This Week In Health It

July 24, 2024: Tom Stafford (Healthcare CTO at CDW), Chris Akeroyd (Executive VP and CIO of Children’s Health), and Theresa Meadows (SVP and CIO of Cook Children’s) join Bill for a Solution Showcase. They discuss how initial cloud enthusiasm meets real-world challenges, such as data retrieval issues and vendor lock-in, and how these experiences shaped their current strategies. What lessons can be drawn from early cloud adoption missteps, and how do healthcare organizations ensure security and flexibility in their cloud architecture today? As they navigate the shift from traditional data centers to cloud-based solutions, how do they balance innovation with the practical needs of healthcare delivery? Key Points:00:52 Early Cloud Adoption Challenges02:26 Strategic Cloud Migration04:47 Cloud Security and Governance16:25 Staff Transition and Training22:15 Future of Data Centers and CloudSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Child

July 23, 2024: Sue Schade, Principal of StarBridge Advisors, interviews Pam McNutt, SVP and CIO at Methodist Health System, to delve into her 31-year tenure and the evolution of the organization. They explore what has driven Methodist's growth in the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth market and the impact of AI on both clinical and administrative operations. How do AI advancements in biomedical engineering and physician productivity tools shape the future of healthcare? Pam also addresses the pressing issue of vendor partnerships amidst widespread acquisitions—how do CIOs balance financial prudence with technological innovation? The conversation highlights Methodist's strong family culture and Pam's advocacy for healthcare IT policy involvement. What role should CIOs play in shaping industry regulations?Key Points:00:00 Guest Introduction: Pam McNutt01:25 Pam McNutt's Journey at Methodist Health05:18 Current Priorities and Innovations at Methodist12:13 Vendor Relationships and Challenges16:48 Workforce Challenges

July 23, 2024: In this Executive Interview Bill Russell is joined by Michael Robinson, VP of Healthcare Solutions for the Americas at Omnissa, to explore the evolution of Omnissa. How does Omnissa's independence from Broadcom enable greater agility and innovation in healthcare IT solutions? What impact will their emphasis on a seamless, secure, and efficient digital foundation have on both patient and employee experiences? The discussion delves into the integration of generative AI in healthcare, the benefits of a holistic platform over point solutions, and the critical alignment with EHR vendors like Epic. As healthcare systems strive for pre-pandemic financial stability, can these advanced technologies truly streamline operations and enhance user experiences without increasing complexity? Listen in to discover how Omnissa is positioning itself as a pivotal player in transforming healthcare IT.Key Points:00:00 Michael Robinson and Omnissa's Mission03:46 Transition and Contracts05:45 Efficiency and AI09:16 Cl

UnHack (the Podcast): Regulation Realities - Navigating New Norms in Cybersecurity July 22, 2024: In this episode of Unhack the Podcast, Drex DeFord brings together top healthcare CISOs to discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations and how healthcare organizations prepare to meet these new requirements. Featuring insights from Jason Elrod, Jigar K., Greg Garneau, and Aaron Weismann, the discussion covers challenges such as impending regulations, government mandates, and the importance of standardizing cyber performance goals. Special guest Sarah Richardson joins the conversation to provide additional perspectives on regulatory impacts and strategies for maintaining robust cybersecurity practices in healthcare.Key Chapters:00:05 Introduction00:35 Cyber Regulation in Healthcare03:48 Jason Elrod CISO Multicare08:37 Jigar Kadakia CISO Emory Healthcare11:22 Greg Garneau CISO Hospital Sisters Health System16:11 Aaron Weismann CISO Main Line Health18:40 Wrap Up with Sarah Richardson34:37 OutroR

July 18, 2023: Reid Stephan, VP and CIO of St. Luke’s Health System, interviews Jennifer Langton, the Senior Vice President of Health and Innovation at the NFL. The conversation delves into Jennifer's fascinating career journey, the transformative Digital Athlete Project, and the innovative use of AI to enhance player health and safety. How is the NFL working to leverage data to predict and prevent player injuries? What are the implications of integrating vast amounts of data for player health? Jennifer shares her passion for technology and explains the intricacies of implementing these advanced systems. The episode also explores the challenges of change management in a competitive environment and the broader implications of these technologies beyond sports. What can healthcare leaders learn from the NFL's approach to data-driven insights and injury prevention? Key Points:00:00 Meet the Host and Guest01:35 Jennifer Langton's Career Journey04:54 The NFL's Digital Athlete Project11:24 Insights and Applicat

