In this episode, Dr. Tom Frieden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, former CDC Director, and former New York City Health Commissioner, reflects on a career spent trying to close the gap between what we know saves lives and what we actually do. He shares how his father’s example shaped his commitment to evidence-based medicine and public service, and he explains the framework behind his new book, The Formula for Better Health, see, believe, create. The conversation explores major public health wins, such as reducing smoking in New York City, the challenges of leading the CDC, the damage to public health infrastructure today, and why prevention, primary care, and global health remain essential to a safer, healthier future.

Tune in to hear why better public health depends not only on science, but also on courage, communication, and the will to act.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Tom Frieden on LinkedIn.

• Follow Resolve to Save Lives on LinkedIn and visit the website here. 

• Learn more about The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives--Including Your Own here.

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In this episode, Hugo Campos, patient advocate, creative strategist, and participant ambassador, shares how his diagnosis with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy led him to advocate for patient agency and access to personal health data. After receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, he discovered that data from his own body was shared with clinicians and manufacturers, but not with him. This realization sparked his work in data liberation and his challenge to traditional health care models. He explores how withholding data undermines trust, how patient communities drive change, and how AI can support patients by helping them ask better questions.

Tune in to hear why better health care starts with giving people more visibility, more voice, and more control over their own lives.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Hugo Campos on LinkedIn.

• Visit AI Patients at aipatients.org.

• Read the National Academy of Medicine commentary on critical AI health literacy and patient empowerment here.

• Learn more about Turn on the Lights here.

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In this episode, Dr. Meena Seshamani, Secretary of Health for Maryland, discusses how her journey across clinical care, health system leadership, and public service has shaped her approach to health care transformation. She reflects on leading Medicare during a time of major change, including expanding support for caregivers and community health, improving prescription drug affordability, and advancing drug price negotiation. Dr. Seshamani also explains how Maryland’s unique global budget model is helping shift hospital incentives toward keeping people healthy, and why states now have an even more important role in navigating public health uncertainty. Throughout the conversation, she shares how practical problem-solving, cross-sector collaboration, and optimism continue to guide her work.

Tune in to hear how policy, practice, and purpose can come together to build a more effective and people-centered health care system.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. Meena Seshamani on LinkedIn.

• Learn more about the Maryland Department of Health here.

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In this episode, Michelle Williams, an epidemiologist and public health leader, and Linda Marsa, a health care journalist, discuss what public health actually is, why it matters for human thriving, and how it differs from medical care that treats one patient at a time. They unpack how incentives often push resources toward reactive, profit-driven care instead of prevention, even though social determinants like housing and clean air drive most health outcomes. The conversation traces recurring patterns of “willful blindness,” in which commerce and ideology trump evidence, from historical outbreaks to today’s fights over air pollution. They also spotlight reasons for hope: rigorous data, public health heroes across generations, real grassroots and legal efforts protecting public health wins, and practical protocols that have cut maternal deaths.

Tune in and learn how public health can move from stepchild to foundation, and what it takes to leave no population behind.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Michelle Williams on LinkedIn.

• Connect with and follow Linda Marsa on LinkedIn and visit her website!

• Follow Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on LinkedIn and explore their website!

• Read The Cure for Everything: The Epic Struggle for Public Health and a Radical Vision for Human Thriving

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In this episode, Professor Charles Vincent, a clinical psychologist and leading patient safety researcher, explains how harm often emerges from a chain of small breakdowns, not from a single “bad” decision, and why the better question is “what in the system allowed this to happen?” He unpacks how the fixation on individual error can miss deeper contributors, such as fatigue, poor supervision, weak monitoring, clunky equipment design, noise, distraction, and communication that is not truly heard. You will hear why disrespectful behavior and hierarchy are safety risks, how simple routines like surgical safety checklists can change whether people speak up, and why healthcare struggles to name the trade-off between pushing volume and protecting safety.

Tune in and learn how a systems lens, respectful teamwork, and real trade-offs can make care safer.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Prof. Charles Vincent on LinkedIn.
  

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In this episode, Shantanu Rai, a primary care physician and novelist, discusses how his medical thriller, A Dangerous Diagnosis, became a way to explore moral injury, physician burnout, concierge medicine, worsening access to specialty care, fragmented treatment, and the financial and administrative pressures reshaping modern practice. He reflects on what he sees in safety-net primary care, why more physicians are considering escape routes from traditional medicine, and how payment models can make care feel rushed and transactional. Shantanu also explains why he chose fiction over academic writing, how storytelling can build empathy among clinicians, and why public engagement may be essential to meaningful reform. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on universal coverage, physician leadership, and the bigger structural changes needed to make health care more humane. 

Tune in and learn why storytelling may be one of the strongest tools for exposing what is broken in health care and inspiring people to demand something better. 

Resources:

• Learn more about the book The Dangerous Diagnosis here.

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In this episode of Turn on the Lights, Kedar Mate speaks with Dr. Michelle Schreiber of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Brenna Rabel of Battelle about how quality measures are developed, adopted, and applied across Medicare and Medicaid programs. They explore why measurement is essential for accountability, patient choice, and improvement, while also acknowledging its vulnerability to politics, feasibility constraints, and “teaching to the test.” Using diabetes and sepsis as examples, they explain how performance cutoffs are established, why “all-or-none” measures often face resistance, and what makes complex measures difficult to report and score. The conversation also addresses efforts to reduce reporting burden, including CMS’s shift from broader MIPS reporting toward MIPS Value Pathways and the expansion of digital quality measurement through FHIR-enabled eCQMs. They conclude with a forward-looking discussion on how artificial intelligence could reduce manual chart abstraction and advance quality measurement, particularly as patient-reported outcomes play a larger role in shaping the future of value-based care.

Tune in to hear how measures shape what health systems prioritize, what gets improved, and what “value” could look like in the future.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. Michelle Schreiber on LinkedIn.

• Follow CMS on LinkedIn and explore their website!

• Connect with and follow Brenna Rabel on LinkedIn.

• Follow Battelle on LinkedIn and explore their website!

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In this episode, Jeff Geppert, Senior Research Leader at Battelle Memorial Institute, discusses the lifecycle and future of health care quality measurement in value-based care. He explains how measures move from multi-year development and evidence testing through endorsement and CMS rulemaking before being implemented in federal programs. He addresses concerns about measurement overload, noting that health care complexity has driven the growth in measures but that rising infrastructure costs, interoperability demands, and AI adoption may force greater focus and parsimony. He also shares why he’s optimistic that emerging technologies will better align quality measurement with quality improvement, helping uncover root causes of variation and drive meaningful value in care delivery.

Tune in to explore where health care measurement is headed, and why the future may be more focused, fair, and impactful than ever.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Jeff Geppert on LinkedIn.

• Follow Battelle Memorial Institute on LinkedIn and explore their website!
  

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In this episode, Dr. Joanne Lynn, a longtime geriatric and hospice physician and elder-care policy leader, explains how longer lives have outpaced the systems people rely on when disability arrives. She highlights how ageism and invisible, unpaid caregiving strain families, often forcing them to drain savings before support becomes available. She also examines staffing shortages in nursing homes, limited geriatric training for clinicians, and gaps in long-term care infrastructure. Finally, she shares promising solutions, including community villages, the PACE model, and policy reforms like catastrophic long-term care social insurance and stronger local accountability.

Tune in to learn how we can build a future where aging remains meaningful, supported, and dignified.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. Joanne Lynn on LinkedIn.

• Visiting medicaring.org to learn more about community-based eldercare improvements.

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In this episode, Chris Van Gorder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Scripps Health, explains why health care is becoming structurally unaffordable amid soaring premiums, uncompensated emergency care, and rising input costs. He describes how hospitals have become the default safety net as county systems disappear, while underpayment by Medicare and Medicaid forces cost shifting onto employers and commercially insured patients. Van Gorder also highlights California’s seismic rebuilding mandates, which create massive capital pressure without matching reimbursement. He critiques managed care, value-based care, and Medicare Advantage for pushing risk onto providers through prior authorization and denials, recounting Scripps’ difficult decision to exit several Medicare Advantage contracts after heavy losses and the downstream impact on patients.

Tune in and learn how payment design, intermediaries, and regulation shape what hospitals can sustain and what patients can access.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Chris Van Gorder on LinkedIn.

• Follow Scripps Health on LinkedIn and explore their website!

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In this episode, Marta Corvêlo, President & Chief Executive Officer at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, talks about her journey into health and human services and her approach to transforming community-based aging support. She shares how her upbringing in Portugal and early work with refugee families shaped her commitment to social impact and equity. Marta explains the mission of SCES and how its home-based, wraparound services help older adults, people of all abilities, and caregivers age with independence and dignity. She also discusses operating at the intersection of health care, behavioral health, and social supports to better navigate the systems serving aging populations.

Tune in to hear how values-driven leadership and community-based innovation are reshaping the future of aging services!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Marta Corvêlo on LinkedIn.

• Follow Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, and explore their website!

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In this episode, Dr. Jerry Avorn, a professor of medicine and leading expert in pharmacoepidemiology and medication policy, discusses why many patients still can’t afford essential treatments even as breakthrough drugs for cancer and inflammatory disease proliferate. He shares a personal case where “nonadherence” was really unaffordability, then unpacks how US exceptionalism in drug pricing, patent “thickets,” and delayed competition keep costs unsustainably high. Dr. Avorn also contrasts access failures with overuse concerns, explores why other countries negotiate on the basis of value, and addresses objections to innovation and rationing, including a sobering example of cystic fibrosis in the UK. Finally, he explains how academic detailing spreads evidence-based prescribing and evaluates recent US attempts to let Medicare negotiate prices alongside more deal-driven approaches. 

Tune in and learn how drug prices, patents, and public funding shape what patients can actually access!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. Jerry Avorn on LinkedIn.

• Follow Harvard Medical School on LinkedIn and explore their website!

• Learn more about Brigham and Women’s Hospital on LinkedIn and visit their website.

• Visit Dr. Avorn’s personal website.

• Buy the Rethinking Meds book here and learn more about it here.

