Turn on the Lights Podcast

The transition from paper to digital in healthcare has been a rollercoaster, but vital for progress. In this episode, Dr. Robert Wachter explores the transformation from paper-based to digitally-based systems in healthcare, exploring the bumpy road of implementing electronic medical records and the impact of these changes within the industry. His vision for the future of healthcare, driven by digi...

Advocacy and action are needed to address the gaps in elderly care and improve the quality of life for older adults. In this episode, Dr. David Reuben delves into the pressing issue of improving the US health care system, focusing on the aging population and the challenges faced in providing adequate care. Dr. Reuben emphasizes patient-centered care for older adults, stressing the importance of un...

Despite legislative efforts, the American health care system continues to grapple with persistent challenges. In this episode, Leslie Dach discusses the intricate challenges and notable progress within America's health care landscape, highlighting persistent issues such as exorbitant costs and inadequate coverage. Drawing from his tenure at Walmart, he sheds light on the complexities faced by larg...

How can health care organizations align their values to support both high-quality patient care and the well-being of their staff? In this episode, Dr. J. Corey Feist, Dr. Wendy Dean, and Dr. Eileen Barrett bring personal stories and professional insights on the rise of moral injury, systemic challenges, and legislative efforts to make meaningful changes. Together, they explore the importance of le...

How can health care providers ensure that patient priorities like symptom management and emotional support are consistently addressed through a patient-centered approach in daily practice? In this episode, Susan Edgman-Levitan unravels the intricacies of what truly matters to patientsunravels the intricacies of what truly matters to patients: their individual needs, concerns, and experiences withi...

The democratization of AI technologies has the potential to revolutionize health care on a global scale, leveling the playing field and ensuring more equitable access to advanced medical care. In this episode, Dr. John Halamka, president of Mayo Clinic Platform, highlights the challenges of managing vast patient data, the inefficiencies within health care systems, and emphasizes the pivotal role o...

A deep connection with patients is crucial, even in brief encounters, and it is possible by listening and empathizing. In this episode, Meg Gaines shares not only her harrowing journey through metastatic ovarian cancer but also her transformation into a forceful advocate for patient rights. She also touches on behind-the-scenes of her own battles, from medical errors and insensitive remarks to her...

The US is the only country in the world that doesn't negotiate drug prices. In this episode, Aaron Kesselheim delves into the complexities of America's pharmaceutical landscape, where prescription drug spending is causing challenges for millions who can't afford their medications. Shortages in critical drugs like ADHD medications and saline solutions, exacerbated by a supply chain heavily reliant...

In sports and pandemics alike, having a clear "play" is crucial.  In this episode, Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed and Brendon Morris take a deep dive into the convergence of emergency preparedness and health care evolution through the lens of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In their discussion, they explore how the FIFA World Cup and the "Gold, Silver, and Bronze" approach of...

Supporting maternal health is vital for promoting social justice in the health care system. In this episode, Neel Shah discusses the neglect of women's and family health in the US health care system and highlights the high cost of childbirth in America and the financial distress it causes for many families. He emphasizes the importance of understanding health care costs for ensuring equitable acce...

Private equity's acquisition of health care facilities prioritizes profits over patient care, raising concerns about health care standards. In this episode, Rosemary Batt, the Alice Hanson Cook Professor of Women and Work at Cornell University's ILR School, delves into the concerning influence of private equity in the health care sector, particularly its impact on patient care, worker conditions,...

Tailored patient engagement isn't merely about courtesy; it's a strategic necessity for fostering trust and enhancing health care results. In this episode, Rich Baron, President and CEO of the American Board of Internal Medicine, discusses the critical role of personalized care, patient-doctor interactions, and the challenges health care systems face in implementing practices conducive to building...

Nurses, representing 60% of the health care workforce, are the primary providers of 90% of essential health services, highlighting their vital role in health care. In this episode, Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of The DAISY Foundation, and Deb Zimmermann, CEO of The DAISY Foundation, shed light on the critical role nurses play in health care and how to properly recognize it. They discuss the challenge...

Medical education is evolving towards a tech-driven, holistic approach, forging a skilled and patient-focused health care workforce. In this episode, Vineet Arora discusses the importance of providing medical trainees with a top-notch learning environment to enhance the quality and safety of patient care. She provides insights into the dynamic landscape of medical education, the U.S. doctor-traini...

Safety net hospitals like Parkland are pioneering innovative solutions to improve healthcare accessibility. In this episode, Fred Cerise talks about safety net hospitals, their role in serving under-resourced communities, the challenges they face, and innovative programs implemented to improve patient outcomes. He discusses integrated safety net systems, reimbursement challenges, and the impact of...

Acquisitions increase the demand for physician practices to optimize cash flow, impacting both medical expenses and service provision. In this episode, Zirui Song, Associate Professor of Health Care Policy and Medicine, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, discusses private equity's role in health care and what it means for physicians, hospitals, and the patients they serve. H...

Preservation of the scientific community's integrity is vital for regaining public trust in medicine. In this episode, Professor Lewis Grossman delves into America's historical relationship with healthcare, highlighting how trust in the medical establishment has fluctuated over time. He emphasizes the importance of balancing individual choice with scientific rigor, particularly in the context of a...

The existing healthcare system falls short for those with IDD. In this episode, Mai Pham talks about the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the existing healthcare system. She emphasizes the flaws in the current healthcare system for the 16 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, discussing the Institute for Exceptional...

There is an urgent need for breakthroughs in the American health care system to tackle its fragmentation. In this episode, Kathleen Noonan discusses her efforts to improve health care for individuals with complex medical and social needs, emphasizing the fragmentation of the health care system and the pivotal role of community health workers. She further explores the results of a randomized contro...

Imagine a unique governance structure that safeguards its mission against the volatile tides of the market. In this episode, Dan Liljenquist, the board chair of Civica Rx, joins Kedar and Don to shed light on Civica's remarkable mission of making essential generic medications both accessible and affordable to patients across the nation. Dan shares how Civica Rx has already had a profound impact, w...

Let’s explore initiatives committed to enriching distressed communities and the collaborative spirit that brings multiple institutions together. In this episode, David Zuckerman, president and founder of Healthcare Anchor Network, talks about the transformative power that health care institutions have to uplift and stabilize communities by becoming anchors of social justice and economic growth. He...

Imagine a tax-funded health care system, a source of national pride, providing universal coverage and free health care to 54 million people. In this podcast interview, Stephanie Willding, CEO of CommunityHealth, shares her urgent calling to offer free health care services to individuals who are unfunded or lack health insurance. Stephanie emphasizes the effectiveness of their initiative, highlight...

Imagine a tax-funded health care system, a source of national pride, offering universal coverage and free health care to 54 million people. In this episode, Helen Bevan, Strategic Adviser for the National Health Service Horizons in England sheds light on the incredible work happening within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.  Helen shares the concept of task shifting, where certain proce...

Enhancing patient care requires healthcare professionals to better understand their patients' perspectives. In this episode, Goran Henriks delves into the importance of understanding others' perspectives and how they relate to effective teamwork in various fields, including healthcare. Goran draws interesting parallels between coaching in sports and healthcare and emphasizes the need for physician...

The healthcare sector can set a powerful example for other sectors by going green. In this episode, Gary Cohen, President, and Co-Founder, of Health Care Without Harm delves into the eye-opening world of toxic chemicals and their impact on our health and discusses the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change within the healthcare sector. He examines the effects of mercury and dioxin on ch...