In this episode, Cole from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy is joined by Ryan Bengtson, President and CEO of Panda Health. They discuss Panda Health's evolution from a digital health marketplace to a comprehensive digital health partner. Bengtson shares his journey in healthcare consulting and the founding of Panda Health. The company helps health systems navigate the digital transformation by offering extensive research, pre-negotiated contracts, and a community-based platform for sharing insights. They delve into the challenges health systems face in choosing vendors, the importance of real-time feedback, and the future impact of AI in healthcare. This episode provides valuable insights into the healthcare industry's digital landscape and the innovative solutions offered by Panda Health. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:39 Meet Ryan Bengtson: Journey to CEO 01:42 The Evolution of Panda Health 03:23 Panda Health's Digital Health Marketplace 07:39 Challenges in Vendor Management 10:26 Panda Health's Unique Approach 18:30 The Role of AI in Healthcare 21:41 Conclusion and Future Insights

In this episode of The Strategy of Health Podcast, Cole sits down with Dr. Colin Banas, Internal Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Officer at DrFirst, to dive into the evolving landscape of healthcare technology. They discuss how FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is transforming healthcare interoperability, streamlining prior authorizations, and enhancing data transparency. Dr. Banas shares his journey from CMIO at VCU Health to his current role at DrFirst, offering unique insights into the challenges and solutions in electronic health records (EHR), medication management, and the integration of AI in healthcare workflows.00:00 Introduction to FHIR and Its Importance00:27 Meet Dr. Colin Banas00:50 Journey to Medicine02:30 Career at VCU and Transition to Dr. First03:33 Challenges and Innovations in EHR06:06 Joining Dr. First11:30 Improving Medication Management15:26 The Future of Prior Authorization25:09 The Role of AI in Healthcare30:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Cole from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy is joined by Rick Moreland, founder of Modality Global Advisors. They discuss the current landscape of health policy and equity in the United States and explore strategies that healthcare organizations can implement to address these issues moving forward. Moreland emphasizes the importance of proactive and holistic approaches, addressing social determinants of health, and integrating wellness incentives. He also highlights the role of managed care organizations, telemedicine, and data analytics in transforming care delivery and improving outcomes. The conversation includes insights on leveraging big data for preventive care, reducing ER visits, and the economic impact of shifting towards value-based care. 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Cost Savings 00:28 Meet Rick Moreland: Healthcare Consultant 01:20 Health Policy and Equity in 2025 02:14 Addressing Social Determinants of Health 04:16 Managed Care and Mobile Health Solutions 05:08 Holistic Approach to Healthcare Consulting 07:34 Shift to Preventive and Value-Based Care 13:25 Big Data and Population Health 18:30 Innovations in Healthcare for 2025 20:29 Geographical Challenges in Healthcare 22:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Strategy of Health, host Cole is joined by Dr. Stephanie Toth-Manikowski, a seasoned nephrologist and population health expert at Healthmap Solutions. Together, they explore a bold vision for kidney care: slowing the progression of kidney disease and optimizing renal replacement therapy. This insightful conversation unpacks how intelligent population health management can identify at-risk patients earlier, enabling proactive care coordination and helping patients maintain kidney function longer.Dr. Toth-Manikowski shares her clinical journey—from Harvard and Johns Hopkins to frontline nephrology—and reveals how Healthmap’s multidisciplinary teams of nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and dietitians are making a tangible impact on CKD outcomes. They discuss everything from avoiding unplanned dialysis starts, to educating patients about home dialysis options, to tackling social determinants of health with actionable support.Key themes include:🩺 Early intervention in CKD stages 3–5🤝 Coordinated, personalized care models that reduce ER dialysis starts📚 The power of health literacy, lifestyle changes, and low-cost medications📡 Bridging clinical care gaps with intelligent outreach and real-time data If you’re a healthcare strategist, clinician, or payer looking to understand how tech-enabled, patient-centered models are changing the future of kidney care, this episode is a must-listen.🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on healthcare transformation.🌐 Visit ajhcs.org for more resources.This video was brought to you by: Healthmap Solutions, learn more at https://healthmapsolutions.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Chris Myers, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in healthcare leadership and management. Dr. Myers discusses the crucial role leadership plays in healthcare outcomes, often overshadowed by technological advancements and clinical expertise. He emphasizes the need for effective coordination and communication within healthcare teams to avoid common errors that stem from poor leadership practices. Dr. Myers also shares insights from his research on team compositions in operating rooms and the importance of familiarizing clinicians with good leadership practices early in their careers. Listen as Dr. Myers provides actionable strategies to integrate leadership training and improve healthcare delivery without additional costs or resources. 00:00 Introduction to Systematic Improvements in Healthcare 00:45 Meet Chris Myers: Healthcare Leadership Expert 01:21 The Importance of Leadership in Healthcare 02:32 Challenges in Focusing on Leadership 04:30 Strategies for Improving Leadership Skills 06:29 Bridging the Gap Between Clinicians and Administrators 09:40 Utilizing Local Resources for Leadership Development 20:49 The Impact of Leadership on Technological Investments 24:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for an insightful conversation with Tiara Green, President of Accessia Health, as we explore her journey from program manager to executive leader in advancing health equity for individuals with rare and chronic conditions. In this episode, Tiara shares the mission of Accessia Health—a national nonprofit providing financial assistance, education, and resources to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.We discuss the challenges of healthcare affordability, the critical role of health literacy, and the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing care gaps. Tiara offers actionable insights on building trust with community organizations, collaborating with faith-based groups, and creating sustainable solutions for underserved populations. She also reflects on managing rising costs, improving patient outcomes, and leading an organization through policy, economic, and technological shifts.Whether you’re a healthcare strategist, nonprofit leader, or advocate for health equity, this episode offers valuable lessons on creating impact and driving systems change. Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with leaders transforming healthcare.00:00 Introduction and Common Goals00:38 Meet Tiara Green: President of Excessia Health01:50 Tiara's Journey to Leadership03:01 Navigating Healthcare Changes05:05 Holistic Approach to Healthcare Assistance07:21 The Power of Education and Health Literacy11:08 Addressing Health Inequities14:31 Partnering with Faith-Based Organizations15:44 Effective Community Partnerships19:14 Supporting Individuals with Rare Conditions20:41 Funding and Legal Assistance25:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To donate: https://accessiahealth.org/donations/

