Working Healthcare with Meredith Hirsh
The truth reshaping America’s $5 trillion healthcare system. This show provides a front-row seat to the policies, powerhouses and forces. Candid conversations no one else is telling with the most fascinating healthcare leaders, every week hosted by trailblazer Meredith Hirsh. You can’t fix what you don’t understand.
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Ep. 68 - From Football to Big Pharma, Jon Hickman is Rewriting Pharmacy's Playbook
09/09/2025
Ep. 68 - From Football to Big Pharma, Jon Hickman is Rewriting Pharmacy's Playbook
Press play as Jon Hickman tells Working Healthcare host Meredith Hirsh how juggling school and college athletics forged his leadership style. Follow Jon's path from all-conference track and field star and college football player to a 16-year career at Walgreens, where he built a foundation in patient care and executive management. Jon’s willingness to always raise his hand for new opportunities propelled him into Big Pharma, with impactful roles at AstraZeneca and now Genentech. Hear his perspective on why Genentech stands out in supporting uninsured and underinsured patients, challenging the common narrative around pharmaceutical companies. Explore timely issues like 340B pricing, the urgent need for PBM reform, and how pharmacy services can expand to better serve diverse communities. Gain insight into the crucial work of the Board of Pharmacy, where Jon helps shape regulatory policy as one of nine key decision-makers. Join us as we celebrate the lessons of team sports, the passion behind pharmacy careers and the bold actions driving healthcare forward. Kick off now!
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Ep. 67 - Why Fran Nachlas is Running for Mayor?
09/02/2025
Ep. 67 - Why Fran Nachlas is Running for Mayor?
Get the inside story as Meredith Hirsh sits down one-on-one with Fran Nachlas, a surgical nurse turned Boca Raton deputy mayor and current mayoral candidate, to explore how local leadership drives community health. Drawing on nearly 30 years in operating rooms, first on the floor then in leadership, Fran brings an outcome-first approach to city problem solving. She brings relentless energy, from seven Boston Marathons and three Ironman finishes to riding all 84 miles of Boca Raton’s bike map to engage residents block by block. Together they connect city decisions to public health, including clean water, storm preparation, EMS response times, parks and safe streets, protected bike lanes, zoning that welcomes clinics and life science jobs, and housing that lets caregivers live near the people they serve. If you care about how government meets real life, this conversation is for you. This is our moment!
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Ep. 66 - Preston Alexander Outlines how Physicians can Reclaim Independence
08/26/2025
Ep. 66 - Preston Alexander Outlines how Physicians can Reclaim Independence
Join Working Healthcare’s Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez as they confront the drastic drop in physician-owned practices and the consolidation that drives costs higher. Meet revenue-cycle rebel Preston Alexander, founder of Forward Slash / Health and author of the “Healthcare Breakdown” newsletter, who dubs himself the “Taylor Swift of LinkedIn healthcare writing.” He argues progress comes from three bold levers: legislation; direct-pay and membership models that bypass middlemen. Preston hammers succession planning, warning that without affordable junior partner buy-ins, independence dies with founders. Meredith and Mike press on practical education, asking where the business of medicine fits in packed curricula and how to track the earliest cash-flow vital signs before a clinic suffocates. Find out which specialty is at the lowest percentage and which reigns the ruler of independent medicine and why. What are the first questions to ask when private equity flashes a fat check. Listen, question and act to reclaim the craft of medicine.
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Ep. 65 - Steve Lewis Brings Rock 'n' Roll Discipline to Patient Records
08/19/2025
Ep. 65 - Steve Lewis Brings Rock 'n' Roll Discipline to Patient Records
Hit play to hear how a rock-and-roll project manager became the founder trying to fix everyday healthcare chaos. Join Working Healthcare’s Meredith Hirsh as Steve Lewis recounts Bowe’s premature arrival at 34 weeks and the binder that sparked Nabu, a patient-controlled record built to unite scattered data. We dig into why 80% of information is forgotten between the exam room and the parking lot and how that fog fuels 1.5 million ER visits a year for medication-related injuries. Steve explains how Nabu’s early pilots in Australia help families coordinate care across clinicians, crises and borders while keeping privacy at the center. You’ll also hear why he believes American incentives still power health care innovation and where AI can finally connect the dots for caregivers who spend endless hours a week coordinating care and say paperwork and portal hopping is their top stressor. From working with entertainment legends Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz and Tony Hawk to building tools for patients and parents, Steve brings candid lessons, setbacks and hope. Take action for the people you care for—listen, learn and share this Working Healthcare episode.
