MGMA Podcasts

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Tony Stajduhar, President, and Neal Waters, Regional Vice President of Recruiting, Jackson Physician Search, to discuss insights from the new research report From Contract to Connection: How Authentic Relationships Foster Early Career Physician Loyalty and Retention.

The conversation explores how healthcare leaders can strengthen physician relationships beyond the recruitment phase — from pre-boarding and onboarding to long-term engagement. Tony and Neal share actionable strategies to close the gap between administrative expectations and physician realities, emphasizing culture, communication, and connection as key drivers of retention and satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

• Bridging the Expectation Gap (1:39)
  Nearly 60% of physicians leave their first job within three years, yet administrators expect six-year tenures. This misalignment reveals a critical need for better communication and expectation-setting during recruitment and onboarding.
• Spotting Red Flags Early (3:57)
  Engagement is a strong indicator of longevity. Lack of participation in staff events, community involvement, or peer engagement can signal an at-risk physician.
• Generational Shifts in Retention (09:44)
  Newer physicians approach employment differently than past generations. They expect employers to prove that a practice is worth their long-term commitment, rather than assuming loyalty from the start.
• The Power of Pre-boarding (11:09)
  Relationship-building begins before day one. Consistent communication — such as assigning mentors, sending local updates, or small welcome gestures — keeps new hires connected and prevents cold feet during long start-date gaps.
• Compensation Gets Them In, Culture Keeps Them There (18:10)
  Financial packages may attract candidates, but organizational culture — where physicians feel heard, valued, and connected — is what sustains engagement.
• Establishing Feedback Loops That Work (22:25)
  Effective feedback systems pair structured mentorship (monthly check-ins) with informal peer relationships, ensuring physicians have safe spaces to share concerns before they escalate.
• Culture as a Retention Engine (25:34)
  A thriving culture is personal, not transactional. When physicians feel known as individuals — not employee numbers — they’re more likely to stay and invest in the organization’s success.
• Action Step for Leaders (29:19)
  Administrators should “put themselves in physicians’ shoes,” understanding their personal and professional motivations to create environments where physicians feel supported and seen.

Resources mentioned:

• Full Report: From Contract to Connection: How Authentic Relationships Foster Early Career Physician Loyalty and Retention
• Jackson Physician Search resources
• More MGMA Insights podcast episodes

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, welcomes Idalis McPhail, practice administrator at Fairfax Pediatric Associates and one of MGMA’s 2025 Future Five Award winners. With a background that spans from bedside nursing to executive administration, McPhail shares her journey of bridging clinical and administrative leadership, fostering unity across departments, and implementing evidence-based safety and workflow improvements. Listeners will gain practical insights into building communication, strengthening patient experience, and leading change in long-standing healthcare organizations.

Key Takeaways

[02:34] – Recognition and Mentorship
Idalis describes the surprise and excitement of receiving her MGMA Future Five Award and how MGMA resources and mentorship accelerated her professional growth as a new practice administrator.

[05:11] – Career Evolution: CNA to Administrator
Her transition from clinical roles to leadership positions taught her the importance of empathy, teamwork, and leadership’s impact on both patient outcomes and staff morale.

[06:09] – Inside Fairfax Pediatric Associates
Fairfax Pediatric Associates—serving Northern Virginia for nearly 60 years—includes three locations, 80 staff, and offers care ranging from pediatrics to ADHD and mental health services as part of the Trusted Doctors network.

[09:30] – Speaking a Common Language: Clinical Meets Administrative
McPhail explains how she united departments by defining the patient experience as a shared goal—covering every touchpoint from insurance verification through follow-up care.

[11:23] – Leading a Culture of Safety
Her infection-control initiative began with observation and staff education. By focusing on the “why” behind safety standards, McPhail built buy-in and accountability, reducing employee sick days and patient cross-contamination.

[13:50] – Sustaining Quality through Engagement
Monthly “secret shopper” audits keep infection-control practices consistent, reinforcing awareness without creating a punitive culture.

[17:14] – Mentorship and Collaboration Across Roles
Transitioning from nurse manager to administrator required humility, curiosity, and asking direct reports for insight. McPhail emphasizes showing how operational decisions affect patient outcomes to motivate staff from all backgrounds.

[19:33] – Redefining Impact: Taking Care of the Caregivers
Moving into administration expanded McPhail’s impact—now supporting both patients and the 80 employees who care for them through operational efficiency, fiscal stability, and workplace culture.

[21:55] – Thriving Amid Change
McPhail views healthcare’s constant evolution as a learning opportunity, encouraging leaders to collaborate, stay adaptable, and embrace innovation with confidence and curiosity.

