Dr. Ramiro Zúñiga, Chief Medical Officer for Health Net Medi-Cal, brings nearly three decades of experience as a board-certified family physician serving rural and underserved communities across California. At Health Net, he co-leads contractual, compliance, and regulatory efforts for the Medi-Cal line of business while providing strategic and operational direction for quality improvement, utilization management, and clinical programs.

Previously Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Residency Program Director at San Joaquin General Hospital, Dr. Zúñiga has long combined clinical leadership with system-level transformation. He is also a Volunteer Clinical Professor at the UC Davis School of Medicine and serves on multiple boards, including the Sacramento Latino Medical Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Hispanic Health Foundation, and the Archstone Foundation.

In this episode, Dr. Zúñiga breaks down how CalAIM is transforming care—expanding provider networks with community-based organizations, scaling Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports, shifting to outcomes-based payment, and bringing care closer to where people live and learn through school-based telehealth and mobile clinics. He also shares how Health Net is investing in a diverse, community-aligned workforce and real-time data systems to reduce emergency-department visits and readmissions.

Subscribe for more rural-health insights—and explore Health Net and CalAIM resources below.

• Introduction and Welcome Back
•  Reintroduction and Background of Dr. Zúñiga
•  CalAIM Rollout and Successes
•  Expanding the Medical Ecosystem
•  Addressing Workforce Shortages
•  Focus on Equity and Community Partnerships
•  Whole Person Care and Enhanced Care Management
•  Telehealth and Remote Care Innovations
•  Final Thoughts and Future of CalAIM

•  LinkedIn 
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/health-net

Resources

• https://bridgingthedivideca.com
• www.news.healthnet.com
• Health Net
• CalAIM (DHCS)
• Hazel Health (school-based telehealth)
• Centene Foundation – Mobile Clinics partnership

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Dr. Wade Banner is a California-board-certified dentist and founder of In Motion Dentists, one of the few practices delivering comprehensive, in-home care—everything from cleanings to crowns and root canals—for seniors, homebound patients, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also operates a specialized brick-and-mortar clinic in La Verne built for accessibility and behavioral needs.

In this episode, Dr. Banner breaks down how portable dentistry actually works (spoiler: a carry-on-sized unit and a 7-minute setup), how partnerships with Regional Centers and RDHAPs unlock access, and why treating isolated patients in urban ZIP codes can feel as “rural” as the farthest county. We dig into workflow, equipment, teledentistry collaboration, and the mindset shift new grads need to serve special healthcare needs—plus how any dentist can start with house calls on a limited basis.

Subscribe for more conversations on practical solutions for rural and hard-to-reach care. Learn more or request a ride-along via In Motion Dentists.

• Introduction and Guest Introduction
•  Dr. Banner's Journey into Mobile Dentistry
•  Working with Special Needs and Regional Centers
•  Challenges and Solutions in Rural Dental Care
•  The Importance of House Call Dentistry
•  Future of Teledentistry and RDHAPs
•  Conclusion and Contact Information

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• In Motion Dentists
• RDHAP Connect
• San Gabriel / Pomona Regional Center
• Aseptico Portable Dental Units
• Cocoon Portable X-Ray

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

JD Garza is the Associate Director of the California Area Health Education Center (AHEC), hosted at UCSF Fresno, and a board member of the National AHEC Organization. His career centers on partnering with community organizations to serve medically underserved communities. 

In this episode, JD breaks down how AHEC recruits, trains, and retains health professionals for rural and underserved areas—at scale. We get into AHEC Scholars (a two-year, interdisciplinary track with community projects), clinical placements across community health centers, and why elevating CHWs, MAs, and CNAs is key. He also shares a standout youth diabetes coaching partnership, outcomes to date, and a practical burnout-prevention curriculum (“Healing from the Heart”) co-built with Hennepin Healthcare.

• Introduction to JD Garza and AHEC
•  Overview of California AHEC
•  California AHEC Centers and Partnerships
•  AHEC Programs and Initiatives
•  AHEC Scholars Program
•  Burnout Prevention and Resiliency Program
•  Future Plans and Conclusion

Resources

• California Area Health Education Center (UCSF Fresno) 
• National AHEC Organization 
• HRSA Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program 
• Hennepin Healthcare — Institute for Professional Worklife (burnout resources)
• Stanford Youth Diabetes Coaching Program

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Ingrid Villeda is a Program & Community Engagement Specialist at the Alzheimer’s Association (Northern CA & Northern NV). She’s spent 8+ years serving older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers—especially in Latino and rural communities—building partnerships and delivering bilingual education that actually reaches families.

