Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Jason Conger and Dr. Marlow Hernandez, co-founders of Soran Health, to discuss how healthcare innovations are reshaping value-based care. They explore the challenges of public ownership in healthcare, the importance of payer-provider partnerships, and how data-driven insights can improve patient outcomes.

In this episode, Jason and Marlow share their healthcare industry insights from their time at Cano Health to launching Soran Health, explaining how their experiences in healthcare leadership shaped their mission to transform specialty care services at home.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guests, Jason Conger & Dr. Marlow Hernandez
• [04:15] Public ownership in healthcare: Pros, cons, and lessons from Cano Health
• [09:45] How provider incentives impact healthcare industry performance
• [15:30] The power of payer-provider partnerships in healthcare leadership
• [22:00] Geographic expansion in healthcare: Lessons from scaling Cano Health
• [30:00] The foundation of Soran Health: A new approach to value-based care
• [38:30] How predictive analytics & real-time healthcare insights drive better patient care
• [45:00] The future of healthcare: Innovations, partnerships, and technology-driven solutions

Key Takeaways:

• Public Ownership in Healthcare Requires Strategic Planning: Healthcare leadership teams must have a strong capital base and operational infrastructure before considering an IPO.
• Payer-Provider Partnerships Are Essential for Value-Based Care: Collaborations like those with Humana have proven that healthcare innovations can drive better patient outcomes while managing costs.
• Soran Health is Pioneering a New Model in Specialty Care: By leveraging healthcare data analytics, Soran Health is improving care delivery without relying on traditional claims data.
• Predictive Analytics is the Future of Healthcare Trends: Instead of waiting for claims or medical deterioration, real-time risk stratification can proactively improve patient outcomes.

• Soran Health Website:https://www.soranhealth.org/
• LinkedIn: Dr. Marlow Hernandez:linkedin.com/in/marlowhernandez

Jason Conger

Jason R. R. Conger is an American attorney and Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oregon. He served in the Oregon House of Representatives representing District 54 in Bend, Oregon, from 2011 to 2015.

Marlow Hernandez

Marlow Hernandez, D.O. is a board-certified physician and experienced venous specialist who has been serving the South Florida community for more than a decade.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Payer-Provider Partnerships, Value-Based Care, Public Healthcare Ownership, Healthcare Data Analytics, Public Ownership, Payer-Provider Partnership Models, and the Evolution of Value-Based Care, Jason Conger, Dr. Marlow Hernandez, Soran Health,

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Drew Franklin and Dr. Gavin Setzen, leaders in ENT and allergy care, to discuss the evolution of specialty healthcare, MSO development, and scaling a multi-site practice. They explore how healthcare leadership, patient access models, and value-based care innovations are reshaping the industry.

In this episode, Drew and Gavin share healthcare industry insights on private equity vs. independent growth, optimizing clinical operations, and integrating ancillary services like allergy, audiology, and imaging. They also unveil an ENT urgent care model designed to improve patient access and cost efficiency.

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guests, Drew Franklin & Dr. Gavin Setzen
• [04:00] The role of healthcare leadership in ENT & allergy care growth
• [12:00] Expanding an ENT practice: From a regional leader to a national brand
• [19:45] Private Equity vs. Independent Growth: Strategic decisions in healthcare business models
• [26:30] ENT Urgent Care & Ancillary Services: How innovations drive better patient outcomes
• [41:00] The Referral Challenge: Balancing specialty collaboration & in-house services
• [50:00] Value-Based Care & Healthcare Trends: Navigating new payer models & cost-efficient care

• ENT & Allergy Care Innovations Are Expanding: Urgent care, allergy services, and audiology offer new revenue streams and better patient care.
• Private Equity vs. Physician-Owned Models: Retaining clinical control and culture is crucial for long-term success.
• Value-Based Care & Payer Models Are Evolving: ENT groups must adapt to healthcare industry shifts for sustainable growth.
• 
  
• Healthcare Leadership & MSOs Create Scalable Success: A dyad leadership approach (clinical + business expertise) is key to building efficient multi-site practices.

Drew Franklin, MBA, FACMPE – Medical Practice Executive, ENT Administrator at ENT Specialty Partners

I’m a strategic advisor for Albany ENT and Allergy Services. I’ve been with the practice for four years. I’ve been in ENT for 18 years, having previously worked with ENT and Allergy Associates, which is the largest Ear, Nose and Throat practice in the country. I have my MBA from NYU Stern. I’m a fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives, and I’m very happy to be here.

