Mgma Small Talk

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Tony Stajduhar, President, and Neal Waters, Regional Vice President of Recruiting, Jackson Physician Search, to discuss insights from the new research report From Contract to Connection: How Authentic Relationships Foster Early Career Physician Loyalty and Retention.The conversation explores how healthcare leaders can strengthen physician relationships beyond the recruitment phase — from pre-boarding and onboarding to long-term engagement. Tony and Neal share actionable strategies to close the gap between administrative expectations and physician realities, emphasizing culture, communication, and connection as key drivers of retention and satisfaction.Key TakeawaysBridging the Expectation Gap (1:39) Nearly 60% of physicians leave their first job within three years, yet administrators expect six-year tenures. This misalignment reveals a critical need for better communication and expectation-setting during

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, senior editor at MGMA, welcomes Idalis McPhail, practice administrator at Fairfax Pediatric Associates and one of MGMA’s 2025 Future Five Award winners. With a background that spans from bedside nursing to executive administration, McPhail shares her journey of bridging clinical and administrative leadership, fostering unity across departments, and implementing evidence-based safety and workflow improvements. Listeners will gain practical insights into building communication, strengthening patient experience, and leading change in long-standing healthcare organizations. Key Takeaways[02:34] – Recognition and Mentorship Idalis describes the surprise and excitement of receiving her MGMA Future Five Award and how MGMA resources and mentorship accelerated her professional growth as a new practice administrator.[05:11] – Career Evolution: CNA to Administrator Her transition from clinical roles to leadership positions taught her the importance of e

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, interviews Sean Nguyen, MHA, the 2025 Harwick Innovation Award winner and System Director of the Interventional Pain Service Line at Ochsner Health. Nguyen shares how his “One Reason for Visit” model revolutionized multidisciplinary care for patients with back pain by breaking down silos, improving patient access, and creating a coordinated, scalable system across a 45-hospital network. He also reflects on his Louisiana roots, how his experience with FEMA during Hurricane Katrina shaped his healthcare leadership, and how collaboration drives sustainable innovation.Tune in to learn how Nguyen’s approach can help your practice enhance care coordination, streamline scheduling, and improve patient satisfaction — no matter your size or specialty.Key Takeaways[01:36] – Winning the Harwick Innovation Award Sean shares the story behind receiving the Harwick Innovation Award and credits his Ochsner team’s collective effort in tr

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, sits down with Michelle Mainord, Practice Administrator at Cookeville Gynecology in Tennessee and winner of the 2025 ACMPE Forum Representative of the Year Award. Michelle shares her remarkable journey from nurse to administrator, the lessons learned in leadership, and how mentorship and certification programs like ACMPE strengthen the future of healthcare management.Listeners will gain insights into how medical practice leaders can balance professional development, mentorship, and the day-to-day demands of running a practice — all while building community and advancing excellence in healthcare management.Episode Takeaways[02:09] — Connecting in Person: Why MGMA Conferences Matter Daniel and Michelle chat about the excitement of attending the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (held Sept. 28-Oct. 1), the energy of being surrounded by peers, and the difference between virtual connections and face-to-face learning. Michel

Welcome to MGMA Insights, the podcast for medical practice leaders. In this episode, host Daniel Williams speaks with Jonathan Leer, Senior Director of Clinical Business Operations at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.Recorded ahead of the MGMA Leaders Conference, their conversation highlights the evolving role of academic medicine, including leadership development, physician recruitment and retention, research and clinical trials, grant management, and resource management amid shrinking reimbursements.Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction and Jonathan Leer's background01:07 – Defining academic medicine and the tripartite mission04:14 – Research and clinical trial highlights06:32 – Public health focus on carbon monoxide safety07:39 – Expanding academic practices into communities12:18 – Leadership, recruitment, and resource management in academic medicine28:00 – How to connect with Jonathan LeerResources:Email: j.leer@som.umaryland.eduJonathan Leer on LinkedInMGMA Leaders Conference InfoUniversity of Ma