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In this episode, Brother Phap Luu, a monk in the Plum Village tradition founded by Thich Nhat Hanh, discusses how mindfulness can be practiced as “everyday meditation” through breathing, walking, eating, and even cultivating awareness of dreams. He shares his personal journey from activism and disillusionment to depression, and then to healing through mindful breathing and finding community at Plum Village. Brother Phap Luu explores the roots and global reach of Plum Village, why mindfulness naturally fosters compassion, and how “watering” emotions like anger through rumination can prolong suffering. He also unpacks mindfulness as an “invitation,” the challenge of scaling it, through training, ethics, trauma sensitivity, and limited profit incentives, and its potential integration into schools of public health and policy.

Tune in and learn how mindful breathing, community practice, and compassion can become practical tools for healthier lives and societies!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Brother Phap Luu on LinkedIn.

• Learn more about Plum Village on their LinkedIn and explore their website.

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In this episode, Vivek Garg, President and CEO of NCQA, reflects on how growing up with an immigrant physician father, living with his mother’s undiagnosed bipolar disorder, and training in internal medicine shaped his commitment to patient-centered improvement. He explains why he pursued “edge-case” primary care roles at innovative organizations and how those experiences led him to focus on quality, value-based care, and complex populations. Vivek also clarifies NCQA’s role in convening standards, accrediting health plans and practices, and validating performance through audits and support. He critiques today’s bloated measurement ecosystem and argues for digital, interoperable, clinically meaningful metrics that reduce burden and truly improve care delivery.

Tune in and learn how quality standards can evolve from checklists into a continuous improvement engine that patients can actually feel!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Vivek Garg on LinkedIn.

• Learn more about the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) on their LinkedIn and website.

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In this episode, Dr. Ben Sommers, the Huntley Quelch Professor of Health Care Economics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women’s Hospital, talks about how new federal policies, including Medicaid work requirements and the rollback of Affordable Care Act subsidies, are reshaping access to health insurance in the U.S. Drawing on extensive research, he explains why these changes are expected to increase uninsured rates without meaningfully boosting employment. Dr. Sommers also shares evidence from prior state experiments showing that administrative red tape, not a lack of willingness to work, drives coverage loss. He outlines the ripple effects on patient health, safety-net providers, and hospitals, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Tune in to understand what these policy shifts mean for patients, providers, and the future of the U.S. health care system.

Resources:

• Follow the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on LinkedIn and explore their website!

• Learn more about the One, Big, Beautiful Bill here!

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In this episode, Dr. Brian Anderson, President & CEO and Co-Founder of the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), discusses why health care needs a technically specific, use-case-by-use-case definition of “good” AI and how CHAI is building voluntary consensus-driven guidelines around fairness, transparency, safety, robustness, and privacy. He shares how his frustration with bloated EHR workflows pushed him into digital health innovation, then into pandemic-era public-private coordination during Operation Warp Speed, where rapid collaboration revealed what’s possible when incentives align. Brian explores CHAI’s “AI nutrition labels” (model cards), an emerging registry, and why vendors may opt into scrutiny to speed sales cycles and prove value. He also digs into ambient clinical documentation, performance metrics that matter to clinicians, cost pressure through apples-to-apples comparisons, agentic AI to expand rural access, and the alignment and biosecurity risks that demand vigilance.

Tune in and learn how to build and verify AI that improves care without sacrificing safety, equity, or trust!

Resources

• Connect with and follow Brian Anderson on LinkedIn.

• Learn more about the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) on LinkedIn.

• Explore CHAI’s website.

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In this episode, Dr. Gary Kaplan, who retired as the longtime CEO of Virginia Mason and currently serves on the Board of Stewardship Trustees of CommonSpirit Health, discusses leading one of America’s most influential physician-led health systems through a radical transformation focused on quality, safety, and patient-centered care. He reflects on Virginia Mason’s roots as a Mayo Clinic–style group practice and why shared purpose and clinician leadership created a fundamentally different culture of care. Dr. Kaplan explains how adopting Lean management principles reshaped chaotic health care systems, reduced waste, and supported clinicians in delivering safer, more reliable care. He also discusses why fee-for-service medicine drives unsustainable costs, his advocacy for value-based and capitated payment models, and how market consolidation ultimately led to Virginia Mason's merger, despite its strong performance and independence.

Tune in to explore what it truly takes to redesign health care systems around patients, clinicians, and value, rather than volume.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. Gary Kaplan on LinkedIn.

• Follow CommonSpirit Health on LinkedIn and explore their website!

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In this episode, co-hosts Kedar Mate and Don Berwick discuss how AI, patient safety, and administrative waste are shaping the future of health care. They explore the excitement and uncertainty around AI’s growing role in diagnostics, coordination, and clinical decision-making. They discuss why clinicians need real training to use AI safely and effectively, and how learning health networks are driving continuous improvement. They also delve into the persistent administrative burdens, especially in Medicaid and fee-for-service systems, that hinder true efficiency in health care.

Tune in to hear how innovation, policy, and technology are colliding at this year’s IHI Forum!

Resources

• Connect with and follow Kedar Mate on LinkedIn or reach out via email! 
• Connect with and follow Don Berwick on LinkedIn or reach out via email!
• Check out the Turn on the Lights podcast!
  

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In this episode, Dr. Rageshri Dhairyawan, a Consultant Physician in Sexual Health and HIV Medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust and Deputy Director of the SHARE Collaborative at Queen Mary University of London, discusses how patients are often disbelieved or dismissed in healthcare. She shares her own experience of being ignored during a painful hospitalization, which revealed how difficult it can be for even a senior doctor to speak up when vulnerable. Dhairyawan argues that medicine has a long-standing culture of skepticism toward patient testimony, which harms trust, exacerbates inequities, and undermines care. She urges systemic and educational reforms, more time, continuity, staff wellbeing, training in true listening, and structural support for patient voices. While acknowledging resource constraints, she emphasizes that listening is both therapeutic and essential to restoring humanity in healthcare.

Tune in to hear Dr. Rageshri Dhairyawan unpack why patients often feel unheard, and how listening might be healthcare’s most powerful, yet overlooked, tool.

Resources

• Connect with and follow Dr. Rageshri Dhairyawan on LinkedIn and visit her website!
• Follow Barts Health NHS Trust on LinkedIn and explore their website!
• Follow Queen Mary University of London on LinkedIn and discover their website!
• Check out Dr. Dhairyawan’s book, Unheard: The Medical Practice of Silencing, here!

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In this episode, Dr. Gregg Meyer, Incident Manager for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, discusses how the state responded to the unprecedented Steward Health Care crisis and worked to protect patients, communities, and hospital staff. He explains how years of debt, real estate deals, and private equity extraction destabilized the system and pushed it into bankruptcy. He shares what it took to manage a months-long VUCA public health emergency, including on-site monitoring, emergency closures, and the transfer of six hospitals to new nonprofit operators. He also reflects on the human and financial toll the crisis left behind, as well as why stronger oversight and policy reform are urgently needed.

Tune in to learn how Massachusetts led one of the most challenging hospital rescue operations in U.S. history!

Resources

• Follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on LinkedIn and explore their website!

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In this episode, Cindy Mann, partner at Manatt Health and former director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, explains how Medicaid was created alongside Medicare in 1965 and has grown into the nation’s largest public coverage program, serving nearly 80 million people across diverse populations. She details the state–federal financing structure, explains why match rates vary, and highlights how Medicaid remains foundational to the Affordable Care Act’s coverage continuum. Cindy breaks down the proposed Medicaid cuts in HR1 and the impact of work requirements, illustrating how administrative barriers lead to people losing coverage and increasing uncompensated care costs without improving employment outcomes. She also challenges the “deserving versus undeserving poor” narrative and highlights efforts by states and providers to protect coverage gains.

Tune in and learn how Medicaid’s design, politics, and future will shape health, budgets, and justice in America!

Resources

• Follow Cindy Mann on LinkedIn.
• Follow Manatt Health on LinkedIn and explore their website!
• Learn more about the Medicaid program here.
  

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In this episode, Dr. Michael Osterholm, Regents Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, explains why America’s public health system is dangerously underprepared for the next major outbreak. He shares how misinformation and political interference have eroded confidence in science, leaving critical institutions like the CDC and NIH struggling to fulfill their missions. Dr. Osterholm discusses lessons from COVID-19 and why failing to apply them could cost millions of lives in the future. He also explores the promise of universal vaccines, the need for sustained investment in pandemic defense, and how rebuilding public trust starts with humility, transparency, and truth-telling.

Tune in to hear what it will really take to prepare for “the big one.

Resources

• Connect with and follow Dr. Michael Osterholm on LinkedIn.
• Follow the University of Minnesota on LinkedIn!
• Follow the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) on LinkedIn and visit their website!
• Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project here!
• Pick up any of Dr. Osterholm’s books here!
• Check out the Osterholm Update podcast!

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In this special Veterans Day episode, Dr. David Shulkin, the ninth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the Trump Administration and VA’s Under Secretary of Health in the Obama Administration, talks about the mission, history, and transformation of the Veterans Health Administration, one of the nation’s largest and most innovative health systems. He shares how his time leading the VA changed his perspective on what effective, compassionate care looks like, highlighting the system’s holistic, population-based approach and its groundbreaking medical research. Dr. Shulkin also reflects on the challenges of government service, the importance of protecting the VA from privatization, and his continued advocacy for veterans and the workforce that serves them.

Tune in to hear how the VA’s model offers vital lessons for the future of American health care!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. David Shulkin on LinkedIn.
• Get a copy of Dr. Shulkin’s book, It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Serve Your Government, Our Broken Government and the Plight of Veterans, here!
  

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In this episode, Joshua Sharfstein, a public health leader and professor at Johns Hopkins, and Joanne Kenen, journalist in residence at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, discuss how the collapse of local journalism, the design of social media algorithms, and politicization have created an “information sickness” that undermines personal and public health. They explain that traditional reporting once filtered out false claims through rules and accountability, while today’s engagement-driven platforms reward emotional misinformation that quickly becomes “sticky.” The guests explore the consequences of vaccine refusal, fractured families, and the urgent need for remedies, such as embedding misinformation experts in health agencies, utilizing trusted platforms, and fostering community trust. They emphasize that artificial intelligence will both fuel and fight misinformation, demanding institutional adaptation. Ultimately, they urge individuals to maintain an informed news diet and practice empathy across information divides, reminding listeners that public health must serve everyone, even those who disagree.