In this episode, Ingrid breaks down what Alzheimer’s is (and isn’t), who’s at higher risk, and how new anti-amyloid therapies are changing the timeline for early-stage patients. We dig into the realities of rural care—limited specialists, long travel, internet deserts—and the concrete fixes that work: training primary care, leveraging Project ECHO, phone-first education, and meeting families where they already are (consulates, food banks, schools). You’ll leave with playbook-level ideas to expand access, support caregivers, and drive earlier detection in hard-to-reach places. 

•  Overview of Alzheimer's Association
•  Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
•  Risk Factors and Research
•  Diagnosis and Treatment Options
•  Challenges in Rural Communities
•  Addressing Rural Healthcare Obstacles
•  Behavioral Symptoms and Care Strategies
•  Resources and Conclusion

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• https://www.alz.org 
• https://uspointer.net 
• https://www.dementiacareaware.org 
• https://projectecho.unm.edu/initiatives/alzheimers-and-dementia-care-echo/

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Kristy Bird MaKieve is the founder and CEO of Healthy Rural California, a nonprofit transforming healthcare access in Northern California’s underserved communities. A social entrepreneur and medical society leader, Kristy is spearheading graduate medical education programs, residency training, and innovative partnerships to address the rural physician shortage head-on.

In this episode, Kristy shares how Healthy Rural California launched psychiatry and family medicine residencies in Chico, why medical education is the key to reversing decades of healthcare inequity, and how her team is creating pathways for youth, medical students, and future physicians to stay and serve rural communities. She breaks down the economic ripple effects of residency programs, her vision for an interprofessional healthcare campus, and what it really takes to bring lasting health equity to the North State.

If you care about solving physician shortages, strengthening rural health, or building community-driven solutions, this conversation is a blueprint for impact.

•  Healthy Rural California's Mission
•  Challenges in Rural Healthcare
•  Graduate Medical Education Initiatives
•  Video Presentation: Residency Programs
•  Impact of Residency Programs
•  Community Health and Education Programs
•  Future Plans and Expansion
•  Conclusion and Final Thoughts

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• California Medical Association, 
• National Rural Health Association ,
• UC Davis School of Medicine
• North Valley Community Foundation 

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Nate Sundheimer—Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Director of Digital & Tech Strategy at Wipfli—joins CSRHA to demystify AI for rural healthcare leaders. With deep roots in healthcare innovation and a mission to make tech practical, Nate delivers a sharp, no-fluff session on how AI can empower rural providers to do more with less.

This episode dives into real-world, nonclinical AI applications that reduce burnout, streamline operations, and improve patient outcomes—without breaking the bank or disrupting workflows. Nate walks through actionable frameworks for evaluating vendors, calculating ROI, and navigating implementation. Plus, he shares insights from Wipfli’s national survey of rural execs, showing how AI is already at work behind the scenes—even if providers don’t realize it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise or unsure how to vet “game-changing” tech, this is your roadmap.

• Nate Sundheimer's Background and Credentials
• Introduction to AI in Rural Healthcare
• Understanding AI and Its Applications
• Current State and Challenges in Rural Healthcare
• AI Solutions and Implementation Strategies
• Nonclinical AI and Technology Applications
• Implementation Challenges and Success Metrics
• Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• Wipfli – Healthcare Advisory & Technology Services, 
• Microsoft Nuance DAX (Dragon Ambient eXperience),
• Abridge – AI Medical Documentation
• Suki – AI for Clinical Documentation (FQHC focused)
• OpenLoop – Virtual Staffing for Healthcare

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Kirsten Storne-Piazza is a licensed therapist, healthcare executive, and director of psychiatric programs at Orchard Hospital in rural Northern California. A passionate advocate for mental wellness in healthcare, she’s leading the development of a new inpatient youth psychiatric facility and actively works with first responders and rural health organizations to combat burnout and compassion fatigue.