Gavin Setzen – CEO & President at Albany ENT & Allergy Services

My journey’s a little circuitous to Albany, having grown up in South Africa. I went to medical school in South Africa, did a short stint at a family practice, 60 miles north of North Dakota, waiting for my green card. I completed a partial general surgery residency in New York City. Before coming up to Albany, I completed my ENT Head and Neck surgery residency here and loved the Adirondacks, the upstate New York area. I had a great opportunity to take over the practice of a solo practitioner and have lived in upstate New York since that time. We developed a great platform in comprehensive otolaryngology here, growing the practice to now our 10th physician and onboarding our 20th physician assistant. We have a very diverse, broadbased, comprehensive type of practice and we can certainly talk more about the offerings and ancillaries and other care services that we provide. It’s been a very rewarding, important journey, and we’re glad to be providing care to upstate New York and contiguous communities in southern Vermont, Western Massachusetts, and the like.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, ENT Urgent Care, Value-Based Care, Medical Practice Growth, Private Equity in Healthcare, Drew Franklin,  Dr. Gavin Setzen,  specialty healthcare, MSO development, allergy care growth,

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Drew Franklin and Dr. Gavin Setzen, leaders in ENT and allergy care, to discuss the evolution of specialty healthcare, MSO development, and scaling a multi-site practice. They explore how healthcare leadership, patient access models, and value-based care innovations are reshaping the industry.

In this episode, Drew and Gavin share healthcare industry insights on private equity vs. independent growth, optimizing clinical operations, and integrating ancillary services like allergy, audiology, and imaging. They also unveil an ENT urgent care model designed to improve patient access and cost efficiency.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guests, Drew Franklin & Dr. Gavin Setzen
• [04:00] The role of healthcare leadership in ENT & allergy care growth
• [12:00] Expanding an ENT practice: From a regional leader to a national brand
• [19:45] Private Equity vs. Independent Growth: Strategic decisions in healthcare business models
• [26:30] ENT Urgent Care & Ancillary Services: How innovations drive better patient outcomes
• [41:00] The Referral Challenge: Balancing specialty collaboration & in-house services
• [50:00] Value-Based Care & Healthcare Trends: Navigating new payer models & cost-efficient care

Key Takeaways:

• ENT & Allergy Care Innovations Are Expanding: Urgent care, allergy services, and audiology offer new revenue streams and better patient care.
• Private Equity vs. Physician-Owned Models: Retaining clinical control and culture is crucial for long-term success.
• Value-Based Care & Payer Models Are Evolving: ENT groups must adapt to healthcare industry shifts for sustainable growth.
• 
  
• Healthcare Leadership & MSOs Create Scalable Success: A dyad leadership approach (clinical + business expertise) is key to building efficient multi-site practices.

Drew Franklin, MBA, FACMPE – Medical Practice Executive, ENT Administrator at ENT Specialty Partners

I’m a strategic advisor for Albany ENT and Allergy Services. I’ve been with the practice for four years. I’ve been in ENT for 18 years, having previously worked with ENT and Allergy Associates, which is the largest Ear, Nose and Throat practice in the country. I have my MBA from NYU Stern. I’m a fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives, and I’m very happy to be here.

Gavin Setzen – CEO & President at Albany ENT & Allergy Services

My journey’s a little circuitous to Albany, having grown up in South Africa. I went to medical school in South Africa, did a short stint at a family practice, 60 miles north of North Dakota, waiting for my green card. I completed a partial general surgery residency in New York City. Before coming up to Albany, I completed my ENT Head and Neck surgery residency here and loved the Adirondacks, the upstate New York area. I had a great opportunity to take over the practice of a solo practitioner and have lived in upstate New York since that time. We developed a great platform in comprehensive otolaryngology here, growing the practice to now our 10th physician and onboarding our 20th physician assistant. We have a very diverse, broadbased, comprehensive type of practice and we can certainly talk more about the offerings and ancillaries and other care services that we provide. It’s been a very rewarding, important journey, and we’re glad to be providing care to upstate New York and contiguous communities in southern Vermont, Western Massachusetts, and the like.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, ENT Urgent Care, Value-Based Care, Medical Practice Growth, Private Equity in Healthcare, Drew Franklin,  Dr. Gavin Setzen,  specialty healthcare, MSO development, allergy care growth,

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Suzy Engwall and David Reese to explore the intersection of MedTech, pharma, and healthcare services, focusing on how MSOs (Management Services Organizations) can play a larger role in healthcare innovation, clinical research, and early adoption of new medical technologies.

