The Fire Chief

Invest In People

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Michael Bakerman, the Chief Medical Officer at HCA Lawnwood Hospital. They discuss Dr. Bakerman's journey from cardiology to leadership roles in healthcare, the evolution of medical informatics, and the role of young physicians play in shaping the future of patient care. Dr. Bakerman shares insights on the challenges facing healthcare today, the importance of mentorship for aspiring CMOs, and the need for a collaborative approach in medical leadership. The conversation highlights the optimism for the future of healthcare and the critical role of CMOs in navigating the complexities of the industry.

Chief Medical TRUST Officer

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Austin Chang, an interventional gastroenterologist and Chief Medical Officer at Medtronic. They discuss Dr. Chang's journey in healthcare, the importance of patient education, and the role of social media in disseminating medical information. Dr. Chang talks about his book about gut health, the challenges of navigating the healthcare ecosystem, and the need for healthcare professionals to engage with social media to rebuild trust in medicine. In this conversation, Austin and Lee discuss the evolving landscape of medical education, the impact of social media on health communication, and the transition from clinical practice to industry roles. They explore the importance of critical thinking in medicine, the challenges of engaging audiences in an attention-driven economy, and the future of healthcare and the complexity of future systems.  The discussion also emphasizes the need for physician leaders to navigate complexity and the value of networking and self-reflection in career transitions.

CMO + COO = Chief Taser Officer

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 the challenges of building trust among physician leaders and the importance of work-life integration in maintaining personal well-being while navigating the complexities of healthcare leadership. In this conversation, Dr. Ghazala Q Sharieff and Dr. Lee Scheinbart discuss the challenges of balancing very serious personal health issues with professional responsibilities while at the same time emphasizing the need for clinical expertise in leadership roles. They also discuss the value of volunteerism and experiential learning in developing effective healthcare leaders. Finally, the discussion highlights the integral role of every team member in patient care, reinforcing the idea that healthcare is a collaborative effort.
 

The Enemy Gets A Vote

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 into the impact of misinformation, supply chains, power outages, cyberattacks, funding and political crises on healthcare and how CMOs can address all of them.  The conversation also leans into the necessity of embedding leadership principles in medical education as well as the concept of moral injury among healthcare professionals. Throughout the discussion, Hertling emphasizes the need for effective communication, resilience, and proactive crisis management in healthcare leadership.
 

Let's Put Med Students in the C Suite?!

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 importance of integrating leadership training into medical education and the need for students and physicians to be prepared for a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.  Dr. Marcus is pioneering a program for medical students to spend time with health system CEOs and to live and breathe the dynamics of healthcare from the C Suite. In this conversation, the two former CMOs discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare, focusing on change management, the future of physician leadership, the impact of AI, and the challenges faced by physician leaders. They emphasize the importance of understanding the reasons behind changes in healthcare, the necessity of team-based care, and the need for adaptability in leadership roles. 

Never Bluff

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 complexities of labor relations in healthcare. Dr. Koekkoek shares insights on addressing professional behavior among physicians and the evolving landscape of healthcare management. In this conversation, Doug Koekkoek and Lee Scheinbart discuss the complexities of hospital management, particularly focusing on the roles of Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in navigating peer review processes, the importance of preserving physician careers, and the financial pressures facing healthcare systems today. They emphasize the need for transparency in peer review, the challenges of consensus building in large health systems, and the shift towards outcome-based credentialing.

A (bit of a) Reluctant Leader

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 conversation, Chris and Lee discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare leadership, emphasizing the importance of women in executive roles. They share personal experiences related to crisis management, one of which is the ongoing doctor shortage. The dialogue highlights the need for adaptability in medical practice and the significance of calm leadership during chaotic situations. Chris reflects on lessons learned throughout both his military and his civilian careers, advocating for patience and humility as essential traits for effective leadership.

Doctor vs Lawyer

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, emphasizing the need for curiosity and the ability to make tough decisions. The conversation also touches on the concept of captive insurance and its relevance to healthcare systems. In this conversation, Tim Norton and Lee Scheinbart discuss the complexities of healthcare leadership, focusing on the decision-making processes of physician executives, the importance of advocacy, and the challenges faced in medical staff dynamics. They explore the legal oversight in healthcare, particularly the difficulties of navigating business decisions that may not align with personal beliefs. The conversation culminates in addressing the pressing issue of Medicaid and its implications for healthcare access, while also recognizing the dedication of healthcare leaders.