 Resources: 

• Idalis McPhair on LinkedIn
• Fairfax Pediatric Associates
• MGMA Awards 
• Trusted Doctors Network

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, interviews Sean Nguyen, MHA, the 2025 Harwick Innovation Award winner and System Director of the Interventional Pain Service Line at Ochsner Health.

Nguyen shares how his “One Reason for Visit” model revolutionized multidisciplinary care for patients with back pain by breaking down silos, improving patient access, and creating a coordinated, scalable system across a 45-hospital network. He also reflects on his Louisiana roots, how his experience with FEMA during Hurricane Katrina shaped his healthcare leadership, and how collaboration drives sustainable innovation.

Tune in to learn how Nguyen’s approach can help your practice enhance care coordination, streamline scheduling, and improve patient satisfaction — no matter your size or specialty.

Key Takeaways

[01:36] – Winning the Harwick Innovation Award
Sean shares the story behind receiving the Harwick Innovation Award and credits his Ochsner team’s collective effort in transforming care delivery.

[03:11] – About Ochsner Health’s System-Wide Reach
Sean provides an overview of Ochsner Health’s 45-hospital system, spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, emphasizing the organization’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence in care.
[05:40] – Roots in Louisiana and a Passion for Community
Growing up “down the bayou” in Houma, Louisiana, as the son of Vietnamese immigrants, Sean learned the value of family and community. After Hurricane Katrina, his work with FEMA in recovery and behavioral health inspired his career in healthcare leadership. 

[11:22] – Breaking Down Silos in Patient Care
Nguyen explains how fragmented care for patients with back pain led to the development of the “One Reason for Visit” model — streamlining access and ensuring consistent triage regardless of specialty or location. 

[15:46] – Implementation: Building Collaboration Across Systems
Sean details how his team partnered with Epic and clinical leaders to connect decision trees across specialties, standardize initial visits, and gain clinician buy-in through transparent communication and trust-building.

[20:45] – Buy-in, Measurable Results, and Patient Impact
The initiative reduced wait times, expanded same-day availability, and boosted patient satisfaction. Nguyen also notes culture change as one of the most meaningful outcomes, as teams embraced shared goals over silos.

[29:35] – Scaling the Model to Chronic Disease Management
Sean outlines opportunities to apply the “One Reason for Visit” framework to chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, joint pain, and women’s health — emphasizing the need for both top-down and grassroots collaboration.

[34:13] – Innovation Through Teamwork
Drawing inspiration from his Avengers pin, Sean compares his multidisciplinary team to superheroes — each with unique strengths working together for patients’ benefit.

Resources from this episode:

• Sean Nguyen on LinkedIn
• Ochsner Health
• 2025 MGMA Award Winners 
• MGMA Insights Podcast Network

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Michelle Mainord, Practice Administrator at Cookeville Gynecology in Tennessee and winner of the 2025 ACMPE Forum Representative of the Year Award. Michelle shares her remarkable journey from nurse to administrator, the lessons learned in leadership, and how mentorship and certification programs like ACMPE strengthen the future of healthcare management.

Listeners will gain insights into how medical practice leaders can balance professional development, mentorship, and the day-to-day demands of running a practice — all while building community and advancing excellence in healthcare management.

Episode Takeaways

[02:09] — Connecting in Person: Why MGMA Conferences Matter
Daniel and Michelle chat about the excitement of attending the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (held Sept. 28-Oct. 1), the energy of being surrounded by peers, and the difference between virtual connections and face-to-face learning. Michelle reflects on attending the MGMA Private Practice Conference in Minnesota earlier this year.
[05:14] — Cookeville, Tennessee: A Regional Hub for Women’s Health
Michelle introduces listeners to Cookeville. At Cookeville Gynecology, her team provides specialized care for patients who often travel an hour or more for services. She describes the pride of working in a regional practice that blends small-town connection with big-city standards of care. 

[6:19] — From Nurse to Administrator: Bridging the Clinical and Business Sides of Healthcare
Michelle shares her transition story from clinical nurse to administrator, explaining how cross-training and empathy between front- and back-office teams foster stronger, more efficient practices.

[7:34] — Launching and Growing a Physician-Owned Practice
Hear how Michelle helped build Cookeville Gynecology from a single-physician practice to a thriving six-provider clinic serving more than 20,000 patients across a 14-county region.
[8:08] — Bridging the Front and Back Office Divide
 Michelle reflects on the transition from nurse to administrator, noting that tension often exists between clinical and front-office teams. She explains how her clinical background helped her bridge that gap, foster collaboration through cross-training, and guide change with empathy and understanding.
[09:48] — Seeing Both Sides of the Practice
Michelle explains how working on both the clinical and administrative sides has strengthened her communication and leadership. She shares how understanding each team’s perspective helps staff connect their daily work to the practice’s financial health and overall success.

