I Don't Care

Securing essential medical supplies has become increasingly crucial in today's healthcare environment. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted the vulnerabilities in hospital supply chains, making it evident that traditional procurement strategies need a significant overhaul. As hospitals continue to grapple with shortages, from syringes to specialized equipment, the discussion around resilient supply chains remains highly relevant. 

What strategies can hospitals adopt to navigate these disruptions and ensure a steady supply of critical medical equipment?

In this episode of I Don’t Care, Dr. Kevin Stevenson hosts Jonathan Jarashow, CEO of OmniChannel Health. They explore the intricacies of hospital supply chain management, offering insights into finding scarce equipment and maintaining resilience in the face of disruptions.

Key points from the episode:

- Sourcing Niche Products: Jonathan Jarashow discusses the importance of identifying and filling gaps in the supply chain, particularly during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Building Resilience: The conversation touches on the need for hospitals to develop resilient supply chains that can withstand disruptions, with practical advice on leveraging networks and maintaining flexibility.

- Navigating Supply Shortages: The episode covers real-world examples of how OmniChannel Health successfully navigated supply shortages by sourcing hard-to-find products such as syringes and medical pumps.

Jonathan Jarashow is the CEO of OmniChannel Health, specializing in sourcing hard-to-find medical and surgical products for hospitals, particularly during supply disruptions. A Harvard graduate who published the nation's largest diabetes magazine for over two decades, Jonathan transitioned his expertise into healthcare supply chain management, building strong industry relationships. His company is known for its agility in providing original medical supplies, helping hospitals avoid the pitfalls of substitute products.

In this episode of I Don't Care, host Dr. Kevin Stevenson, FACHE, explores the impact of healthcare mentorship on leadership development through the inspiring journey of Christina Oh, the Greater San Francisco Market President for Sutter Health. As a highly accomplished healthcare executive, Oh shares her unique journey from her early days at Baylor University to her current leadership role in one of the most competitive healthcare markets in the nation.

Throughout the discussion, Oh delves into her experiences in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, offering valuable insights into the importance of healthcare mentorship, the role of responsible philanthropy in healthcare, and the challenges and rewards of healthcare leadership. Oh highlights the impact of healthcare mentorship as she reflects on the guidance she received from her mentors and the strategies she employs to develop future leaders within her organization.

In addition to her personal journey, Oh discusses the transition from for-profit to non-profit healthcare, emphasizing the significant role of community benefit programs and philanthropy in driving impactful healthcare initiatives. She also touches on the importance of curiosity in leadership, recounting a recent experience where taking a step back and embracing a curious mindset led to better decision-making and team engagement. This episode provides an in-depth look at the career of a dynamic leader who continues to make significant contributions to the healthcare field, mainly through the impact of healthcare mentorship on leadership development.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare, from patient interactions to administrative efficiency. With growing demands on healthcare providers, tools like AI are stepping in to bridge gaps, particularly in documentation and patient engagement. But what does this mean for the future of healthcare, and how are providers adapting to these technological advances? This episode of I Don’t Care with Dr. Kevin Stevenson dives into the world of AI in healthcare.

The conversation addresses the core question: How can AI improve healthcare efficiency without compromising patient care?

Dr. Lina Bouayad, the Founder and CEO of Looba.ai, discusses her journey from computer science to healthcare AI, highlighting how Looba.ai’s tool, Analgesia, is reshaping provider-patient interactions. The tool, developed out of personal and professional necessity, automates and enhances the documentation process, allowing providers to focus more on patient care.

Key Points Discussed:

Reducing Documentation Burden: How Analgesia helps providers by automating and refining the documentation process, reducing time spent on administrative tasks.

Improving Patient-Provider Interaction: The tool’s ability to capture patient data seamlessly during consultations, allowing providers to focus more on the patient rather than on paperwork.

AI in Practice: The practical applications of AI in healthcare settings, including real-time language translation and differential diagnosis support.

