AMA STEPS Forward® podcast

4.6 (18)
MEDICINE
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Health care leaders share insight, strategies and tips to combat physician burnout, improve patient care, and help put the joy back into the practice of medicine.

4D AGO

The Right Partner Can Make All the Difference: Pearl of the Month

Value-based care doesn’t mean doing more with less. Partnering with aggregator entities can help your practice access care coordination tools, population health data, and shared savings opportunities—all while maintaining your independence. The key is finding collaborators who respect clinical autonomy and focus on improving outcomes, not just cutting costs. Explore the Value Based Care Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4rqMDtO Explore the AMA’s “What is value-based care” page: https://bit.ly/4hVnbbu Explore “Contracting with aggregator entities to advance value-based care arrangements” physician resource: https://bit.ly/3Xklevq Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

2 min
12/24/2025

REPLAY: A Lifeline for Moms: Providing Whole Person Care in Maternal Health Settings

Dr. Tiffany Moore Simas, Medical Director for Lifeline for Moms, and Obstetric Engagement Liaison for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms, explores the opportunities and challenges of maternal behavioral health-focused care models while emphasizing the importance of integrating behavioral health as a core component of perinatal health services. She also discusses programs designed to help physicians provide comprehensive, whole-person care to their patients, addressing both physical and mental health needs throughout their perinatal journey. Explore Lifeline for Moms: https://bit.ly/4buiWQI Explore MCPAP for Moms: https://bit.ly/4hbmA3f Explore the Behavioral Health Screening as a Part of Ongoing Care Webinar with Dr. Moore Simas: https://bit.ly/4iuIgbw Access the transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/3Hi0LTO Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

28 min
12/17/2025

How to Strengthen Behavioral Health in Native Communities: Lessons for Health Care Leaders

Explore the webinar on Social Determents of Health: https://bit.ly/4obvkeg  Explore the podcast on Racial and Health Equity: http://bit.ly/4qlSPCL Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Delivering effective behavioral and mental health care in American Indian and Alaska Native communities requires more than clinical expertise, it demands culturally safe, structurally competent team-based approaches. In this AMA STEPS Forward®️ podcast, Dr. Aaron Wernham, CEO of the Montana Healthcare Foundation, shares lessons from decades of working with tribal health systems, including strategies for practice transformation, care coordination, and leveraging telehealth in rural settings. Learn actionable steps to strengthen behavioral health integration, improve patient outcomes, and support primary care teams in culturally diverse and disinvested communities. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

24 min
12/10/2025

How Value-Based Care Empowers Health Systems

Explore the AMA’s “What is value-based care” page: https://bit.ly/4hVnbbu Explore “Creating a Sustainable Future for Value-Based Care: A Playbook of Voluntary Best Practices for VBC Payment Arrangements”: https://bit.ly/4qMWwkU Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine® Recognition Program: https://bit.ly/4pBc8aK Explore Annual Prescription Renewal toolkit: https://bit.ly/4a9rzBA Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Join host Sea Chen, MD, PhD for the second episode in our value-based care series. In this conversation, Jerome Finkel, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Value-Based Enterprise at Henry Ford Health, a bronze-level Joy in Medicine® recognized organization, offers an inside look at leading a major health system’s transformation in VBC. What you'll learn: The evolving landscape of VBC and its future focuses.How Henry Ford launched and advanced its VBC journey.Strategies for navigating resistance to change and for engaging physicians.Real-world examples of VBC making a measurable impact.Practical guidance for emerging physician leaders.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guest(s) are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the American Medical Association (AMA). 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