In this episode, Suzy and David discuss the commercialization of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, how healthcare providers can integrate life sciences into their business models, and whether MSOs should build their own GPOs and venture capital arms. They also address the challenges and opportunities in MedTech and pharma adoption for outpatient settings.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guests, Suzy Engwall & David Reese
• [04:00] Why MSOs should take an active role in MedTech and Pharma innovation
• [12:00] Commercialization strategies: How medical devices and drugs enter the market
• [19:45] Private Equity vs. MSO-Owned GPOs: The business of healthcare innovation
• [26:30] The role of clinical research in MSO expansion and physician engagement
• [41:00] Venture Capital in Healthcare: Should MSOs fund life sciences innovations?
• [50:00] AI, Regulatory Trends, and the Future of MedTech & Pharma in Healthcare

Key Takeaways:

• MSOs Can Play a Larger Role in Healthcare Innovation: From GPOs to early adoption programs, outpatient providers should engage with MedTech and pharma earlier in the commercialization process.
• Building a Clinical Research Infrastructure is a Competitive Advantage: MSOs that develop in-house research capabilities can improve patient outcomes and attract top clinical talent.
• Healthcare Venture Capital is Growing: Health systems have led the way—now MSOs should explore funding innovation to support new medical technologies and revenue diversification.
• Regulatory & Technological Shifts Are Reshaping Healthcare: AI, cost pressures, and regulatory frameworks are changing how new treatments are developed and adopted.

Suzy Engwall:

LinkedIn Profilelinkedin.com/in/sengwall

David Reese:

https://www.scale-healthcare.com/employees/david-reese/

Clinician Exchange: Website

https://healthtechstrategies.com/

https://alirahealth.com/

Suzy Engwall is the CEO and Founder of HealthTech Strategies, LLC, a boutique consulting firm

She is a healthcare innovation leader, speaker, startup advisor and mentor that has been working to make change in healthcare for almost 2 decades.

David Reese is the Executive Partner, Infusion & Pharma Services at SCALE Healthcare

David is a seasoned and proven healthcare management professional whose career spans more than thirty years of experience in physician-office infusion services, new service-line start-ups, operational management, and business strategy and development settings.

David Reese, PhD Dr. Reese has a proven track record of leading and growing molecular diagnostics companies, raising funds, developing products, and building partnerships. He was the founder, CEO, and CSO of Provista Diagnostics, Inc., where he oversaw two CLIA/CAP laboratories and the commercialization of Videssa Breast, a novel blood-based test for breast cancer detection. He also served as the CEO and Lab Manager of Accurex Diagnostic Services, a COVID-19 and flu testing service provider, where he implemented the sales and marketing strategy and developed business development opportunities. Dr. Reese is passionate about advancing healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes through his scientific and commercial expertise.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, MedTech, Pharma, MSO Growth, Life Sciences, Clinical Research, Venture Capital in Healthcare, Suzy Engwall, David Reese, MedTech, pharma, healthcare services,  MSOs,

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Dr. Ira Kornbluth, a leading figure in pain management and musculoskeletal (MSK) care, to discuss the evolution of Clearway Pain Solutions, its growth into the largest pain management practice in the U.S., and how interventional pain treatments are reshaping the industry.

In this episode, Dr. Kornbluth shares his journey from independent practice to private equity-backed national leader, his strategic approach to ASC (ambulatory surgery center) expansion, and how Clearway Pain Solutions maintains clinical compliance while driving innovation in pain treatment. The conversation also tackles opioid prescribing trends, risk management in pain medicine, and the future of MSK practice growth.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. Ira Kornbluth

• [03:30] The evolution of pain management & interventional pain medicine

• [10:45] Private Equity vs. Independent Practice: What works best for growth?

• [17:30] Compliance in Pain Medicine: How Clearway Pain Solutions mitigates risk

• [24:15] Acquisition Strategy & Due Diligence: What Clearway looks for in partnerships

• [30:00] ASCs & Procedure Expansion: Why surgery centers are the future of pain care

• [37:00] Pain Management & Opioids: How the industry is adapting post-crisis

• Pain Management is Evolving: Interventional treatments, ASCs, and new procedures are shifting the focus from chronic opioid management to minimally invasive pain relief solutions.

• Private Equity Helps Scale Operations: With the right partner, MSK and pain practices can gain financial discipline, accelerate growth, and maintain clinical quality.

• Surgery Centers are the Next Big Growth Area: Clearway Pain Solutions is investing heavily in ASC development as pain procedures move into outpatient settings.

• Opioid Prescribing is Declining: The medical community is shifting to earlier interventional pain management and reducing reliance on opioids.