Dr. Lina Bouayad is the Founder and CEO of Looba.ai, where she leverages her extensive expertise in artificial intelligence and analytics to enhance productivity and healthcare outcomes. She has a strong background in management information systems and has led significant research collaborations, including several funded projects with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on AI applications in healthcare. Dr. Bouayad is also an Associate Professor at Florida International University and the Director of the MBA in Artificial Intelligence program, with numerous publications in top industry journals.

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, leadership often comes with decades of experience. Yet, the story of Aidan Hettler, the 24-year-old CEO of Sedgwick County Health Center in Julesburg, Colorado, is challenging the norms. As the industry grapples with leadership turnover and the complexities of rural healthcare, Hettler’s ascent to the top has sparked curiosity and conversation. How did someone so young secure such a pivotal role, and what can others learn from his journey?

This episode of I Don’t Care with Dr. Kevin Stevenson dives into these questions. As healthcare professionals face increasing challenges in leadership, the story of Hettler offers insights into the potential of fresh perspectives and the power of mentorship. What are the key lessons that healthcare leaders, regardless of their age, can take away from Hettler's experience? The episode also explores how Hettler, with no prior healthcare experience, managed to secure this role and what his leadership philosophy brings to the table in a rural healthcare setting.

Key Takeaways:

- The importance of a fresh perspective in healthcare leadership and how Hettler's outsider status became an asset.

- The role of mentorship in Hettler's rapid learning curve and how it shaped his approach to managing a complex organization.

- How servant leadership has guided Hettler's decision-making process, particularly in a rural community where the hospital plays a central economic and social role.

Aidan Hettler, at 24, is the CEO of Sedgwick County Health Center in Julesburg, Colorado. Before taking on this role, he worked remotely for Lockheed Martin in subcontract administration and central procurement within their space division. Hettler’s path to leadership in healthcare is unconventional, driven by his commitment to servant leadership and his rapid acquisition of healthcare knowledge through mentorship and continuous learning. He is currently completing a master’s degree in healthcare transformation at UT Austin.

Values-driven leadership in rural healthcare is essential in overcoming smaller communities’ unique challenges. This conversation with Dr. David Schreiner, CEO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, explores how this leadership approach can sustain high-quality care and strengthen community trust.

In this episode of I Don't Care, hosted by Dr. Kevin Stevenson, the focus is on values-driven leadership in rural healthcare, as discussed by Dr. David Schreiner. Dr. Schreiner shares practical insights from his extensive career and his new book, Be the Best Part of Their Day: Supercharging Communication with Values-Driven Leadership. The conversation delves into actionable strategies such as expressing gratitude, using diverse communication channels, and maintaining a mission-focused mindset—key components of effective, values-driven leadership in rural healthcare.

In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: a noticeable rise in cancer diagnoses among young adults. This discussion is particularly timely following the news of Princess Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis and the growing recognition that cancer is no longer a disease confined to older populations. Research indicates that environmental and behavioral factors, alongside genetics, may be contributing to this increase.

Why is there an increase in cancer diagnoses among younger populations, and what screenings should be prioritized to detect it early?

In this episode of "I Don't Care," host Dr. Kevin Stevenson talks with Dr. Najeeb Al Hallak, the medical oncologist and co-leader of the gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine oncology multidisciplinary team at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. They delve into the importance of early cancer screenings and how primary care physicians can play a pivotal role in early detection and prevention.

Main Points of Conversation:

• The importance of early cancer screenings for young adults, especially for those with familial or genetic predispositions.

• The impact of environmental and behavioral factors on cancer risk in younger populations.

• Specific cancer screening recommendations for young adults, including colonoscopies, mammograms, and genetic testing.

Dr. Najeeb Al Hallak is a distinguished medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers. He serves as an associate professor in oncology at Wayne State University and co-leads the gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine oncology multidisciplinary team at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. His research focuses on gastrointestinal malignancies, clinical trials, and the development of new cancer treatments.

