What does it take to move from bedside nurse to tech innovator at one of the world’s largest healthcare technology firms? In this episode of the Clinicians in Leadership podcast, Catherine Robison, MBA, RN, shares her compelling journey from med-surg nursing to becoming Director of Healthcare Strategy at Oracle.Drawing from her experience in nursing administration and innovation, Catherine dives into how frontline clinicians can bridge the gap between patient care and executive decision-making through better data and smarter tools. She explains why quantifying the real cost and value of clinical work is crucial for making the case for change—and how technology platforms like Oracle are helping healthcare systems integrate finance, staffing, and operational data to drive smarter strategies.Listeners will gain practical insights into healthcare leadership, innovation in clinical operations, and the role of data in shaping scalable solutions. Catherine also offers empowering advice for clinicians looking to lead change, develop cross-functional skills, and engage in meaningful transformation within their organizations.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:50 CJ's Background and Journey into Healthcare02:41 Transition to Oracle and Innovation Role06:21 The Importance of Leadership in Innovation13:16 Challenges in Healthcare Data20:05 Strategies for Addressing Fragmented Data25:53 Advice for Clinicians Seeking Change29:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

We sit down with Gwendolyn Williams M.D., FHM—hospitalist and associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University Health—to explore how clinicians can drive change and rebuild trust within healthcare organizations.Dr. Williams shares candid insights from her decade-plus leadership journey, spanning roles as Chief of Medicine, president of a medical executive committee, and president of the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Hampton Roads chapter. Key topics include bridging the gap between clinical staff and administrators, fostering cultures of belonging and compassion, and the importance of emotional intelligence in healthcare leadership. Dr. Williams discusses why listening is a strategic leadership skill, how to rebuild trust after organizational trauma (such as COVID-19), and actionable strategies for keeping patients and staff at the center of healthcare transformation.Whether you’re a clinician seeking to lead, an administrator focused on organizational culture, or a healthcare executive interested in patient-centered strategy, this episode delivers actionable advice on navigating change, empowering teams, and advancing healthcare quality.00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts00:28 Meet Dr. Gwendolyn Williams01:17 Dr. Williams' Journey in Medicine and Leadership02:57 Bridging the Gap Between Clinicians and Administrators05:57 The Importance of Listening and Compassion in Leadership23:37 Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare30:42 Keeping the Human at the Center of Healthcare35:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On this episode of Clinicians and Leadership, host Zach sits down with Dr. David Wilcox—a DNP-prepared nurse, author, and health IT leader—to discuss innovative strategies for tackling clinician burnout, navigating the complex American healthcare system, and empowering both patients and staff. Drawing from decades of bedside and executive experience, Dr. Wilcox shares how his personal journey began as a teenage father advocating for his daughter in a broken system—and how that experience shaped his mission to fix it.You’ll hear about practical staffing innovations like the “Worked Hours Reward Program,” which boosted morale and saved hospitals millions, and learn how tools like virtual nursing and AI-powered documentation are revolutionizing clinician workflows. Dr. Wilcox also explores how healthcare leaders can leverage population health data, improve health equity, and train staff to use emerging tech without adding burdens.If you’re a healthcare leader looking to implement change, or a clinician feeling lost in the system, this episode offers actionable advice on becoming an agent of change—starting with listening, engaging, and involving those who deliver care.🔔 Subscribe for more insights from frontline innovators🌐 Explore more at drdavidhelps.com or grab Dr. Wilcox’s book How to Avoid Being a Victim of the American Healthcare System00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:39 Meet Dr. David Wilcox01:02 Dr. Wilcox's Journey into Healthcare05:38 Navigating the American Healthcare System07:44 Improving Patient and Staff Engagement11:54 Addressing Healthcare Disparities13:57 Reducing Administrative Burdens with Technology23:11 Empowering Clinicians as Agents of Change24:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

