The Fire Chief

Summary In this sparky episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, Dr. Ghazala Sharif discusses her unique dual role as Chief Medical Officer and Chief Operations Officer at Scripps Health. She shares insights on the importance of rapid decision-making in healthcare, especially during crises like COVID-19, and emphasizes the need for physician involvement in operational decisions. Dr. Sharif also addresses...

Summary In this flamethrowing episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart engages with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling to discuss the critical role of leadership in healthcare. They explore the development of physician leaders, the importance of interprofessional education, and the mulititude of crises faced by healthcare leaders in today's complex environment. The conversation delves...

In this remarkable episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, two former CMOs, now both dedicated to working with medical students, Dr. Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Stuart Marcus, a seasoned physician leader. Dr. Marcus was a surgical leader at Bellevue Hospital when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.  His life changed forever that day, as did so many others. They discuss the...

In this masterful episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Doug Koekkoek, a former Chief Physician Executive, discussing his journey in healthcare leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges faced by Chief Medical Officers today. They explore the transition from clinical roles to executive positions, the significance of leadership training, and the com...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Christopher Chisholm, the Chief Medical Officer of Providence Swedish Central Service Area. They discuss Dr. Chisholm's journey from military medicine to civilian healthcare leadership, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, the role of influence in leadership, and the impact of mentorship.  In this conversat...

In this crazy episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Tim Norton, Chief Legal Officer at Augusta Health. They discuss the evolving role of Chief Medical Officers in healthcare, the importance of understanding legal frameworks, and the challenges posed by legislative changes, particularly regarding Medicaid. Tim shares insights on effective physician leadership, emphasizin...

In this remarkable episode, Dr. Stephen Klasko shares his journey from aspiring DJ to a prominent figure in healthcare innovation. He discusses the importance of patient-centered care, the evolving role of chief medical officers, and the impact of AI on the future of medicine. Klasko emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to adapt to changing environments and redefine their roles to lead...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Brian Vartabedian, Chief Medical Officer at Texas Children's Hospital. They discuss Dr. Vartabedian's journey from medical school to leadership, the challenges of opening a new children's hospital, and the importance of addressing physician burnout. The conversation also explores the evolving role of physicians in the ag...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Eric Bricker, Chief Medical Officer and founder of A Healthcare Z. They discuss Dr. Bricker's journey from a summer internship at the NIH to becoming a CMO, his experiences in healthcare billing, and the founding of Compass Professional Health Services. Dr. Bricker shares insights on the importance of financial literacy...

In this blazing episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Lara Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Covenant Health in Lubbock, Texas which is experiencing an outbreak of measles. They discuss Dr. Johnson's journey back to her hometown, her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of both the virus and the media attention affecting her community. The conver...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Robert Underwood, Chief Medical Officer of San Juan Regional Medical Center in the Four Corners of the United States. They discuss Dr. Underwood's diverse background, including his military service, transition to medicine, and the importance of physician involvement in healthcare legislation. Dr. Underwood shares insight...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Mohsin Shabahang, Chief Medical Officer at WellSpan Health. They discuss Dr. Shabahang's journey from surgical oncology to healthcare leadership and how the healthcare system faces significant challenges related to compensation models.  Dr. Shabahang advocates for a balance between clinical productivity and other contrib...

In this blistering hot episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Doug Salvador, Chief Medical Officer at ATW Health Solutions and former CMO/CQO at BayState Medical Center. Dr. Salvador shares his journey from a first-generation American to becoming a physician leader, emphasizing the need for truth telling in healthcare and the crushing burden of responsibility carried...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Gil Padula, the Chief Medical Officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health. They discuss Dr. Padula's journey from being a radiation oncologist to a CMO, the challenges faced in healthcare leadership, and the importance of effective communication especially in the physician lounge!! Dr. Padula shares his insights on preparing for...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Kristin Mascotti, the newly appointed Market Chief Medical Officer for Greater Colorado and Kansas at Common Spirit Health. Dr. Mascotti shares her unique journey to becoming a CMO, highlighting her background in pathology and transfusion medicine, and her passion for quality management in healthcare. The conversation ex...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Elizabeth Warner, Chief Medical Officer at Cherry Health and co-author of Conversations Worth Having in Healthcare: Boost Satisfaction & Quality Using Appreciative Inquiry. They discuss the importance of leadership preparation, and the need for self-care and resilience in the role. Dr. Warner shares her journey to be...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Rex Hoffman, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and author of I Want to Be a Chief Medical Officer : Now What? They discuss Dr. Hoffman's journey to becoming a CMO, particularly the things he HAD to know before taking the role along with the importance of mentorship, and his efforts to write ma...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Stephen Brass, the Chief Medical Executive at Harris Health. They discuss Dr. Brass's journey to becoming a CMO, the importance of mentorship, various leadership styles, and the challenges faced in executive decision-making. To be an effective leader you have to realize you MUST learn to deal with the gray and that you w...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Louis Marshall, Chief Medical Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. They discuss Dr. Marshall's journey to becoming a CMO, the importance of education and mentorship in healthcare leadership, and the challenges faced in the role, particularly in addressing toxic workplace cultures. Dr. Marshall shares insights on leadership...

In this Holiday Edition of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart discusses the evolving format of the show, emphasizing the importance of providing timely tips and insights for Chief Medical Officers (CMOs). He shares a personal story about managing physician contracts, highlighting the challenges faced in compensation negotiations. The podcast also addresses current issues in physician comp...

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, the only podcast dedicated to the CMO, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Mark Olszyk, Chief Medical Officer at Carroll Hospital and author of The Chief Medical Officer's Essential Guidebook. They discuss the journey to becoming a CMO, the importance of leadership, and the challenges faced in healthcare. Dr. Olszyk shares valuable insights on navigating t...

At listeners request, a set of tips for the brand new CMO to address IV Fluid Shortages following Baxter's facility closure in North Cove, NC after Hurricane Helene.

Adapted from Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Hertling's classic article in The Journal of Hospital Medicine, "Ten Tips For a Crisis: Lessons From a Soldier" written for physician leaders, this podcast shares ten tips for CMOs to use for Hurricane Milton (or for any other impending crisis!)

Introduction to a podcast coming soon