In this episode, Dr. Matt Lundgren—physician, researcher, and Chief Scientific Officer at Microsoft Health & Life Sciences—shares how generative AI is transforming healthcare. From ambient documentation tools like Dragon Copilot to breakthroughs in multimodal model training, he explores how innovation is closing the gap between possibility and practice.   Dr. Lundgren discusses how AI is streamlining workflows, reducing burnout, and improving care. He highlights the need to better process non-textual data like imaging and genomics, and stresses the importance of accessible AI education and ethical deployment.   Whether you're a clinician, technologist, or healthcare leader, this episode offers a grounded yet visionary look at the future of healthcare.

In this special episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, we sit down with Mark Sevco, an executive in transition, as he embarks on a new chapter as President and CEO of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), part of Highmark Health. With decades of leadership experience across major health systems like UPMC and Sutter Health, Mark shares his vision, strategy, and mindset as he returns to his hometown of Pittsburgh to lead a transformative journey in healthcare.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal career transition—we catch Mark just as he steps away from his role as COO at Sutter Health and begins his new chapter at AHN. He shares his 30-60-90 day plan, emphasizes the power of listening and learning, and outlines his commitment to fostering a culture of operational excellence and coordinated care.

Then, 90 days later, we reconnect to hear how that plan unfolded. Mark reflects on the early wins, the cultural shifts underway, and how he's leveraging AI, data, and technology to drive value-based care and population health. He also shares insights on leadership, team building, and the bold vision behind Highmark’s Living Health Model.

Whether you're a healthcare leader, an innovator, or simply passionate about the future of care, this episode explores the intersection of culture, strategy, innovation, and purpose.

In this episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, we sit down with Dr. Todd Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Executive at Sutter Health, for a powerful conversation on transforming healthcare from the inside out. Dr. Smith shares how Sutter is addressing clinician burnout, workforce shortages, and access challenges by focusing on culture, operational partnerships, and technology that truly supports providers. He unpacks the value of dyadic leadership, the rollout of ambient AI to reduce administrative burden, and a bold plan to expand ambulatory care across Northern California. With a clear-eyed view of what keeps him up at night and what gives him hope, Dr. Smith offers a candid look at what it takes to build a system where clinicians can thrive and patients get the care they need - when and where they need it.

In this episode, hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian sit down with Rivka Friedman, Head of Health Innovation at Morgan Health, to explore how JPMorgan is reengineering the employer-sponsored healthcare system. Rivka unpacks how Morgan Health’s dual engine of investment and innovation is driving a smarter, more outcomes-focused model—scaling value-based care, piloting advanced primary care, and addressing critical gaps in maternal health and affordability.   The conversation dives into the complexities of aligning incentives in commercial insurance, the power of data in improving outcomes, and why small and mid-sized businesses are emerging as a new frontier for healthcare transformation. Whether you're a founder, policymaker, or just health-curious, this episode delivers bold ideas and practical insights for building a more resilient and equitable healthcare future.

Nurses are essential leaders in healthcare, extending their influence far beyond management to encompass holistic care and relationship building. In this episode, Asher Perzigian and Ajay Mody welcome Joyce Fitzpatrick, the Director of the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy and a distinguished professor at Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, to discuss the critical role of nursing in today's healthcare landscape. Joyce encourages nurses to see themselves as leaders, to speak up, and to drive change. She highlights the significant impact of nurse leadership on decision-making processes, the global reach of nursing, and the integration of technology in patient care. Joyce teaches her students to introduce themselves confidently, network effectively, and use technology to enhance their leadership, aiming to position nurses in key decision-making roles to better represent patient needs. Join us to explore how nurses are shaping the future of healthcare and to discover their vital role as the heart and soul of the healthcare system.

Nurses aren't just at the bedside—they're in boardrooms, legislatures, and labs. In this episode, Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian sit down with Dr. Allison Norful of Columbia University and Summer Davis of the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses to unpack how nurses are reshaping healthcare. From navigating towards full practice authority to driving policy and tackling mental health, this conversation reveals the untapped power of nursing leadership in a rapidly evolving system.

Part of The Heart of Healthcare series—where the future of medicine gets personal.

Join hosts Asher Perzigian and Ajay Mody as they welcome Carolyn Jones, a renowned filmmaker and advocate for healthcare workers, to discuss the vital, yet often unrecognized, contributions of nurses. In this episode, Carolyn shares powerful stories from her film "American Delivery," highlighting the impact of the wholistic care nurses offer their patients. Carolyn, a brilliant storyteller, offers a unique perspective on the daily challenges and triumphs of these healthcare heroes, showcasing their technical expertise and unwavering compassion. Kicking off our Nurses Month mini series, The Heart of Healthcare, this episode is a timely reminder of the expertise and compassion that nurses bring to our communities each day. Tune in to explore the incredible work of these dedicated professionals and their crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare.

In this episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian sit down with trailblazing leader Beth Dolan, Dean of the College of Health at Lehigh University. Beth isn’t just rethinking healthcare education—she’s turning it on its head. From championing interdisciplinary learning to weaving data science into the fabric of public health, Beth shares how Lehigh is preparing students to tackle today’s most urgent health challenges. Discover how the College’s bold initiatives—like its cutting-edge Population Health program and hands-on community-based research—are shaping a new kind of health professional. Plus, Beth opens up about the critical role of mental health in academia and what it really means to build a truly supportive student experience. If you're curious about the future of healthcare, education, and innovation, this conversation is a must-listen. Beth Dolan is on a mission—and she’s inviting the next generation to lead the way.

Join hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian on Mavericks in Healthcare as they sit down with Alicia Graham, COO and co-founder of Claimable. Alicia shares the inspiration behind launching Claimable—a groundbreaking AI-powered platform that helps patients and providers challenge unjust healthcare denials in minutes. From her decade-long journey uniting clinical expertise, AI innovation, and patient advocacy, Alicia reveals how Claimable turns personal stories into powerful appeals, tackling crippling medical debt and amplifying shared patient experiences.

Tune in to meet a true Maverick in Healthcare driving change for all.

Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian host Shantanu Phatakwala, a co-founder of Qualified Health AI. Together they discuss the progress and challenges in adopting AI in healthcare. Shantanu shares insights from his diverse career, spanning national payers, value-based care organizations, and large employers. The conversation delves into the complexities of value-based care, the transformative potential of generative AI, and the mission-driven journey of Qualified Health. Tune in to explore lessons learned, innovations in AI governance, and the vital role of collaboration in revolutionizing healthcare.