In this "Quick Connect" I review the mission of The Groves Connection, preview upcoming episodes, share a personal story and reflect on the impact of the pandemic for those who have lost loved ones. I end with poetry and finally the hope of brighter things to come.

Melissa "Missy" Duke, PharmD is an inspiration to anyone who is facing obstacles in realizing their dreams. Today she is the Executive Director of Population Health Pharmacy Solutions in a 10 billion dollar integrated delivery system. We cover her story from humble beginnings to broken dreams and soon after learn about her indomitable spirit and solid work ethic and finally, how these character traits propelled her to the position she holds today. Missy is on a mission. 

Find out what Dr. Duke has to say about drug pricing, formularies, and pharmacy benefits management companies (PBM). Transparency matters, so let's make the connection with Missy Duke.

Rhonda is another storied healthcare leader with much to teach us. We follow her career from delivering babies on the south side of Chicago to CEO of a large metropolitan children's hospital. Rhonda has blazed a trail for women and nurses that few would attempt and even fewer might duplicate. Learn what makes Rhonda tick and what drives her nearly superhuman ability to sit on multiple boards while presiding over some of the most important regulatory functions in nursing and care delivery, all while still working as a full time healthcare executive. Where did this drive come from? What are her predictions for the future of healthcare and what needs to happen to make that dream come true? What is the single most important piece of advice for those just embarking on a career in nursing? Let's find out the answers to these questions and more as The Groves Connection sits down with Rhonda Anderson to discuss her many connected careers.

Here we are. Welcome to my conversation with Dr. Brent James. Dr. James served Intermountain Healthcare Executive Director of the Institute for Healthcare Delivery Research for more than two decades. He is a member of the faculty at Stanford, and invited lecturer at Harvard and is internationally recognized for clinical quality improvement, patient safety and true culture change. He has trained thousands of clinical leaders in his methods and dozens of these graduates have developed like programs around the world. He has testified extensively before congress and when he speaks, leaders listen. We have a broad ranging conversation that includes novel insights on the Covid-19 pandemic that you don't want to miss. As a statistician he is a rigorous thinker, as a trained surgeon he is deeply knowledgeable about clinical research and care delivery, and as leader, he is an engaging speaker and storyteller. Listen in on The Groves Connection.

Disclaimer: The Groves Connection is not liable for opinions of guests. Dr Groves is employed, and his full time employer is not liable for personal opinions and information shared by guests or Dr. Groves.

In this episode I reveal the rationale for season one of The Groves Connection and cover the scope of the problem of healthcare, healthcare financing and the complexity of the issues we face. I also cover the first three guests that I will interview for this season.

Disclaimer: The Groves Connection is not liable for opinions of guests. Dr Groves is employed, and his full time employer is not liable for personal opinions and information shared by guests or Dr. Groves.

I asked Dr. Ed Clarke to be my first guest on the Groves Connection. Ed is the Chief Medical Officer of both Banner Health Network and the Banner Insurance Division. More important to me, Ed is a trusted colleague and friend. It felt natural to talk and share perspectives.

We discuss how Ed went from engineering to medicine and from the coast to the desert. We then cover a range of topics on value based care, and the response to Covid-19.

Disclaimer: The Groves Connection is not liable for opinions of guests. Dr Groves is employed band his personal employer is not liable for personal opinions and information shared by guests or Dr. Groves.