• Acquisitions Require Strict Due Diligence: Not all pain practices meet Clearway’s compliance and cultural standards—choosing the right partners is key to long-term success.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Pain Management, MSK Care, Interventional Pain, Surgery Centers, Value-Based Care, Private Equity in Healthcare, Dr. Ira Kornbluth, pain management , musculoskeletal care, Clearway Pain Solutions,

In this insightful episode of the Scale Leadership Series, host Roy Bejarano sits down with Chris Kane, CEO of Allergy Partners, to discuss healthcare leadership, MSO strategies, and the evolving healthcare industry. Chris shares his extensive experience navigating healthcare trends, investment models, and the impact of healthcare innovations on patient care. From private equity dynamics to healthcare industry insights, this episode is packed with invaluable takeaways for leaders and investors in the field.

Timestamps:

• [02:00] – Chris Kane’s journey in healthcare leadership: from West Dermatology to Allergy Partners.

• [05:30] – The impact of ownership models on healthcare industry insights and business outcomes.

• [14:30] – Healthcare consolidation: Does size in healthcare lead to better or worse patient outcomes?

• [26:00] – Comparing healthcare trends in Dermatology and Allergy: Business models & operational challenges.

• [39:00] – The role of AI, healthcare innovations, and data analytics in improving patient care.

• Ownership Structures Shape Outcomes – Whether private equity, family offices, or multinational corporations, the ownership model of a healthcare entity directly affects strategy and patient care.

• Healthcare Consolidation Has Pros and Cons – While some fear monopolization, healthcare trends show that consolidation can drive efficiencies if executed correctly.

• Data and AI are Transforming Healthcare – Emerging healthcare innovations in analytics and artificial intelligence are shaping the future of patient care and operations.

• Payvider Models Pose a Competitive Threat – The integration of payers and providers (e.g., Optum) is one of the biggest disruptors in the healthcare industry today.

RESOURCES:

https://chrismkane.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-m-kane/

About the Guest:

 Chris Kane As a CEO and consultant, Chris has led companies through game-changing evolutions including rapid, sustainable and profitable growth, complex operations management, strategic planning, shifting leadership dynamics at all levels of the organization, and highly successful exits. Chris draws on these experiences – the wins, the setbacks, the deep commitment to learning – in service of his coaching and facilitation work with individuals, teams, and companies.

Leaders turn to Chris to broker a better relationship between the C-suite, board members, and private equity companies. They trust him to provide incisive and objective advice on growth strategies, team development and market position. They are persuaded by Chris’ conviction that healthy cultures and strong business outcomes are inextricably linked. That psychological safety and performance-oriented cultures matter now more than ever. That, at the end of the day, your people, and how they learn to work well together, makes all the difference.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, MSO Strategies, Allergy Partners, Private Equity in Healthcare, Healthcare Consolidation

Host Jason Schifman sits down with Dr. Scott C. Wise, President of Valor Healthcare, to explore how his organization is expanding federal healthcare services, winning complex government contracts, and scaling veteran-focused primary and behavioral healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Wise shares insights on federal healthcare partnerships, navigating complex RFP processes, and how Valor Healthcare is leading in remote patient monitoring and outpatient primary care. He also discusses strategic growth plans, private equity involvement, and the future of veteran healthcare innovation.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. Scott C. Wise

• [03:00] The Valor Healthcare Mission: Serving veterans and government agencies

• [09:00] Winning Federal Healthcare Contracts: Strategies for securing large-scale projects

• [14:30] Scaling Primary & Behavioral Care for Veterans: How Valor Healthcare grew from 12 to 50+ locations

• [20:00] Strategic Partnerships in Federal Healthcare: Building the right teams for success

• [27:00] Remote Patient Monitoring & Digital Health: The future of tech-driven veteran care

• [34:00] Challenges in Government Healthcare: Decentralization, funding, and policy barriers

• Federal Healthcare Contracts are Expanding: Valor Healthcare has successfully scaled by securing contracts for primary care, behavioral health, and remote patient monitoring for veterans and government agencies.

• Government Healthcare Requires Strategic Partnerships: Winning and executing large-scale government contracts requires assembling teams across IT, clinical care, and infrastructure development.

• Digital & Remote Care is the Future: Valor Healthcare’s $250M contract in remote patient monitoring highlights the growing role of tech-driven solutions for veteran care.

• Behavioral Health is a Priority for Veterans: Government agencies are increasing funding and resources for mental health and PTSD care, creating opportunities for innovative care models.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Valor Healthcare, Veteran Healthcare, Government Healthcare Contracts, Behavioral Health, Primary Care Expansion, Remote Patient Monitoring, Public-Private Partnerships, Federal Healthcare Policy, Health IT Security, Population Health, Military Healthcare, Dr. Scott C. Wise,

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Jon Moore, Chief Risk Officer at Clearwater, to discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in healthcare, how AI is changing cyber threats, and what organizations can do to strengthen their risk management strategies.