Tune in to learn practical ways to counter health misinformation, from rapid pre-bunking to community partnerships and smarter use of AI!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Joshua Sharfstein on LinkedIn.

• Follow and connect with Joanne Kenen on LinkedIn.

• Learn more about Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health on their LinkedIn and website.

• Buy Josh and Joanne’s book Information Sick here.

• Listen to the What The Health podcast here.

• Sign up for the Expert Insights Newsletter here.

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In this inspiring episode, Rosie Bartel, a patient partner and advocate, educator, and survivor, shares her journey from a devastating MRSA infection acquired during a routine knee replacement to becoming a global voice for patient safety and health care reform. After surviving 58 surgeries, more than 200 hospitalizations, and multiple amputations, she transformed her pain into a mission to prevent others from enduring the same experience. Rosie explains how being invited to her hospital’s root-cause investigation empowered her to advocate for systemic change and demonstrate the power of storytelling with purpose. She reminds health care professionals that patients seek healing, not lawsuits, urging both providers and patients to share their stories because, as she powerfully states, stories aren’t just anecdotes; they’re data that inspire action.

Tune in and learn how courage, compassion, and the patient’s voice can light the path toward a safer, more humane health care system!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Rosie Bartel on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about The Beryl Institute on their LinkedIn and website.
• Watch here Rosie’s “One Is Too Many” video.
  

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In this episode, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, a physician and academic leader, calls for a broader, more human-centered definition of health care, one that addresses substance use, firearm injuries, pain, and the social realities that shape well-being. Drawing on personal experiences and systemic insight, he advocates for harm reduction, trust-building, and courageous leadership that transforms stigma and obstacles into opportunities for progress.

Tune in and learn how broadening medicine’s scope saves lives and restores trust!

Resources:

• Find out more about Dr. Sandeep Kapoor here.
• Learn more about the Zucker School of Medicine on its website.
• Follow Northwell Health on LinkedIn and explore their website.
  

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In this episode, Dr. Robert Califf, former FDA Commissioner and cardiologist, reflects on his experience leading the FDA and the agency’s critical role in protecting public health through rigorous, science-based regulation across multiple sectors. He warns that political interference, disinformation, and mistrust threaten health outcomes but believes meaningful collaboration can still restore integrity and progress.

Tune in and learn how protecting science-based regulation may be one of the most important public health actions of our time!

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In this episode, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a physician and advocate, discusses the worsening state of American primary care, shaped by burnout, poor pay, and a loss of autonomy, while sharing how his recovery from opioid addiction inspired him to support other physicians. He also explores the stigma surrounding mental health in medicine, stalled union efforts, and the need for better education and regulation around the safe use of medical cannabis.

Tune in and learn how systemic dysfunction is breaking primary care and how medical cannabis could be part of a more humane, effective future!

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In this episode, Vinay Patel explains how drug prices are formed, from R&D and manufacturing to complex negotiations involving insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. He breaks down the mechanics of rebates, formulary restrictions, and the consolidation of power among PBMs, showing how these hidden forces raise prices and limit access. He also offers promising alternatives like cost-plus pricing models and calls on employers to take control of their health care contracts to cut costs.

Tune in and learn how this broken system works, and what it might take to fix it!

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In this episode, Dr. Bob Klaber reflects on the values and challenges of the UK’s NHS, contrasting its universal care model with the U.S. system and advocating for whole-person care over over-medicalization. He emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration across sectors, and the role of prevention and social determinants, remaining hopeful thanks to the next generation of health care leaders.

Tune in and learn how real-world care, leadership, and connection shape a more equitable and effective health system!

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In this episode, Rosanne Haggerty, president and CEO of Community Solutions, discusses how the rising homelessness crisis in the U.S. reflects deeper systemic issues, from healthcare gaps to housing affordability, and explains why solving it starts with stable housing. She shares how the Built for Zero initiative has helped communities like Denver and Houston make homelessness rare and brief through data-driven collaboration and systems thinking.

Tune in and learn how communities are turning coordination into impact and how your city might be next!

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In this episode, co-hosts Kedar Mate and Don Berwick look back on their podcast journey, highlighting powerful stories and themes like moral injury, health inequities, and the promise of AI in health care. They reflect on moving moments of resilience and leadership while balancing short-term concerns with long-term optimism for a better future.

Tune in to this milestone episode of Turn On The Lights!

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In this episode, Dr. Jason Adelman, a leading patient safety expert, shares how a critical medication error propelled his transition from hospitalist to patient safety researcher, leading to innovations like the “retract-and-reorder” method for detecting wrong-patient errors. He explains the importance of a "just culture" in health care, the systemic nature of most medical errors, and how AI could help reduce harm, if used thoughtfully.

Tune in and learn how technology and mindset shifts are reshaping the future of safer care!

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In this episode, Gregg Croteau, CEO of UTEC, shares how his organization helps justice-involved young adults escape cycles of violence and incarceration through education, employment, and unwavering support. Founded by young people in response to gang violence, UTEC now focuses on those aged 18–25, the group most at risk of returning to prison. Through social enterprises like mattress recycling and food services, participants are paid while also receiving therapy, childcare, coaching, and education. Gregg emphasizes the need for systemic change, including better mental health care, reentry support, and human connection, urging a more restorative approach to justice.

Tune in and learn how compassion, structure, and persistence can rebuild lives and systems!

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In this episode, Dr. Howard Koh reflects on the chronic underfunding, political challenges, and cultural barriers weakening America’s public health system, drawing from his leadership experience during crises like 9/11, anthrax, H1N1, and the ACA rollout. He underscores the undervaluing of prevention and the difficulty of making invisible successes visible and frames public health as a spiritual calling rooted in meaning and service.

Tune in and learn how we can reignite the public health torch and carry it forward, together!

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In this episode, Dr. Steven Woolf, physician and public health expert, explains how U.S. health disparities are driven more by social determinants, like education, income, housing, and systemic racism, than by access to care, with COVID-19 worsening these gaps for marginalized communities. He calls for bold investments in economic and educational equity to reverse these trends, warning that without political will, systemic health inequities and poor outcomes will persist.

Tune in and learn how economic policy, not just medicine, could be the key to saving lives!

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In this episode, Dr. Thomas Nasca discusses the evolution of physician training, the role of accreditation and certification in ensuring national standards, and the need for institutional professionalism to support clinicians in upholding their oaths. He warns that growing financial pressures, particularly from private equity, are threatening the integrity of care and introduces a new center focused on preparing future medical leaders to confront these challenges.

Tune in and learn how the future of health care may hinge not only on medical knowledge, but on who gets to shape the systems that deliver it!

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In this episode, Rebekah Gee examines the crisis of maternal mortality in the U.S. and how structural inequities and lack of home-based care continue to harm vulnerable families, drawing on her own life experiences and leadership in Medicaid expansion. She introduces Nest Health, a holistic, home-based model that serves entire Medicaid households, aiming to reduce ER visits, improve outcomes, and rebuild trust through empathy, data, and community-rooted care.

Tune in and learn how innovation, policy, and persistence can reshape health care from the ground up!

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In this episode, Dr. Thomas Fisher, an emergency room physician, discusses his journey through emergency medicine and public policy, illustrating how health care reflects systemic societal challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, he calls for a more humane, equitable health system shaped by policy reform and collective imagination.

Tune in and learn about the intersection of health care, policy, and human dignity through the lens of emergency medicine!

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In this episode, Dr. Jessica Zitter shares how burnout and a pivotal confrontation early in her ICU career led her to embrace the palliative care movement and shift toward more human-centered healing. Through her films Extremis, Caregiver: A Love Story, and The Chaplain and the Doctor, she uses storytelling to explore ethical dilemmas, systemic challenges, and the urgent need for holistic care and honest conversations about death.

Tune in and learn how emotional honesty, empathy, and art can rehumanize health care, one story at a time!

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In this episode, Maureen Bisognano shares how compassion, curiosity, and relational care can transform health care by improving communication, trust, and outcomes for patients and providers alike. Through personal stories and global initiatives like What Matters to You and Kindness in Healthcare, she highlights the power of listening, kindness, and cross-industry learning to create more humane and effective care systems.

Tune in and learn how a few simple questions can spark a global transformation in care!

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In this episode, Dr. Eric Wei explores the vital role of public hospitals in serving vulnerable populations and dispelling the myth that they provide second-tier care. He discusses system improvements through Lean strategies, the challenges of Medicaid reliance, Bellevue’s historic impact, and the urgent need for universal access and investment in social determinants of health.

Tune in to learn about the powerful story of Bellevue Hospital, the fight against health care inequity, and why public hospitals deserve a place at the heart of our health care future!

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In this episode, Dr. Steve Swensen explores the growing crisis of burnout and moral injury among health care workers, highlighting its roots in emotional exhaustion, misaligned values, and lack of agency, and how it harms clinicians, patients, and organizational performance. He shares solutions, including five key leadership behaviors: understanding, recognition, belonging, transparency, and mentorship, along with better job design, removal of workflow obstacles, and a culture of kindness, which he calls “love in action” and a measurable business advantage.

Tune in and learn how transforming leadership and culture can heal both caregivers and the system itself!

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In this episode, experts Brett Moran, Charles Binkley, and Lucas Zier discuss the evolving role of AI in health care, from established tools like imaging assistance to emerging solutions like ambient scribing that boost clinician satisfaction, alongside its benefits in billing and appeals and challenges such as ROI, AI errors, and patient transparency. They also explore future possibilities like agentic AI for patient communication, the ethics of AI empathy, and emphasize that AI should ultimately support clinicians in delivering more human-centered care.

Tune in to hear how health care leaders are using AI to improve care while staying grounded in what really helps patients and providers!

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In this episode, Cydian Kauffman, CEO of Pure Water Northwest, shares how his experience in property management led him to focus on water quality. He explains the EPA’s standards /MCL versus MCLG) and why municipalities often prioritize the less health-focused option due to cost. Cydian explores how water treatment and distribution can introduce contaminants and stresses the importance of regular home water testing and effective filtration. He also addresses the politicization of water, inequities in access, and the potential for future solutions like desalination to improve water quality.

Tune in and learn practical advice on ensuring your water's safety and what the future might hold for this essential resource!

