The HealthSpark: Igniting Healthcare Management Change with Dr. Raya

Podcast Episode Description – Michael LaBay   In this episode, we sit down with Michael LaBay, a healthcare operations and revenue cycle management leader with more than two decades of experience helping healthcare organizations improve performance, navigate complexity, and strengthen financial outcomes.    Currently serving as Vice President of Sales at Plutus Health , Michael partners with midsi...

Podcast Episode Description – Simar Sharma In this episode, we sit down with Simar Sharma, an engineer-turned-consultant working at the forefront of life sciences strategy and healthcare innovation. Currently an Associate Consultant at Trinity Life Sciences, Simar advises biopharma clients on commercial strategy and market access across therapeutic areas including oncology, CNS, autoimmune disease...

This episode was originally recorded last summer during a previous fellowship cycle. While some timelines and processes may have changed, the insights shared remain valuable for students and early-career professionals exploring healthcare leadership pathways. Breaking into healthcare leadership doesn’t follow just one path—and administrative fellowships are only part of the picture. In this episod...

Rural healthcare leaders are navigating some of the most complex operational challenges in the industry—often with fewer resources, tighter margins, and higher stakes for their communities. In this episode of Healthspark, Dr. Ginger Raya sits down with David Muns, a seasoned healthcare operations executive with more than 25 years of experience leading both large urban systems and rural facilities....

The healthcare workforce crisis is no longer a looming threat—it’s a daily operational reality. In this episode of Healthspark, Dr. Ginger Raya sits down with Beth Raboin, CEO/Founder and the driving force behind Global Medical Virtual Assistants (GMVA), to explore how virtual staffing is reshaping the future of healthcare delivery. Beth shares her personal and professional journey—from competing...

Patient access is one of healthcare’s most talked-about priorities—and yet one of its most persistent pain points. In this episode of Healthspark, Dr. Ginger Raya sits down with Peyton Fry, founder of Glass Raven, to unpack why access bottlenecks continue to frustrate patients, burn out staff, and quietly drain revenue from health systems. Peyton shares a candid look at the single biggest reason m...

Rural hospitals across the U.S. are on the brink—operating with razor-thin margins, workforce shortages, and rising uncompensated care that threaten their survival. In this episode of Healthspark, we break down an award-winning strategy developed by Syracuse University’s first-place Fleming Case Competition team that offers a bold, data-driven blueprint for rural healthcare sustainability. Drawing...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Ortiz-Guzman — scientist, entrepreneur, and systems builder — whose work spans biotechnology, clinical research, environmental innovation, and space technology. As Director of Clinical Research at Rio Grande Urology, Joshua leads groundbreaking cancer research in underserved communities, integrating clinical trials, real-world data, and biomarker discov...

In this episode of Healthspark, we sit down with Ethan Nkana — attorney, MBA, and founder of Rocky Mountain Physician Agency — to talk about why doctors deserve the same contract advocacy as professional athletes. Drawing from his unique path from hospital administration to “talent agent for doctors,” Ethan shares how he helps physicians level the playing field in salary and contract negotiations,...

Celeste Nevarez, MC, MPH, LPC-S Chief of Clinical Services at Emergence Health Network Celeste Nevarez is a dedicated mental health professional and healthcare leader, currently serving as the Chief of Clinical Services at Emergence Health Network in El Paso, Texas. With over a decade of experience, she has significantly contributed to the mental health sector, particularly in addressing impact of...

A raw, hilarious take on life, leadership, and reinvention! Former hospital CEO Allie Trimble Lozano joins us to share her deeply personal journey—from divorce and career upheaval to self-discovery and empowerment. 🎙️😂 💬 Honest, bold, and inspiring—don’t miss this one! #WomenWhoLead #SelfGrowth #HealthSparkPodcast Today I’m talking to Allie Trimble Lozano about healthcare leadership, personal gr...

⚖️ AI is reshaping healthcare—are the laws keeping up? Lawyer & tech expert Alex Shahrestani breaks down the legal landmines of AI in medicine, from privacy risks to ethical dilemmas. 🎙️🤖 💬 A must-listen for healthcare innovators! #AIinHealthcare #LegalTech #HealthSparkPodcast   Today I am talking to Alex Shahrestani about his innovative work at the intersection of law and technology! Alex i...

What does it take to lead in healthcare? Former hospital CEO Allie Trimble Lozano shares her journey of running microhospitals, building strong teams, and transforming patient care. 🎙️💼 💬 Get inspired—listen now! #Leadership #HealthcareCEO #HealthSparkPodcast   Today I am talking to Allie Trimble Lozano about her journey in healthcare leadership, personal growth, and empowering others to lead wi...

🚀 Generative AI is changing healthcare—are we ready? Former global tech leader and AI strategist Rebecca Gonzalez reveals the risks, rewards, and responsibilities of AI-driven medicine. 🎙️🤯 💬 Tune in for the future of healthcare! #AIRevolution #HealthcareTech #HealthSparkPodcast   Today I am talking to Rebecca Y. Gonzales about her journey in the world of technology and responsible AI! Rebecca...