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Ep. 64 - Carly Salamone Dissects the One Big Beautiful Bill for Rural America
08/12/2025
Ep. 64 - Carly Salamone Dissects the One Big Beautiful Bill for Rural America
Tune into this episode of Working Healthcare to learn how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could reshape rural health care as Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez interview policy leader Carly Salamone. With a dozen years in rural hospital care, Carly is now President of Vantage Healthcare of Ohio where is leads policy for several member hospitals. She breaks down the bill’s proposals, its impact on hospital payments and Medicaid, and what it means when the nearest ER is 60 miles away. We examine maternity care after Dobbs, why labor units are often first to close and how Medicaid’s role in births strains thin margins. The conversation demystifies site-neutral payments in the 2026 proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and tests whether they level the field or push services to the brink. You’ll hear candid stories about coverage gaps during job changes, hospitals acting like subprime lenders for high deductibles and the power of regional collaboration. Press play to understand what’s at stake for rural and urban communities.
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Ep. 63 - From RN to VP: Heather Woolf on Leading and Lifting Women in Healthcare
08/05/2025
Ep. 63 - From RN to VP: Heather Woolf on Leading and Lifting Women in Healthcare
Hit play to hear how one nurse shattered ceilings on her way to the c-suite. In this episode of Working Healthcare, Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez sit down with Heather Woolf, Vice President of Operations at the Hospital for Special Surgery, for a powerful conversation on gender equity in healthcare leadership. Heather shares her bold journey from the bedside to the boardroom, revealing the systemic barriers that still hold women back—despite making up nearly 80% of the healthcare workforce. Together, they unpack why only 30% of hospital CEOs are women, how outdated systems fuel burnout and what needs to change to build more inclusive leadership pipelines. Heather offers real-world strategies for navigating bias, advocating for yourself and staying resilient in the face of pressure. Whether you’re just starting your career or leading a healthcare system, this episode delivers inspiring insights and real-world solutions to advance gender equity in healthcare leadership. Listen, share and be part of the movement to elevate women in healthcare.
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Ep. 62 - Sean Travers on Growing Independent Practices with Ancillary Services and Vertical Integration
07/29/2025
Ep. 62 - Sean Travers on Growing Independent Practices with Ancillary Services and Vertical Integration
Discover how smart strategies and bold decisions are transforming independent healthcare. In this episode of Working Healthcare, Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez sit down in the studio with Sean Travers, a seasoned healthcare expert dedicated to helping practices achieve sustainable, service-driven growth. Together, with over 60 years of combined healthcare business experience, they explore the power of ancillary services—like in-house labs, imaging and infusions—and reveal how vertical integration enhances patient care while giving physicians greater control, financial stability and profitability. Sean exposes the most common pitfalls practices face when expanding and shares what high-performing teams do differently to scale successfully without compromising quality. They also unpack why culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a vital business strategy that fuels staff retention, team alignment and long-term success. Plus, learn how adopting a startup mindset can help independent clinics outpace hospital systems in today’s competitive landscape. Don’t just survive—tune in and learn how to lead your practice with confidence and clarity.
