In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, Senior Editor Daniel Williams sits down with Linda Carroll of Aurora Maternal Fetal Medicine in Alaska, recorded live at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando. Linda shares her unique perspective on traveling from Alaska to connect with peers, the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare leadership, and how resource groups like the AAPI Leaders Group provide space for meaningful conversations. She also discusses the realities of delivering care across rural Alaska, balancing Telehealth with in-person visits, and why networking is the most valuable takeaway from MGMA conferences.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Challenges and rewards of delivering maternal-fetal care across Alaska
• Why cultural awareness is vital for healthcare leaders
• How peer networks provide support in leadership roles
• Insights from MGMA’s resource groups and breakout sessions
• The role of conferences in building community and balance for leaders

Resources:

• MGMA Leaders Conference: https://mgma.com/leaders
• MGMA Podcast: https://www.mgma.com/podcasts

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, we sit down with Rana McSpadden, FACMPE, CHPC, CPC, a consultant with the Medical Practice Services department of SVMIC, to explore the growing risks of ransomware and cybersecurity threats in medical practices. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience, Rana brings expertise in compliance, cybersecurity, patient experience, and practice operations to the discussion.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why ransomware attacks on medical practices are becoming more frequent
• Common gaps in healthcare security risk analysis that leave practices vulnerable
• The dangers of incomplete malware removal and repeat ransomware attacks
• How AI tools like ChatGPT can create cybersecurity risks in healthcare
• What PHI you should never put into public AI systems
• Real OCR settlement case studies from practices that experienced breaches

Key Takeaway: Many practices have not completed thorough, enterprise-wide security risk analyses—making them prime targets for threat actors. Leadership from the top is essential for building effective cybersecurity programs.

📍 Recorded live at the MGMA Leaders Conference 2025 in Orlando, FL

🎯 Perfect for: Healthcare administrators, practice managers, medical group leaders, compliance officers, and IT professionals in healthcare settings

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, Seb Terry discusses how he turned a personal list of 100 life goals into a global movement. He explains the science of goal setting, the importance of kindness in achieving results, and practical strategies busy professionals can use to find purpose and satisfaction in both work and life. Hosted by Daniel Williams. 

Key Timestamped Moments:

• 04:38 – Seb’s turning point: From drifting to defining a life of purpose
• 06:38 – The science of goal setting and why most people fail (and how to succeed)
• 13:00 – The most meaningful item Seb ever checked off his list
• 15:01 – How “100 Things” became a global movement and inspired others
• 17:01 – Advice for overwhelmed professionals: Micro-steps and self-kindness
• 19:17 – How kindness and connection drive real achievement

Resources & Links:

• Seb Terry’s 100 Things Movement: https://100things.com/
• MGMA Leaders Conference: https://mgma.com/leaders
• “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying” by Bronnie Ware: https://bronnieware.com/regrets-of-the-dying/
• Seb Terry’s Book “100 Things: What’s on Your List?”: https://www.amazon.com/100-Things-Whats-Your-List/dp/0733626823
• Seb Terry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebterry/
• Seb Terry’s Keynote Speaking: https://sebterry.com/
• The Castle (Australian film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118826/
• Chopper (Australian film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0221073/
• MGMA Podcast: https://www.mgma.com/podcasts

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with David N. Gans, MGMA’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dave reflects on his decades-long career with MGMA, his role in shaping the organization’s history, and his pioneering work in benchmarking and data-driven decision-making for medical practices. He also shares practical advice for medical practice leaders facing today’s most pressing challenges — from workforce shortages to financial pressures — and reminds us that at the heart of every innovation is the patient.

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of group practice management or looking for inspiration from one of the field’s most trusted voices, this episode offers invaluable insights and problem-solving perspectives.

Key Takeaways

• [03:26] Dave reflects on receiving the MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award and the legacy of past recipients.
• [06:00] A deep dive into MGMA’s origins in 1926 and Dave’s role as an organizational historian.
• [06:39] How a student internship in 1979 launched Dave’s lifelong career with MGMA and a parallel career in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps.
• [14:10] The evolution of MGMA’s benchmarking and survey data—why “good data yields good decisions” remains a guiding principle.
• [16:44] Real-world example of how one practice in Salt Lake City used MGMA data to transform performance and outcomes.
• [19:45] Dave’s philosophy on mentorship, collaboration, and why investing time in others always pays dividends.
• [23:24] Advice for today’s practice leaders: embracing innovation, applying AI responsibly, and never losing sight of the core mission—delivering high-quality patient care.
• [27:01] A glimpse into Dave’s adventurous side, including his 27th European cycling trip and reflections on lifelong learning.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando and register to attend Dave Gans’ recognition ceremony.
• Explore MGMA’s data and benchmarking resources.
• Read Dave Gans’ contributions: MGMA articles, podcasts, and books. 

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Jon R. Ewing, Chief Operating Officer at the Women’s Clinic in Jackson, Tennessee, and MGMA’s 2025 Legislative Liaison of the Year. Jon shares how he unexpectedly entered legislative advocacy, the importance of bridging policy and practice, and what medical group leaders need to know about engaging with lawmakers.

From TennCare reimbursement challenges to looming physician shortages, Jon breaks down complex legislative issues into practical takeaways for medical practice leaders. His insights underscore why advocacy isn’t just politics — it’s problem-solving for the future of healthcare.

Key Takeaways

• [02:34] Jon describes the shock of learning he’d been named MGMA’s Legislative Liaison of the Year.
• [04:35] The role of local media in Jackson, Tennessee, and how healthcare organizations connect with their communities.
• [06:08] Jon’s Arkansas roots, trout fishing background, and early exposure to medicine through his father’s small-town practice.
• [09:08] How Jon transitioned from biology graduate to healthcare administration and eventually practice leadership.
• [11:18] The “voluntold” moment that launched his career as a legislative liaison and the importance of mentorship in advocacy.
• [13:33] Why neutrality and bipartisanship are essential when representing healthcare issues to lawmakers.
• [20:35] A real-world example: explaining TennCare’s low reimbursement rates to Tennessee legislators.
• [25:00] Strategies for engaging legislators effectively — finding common ground, leading with empathy, and making issues personal.
• [26:36] The looming physician shortage and Medicare expansion — why leaders must think several “chess moves” ahead.
• [29:07] How MGMA National supports state liaisons with updates, training, and peer collaboration.
• [31:49] Jon’s challenge to future leaders: step into advocacy roles, mentor others, and be an authentic voice for healthcare improvement.

Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode

• MGMA Leaders Conference (Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2025, Orlando, FL)
  Register here
• MGMA Government Affairs – Learn more about how MGMA advocates on behalf of medical group practices and how you can get involved:
  MGMA Government Affairs
• Projected Physician Shortage Data – AAMC Report on the 2030 physician shortage forecast:
  AAMC Physician Workforce Projections

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

On this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Rob Fershtman, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships at U.S. Career Institute. With more than a decade of experience helping healthcare organizations strengthen their pipelines for Certified Medical Assistants and other essential roles, Fershtman shares strategies for addressing staffing shortages, creating flexible education pathways and building long-term retention in medical practices.

Key Takeaways:

• [05:41] - Identifying workforce gaps: How rural healthcare organizations are struggling to recruit talent and why early-stage career roles, like medical assistants, are critical to closing the gap.
• [08:14] - What US Career Institute offers: An overview of the accredited programs and degrees, with a focus on entry-level healthcare pathways and medical assistant training.
• [10:40] - Real-life success stories: How individuals from diverse backgrounds (oil riggers, hairstylists) transitioned into healthcare careers and thrived with support from their employers.
• [12:15] - Didactic + clinical training model: Why combining online coursework with hands-on clinical instruction creates the most effective outcomes for medical assistant preparation.
• [17:20] - Open-book learning and retention: How cognitive load theory and open-book quizzes improve knowledge retention and prepare students for certification exams.
• [25:20] - Partner-driven customization: How organizations can tailor the learning sequence and clinical checklists to align with their unique needs and workflows.
• [28:08] - MGMA CMA program partnership: How practices can access U.S. Career Institute programs directly through MGMA to build and sustain their CMA pipelines.

Resources:

• Visit the U.S. Career Institute website
• MGMA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification, Powered by U.S. Career Institute - Learn More
• Connect with Rob Fershtman on LinkedIn
• MGMA Membership - Learn More and Register
• 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference: Sept 28-Oct 1 in Orlando, FL - Register Here

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame speaker Crystal Washington joins this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast. Crystal shares her expertise on generative AI and its practical applications for healthcare leaders. As an upcoming keynote speaker at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (September 28 - October 1), Crystal breaks down the AI landscape, debunks common myths, and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating technology adoption without getting overwhelmed.

[02:35] - Becoming a futurist: Crystal explains her path from hospitality management to consulting for global brands, and how she developed her futurist mindset.

[06:25] - Grounding AI in reality: Artificial intelligence has been around since the 1950s; generative AI is simply the newest wave, not an oracle.

[07:49] - Generative AI hype vs. reality: Crystal cautions leaders to separate engineering insights from corporate hype and stock-price-driven narratives.

[10:12] - Healthcare leaders and limited time: Practical advice on dedicating even 10–15 minutes a day to keep informed without feeling overwhelmed.

[11:31] - Problem-first adoption: Why leaders should identify their top three challenges before chasing new technology solutions.

[12:56] - What to expect from her keynote: Leaders Conference attendees can look forward to fun, interactive, and pragmatic ways to use AI in daily life and in healthcare operations.

