On today's very special episode of Transforming Healthcare, we're thrilled to announce a new chapter for the podcast as we welcome longtime friend and orthopedic leader Dr. R. Michael Meneghini as co-host. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Meneghini is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in joint replacement. His expertise spans primary and partial hip and knee replacements, revision surgeries, and advanced computer-assisted surgical techniques. Additionally, he co-founded M2 Orthopedic Partners, a private-equity-backed orthopedic management company. Dr. Meneghini's impressive educational journey began at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in engineering. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University, completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and pursued a fellowship in complex hip and knee replacement at the Mayo Clinic. Before founding IJRI, he led the Indiana University Health Hip and Knee Center for over a decade. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Meneghini has received numerous accolades, including the Coventry Award at the Mayo Clinic, the Early Career Achievement Award from Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Career Achievement Award from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. In 2020, he attained the academic rank of Professor in Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Meneghini is also a prolific researcher, having authored over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His commitment to advancing the field extends to his roles on the executive boards of the Knee Society, Mid-American Orthopaedic Association (MAOA), the International Orthopedic Education Network (IOEN), and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). Join us for this very special episode as we dive into Dr. Meneghini's path and explore the shared commitment to health equity, caring for all patients, and elevating voices that are pushing the industry toward higher-value, more accessible care.

On today's episode of Transforming Healthcare with Dr. Wael Barsoum, we are excited to have two physician-turned-entrepreneurs who are redefining musculoskeletal care with digital technology and AI. Dr. Tom Harte is an orthopedic surgeon and Founder of MSK.AI, who now serves as President of HOPCo Digital. Dr. Will Briggs is a Cambridge-trained physician-scientist who is the Founder and CEO of Naitive. Both Naitive and MSK.ai are digital health startups focused on using data and technology to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Join us as we discuss building patient-facing platforms that deliver the right information at the right time, unpack the coming shift in AI, and why tackling administrative burden and interoperability may unlock the biggest gains in access, cost, and outcomes.

On Today's episode of Transforming Healthcare with Dr. Wael Barsoum, we are thrilled to have a longtime friend and colleague Dr. Carlos Higuera to discuss his journey as a true triple threat in orthopedics: clinician, researcher, and educator. Dr. Higuera is an internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon, Chairman of the Levitetz Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida, and past president of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. Join us as we discuss global medical training, advances in orthopedic infection care, the role of research in improving patient outcomes, and the realities of balancing an intense professional career with family life.

On Today's episode of Transforming Healthcare with Dr. Wael Barsoum, we're honored to be filming today with Allen Passerallo. Allen Passerallo is Vice President of Category Management at Vizient, where he leads contracting and category management strategies for orthopedics and neuro-physician preference items, with a focus on cost management in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). He brings extensive experience in healthcare supply chain, sourcing and value analysis, with prior leadership roles at Johns Hopkins Health System and Cleveland Clinic. Allen holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and a

Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Mercyhurst University. Join us as we discuss supply chain, performance improvement, incentivization, alignment, and ASCs.

On Today's episode of Transforming Healthcare with Dr. Wael Barsoum, we're excited to be filming for the first time and that too with an incredible leader in the payor industry, Tony Helton. Tony Helton is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Medical Mutual of Ohio. Prior to being appointed to his current role in November 2024, he was the organization's EVP and CFO. Earlier in his career, Helton spent nearly two decades at the Cleveland Clinic in several roles, including Interim CFO and Executive Director of Revenue Cycle Management and Continuous Improvement. Helton earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and an MBA from John Carroll University. Join us as we delve into what a mutual is, the differences between mutuals and insurances, and Tony's mission for his community and his incredible journey in this industry.

On Today's episode of Transforming Healthcare with Dr. Wael Barsoum, we have special guests Dr. Jason Sansone and Benjamin Jarvis.

Dr. Jason Sansone, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and the President of Orthopedic & Spine Centers of Wisconsin. He specializes in spine surgery and orthopedic traumatology. A Wisconsin native, Dr. Sansone earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences from the University of Wisconsin. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and an active member of the Wisconsin Medical Society. Dr. Sansone's specialty fellowship training includes spine surgery, enabling him to provide advanced care for conditions affecting the spine, as well as orthopedic traumatology, which encompasses both operative and non-operative care of complex fractures.

Benjamin Jarvis is the Executive Vice President of Wisconsin Operations at Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. Benjamin previously held various administrative and managerial roles in the healthcare industry, including Administrator of Surgical Operations at SSM Health, Practice Manager at NorthShore University HealthSystem, and Account Manager at Aerotek Scientific. Benjamin holds a Master of Science in Health Systems Management from RUSH University and a Bachelor's degree in Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Join us as we talk about the successes and pitfalls of their journey to starting an orthopedic practice from scratch.

On Today's Episode of Transforming Healthcare with Dr. Wael Barsoum, we're joined by an inspiring healthcare leader who has dedicated his career to driving innovation and excellence in patient care. Don E. King serves as the Senior Vice President at Ascension and CEO of Ascension Florida, overseeing the clinical, operational, strategic, and financial aspects of the Florida Ministry Market. His leadership spans across Sacred Heart Health System, Studer Family Children's Hospital in Pensacola, and St. Vincent's Health System in Jacksonville.

A passionate advocate for healthcare improvement, Don is deeply engaged in the healthcare landscape, holding key positions on the Board of Directors and Policy Committee for the Florida Hospital Association. He is also an influential member of the Florida Board of Directors for the Safety Net Hospital Alliance and serves on the regional policy board for the American Hospital Association.

Don's career has been marked by a series of impactful leadership roles. Before his current position, he served as Senior Vice President and Kansas Ministry Market Executive for Ascension Via Christi in Wichita. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions in Ascension Alabama and Ascension Tennessee, where he was instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence. A graduate of Loma Linda University, Don earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees, cementing a strong foundation for his career in healthcare leadership.

Tune in to hear Don's powerful insights on innovative leadership, navigating complex healthcare challenges, and the future of patient-centered care.

On Today's episode of Transforming Healthcare with Dr. Wael Barsoum, we're honored to have Dr. Mira Albert, DDS, MBA, MS, who is a dynamic pediatric dentist, entrepreneur, and community leader with over two decades of experience in advancing oral health care. As the founder and CEO of Brush Pediatric Dentistry in Hinsdale, Illinois, Mira has built a thriving private practice that serves over 7,000 active patients and employs a team of six pediatric dentists and 20+ staff. Expanding her vision, she is actively integrating four dental practices, cementing her reputation for innovative leadership and operational excellence.

With a deep commitment to patient care, prevention, and education, Mira has dedicated her career to creating premier dental experiences for children and their families. Her leadership extends to prestigious roles, such as a Board Trustee and Marketing Chair for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Foundation and a National Media Spokesperson for the AAPD, where she's been featured on NBC, WGN, and Fox sharing expert tips on pediatric oral health.

A graduate of the University of Michigan and Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, Dr. Albert combines clinical expertise with business acumen. She's also a passionate philanthropist, leading fundraising efforts that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for causes supporting families, women, and children.

Through her podcast appearances, Dr. Mira Albert shares her wealth of knowledge on pediatric dentistry, leadership, and creating a meaningful impact in the community. Join us while we explore her journey, insights, and the heart behind her work.