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What if the path to better health and stronger communities doesn’t start in hospitals, but in our relationships with each other?

In this episode, Dr. Eric Reinhart, a political anthropologist, social psychiatrist, and psychoanalytic clinician based in Chicago, reflects on how his experiences in medicine, anthropology, and advocacy have shaped his urgent focus on public health reform, especially around mass incarceration and its devastating effects on communities. He argues that incarceration is not only a symptom but also a cause of widespread mental illness and social breakdown, emphasizing the need to democratize caregiving and public health beyond bureaucratic systems. Reinhart critiques the U.S. health care model for being overly medicalized and profit-driven, calling for a bottom-up approach that empowers communities to care for one another. He warns against relying on political self-correction, stressing that meaningful change requires validating public anger and offering materially supported, ethical alternatives rooted in relational care. Drawing from models like Paul Farmer’s work and his own experiences in underserved communities, Reinhart envisions a public health system built on mutual aid, participation, and dignity.

Tune in as Dr. Eric Reinhart challenges us to rethink public health by examining how systems of incarceration and inequality undermine care and what we can do to build something better!

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What happens when the power of large language models meets the complexity of modern medicine?

In this episode, Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer of Microsoft, discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in health care, particularly the shift from rule-based systems to data-driven models like GPT-4. He highlights how AI can reduce physician burnout by handling administrative tasks and supporting clinical decision-making. Eric emphasizes the importance of AI collaborating with, rather than replacing, health care professionals to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. He also explores future possibilities, including personalized health companions, intelligent patient portals, and AI-powered tumor board simulations. Overall, he underscores both the exciting potential and the responsibility involved in integrating AI safely and meaningfully into health care.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how AI is transforming health care, from easing clinician burden to reimagining patient care and medical decision-making!

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Democratizing knowledge is critical to bridging health care gaps and improving patient outcomes, especially in underserved communities. 
In this episode, Dr. Sanjeev Arora, founder and director of Project ECHO, shares how he transformed a local hepatitis C treatment challenge in New Mexico into a global movement. He explains how the ECHO model leverages technology, best practices, case-based learning, and outcome tracking to extend specialist knowledge to underserved areas. Arora emphasizes the power of community, respect, and kindness in driving ECHO’s success and highlights a study showing rural clinicians can achieve outcomes equal to specialists with proper support. He also discusses ECHO’s global reach, funding, future plans, and the urgent need to address the supply-demand gap in health care through service to others.
Tune in and learn how democratizing knowledge can revolutionize health care delivery!

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The erosion of government-funded science infrastructure is leading to a loss of competitive edge and innovation in the US. 

In this episode, Dhruv Khullar, physician and health policy professor, explores how current policies are affecting science, health care, and academia, warning that funding cuts and tensions with universities could jeopardize innovation and global leadership. He reflects on the historical role of U.S. government investment in establishing biomedical dominance and cautions that countries like China may gain ground if these trends continue. Dhruv also critiques the "Gilded Age" of medicine, marked by corporatization, financialization, and a move away from patient-centered care, and proposes solutions like enforcing corporate practice of medicine laws and antitrust regulations. He further discusses physician unionization as a counterforce and the health risks of ultra-processed foods, calling for possible regulatory action.

Tune in and learn about the critical intersection of science, policy, health care, and the future of innovation!

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The separation of oral and physical health has created a significant crisis in the US, leaving millions without access to affordable dental care despite its crucial link to overall well-being. 

In this episode, Melissa Burroughs, Director of Public Policy at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, discusses the historical reasons for this divide and its modern consequences, highlighting how poor oral health exacerbates conditions like diabetes and heart disease. She details the critical coverage gaps in Medicare, state-variable Medicaid adult benefits, and the VA system, explaining why dental care is often the most unaffordable service and outlining the profound equity issues affecting vulnerable populations. Melissa addresses the concerning trend of efforts to remove fluoride from public water systems and the potential negative impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on already fragile dental benefits. She also underscores that millions of Americans cannot access oral health care primarily due to cost, making it the number one medical service people report skipping.

Tune in and learn why integrating oral health is vital for a healthier America and what policy changes could bridge the access gap!

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What happens when one of America’s largest health care systems quietly limits your access to essential care?

In this episode, Dr. Patricia Gabow, former CEO of Denver Health, discussed her values-driven leadership of the safety-net system, which remained financially stable while serving a predominantly uninsured and underserved population through integrated care and lean management. She highlighted concerns from her recent book about the growing influence of Catholic health systems in the U.S., particularly their adherence to religious directives that restrict reproductive, gender-related, and end-of-life care. Gabow emphasized the lack of transparency in these systems, noting that most patients are unaware of the limitations until they need care. She criticized the shift from mission-driven leadership by nuns to profit-focused lay leadership, often disconnected from frontline health care realities. While hopeful about Pope Francis’s advocacy for the poor, she expressed disappointment in the lack of reform among American bishops and health systems.

Tune in to pull back the curtain on Catholic hospitals, their powerful reach, and what it means for the future of patient care in the U.S!

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How do we scale proven solutions in health care, climate resilience, and public health to create lasting impact?

In this episode,  Joe McCannon, former Director of Sustainability for the Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive Office of the President of the United States, discusses scaling impactful solutions in public health, climate change, and health care resilience. Joe highlights three key challenges: providing clinical guidance for climate-related health issues, keeping health care facilities operational during disasters, and reducing healthcare’s environmental impact. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing successful sustainability efforts and leveraging policies like the Inflation Reduction Act to drive change. To tackle large-scale problems, he advocates for understanding harm and solutions, fostering collective action, leading with strong values, setting clear goals, and rejecting powerlessness. Despite challenges, Joe urges bold, proactive action, emphasizing that this is a moment for courage and innovation.

Tune in for an eye-opening conversation with Joe McCannon on the strategies, challenges, and innovations needed to drive large-scale change and build a healthier, more resilient future!

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Curious about how we can fix the inefficiencies of the U.S. health care system and ensure better care for all?

In this episode, Michael Chernew, the Leonard D. Schaeffer Professor of Health Care Policy at the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School, discussed the challenges and reforms in the American health care system. He emphasized the concept of value-based insurance design, which aims to reduce cost-sharing for high-value services to ensure patients receive necessary care. Chernew highlighted the inefficiencies of the fee-for-service system and the importance of payment reforms, particularly within Medicare Advantage, to improve care quality and control costs. He also explained the complexities of the U.S. health care system, influenced by the balance between market forces and government regulation, leading to opaque pricing and administrative burdens. While acknowledging the potential lessons from other countries' health care systems, he noted that adopting foreign models directly may not work due to the unique economic and social landscape of the U.S.

Tune in as Professor Michael Chernew unpacks innovative solutions, such as value-based insurance design and payment reforms, that could reshape the future of health care!

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Palliative care aims to treat symptoms and improve patients' quality of life, even if they are not terminally ill, and should be integrated early in the treatment process.

In this episode, Dr. Christine Cassel, a pioneer in geriatrics and palliative care, shares her journey from an aspiring philosopher to an influential figure in health care. She discusses her early experiences that ignited her passion for moral philosophy and medicine, leading to her groundbreaking work in end-of-life care and palliative medicine. Dr. Cassel highlights the importance of early palliative care, emphasizing its role in symptom relief and preparing patients and families for the future. She also delves into her current initiative, Bridging Divides, aimed at fostering respectful conversations and reducing polarization within medical schools and beyond, emphasizing the power of curiosity, intellectual humility, and the "exhausted majority" in bridging divides.

Tune in to learn about Dr. Cassel's impactful career, the evolution of palliative care, and strategies for promoting understanding and unity in a divided world!

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The U.S. health care system is complex, costly, and often frustrating, but what if we could reimagine it to work better for everyone?

In this episode, Andrea Ducas, Vice President of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress, shares how her personal experiences shaped her commitment to creating a more equitable system, criticizing the current model as overly complex, costly, and dependent on employment and insurance status. She explains the historical development of employer-based insurance and government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), highlighting CAP’s role in shaping policy and advising lawmakers. CAP is currently focused on defending Medicaid from budget cuts while also exploring long-term reforms to simplify and improve health care access. Ducas emphasizes the importance of preparing bold, progressive policy solutions so they are ready for implementation when political opportunities arise.

Tune in to learn about the challenges of health care policy, the fight to protect Medicaid, and bold ideas for a more equitable future!

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Anyone can choose leadership, and it requires bold aims, intentional actions, and disciplined responses to challenges.

In this episode, Dennis Wagner, Principal and Managing Director of  Yes And Leadership, LLC,  and John Scanlon, partner at Financial Transformations Inc., highlight the key themes of their book Choosing to LEAD, like how leadership is distinct from management, administration, and observation. The book presents 12 essential leadership mindsets and methods drawn from years of experience and insights from respected figures. While the book focuses on health care, its principles apply broadly, showing that effective leadership involves adaptability, teamwork, and positive communication. Ultimately, the discussion encourages individuals at all levels to embrace leadership, as it not only improves organizations and communities but also enhances personal fulfillment and effectiveness.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of powerful lessons on leadership, mindset, and the choices that drive meaningful impact!

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In this episode, Zack Cooper, Associate Professor of Public Health and Economics for Yale University, examines the drivers of rising health care costs and their impact on individuals and the economy. He highlights the disconnect between Medicare and private insurance spending, the role of provider market power in driving up prices, and the surprising link between health care costs and job losses for lower and middle-income workers. Zack explains that rising health care premiums lead companies to reduce payroll, disproportionately affecting workers earning between $20,000 and $100,000 annually. He argues that employer-sponsored insurance contributes to income inequality and suggests potential policy solutions such as broader insurance markets, eliminating employer-sponsored insurance, and stronger antitrust enforcement in the health care sector. Zack also touches on the debate between single-payer systems and market-based approaches, emphasizing the need for greater efficiency and value in health care spending.

