The Fire Chief

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Robert Underwood, Chief Medical Officer of San Juan Regional Medical Center in the Four Corners of the United States. They discuss Dr. Underwood's diverse background, including his military service, transition to medicine, and the importance of physician involvement in healthcare legislation. Dr. Underwood shares insights on leadership, decision-making in healthcare, and the personal challenges he has faced, including a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. The conversation emphasizes the value of physician leaders in shaping healthcare policy and improving patient care. In this conversation, Drs. Scheinbart and Underwood delve into the complexities of leadership in healthcare, the distinction between management and leadership, and the necessity for curiosity and compassion in effective leadership. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of healthcare leadership, its increasing financialization and the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Mohsin Shabahang, Chief Medical Officer at WellSpan Health. They discuss Dr. Shabahang's journey from surgical oncology to healthcare leadership and how the healthcare system faces significant challenges related to compensation models.  Dr. Shabahang advocates for a balance between clinical productivity and other contributions and states, “external validations are valuable but should not define one's worth.”  Healthcare leadership is a marathon and Dr. "Mo" will share what it takes to run the race.

In this blistering hot episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Doug Salvador, Chief Medical Officer at ATW Health Solutions and former CMO/CQO at BayState Medical Center. Dr. Salvador shares his journey from a first-generation American to becoming a physician leader, emphasizing the need for truth telling in healthcare and the crushing burden of responsibility carried by CMOs in today's healthcare landscape. He introduces the “CAUTI game” to the listeners and stumps the host, Dr. Lee Scheinbart while demonstrating how to effectively communicate to the Board of Trustees in the process.  The conversation highlights one of the single most pressing issues in healthcare (aka dumpster fire), which is the financialization of medicine and the need for CMOs to advocate for patients and communities.

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Gil Padula, the Chief Medical Officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health. They discuss Dr. Padula's journey from being a radiation oncologist to a CMO, the challenges faced in healthcare leadership, and the importance of effective communication especially in the physician lounge!! Dr. Padula shares his insights on preparing for his leadership role describing that at times it as though he is an Intern all over again.  He emphasizes the need for effective communication, patient experience, and the balance between his personal and professional life. Dr. Padula also shares insights on the significance of maintaining clinical practice (and carrying his medical school essay with him as a reminder) to stay grounded in the realities of patient care.

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Kristin Mascotti, the newly appointed Market Chief Medical Officer for Greater Colorado and Kansas at Common Spirit Health. Dr. Mascotti shares her unique journey to becoming a CMO, highlighting her background in pathology and transfusion medicine, and her passion for quality management in healthcare. The conversation explores the evolution of physician leadership and the challenges faced by CMOs, including crisis management during the Ebola outbreak. Dr. Mascotti emphasizes the need for collaboration, COURAGE, and adaptability in leadership roles. In this conversation, Lee Scheinbart and Kristin Mascotti discuss the importance of collaboration, the need for balance in personal and professional life, and the significance of a clinical conscience in decision-making. The discussion also highlights the DYAD Leadership Certification Program (offered through AAPL) aimed at enhancing leadership skills among CMOs and CNOs.  Listen to find out why it takes COURAGE and while it may not be hard to summon, it can be difficult to deploy.

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Elizabeth Warner, Chief Medical Officer at Cherry Health and co-author of Conversations Worth Having in Healthcare: Boost Satisfaction & Quality Using Appreciative Inquiry. They discuss the importance of leadership preparation, and the need for self-care and resilience in the role. Dr. Warner shares her journey to becoming a CMO with a focus on the significance of asking generative questions to foster improvement. The conversation highlights the value of mentorship, the importance of aligning personal and organizational values, and the ongoing need for growth and learning in leadership.

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Rex Hoffman, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and author of I Want to Be a Chief Medical Officer : Now What? They discuss Dr. Hoffman's journey to becoming a CMO, particularly the things he HAD to know before taking the role along with the importance of mentorship, and his efforts to write material for others to become a CMO. Dr. Hoffman shares insights on leadership styles, the significance of understanding healthcare finance, and the current issues facing the healthcare system. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, negotiation, and support for medical staff to create a positive work environment.

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Stephen Brass, the Chief Medical Executive at Harris Health. They discuss Dr. Brass's journey to becoming a CMO, the importance of mentorship, various leadership styles, and the challenges faced in executive decision-making. To be an effective leader you have to realize you MUST learn to deal with the gray and that you won't always make people happy (or else go sell ice cream)!  The conversation also touches on the critical issues of physician burnout, the role of AI in healthcare, and the significance of optimizing peer review processes. Dr. Brass emphasizes the need for collaboration, feedback, agility, and adaptability in leadership, as well as the importance of addressing physician wellness to improve healthcare outcomes.