Analyzing Healthcare

Host Jason Schifman sits down with Emi Gal, CEO and founder of Ezra, a company pioneering AI-powered full-body MRI scans for early cancer detection. Emi shares his personal motivation behind founding Ezra, how AI-driven imaging innovations are reshaping preventive medicine, and why his company is expanding access to affordable cancer screening.

The discussion explores healthcare industry insights around medical imaging, healthcare innovations, and the role of AI in streamlining cancer detection. Emi also shares the challenges of building strategic partnerships with imaging centers, scaling direct-to-consumer healthcare, and addressing false positives in full-body MRI scans.

• [00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Emi Gal, CEO of Ezra
• [02:00] How personal experience led Emi to launch Ezra & revolutionize early cancer detection
• [06:30] The Ezra model: Direct-to-consumer AI-powered full-body MRIs
• [12:00] Partnering with imaging centers: How Ezra operates without owning facilities
• [18:00] AI’s role in making MRIs faster, more efficient, and more affordable
• [24:30] Scaling a direct-to-consumer health tech business: Challenges & successes
• [30:00] Addressing concerns over false positives, incidental findings, and patient anxiety
• [40:00] The future of AI-driven preventive imaging and healthcare innovation
• [50:00] What’s next for Ezra: Expanding affordability, increasing access, and AI advancements

• AI-driven medical imaging is revolutionizing preventive healthcare. Ezra’s full-body MRI scans use AI to enhance speed, accuracy, and affordability, making early cancer detection more accessible.
• Strategic partnerships with imaging centers fuel Ezra’s rapid expansion. Rather than building facilities, Ezra leverages excess capacity in existing imaging centers, driving operational efficiency and scalability.
• False positives and incidental findings are a key challenge—but AI helps mitigate them. Ezra scores findings on a scale of 1-5, ensuring that only high-risk cases trigger follow-ups, reducing unnecessary procedures.
• Ezra’s long-term vision is a $600 AI-powered 15-minute scan. By continuing AI innovation, the goal is to make full-body cancer screening widely available, insurance-covered, and a standard preventive measure.

Resources:

Ezra Website

LinkedIn

Twitter/X

About the Guest:

Emi Gal is the founder and CEO of Ezra, an AI company pioneering the use of full-body MRI to detect cancer as early as possible. He is a software engineer and entrepreneur passionate about healthcare and longevity. Emi started his first company, Brainient, during his first year at university and spent the following 10 years building it into one of the leading ad-tech companies in Europe. Brainient (now called Teads Studio) was acquired by Teads in September 2016.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, AI in Healthcare, Medical Imaging, Cancer Screening, Preventive Medicine, Health Tech

Host Jason Schifman sits down with Emi Gal, CEO and founder of Ezra, a company pioneering AI-powered full-body MRI scans for early cancer detection. Emi shares his personal motivation behind founding Ezra, how AI-driven imaging innovations are reshaping preventive medicine, and why his company is expanding access to affordable cancer screening.

The discussion explores healthcare industry insights around medical imaging, healthcare innovations, and the role of AI in streamlining cancer detection. Emi also shares the challenges of building strategic partnerships with imaging centers, scaling direct-to-consumer healthcare, and addressing false positives in full-body MRI scans.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Emi Gal, CEO of Ezra

• [02:00] How personal experience led Emi to launch Ezra & revolutionize early cancer detection

• [06:30] The Ezra model: Direct-to-consumer AI-powered full-body MRIs

• [12:00] Partnering with imaging centers: How Ezra operates without owning facilities

• [18:00] AI’s role in making MRIs faster, more efficient, and more affordable

• [24:30] Scaling a direct-to-consumer health tech business: Challenges & successes

• [30:00] Addressing concerns over false positives, incidental findings, and patient anxiety

• [40:00] The future of AI-driven preventive imaging and healthcare innovation

• AI-driven medical imaging is revolutionizing preventive healthcare. Ezra’s full-body MRI scans use AI to enhance speed, accuracy, and affordability, making early cancer detection more accessible.

