Understanding Healthcare with Sam Feudo

In this episode, Sam speaks with Tom Ozburn, CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center, about what it takes to lead one of Nashville’s largest hospitals at a time of profound change in healthcare. Over his 25 years with HCA, Tom has led teams in Bowling Green, Chattanooga, and now Nashville, bringing an operator’s clarity and a deep sense of mission to every role. Their conversation explores how to balance high-acuity tertiary care with community health, the lessons from embedding social determinants into hospital strategy, and the meaning of value in an era of financial pressure and innovation. From moments of crisis to the promise of digital health and AI, Tom shares candid reflections on trust, culture, and the kind of leadership that sustains teams and communities alike.

In this episode, Sam speaks with Dr. Daniel Muñoz, Executive Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, about the future of cardiovascular care. Their conversation moves from the ICU to preventive cardiology, from the promise of the polypill to the challenges of equity and implementation, and from research insights to the policy decisions that shape patient outcomes. Dr. Muñoz reflects on what it means to lead across medicine and policy, the barriers that slow innovation, and the values that keep him grounded. They discuss the choices and leadership that will define the health of societies in the years ahead.

In this episode of Understanding Healthcare, I sit down with Dr. Adam Ratner, Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU Langone Health. We discuss his upcoming book Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children’s Health, the growing epidemic of vaccine hesitancy, and how to rebuild trust in science. Dr. Ratner also shares his thoughts on the ethical tensions between personal freedom and public health, the biggest infectious disease threats facing children globally, and what gives him hope for the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Karly Campbell, Chief Quality Officer at TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid Agency, to explore how Medicaid is transforming care delivery through value-based care and payment reform. They discuss TennCare’s innovative programs, like Patient-Centered Medical Homes and Tennessee Health Link, and dive into the role of social determinants of health and health equity in improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Karly also shares her vision for the future of Medicaid and healthcare policy, offering practical lessons for leaders navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode of Understanding Healthcare, Sam Feudo sits down with Anne-Sophie Deman, Managing Director in the Healthcare & Life Sciences practice at FTI Consulting. Drawing on her expertise in healthcare policy and public affairs across the European Union, Anne-Sophie shares insights on how health systems are navigating budget constraints, rethinking incentives for innovation, and addressing the rising financial pressures on healthcare delivery. They discuss pharmaceutical innovation, strategies for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and how health systems can balance fiscal responsibility with the need to advance cutting-edge treatments.