Resources:

• MGMA Leaders Conference 2025: Learn more and register
• MGMA Membership: Access tools, communities and educational opportunities - Learn more and register
• Crystal Washington — Visit crystalwashington.com

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

In this debut episode of the MGMA Early Careerist podcast, host Melinda Mastel speaks with Shay Eskew, Vice President of Sales at Kodiak Solutions, Ironman athlete, and burn survivor. Shay shares his remarkable journey from a childhood accident that changed his life, to building a career in healthcare, writing a bestselling book, and embracing challenges in athletics and leadership. Tune in for insights on resilience, risk-taking, building community, and finding purpose—plus practical advice for early careerists navigating their own paths.

8 Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Shay Askew
• 01:10 – Shay’s Unplanned Path into Healthcare
• 03:10 – Childhood Accident & Burn Survivor Story
• 05:15 – Recovery, Shriners Hospital, and Finding Purpose
• 10:00 – Sharing His Story: Speaking, Rotary, and Writing a Book
• 16:00 – Embracing Challenges: Ironman, Global Adventures, and Mindset
• 25:00 – Leadership, Mentorship, and Advice for Early Careerists
• 34:00 – Book Recommendations, Final Advice, and How to Connect with Shay

Resources:

• MGMA for Early Careerists (resources)
• Melinda Mastel (MGMA resource groups)
• Shay Eskew (website)
• Shay Eskew (LinkedIn)
• Book: What the Fire Ignited by Shay Eskew (Barnes & Noble)
• Book: Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing (Amazon)
• Shriners Hospitals for Children (Official Site)
• Rotary International (Official Site)
• The Human Performance Project – Illinois Chapter
• The Human Performance Project – Bird’s Eye View Project

Additional Resources:

• MGMA Playbooks
• MGMA Events
• MGMA Consulting
• MGMA DataDive
• MGMA Stat
• MGMA Podcasts

Email us at [email protected] if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

In this episode of MGMA's Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd talks with Hayley Boling, CEO of Bowling Vision Center and Insight Surgery Center, about the realities of leadership, the importance of empathy and accountability, and the everyday moments that shape strong teams. They discuss mentorship, support networks, and the value of authenticity in healthcare and beyond.

• 00:03 — Introduction and Guest Background
• 02:12 — Creating a Culture of Accountability with Empathy
• 17:02 — Being a Woman Leader in Healthcare
• 27:52 — Finding Mentors and Building Support Networks
• 36:31 — Key Leadership Lessons: Progress Over Perfection
• 42:27 — Closing Thoughts and Thank You

Your Host:
Adrienne Palmer Lloyd, MHA, FACHE
CEO/Founder, Optimize Healthcare
MGMA Consultant | Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach | Lean/Six Sigma Expert

CONNECT WITH Adrienne!
🌐 LinkedIn
🌐 Optimize Healthcare
📧 Email Adrienne
📅 BOOK A CALL

CONNECT WITH Haley!
🌐LinkedIn

MGMA Resources:

• MGMA Leaders Conference 2025: Learn more and register
• MGMA Membership: Access tools, communities and educational opportunities - Learn more and register
• MGMA Podcasts

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Carolyn Bruebaker Moore, MBA, FACMPE, Vice President of Operations at PeaceHealth Medical Group in Oregon. Carolyn will be speaking at the upcoming MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2025), where her session, "Build Your Own Operational Leadership Development Program," will give practice leaders practical tools to strengthen leadership pipelines. 

In this conversation, Carolyn shares her healthcare journey, how she identified a leadership training gap, and how she created an inclusive program that equips supervisors, managers, and directors to grow into stronger, more confident leaders. Listeners will learn about the program’s structure, retreats, challenges, and rewards—and how they can adapt these lessons within their own organizations. 

• [04:50] Carolyn’s healthcare journey: Carolyn discusses her 21 years in leadership, her transition from academic medicine to nonprofit care and how MGMA has supported her growth
• [08:22] Identifying a leadership gap: Why existing resources weren’t enough and how she developed a tailored operational leadership program
• [10:10] Program goals: Helping leaders recognize competency gaps, build confidence, and elevate performance across peer groups
• [11:48] Retreat structure: Quarterly half-day training retreats that blend reflection, bonding activities, and peer-to-peer learning
• [17:37] Inclusive participation: All supervisors, managers, and directors are included in the program to build consistency across leadership levels
• [18:54] Overcoming challenges: Time investment, survey design, and building trust through anonymous feedback
• [22:43] Biggest rewards: Promoting leaders from within and seeing measurable growth in confidence, performance, and advancement
• [25:10] Don’t miss Carolyn’s session: "Build Your Own Operational Leadership Development Program" at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando

Resources:

• MGMA Leaders Conference 2025: Learn more and register
• MGMA Membership: Access tools, communities and educational opportunities - Learn more and register
• Connect with Carolyn Bruebaker Moore on LinkedIn
• Visit the PeaceHealth Medical Group website to learn more

Sponsor:
Capella University helps healthcare professionals earn their MHA on their terms. Their FlexPath MHA program is designed for busy MGMA members who want to advance their leadership skills with a flexible, self‑paced format — often faster and more affordably — without putting their careers on hold. Questions? Visit capella.edu/MHA to learn more.