The Combustion Chronicles

In the dynamic landscape of the healthcare industry, where the stakes are high and the challenges are ever-evolving, the need for a robust and healthy environment cannot be overstated. Faith Zaslavsky, a seasoned leader in the field, sheds light on the critical elements that contribute to the prosperity of any healthcare organization — an environment that prioritizes stakeholders, embraces transparency in leadership, fosters innovation, values human connection, and tackles the perpetual challenge of maintaining positivity in the face of adversity. In today’s episode, Shawn Nason interviews the CEO of Theralink Technologies, Inc. as she shares her experiences and insights from her career in life sciences and oncology. Faith emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy environment for stakeholders, transparency in leadership, and the need for innovation in healthcare. Faith also discusses the importance of human connection in the workplace and the challenge of maintaining positivity in a challenging industry. She concludes with advice for women entering any industry, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance. In This Episode [02:24] Faith's role at Theralink [03:34] Transparency as a key insight [11:40] The patient-centered mission [14:04] The need for disruptors in oncology [20:28] Connecting humans with the science [23:39] Motivating and connecting with younger team members [26:16] Advice for women in the industry [27:31] The Combustion Questions What We Learned from Faith Zaslavsky The importance of creating a healthy environment where both internal and external customers can thrive. Tailoring interactions to meet people where they are and helping them engage in the process of innovation and change. The significance of transparency in leadership roles, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table and that cross-functional teams understand each other's priorities. The importance of putting patients at the center of healthcare work and offering something different from what is currently available. Finding ways to bring joy and personal connection to the job, even in a challenging industry like life sciences. Notable Quotes [2:59] “When you’re a leader, it’s really important that the folks that you’re leading feel like they’re a part of the process, the innovation, the change, the mission, all of that.” [09:06] "Putting that connection of what you do to improve lives out in front keeps all of your human resources connected and what part they play in that, and praising them and having that broad corporate recognition is something that's very powerful.” [26:47] “Find people around you and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to gather context for whatever it is that you’re doing.” Our Guest Faith Zaslavsky, a seasoned executive, served as President and GM of a $2 billion genetics firm's Oncology Unit. With 23+ years in genomics, her leadership led to transformative developments, making genomics accessible in clinical practice. Now steering Theralink assay initiatives, Faith continues her impactful journey, striving to save lives through innovative healthcare solutions Resources & Links Faith Zaslavsky LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-zaslavsky-baa56651/ Shawn Nason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasonshawn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonfiresocial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/manonfiresocial Website: https://shawnnason.com/ MOFI: https://www.mofi.co/ The Combustion Chronicles Podcast Website: https://shawnnason.com/combustion-chronicles-episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world constantly evolving with technological advancements and innovative breakthroughs, it's easy to assume that every aspect of our lives will also see remarkable progress. However, when it comes to healthcare, particularly the patient experience, the journey towards improvement has been a challenging one. In today’s episode, Shawn Nason interviews Denise Wiseman, founder of The PX Community, a healthcare organization aiming to improve the patient experience. Denise shares her journey in the healthcare industry, her motivation for founding The Community, and her vision for its future. She discusses the challenges in improving patient experience, the need for a mindset change in healthcare, and the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders. Denise also emphasizes the need to think differently and take risks in order to make significant changes in the healthcare industry. In This Episode [00:40] Introduction to Denise Wiseman [02:33] Catalysts that led Denise into the field of patient experience [05:05] The biggest challenge in improving patient experience [08:47] Healthcare's misunderstanding of patient experience [11:55] Lack of improvement in patient experience in healthcare since 2013 [13:06] Challenges in enhancing patient experience [14:39] The birth of The Community [19:01] Making a ruckus in healthcare [23:07] Building a network hub [24:46] ‘How Might We’ statement [25:42] Equipping people for change [26:37] Changing the healthcare mindset [27:46] The combustion questions What We Learned From Denise Wiseman The catalyst for change can come from personal experiences and the wisdom of others There is still a long way to go in improving patient experience The Community was founded to provide resources and support for healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient care Collaboration and unity are important for the future of healthcare Awareness is the first step towards making a significant impact on healthcare Notable Quotes [05:15] “The work of patient experience is siloed in a number of ways. But when you think about patient experience, it is everything we do in health care, either directly or indirectly touches the patient..”  [09:06] “I think the fundamental problem is that health care doesn't understand what patient experience is. And this is a large problem that I don't think we can overcome.”  [19:39] “When we show up to make a ruckus, we're doing generous work. We're doing work on behalf of those we seek to serve.”  [20:20] “Being a ruckus maker to me is identifying those things that are problematic in health care that we're all aware of. But so many people are scared to point it out.”  