Tune in and learn how health care costs are affecting your wallet and the broader economy!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Peter Margolis, Co-Director Emeritus of the James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Hyman, Principal and Founder of Frontline Quality Solutions, LLC, discuss the learning health network model, which involves communities working together to improve health by sharing information and working together. They cover the history of collaboratives, highlighting the importance of translating evidence into practice and building reliability. Dr. Margolis and Dr. Hyman highlight networks that successfully improved remission rates and reduced harm, such as Improved Care Now and Children's Hospital Solutions. They also touch on the role of patient and family engagement in driving innovation and the potential for applying the learning health network model to adult health care. Finally, Dr. Margolis and Dr. Hyman agree that although the cost of joining a network can be as low as $4000 per year, securing buy-in and budget allocation for learning health network participation is a challenge that needs to be addressed at the organizational level. 

Tune in and learn how experts agree that learning health networks can transform health care!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dan Heath, a New York Times bestselling author, discusses how to apply behavioral and systems thinking principles to health care. He emphasizes that health care, despite its challenges, can improve by focusing on successful examples, addressing system bottlenecks, and driving change through collaboration and alignment with existing motivations. Dan stresses the importance of prioritizing changes that are most likely to be adopted and supported. He also underscores the need to shift from a sense of helplessness to a sense of agency by learning from past successes.

Tune in and learn how to find your leverage points to drive meaningful change in health care!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Liz Fowler, former Deputy Administrator and Director of the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, discusses the progress and challenges of U.S. healthcare reform, emphasizing the impact of the ACA, the shift to value-based care, and the need for systemic innovation to improve access, affordability, and quality. While the ACA has expanded coverage and improved access for individuals with pre-existing conditions, high out-of-pocket costs, care denials, and inefficiencies persist. Dr. Fowler emphasizes the need for mandatory value-based payment models to drive systemic change, focusing on team-based care, predictive analytics, and home-based interventions. She notes that while CMS has the scale to implement reforms, Medicaid innovation remains complex due to state-by-state variations. Driven by real patient experiences, Dr. Fowler remains committed to improving health care access, affordability, and quality through government-led innovation.

Tune in as Dr. Liz Fowler shares firsthand insights on the evolution of health care reform, the shift to value-based care, and the ongoing innovations shaping the future of Medicare and Medicaid!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Jeff Thompson, former CEO of Gundersen Health System and advisor, discusses his pioneering work at Gundersen Health System in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He explains that by focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources, Gundersen decreased their emissions by 95% while simultaneously saving money, improving local economies, and ultimately benefiting patient health. Dr. Thompson details how they identified simple fixes, such as adjusting air exchange systems, and implemented large-scale projects, such as using landfill methane. He also addresses the need for industry-wide change and recognizes the growing movement of young professionals and health care organizations taking action. 

Tune in and learn how to make health care more sustainable, economically sound, and beneficial for communities' health!

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In this episode, Dr. Thea James, Vice President of Mission and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Boston Medical Center, and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and the Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, talk about the persistent challenges in achieving health equity, even in resource-rich cities like Boston, where structural inequities and systemic racism continue to drive disparities. COVID-19 exposed and exacerbated these inequities, disproportionately impacting communities of color and emphasizing the need for community-focused solutions. Dr. Thea James explains how institutions like Boston Medical Center have taken innovative steps, such as engaging communities to analyze data and co-create solutions, supported by strong leadership and accountability. Dr. Bisola Ojikutu shines a light on how sustaining momentum for health equity requires shifting from a moral to an economic imperative and embedding systemic changes through legislative action, like the Health Equity Compact's proposed reforms. Long-term success depends on creating policies and structures that transcend political and societal shifts, ensuring equity remains a core priority.

Tune into this compelling conversation with Boston's leading experts as they unpack the systemic barriers, innovative solutions, and the critical role of policy in advancing health equity!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Terry Fulmer, President of the John A. Hartford Foundation, and Faith Mitchell, an Institute Fellow at the Urban Institute, discuss the development of age-friendly health systems and the ongoing challenges in ensuring older adults receive high-quality, evidence-based care. Dr. Fulmer highlights the "four M's" framework (What Matters, Medications, Mentation, and Mobility) as a way to simplify and scale age-friendly practices, benefiting over 4 million older adults in the U.S. Sustained partnerships, government initiatives, and long-term philanthropic support have been essential in spreading this movement globally. Equity and accountability are central, ensuring all health care staff contribute to reliable, harm-free care for every older adult, regardless of background. While challenges like increasing diversity and system coordination persist, there is optimism in innovations like AI and a growing commitment to improving care for aging populations.

Tune in to learn how a global movement is transforming care for older adults!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Abraham Nussbaum, Chief Education Officer at Denver Health, discusses the evolution and challenges of medical education, emphasizing the limitations of the traditional "textbook of the body" approach rooted in the Flexner Report. He highlights the growing importance of addressing relational and community health issues, such as loneliness and social determinants, through innovative models like Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LIC), where students follow patients across various care settings. Despite these advances, systemic barriers, including the transactional nature of health care and prioritization of documentation over care, contribute to physician burnout and patient dissatisfaction. Modern medical training, often remote and isolated, leaves students discouraged, though mentorship and relational learning show promise in improving outcomes. Dr. Nussbaum expresses hope for systemic reform driven by alignment between student and patient needs and the efforts of forward-thinking leaders.

Tune in for groundbreaking ideas on transforming medical training to address the relational and community health challenges of today!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Christopher Landrigan, Chief of General Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital and co-founder of the I-PASS Patient Safety Institute, emphasizes the importance of systemic changes, improved communication, and financial support to enhance patient safety. Dr. Christopher Landrigan has spent his career addressing patient safety issues, particularly focusing on resident work hours and communication failures in hospitals. His early research revealed that sleep-deprived medical residents made significantly more errors, prompting changes to duty-hour policies to reduce risks to patients and providers. Recognizing that frequent handoffs during shorter shifts could lead to information loss, Dr. Landrigan co-developed the I-PASS system, a standardized communication framework to improve patient care transitions. I-PASS, now adapted for various specialties and roles, has been implemented across hospitals nationwide with support from organizations like the I-PASS Institute and regional partnerships such as the Kentucky Hospital Association. While progress has been made, Dr. Landrigan emphasizes the need for systemic change, behavior adaptation, and financial backing to scale successful patient safety programs across the complex health care system.

Tune in to learn about Dr. Landrigan's work on resident hours and the I-PASS system's impact on patient safety!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Navina Evans, the Chief Workforce, Training, and Education Officer at the new NHS England, discusses the challenges and evolution of workforce planning in the National Health Service (NHS) amid global pressures on healthcare systems. She highlights the importance of addressing workforce recruitment, retention, and reform to ensure sustainability, emphasizing the need for flexible career pathways and adaptability to changing demographics and technological advancements. Dr. Evans outlines the NHS's focus on multi-professional training, prevention, and addressing health inequalities while balancing the need for specialized and generalist skills. She also notes the importance of creating a workforce that reflects the evolving needs of patients, integrating community-based care, and leveraging advancements in AI and remote technologies. To meet future demands, she stresses the value of a dynamic, long-term workforce plan that adapts continuously to shifts in population needs and healthcare innovations.

Tune in and learn about the future of healthcare workforce planning, uncovering innovative strategies to tackle burnout, boost retention, and meet the changing needs of patients and providers alike!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Celine Gounder, Senior Fellow & Editor-at-Large for Public Health at KFF Health News, shares her journey from clinician to a media figure focused on public health, highlighting her roles during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises. She emphasizes the widespread confusion between public health and health care, noting that many view public health as merely government-imposed restrictions. Dr. Gounder also discussed the challenge of addressing misinformation, which often spreads through emotionally charged narratives and the limitations of relying solely on factual data to sway public opinion. Advocating for relatable, story-driven health communication, she stressed the importance of strong health systems, pointing to Rwanda’s successful response to recent outbreaks as a model. Looking to the future, she underscored the urgent need for sustainable vaccine manufacturing and preparedness against pandemic flu risks, which depend heavily on robust public health infrastructure.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of public health and the vital role of effective communication in overcoming misinformation and preparing for future challenges!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Doug Eby and April Kyle discuss Southcentral Foundation's community-driven health care model, which prioritizes customer ownership, flexible management, and service integration to improve outcomes and reduce costs for Alaska Native communities. This approach, enabled by the Indian Self-Determination Act, empowers the community to design services tailored to their needs, while SCF's leadership fosters transparency and ongoing improvement through community feedback, showcasing the benefits of community-involved health care.

Tune in to discover how a revolutionary, community-led health care model in Alaska is transforming the way we think about patient care and community wellness! 

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Hayden Rooke-Ley discusses the rapid expansion of Medicare Advantage, a privatized form of Medicare, and the growing influence of private insurance companies in the U.S. health care system. He highlights concerns about the cost-effectiveness and quality of care under this model, as well as insurance companies' anti-competitive practices, and emphasizes the need for regulatory action despite the political challenges involved.

Tune in to discover what it means for health care costs, patient care, and the future of Medicare!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Marshall Ganz, the Rita T. Hauser Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Organizing, and Civil Society at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses how health care and other systems risk dehumanization by reducing people to data points, driven by economic values rather than human complexity. He argues that real power is relational, emerging through interdependence and that social movements succeed by focusing on people-based power instead of wealth or authority. Social movements, he explains, are more than protests; they require sustained practices, relationship-building, and a commitment to values transformation to create a lasting impact. Reflecting on his experiences with Cesar Chavez, Marshall underscores the need for moral, accountable institutions and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and practical engagement in driving change. His new book, People, Power, Change, champions hope as essential, believing in the possibility of meaningful outcomes even amid uncertainty.

Tune in as Marshall Ganz shares powerful insights on transforming communities, challenging the status quo, and reclaiming humanity in systems like health care!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Thomas H. Lee, Chief Medical Officer for Press Ganey Associates, Inc., talks about the critical role of social capital in fostering trust, teamwork, and effective patient care within health care organizations. Thomas argues that leaders should approach social capital with the same discipline as financial capital, establishing norms reinforcing reliability and mutual respect. He highlights examples from the Mayo Clinic, where solid social norms create a cohesive, patient-centered culture. Thomas notes that modern life and technology often erode social connections, making it essential to deliberately nurture social capital. He also emphasizes that social capital is indispensable for long-term success, especially as financial and staffing resources are limited.

