ACHE of Georgia’s Healthcare Leadership Podcast

In this episode, John Kueven, Chief Operating Officer of Northeast Georgia Health System, shares his inspiring journey from rural Mississippi to becoming a healthcare executive. His passion for healthcare was deeply influenced by the tragic loss of his grandfather, who died at age 54 after being misdiagnosed and repeatedly sent home from the emergency department despite experiencing chest pain—a medical error that shaped John's lifelong commitment to improving patient safety.

Throughout the conversation, he discusses the value of intentional career planning, combining business and clinical experience, seeking mentors who provide honest guidance, and saying "yes" to growth opportunities. He also highlights the importance of active involvement in ACHE, leading with purpose, and inspiring future healthcare leaders to make a lasting impact on patient care.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.

In this episode of the ACHE of Georgia Leadership Podcast, healthcare executive Brian Unell, FACHE, shares insights from more than 25 years in healthcare leadership, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Brian discusses his journey from aspiring physician to healthcare executive, the importance of finding environments where you can thrive, and the leadership lessons that shaped his career.

He also breaks down the critical role of revenue cycle management and its impact on the patient experience. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on communication, mindset, self-awareness, and professional growth, along with practical advice for emerging healthcare leaders seeking to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

Join the conversation, and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.

In this episode of the ACHE of Georgia Leadership Podcast, host Yanick Hicks speaks with Eric Doherty about the future of healthcare innovation through telehealth, AI, and data analytics. Eric shares how QC Healthcare is building an integrated ecosystem that expands access to care for underserved and rural communities through virtual services, AI-powered diagnostics, and pharmacy delivery solutions.

The conversation explores leadership in times of disruption, the importance of embracing change, and how technology can reduce barriers to care while improving outcomes for patients and providers worldwide.

Join the conversation, and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.

In this episode of the ACHE of Georgia Healthcare Leadership Podcast, Dr. Sandy Duke shares his remarkable journey from practicing ENT surgeon and successful private practice owner to healthcare executive and physician leader. He discusses how early exposure to the business side of medicine sparked his passion for healthcare administration and why clinicians must help shape the future of healthcare delivery. Dr. Duke also shared his collaborative leadership philosophy and his vision for creating value through professional organizations such as ACHE. This conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, service, and purposeful career transitions.

Join the conversation, and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.

In this inspiring podcast episode, Melissa Adams, Founder and Executive Director of Home Helpers Home Care of West Marietta, shares her inspiring transition from healthcare IT executive to home health leader. Driven by personal experiences watching her father navigate Alzheimer's and her mother-in-law battle Parkinson's, Melissa discovered her true calling: helping families access quality care.

As a child of immigrant parents, she understands firsthand the challenges families face navigating complex healthcare systems. In this episode, Melissa discusses the power of effective communication, the importance of Toastmasters in developing executive presence, and how personal struggles can inspire meaningful change. Discover how you can leverage your story to create lasting impact in your community.

Join the conversation, and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.

In this inspiring podcast episode, Dr. Debi Dalton’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the impact of an open mind and a servant’s heart. From navigating demanding ER shifts to leading in high-level boardrooms, Dr. Dalton reveals how embracing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and serve others shaped both her career and her impact. With authenticity and insight, she encourages emerging leaders to step beyond their comfort zones, lead with intention, and recognize the influence they can have often without even realizing it. As Dr. Dalton reminds us: “Don’t be afraid to throw yourself out there; you might just make an impact on someone else without even realizing it.”

Join the conversation, and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.

BBio

Despina ("Debi") Dalton, MD, MBA, CPE, RPh, FAAP, FACHE

Dr. Debi Dalton is the Chief Medical Officer for Wellstar Paulding Medical Center. Previously, she served as the CMO for Wellstar Douglas Medical Center for 10 years. Dr. Dalton is Board Certified in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In the past, she has served in multiple leadership roles within the Wellstar Health system including President of the Medical Staff at Cobb Hospital, and Medical Director of both Cobb and Paulding's Emergency Departments. She has a Pharmacy Degree from Schwartz College of Pharmacy and a Healthcare Executive MBA from George Washington University.

Dr. Dalton is the Immediate Past President for the Medical Association of Georgia (2024-2025) after having served in various officer roles prior to her year as President. She is also a Past President of the Greater Cobb County Medical Society (2014). She also is a current Member and Past Chair (2021) of the Georgia Composite Medical Board. She is an FACHE and a member of the ACHE-Physician Executive Committee.

In this episode, Dr. Kathryn K. Cheek, a Retired Pediatrician and Chair of the Georgia Composite Medical Board, shares insights from her leadership in medicine. She discusses how serving on the board shaped her perspective on professionalism, patient safety, and physician accountability. Dr. Cheek highlights her passion for mentoring residents and helping future doctors avoid common pitfalls. She also explores the importance of physician wellness through her work with WELL4PEDS, a program rebuilding community among pediatricians. Emphasizing relationships with patients and peers, she reflects on how connection, reflection, and self-care are essential to sustaining compassionate, high-quality medical practice today.

Join the conversation, and share your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you! Dr. Yanick Hicks is your host and moderator.

In this episode, Dr. Yanick Hicks leads a powerful and insightful conversation with Jason S. Jones, MPSA, Executive Director of the Georgia Composite Medical Board. Together, they explore how the Board protects public health through medical licensing, regulatory oversight, and the investigation of complaints. Centered on the mantra “License. Regulate. Educate.”, the discussion highlights the vital role of strong leadership, accountability, and governance in maintaining high standards of care and public trust across Georgia’s healthcare system.

In this insightful episode, host Dr. Yanick Hicks sits down with Dione Geiger, President of The Sterling Council, to explore how effective leadership drives organizational excellence. Dione breaks down the Council’s mission to champion quality leadership and performance improvement across healthcare organizations through proven frameworks like the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. Listeners will learn how the Sterling Council supports leaders in driving innovation, measurable results, and a culture of continuous improvement — shaping high-performing organizations throughout the state.