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Rihan Javid to explore how medical practices can balance artificial intelligence with human expertise. Dr. Javid shares insights from his work with EDGE and Rinova AI, where he helps practices leverage remote talent and AI-powered agents to reduce costs, improve billing accuracy, and enhance patient care.The conversation covers how AI can automate repetitive administrative tasks, the limits of technology in patient interactions, and the importance of maintaining empathy and trust in healthcare. Listeners will also hear real-world examples of AI’s role in revenue cycle management and the long-term potential of AI agents.Key Takeaways:(03:27) - Introduction to Dr. Javid’s background: From law to psychiatry to healthcare operations, and how this experience informs his approach to AI in medical practices(06:38) - The billing challenge: Why healthcare billing is so complex and costly, and how practices struggle to retain top

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, Senior Editor Daniel Williams sits down with Linda Carroll of Aurora Maternal Fetal Medicine in Alaska, recorded live at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando. Linda shares her unique perspective on traveling from Alaska to connect with peers, the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare leadership, and how resource groups like the AAPI Leaders Group provide space for meaningful conversations. She also discusses the realities of delivering care across rural Alaska, balancing Telehealth with in-person visits, and why networking is the most valuable takeaway from MGMA conferences.What you’ll hear in this episode:Challenges and rewards of delivering maternal-fetal care across AlaskaWhy cultural awareness is vital for healthcare leadersHow peer networks provide support in leadership rolesInsights from MGMA’s resource groups and breakout sessionsThe role of conferences in building community and balance for leadersResources:MGMA Leaders Conference: https://mgma.com

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, we sit down with Rana McSpadden, FACMPE, CHPC, CPC, a consultant with the Medical Practice Services department of SVMIC, to explore the growing risks of ransomware and cybersecurity threats in medical practices. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience, Rana brings expertise in compliance, cybersecurity, patient experience, and practice operations to the discussion.What You’ll Learn:Why ransomware attacks on medical practices are becoming more frequentCommon gaps in healthcare security risk analysis that leave practices vulnerableThe dangers of incomplete malware removal and repeat ransomware attacksHow AI tools like ChatGPT can create cybersecurity risks in healthcareWhat PHI you should never put into public AI systemsReal OCR settlement case studies from practices that experienced breachesKey Takeaway: Many practices have not completed thorough, enterprise-wide security risk analyses—making them prime targets for threat actors. Leadership from the top is essentia

In this episode of the MGMA Podcast, Seb Terry discusses how he turned a personal list of 100 life goals into a global movement. He explains the science of goal setting, the importance of kindness in achieving results, and practical strategies busy professionals can use to find purpose and satisfaction in both work and life. Hosted by Daniel Williams. Key Timestamped Moments:04:38 – Seb’s turning point: From drifting to defining a life of purpose06:38 – The science of goal setting and why most people fail (and how to succeed)13:00 – The most meaningful item Seb ever checked off his list15:01 – How “100 Things” became a global movement and inspired others17:01 – Advice for overwhelmed professionals: Micro-steps and self-kindness19:17 – How kindness and connection drive real achievementResources & Links:Seb Terry’s 100 Things Movement: https://100things.com/MGMA Leaders Conference: https://mgma.com/leaders“The Top Five Regrets of the Dying” by Bronnie Ware: https://bronnieware.com/regrets-of-the-dying/Seb T

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with David N. Gans, MGMA’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dave reflects on his decades-long career with MGMA, his role in shaping the organization’s history, and his pioneering work in benchmarking and data-driven decision-making for medical practices. He also shares practical advice for medical practice leaders facing today’s most pressing challenges — from workforce shortages to financial pressures — and reminds us that at the heart of every innovation is the patient.Whether you’re navigating the complexities of group practice management or looking for inspiration from one of the field’s most trusted voices, this episode offers invaluable insights and problem-solving perspectives.Key Takeaways[03:26] Dave reflects on receiving the MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award and the legacy of past recipients.[06:00] A deep dive into MGMA’s origins in 1926 and Dave’s role as an organizational historian.[06:39] How a student internshi

