In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, host Ben Wagner speaks with Dr. Connie Delaney, dean of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, about the science, compassion, and leadership at the heart of nursing.

Together, they discuss Dr. Delaney’s path into nursing and academia, the growing workforce challenges facing the profession, and how innovation—including artificial intelligence—can better support both clinicians and patients. They also explore the themes of her book, Leading with Love, and what it means to lead with empathy, presence, and purpose in today’s healthcare environment.

This is a thoughtful conversation about the future of nursing—and the human connection that must remain at the center of healthcare.

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MedTech companies are navigating a new reality: more data, more tools, and more pressure to engage customers and teams in smarter, more efficient ways. But with no clear playbook, many are struggling to keep up.

In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Ben Wagner sits down with Salesforce’s Larry Davis to unpack how engagement is evolving across the industry, and where AI is beginning to make a real impact.

From the rise of agentic AI to the challenges of scaling innovation in highly regulated environments, Larry shares practical insights on how organizations can cut through complexity, reduce administrative burden, and empower teams to focus on what matters most.

They explore:

• Why only 28% of a sales rep’s time is spent actually selling—and how to fix it
• What “agentic AI” really means (and why it matters now)
• The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AI
• How to move from pilots to enterprise-scale transformation
• What the future of personalized, patient-centered engagement could look like

Whether you’re leading commercial teams, building digital strategy, or simply trying to make sense of the AI wave, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at where MedTech is heading, and how to keep up.

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What does it mean to lead a health system where every decision shapes the future of a child and their family?

In this episode of the Medical Alley Podcast, Medical Alley President and CEO Roberta Dressen sits down with Dr. Emily Chapman, President and CEO of Children’s Minnesota, to explore leadership in a moment of profound change for healthcare.

Dr. Chapman shares her journey from child life specialist to pediatrician to CEO, and reflects on the responsibility of guiding one of the nation’s largest independent pediatric health systems. The conversation explores how Children’s Minnesota is navigating workforce challenges, strengthening partnerships across the care continuum, and advancing innovation in a field where both science and compassion are essential.

From responding to community crises to reimagining what “value” means in healthcare, this episode offers a powerful look at how pediatric systems are evolving, and why investing in children’s health is foundational to the future of care.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we dive into one of the most urgent challenges facing our industry — our workforce. From shortages across clinical roles to the growing demand for skilled digital and technical talent, the strength of our future healthcare system truly depends on the people who power it.

To help us unpack the issue, we welcome Dr. Sally Saba, president of the Medtronic Foundation and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Medtronic.

Dr. Saba is leading one of the most ambitious workforce initiatives in the country — Medtronic Spark, a 10-year, $100 million commitment designed to expand opportunity, strengthen the STEM talent pipeline, and ensure that the next generation of innovators reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Applications for the Medtronic Spark Scholarship are officially open. To learn more about how to apply, click here.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we’re recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month with three special guests: Dr. Brandy Matthews (VP, Global & US Medical Affairs, Alzheimer's Disease at Eli Lilly and Company), Dr. Ronald Petersen (Neurologist, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center), and Robert Freeman (VP, Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association, MN-ND Chapter).

In the discussion, we break down what Alzheimer’s Disease is, how it’s diagnosed, the latest innovations in research and treatments, and what the future of Alzheimer’s care could look like.

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On September 30, Medical Alley hosted Women in Health Leadership, bringing together an extraordinary group of leaders for connection, reflection, and growth. The featured speaker was Sheri Dodd, CEO of Tactile Medical.

Sheri is a seasoned executive with vast experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health sectors. She is widely respected for her insight, integrity, and perspectives on healthcare transformation and leadership and offered lessons in leadership and inspiration to pursue bold ideas and meaningful change in your work.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we welcome Informa Markets Senior Editor Amanda Pedersen. Amanda has been covering the medical device industry since 2006, examining trends and innovations with a deep understanding of the medtech landscape.

We also discuss MD&M Midwest 2025 taking place in Minneapolis on October 21 and 22. If you're planning to attend, register with the promo code MED to receive a complimentary expo pass.

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On this episode of The Medical Alley Podcast, we're joined by two leaders from Sonex Health, a company that's pioneering minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedures that really are changing the landscape of orthopedic care—Bob Paulson (President and CEO) and Dr. Darryl Barnes (Founder and Chief Technology Officer). We talk about the inspiration behind Sonex Health, the innovations shaping patient outcomes, and the leadership lessons from scaling a medtech company and the opportunities ahead for minimally invasive orthopedic care.

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