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Ep. 61 - Dr. Matthew Mundwiler on Saving Private Practice and Fighting Healthcare Consolidation
07/22/2025
Ep. 61 - Dr. Matthew Mundwiler on Saving Private Practice and Fighting Healthcare Consolidation
Press play on a real conversation about staying independent in a system built for giants. In this episode of Working Healthcare, Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez sit down with Dr. Matthew Mundwiler, a private practice rheumatologist from Columbus, Ohio, to talk about what it really takes to survive—and thrive—outside of corporate healthcare. With operational costs up, physician autonomy shrinking and insurance denials on the rise, Matt shares why he’s doubling down on independence and patient-centered care. From the financial realities of private practice to the emotional toll and unexpected rewards, this is an unfiltered, yet optimistic, look at the frontline of medicine today. Whether you're a physician, policymaker or just curious about how your care is delivered, this conversation pulls back the curtain. Learn what’s at stake—and what’s still possible—in the fight to preserve independent medicine. Subscribe now and join the movement to protect the future of care.
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Ep. 60 - Dr. Daniel Solomon and Mark Elfers Tackle the Physician Shortage with Digital Innovation
07/15/2025
Ep. 60 - Dr. Daniel Solomon and Mark Elfers Tackle the Physician Shortage with Digital Innovation
Join hosts Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez for a high-impact episode of Working Healthcare as they tackle one of the most urgent challenges in U.S. healthcare: the physician shortage. In this future-focused conversation, Dr. Daniel Solomon—a Harvard rheumatologist and health systems researcher—and Mark Elfers, a former Marine and now CEO of GreenCape Health, share how digital innovation is reshaping chronic care. Together, they unpack how MPro Health, a mobile platform now integrated with Epic and Athena EHRs, is cutting wait times, boosting medication adherence and improving patient-reported outcomes in rheumatology practices. Listeners will discover the power of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)—a Medicare-reimbursable care model that helps physicians generate new revenue streams while enhancing chronic disease management. Mark breaks down how GreenCape Health bridges the gap between clinical care and scalable technology, making real-world implementation both practical and profitable. With compliance rates exceeding 60% and proven clinical impact, MPro Health offers a promising strategy to fight provider burnout and expand access to care. If you're a healthcare provider, practice leader, policymaker, or digital health innovator—this is your playbook for scaling care delivery through smart tech and reimbursement. Tune in now.
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Ep. 59 - Ali Kaufman Is Tackling Youth Mental Health and Redefining Healthcare Boundaries
07/08/2025
Ep. 59 - Ali Kaufman Is Tackling Youth Mental Health and Redefining Healthcare Boundaries
Tune in to a powerful, solutions-driven conversation about youth mental health, education, and the growing physician shortage. Join host Meredith Hirsh for an in-studio Working Healthcare interview with Ali Kaufman—founder of Space of Mind and the Community Classroom Project—as they explore how America’s mental health crisis is impacting kids where it hurts most: inside the classroom. With fewer than one child psychiatrist for every 10,000 children in the U.S., teachers are being thrust into the role of mental health first responders—often without training or resources. Ali shares how she’s transforming schools into healing-centered environments that meet students emotionally, academically, and creatively. Together, they connect the dots between moral injury, systemic healthcare failures, and what’s being asked of our education system today. This episode dives deep into the intersection of healthcare and education—and why solving the youth mental health crisis starts far beyond the exam room. Listen now to learn how you can be part of the change.
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Ep. 58 - Beyond Burnout: Dr. Wendy Dean on Confronting Moral Injury in Medicine
07/01/2025
Ep. 58 - Beyond Burnout: Dr. Wendy Dean on Confronting Moral Injury in Medicine
Join host Meredith Hirsh, co-host Mike Chavez and psychiatrist Dr. Wendy Dean for a powerful episode of Working Healthcare that exposes the deeper crisis behind physician burnout: moral injury. Dr. Dean—author, podcaster and co-founder of the nonprofit Moral Injury of Healthcare—explains why so many clinicians are not just exhausted but ethically broken. Moral injury happens when healthcare professionals know the right course of action for their patients but are blocked by profit-driven systems, limited resources and institutional constraints.Together, they unpack how today’s healthcare system prioritizes billing, productivity and bottom lines over patient care and physician well-being—leading to betrayal, disillusionment and a loss of purpose across the profession. Dr. Dean reframes burnout as only part of the story and positions moral injury as a widespread ethical crisis impacting providers at every level. Listeners will learn how moral injury contributes to the physician shortage, drives providers away from clinical practice and compromises patient outcomes. This episode is essential for clinicians, health system leaders and policymakers ready to confront the ethical cost of modern medicine. Tune in now to help reclaim the heart and soul of healthcare.