July 16, 2024: In this episode of TownHall, Karla Arzola, CIO of Rocky Mountain Human Services, welcomes Brooke Brown, nurse navigator at Magnolia Regional Center, to discuss the challenges and successes of implementing a nurse navigation program for congestive heart failure patients. How does bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient care improve patient outcomes? What are the key factors driving hospital readmissions, and how can healthcare providers better support patients in managing chronic conditions at home? Brooke shares insights into the effectiveness of follow-up calls and personalized care plans, emphasizing the importance of patient education and continuous support. As the conversation unfolds, Brooke reflects on the collaborative efforts required to build a successful program and the potential for expanding these practices to other chronic conditions. What lessons can be learned from Magnolia's approach, and how can other healthcare organizations replicate their success?Key Points:00:00 M

July 15, 2024: In this episode of Flourish, host Sarah Richardson sits down with Joe Scarlett, former CEO and chairman of Tractor Supply Company. Joe shares his journey from leading Tractor Supply through its IPO to founding the Scarlett Leadership Institute. He discusses the importance of ethics in business, empowering employees, and leveraging data for strategic decisions. Joe also offers insights on building a strong business culture, overcoming leadership challenges, and the future of business leadership. You can tune in for actionable advice and inspiring stories from a seasoned leader.Key Points:00:32 Introduction to Joe Scarlett's Career01:34 The Scarlett Leadership Institute03:37 Ethics and Empowerment in Business08:49 Transforming Tractor Supply Company12:56 Leadership Insights and Future Outlook 19:23 Corporate Jet: Southwest AirlinesStay connected, stay curious, and keep flourishing.Subscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundati

July 11, 2024: Rebecca Woods, CEO & Founder of Bluebird Leaders, dives into the inspiring journey and mission behind Bluebird Leaders. Rebecca shares the origins of Bluebird, stemming from her experiences as a young CIO and the need to create a supportive community for women in healthcare IT. How can healthcare leaders better support women in IT and healthcare? What impact does mentorship and networking have on career growth? The discussion delves into the SOAR conference, focusing on "Healthy You, Healthy Leader," and integrating personal well-being with professional development. This episode explores the broader implications of mentorship, collaboration, and holistic health in shaping future leaders.Key Points:00:00 Introduction and Overview00:58 The Genesis of Bluebird Leaders02:08 SOAR Conference and Future PlansWant to join This Week Health at this year's SOAR event? Register now: https://thisweekhealth.com/soar/Subscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s L

July 9, 2024: Reid Stephan, VP and CIO of St. Luke’s Health System, and Michael Ng, CEO and Co-Founder of Ambience Healthcare, dive deep into the transformative potential of AI co-pilots in healthcare, specifically focusing on ambient scribing. How can AI scribing shift the balance, allowing clinicians to spend more time on patient care? The discussion explores the diverse needs across specialties and the challenge of creating tailored solutions for each. What does it mean for AI scribing to move beyond a point solution to a comprehensive platform addressing pre-charting and post-visit workflows? How can healthcare leaders ensure they select the right AI partner to achieve these goals? This episode examines the current state of AI scribing and envisions a future where AI drives comprehensive care transformation, improving clinician satisfaction and patient outcomes.Key Points:00:42 Meet Michael Ng: Journey and Mission of Ambience Healthcare02:25 The Impact of Ambient Scribing on Healthcare05:36 Challenges and

July 4, 2024: Michael Restuccia, SVP and CIO of Penn Medicine, explores the complexities and triumphs of leading a major academic medical center's IT department for over 17 years. How does one maintain momentum and innovation over such a long tenure? Michael delves into the importance of building a strong, mission-driven team and fostering a collaborative culture, especially in a hybrid work environment. They discuss the challenges of balancing budgets, the evolution of electronic health records, and the cautious yet optimistic approach to integrating AI in healthcare. What qualities make a successful team member in such a demanding field, and how do you retain top talent amidst fierce competition? Michael also shares insights into how technology can reduce administrative burdens for clinicians, improve patient care, and drive operational efficiency. This conversation provides a deep dive into the strategic thinking required to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare IT.Key Points:Leadership Challe

June 27, 2024: David Ingham, CIO at Allina Health, discusses topics surrounding legacy systems and clinician administrative burden. They explore the dual role of Allina One employees and delve into Dave's unique journey from phlebotomist to CIO. The discussion raises important questions: How can the healthcare system minimize the administrative burdens on clinicians? What strategies are effective in reducing "pajama time" for healthcare providers? How can hospitals leverage AI and other technologies to enhance patient and clinician experiences while mitigating risks? David shares insights on the challenges of maintaining a legacy EMR system, the critical role of organizational change management, and the ambitious goal of improving patient rest in hospitals. The episode underscores the importance of balancing technological innovation with patient care and clinician support.Key Points:Technology IntegrationLegacy SystemsClinician Administrative BurdenPatient Care ImprovementChange ManagementSubscribe: This Week

UnHack (the Podcast): Cybersecurity Synergy: Strengthening CISO and CTO Partnerships in HealthcareJune 24, 2024: In this episode of UnHack the Podcast, host Drex DeFord dives deep into the critical relationship between CISOs and CTOs in healthcare. Featuring insights from top cybersecurity leaders, the discussion explores how these key roles can collaborate effectively amidst inherent conflicts. Learn how empathy, open communication, and strategic compromise can lead to stronger cybersecurity programs and better patient outcomes. Don’t miss the post-podcast wrap-up with Shana Hofer as she and Drex analyze the key takeaways and share practical advice for fostering trust and maintaining a balanced relationship.  Key Points:0:00 UnHack (the Podcast) 2024062400:05 Introduction00:47 The Importance of CISO-CTO Relationships05:43 Michael Meis (University of Kansas Health System): Healthy Friction08:27 Hugo Lai (Temple University Health): Proactive Relationship Building09:13 Dr. Jesse Fasolo (St. Joseph Health):

June 20, 2024: Brad Reimer, CIO of Sanford Health, discusses his perspective on the evolving role of technology in rural healthcare. They explore the distinctions between the CIO and CDO roles and the importance of cohesive relationships within the C-suite. What are the key differences between traditional IT roles and modern digital leadership? Brad and Bill delve into the challenges and innovations in virtual care, remote patient monitoring, and the transformative potential of AI and computer vision. How can emerging technologies bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas, and what are the economic impacts of virtual care on patients' lives? The conversation also highlights the integration of genomic data into patient care and the delicate balance of adopting new technologies within budget constraints. How do organizations prioritize innovation while maintaining financial prudence? This insightful discussion sheds light on the future of healthcare delivery in rural settings and the strategic vision required to

June 18, 2024: Reid Stephan, VP and CIO of St. Luke's Health System, interviews Dr. Ashis Barad MD, CDIO, and Joey Seliski, Director of Operations and Strategy (Digital Health), from Allegheny Health Network. They discuss the transformative potential of ambient listening technologies like AI scribes, questioning how these tools can improve note quality and diagnosis accuracy without merely increasing clinician workload. What does it mean to truly humanize healthcare through technology, and how can we balance the excitement of digital health innovations with the necessity of practical, ROI-driven implementations? Ashis and Joey share their experiences and predictions, diving into the evolving role of clinicians in an AI-enhanced landscape and the impact of personalized patient engagement on care outcomes.Categories: Digital Health & Emerging TechnologySubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Flourish: Redefining Success - Lisa Esch's Story of Transformation and Fractional LeadershipJune 17th, 2024: In the first episode of 'Flourish,' host Sarah Richardson explores the forefront of healthcare innovation with guest Lisa Esch, a seasoned digital transformation and strategy executive. The discussion covers Lisa's journey from her role at NTT Data Services to founding Advisory.Studio, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of fractional executive work. They delve into the issues of ageism, the importance of networks in career transitions, and the potential of generative AI in transforming healthcare operations. Key topics include the significance of a clear value proposition for startups, the impact of emerging technologies, and strategies for reducing administrative burdens in healthcare.Key Points:0:00 Flourish: Redefining Success: Lisa Esch's Story of Transformation and Fractional Leadership00:33 Introduction to the Guest04:31 Navigating Ageism in the Workplace06:27 The Rise of Fractional Wor

June 13, 2024: Jason Joseph, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Corewell Health, talks about the monumental digital transformation following the merger of Spectrum Health and Beaumont. How does Corewell navigate the complex integration of cybersecurity, infrastructure, and core applications? What challenges arise in standardizing workflows across diverse hospital systems, and how does the organization plan to optimize its One Epic ecosystem? Jason also explores the role of AI in healthcare, pondering its potential to revolutionize call centers, home health, imaging, and patient and clinician experiences. What are the implications of ambient computing for clinicians, and how does it alleviate their documentation burdens? Finally, Jason reflects on leadership qualities vital for driving innovation in healthcare IT, emphasizing accountability, humility, and teamwork. As Corewell lays the foundation for future advancements, what strategic initiatives will shape its path forward?Key Points:Digital Transforma

June 11, 2024: Zafar Chaudry, CDO & CIO at Seattle Children's, speaks with Clara Lin, CMIO and Associate VP at Seattle Children's. They explore whether AI is a real help or just hype by discussing its practical applications and the risks involved. How can AI be integrated without compromising patient safety? What governance structures are essential to mitigate AI-related risks? How do we balance the high costs of AI innovation with the financial constraints of healthcare systems? The episode also highlights the evolution of AI use cases, emphasizing the need for a strong governance framework and the importance of clinician involvement in designing and implementing of AI solutions.Categories: Emerging Technologies & GovernanceSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer

June 6, 2024: Dr. Eric Lee, the Medical Director of Clinical Informatics at AltaMed, engages in a deep dive into the integration of technology and healthcare services at one of the nation's largest federally qualified health centers. They explore how AltaMed leverages its position to manage care for a vast and diverse patient base across L.A. and Orange Counties. How does the implementation of technological innovations like EPIC's Chronicles claims loader and digital tools address quality measures and improve patient outcomes? What strategies does AltaMed employ to navigate the challenges of Medi-Cal expansions and the integration of clinical informatics? These questions are explored, shedding light on the practical implications of digital transformation in a healthcare setting focused on underserved communities.Key Points:Digital Transformation JourneyManaged Care ChallengesClinical Informatics IntegrationServing Impoverished CommunitiesAdapting EHR SystemsSubscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week Health

June 5, 2024: George Pappas, CEO, and Scott Mattila, CSO, from Intraprise Health delve into the intricacies of healthcare security. They explore how Intraprise Health aims to simplify and unify risk management for healthcare organizations. With a strong emphasis on automation and comprehensive service offerings, they tackle the pressing question: How can healthcare entities maintain high-level security amidst ever-evolving threats and budget constraints? The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by operational leaders in maintaining continuous security post-certification, and the critical need for a holistic approach to risk unification. Drex DeFord facilitates this insightful conversation, prompting reflection on how organizations can prioritize and manage diverse security needs effectively

June 4: Today on TownHall we are taking a look back at a previously released episode. In this episode  Mark Weisman, CIO and CMIO at TidalHealth interviews Colin Banas, MD, Chief Medical Officer at DrFirst, Inc. about the importance of having accurate medication lists for patients. How can we get to medication list interoperability in a fragmented pharmacy participation landscape? Is relying on pharmacy techs the answer and what are their drawbacks? On a journey to absolve the complexities in today’s interoperability, Dr.First’s mission is to utilize AI so that data is semantically interoperable first and foremost. What does the future look like with this technology in place?Subscribe: This Week HealthTwitter: This Week HealthLinkedIn: Week HealthDonate: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Foundation for Childhood Cancer