• Strategic partnerships with imaging centers fuel Ezra’s rapid expansion. Rather than building facilities, Ezra leverages excess capacity in existing imaging centers, driving operational efficiency and scalability.

• False positives and incidental findings are a key challenge—but AI helps mitigate them. Ezra scores findings on a scale of 1-5, ensuring that only high-risk cases trigger follow-ups, reducing unnecessary procedures.

• Ezra’s long-term vision is a $600 AI-powered 15-minute scan. By continuing AI innovation, the goal is to make full-body cancer screening widely available, insurance-covered, and a standard preventive measure.

Resources: Ezra Website LinkedIn Twitter/X

About the Guest:

Emi Gal is the founder and CEO of Ezra, an AI company pioneering the use of full-body MRI to detect cancer as early as possible. He is a software engineer and entrepreneur passionate about healthcare and longevity. Emi started his first company, Brainient, during his first year at university and spent the following 10 years building it into one of the leading ad-tech companies in Europe. Brainient (now called Teads Studio) was acquired by Teads in September 2016.Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, AI in Healthcare, Medical Imaging, Cancer Screening, Preventive Medicine, Health Tech

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Jason Howard, CEO of MedQuest, to explore the evolving landscape of medical imaging, AI in healthcare, and value-based care. With extensive experience in healthcare leadership, including his tenure as President of Sound Physicians, Jason shares his insights on strategic health system partnerships, AI-driven imaging advancements, and the growing role of radiology in patient care.

The conversation discusses the challenges of scaling imaging centers, the shortage of radiologists, and the importance of aligning MSOs (Management Services Organizations) with health systems to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Jason also highlights how MedQuest is leveraging technology, ambulatory care expansion, and payer relationships to enhance healthcare industry insights and drive sustainable growth in medical imaging.

Timestamps:

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

MedQuest WebsiteLinkedIn

Jason Howard, CEO of MedQuest Associates, shared his insights on the growing trend of Health System MSO partnerships. As healthcare systems increasingly look towards MSOs (Management Services Organizations) for operational support and efficiency, Howard emphasized the critical role these partnerships play in enhancing healthcare delivery and administrative support.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Medical Imaging, AI in Healthcare, Radiology, Value-Based Care, Health System Partnerships, Jason Howard, MedQuest, MSOs

Host Roy Bejarano sits down with Mark Jamilkowski, a seasoned actuary and healthcare executive, to explore the dynamics of the healthcare payer industry, the challenges facing self-insured employers, and barriers to entry for new insurance providers.

In this episode, Mark shares insights into how government regulations, Medicare Advantage, and payer-provider relationships shape the industry. He also discusses his experience launching Every Health, a new insurance model focused on digital health integration and care coordination. This conversation is a must-listen for healthcare leaders, investors, and innovators navigating the ever-evolving payer landscape.

• [00:01]  Introduction to Mark Jamilkowski and his 30-year career in the healthcare industry
• [02:09]  Understanding the payer landscape: Medicare, Medicaid, and employer-based insurance
• [05:55] The economics of Medicare Advantage and why insurers focus on this market
• [12:28] Myths vs. realities of the self-insured employer market
• [22:33] –you Launching Every Health: How to break into the insurance industry
• [40:47]  The role of digital health, value-based care, and provider partnerships in the future of healthcare

• Market Segmentation Defines Success – Large payers like UnitedHealth, Humana, and Centene approach different market segments strategically, favoring high-margin Medicare Advantage plans.
• Government Influence is Unavoidable – Over 65% of U.S. healthcare spending is government-funded, shaping the priorities and strategies of insurers.
• Self-Insured Employers Are Not Taking Over – Contrary to industry narratives, the percentage of self-insured employers has remained stable for decades, despite broker-driven hype.
• Technology & Value-Based Care Will Drive the Future – Innovations in digital health, data analytics, and care coordination are reshaping how payers and providers interact, with companies like Every Health leading the charge.