In this episode, Jon Moore shares insights on ransomware attacks, regulatory compliance challenges, and the rise of AI-driven cyber threats. He also explores how healthcare providers, MSOs, and health systems can proactively protect patient data, simulate security breaches, and implement enterprise risk management programs.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Jon Moore

• [04:00] The Role of a Chief Risk Officer: Why cybersecurity is critical for healthcare

• [10:00] AI & Cyber Threats: How hackers are using AI to create sophisticated attacks

• [17:30] Ransomware & Data Breaches: The biggest cyber risks facing healthcare organizations

• [24:00] Best Practices for Risk Management: How to develop a cybersecurity strategy

• [30:00] Tabletop Exercises & Simulated Attacks: Preparing healthcare leaders for cyber threats

• [37:30] Regulatory & Compliance Changes: HIPAA, SEC rules, and third-party security risks

• [42:00] The Future of Cybersecurity in Healthcare: What organizations should focus on next

• Ransomware is an Existential Threat: Healthcare breaches cost up to $11 million per incident, making cybersecurity a top priority for protecting patient data.

• Risk Management Programs are Essential: Every healthcare organization should have a cybersecurity strategy, conduct risk assessments, and simulate attacks to test system resilience.

• Regulatory Compliance is Increasing: New HIPAA and SEC regulations are placing greater accountability on healthcare organizations to secure patient data and mitigate cyber risks.

• Proactive Cybersecurity Measures Can Reduce Liability: Demonstrating a strong cybersecurity program can help mitigate legal risks, including class action lawsuits after a breach.

About the Guest:Jon Moore is the Chief Risk Officer at Clearwater, a leading provider of cyber risk management solutions for healthcare. With expertise in privacy, security, and compliance, he helps healthcare organizations strengthen their IT security and mitigate risks against cyber threats.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Cybersecurity in Healthcare, Patient Data Protection, AI and Cybersecurity, Healthcare Risk Management, Ransomware Protection, Cyber Threats in Healthcare, Regulatory Compliance, IT Security, HIPAA Compliance, Jon Moore,

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Saurabh Tripathi, former CFO of Highmark, Fresenius, and GE Healthcare, to discuss the financial landscape of healthcare, the payer-provider relationship, and the ongoing shift toward value-based care.

In this episode, Saurabh Tripathi shares insights on healthcare economics, payer negotiations, and the financial pressures on providers. He also discusses strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and the challenges of balancing cost efficiency with high-quality patient care.

Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Saurabh Tripathi

• [05:00] The Solar System of Healthcare: How medical devices, providers, and payers interact

• [12:00] Misconceptions Between Stakeholders: What providers and payers get wrong about each other

• [19:30] Fixing a Broken Healthcare System: Policy changes that could drive meaningful reform

• [26:00] Value-Based Care in Action: How Highmark transitioned to a VBC-heavy model

• [33:00] Narrow vs. Broad Networks: Payer-provider alignment for cost-efficient care

• [40:00] Digital Transformation in Healthcare: How telemedicine and AI are reshaping patient care

• Payer-Provider Relationships Need Better Alignment: Providers argue that payers don’t reimburse enough, while payers believe providers are inefficient—both need to meet in the middle to improve outcomes.

• Value-Based Care is the Future: Highmark successfully flipped its model to prioritize value-based reimbursement, proving that financial incentives can align with better patient outcomes.

• Market Consolidation is Accelerating: Independent specialty practices will need to join larger groups or risk struggling in a value-based care environment.

• Digital Health & AI Will Drive Cost Reductions: Telemedicine, AI-driven care coordination, and digital documentation can help healthcare organizations lower costs while maintaining high-quality care.

• Retail & Big Tech Are Entering Healthcare Aggressively: Companies like CVS, Amazon, and United Optum are reshaping healthcare by integrating payer and provider models in new ways.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Financial Strategies in Healthcare, Value-Based Care, Payer-Provider Partnerships, Healthcare Market Consolidation, Insurance Reimbursement, Digital Health, Healthcare Economics, Private Equity in Healthcare, Healthcare Cost Reduction,  Saurabh Tripathi,

Dr. Jim Weber Chief Executive Officer and Founder of GI Alliance
Dr. Weber leads the nation’s largest independent gastroenterology (GI) provider network. His vision of creating a premier GI network by being Patient-First, Quality-Centric, and Physician-Led drives the organization’s success.