Tune in to learn how prioritizing social capital can transform health care, enhance patient care, and foster a culture of collaboration and trust!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Vardit Ravitsky, President and CEO of the Hastings Center, highlights the role of bioethics in navigating complex health care choices, especially those made prominent by the pandemic. She describes bioethics as interdisciplinary, involving collaboration across philosophy, sociology, and other fields to address ethical issues like justice, equity, and patient autonomy. Her journey into bioethics began with personal experiences that led her to explore the intersections of technology and core human values, such as family and kinship. Looking ahead, Vardit identifies artificial intelligence and climate change as the next major ethical challenges in health care, with AI potentially increasing access but presenting risks like bias and privacy concerns. Viewing bioethics as a guide for responsible innovation, she sees the Hastings Center as dedicated to public engagement, policy influence, and fostering diversity within bioethics.

Tune in and dive into the heart of bioethics, exploring how our most challenging health care decisions reflect who we are and shape the future of medicine!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Michael Howell, Chief Clinical Officer at Google, explores how technology giants like Google are impacting health care, sharing insights on AI advancements and their potential to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Howell believes machine learning breakthroughs, particularly in image recognition, have enabled significant progress in diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy and cancer. He highlights Google's mission to provide better health information while also leveraging AI to support clinicians and enhance care delivery. Dr. Howell also discusses recent innovations, such as pulse detection in wearable devices and large-scale public health campaigns, emphasizing the role of trust and data security in Google's health initiatives.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on how big firms plan to use AI to reshape health care and unlock new opportunities for innovation in patient care!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, talks about how he is redefining health system leadership by addressing broader health determinants and expanding services beyond traditional hospital care. He shares his journey from a background in human services to leading Northwell Health, where he focuses on integrating community services and growing access. Michael discusses Northwell's extensive network and proactive measures in areas like gun violence and mental health. He also advises that leaders should promote decency, respect, and community well-being to improve overall health, suggesting that political leaders should embody these values to support better health outcomes.

Tune in to discover how Michael Dowling is redefining health care by tackling social determinants of health and expanding the role of health systems beyond traditional hospital care!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, David Rousseau, Publisher and Executive Director of Journalism and Information Technology at KFF Health News, talks about the challenges that today’s health care journalism faces and how he seeks to build trust in health care leadership and media. KFF Health News, a trusted and non-partisan source, focuses on explaining complex health care issues through policy analysis, polling, and journalism. Throughout this conversation, David addresses the challenges of navigating the health care system, the impact of local news decline on health reporting, and the role of misinformation. He also emphasizes how rebuilding trust requires transparency, diverse experts, and localized storytelling.

Tune in and learn about the future of health reporting, trust, and the impact of misinformation on our health care system!

About CareQuest:

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights

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In this episode, Dr. Eric Poon, professor of medicine and the Chief Health Information Officer at the Duke University Health System, discusses the significant impact of information technology on health care, mainly focusing on electronic medical records (EMRs) and the growing influence of AI technologies. He touches on the challenges of integrating AI into health care, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between clinical practice and IT. Dr. Poon shares insights on the evolving role of digital scribes, ambient technologies, and the potential of AI to enhance patient care. He also highlights the need for human supervision to ensure AI systems are safe and accurate and explains how generative AI could both challenge and improve the future of health care.

Tune in and learn how technology is reshaping the health care landscape and what the future might hold for both clinicians and patients!

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In this episode, Dr. Pedja Stojicic, Executive Director of People Power Health, discusses the urgent need for change in healthcare and the challenges faced by established organizations. He highlights the role of agency in health, arguing people experience better outcomes when they have control over their health future. Dr. Stojicic touches on the influence of Marshall Ganz's organizing principles, which emphasize building relationships and collective action as the foundation for change, and explains how these skills have been applied in diverse contexts, from climate change advocacy to improving healthcare policies in the U.S. He also urges listeners to consider the power of small actions in driving larger change, underscoring the importance of growing leadership and engagement within communities to create a more sustainable healthcare system.

Tune in and learn how grassroots organizing can transform healthcare and empower communities to take control of their health futures!

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In this episode, Susannah Fox, anthropologist and author of Rebel Health, dives into the evolving landscape of health care, where the traditional power dynamics between patients and providers are shifting. Susannah explores the concept of co-production of care, where patients' experiences are valued as much as scientific knowledge. She highlights the rise of patient-led communities and innovations, particularly in diabetes care, where patients have hacked their devices to improve their outcomes. Susannah also discusses AI's role in health care, emphasizing the importance of integrating patient experiences into AI tools. 

Tune in and learn how patients are revolutionizing health care and shaping its future!

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In this episode, Dr. Bruce Leff, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, discusses the transformative shift of healthcare from hospitals to home-based care. He underscores the importance of trust, patient education, and personalized care, particularly in home settings where patients feel more comfortable. Dr. Leff also explores the economic benefits and challenges of hospital-at-home care, highlighting its potential to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and address the looming "silver tsunami" of aging adults. He highlights the growing acceptance and effectiveness of this model, supported by global studies showing improved mortality rates and patient satisfaction. Dr. Leff also stresses how hospital-at-home care has expanded to treat over 100 different conditions, showing its versatility and effectiveness across various diagnoses.

Tune in and learn how home-based care is reshaping the future of healthcare, offering a more humane and cost-effective alternative to traditional hospital settings!

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In this episode, Dr. Olesya Vynnyk, coordinating medical initiatives for the World Congress of Ukraine, and Dr. Miguel Cendoroglo Neto, the CMO for Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital, focus on the challenges Ukraine's health care system faces during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Dr. Vynnyk highlights the struggle of maintaining medical care amidst bombs and corruption, and the essential role of international support and education. Dr. Cendoroglo stresses his efforts to bring resources and training to Ukrainian health care workers and help Dr. Vynnyk navigate the complexities of the situation. It’s remarkable that despite these inhuman conditions, both doctors remain optimistic for the future, calling for global solidarity and action to support Ukraine's medical community.

Tune in and learn how you can join the fight against aggression and help transform health care during times of war!

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In this episode, Michelle Browder, an American artist and activist known for her work in reimagining the future of gynecology and obstetrics in the US, explores the connection between art, activism, and medicine. Michelle's journey from a young fighter against racism to a renowned artist began at 13, using art to channel her energy and convey the need to dismantle racism. She discusses her plans to create a museum in Montgomery, Alabama, combining art, history, and medicine to educate and inspire future healthcare professionals, emphasizing empathy, dignity, and the need for equitable care. Collaborating with institutions like Harvard and UAB, Michelle aims to empower young women to pursue careers in healthcare despite societal barriers, expressing optimism about the future due to the dedication of young people fighting for justice and equity.

Tune in and learn about the transformative power of art in addressing historical and contemporary issues in gynecology and obstetrics!

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Since this archive episode aired, patient safety remains a serious issue, with thousands of Americans dying from errors in their care. Although interest in improving patient safety has sadly waned, many are working to revive it and increase attention to the problem.

In this interview, Sue Sheridan, founder and a global leader of Patients for Patient Safety US, shares how, ever since going through family tragedies caused by medical error twice, she’s actively worked to improve and ensure patient safety across the United States. As a newborn, Sue’s son’s unattended Kernicterus caused permanent brain damage, and some years later, her husband died because of a late-stage sarcoma diagnosis that had been previously detected; after these events, she decided to make a change and share her family’s story across health care. However, patient safety has been deprioritized as there are still gaps in the system regarding data collection that can catch mistakes. With Patients for Patient Safety, Sue seeks to democratize patient safety by highlighting transparency, illustrating the magnitude of the problem, and using input from the patient community when coming up with changes or solutions.

Tune in to learn more about the importance of patient safety!

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In this interview, Berneta Haynes, Staff Attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, talks in depth about what medical debt is, who is affected by it, why it’s a massive issue in the United States, and how to start solving this problem. In the US, getting sick or suffering an accident can lead to costly bills that trap a patient in a debt and disparity cycle when they lack money, insurance coverage, or live with a chronic condition. The National Consumer Law Center seeks to help communities of color and low-income populations by teaching them to manage their debt, handle collectors, and know their rights. Berneta explains the provisions and protections the Affordable Care Act and the No Surprises Act have to protect consumers from unfair medical bills and aggressive collections while highlighting changes and actions that improve the law, reduce debt, and expand the support umbrella across the country.

Tune in to learn more about the issue of medical debt and how to tackle it best!

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In this episode, Dr. Maria Carney, Chief and Medical Director at Northwell Health, and Charles Kenney, Senior Vice President at Northwell Health, talk about the need for a health care system that supports healthy aging. Dr. Carney and Charles discuss Robert Butler's vision of alleviating older adults' suffering, advocating for better treatment, and combating ageism, while also emphasizing the need for more support for caregivers and improved home care systems to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. They stress that addressing negative stereotypes and championing the importance of geriatric medicine is crucial for preparing for the future. Dr. Carney and Charles also address potential challenges, like for-profit health care systems denying payment for essential services, and highlight the importance of political support and education in creating an inclusive, effective approach to geriatric care.

Tune in and learn how we can transform our health care system to better serve the growing aging population and support a healthier, longer-lived society!

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In this episode, Dr. Kavita Bhavan, Chief Innovation Officer at Parkland Health and an infectious disease specialist, shares how empowering patients to self-administer IV antibiotics at home has improved health care access and equity. She highlights the success of involving patients and their families in their care, addressing health disparities, and engaging the community. Dr. Bhavan discusses initiatives like using Dobutamine at home for end-stage heart failure patients, holding financial literacy fairs for kids, and improving flu vaccination rates through community health assessments. She also emphasizes the importance of trusting patients, addressing social determinants of health, and moving away from paternalistic health care models.

Tune in and learn how innovative approaches to health care delivery are significantly impacting patient empowerment and health equity!

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In this episode, Dr. Holly Humphrey, President of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, explores the pressing issues facing the American health care system and the foundation's pivotal role in transforming health professional education. Dr. Humphrey shares her insights on the high costs of medical training and how it drives specialty choices, the foundation's strategic initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, and belonging, and the adaptations made during the global pandemic. She discusses the grassroots activism of residents and students addressing disparities in patient care and how the Macy Foundation supports these efforts through innovative programs and career development opportunities. Kedar, Don, and Dr. Humphrey also tackle the future of medical education, touching on the financial stress trainees face, the ethical dilemmas introduced by high finance in health care, and the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence. Dr. Humphrey brings to light the importance of investing in human capital and preparing the workforce for the health care challenges ahead.

Join this episode to explore critical topics, and stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of health care and medical education!

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In this episode, Dr. Rita Redberg, a Professor of Medicine at UCSF Health, examines the belief that medical care is based primarily on science by discussing significant variations in treatment practices and advocating for evidence-based medicine. In her "Less is More" series in JAMA Internal Medicine, she aims to improve test readability and effectiveness. Throughout this interview, Dr. Redberg discusses the US Preventive Services Task Force's controversial mammography guidelines and the potential harms of over-testing, underscoring the importance of high-quality, unbiased evidence and rigorous FDA approval processes for new medical devices and drugs. She also addresses issues like unnecessary procedures motivated by fear of litigation or financial incentives and strongly calls for removing conflicts of interest from scientific trials and enhancing NIH funding to promote independent research. 

Tune in and learn about the importance of evidence-based practices in health care and the steps needed to ensure safer, more effective patient care!

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In this episode, Dr. Nisha Mehta and Dr. Tina Shah share how they made significant strides in addressing one of the most pressing issues in health care today: prior authorizations. They share how they mobilized a vast community of doctors to tackle the pressing issue of prior authorizations and their detrimental impact on patient care.

Listen in to learn about the powerful role of physician-patient alliances, the significance of sustained advocacy, and how a focused community can drive monumental change in health care.

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In this episode, Alan Weil, the editor-in-chief of Health Affairs, explores ways to improve the US healthcare system and combat widespread misinformation. He shares insights from his extensive career in state health policy, emphasizing the critical importance of evidence-based decision-making and the scientific method in driving effective healthcare policies. Alan explores the complex interplay between federal and state policies, highlighting states as "laboratories of democracy" where innovative healthcare solutions can be tested and refined. Kedar, Don, and Alan tackle the challenges of implementing evidence-based policies in a polarized political landscape and the essential role that Health Affairs plays in fostering scientific understanding among policymakers and healthcare professionals.

Join this episode to learn why teamwork across fields and good science communication are important for policy and why there's hope for the future of healthcare policy despite challenges!

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In this episode, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, the 17th Editor-in-Chief of JAMA and the JAMA Network, discusses various topics, ranging from the importance of truth, transparency, and scientific thinking to the role of health equity, structural racism, AI, and machine learning in health care. She highlights the significance of effective communication in making scientific knowledge accessible and engaging for both professionals and the general public. Within the interview, Kirsten emphasizes the use of various media to reach wider audiences and combat misinformation, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous peer review and maintaining high standards in scientific publications. Additionally, she addresses the impact of the polarized political environment and the need for inclusive and diverse perspectives in health care research and practice. 

Tune in and learn how these efforts aim to improve trust and care in the health care system!

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In this episode, Dr. Robert Wachter explores the transformation from paper-based to digitally-based systems in healthcare, exploring the bumpy road of implementing electronic medical records and the impact of these changes within the industry. His vision for the future of healthcare, driven by digital tools and AI, offers a glimpse into how technology could revolutionize the industry, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance patient care.

Listen and navigate the complexities and innovations of healthcare with Dr. Robert Wachter in this insightful episode.

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In this episode, Dr. David Reuben delves into the pressing issue of improving the US health care system, focusing on the aging population and the challenges faced in providing adequate care. Dr. Reuben emphasizes patient-centered care for older adults, stressing the importance of understanding their goals and dignity in decision-making. He also discusses various topics, such as technology in healthcare, caregiver support, and lifestyle modifications for successful aging, advocating for advancements in Alzheimer's prevention and improved housing options.

Tune in and learn how you can contribute to improving care for older adults in your community!

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In this episode, Leslie Dach discusses the intricate challenges and notable progress within America's health care landscape, highlighting persistent issues such as exorbitant costs and inadequate coverage. Drawing from his tenure at Walmart, he sheds light on the complexities faced by large employers in navigating the health care marketplace and reflects on the transformative impact of the Affordable Care Act, noting both persistent opposition and bipartisan support for reform initiatives.

Tune in and gain valuable insights into the intricacies of health care reform and discover how you can contribute to building a healthier future for all Americans!

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In this episode, Dr. J. Corey Feist, Dr. Wendy Dean, and Dr. Eileen Barrett bring personal stories and professional insights on the rise of moral injury, systemic challenges, and legislative efforts to make meaningful changes. Together, they explore the importance of legislative action like the Lorna Breen Act, the need for destigmatizing mental health care, and the crucial role of leadership in shaping a healthier, more supportive environment for health care professionals. 

Join this episode to unpack these urgent issues and seek pathways toward healing and resilience for those who care for us all.

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In this episode, Susan Edgman-Levitan unravels the intricacies of what truly matters to patientsunravels the intricacies of what truly matters to patients: their individual needs, concerns, and experiences within the health care system. She shares personal struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and a transformative encounter with a doctor prioritizing her life goals, leading to today's focus: shifting clinical attention to "What matters to you?", illustrating how this shift enhances patient satisfaction, impacts clinical outcomes, and addresses clinician burnout rates.

Tune in for an insightful exploration of how shining a light on patient-centered care might just be the beacon of change that healthcare needs.

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In this episode, Dr. John Halamka, president of Mayo Clinic Platform, highlights the challenges of managing vast patient data, the inefficiencies within health care systems, and emphasizes the pivotal role of AI in addressing biases, promoting transparency, and augmenting clinical decision-making without replacing human expertise. He underscores transparency in AI utilization, advocates for initiatives like mattress labeling to build trust, and champions global access to AI technologies in healthcare to enhance patient outcomes.

Tune in and learn how Mayo Clinic is striving to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize health care globally!

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In this episode, Meg Gaines shares not only her harrowing journey through metastatic ovarian cancer but also her transformation into a forceful advocate for patient rights. She also touches on behind-the-scenes of her own battles, from medical errors and insensitive remarks to her courageous steps toward unconventional treatments.

Dive into the profound intersections of hope, healing, and advocacy for a reformed healthcare system!

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In this episode, Aaron Kesselheim delves into the complexities of America's pharmaceutical landscape, where prescription drug spending is causing challenges for millions who can't afford their medications. Shortages in critical drugs like ADHD medications and saline solutions, exacerbated by a supply chain heavily reliant on imports, leave the U.S. vulnerable during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaron explains, emphasizing the role of for-profit companies in exacerbating shortages and advocating for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Tune in and learn how you can advocate for better access to affordable medications and a more resilient healthcare system!

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In this episode, Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed and Brendon Morris take a deep dive into the convergence of emergency preparedness and health care evolution through the lens of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In their discussion, they explore how the FIFA World Cup and the "Gold, Silver, and Bronze" approach of the National Healthcare Incident Command Centre exemplify effective emergency management and health care evolution, uncovering lessons in anticipatory strategy and sustainable changes for day-to-day health care operations.

Tune in on this enlightening journey of discovery on a moment in history where the stakes were high, and the outcome was a testament to human ingenuity and the indomitable spirit of collaboration.

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In this episode, Neel Shah discusses the neglect of women's and family health in the US health care system and highlights the high cost of childbirth in America and the financial distress it causes for many families. He emphasizes the importance of understanding health care costs for ensuring equitable access to quality care and touches on his venture, March for Moms, an advocacy organization that supports maternal health and promotes inclusivity in health care.

Tune in and learn how you can support maternal health and advocate for a more inclusive health care system!

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In this episode, Rosemary Batt, the Alice Hanson Cook Professor of Women and Work at Cornell University's ILR School, delves into the concerning influence of private equity in the health care sector, particularly its impact on patient care, worker conditions, and financial stability. She discusses how private equity firms, driven by profit motives, are acquiring health care facilities, leading to potential risks such as increased health care costs and poorer patient outcomes. 

Tune in and learn how we can work towards better protecting patient care, health care sustainability, and worker rights in the face of private equity's growing influence!

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In this episode, Rich Baron, President and CEO of the American Board of Internal Medicine, discusses the critical role of personalized care, patient-doctor interactions, and the challenges health care systems face in implementing practices conducive to building trust. He also shares his insights on the importance of recognizing each individual at a personal level, which can be as simple as correctly pronouncing a patient's name or keeping up with their significant life events.

With engaging discussion on professional education, medical debt, and the intentional efforts to discredit medical expertise, this is an episode that you won't want to miss.

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In this episode, Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of The DAISY Foundation, and Deb Zimmermann, CEO of The DAISY Foundation, shed light on the critical role nurses play in health care and how to properly recognize it. They discuss the challenges nurses face and explain why The DAISY Award honors nurses' extraordinary care through patient and family nominations, recognizing their compassionate care, validating their career paths, and serving as a morale booster, crucial for combating nursing shortages and fatigue.

Tune in and learn how recognizing nurses' contributions can uplift the health care workforce and improve patient care!

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In this episode, Vineet Arora discusses the importance of providing medical trainees with a top-notch learning environment to enhance the quality and safety of patient care. She provides insights into the dynamic landscape of medical education, the U.S. doctor-training process, residency structures, and the impact of duty hours, emphasizing workforce challenges, particularly in primary care, and discussing opportunities for reform and adaptation to evolving healthcare needs.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the future health care workforce!

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Vineet Arora on LinkedIn.
• Follow the Pritzker School of Medicine on LinkedIn.
• Explore the Pritzker School of Medicine Website!

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In this episode, Fred Cerise talks about safety net hospitals, their role in serving under-resourced communities, the challenges they face, and innovative programs implemented to improve patient outcomes. He discusses integrated safety net systems, reimbursement challenges, and the impact of private equity in healthcare, addressing issues like Texas' high uninsured rate and the crisis of trust within healthcare institutions.

Tune in to explore the role of safety net hospitals and innovative healthcare approaches with Fred Cerise!

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In this episode, Zirui Song, Associate Professor of Health Care Policy and Medicine, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, discusses private equity's role in health care and what it means for physicians, hospitals, and the patients they serve. He brings to the table insights on the impact of debt-financed acquisitions on health care practices, cost structures, and the troubling rise in hospital-acquired conditions. 

Tune in to the heart of these critical issues in our health care system and stay for an enlightening conversation!