 Website: Evry Health

LinkedIn: Mark Jamilkowski

Mark Jamilkowski is a healthcare industry veteran with over 30 years of experience as an actuary, investment banker, and entrepreneur. He has held leadership positions at Aetna, Big Four consulting firms, and venture-backed insurance startups. As co-founder of Every Health, he is pioneering digital-first insurance solutions that integrate value-based care and provider partnerships to enhance patient outcomes.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Health Insurance Market, Medicare Advantage, Self-Insured Employers, Digital Health Solutions, Value-Based Care, Payer Market Strategy, Healthcare Consolidation, Insurance Industry Disruption, Mark Jamilkowski,

Roy Bejarano sits down with David Drzewiecki, CEO of Absolute Dental, to explore the growth, challenges, and innovations shaping the dental service industry (DSOs). The discussion covers healthcare trends, technology advancements in dentistry, the expansion of value-based care, and how Medicaid dental programs are evolving.

David shares insights on healthcare leadership, the future of patient experience, and how Absolute Dental has built a successful all-in-one model for specialty and general dentistry. The conversation is essential for healthcare executives, investors, and dental professionals looking to understand the next phase of dental care consolidation and innovation.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Roy Bejarano & David Drzewiecki – The Evolution of Absolute Dental
• [03:00] Growth of DSOs Over the Last 10 Years – Market Consolidation & Industry Shifts
• [07:15] The Role of Medicaid & Medicare in Dental Care – Expanding Access & Reimbursement Challenges
• [12:30] Technology’s Impact on Patient Experience – AI, Teledentistry & Standardization
• [18:00] Value-Based Care in Dentistry – The Path to Greater Payor Engagement
• [24:45] Strategic Partnerships & Growth Opportunities – ACOs, Medicare Advantage & Direct Contracting
• [30:30] Specialty Dental Services – The Role of Oral Surgery, Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry
• [38:15] The Future of Dentistry – Innovation, Expansion & Workforce Challenges

Key Takeaways:

• DSOs continue to grow, but misconceptions persist. Many believe the market is already consolidated, yet dental care still has significant room for expansion.
• Technology is transforming patient experience. Innovations like AI-driven x-ray analysis, teledentistry, and automated scheduling are improving patient access and clinical outcomes.
• Value-based care in dentistry is still developing. As Medicaid and Medicare Advantage expand, DSOs must engage with payers to drive cost-effective, outcomes-focused care.
• All-in-one dental care models enhance patient retention. Offering general, specialty, and surgical dental services in one location prevents patient leakage and improves continuity of care.

About David Drzewiecki:

David Drzewiecki is the CEO of Absolute Dental, Nevada’s largest Medicaid dental provider with nearly 40 practices. With a background in healthcare IT, revenue cycle management, and dental practice operations, he has led Absolute Dental through expansion, innovation, and strategic payer engagement. His expertise offers valuable insights for DSO leaders, healthcare investors, and technology innovators in the dental industry.



Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), Medicaid Dental Care, Patient Experience in Dentistry, Value-Based Care, Specialty Dental Services, Oral Surgery, Teledentistry, Dental Technology,

Roy Bejarano sits down with Eric Rogers, CEO of Palm Vascular, to explore the growth, challenges, and opportunities in the vascular healthcare market. The discussion covers healthcare trends, the expansion of outpatient vascular centers (OBLs & ASCs), and the strategic integration of podiatry and vascular care.