[11:15] — The Power of ACMPE: What Certification and Fellowship Really Mean
Michelle breaks down the ACMPE process — from certification to fellowship — and how it builds confidence, financial literacy, and leadership among practice managers.

[14:30] — Paying It Forward Through Mentorship
Michelle shares how earning her ACMPE certification inspired her to mentor others. Now leading study groups and boot camps, she helps peers navigate the process, celebrating their successes and emphasizing how mentorship keeps the spirit of professional growth alive in healthcare leadership. 

[18:56] — Overcoming Barriers and Building Confidence
Michelle notes that time is the biggest challenge for most practice leaders pursuing ACMPE certification. She emphasizes how study groups and the (MGMA) Principles of Practice Management Certificate help build confidence and community, offering encouragement, shared learning, and a sense of camaraderie among peers on the same journey. 

[20:50] — Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
Michelle shares what drives her passion for ACMPE: helping practice leaders grow and adapt in a fast-changing healthcare landscape. She finds the greatest reward in mentoring others—supporting them as they build confidence, pursue certification or fellowship, and connect the dots between where they are and where they want to be. 

About the Guest:
Michelle Mainord is Practice Administrator at Cookeville Gynecology in Tennessee and the 2025 ACMPE Forum Representative of the Year. She has been instrumental in guiding members through certification and fellowship, fostering mentorship networks, and advancing the professional development of healthcare leaders. 

Resources 

• Michelle Mainord on LinkedIn
• ACMPE Certification and Fellowship Information
• Principles of Medical Practice Management Certificate Program
• MGMA Private Practice Conference

Welcome to MGMA Insights, the podcast for medical practice leaders. In this episode, host Daniel Williams speaks with Jonathan Leer, Senior Director of Clinical Business Operations at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Recorded ahead of the MGMA Leaders Conference, their conversation highlights the evolving role of academic medicine, including leadership development, physician recruitment and retention, research and clinical trials, grant management, and resource management amid shrinking reimbursements.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Jonathan Leer's background
• 01:07 – Defining academic medicine and the tripartite mission
• 04:14 – Research and clinical trial highlights
• 06:32 – Public health focus on carbon monoxide safety
• 07:39 – Expanding academic practices into communities
• 12:18 – Leadership, recruitment, and resource management in academic medicine
• 28:00 – How to connect with Jonathan Leer

Resources:

• Email: [email protected]
• Jonathan Leer on LinkedIn
• MGMA Leaders Conference Info
• University of Maryland School of Medicine Website
• CDC Carbon Monoxide Safety

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Rihan Javid to explore how medical practices can balance artificial intelligence with human expertise. Dr. Javid shares insights from his work with EDGE and Rinova AI, where he helps practices leverage remote talent and AI-powered agents to reduce costs, improve billing accuracy, and enhance patient care.

The conversation covers how AI can automate repetitive administrative tasks, the limits of technology in patient interactions, and the importance of maintaining empathy and trust in healthcare. Listeners will also hear real-world examples of AI’s role in revenue cycle management and the long-term potential of AI agents.

Key Takeaways:

• (03:27) - Introduction to Dr. Javid’s background: From law to psychiatry to healthcare operations, and how this experience informs his approach to AI in medical practices
• (06:38) - The billing challenge: Why healthcare billing is so complex and costly, and how practices struggle to retain top coding and billing staff
• (08:21) - Where AI excels vs. where humans are essential: Repetitive coding and data tasks are ideal for AI, while human interaction remains irreplaceable for patient-facing roles
• (09:35) - Defining AI agents: How AI agents simulate human workflows, log into EHRs, code notes, and reconcile payments—dramatically cutting processing times
• (13:15) - Cost savings potential: How practices can reduce billing expenses from 5% of revenue to less than 1%, saving tens of thousands of dollars per physician each year
• (15:42) - Preserving empathy and trust: Why AI cannot replace the doctor-patient relationship and the importance of human connection in healthcare
• (17:08) - Final advice for practice leaders: Adopt AI thoughtfully—integrating tools like billing agents without losing the essence of patient-centered care

Resources

• Visit the EDGE website
• Visit the Rinova AI website to learn more
• Watch a Rinova Agentic AI Insurance Verification Demo
• Connect with Dr. Rihan Javid on LinkedIn

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.

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.

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.

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.