In this powerful episode of "I Don't Care," Dr. Kevin Stevenson sits down with Sophia Strother-Lewis to explore her incredible journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for survivors. This conversation is especially timely as awareness about human trafficking and sexual abuse continues to grow, highlighting the need for more comprehensive support systems for survivors. Recent studies show that survivors often struggle with finding their identity post-trauma, a challenge Sophia addresses through her inspiring story.

What does it take for a survivor of severe trauma to reclaim their identity and thrive?

"I Don't Care," hosted by Kevin Stevenson, welcomes Sophia Strother-Lewis, a survivor, author, and entrepreneur, to discuss how she helps survivors find their identity after crisis situations. Sophia shares her story of overcoming severe childhood abuse and trafficking, her journey to success, and her ongoing efforts to support others through initiatives like her "Learning 2 Exhale" symposium.

Main Points from the Episode:

• Sophia recounts her traumatic childhood, including sexual abuse by her father and being trafficked by her mother.

• She discusses the profound impact of her grandmother's support in helping her escape and rebuild her life.

• Sophia introduces her "Learning to Exhale" symposium, which offers holistic support for survivors, including equine psychotherapy and financial empowerment workshops.

Sophia Strother-Lewis is a resilient survivor of childhood abuse and human trafficking. She has transformed her painful past into a mission to support and empower other survivors. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sophia holds a bachelor's and a master's degree, and she actively engages in various community initiatives aimed at helping those affected by trauma.

The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, with the roles of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) expanding significantly. This shift makes it crucial to understand the differences in training and competencies between these professionals and physicians. A study by the Association of American Medical Colleges highlights a projected shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033, which intensifies the need for clarity in who provides patient care.

Why should patients care about who is providing their medical care?

This episode of "I Don't Care," hosted by Dr. Kevin Stevenson, addresses this critical question. Kevin is joined by Dr. Purvi Parikh from Physicians for Patient Protection, a grassroots organization advocating for physician-led care. The discussion centers on the importance of transparency in medical credentials and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care.

Key Points of Discussion:

• Training Differences: Physicians undergo extensive training, including medical school and residencies, accumulating over 16,000 clinical hours. In contrast, nurse practitioners and physician assistants have significantly fewer clinical hours, often leading to variations in the quality of care.

• Transparency and Misleading Practices: The proliferation of white coats among different healthcare providers can confuse patients. Dr. Parikh emphasizes the importance of clear credential display and proper introductions to prevent patients from mistaking non-physicians for physicians.

• Legislative Gaps and Corporate Exploitation: Some states have lax regulations allowing non-physicians to perform high-risk procedures. This has led to dangerous practices and patient harm, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and better legislation.

Dr. Purvi Parikh is an allergist and immunologist affiliated with Physicians for Patient Protection. She holds a medical degree and has completed extensive post-graduate training. Dr. Parikh is a dedicated advocate for physician-led care, emphasizing the importance of transparency and patient safety in healthcare practices.

Mental health awareness continues to grow, yet many still struggle with stigma and access to adequate care. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. This pressing issue requires open dialogue and effective policy solutions to address the persistent barriers and emerging challenges in the mental health landscape.

How can public figures influence the conversation around mental health?

This is the core question explored in a recent episode of "I Don't Care with Dr. Kevin Stevenson," where Congressman Adam Smith shares his deeply personal journey with mental health challenges. The discussion covers the congressman's experiences with chronic pain and crippling anxiety, detailed in his book Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety, as well as the broader implications for mental health policy and the importance of public transparency.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Congressman Smith's cumulative journey with physical and mental health challenges, including his battles with anxiety starting in 2013.

• The importance of persistence and finding the right healthcare providers, including muscle activation therapy and psychotherapy, in managing his condition.

• The broader cultural and legislative efforts needed to improve mental health awareness and access to care.

Congressman Adam Smith has served Washington State's Ninth District for over 26 years. Known for his advocacy in mental health, Smith brings both personal and legislative insights to the table. His book highlights his journey and aims to destigmatize mental health struggles, encouraging others to seek help.