Strive: Exploring Mind, Medicine, and Motivation

In this episode of the Strive Podcast , we speak with Ed Gaines , a nationally recognized expert in healthcare reimbursement, medical coding, and physician payment policy, to unpack the economic infrastructure that shapes modern medicine. Together we discuss: • Why reimbursement education is largely absent from medical training • How documentation and coding directly influence physician payment •...

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Dr. Elad Levy, Chair of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo and Distinguished Professor, to explore how paradigm shifts in medicine are built. A pioneer of mechanical thrombectomy and U.S. Interventional Principal Investigator of the landmark SWIFT PRIME trial, Dr. Levy reflects on the transformation of stroke care before and after 2015 an...

In this episode of the Strive Podcast , we host Dr. Russell Lonser, Chair of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State University and a global leader in neurosurgery and physician-scientist training. Dr. Lonser reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to risk, responsibility, and innovation; discusses how simplicity drives scalable impact in surgery and research, and shares insights from...

Join us on the Strive Podcast as we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Noah Kaufman, an emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, and Bitcoin philosopher. Known as the Ninja Doc from NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Dr. Kaufman shares insights on how his experiences in medicine, finance, and physical performance intersect. Discover how Bitcoin connects to self-actualization and morality, and he...

Scott Becker shares insights on his dual career path, the evolution of Becker's Healthcare, and the mindset behind balancing law and media entrepreneurship. He discusses the legal mindset and entrepreneurial instincts, scalable and commercializable solutions, defining moments, and decision-making in business. Additionally, he provides valuable insights into the consolidation of healthcare systems...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tina Chen, a dedicated psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent mental health. Dr. Chen discusses her path to psychiatry, sharing her initial aspirations in the medical field and her eventual passion for mental health. The discussion navigates through various aspects of psychiatry, the cultural perspectiv...

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Dr. Zachary Rosenthal, a psychiatry resident from the University of Pennsylvania. We delve into his journey in medicine and his focus on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Dr. Rosenthal discusses the latest advancements in ECT, its promising role in psychiatric treatment, and navigates the ethical and public misconceptions surrounding it. He also reflec...

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Shae Keller, a professional who has navigated the journey from pharmacy to pharmacy informatics, and further into the realm of business with an Executive MBA. Shay shares insights into his unconventional career path, starting from his education in Indiana and South Carolina, through to his current role that integrates pharmacy, informatics, and busine...

Join host Sai Mannam on the Strive Podcast for an exploration on the complexities of identity, authenticity, and societal expectations. Sai shares personal anecdotes and insights to discuss the challenges and impacts of conforming to societal norms. Time Points: 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Strive Podcast00:37 - Exploring Universal Human Experiences01:39 - From Coastal India to Urban Anony...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we welcome Zach Bernstein, a third-year medical student from Emory University School of Medicine, to discuss the landscape of medical education, the importance of mental wellness, and the integration of technology in learning. Zach shares his journey through medical education, his role in mentorship, and his passion for neuroscience. We delve into how artific...

In this inaugural episode of the Strive podcast series 'Echoes of the Soul', hosted by Sai Mannam, we invite our listeners on a profound journey to explore the essence of happiness and the pursuit of meaning. Drawing on personal introspection and universal themes, the episode delves into the nature of true happiness beyond the instant gratification of fleeting pleasures, emphasizing it as rooted i...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, host Sai Mannam engages in a conversation with Rich Kester, patient advocate Geri Shaffer, and neurosurgical oncologist Dr. Kimberly Hoang. Rich shares his personal story of overcoming a grapefruit-sized meningioma, dealing with post-surgery challenges such as speech impediments and aphasia, and rediscovering his ability to read and even learn a new language....

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we host Dr. Adnan Siddiqui, a leading figure in neurosurgery, research, and healthcare innovation. Covering Dr. Siddiqui's extensive career, the discussion delves into his early motivations for pursuing medicine, the tragic loss that directed his focus towards neurosurgery, and his journey through medical education and specialized training. Dr. Siddiqui provi...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we host Dr. Jennifer R. Grandis, a renowned figure in head and neck cancer research and an advocate for gender equity in the medical and scientific communities. Dr. Grandis shares her journey from aspiring to help people by entering medical school to pioneering innovative cancer treatment strategies by focusing on molecular pathways. Beyond her scientific con...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, Dr. Jay Storm, chief of the division of neurosurgery and co-founder of the Center for Data Driven Discovery and Bioinformatics, shares insights from his journey in pediatric neurosurgery and work in genetic research for brain tumors. Dr. Storm discusses his partnership with Dr. Adam Resnick, their development of open-source biorepositories and data platforms,...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we host Dr. Arlen Meyers, a prominent figure in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Meyers shares his journey from an academic surgeon to becoming a leader in the field of medical technology and entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of mindset, the value of embracing failure, and the critical role of entrepreneurship in healthcare. The con...

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Dr. David Silbersweig, a renowned figure in the fields of neurology, psychiatry, and philosophy. Dr. Silbersweig shares his intrigue in the philosophy of mind, leading him to a career where he bridges neurology and psychiatry. We delve into consciousness, frontal limbic modulation, and the evolution of psychiatric research. Additionally, they discuss...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Richard C. Wender, an advocate for holistic care and health equity, particularly for underserved communities. As the chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Penn Medicine, Dr. Wender shares his personal journey, his vision for equitable healthcare, and the vital role of patien...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we host Dr. Christian Terwiesch, a professor at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Terwiesch shares his expert insights on healthcare operations and innovation management. The conversation covers various subjects like digital transformation in healthcare, patient-centered care, optimization techniques, the impact of new technologies, inter-instit...

In this episode of the STRIVE podcast, Sai Mannam has an informative conversation with Dr. Allan D. Levi, a distinguished neurosurgeon and the chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. They explore Dr. Levi's career journey, important milestones, and his significant contributions to the University of Miami and the Miami Project. The di...

In this episode, we host Dr. Adam S. Arthur, an eminent figure in the realm of neurosurgery currently serving as the chair of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Arthur shared his career path and leadership experiences, shedding light on the nuances of neurosurgical practice patterns in various hospitals and clinics. We also discuss the impact of technology on ne...

In this conversation, the guest host, Sri Mannam, interviews Sai Mannam, a second-year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania and host of Strive Podcast. Sai Mannam discusses his aspiration to become a neurosurgeon, which was inspired by his grandfather's diagnosis of glioblastoma. He shares his current process of hospital rotations and his preference for focusing on patient care over e...

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, I am honored to host John Faulkner, an EPIC Consultant. John discusses his journey through a challenging early career to a fulfilling role in healthcare IT. We delve into exploring his experiences, insights into electronic health records (EHR) and EPIC systems, and his vision for the future of healthcare technology. We also discuss the importance of adaptabil...

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we host Dr. Nithin Adappa, an accomplished rhinologist and skull-base surgeon from Penn Medicine. In this episode, we delve into the details of Dr. Adappa's path into medicine, his specialized work in skull-base surgery, and his role in integrating marketing within healthcare. As the director of marketing strategies in his department, he brings a unique persp...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Neil Sheth, the chief of orthopedic surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital and an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sheth shares his journey from Wall Street to medicine, emphasizing his shift from investment banking to orthopedic surgery, and discussing the continuous intersection of business and healthcare in his career. We del...