Becker’s Healthcare -- Pediatric Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Renee Rafferty and Sabrina Schalley of Children’s Nebraska discuss their innovative Caring Contacts program, a handwritten card initiative that has supported over 1,200 pediatric patients and achieved zero deaths by suicide. They share insights into its origins, emotional impact, and expansion across behavioral health services, along with a preview of their upcoming Behavioral Health and Wellness Center opening in 2026.

In this episode, Dr. Katherine A. Hinderer, Senior Nurse Scientist at Connecticut Children’s, shares insights into the development of the Emergency Behavioral Health Assessment Tool and its impact on pediatric mental health care. She discusses how evidence-based nursing practices are improving outcomes, reducing restraint use, and supporting frontline teams in addressing the growing mental health needs of children.

This episode features Lou Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans, as he shares how his journey to complete the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon has become a powerful tribute to the resilience of his patients. Lou dedicates each mile of the 100-mile race to a child treated at the hospital, using their stories of perseverance as inspiration to never give up.

This episode features Dr. K. Sarah Hoehn, Chief Medical Officer, and Christina Linboom, Program Director of Care Coordination and Social Work at La Rabida Children’s Hospital. They share how their team is addressing food insecurity through innovative pantry programs, community partnerships, and a long-term vision for accessible, healthy food for patients, families, and staff.

In this episode, Linda Matzigkeit, Chief Administrative Officer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, shares the remarkable journey behind the planning, design, and launch of the new Arthur M. Blank Hospital. She highlights how staff and families helped shape the facility, the complex move from the old hospital, and how the state-of-the-art campus is transforming pediatric care in Georgia.

In this episode, Eric Gantwerker, MD, MMSc(MedEd), FACS, AFAMEE - Pediatric Otolaryngology, Cohen Children’s Medical Center at Northwell Health; Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, shares his insights on transforming surgical education through technology, virtual reality, and AI.

In this episode, David Biggerstaff, President and CEO of Riley Children's Health, shares insights on his journey into pediatric healthcare, his vision for the organization, and the strategies to expand access, enhance leadership, and drive innovation in children's health across Indiana.

Dan Larson, Principal/Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at HealthBridge Children's Hospital - Orange, discusses the innovation of coordinated care models and nurse navigation in healthcare. He also explores how AI-driven risk analysis is being used to support at-home caregivers, improving overall patient care.

Bryan Carey, CEO at Benevis, and Dr. Jane Whang, DDS, Regional Director of Clinical at Benevis, discuss the adoption of new technology in dentistry and the ongoing challenge of a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. They highlight how Medicaid benefits Americans and the role of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) in increasing access to care. Additionally, they explore strategies for offering greater work incentives to encourage more professionals to serve in rural areas, helping to address staffing shortages.

This episode features Denise Harman, Director of Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, WA. Denise shares strategies for overcoming challenges in rural healthcare, including staff training, pediatric care preparedness, and fostering collaboration between departments and hospital systems to improve patient outcomes and staff confidence.