In this powerful talk, Kirsten shares the deeply personal and professional journey that brought her to the frontlines of rural healthcare leadership—including her pivot after the 2018 Camp Fire. She breaks down how her hospital tackled staff burnout head-on, reducing turnover by more than half and raising patient satisfaction to 92%. You’ll learn the tools, surveys, and strategies her team used to reshape culture, rebuild trust, and reignite purpose across departments. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to improve outcomes by investing in their people.

•  Kirsten's Background and Passion for Healthcare
•  Defining Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
•  Personal Journey and the Impact of the Camp Fire
•  Addressing Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare
•  Case Study: Orchard Hospital's Approach
•  Steps to Improve Work-Life Balance
•  Leadership and Employee Engagement Initiatives
•  Results and Takeaways
•  The Importance of Taking Care of Healthcare Workers

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL)
• Studer Group Rounding and Recognition Model
• Compassion Fatigue Self-Test

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Holly Laird, Rural and Disability Equity Lead at the California Department of Public Health, is on a mission to reframe how state systems engage with rural communities. A lifelong advocate with deep roots in local and state public health, Holly led the first-ever Rural Health Equity Landscape Analysis at CDPH—a powerful blueprint for how the government can better serve communities historically sidelined in public health conversations.

In this episode, Holly shares insights from the year-long analysis, revealing the systemic disconnects that rural Californians face—from data invisibility and outdated funding formulas to the politicization of words like “equity.” She breaks down the findings from both internal CDPH interviews and external community-based organizations, highlighting the urgent need for flexible funding, local partnerships, better broadband, and culturally competent communication. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what true rural equity could look like—and why listening to frontline communities is step one.

•  CDPH's Strategic Plan and Priorities
•  Community Inclusion and Partnership Section
•  Rural Health Equity Landscape Analysis
•  Internal CDPH Findings
•  Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Health
•  External Community-Based Organization Findings
•  Barriers and Supports in Rural Health
•  Planning and Next Steps

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• CA-RISE (Rual Initiative for Statewide Equity)
• Rual Messaging Guide - CA-RISE Toolkits 
• Frameworks Institute - Messaging for Rural Equity 
• Every Woman Counts Program (Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening) 
• California Equitable Recovery Initiative (CERI) 
• Middle Mile Broadband Initiative (CA Department of Technology) 

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

What if the key to solving our aging crisis lies not in city halls but in rural towns—and in elevating the voices of those who’ve been overlooked for too long?

In this powerful episode, we welcome Karol Swartzlander, Executive Director of the California Commission on Aging, a 24-year veteran in long-term services, aging policy, and state advocacy. From driving legislative wins to revolutionizing workforce inclusion and housing for older adults, Carol has been at the helm of California’s most forward-thinking initiatives for aging populations.

•  Overview of the California Commission on Aging
•  Policy Priorities and State Initiatives
•  Legislative Successes and Challenges
•  Workforce Development and Inclusive Employment
•  Innovative Solutions and Future Plans
•  Emergency Preparedness and Community Engagement
•  Conclusion and Q&A

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• California Commission on Aging Website, 
• Sign Up for AgeWatch Newsletter,
• Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)
• Rural Master Plan for Aging Toolkit 

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Brock Slabach on Reimagining Rural Health Care from the Ground Up | CSRHA 2025 Conference

Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association, brings over two decades of frontline experience to the stage at the 2025 CSRHA Conference. A third-generation Kansas farmer turned policy leader, Brock has become a national force in rural health innovation and advocacy.

In this episode, Brock outlines what it will take to strengthen and sustain health care in rural communities. He shares fresh insights on Medicare Advantage, infrastructure renewal, rural emergency hospital conversions, and how to align public policy with the real needs of providers on the ground. You’ll walk away with a smarter understanding of what’s changing in Washington, what it means for California, and how local leaders can shape the future of rural care.

• Introduction of Keynote Speaker Brock Slabach
• Brock Slabach's Background and Achievements
• Opening Remarks and Setting the Stage
• National and California Rural Health Overview
• Challenges in Rural Health Services
• Advocacy and Policy Efforts
• Medicare and Medicaid Issues
• Rural Hospital Closures and Financial Struggles
• Legislative Updates and Future Plans
• Executive Branch Changes and Impacts
• Future of Rural Health 

Connect with Brock Slabach:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-slabach-596a291

X: https://x.com/BSLABACH

Resources:

https://www.ruralhealth.us

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.