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Ep. 57 - Dr. Robert Colton on Private Equity’s Healthcare Disruption
06/24/2025
Ep. 57 - Dr. Robert Colton on Private Equity’s Healthcare Disruption
Private equity in healthcare is booming—and few people understand its impact like Dr. Robert Colton. In this remote episode of Working Healthcare, host Meredith Hirsh and co-host Mike Chavez connect with Colton—physician, entrepreneur and founder of MDVIP—from his base between Boca Raton and the mountains of North Carolina to unpack how private capital is transforming the way care is delivered. With experience scaling dermatology groups, digital health startups and deals worth hundreds of millions, Colton brings a bold and unfiltered perspective on physician autonomy, practice consolidation and the future of medicine. The conversation covers the promises and pitfalls of private equity in healthcare, from new revenue models to ethical concerns about patient care. Fair warning: Rob has a lot to say—so we close the episode with a lightning round, where he answers big questions in five words or less. Tune in to hear how investment is reshaping the medical landscape and what it means for providers navigating today’s evolving system.
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Ep. 56 - Breaking Barriers: Christa Eitel on Leadership, Courage and Career Shifts
06/17/2025
Ep. 56 - Breaking Barriers: Christa Eitel on Leadership, Courage and Career Shifts
Join Meredith Hirsh and co-host Mike Chavez for an inspiring conversation with Christa Eitel, Executive Director of Finance and Operations at The Hirsh Center, as she opens up about navigating bold career shifts and finding courage in the chaos of working motherhood. In this episode of Working Healthcare, Christa shares how she transitioned from a career in higher education to the fast-paced world of private medical practice—learning to lead, adapt and grow in an unfamiliar industry. The discussion dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, saying yes to new challenges and balancing ambition with the demands of family life. Whether you're contemplating a career move, stepping into a new role or simply trying to juggle it all, Christa's story offers practical wisdom and inspiration. Tune in for a real-world conversation about career reinvention, personal growth and showing up with purpose—even when the path forward isn’t perfectly clear.
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Ep. 55 - Jeff Scott Connects the Dots Inside State Battles Shaping U.S. Healthcare
06/10/2025
Ep. 55 - Jeff Scott Connects the Dots Inside State Battles Shaping U.S. Healthcare
Before Jeff Scott escapes the Florida Capitol’s legislative madness for some well-earned peace and quiet on a boat, he sits down with Meredith Hirsh and Mike Chavez to make sense of the chaos. In this episode of Working Healthcare, we dive into what the 2025 Florida legislative session means for everyone in the healthcare space—what passed, what didn’t, and why it matters far beyond state lines. From supermajorities to Medicaid battles, we’re pulling back the curtain on how state policy really gets made (and sometimes derailed). Jeff brings decades of experience—and just enough political scars—to explain how these decisions impact your work, your livelihood, and the care your organization can deliver. Meredith brings the policy passion; Mike keeps her from quoting too many obscure statutes. Whether you're in Florida, Texas, or just trying to survive budget season, this episode is your roadmap to understanding the state-level forces shaping medicine. Grab your stethoscope—or your sunscreen—and tune in.