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Jon R. Ewing, Chief Operating Officer at the Women’s Clinic in Jackson, Tennessee, and MGMA’s 2025 Legislative Liaison of the Year. Jon shares how he unexpectedly entered legislative advocacy, the importance of bridging policy and practice, and what medical group leaders need to know about engaging with lawmakers.From TennCare reimbursement challenges to looming physician shortages, Jon breaks down complex legislative issues into practical takeaways for medical practice leaders. His insights underscore why advocacy isn’t just politics — it’s problem-solving for the future of healthcare.Key Takeaways[02:34] Jon describes the shock of learning he’d been named MGMA’s Legislative Liaison of the Year.[04:35] The role of local media in Jackson, Tennessee, and how healthcare organizations connect with their communities.[06:08] Jon’s Arkansas roots, trout fishing background, and early exposure to medicine through his father’s small-town pr

On this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams speaks with Rob Fershtman, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships at U.S. Career Institute. With more than a decade of experience helping healthcare organizations strengthen their pipelines for Certified Medical Assistants and other essential roles, Fershtman shares strategies for addressing staffing shortages, creating flexible education pathways and building long-term retention in medical practices. Key Takeaways:[05:41] - Identifying workforce gaps: How rural healthcare organizations are struggling to recruit talent and why early-stage career roles, like medical assistants, are critical to closing the gap.[08:14] - What US Career Institute offers: An overview of the accredited programs and degrees, with a focus on entry-level healthcare pathways and medical assistant training.[10:40] - Real-life success stories: How individuals from diverse backgrounds (oil riggers, hairstylists) transitioned into healthcare careers and thrived

Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame speaker Crystal Washington joins this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast. Crystal shares her expertise on generative AI and its practical applications for healthcare leaders. As an upcoming keynote speaker at the MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (September 28 - October 1), Crystal breaks down the AI landscape, debunks common myths, and provides actionable strategies for medical practice leaders navigating technology adoption without getting overwhelmed.[02:35] - Becoming a futurist: Crystal explains her path from hospitality management to consulting for global brands, and how she developed her futurist mindset.[06:25] - Grounding AI in reality: Artificial intelligence has been around since the 1950s; generative AI is simply the newest wave, not an oracle.[07:49] - Generative AI hype vs. reality: Crystal cautions leaders to separate engineering insights from corporate hype and stock-price-driven narratives.[10:12] - Healthcare leaders and limited time: Practical advice on

In this debut episode of the MGMA Early Careerist podcast, host Melinda Mastel speaks with Shay Eskew, Vice President of Sales at Kodiak Solutions, Ironman athlete, and burn survivor. Shay shares his remarkable journey from a childhood accident that changed his life, to building a career in healthcare, writing a bestselling book, and embracing challenges in athletics and leadership. Tune in for insights on resilience, risk-taking, building community, and finding purpose—plus practical advice for early careerists navigating their own paths.8 Key Moments:00:00 – Introduction & Meet Shay Askew01:10 – Shay’s Unplanned Path into Healthcare03:10 – Childhood Accident & Burn Survivor Story05:15 – Recovery, Shriners Hospital, and Finding Purpose10:00 – Sharing His Story: Speaking, Rotary, and Writing a Book16:00 – Embracing Challenges: Ironman, Global Adventures, and Mindset25:00 – Leadership, Mentorship, and Advice for Early Careerists34:00 – Book Recommendations, Final Advice, and How to Connect with ShayRes

In this episode of MGMA's Women in Healthcare podcast, host Adrienne Lloyd talks with Hayley Boling, CEO of Bowling Vision Center and Insight Surgery Center, about the realities of leadership, the importance of empathy and accountability, and the everyday moments that shape strong teams. They discuss mentorship, support networks, and the value of authenticity in healthcare and beyond.00:03 — Introduction and Guest Background02:12 — Creating a Culture of Accountability with Empathy17:02 — Being a Woman Leader in Healthcare27:52 — Finding Mentors and Building Support Networks36:31 — Key Leadership Lessons: Progress Over Perfection42:27 — Closing Thoughts and Thank YouYour Host:Adrienne Palmer Lloyd, MHA, FACHECEO/Founder, Optimize HealthcareMGMA Consultant | Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach | Lean/Six Sigma ExpertCONNECT WITH Adrienne!

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Carolyn Bruebaker Moore, MBA, FACMPE, Vice President of Operations at PeaceHealth Medical Group in Oregon. Carolyn will be speaking at the upcoming MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando (Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, 2025), where her session, "Build Your Own Operational Leadership Development Program," will give practice leaders practical tools to strengthen leadership pipelines. In this conversation, Carolyn shares her healthcare journey, how she identified a leadership training gap, and how she created an inclusive program that equips supervisors, managers, and directors to grow into stronger, more confident leaders. Listeners will learn about the program’s structure, retreats, challenges, and rewards—and how they can adapt these lessons within their own organizations. [04:50] Carolyn’s healthcare journey: Carolyn discusses her 21 years in leadership, her transition from academic medicine to nonprofit care and how MGMA has supported her growth[08

Join host Daniel Williams on the MGMA Insights Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Alpesh Amin, Associate Dean for Clinical Transformation at UCI Health. Dr. Amin previews his upcoming session at the 2025 MGMA Leaders Conference in Orlando while sharing practical strategies for leveraging digital health and virtual care. Learn how to optimize ambulatory space, improve patient access and expand clinical capacity without building new facilities. [4:07] - Redefining Ambulatory Space Optimization[6:30] - Implementing E-Consults for Specialist Access[9:28] - Using Remote Monitoring to Reduce Hospital Length of Stay[10:45] - Leveraging Parking Lot Check-ins and Virtual Platforms[13:35] - Treating Healthcare as a Team Sport[17:11] - Embracing Technology Across All Age Groups[18:47] - Goal-Setting and Team BuildingResources:2025 MGMA Leaders Conference - September 28 - October 2 in Orlando, FL - Register HereLeaders Session: "Ambulatory Space Optimization with Digital Health Transformation" Tuesday, Sept. 30 @ 1:00 PMUC

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Dr. Michael Neal, a practicing optometrist and founder of Build My Team. Dr. Neal shares his transformative approach to healthcare hiring while addressing critical challenges like staff turnover, burnout and creating a high-performing practice culture. Drawing from lessons learned in his own practice and insights from top service industries, he offers practical strategies for medical practice leaders to enhance their hiring process.Key Takeaways:03:20 Hiring Paradigm Shift: Move beyond resume-based hiring to assessment-driven candidate selection10:42 Mindset Matters: Prioritize candidates with a genuine desire to serve and find fulfillment in healthcare13:29 Transferable Hiring Strategies: Approach works across different healthcare specialties and practice types17:09 Burnout Prevention: Strategically building the right team can dramatically reduce practice leader stress18:01 Emotional Impact: Reduce Sunday night anxiety and Monday morning dread through strategic h

In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams joins Mark Noon, a retired US Air Force medical leader and founder of LEADERSHIPTEN to explore leadership challenges amid cultural adaptations in the post-pandemic workplace. With extensive experience coaching healthcare organizations, Mark shares critical leadership strategies for medical practice managers and administrators while offering practical approaches to team development and patient experience.Key Takeaways:[04:12] Career Evolution: Mark transitioned from military medical laboratory work to leadership consulting, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in professional growth[10:00] Leadership Challenges: Four primary leadership challenges identified:CommunicationMotivationDelegationCulture building[12:11] Workplace Flexibility: Embracing remote work requires trust, understanding individual work styles, and creating flexible communication strategies[18:21] Cross-Role Understanding: Implement role-playing exercises to help team me

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health, explores how AI and automation can help reduce provider burnout and improve medical practice efficiency. The conversation highlights Greenway's Clinical Assist technology while offering insights for medical practice leaders looking to leverage AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for healthcare professionals.Key Takeaways:05:39 AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement08:47 Ambient Documentation with Greenway Clinical Assist13:19 Time Pressure Reduction15:27 Staff Adoption Strategy18:49 Enhanced Information Retrieval20:17 Future Trends in Clinical Decision Support, Virtual Care, and Healthcare InteroperabilityResources: Visit the Greenway Health websiteLearn more about Greenway Clinical AssistConnect with Dr. Michael Blackman on LinkedInAdditional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA PodcastsEmail us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to