Eric shares insights on healthcare leadership, navigating healthcare industry challenges, and how healthcare innovations are shaping vascular care, cardiac expansion, and value-based care models. This conversation is critical for healthcare executives, investors, and physicians looking to scale and optimize their practice in a rapidly evolving market.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Roy Bejarano & Eric Rogers – The Growth of Palm Vascular
• [02:15] Understanding the Vascular Market – Services, Procedures & Expansion Trends
• [05:00] The Role of OBLs vs. ASCs – Business Model & Growth Strategy
• [09:15] Adapting to Market Shifts – Rate Cuts, New Service Lines & Expansion Strategies
• [14:30] Podiatry & Vascular Synergies – The Impact of Mergers on Referral Networks
• [20:00] Competition in Vascular Healthcare – Navigating Hospitals, Independent Physicians & Payers
• [28:00] Future of Vascular Healthcare – Cardiac Expansion, Value-Based Care & New Technologies

Key Takeaways:

• Vascular healthcare has significant growth potential. With OBLs & ASCs expanding, there is a large untapped market opportunity to move procedures out of hospital settings.
• Podiatry & Vascular Synergies are Real – But Complex. While podiatry and vascular care have natural referral synergies, operational and cultural integration remains a challenge.
• Healthcare innovation is shaping the vascular space. New diagnostic technologies, AI in radiology, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) are exciting frontiers.
• Value-Based Care presents both challenges and opportunities. While vascular care is inherently cost-effective for payers, Palm Vascular continues to develop a refined strategy to maximize value-based contracts.

Connect with the Guest:

Website: Palm Vascular https://www.palmvascular.com/

LinkedIn: Eric Rogers https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-rogers-a49b2539/

About Eric Rogers:

Eric Rogers is the CEO of Palm Vascular, the largest peripheral vascular group in Florida. With expertise in OBLs, ASCs, podiatry-vascular integration, and healthcare leadership, he has led Palm Vascular's rapid growth while adapting to market shifts and healthcare innovations. His insights provide a roadmap for healthcare executives and investors looking to scale in the vascular healthcare market.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Vascular Healthcare, Outpatient Vascular Centers, OBLs & ASCs, Podiatry & Vascular Synergies, Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions, Value-Based Care, Cardiac Care Expansion, Healthcare Technology, Eric Rogers,

Roy Bejarano sits down with Alan Cooper, an expert in healthcare leadership and talent recruiting, to discuss the evolving role of HR strategy in the healthcare industry. The conversation explores healthcare trends, healthcare innovations, and the critical differences between transactional and strategic HR.

Alan shares insights on talent acquisition, performance evaluation, and employee development, emphasizing the importance of creating a strong organizational culture in healthcare leadership. This discussion is essential for healthcare executives, HR professionals, and medical organizations seeking to optimize talent retention and improve workforce engagement.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Roy Bejarano & Alan Cooper – The Role of HR in Healthcare Leadership
• [04:30] Transactional vs. Strategic HR – Shaping Healthcare Industry Insights
• [09:45] Sourcing & Talent Acquisition – Building a Proactive Healthcare Workforce
• [16:00] Performance Evaluations – The Shift from Annual Reviews to Continuous Feedback
• [27:30] Employee Development & Career Planning – Creating Growth Opportunities in Healthcare
• [45:30] HR Structure & Integration – Implementing a Hub-and-Spoke Model for Multi-Site Organizations

Key Takeaways:

• HR Must Be a Strategic Partner: Healthcare industry insights show that HR strategy should move beyond compliance to focus on workforce development, retention, and engagement.
• Performance Reviews Should Be Continuous: Annual reviews are outdated—frequent feedback and career planning create better employee satisfaction and efficiency in healthcare leadership.
• Sourcing & Hiring Require a Long-Term Approach: Healthcare trends highlight that maintaining a talent pipeline is more effective than reactive hiring.
• Organizational Culture Defines Success: Healthcare innovations in HR should focus on fostering a positive work environment, particularly in physician engagement and employee satisfaction.

Connect with the Guest:

Website: Scale Healthcare

LinkedIn: Alan Cooper

About Alan Cooper:

Alan’s has over 25 years of experience in the area of strategic organizational transformation, with a specific focus on organization development (OD), leadership development, customer experience, change management, teambuilding/collaboration, organizational capacity, and human capital/HR.  Dr. Cooper has had extensive experience working with numerous healthcare organizations ranging in size from single practitioner offices to large health systems providing consulting services.  His work is consistently aligned with an overarching emphasis on the achievement of an organization’s strategic mission.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Talent Acquisition, Employee Development, Performance Evaluation, HR Strategy, Physician Engagement, Organizational Culture, Workforce Planning,  Alan Cooper,

Roy Bejarano sits down with Andrew Mintz, CEO of Pinnacle Fertility, to explore the growth, challenges, and strategic vision behind one of the fastest-growing fertility care platforms in the U.S. The discussion covers healthcare trends, the impact of private equity in fertility care, and the operational challenges of scaling fertility services.

Andrew shares insights on healthcare leadership, patient experience optimization, and creating a culture-driven organization. The conversation highlights Pinnacle Fertility’s approach to physician engagement, embryology training, and fertility innovation. This episode is essential for healthcare executives, investors, and fertility professionals seeking insights on the business of reproductive medicine.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Roy Bejarano & Andrew Mintz – The Growth of Pinnacle Fertility
• [03:15] The Evolution of Physician Practice Management in Fertility Care
• [07:30] Scaling a Fertility Platform – From the First Practice to National Expansion
• [12:45] The Role of Private Equity in Fertility Healthcare – Investment & Growth Strategies
• [18:15] Physician & Employee Engagement – Creating a Strong Culture & Leadership Model
• [24:00] Technology & Innovation in Fertility Clinics – The Role of Data & Standardization
• [30:30] Addressing the Physician Shortage in Fertility – Training Programs & Workforce Solutions
• [37:15] The Future of Fertility Care – Market Trends, Growth Challenges & Emerging Opportunities

Key Takeaways:

• Fertility care is growing, but physician shortages remain a challenge. With only 1,400 reproductive endocrinologists nationwide, top-of-license models and embryology training programs are crucial for scaling care.
• Private equity-backed healthcare must be patient-centered. Pinnacle Fertility focuses on patient experience, quality outcomes, and employee engagement, ensuring long-term success beyond financial returns.
• A strong leadership culture drives performance. Pinnacle Fertility invests in physician leadership training, standardization of clinical protocols, and data-driven decision-making to enhance patient outcomes.
• Technology is key to improving fertility outcomes. Centralized electronic medical records (EMRs), AI-driven diagnostics, and process automation are improving clinical efficiency and success rates.

About Andrew Mintz:

Andrew Mintz is the CEO of Pinnacle Fertility, a rapidly expanding fertility care platform backed by private equity. With decades of experience in physician practice management, women's health, and fertility operations, he has led Pinnacle’s growth strategy, employee engagement initiatives, and innovation efforts. His insights provide a roadmap for healthcare executives, investors, and fertility professionals navigating the future of reproductive medicine.



Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Fertility Clinics, Pinnacle Fertility, Physician Practice Management, Value-Based Care, Employee Engagement, Embryology Training, Private Equity in Healthcare, Andrew Mintz,

Roy Bejarano sits down with Jonathan Kron, a healthcare IT and business intelligence expert, to explore the differences between the US and UK/European healthcare markets. This discussion delves into healthcare industry insights, the role of healthcare IT strategy, and the challenges faced by medical service organizations (MSOs) when expanding into international markets.