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Ep. 54 - Leadership, Hot Takes and One Bold Co-Host Move with Mike Chavez
06/03/2025
Ep. 54 - Leadership, Hot Takes and One Bold Co-Host Move with Mike Chavez
Meredith Hirsh kicks off a new chapter of Working Healthcare with occasional co-host (and self-proclaimed sidekick) Mike Chavez. In this stand-alone episode, they take on everything from burnout and broken business models to why healthcare leadership sometimes feels like herding cats with a stethoscope. Mike’s testing the waters as co-host material—think of it as an on-air audition with fewer jazz hands and more talk about the business side of healthcare. Together, they unpack the big issues with sharp insight, a few laughs, and zero tolerance for buzzword bingo. Will Mike make the cut? Will Meredith regret this immediately? Tune in to find out—and maybe even learn something useful along the way. Get your popcorn ready!
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Welcome to season 2 of Working Healthcare
05/30/2025
Welcome to season 2 of Working Healthcare
Season 2 of Working Healthcare has arrived, more timely, relevant, and thought-provoking than ever. Join host Meredith Hirsh as she welcomes a dynamic lineup of clinicians, policy experts, students, and innovators for honest conversations about the forces reshaping healthcare today. From workforce challenges and systemic reform to the bold ideas emerging from the next generation, this season dives deep into the issues driving change in medicine. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply curious about how the system works and how it can work better, Season 2 delivers insights that both inform and inspire. Listen to the Season 2 trailer and full episodes now on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform.
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Ep. 53 - Anniversary Special: Gen Z’s Vision for the Future of Healthcare
05/27/2025
Ep. 53 - Anniversary Special: Gen Z’s Vision for the Future of Healthcare
Join Meredith Hirsh in a special one-year anniversary episode of Working Healthcare! Today, we celebrate 52 episodes of exploring the American healthcare system and dive deep into the future of healthcare with a powerful, insightful discussion featuring the voices of Gen Z. From aspiring healthcare professionals to future leaders, these students share their unique perspectives on what healthcare means to them, how it needs to evolve, and the changes they want to see in the system. With insights from Jake Stevens (Vanderbilt), Carly Blum (University of Florida), Matthew McGarry (Florida State), Julia Fuller (Emory University), Chloe Blackington (UNC Chapel Hill), and Meredith's own son, Benjamin Hirsh (Duke), Meredith gets a peek into how this new generation is tackling the challenges of our healthcare system—and they’re not afraid to ask tough questions. As Gen Z shows us, they’re ready to fix what’s broken and lead the charge forward. Get ready for a hopeful, thought-provoking conversation that proves the future of healthcare is in good hands. As our GenZ friends say, "Tap in!"
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Ep. 52 - From DC to the ER: Dr. Damian Caraballo Calls for Physician Power
05/20/2025
Ep. 52 - From DC to the ER: Dr. Damian Caraballo Calls for Physician Power
Listen in as Dr. Damian Caraballo—an emergency physician, health policy leader, and tireless advocate for healthcare reform—sits down with Meredith Hirsh after returning from a lobbying trip to Washington, DC. Damian breaks down how decades of policy shifts have tilted power toward insurance companies, sidelined physicians, and left patients buried under rising costs and limited access. He walks through pivotal moments in healthcare history and explains how we ended up with a system that often feels more corporate than compassionate. And here’s a tip: if the government gives a new rule an acronym, doctors know it’s probably not good news—just more red tape. Damian shares what it’s really like to speak with lawmakers like Senator Rick Scott, makes a compelling case for why physicians must reclaim their influence in shaping healthcare policy and provides tips on how physicians can get involved. This passionate episode reflects years of on-the-ground advocacy and a deep commitment to building a better system. Speak up, get involved, and help create change—listen now.
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Ep. 51 - Karl Pister Challenges Professionalism in Healthcare Today
05/13/2025
Ep. 51 - Karl Pister Challenges Professionalism in Healthcare Today
Dig into the shifting landscape of healthcare leadership as Meredith Hirsh challenges executive coach and podcast host Karl Pister to unpack the evolving—and increasingly controversial—definition of professionalism in medicine. With more than 30 years of hands-on business experience and a background in clinical social work, Karl brings a rare blend of empathy, real-world insight, and executive wisdom. He’s worked with everyone from high-performing physicians with low EQ to emerging leaders navigating generational divides, and he’s seen how HR policies, anonymous complaints, and tone policing are reshaping what leadership looks like inside hospitals and across our healthcare system. Together, Karl and Meredith dive into whether today’s healthcare culture has overcorrected in the name of psychological safety—and what’s being lost along the way. Are we protecting employees or avoiding hard conversations? Are we cultivating excellence—or just mass-producing average? This episode will challenge your assumptions, spark conversation, and explore what it really means to lead with both strength and empathy in a system under pressure.
