The Practice Leader Podcast

Most practices don't think about physician recruitment until they're overwhelmed, and that's exactly when mistakes happen. In this episode, Zed and Paul sit down with Brent Barnacle, VP of Physician Recruitment at IPL Health Staffing, to break down why hiring a "warm body" costs more than leaving a seat empty. From targeting passive candidates to aligning your team's culture before the first inter...

Most practice leaders end up wearing too many hats—not because they want to, but because the system around them makes it unavoidable.  In this episode, Paul and Zed sit down with ENT physician and CEO of Physicians Angels, Dr. Afser Shariff, who shares how to build smarter systems, delegate effectively, and use AI and external teams to free yourself from the daily grind. Learn what leadership can...

Most practices underestimate the power of follow-up. In this episode, Zed and Paul sit down with James Benson, founder of QM2 Solutions and a former ENT practice administrator, to uncover why consistent patient re-engagement isn't just good service — it's a major growth driver. James shares insights from 25 years in the ENT space, revealing how many practices unintentionally lose patients simply b...

Recruiting and retaining audiologists is one of the biggest challenges ENT practices face today—and the opportunity cost of being understaffed is steep. In this episode of the Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed sit down with Drew Franklin of Albany ENT and Carlo Sanchez of the American Institute of Balance to discuss how their organizations are tackling this issue head-on. Tune in to learn how...

In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast , Zed and Paul sit down with Andrew DeMuth, founder of Leading Blue, to explore what it really takes to bring out the best in your people.  Too often, physicians and administrators are promoted into leadership roles without the training or tools needed to succeed. From onboarding with excellence to multiplying team contributions, this conversation off...

Audiologists are one of the most valuable — and most overburdened — roles in an ENT practice.  In this episode, David Jastrzebski of Topple Diagnostics joins us at the ASCENT Conference to share how practices can stop wasting 90-minute blocks on low-value vestibular testing, reduce costly no-shows, and reallocate staff time toward higher-revenue services.  You'll learn how smart outsourcing can he...

In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Zed and Paul talk with Dr. David Canes, founder of WellPrept, about a simple but powerful shift in how practices prepare patients for their visits. Instead of relying on rushed, repetitive explanations during face-to-face time, Dr. Canes shares how pre-educating patients with curated content creates more meaningful conversations, improves patient tru...

For many practice administrators, acquisition details often stay behind closed doors. In this episode, we sit down with Nick Hernandez, founder and CEO of ABISA and former administrator himself, to break down what happens during a practice sale and what timelines, decisions, and dynamics administrators should understand well in advance. You'll walk away with clarity on how to recognize early signa...

As a practice administrator, your title gives you authority—but true leadership takes more than a job description. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed talk with Meredith Hirsh, CEO of the Hirsh Center and host of the podcast Working Healthcare, about the difference between the authority you're given and the power you earn. Meredith shares practical strategies for: Building...

Poor communication is more than a workplace annoyance—it can jeopardize patient safety, slow down revenue, and create daily frustration for your team. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed talk with Jennifer McNamara, CEO of Healthcare Inspired, about practical ways practice administrators can close communication gaps and build stronger connections across departments. You'll...

Culture isn't just a buzzword—it's the invisible force shaping every interaction in your practice. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed sit down with Natalie Johnson, an expert in optimizing organizational performance, to explore how practice administrators can intentionally shape a healthy, connected culture. You'll learn how to: Spot and address "accidental culture" that'...

AI is everywhere—but that doesn't mean every AI tool is worth your time.  In this episode, Paul and Zed talk with Joe Goldstein, founder of OCS IT about where AI can truly make a difference in your medical practice. From automating repeatable tasks to making smarter vendor decisions, Joe shares practical insights on how practice administrators can cut costs and free up time—without getting overwhe...

If it feels like the weight of your practice is on your shoulders, you're not alone, but you might be leading the hard way.  In this episode, Zed and Paul talk with Jim Fedio, Director of Professional Development at Fuel Medical, about the shift top leaders are making to build real buy-in without burning out. You'll hear why traditional leadership is failing in today's workforce, how to invite you...

What happens when you're tasked with leading a clinical team, but you don't have clinical credentials yourself?  In this episode, Zed and Paul are joined by Kirk Hughs, Operations Director at University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, to unpack the hard-earned lessons that non-clinical leaders need to succeed in a clinical world. From navigating resistance to earning trust and aligning through empa...

You don't become a great leader by having all the answers. You become one by being open to the right influences.  In this episode, Zed and Paul unpack the often overlooked truth about leadership growth: it starts with accepting guidance. Whether it's mentorship you seek or wisdom you absorb simply by being in the room, becoming a better leader requires proximity, humility, and the willingness to a...

Hosted by  Paul Richards , President of ASCENT and Director of Otolaryngology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, and  Zed Williamson , Founder and CEO of Physician Growth Accelerator,  The Practice Leader Podcast  is designed for one audience:  the medical practice administrator who wants to lead better, grow stronger, and stop feeling like they're on an island.   In each episode, Paul...