Jonathan shares his experience in healthcare leadership, highlighting the opportunities and risks associated with global healthcare trends, market expansion, and healthcare innovations that drive strategic decision-making. The conversation is crucial for healthcare executives, investors, and policy-makers looking to navigate the complexities of cross-border healthcare operations.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Roy Bejarano & Jonathan Kron – Understanding Healthcare Market Differences
• [05:30] US vs. UK/European Healthcare Models – Key Structural and Financial Differences
• [11:45] Market Opportunities & Challenges – Expanding Healthcare Businesses Internationally
• [18:20] Role of Healthcare IT Strategy – Leveraging Data Analytics for Market Expansion
• [26:50] Physician Engagement & Operational Efficiency – Lessons from Different Healthcare Systems
• [39:15] Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions – Best Practices for Cross-Border Integrations

Key Takeaways:

• Healthcare markets vary significantly between the US and UK/Europe. Understanding financial models, government involvement, and patient expectations is crucial for successful expansion.
• Healthcare IT strategy is key to market entry. Leveraging data analytics and business intelligence helps organizations optimize operations across global healthcare markets.
• Physician engagement is critical in different regulatory environments. Organizations must align compensation structures, performance metrics, and workflow efficiencies to fit local standards.
• Healthcare mergers & acquisitions require strategic alignment. Successful cross-border deals depend on operational integration, cultural adaptation, and compliance with local regulations.

About Jonathan Kron:

Jonathan Kron is a healthcare IT & business intelligence expert with over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, IT strategy, and operational optimization. Having worked with global healthcare markets, he specializes in data-driven decision-making, cross-border healthcare expansion, and market entry strategies for medical organizations looking to scale internationally.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Global Healthcare Markets, UK Healthcare System, European Healthcare Trends, Healthcare IT Strategy, Market Expansion, Physician Engagement, Medical Service Organizations (MSOs), Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions, Jonathan Kron,

Roy Bejarano sits down with Lancer Seaman, an expert in healthcare IT and business intelligence, to discuss the transformative role of data analytics in healthcare leadership. The conversation explores healthcare trends, healthcare innovations, and the importance of business intelligence in medical service organizations (MSOs) and physician management services.

Lancer shares his experience in optimizing healthcare IT systems, addressing physician burnout, and how healthcare industry insights can drive patient care improvements. This discussion is essential for healthcare executives, IT professionals, and medical providers looking to harness business intelligence in healthcare for operational success and strategic growth.

• [00:00] Introduction to Roy Bejarano & Lancer Seaman – The Role of Healthcare IT & Business Intelligence
• [05:02] Physician Burnout & Technology – How Healthcare Innovations Improve Physician Efficiency
• [10:51] Due Diligence in Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions – Key IT Risk Assessments in MSOs
• [19:47] The Impact of Data Analytics on Patient Outcomes – Improving Clinical & Surgical Efficiencies
• [27:46] Standardizing Healthcare IT Systems for Scalability & Cost Savings
• [50:54] Proof of Concept in Healthcare IT Investments – Reducing Risk & Cost of Implementation

• Data Analytics is Reshaping Healthcare Leadership: Healthcare trends are shifting towards business intelligence, driving operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Physician-Centric IT Systems Reduce Burnout: Healthcare innovations in AI, automation, and data standardization help reduce administrative burden and optimize physician workflows.
• Standardization is Key to Scaling Healthcare Organizations: Effective healthcare IT integration ensures seamless data sharing, compliance, and organizational efficiency.
• Business Intelligence in Healthcare is a Profit Driver: Healthcare industry insights reveal that data analytics can lead to cost savings, optimized patient care, and new revenue opportunities.

• Website: Scale Healthcare
• LinkedIn: Lancer Seaman

Lancer Seaman is a healthcare IT & business intelligence expert with over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, data analytics, and operational optimization. Having served as CIO for multiple MSOs and healthcare organizations, he has helped healthcare leaders leverage data-driven strategies to improve efficiency, patient outcomes, and cost reduction.

Healthcare, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Trends, Roy Bejarano, Healthcare Innovations, Healthcare Industry Insights, Business Intelligence in Healthcare, Data Analytics in Healthcare, Healthcare IT Strategy, Medical Service Organizations (MSOs), Physician Burnout, Patient Outcomes, Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions, Value-Based Care,