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Ep. 50 - Peter Carbone Talks Rare Diseases: Exposing Gaps in Healthcare
05/06/2025
Ep. 50 - Peter Carbone Talks Rare Diseases: Exposing Gaps in Healthcare
Explore the hidden world of rare diseases in this in-studio interview with biotech veteran Peter Carbone. With passion and clarity, Peter explains how rare conditions—often affecting fewer than 200,000 people each—shine a spotlight on the cracks in our healthcare system. He unpacks why patients face years of misdiagnosis, endless referrals, and costly treatments, and how the system continues to leave 1 in 10 Americans behind. Meredith and Peter examine the skyrocketing costs of orphan drugs, the impact of dwindling NIH funding, and the often-overlooked power of the patient voice in the diagnostic journey. Peter also introduces his RISE Leadership and Selling Frameworks—bold, strategic guides designed to help healthcare professionals become true advocates for rare disease patients. One emotional highlight: a family's heartbreaking loss that ultimately led to life-saving action for their daughter—proof that awareness can change everything. This episode is both an eye-opener and a call to action for anyone who cares about making healthcare more just, more human, and more effective.
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Ep. 49 - Mark Craig Unpacks the Real Cost of Rural Hospital Closures
04/29/2025
Ep. 49 - Mark Craig Unpacks the Real Cost of Rural Hospital Closures
Tune in for a powerful conversation as Meredith Hirsh sits down with Mark Craig, Chief Executive of Write-Off Warrior and longtime revenue cycle expert turned national advocate. What began as a consulting career took a sharp turn when Mark watched his rural hospital clients shut their doors—not because of poor performance, but due to crippling underpayments and predatory insurance practices. Together, Meredith and Mark expose the hidden forces gutting rural healthcare, from exploitative Medicare Advantage plans to delayed reimbursements and contract games that stack the odds against community hospitals. Mark also shares insights from his collaboration with Senator Chuck Grassley and his groundbreaking report, Preyed On, which reveals how insurers are bleeding resources from the American heartland. With nearly 100 million Americans burdened by medical debt, this episode isn’t just a healthcare conversation—it’s a wake-up call.
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Ep. 48 - Mike Chavez on Mastering Connection and Reinventing Healthcare
04/22/2025
Ep. 48 - Mike Chavez on Mastering Connection and Reinventing Healthcare
Step into the studio with Meredith Hirsh for a candid, high-energy conversation with dynamic healthcare leader and master connector, Mike Chavez. to unpack what it really takes to lead—and thrive—in today’s complex medical landscape. At just 14, Mike learned the art of sales, and since then, he’s built national healthcare networks, launched game-changing ventures, and mastered the power of authentic connection. They dive into how his people skills became his “secret sauce,” the influence of Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, and whether success is more about instinct, experience—or both. They also challenge the conventional career path: Is a college degree truly necessary for success, or is it more about hustle, heart, and who you know? The conversation explores physician burnout, the rise of MSOs and GPOs, and why these models might just be the lifeline practices need. Mike also shares how his latest innovation, RheumLogic AiT, is using AI to cut through administrative chaos and bring joy back to practicing medicine. Packed with insight, grit, and real talk, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to navigate—or reinvent—the future of healthcare.
