Understanding Healthcare with Sam Feudo

In this episode, Sam Feudo sits down with Dr. John D’Angelo, President and CEO of Northwell Health, to discuss the forces shaping the next era of American healthcare. Drawing on his experience as both an emergency physician and healthcare executive, Dr. D’Angelo reflects on the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic pressures facing health systems, the promise and limitations of AI, and what the hospital of the future may look like. They also explore the tension between integration and consolidation, the challenge of restoring trust in healthcare institutions, and the kind of leadership that will be needed to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.

In this episode, Sam speaks with Tom Ozburn, CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center, about what it takes to lead one of Nashville’s largest hospitals at a time of profound change in healthcare. Over his 25 years with HCA, Tom has led teams in Bowling Green, Chattanooga, and now Nashville, bringing an operator’s clarity and a deep sense of mission to every role. Their conversation explores how to balance high-acuity tertiary care with community health, the lessons from embedding social determinants into hospital strategy, and the meaning of value in an era of financial pressure and innovation. From moments of crisis to the promise of digital health and AI, Tom shares candid reflections on trust, culture, and the kind of leadership that sustains teams and communities alike.

In this episode, Sam speaks with Dr. Daniel Muñoz, Executive Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, about the future of cardiovascular care. Their conversation moves from the ICU to preventive cardiology, from the promise of the polypill to the challenges of equity and implementation, and from research insights to the policy decisions that shape patient outcomes. Dr. Muñoz reflects on what it means to lead across medicine and policy, the barriers that slow innovation, and the values that keep him grounded. They discuss the choices and leadership that will define the health of societies in the years ahead.

In this episode of Understanding Healthcare, I sit down with Dr. Adam Ratner, Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU Langone Health. We discuss his upcoming book Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children’s Health, the growing epidemic of vaccine hesitancy, and how to rebuild trust in science. Dr. Ratner also shares his thoughts on the ethical tensions between personal freedom and public health, the biggest infectious disease threats facing children globally, and what gives him hope for the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Karly Campbell, Chief Quality Officer at TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid Agency, to explore how Medicaid is transforming care delivery through value-based care and payment reform. They discuss TennCare’s innovative programs, like Patient-Centered Medical Homes and Tennessee Health Link, and dive into the role of social determinants of health and health equity in improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Karly also shares her vision for the future of Medicaid and healthcare policy, offering practical lessons for leaders navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode of Understanding Healthcare, Sam Feudo sits down with Anne-Sophie Deman, Managing Director in the Healthcare & Life Sciences practice at FTI Consulting. Drawing on her expertise in healthcare policy and public affairs across the European Union, Anne-Sophie shares insights on how health systems are navigating budget constraints, rethinking incentives for innovation, and addressing the rising financial pressures on healthcare delivery. They discuss pharmaceutical innovation, strategies for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and how health systems can balance fiscal responsibility with the need to advance cutting-edge treatments.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Max Bronstein, a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation and health policy, to discuss the future of healthcare. From expanding access to genomic technologies to rethinking drug development models, Max shares insights from his work at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and beyond. They explore the challenges of scaling solutions for unmet medical needs, the promise of public-private collaborations, and preparing for the next wave of transformative healthcare innovations.

In this episode, Sam Feudo sits down with Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University, about the evolving role of faith, leadership, and innovation in healthcare and higher education. Greg shares his philosophy of “traditioned innovation” and how it shapes his vision for the Frist College of Medicine to prepare future leaders capable of driving social impact and navigating complex challenges in a rapidly changing world. They explore how ethics and technology intersect in healthcare, the difficulties of reweaving the social fabric amidst growing polarization, and Belmont’s unique position within Nashville’s dynamic ecosystem, offering insights on building hope and resilience in institutions and communities.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Brian Williams, a trauma surgeon, author, and health policy advisor. Dr. Williams' remarkable career spans from his days at the Air Force Academy to his current roles in clinical practice and policy. In this episode, we explore his experiences on the front lines of healthcare, his perspective on systemic issues like gun violence and racism, and his dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and equity. Listen to hear how Dr. Williams' diverse background shapes his approach to health policy and advocacy, and his vision for a more equitable healthcare system.

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Joshua Liao, Professor and Chief of the William T. and Gay F. Solomon Division of General Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Founder of the Program on Policy Evaluation & Learning (PROPEL). With a focus on reducing health disparities and enhancing patient care through innovative payment models, Dr. Liao provided insights into care delivery and the role of policy in shaping equitable health outcomes. We explored his journey in medicine, the challenges and successes he's encountered, and his vision for the future of healthcare.