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



Jul 8, 2025
Don't Ask For Permission!
Jul 8, 2025
Jul 8, 2025
47 min
In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart breaks down the Breakdowns with Preston Alexander, the self proclaimed Taylor Swift of LinkedIn healthcare writing. A seasoned healthcare entrepreneur, and author of The Healthcare Breakdown and the Forward / Health Breakdown newsletters, Preston discusses the challenges and opportunities facing physician leaders in today's healthcare landscape. Together Preston and Lee explore the importance of financial literacy among physicians, the impact of healthcare financialization, and the need for physician leaders to take an active role in decision-making processes. Preston shares insights from his work with Forward / Health, aimed at supporting physicians in establishing and growing their practices. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring physician leaders to confidently engage in their roles and advocate for positive change in healthcare.
Jul 8, 2025
47 min



Jul 1, 2025
Jul 1, 2025
42 min
In this intense episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, physician to the 44th President, Barack Obama, and author of "Transforming Presidential Healthcare." Dr. Kuhlman shares insights from his time as a Navy physician and director of the White House Medical Unit, discussing the importance of rigorous medical standards, the role of chief medical officers, and the ethical considerations in healthcare leadership. Medical officers have a clear fiduciary responsibility when they assess the health and wellbeing of those in positions of power, especially when the position (e.g. pilot, physician, official) involves very high stakes.
Jul 1, 2025
42 min



Jun 24, 2025
The Nation's Doctor, Not Trump's!
Jun 24, 2025
Jun 24, 2025
49 min
In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Dr. Lee Scheinbart engages in a profound and deeply personal conversation with Dr. Jerome Adams, the former U.S. Surgeon General. During the initial wave of COVID-19, Dr. Adams made some of the most impactful decisions in US history that only he could make. Perhaps the most crucial was his commitment to lead the nation and not to be painted as the politicized doctor of the President. Dr. Adams shares insights from his book 'Crisis and Chaos,' emphasizing the importance of effective communication, health equity, and the critical role of trust in healthcare. The two physician leaders also discuss lessons learned from the opioid epidemic, emergency readiness and response, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to safeguard public health as an issue of national security.
Jun 24, 2025
49 min



Jun 17, 2025
The Hardest Interview Question. Ever.
Jun 17, 2025
Jun 17, 2025
41 min
As the United States heats up on multiple fronts regarding our military, our immigration policies, our access to healthcare, our rights to peaceful protest and our vaccine stance, this week's Fire Chief Podcast features Dr. Gerry Cox, a retired physician who served as a White House physician and held various leadership roles in the military and the Veterans Administration. Hosted by Dr. Lee Scheinbart, the two physician leaders discuss the challenges of navigating political crises, particularly in the largest integrated health system in the US. Throughout the program Dr. Cox shares valuable insights on leadership, the complexities of veteran care, and the ethical responsibilities of physicians in politically charged environments.
Jun 17, 2025
41 min



Jun 10, 2025
A Man On A Mission
Jun 10, 2025
Jun 10, 2025
28 min
In this EXCLUSIVE episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Greg Murphy, a physician and member of Congress, discussing his journey from medicine to politics, his advocacy for physicians, and the challenges within the healthcare system. Dr. Murphy shares insights from his medical mission work, his experiences as chief of staff, and the importance of physician involvement in legislative processes. He emphasizes the need for reform in the insurance industry and the role of entrepreneurialism in healthcare, while also reflecting on the significance of faith and servant leadership in his life and career.
Jun 10, 2025
28 min



Jun 3, 2025
Jun 3, 2025
49 min
This hot off the press episode of the Fire Chief Podcast discusses the recent closure of the Crozer Health System and its implications for healthcare in Delaware County. Host Lee Scheinbart and guest Dr. Marcin Jankowski explore the challenges faced by healthcare providers during this crisis, the impact on patient care, and the personal toll of such closures on medical professionals. They delve into the importance of leadership in navigating these turbulent times and reflect on their own experiences with hospital closures. In this conversation, Marcin Jankowski and Lee Scheinbart explore the evolving landscape of healthcare leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, the role of love in leadership, and the necessity of adapting to change. They discuss how personal values and relationships influence effective leadership and the need for leaders to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Jun 3, 2025
49 min



May 27, 2025
Invest In People
May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
48 min
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.
May 27, 2025
48 min



May 20, 2025
Chief Medical TRUST Officer
May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
46 min
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.
May 20, 2025
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.