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Ep. 47 - Justin Hand Unveils Insights on Healthcare's Private Equity Landscape
04/15/2025
Ep. 47 - Justin Hand Unveils Insights on Healthcare's Private Equity Landscape
It’s been a few months since Meredith Hirsh sat down with Justin Hand, Founder and Managing Director of Westcove Partners, and after some thoughtful reflection and feedback from you all, we are finally ready to drop this interview—just in time for April 15th, Tax Day. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one! We’re diving deep into how healthcare transactions have evolved from the 1990s to today, and Justin offers a fresh perspective on why physicians are increasingly choosing to partner with private equity. He also shares his predictions on how private equity could reshape the future of the American healthcare system. The big question is: Can private equity truly benefit physicians, patients, and our $4.8 trillion industry, or is it a risky move? Don’t judge too soon—stick with us to the end and hear Justin’s compelling insights. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that will change the way you think about healthcare and its future!
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Ep. 46 - Unraveling the Funding Crisis: How NIH Cuts Threaten the Future of Healthcare with Amrie Grammer
04/08/2025
Ep. 46 - Unraveling the Funding Crisis: How NIH Cuts Threaten the Future of Healthcare with Amrie Grammer
Join Meredith Hirsh as she sits down with NIH-trained Scientist-Entrepreneur Amrie Grammer to explore the alarming cuts to NIH funding and their profound implications for medical research and public health. With a staggering decline in grants impacting groundbreaking studies, Amrie sheds light on how these budget reductions threaten advancements in treatments and disease prevention. As the co-founder of AMPEL BioSolutions, Amrie merges her extensive expertise in immunology and genomics to revolutionize patient care, especially for autoimmune diseases. This conversation delves into the intersection of scientific discovery and practical healthcare solutions, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained funding in the face of political challenges. Tune in to understand how these funding cuts could reshape the future of healthcare in America, hear Amrie’s insights on innovative approaches to precision medicine and discover how “Make America Healthy Again” is a bipartisan issue. Our decisions today impacts healthcare for the next generation!
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Ep. 45 - Turning Struggles Into Success: Dr. Karleen Su's Journey to Empower Private Practice Physicians
04/01/2025
Ep. 45 - Turning Struggles Into Success: Dr. Karleen Su's Journey to Empower Private Practice Physicians
Join Meredith Hirsh in a sit-down interview with Dr. Karleen Su, a passionate rheumatologist and advocate for private practice physicians. Karleen shares her transformative journey from struggling with burnout in the early years of her practice to becoming a powerful voice in the medical community. She opens up about the challenges of managing finances, staff, and patient care while navigating the harsh realities of private practice ownership. Karleen’s initiative, the Rheumatology Private Practice Alliance (RPPA), began as a small Facebook group in 2018 and has since blossomed into a thriving community of over 1,200 doctors. As she reflects on her own obstacles, including high turnover and financial stress, she offers invaluable insights for others looking to stay in private practice. Tune in to hear how Karleen is empowering physicians, tackling burnout, and fostering a supportive network for the future of private practice.
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Ep. 44 - Revolutionizing Healthcare: Dr. Warris Bokhari and AI-Powered Claimable
03/25/2025
Ep. 44 - Revolutionizing Healthcare: Dr. Warris Bokhari and AI-Powered Claimable
Explore this engaging episode of Working Healthcare as Meredith Hirsh interviews Dr. Warris Bokhari, CEO and Co-founder of Claimable. Warris shares his journey from anesthesiologist to innovator in healthcare technology, highlighting the differences between the NHS and the American healthcare system. He tackles the pressing challenges of insurance claims, revealing that while less than 1% of denied claims are appealed, his technology has achieved a 90% reversal rate for denials. Claimable empowers patients to challenge these denied claims by using AI to analyze clinical data and create personalized appeals. Drawing from his experiences at major companies like Apple, GE and Anthem, Warris highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. He underscores the critical role technology plays in enhancing accessibility and fairness within the system. Don’t miss this opportunity to take control of your insurance challenges—subscribe for more insightful discussions!
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Ep. 43 - Building Healthcare Equity with Dr. Jin Lee
03/18/2025
Ep. 43 - Building Healthcare Equity with Dr. Jin Lee
Dive into this impactful episode with Dr. Jin Lee, a neuropsychologist and healthcare advocate, as she advocates for an urgent shift toward healthcare equity. Jin exposes how systemic biases in medical research and treatment impact anyone who is not a white male—especially women and marginalized communities. Dr. Lee highlights staggering facts: 70% of those with chronic pain in the U.S. are women, yet research overwhelmingly focuses on men. From autoimmune diseases to maternal mortality rates, these disparities continue to hurt millions. As the CEO of IMIDeology, Jin works to bridge these gaps with virtual-first care and advocates for diverse representation in clinical studies. We’re not just talking about “bikini health”—it’s time to address the full spectrum of healthcare needs, for everyone. Tune in to hear how we can push for a healthcare system that serves all people, equally.
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Ep. 42 - Exposing the Cracks: Clawbacks, Denials, and the State of Healthcare with Dr. Nathaniel Lowen and Tracy Walker
03/11/2025
Ep. 42 - Exposing the Cracks: Clawbacks, Denials, and the State of Healthcare with Dr. Nathaniel Lowen and Tracy Walker
In this eye-opening episode of Working Healthcare, Meredith Hirsh sits down for an in-studio interview with Dr. Nate Lowen and Tracy Walker to uncover the troubling realities of the American healthcare system. We delve into the controversial practices of insurance clawbacks—where insurers retroactively reclaim payments—and the widespread issue of erroneous claim denials impacting both patients and providers. With nearly one in five insured adults facing denied claims, the systemic dysfunction is undeniable. We dive into the fallout from the Change Healthcare cyberattack at its one-year anniversary, showcasing how it disrupted countless independent medical offices and left them scrambling for answers. Plus, hear about the alarming rise of AI-driven claim rejections, where automated systems deny care in seconds, often without human oversight. If you've ever felt frustrated or powerless against insurance companies, this episode will resonate with you. Tune in for a candid discussion about the urgent need for reform and what we can do to reclaim trust in our healthcare system. Subscribe now and join us every Tuesday for more insights into the complexities of healthcare!
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Ep. 41 - Navigating Value-Based Care: Insights and Leadership from Eric Schwab
03/04/2025
Ep. 41 - Navigating Value-Based Care: Insights and Leadership from Eric Schwab
Join Meredith Hirsh in this inspiring episode of Working Healthcare to explore Eric Schwab’s journey into value-based care. As Chief Operating Officer of a large independent primary care group, Eric reveals the process of transitioning from fee-for-service to value-based care, highlighting both the benefits and the challenges. He tackles the controversies surrounding this healthcare model and shares how his remarkable 200+ pound weight loss journey taught him crucial leadership skills. Eric provides real-life examples and actionable insights on leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency. Gain a deeper understanding of value-based care and its impact on the healthcare system. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with valuable takeaways on leadership and operational efficiency. Be inspired and informed—don't miss out!
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Ep. 40 - Chuck Melendi Unveils the Truth Behind Big Pharma
02/25/2025
Ep. 40 - Chuck Melendi Unveils the Truth Behind Big Pharma
In this insightful episode of Working Healthcare, Meredith Hirsh sits down with Chuck Melendi for his first interview since leaving Johnson & Johnson, offering a rare, insider perspective on the complex world of Big Pharma. Chuck’s 30 years' experience navigating pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology offers listeners a rare, insider perspective on the industry's inner workings. From the staggering $83 billion spent on research and development each year to the role pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play in the pricing of medications, Chuck breaks down why Big Pharma is often misunderstood and scrutinized. He sheds light on how companies like Pfizer, Merck, and AbbVie use their financial power to impact public health and patient access, while offering insights into the fierce competition and strategies these giants employ. What’s behind the massive price disparity between the U.S. and other countries, and what can be done to fix it? Chuck pulls no punches, tackling the hard truths about pharmaceutical advertising, influence on doctors, and the tough choices that come with such a high-stakes industry. If you’ve ever wondered about the real story behind Big Pharma, this episode is a must-listen.
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