Director of Above Brand Marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim speaks with Mandy Leonard, Senior Director of Drug Use Policy and Formulary Management at Cleveland Clinic about the key drivers of rising healthcare costs, including chronic disease, multiple comorbidities, rare diseases, and wasteful spending. They explore practical strategies to lower total cost of care while maintaining quality and improving patient outcomes.

This episode is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Steve Smith on Transforming Patient Access Through Automation at Inova Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Steve Smith, Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Contact Center and Access at Inova Health System, shares how the organization is leveraging cloud based technology, digital assistants, and AI driven tools to streamline scheduling, improve self service, and enhance both patient and team member experiences.

Expanding Access, Translational Research, and the Future of Cancer Care with Dr. Robert A. Figlin Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Robert A. Figlin, MD, FACP, Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology Oncology and Interim Director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer and the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, discusses aligning cancer strategy with system priorities, embedding research into clinical care, and building innovative, patient centered models to improve access and outcomes across the continuum.

Driving Quality, Access, and Strategic Partnerships at Naples Comprehensive Health with Paul Hiltz Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Paul Hiltz, FACHE, President and CEO of Naples Comprehensive Health, discusses doubling the organization’s size while maintaining independence and a top tier focus on quality and access. He shares how strategic partnerships with groups like Hospital for Special Surgery and Northwestern Medicine, along with leadership development initiatives, are strengthening care delivery across Southwest Florida.

Mara Nitu, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children, IU Health Mar 03, 2026

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In this episode, Mara Nitu, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children, IU Health, joins the podcast to discuss improving care quality and access across pediatric and academic settings. She shares insights on hospital-acquired condition reduction efforts, optimizing access and care coordination, building partnerships for long-term sustainability, and identifying growth opportunities focused on expanding access to care.

Innovation, AI and the Future of Hartford HealthCare with Jeff Flaks Mar 03, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Flaks, CEO of Hartford HealthCare, shares how the organization is leveraging AI, virtual care, remote monitoring, and a new partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to expand access, improve quality, and make care more human and affordable. He outlines a bold vision focused on being the best at getting better while navigating policy and operational headwinds.

Advancing Culturally Competent Medicare Advantage with Karen Walker Johnson of Clever Care Health Plan Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Karen Walker Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Clever Care Health Plan, discusses how culturally competent, value based care is reshaping Medicare Advantage. She shares insights on strengthening provider trust, investing in community based engagement, and advocating for quality metrics that recognize cultural competence to improve outcomes and affordability.

Expanding Access and Sustainability in Behavioral Health with Stephen Merz Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Stephen Merz, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sheppard Pratt Solutions, shares how partnering with health systems to integrate behavioral and physical care, improve access, and strengthen financial sustainability can help communities expand much needed mental health services nationwide.