Our Guest Denise Wiseman, a healthcare visionary and social entrepreneur, founded The PX Community (PXC) in 2021 to revolutionize healthcare by removing barriers to patient experience support. With over a decade in the field, she encourages innovative thinking and fosters connections that go beyond organizations. Denise's mission: "Make a Ruckus That Makes a Difference." Resources & Links Denise Wiseman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wisewoman1/ PX Community: https://www.thepxcommunity.com/ Shawn Nason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasonshawn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonfiresocial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/manonfiresocial Website: https://shawnnason.com/ MOFI: https://www.mofi.co/ The Combustion Chronicles Podcast Website: https://shawnnason.com/combustion-chronicles-episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The healthcare landscape has always been a dynamic and ever-evolving domain, driven by scientific advancements, breakthroughs, and shifting demographics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic that erupted in early 2020 brought about seismic changes, rapidly transforming the way healthcare organizations operate and strategize. In the midst of these challenges, healthcare leaders and professionals had to adapt and recalibrate their strategies to meet the evolving needs of patients, maintain the safety of their staff, and ensure the resilience of their healthcare systems. In today’s episode, Shawn Nason sits down with Liz Popwell, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for Stony Brook Medicine. They discuss Liz’s understanding of strategy, the importance of aligning strategy with an organization's mission and vision, and the role of partnerships. Liz also shares how the pandemic shaped their strategic plan and mindset, emphasizing the need to be patient-centric and consumer-centric. In This Episode [04:26] How strategy intersects with the patient, family, and employee experience in healthcare organizations [06:08] The importance of aligning mission and vision with external partnerships [10:32] How the pandemic has shaped Stony Brook Medicine's strategic plan and mindset [11:44] The fortunate position of Stony Brook Medicine with bounced-back volumes and finances, and the anticipation for the new strategic plan [13:17] How the pandemic changed Liz’s mind about strategy [16:08] Incorporating the patient's voice in serving under-resourced communities at Stony Brook [19:03] Making room for the voice of clinicians in the strategic plan [21:29] “How might we” statement [24:48] The Combustion Questions What We Learned From Liz Popwell Strategy plays a crucial role in making healthcare organizations stand out, and each organization has unique attributes that make them shine. A patient-centric approach is essential, considering the patient, family, and employee experience when developing a strategy Prioritizing the voice of the patient in decision-making processes is crucial, and organizations can gain valuable insights from market studies, community engagement, and student feedback. Transforming the healthcare industry into a people-first business model involves understanding patient needs, improving patient education, fostering collaboration, and leveraging non-traditional partnerships. Notable Quotes [02:36] “Strategy for me has always been about differentiation. It's always about how you can make your organization shine compared to other organizations.”  [04:31] “Ultimately, your strategy is your roadmap to live out your mission and your vision statements for your organization.”  [13:27] “I think the biggest thing that changed in my mind is I always knew we needed to be patient-centric, consumer-centric. But I didn't realize just how much we needed to double down on that.” Our Guest Liz Popwell is the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Stony Brook Medicine, responsible for strategic planning, implementation, and business development. With prior experience as Chief Strategy Officer at Ascension Michigan, she improved market share, reduced out-of-network care rates, and fostered numerous transformative partnerships. Liz is a healthcare leader driving strategic success. Resources & Links Liz Popwell LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/strategysuccess/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/epopwe01 Shawn Nason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasonshawn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonfiresocial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/manonfiresocial Website: https://shawnnason.com/ MOFI: https://www.mofi.co/ The Combustion Chronicles Podcast Website: https://shawnnason.com/combustion-chronicles-episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the healthcare system revolved around you, the patient, and not the other way around? Imagine a world where your healthcare experience was as tailored and personalized as your favorite streaming service's recommendation algorithm. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, the concept of Consumer-Focused Healthcare is no longer just a utopian dream; it's a reality that's reshaping the way we approach our well-being. In today’s episode, Shawn Nason chats with Deb Gordon, a former CEO turned author and patient advocate. They discuss the high cost of healthcare in America and the need for consumer-focused healthcare. Deb shares her journey and motivation to help others navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. They also explore the barriers that need to be removed to level the playing field, with a focus on cost and empowering individuals to have control over their healthcare spending. Deb emphasizes the importance of making people feel heard and cared for in their healthcare experiences. In This Episode [01:53] Deb's journey from CEO to author to patient advocate extraordinaire [04:34] Why do we pay so much for healthcare in America and get so little? [06:53] The shopping experience as an analogy for understanding the broken healthcare system [11:16] The need for consumer-focused healthcare [19:22] Barriers to leveling the healthcare playing field [20:40] Addressing the issue of healthcare costs [22:03] Removing the minutia of healthcare [23:01] Motivation and energy in healthcare advocacy [27:16] Blowing up traditional healthcare models [34:14] The high cost of healthcare in America What We Learned From Deb Gordon Many people are unaware that independent advocates exist and can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complex healthcare system. It is important to educate individuals about these resources and their benefits. Seek help sooner rather than later: People often struggle to ask for help, even when they know it's available. Encourage individuals to overcome their reluctance and reach out for assistance when needed. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and scenarios. This emphasizes the need for expert guidance to navigate these changes effectively.  Encourage healthcare professionals and advocates to approach their work with empathy and understanding, recognizing the importance of addressing consumer vulnerability and providing support. Notable Quotes [22:45] “Let people get what they need, let doctors and hospitals do what they think is right, and let individuals make good decisions for themselves.” [24:07] “It is so universal that people just want to feel well, to feel respected, to feel listened to, to feel taken care of.” [27:32] “We shouldn't have a system so broken that you need a guide to get you through it.”  [30:29] "Let's protect everyone from that catastrophic financial risk. Then on top of that, employers can do more, and individuals can do more. Our Guest Deb Gordon is a dedicated healthcare advocate with a career focused on equity. As CEO of Umbra Health Advocacy and co-director of the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, she champions innovation and patient empowerment. An accomplished author, she penned "The Health Care Consumer's Manifesto." Resources & Links Deb Gordon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordondeborah/ Website: https://umbrahealthadvocacy.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gordondeb Shawn Nason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasonshawn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonfiresocial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/manonfiresocial Website: https://shawnnason.com/ MOFI: https://www.mofi.co/ The Combustion Chronicles Podcast Website: https://shawnnason.com/combustion-chronicles-episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picture this: a healthcare system that doesn't discriminate based on income, geography, or social status. A system where everyone, regardless of their background, has equal access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, the reality we face today is far from this ideal. Healthcare disparities, soaring costs, and a lack of access have created a chasm that separates those who can afford care from those who cannot. In this episode, Shawn Nason interviews Dr. YiDing Yu setting out on a crucial mission—to explore the intricacies of bridging the divide in healthcare. They discuss the core issues in healthcare, including misaligned incentives between patients, providers, and payers, and the need to empower patients and improve the payment system. Dr. YiDing Yu emphasizes the importance of making incremental changes and leveraging technology, such as artificial intelligence, to streamline processes like prior authorizations. In This Episode [02:10] YiDing’s journey as a serial entrepreneur [04:01] The brokenness of the healthcare industry [06:24] The challenge of making change in healthcare [07:11] Magic wand: Empowering patients to make choices [10:54] The starting block to transform payment [12:04] Challenges in changing health insurance and payment [14:40] Using technology to streamline prior authorizations [18:22] Some of Dr. YiDing’s favorite innovations [22:22] Bridging the divide in healthcare [24:41] Disjointed revenue cycle [28:59] Empowering women in healthcare [31:14] The pipeline and supply of talented women [32:08] The combustion questions What We Learned From YiDing Yu Misaligned incentives between patients, providers, and payers are a foundational problem in the healthcare system. Empowering patients and giving them more agency in their healthcare decisions is crucial for transforming the system. Bridging the divide in healthcare includes addressing challenges providers face in getting paid and battling insurance providers for reimbursement rates and denials. The role of women in healthcare is important, and there is a need for mentoring, sponsoring, and promoting women to higher leadership positions. Women should be encouraged to advocate for themselves in the healthcare industry. Notable Quotes [07:19] - “We have to allow patients to have more agency, more autonomy, more decision-making capacity.” [08:42] - “Building patient loyalty doesn't necessarily generate more revenue. So it's hard to find the economic incentives to do that.” [19:57] -  “You don't have to have a master's degree in machine learning and all this crazy AI to make a profound difference to patients' lives and improve access to care.” [31:29] - “It doesn't matter what your role is or where you are. You have the ability to change how leadership looks at your organization.” Our Guest Dr. YiDing Yu is a distinguished physician, acclaimed entrepreneur, and prominent healthcare innovator. As the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Product Officer at Olive, a transformative healthcare automation company, she leads product development and rapid expansion. Previously, she served as the Chief Medical Officer at Verata Health before its acquisition by Olive. She holds a magna cum laude BA in Economics from Harvard University and is renowned for her groundbreaking work, including accolades from prestigious organizations. YiDing is an international keynote speaker, captivating audiences worldwide. Resources & Links YiDing Yu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yidingyu/ Shawn Nason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasonshawn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonfiresocial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/manonfiresocial Website: https://shawnnason.com/ MOFI: https://www.mofi.co/ The Combustion Chronicles Podcast Website: https://shawnnason.com/combustion-chronicles-episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices