The Fire Chief

Leadership, Strategy, and Career Development for Chief Medical Officers and Physician Executives
The Fire Chief is the podcast for Chief Medical Officers and physician executives navigating leadership in today’s complex healthcare environment. Hosted by an authentic physician executive and leader, each episode delivers practical insights on strategy, governance, physician engagement, organizational performance, and career development—through real conversations with experienced leaders and experts.
If you’re building influence, leading clinical teams, shaping organizational decisions, or preparing for your next executive role, this show is your frontline briefing.
Leadership, Strategy, and Career Development for Chief Medical Officers and Physician Executives
The Fire Chief is the podcast for Chief Medical Officers and physician executives navigating leadership in today’s complex healthcare environment. Hosted by an authentic physician executive and leader, each episode delivers practical insights on strategy, governance, physician engagement, organizational performance, and career development—through real conversations with experienced leaders and experts.
If you’re building influence, leading clinical teams, shaping organizational decisions, or preparing for your next executive role, this show is your frontline briefing.
Episodes
Episodes



Mar 31, 2026
Three Pillars of Elevating Physicians
Mar 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
38 min
In this existential episode, host Lee Scheinbart interviews LynAnn Weaver, Certified High Performance Coach, a transformation strategist dedicated to empowering physicians and healthcare leaders. LynAnn, a former healthcare service line leader, shares practical strategies (three pillars) to enhance practice growth, leadership skills, and well-being to improve clinical excellence and organizational culture. The conversation touches on the gaps in leadership development for both practicing physicians and their physician leaders and how these gaps can lead to, in some cases, a real existential (identity) crisis for a doctor. The show breaks new ground when it comes to exploring what physicians go through when they are trying to lead themselves and others.
Mar 31, 2026
38 min



Mar 17, 2026
Contextual Coaching In Healthcare
Mar 17, 2026
Mar 17, 2026
43 min
In this transformational episode, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Joe Mazzenga, Managing Partner at NuBrick Partners, a highly specialized executive coaching team for healthcare leaders. Lee and Joe explore how physicians, especially those aspiring to senior leadership roles like Chief Medical Officer, can navigate the complex transition from clinical expertise to system-wide enterprise leadership. Joe, a seasoned leadership development expert, shares practical insights on mindset shifts, behavioral traits, and coaching strategies essential for success, such as contextual coaching. The conversation touches on the barriers physicians face when transitioning to leadership roles, including identity shifts, the four pillars of EQ (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management), and the significance of curiosity.
Mar 17, 2026
43 min



Mar 10, 2026
Revolutionizing Physician Credentialing
Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
31 min
In this timely episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Leah Houston, founder and CEO of evercred, a technology platform aimed at modernizing physician credentialing. Dr. Houston shares her personal experiences with credential misuse and the inefficiencies of traditional credentialing processes. She discusses how evercred empowers physicians by giving them control over their credentials and introduces AI as a transformative tool in credentialing. The conversation also touches on the financial implications of credentialing delays, the future of patient care, and the journey of a physician entrepreneur.
Mar 10, 2026
31 min



Mar 3, 2026
The Success Trifecta For Physician Leaders
Mar 3, 2026
Mar 3, 2026
43 min
In this panoramic episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart talks with Dr. Dani Zoorob, CMIO of Ochsner-LSU Health and author of a critical paper on physician leadership competencies. They discuss the evolving landscape of physician leadership, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of competencies required for effective leadership in healthcare. Dr. Dani Zoorob shares insights from his research on physician leadership competencies, highlighting gaps in financial acumen and emotional intelligence. The conversation underscores the trifecta importance of coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning for physician leaders to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems.
Mar 3, 2026
43 min



Feb 24, 2026
Get Greedy or Get Someone Else
Feb 24, 2026
Feb 24, 2026
48 min
In this foundational episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart engages with Ethan Nkana, Principal of the Rocky Mountain Physician Agency, to discuss the critical importance of advocacy for physician contracting during the course of their careers. They explore the common blind spots physicians face when negotiating contracts, the significance of support and professional development, and the challenges emerging physician leaders encounter as they transition into administrative roles. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship, understanding contractual obligations, and recognizing one's value in the healthcare system. If you are looking ahead to your next role as physician leader, this is one episode you don't want to miss!
Feb 24, 2026
48 min



Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
16 min
In this incredibly insightful episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, Lee Scheinbart explores the critical journey of physician leadership, emphasizing the need for structured training and coaching to transition from clinical roles to executive positions. He discusses the secret of upskilling as a physician executive, the importance of identity shift, the role of feedback, and the necessity of having a highly specialized coach to navigate the complexities of healthcare leadership. The conversation highlights the differences between being a physician and an executive, and the skills required to succeed in leadership roles.
Feb 17, 2026
16 min



Feb 10, 2026
Are You Serious About Your Next Role?
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
40 min
In this winning episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews William 'Bill' Cowan, author of Building a Winning Career and expert in career management and leadership development. If you are truly serious about finding your next role, then listen as they discuss the challenges physicians face when transitioning from clinical roles to leadership positions, emphasizing the importance of preparation, networking, and understanding the skills required for effective leadership. Cowan shares insights on common mistakes made by physicians, the significance of building a diverse professional network, and what hiring managers look for in potential leaders. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness, the value of mentorship, and the importance of communicating strengths effectively during the hiring process.
Feb 10, 2026
40 min



Feb 3, 2026
Taking Care Of The Things That Are Not Yours
Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
46 min
In this heartfelt episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the longest-serving White House physician. They explore the moral responsibilities of leadership in medicine, emphasizing the importance of values-based decision-making and the challenges of maintaining integrity in high-pressure situations. Dr. O'Connor shares insights on navigating ethical dilemmas, the significance of trust in healthcare, and the necessity of effective communication under pressure. The discussion highlights the need for young leaders to define their values and non-negotiables before facing crises, ultimately framing leadership as a journey of stewardship and service to others. This episode sets the bar as a master class in physician leadership.
Feb 3, 2026
46 min

The Fire Chief: The Chief Medical Officer Podcast
If you are a CMO in health care, this is the podcast for you. Every day there is a fire burning in health care. Oftentimes, it is the CMO that has to face the flames. Want to know what type of heat CMOs deal with on a regular basis? What unexpected dumpster fires have they encountered along the way? How they ascended into the toughest (& best!) job in healthcare? What leadership skills have helped them along the way?
Tune in to The Fire Chief!

Your Host
Dr. Lee Scheinbart practiced Hematology/Oncology for over 20 years and after directing his local cancer institute, he went on to serve as VPMA and later CMO at Health First Hospitals in East Central Florida. Currently he serves as Chief Health Affairs Officer for the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also Assistant Professor of Leadership Development at the College and the author of The CMO's Financial Primer, The Vital Handbook for Physician Executives. Dr. Scheinbart is also the Principal Instructor for the CMO Academy at the American Association for Physician Leadership.





