In this episode of the STRIVE Podcast, I am honored to host Dr. Gregory D. Farwell, Chair of Penn Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. We dive into Dr. Farwell's incredible journey in medicine, his leadership roles, and his significant contributions to enhancing representation and mentorship in the medical community. Our conversation also explores his vision for the future of medical education, diversity in healthcare, and his perspective on the integration of technology in medical practice. Tune in to understand the changes transforming the field of healthcare and the promise they hold for the future.

00:15 Getting to Know Dr. Gregory D. Farwell

01:16 Dr. Farwell's Early Career and Unexpected Leadership Role

03:25 Challenges and Growth in Leadership

04:56 Dr. Farwell's Journey from University of Washington to UC Davis

05:53 The Evolution of Dr. Farwell's Responsibilities and Interests

06:22 The Importance of Cultivating Interests in Medicine

12:52 Transition from UC Davis to Penn Medicine

24:03 The Role of Diversity in Medicine

33:51 The Future of Medical Education and Technology

46:44 Conclusion

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we host Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. We explore Kevin's journey, from growing up in a large Irish Catholic family to becoming a prominent figure in healthcare leadership. We delve into his vision on the integration of cutting-edge technology like AI in medicine, the importance of fostering an innovative culture in healthcare, and his enthusiasm for the future of Penn Medicine. Further, Kevin shares his strategic plan of building more ambulatory surgery centers, aiming towards deregulation in healthcare to reduce costs, and making bold steps in digital health and IT. This episode serves as an intriguing exploration of the interplay between mind, medicine, and motivation in the field of healthcare leadership.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:19 Kevin B. Mahoney's Early Life and Influences

02:23 The Summer of 1978: Life-Changing Events

04:38 Reflections on 40 Years of Marriage

05:40 Career Journey at Penn Medicine

08:25 The Importance of Listening and Gathering Data as a Leader

09:43 Creating a Conducive Atmosphere for Progress

13:05 The Role of Creativity in Problem Solving

16:14 The Construction of the New Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

21:33 Reflections on the New Hospital and Unintended Consequences

22:44 Balancing Long-Term Vision and Immediate Challenges

23:22 The Importance of Goal Setting and Persistence

24:16 The Role of Leadership in Innovation

25:14 Resource Allocation and the Secret Sauce of Penn Medicine

28:09 The Power of Innovation and the Culture of Penn Medicine

29:24 The Future of Healthcare: Digital Health and AI

34:57 The Concept of Silicon Valley and the Role of Penn Medicine

37:19 The Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Health

45:05 The Vision for Penn Medicine and the Future of Healthcare

47:58 Closing Thoughts and Excitement for the Future

Join us as we dive into an insightful conversation with Dr. Daniel Donoho, a neurosurgeon and assistant professor at George Washington University. We discuss the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in neurosurgery, the development of systems to enhance surgical safety, and the future of neurosurgical education. Dr. Donoho shares his journey and his experiences in integrating AI into neurosurgery. We also touch on the challenges in data collection and the role of the Surgical Data Science Collective in creating a global surgical knowledge repository. Tune in to learn more about the potential of AI in transforming neurosurgery practices and medical education.

In this episode, we engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Hunter Futch, a third-year neurosurgery resident at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Futch opens up about his personal story of suffering from a brain tumor during his teenage years, which led him into the medical field and fueled his interest in neurosurgery and neuro-oncology. He delves into his experiences throughout his undergraduate and medical studies, highlighting his work in brain tumor research and the empathetic approach he brings to patient care. Dr. Futch talks about the demanding nature of neurosurgery residency, his clinical interests in pediatric neurosurgery, and his aspirations for the future.

In this episode, we host Dr. Michael Acker, Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Acker shares his journey and insight into the evolution of cardiac care paradigms. We discuss the shifts in the landscape of cardiothoracic surgery across the years, appreciating new advancements in endovascular and minimally invasive procedures, the changing faces of mentoring, leadership, and the importance of team effort in healthcare.

Join us on Strive Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Faith Robertson, a neurosurgery resident at Massachusetts General and an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School. We discuss the details of her journey across disciplines, from the operating room to the business of healthcare and global surgery. Discover her insights on the healthcare system's challenges and innovations, and her approach to melding clinical expertise with business strategy to shape the future of health.

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, Dr. Ara Chalian, a Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pennsylvania, shares insights from over three decades of expertise in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In our conversation, we'll delve into the nuances of cancer pathogenesis, the transformative impact of robotic surgery, and the evolution of patient-centric care through the lens of Dr. Chalian's illustrious career and profound experiences.

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, Dr. Christopher Graffeo, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Oklahoma, joins us. Specializing in skull base and cerebrovascular diseases, Dr. Graffeo unpacks the art of neurosurgery, examining the profound connections between consciousness and surgical practice while considering the ethical and humanistic aspects that a neurosurgeon must navigate.

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, I am excited to host Dr. Patrick Brennan, the Chief Medical Officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). Dr. Brennan, who began his career as an infectious disease specialist, now plays a pivotal role in managing clinical leadership and ensuring operational excellence at UPHS. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including his journey from a specialist to a leading healthcare executive, his strategies for maintaining high safety standards and operational efficiency, and his approach to determining best practices in patient care. We delve into the challenges he faced and discuss how these experiences have shaped UPHS's operations. Dr. Brennan also shares his insights on the integration of cutting-edge technologies and his enthusiasm for future technological advancements. Moreover, we discuss his strategies for enhancing patient safety and his views on value-based care and its impact on population health management.

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we sit down with Robert Subtirelu, a medical student from the University of Pennsylvania with a strong interest in neuroscience and neurosurgery. Robert and I have collaborated on numerous academic projects as we navigated the challenges and highlights of medical school. Today, we'll discuss our shared experiences, delve into our passion for neuroscience, and explore the path ahead in our medical journeys. Join us as we offer a candid look into the world of academia, research, and the balance of professional and personal life.