32 min
12/03/2025

How Value-Based Care Empowers Independent Practices

Explore the AMA’s “What is value-based care” page: https://bit.ly/4hVnbbu Explore “Creating a Sustainable Future for Value-Based Care: A Playbook of Voluntary Best Practices for VBC Payment Arrangements”: https://bit.ly/4qMWwkU Explore “Contracting with aggregator entities to advance value-based care arrangements” physician resource: https://bit.ly/3Xklevq Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this AMA STEPS Forward® podcast, Jarrett Dodd, MD, a family medicine physician, Chief Medical Officer of CVFP Medical Group, and Virginia Market Medical Director for Privia Medical Group — Mid-Atlantic, shares his experience with the evolution of his relatively small family medicine practice to a thriving, data-driven, integrated primary care practice, while still remaining fiercely independent. You'll learn how a partnership with Privia Health, a physician-led enablement entity, allowed his group to address its value-based care goals of shifting care delivery from quantity to quality, incentivizing high quality care with better patient experience at lower cost. Although change can be difficult, Dr. Dodd explores how making strategic, intentional decisions can help bring about better health outcomes for patients and sustainability for physicians and their practices. Tune in for real-world insights and practical advice to help your practice adapt, excel, and improve patient care in today’s changing health care landscape. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

17 min
11/26/2025

A Team Approach in Value-Based Care: Pearl of the Month

A successful value-based care model requires a diverse team with a variety of licenses, backgrounds and training. The physician-led team will often include roles such as patient outreach coordinator, nurse educator, care coordinator, referral coordinator, transitional care nurse, clinical pharmacist, behavioral health specialist and more. Develop a staffing model tailored to your patients’ needs and your practice’s goals. Where necessary, partner with outside groups. Explore the Value-Based Care Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4rqMDtO Explore “Contracting with aggregator entities to advance value-based care arrangements” physician resource: https://bit.ly/3Xklevq 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

2 min
11/19/2025

REPLAY: Navigating AI Governance at The Permanente Medical Group

Dr. Vincent Liu, Chief Data Officer at The Permanente Medical Group, an AMA health system group member, shares how they are defining success in Augmented Intelligence (AI) governance. He discusses how they're aligning AI initiatives with strategic goals, scaling successful pilots like ambient documentation, managing emerging risks, and building trust through clinician and patient engagement all while measuring the meaningful impact AI can offer. Explore the Governance for Augmented Intelligence Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4jzsVaR Access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/45yo3Op Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

22 min
11/12/2025

Why Self-Care is Not Enough in Solving Physician Burnout

Explore Reduce Burnout, Improve Self-Compassion With Group Coaching for Even the Busiest Physician episode: https://bit.ly/439QIYG Access the transcript of this episode and claim CME: https://bit.ly/4iNKWTe Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this AMA STEPS Forward® podcast, Archana Shrestha, MD, MS, board-certified emergency physician, certified physician coach, and Chief Wellness Officer, shares her personal journey from burnout to becoming a leader in physician well-being. She discusses the unique challenges faced by physicians, particularly women, and explains how evidence-based coaching can empower individuals to improve their professional and personal lives. Listen as she highlights practical, actionable solutions to help physicians move beyond survival mode and build more sustainable, rewarding careers. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues important to you, so you can focus on what matters most — patients. We will meet this challenge together. Join us: https://ama-assn.co/JoinRenew 🥼 Go to https://ama-assn.co/FightingForDocs to learn more about our AMA advocacy priorities, including:▹ Reforming Medicare payment▹ Fighting scope creep▹ Fixing prior authorization▹ Reducing physician burnout▹ Making technology work for physicians 📺 Subscribe to @americanmedicalassociation on YouTube: https://ama-assn.co/youTube 📧 Sign up for #MorningRounds and free daily newsletters from the AMA: https://ama-assn.co/Newsletters 🎧 Listen to our latest medical podcasts: https://ama-assn.co/Podcasts 💬 Follow #AMA on social media: https://ama-assn.co/Social 📓 Access the Journal of the American Medical Association #JAMA login: https://ama-assn.co/JAMA Disclaimer The AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast is for informational purposes only. The content is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Mention of a third-party organization, product, or service in the Podcast does not imply and is not intended as a promotion or endorsement by the American Medical Association (AMA). This content is not intended as medical, legal, or consulting advice, or as a substitute for the advice of a physician, attorney, or other professional. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the AMA, the individual’s employer, or any affiliated organization. The AMA makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information provided in this Podcast. The materials and information contained herein are provided as-is. No part of this Podcast may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the AMA.

38 min

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4.6

out of 5

18 Ratings

Health care leaders share insight, strategies and tips to combat physician burnout, improve patient care, and help put the joy back into the practice of medicine.