This video was brought to you by: AJHCS Digital Services, learn more at https://services.ajhcs.org/

In this insightful episode, Cole Lyons from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy interviews Meghan Gaffney, CEO of VEDA Data Solutions. Meghan shares her unique journey from healthcare policy in Washington, D.C. to co-founding an AI-driven company aimed at improving access to healthcare. She delves into the challenges and successes of using AI and machine learning to create more accurate and equitable healthcare provider data directories. Meghan also discusses the importance of diverse teams in tech and the future of AI in personalizing patient experiences. Tune in to learn how VEDA is making a significant impact in the healthcare industry.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:37 Meghan Gaffney's Background and VEDA Data Solutions02:03 Transition from Policy to Tech02:24 The Genesis of VEDA and AI Implementation04:49 Challenges and Successes in AI and Healthcare17:52 Building a Diverse and Equitable Team23:52 Future of AI in Healthcare26:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Antwan Williams, COO of Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital (soon to be Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital) and Co-Founder of The Advancement League & Young Health Leaders Summit. Antwan shares his journey from aspiring civil engineer to healthcare executive, offering powerful insights on adaptability, leadership, and the importance of lateral networking in career growth. 🔑 Key Topics Covered:• How Antwan transitioned from engineering to healthcare leadership• The importance of flexibility and adaptability in career advancement• The origins and impact of The Advancement League and the Young Health Leaders Summit• Strategies for networking and building meaningful professional relationships• Managing the demands of hospital leadership while growing an organization• The importance of seeking perspective and knowing when to take the next career step📅 Upcoming Young Health Leaders SummitMay 14-16, 2025 | Atlanta, GAGet your tickets now before they sell out!📍 About The American Journal of Healthcare StrategyThe AJHCS podcast brings top healthcare leaders to share insights on strategy, innovation, and career growth in the industry.Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated on the latest episodes.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:39 Meet Antwan Williams01:42 Journey into Healthcare Administration05:05 The Advancement League and Its Impact08:26 The Unique Approach of the Young Health Leaders Summit12:03 Balancing Roles and Finding Good People17:39 Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Leaders20:10 Upcoming Conference Details and Conclusion