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In this episode, Professor Lewis Grossman delves into America's historical relationship with healthcare, highlighting how trust in the medical establishment has fluctuated over time. He emphasizes the importance of balancing individual choice with scientific rigor, particularly in the context of alternative medicines and clinical trials, while also addressing societal factors that influence trust, including political events and the concentration of wealth in healthcare.

Tune in to gain insights into restoring trust in medicine and ensuring access to the best possible care for all!

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In this episode, Mai Pham talks about the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the existing healthcare system. She emphasizes the flaws in the current healthcare system for the 16 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, discussing the Institute for Exceptional Care's collaborative efforts and advocating for urgent systemic changes and increased primary care investment to create a more inclusive healthcare model for IDD individuals.

Tune in to learn more about IEC's groundbreaking initiatives to challenge the status quo and champion a brighter future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

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In this episode, Kathleen Noonan discusses her efforts to improve health care for individuals with complex medical and social needs, emphasizing the fragmentation of the health care system and the pivotal role of community health workers. She further explores the results of a randomized control trial conducted by the coalition, highlighting mixed outcomes and calling for stronger collaborations between community-based organizations and health systems to address systemic issues in American health care.

Tune in to learn about Camden Coalition's commitment to disrupting the status quo and providing personalized care for complex medical and social needs!

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In this episode, Dan Liljenquist, the board chair of Civica Rx, joins Kedar and Don to shed light on Civica's remarkable mission of making essential generic medications both accessible and affordable to patients across the nation. Dan shares how Civica Rx has already had a profound impact, with over 125 million units of essential medicines supplied to over 1500 U.S. hospitals, and is changing the game in terms of pricing, shortages, and market stability. He explains the ethics behind Civica Rx, the non-profit model ensuring the organization's governance and its steadfast commitment to transparency in pricing, aiming at a fair, sustainable market price for all. Dan also discusses the potential expansion of this model into other areas of healthcare, the challenges posed by monopolies in the drug supply, and how Civica Rx is using its leverage to address systemic issues and stabilize a market fraught with abuse and failure.

Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into Civica’s revolutionary model aiming to ensure drug availability and pricing stability.

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In this episode, David Zuckerman, president and founder of Healthcare Anchor Network, talks about the transformative power that health care institutions have to uplift and stabilize communities by becoming anchors of social justice and economic growth. He discusses how health systems can extend their influence beyond the walls of medicine and into the foundation of community health and socioeconomic development. After sharing insights from his personal journey in social justice, David elucidates why he believes in health care's power to bring systemic change. He delves deep into the concept of anchor missions and how they tackle various challenges, from sustainability to workforce shortages, and touches on the pivotal role of executive-level champions, best practices for investment strategies, and the potential for expanding these principles to for-profit entities and beyond.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion that offers practical solutions for leveraging health care's role in societal transformation.

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In this podcast interview, Stephanie Willding, CEO of CommunityHealth, shares her urgent calling to offer free health care services to individuals who are unfunded or lack health insurance. Stephanie emphasizes the effectiveness of their initiative, highlighting its transformative impact on individuals receiving cost-free, high-quality care. She explores the role of volunteers, featuring inspiring stories of dedicated health care professionals. Throughout this conversation, Don and Kedar ask Stephanie about the scalability of the free clinic model in response to the evolving healthcare landscape, while her optimism shines through as she envisions a future with universal access to affordable healthcare, challenging conventional notions and advocating for a system rooted in accessibility and compassion.

Get ready for an insightful discussion on the importance of giving without expecting to receive!

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In this episode, Helen Bevan, Strategic Adviser for the National Health Service Horizons in England sheds light on the incredible work happening within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.  Helen shares the concept of task shifting, where certain procedures and responsibilities are being moved from one profession to another within the health care system. She highlights the positive outcomes and better utilization of resources that can be achieved when nurses are well-trained to perform certain procedures under the supervision of doctors. Helen delves into the implementation of integrated care systems by the NHS in the UK. These systems aim to provide care closer to people's homes, support self-care, and bridge the gap between health care and social care. She is working on self-referral systems in health care. Currently, people need to go through a GP for certain services, but Helen believes patients should be able to directly access services they know they need. This empowers patients to make their own health care decisions.

Get ready for an insightful discussion on the future of health care and the importance of solidarity.

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In this episode, Goran Henriks delves into the importance of understanding others' perspectives and how they relate to effective teamwork in various fields, including healthcare. Goran draws interesting parallels between coaching in sports and healthcare and emphasizes the need for physicians to truly understand their patients' views, just as coaches need to understand their players' perspectives. 

Tune in on this enlightening journey, and gain valuable insights into the world of healthcare, coaching, and the pursuit of excellence in serving others.

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In this episode, Gary Cohen, President, and Co-Founder, of Health Care Without Harm delves into the eye-opening world of toxic chemicals and their impact on our health and discusses the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change within the healthcare sector. He examines the effects of mercury and dioxin on children, unveiling their sources and healthcare providers' advocacy for greener practices, emphasizing clinicians' role in fostering a sustainable healthcare system through emission reduction and energy efficiency.

We invite you to tune in to this enlightening episode and contemplate the actions needed to protect everyone’s health and secure a sustainable future.

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In this episode, Kyle Christiason shares insightful stories and perspectives on the challenges faced by transgender individuals in healthcare and advocates for transgender-inclusive care.

Don't miss this episode on improving healthcare experiences and creating a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system for LGBTQ individuals!

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In this episode, Lisa Fitzpatrick talks about her work addressing healthcare comprehension and accessibility issues, particularly among underserved communities. She addresses the emotional toll of health information misunderstanding, emphasizes her initiatives to bridge healthcare gaps, and stresses the need for empathy, patient engagement, and community-driven change.

Tune in to learn some strategies for making healthcare information more relatable and understandable!

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In this episode, Aaron Kesselheim talks about the high cost of prescription medicine in the United States and the various factors contributing to this issue. He discusses the financial struggles of Americans due to increased medicine costs, delves into the reasons behind these prices, and explores recent legislative changes to address the issue.

Tune in to learn how the US can unravel the puzzle of high prescription medicine costs!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Noam Levey shares his perspective on healthcare issues, focusing on medical debt. He covers patient-centered reporting, medical debt's impact, global healthcare complexities, insurance models, deductible effects, solutions, bipartisan potential, and the future of American healthcare.

Tune in to learn from Noam Levy about medical debt’s toll on American health!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Emily Wang talks about the health and healthcare of individuals who have been incarcerated and the implications it has for the wider system. She discusses health issues among incarcerated individuals in the US within correctional facilities, better continuity of care during reintegration, and systemic changes to address disparities through enhanced access and programs like the Transition Clinics Network and Medicaid coverage.

Listen to this episode and learn about the health needs of prisoners and use their experiences to drive broader healthcare system reforms!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Sachin Jain talks about the state of healthcare, insurance, and the Medicare Advantage program. He explores SCAN's journey to Medicare Advantage, highlighting benefits and concerns while emphasizing the need for improved regulation, ethical leadership, and addressing healthcare professionals’ burnout, expressing optimism for positive change.

Tune in to learn more about the complexities of balancing costs and quality in healthcare!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Allison Sesso talks about medical debt, its prevalence and impact, and how RIP Medical Debt works to bring relief to all the parties involved. She also discusses improving hospital financial assistance policies, addressing medical debt as a national issue, and supporting actions from leaders to implement systemic changes.

Tune in to learn about RIP Medical Debt’s approach to relieving an issue impacting health nationwide!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Elaine Batchlor discusses health inequities and the challenges of providing healthcare to low-income communities. Elaine explains the roots of the problem and why she believes in funding community-based care and public health policymaking to provide high-quality and safe care to low-income communities.

Learn about how Elaine works daily to provide healthcare to low-income communities and change the system for the better! 

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Jason Leitch shares insights into how the Scottish health and care systems work, drawing comparisons with American healthcare. He also discusses how health systems around the world have many lessons to learn and share.

Tune in to learn about the Scottish Health System and what we can take from it!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Vikas Saini discusses overuse in healthcare, which consists of unnecessary services that cost resources to the system and its users. He also highlights the importance of providing a space for providers to build a trusting relationship with their patients. He explains how this results in more efficient care, less overuse, and better outcomes.

Tune in and learn more about how healthcare can benefit from a quality approach more than a quantity one!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Francis Collins talks about the importance of the fight against Hepatitis C and the significance of the Human Genome Project. He also shares his thoughts on leadership, healthcare policymaking, and the potential of AI, highlighting the integration of science, truth, trust, and faith as cornerstones in his career.

Tune in to this episode and strengthen your trust in the science behind the fight against Hepatitis C!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Sue Sheridan shares how, ever since going through family tragedies caused by medical errors twice, she’s worked to improve and ensure patient safety across the United States. Sue seeks to democratize patient safety by highlighting transparency, illustrating the magnitude of the problem, and using input from the patient community when coming up with changes or solutions.

Tune in to learn more about the importance of patient safety and the actions being taken to bring it to the forefront!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Alister Martin talks about how registering patients to vote can result in better outcomes. He also discusses Vot-ER and A Healthier Democracy, platforms from which he is leading action addressing health issues related to social and political determinants of health.

Tune in to learn how politics influence the care that patients receive and why being registered to vote is the key to better outcomes!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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In this episode, Berneta Haynes talks about medical debt, who is affected by it, why it’s a massive issue in the United States, and what actions can be taken to start solving this problem. She explains the racial aspect of the problem, analyses its cyclical nature, and breaks down the policy changes needed to reduce debt and expand the support umbrella across the country.

Tune in to learn more about the issue of medical debt and how to tackle it best!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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Rushika Fernandopulle discusses fixing the American healthcare system in this episode, starting with reimagining the primary care delivery and business models. Rushika shares his journey of changing primary care and explains how the proposed model reduces costs for everyone and produces good health outcomes and patient experiences.

Tune in to learn how healthcare can benefit from a relationship-based primary care model that actually takes care of its patients! 

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

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Kedar Mate and Don Berwick introduce the Turn on the Lights podcast, where they help anyone understand the thorniest problems and discuss the most innovative solutions in healthcare.

Tune in to this new podcast that puts a spotlight on ways to improve the US healthcare system!

Learn more about the Institute of Healthcare Improvement on its website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices