Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Transformation, AI, and Community Health at Ballad Health with Tony Keck Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Tony Keck, Chief Transformation Officer at Ballad Health, shares how the system is leveraging AI, operational efficiency, and community based investments to improve affordability, population health, and access across Appalachia. He discusses leadership development, merger driven transformation, and why staying close to frontline care is essential in today’s healthcare environment.

Strengthening Leadership and Retention at UVA Physicians Group with Lisa Hudnall Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Lisa Hudnall, Chief Human Resources Officer of UVA Physicians Group, shares how clarifying leadership expectations, standardizing onboarding, and investing in workforce sustainability and AI have reduced turnover, improved engagement, and positioned the organization for disciplined growth amid margin pressure and clinician burnout.

Navigating Policy Pressures, Growth and AI Strategy at Sutter Health with Jonathan Ma Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jonathan Ma, CFO of Sutter Health, discusses navigating Medicare and Medi Cal uncertainty, investing in people and digital innovation, and pursuing strategic growth to expand access and scale the system’s nearly $20 billion mission across California and beyond.

Ije Akunyili, MD, MBA, MPA, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer at Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ije Akunyili, MD, MBA, MPA, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer at Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, joins the podcast to discuss building a mortality and safety council, advancing women’s health initiatives, and expanding partnerships to strengthen care delivery. She also shares how health systems can manage rising patient volumes while maintaining quality and safety.

Capacity Strategy and Operational Resilience at U Health with Gina R. Hawley, DrPH, MHA Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Gina R. Hawley, DrPH, MHA, System Associate Chief Operating Officer at U Health and Chief Operating Officer of University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, shares how her team is managing capacity, shifting patient populations, and prioritizing high-impact initiatives amid growing headwinds.

Parinda Khatri, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of River Valley Health Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Parinda Khatri, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of River Valley Health, joins the podcast to discuss expanding access to care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. She shares the keys to organizational success through alignment and building a supportive technology ecosystem, while also addressing the challenges of adopting new platforms and expanding services. Parinda offers insight into opportunities for growth as healthcare organizations navigate the year ahead.

Sophia G. Holder, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Sophia G. Holder, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, joins the podcast to discuss workforce optimization and the need to modernize operating models across healthcare organizations. She shares how aligning strategy, finance, and operations is essential to making growth sustainable while continuing to support high-quality pediatric care.

Rebuilding Pediatric Heart Care and Expanding Access at Manning Family Children’s with Matt Timmons Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Matt Timmons, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Manning Family Children’s, shares how the organization rebuilt its pediatric heart center through focused leadership, culture change, and physician recruitment. He also discusses 2026 priorities including campus expansion, a new NICU, growth in pediatric cancer and sickle cell care, and scaling school based health programs amid Medicaid funding uncertainty.

Crystal V. Brown on Expanding Trauma Care and Driving Operational Excellence Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Crystal V. Brown, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, discusses launching the first whole blood transfusion program in Ellis County, developing a level two trauma center, and how collaborative initiatives and process improvements are helping the hospital meet the needs of a rapidly growing North Texas community.

Making Digital Health Work for Rural Communities with Christian Milaster Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Christian Milaster, MS, Founder and CEO of Ingenium Consulting Group, shares how thoughtful implementation, not just new technology, is critical to improving outcomes in rural health. He discusses CMS rural health transformation funding, digital health and AI trends, and why methodology and implementation science are essential to turning innovation into real impact.