Reengaging burned-out clinicians starts with listening—and in this insightful episode of Clinicians in Leadership, host Zach sits down with Mary Russell, RN, retired U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Captain and Senior Director of Clinical Services at Clinicomp International, to explore exactly how healthcare leaders can rebuild trust, reduce administrative burden, and inspire their teams.Drawing on 37 years of diverse nursing experience and 14+ years leading clinical services at a global EHR vendor, Mary Russell shares actionable strategies for balancing documentation demands with meaningful patient care. Learn why adding more technology isn’t always the answer, how scribes and smarter workflows can alleviate clinician workload, and why transparent leadership communication is key to clinician engagement and retention.From the rise of collective bargaining among healthcare providers to the hidden costs of provider turnover, this episode tackles the complex financial and operational pressures facing healthcare leaders today. Mary also offers a candid look at the challenges of integrating new healthcare technology without disrupting patient care—and the critical importance of frontline staff training and buy-in.Don’t miss this practical conversation filled with leadership insights for healthcare executives, CMIOs, CNIOs, and clinical leaders navigating today’s evolving healthcare landscape.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:05 Discussing Administrative Burdens in Healthcare03:40 Impact of Administrative Burdens on Clinicians05:06 Economic Challenges in Healthcare08:09 Strategies to Alleviate Administrative Burdens14:43 Importance of Communication and Transparency20:14 Integrating New Technology in Healthcare27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts👉 Subscribe for more conversations with healthcare leaders, and visit us at ajhcs.org for additional resources.This video was brought to you by: AJHCS Digital Services, learn more at https://services.ajhcs.org/

Explore how healthcare leaders can champion AI while safeguarding patient care in this insightful episode of the Clinicians in Leadership podcast. Host Zach sits down with Dr. Tim O'Connell, practicing radiologist and CEO of Emtelligent, a medical language AI company, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in healthcare systems.Dr. O'Connell shares his unique perspective as both a clinician and technology leader, outlining the critical role of physician executives in evaluating AI solutions, building trust among clinicians, and aligning innovation with organizational and patient-centered goals. The conversation dives into key barriers to AI adoption, including data quality, workflow disruption, and concerns over ROI and ethical implementation.You’ll learn how AI can drive operational efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and even support health equity—while avoiding the pitfalls of “AI for AI’s sake.” Dr. O'Connell emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing, transparent leadership, and maintaining the patient-first mission at the heart of healthcare innovation.Don’t miss this practical discussion on leading AI-driven change from bedside to boardroom. Subscribe for more insights on healthcare strategy, leadership, and technology.

From the battlefield to the boardroom, Justin Cauthen’s journey offers a masterclass in leadership transformation within healthcare.In this episode of Clinicians in Leadership, we sit down with Justin Cauthen, a retiring U.S. Army flight medic turned clinical executive, to explore how military leadership principles translate into the civilian healthcare landscape. Cauthen shares powerful lessons from leading medevac units and advising the Afghan Surgeon General, all the way to managing a 2,700-person, multi-state healthcare system. His insights highlight the often-unspoken divide between clinicians and executives—and how to bridge it with empathy, structure, and trust.We dive into pressing topics like clinician burnout, moral injury, retention, and the importance of psychological safety. Cauthen explains why leadership must be professionalized, how executives can become true advocates, and how understanding the “love language” of clinicians leads to better operational alignment. He also unpacks how fostering empowerment, educational investment, and real presence on the floor leads to higher retention—like the 94% rate he helped achieve.Whether you're a clinician stepping into leadership or an administrator eager to support your staff more effectively, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:50 Guest's Military and Medical Background01:21 Transition to Civilian Life and Leadership Roles03:23 Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Staff and Administration04:27 Common Misunderstandings and Communication Gaps06:40 Importance of Financial Literacy for Clinicians10:27 Advocating for Clinical Staff15:07 Creating a Culture of Safety and Support19:27 Addressing Burnout and Retention Issues24:28 Daily Routines and Long-term Culture Building29:00 The Burden of Meetings29:30 Empathy and Presence in Leadership30:30 Effective Decision Making31:12 Bridging the Gap Between Leaders and Staff32:35 Empowering Frontline Staff33:49 Handling Criticism and Building Trust44:42 Innovative Support Programs49:19 Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders

In this episode of the Clinicians in Leadership podcast series, hosted by Zach from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy, Dr. Stephanie Lahr, an internal medicine physician and expert in clinical informatics, shares her journey from practicing clinician to CIO at Monument Health, and now a leader at Artisite. Dr. Lahr discusses the importance of integrating technology with clinical workflows to reduce friction and enhance clinician joy. She emphasizes the role of leadership in driving innovative healthcare strategies and highlights Artisite’s unique approach to solving clinician burnout and other challenges. Tune in to explore how advanced technologies like AI and computer vision are transforming the healthcare landscape for the better. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:29 Meet Dr. Stephanie Lahr 00:58 Dr. Lahr's Journey in Healthcare 03:45 The Role of Technology in Healthcare 07:22 Challenges and Solutions in Healthcare Technology 14:23 Artisite's Unique Approach 20:11 Tips for Implementing New Technologies 22:38 The Importance of Joy in Healthcare 25:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Zach from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy as he talks with Dr. Luke Twelves on the Clinicians in Leadership podcast. Dr. Twelves, a seasoned family practitioner and VP of medical at Lindus Health, shares insights on the critical need for diversity in clinical trials for effective personalized medicine. The conversation delves into barriers, strategies for healthcare leaders, and the role of emerging technologies like AI in fostering more inclusive research. Listen in to discover actionable steps and the importance of community engagement in achieving equitable medical advancements. 00:00 Introduction to Personalized Medicine and Diversity 00:31 Meet Dr. Luke Twelves 00:52 Dr. Twelves' Career Journey 03:03 Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials 04:38 Barriers to Diversity in Clinical Trials 05:57 Strategies to Overcome Barriers 09:21 Implementing Diversity Action Plans 10:39 Role of Emerging Technologies 14:09 Building Trust with Communities 24:58 Sustaining Momentum in Diversity Efforts 26:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Zach with the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy in this episode of the Clinicians in Leadership podcast series. Zach interviews Dr. Joshua Todd, a nurse anesthetist with an MBA, who shares his extensive experience in healthcare from bedside to boardroom. Dr. Todd discusses the critical importance of accountability in leadership, as well as the concept of socially complex relationships and how they can drive operational efficiency and patient care improvements. Dr. Todd also provides insights into his unique journey, starting from his early clinical experiences to his current role as VP of Operations for DPI Anesthesia. Learn how nuanced leadership approaches and clinician-led initiatives can make a meaningful impact on healthcare organizations. 00:00 Introduction to Accountability in Leadership 00:29 Welcome to the Clinicians in Leadership Podcast 00:40 Meet Dr. Joshua Todd 00:51 Dr. Todd's Journey in Healthcare 03:28 Impactful Experiences Shaping Leadership 06:11 The Role of Clinical Experience in Leadership08:24 Understanding Socially Complex Relationships10:57 Building and Maintaining Trust 17:58 Clinical Insights into Business Operations 29:45 Promoting Buy-In for New Initiatives 32:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Clinicians in Leadership podcast, Zach from the American Journal of Health Care Strategy interviews Dr. Jonathan Willms, Chief Medical Officer at Sun Life Health in Arizona. Dr. Willms shares his journey from being an OBGYN to becoming a CMO, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a patient-centered approach while balancing clinical and administrative responsibilities. He discusses the value of direct patient care in informing leadership decisions, the significance of active engagement with communities, and the continuous improvement cycle in healthcare. Dr. Willms also addresses the challenge of aligning financial pressures with clinical priorities and highlights the role of relational engagement in resolving these tensions. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:39 Dr. Jonathan Willms' Career Journey 02:12 Balancing Clinical and Administrative Roles 05:07 Maintaining Patient-Centered Care 08:56 Impact of Long-Term Service in One Organization 12:31 Staying Connected to the Community 16:16 Evaluating and Implementing Clinical Initiatives 22:47 Navigating Financial and Clinical Tensions 26:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts