CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today

John Lynn and Colin Hung
  • 5.0 (4)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A front row seat to healthcare CIOs helping CIOs. Brought to you by Healthcare IT Today.

  1. MAR 23

    Navigating the Changing World of Healthcare with Rusty Yeager

    For the 111th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Rusty Yeager, Senior VP and CIO at Encompass Health to talk about navigating the changing world of healthcare as a CIO! We kick this episode off by discussing what we think the greatest leadership challenge healthcare CIOs are facing right now. Then we debate how we think CIOs should be navigating the ever-evolving world of AI. Next, Yeager tells us more about the Palantir solution. We then get into the value that can come from the tight integration between ERP and EHR to find out whether Yeager has seen it. We then shift over to Yeager’s time as a CIO as he shares some of his keys to effectively leading a health IT organization in this current environment. Next, Yeager shares a major lesson he learned in his time as CIO. Then, we talk about a favorite story of a project, situation, or effort during Yeager’s career. We then discuss how to properly balance strategy and team development with all of the operational challenges healthcare organizations face.  Next, we take a look at a topic that Yeager thinks deserves more attention because it isn’t being talked about enough right now. Lastly, we conclude this episode with Yeager passing along advice to aspiring CIOs as Yeager prepares to retire soon. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: What’s the greatest leadership challenge that a healthcare CIO faces right now? How should a CIO be navigating the world of ever-evolving AI? Tell us more about the Palantir solution. Have you seen the value of the tight integration between ERP and EHR? What are some of your keys to leading a health IT organization effectively in this current environment? What was a major lesson you learned in your time as CIO? Share a favorite story of a project, situation, or effort during your career. How do you balance strategy and team development with all the operational challenges a healthcare organization faces? What’s a topic that isn’t being talked about enough right now that you think deserves more attention? What advice would you give an aspiring CIO? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! Listen to the Latest Episodes

    41 min

  2. MAR 9

    IT Efficiency with Todd Richardson

    The 110th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, is sponsored by HCTec, helping healthcare organizations optimize IT labor strategy and improve operational efficiency! This time, we are joined by Todd Richardson, Former CIO, to talk about IT! We kick this episode off by talking about how health systems are under real margin pressure right now and how that is changing the expectations of IT. Then, we debate why IT often feels like a financial burden instead of a lever for efficiency and discuss what CIOs need to do to reframe this. Next, we take a look at where health systems waste the most effort or money in IT efficiency. We then shift over to labor to talk about why it is typically the largest component of IT spend and one of the hardest to manage well. Next, Richardson shares where he sees the biggest mismatch between IT labor and the value it produces. Then, we discuss how we think CIOs should think about the right balance between full-time staff, contractors, and external partners. We shift again to IT alignment and discuss what role simplification plays in reducing both IT cost and labor intensity. Then, we walk about what it looks like when IT is truly aligned to enterprise strategy, instead of reacting to demand. We end this episode with Richardson passing along the best piece of advice he’s been given in his career. This episode of the CIO Podcast is brought to you by HCTec! HCTec partners with healthcare CIOs and leaders to transform IT from a cost center into a strategic lever—optimizing workforce models, simplifying operations, and improving financial performance. Learn more at hctec.com. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: Health systems are under real margin pressure right now – how is that changing what’s expected of IT? Why does IT so often feel like a financial burden instead of a lever for efficiency? How does a CIO need to reframe this? When you look at IT efficiency, where do health systems waste the most effort or money? Labor is typically the largest component of IT spend – why is it also one of the hardest to manage well? Where do you see the biggest mismatch between IT labor and the value it produces? How should CIOs think about the right balance between full-time staff, contractors, and external partners? What role does simplification play in reducing both IT cost and labor intensity? What does it look like when IT is truly aligned to enterprise strategy rather than reacting to demand? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! HCTec is a proud sponsor of Healthcare Scene. Listen to the Latest Episodes

    42 min

  3. FEB 23

    Fractional CIO Work with Ryan Thousand

    For the 109th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Ryan Thousand, CIO at Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association, to talk about fractional CIO work! We kick this episode off with Thousand sharing some examples of where he has had to right-size his approach to IT in rural health. Rural health is often brought up when discussing the disadvantages they have, so to flip that, we are discussing some of the advantages rural health IT leaders have over larger health systems. Next, we dive into Thousand’s experience as a fractional CIO leader for multiple organizations. Despite needing them, many critical access hospitals unfortunately don’t have a CIO. Thousand and I talk about what the fractional CIO work looks like for these hospitals that can’t get a full CIO.  Then we talk about the biggest challenges Thousand faces as an IT leader. Next, we take a look at the places where IT doesn’t scale while also having workforce shortages. We then debate how to deal with those challenges. Lastly, we conclude this episode with Thousand sharing his advice to other CIOs and aspiring CIOs out there. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: What are some examples of where you have to kind of right-size your approach to IT in rural health? What are some advantages that rural health IT leaders have over larger health systems? I’m sure many listeners are intrigued by fractional CIO work. What’s your experience like as a fractional CIO leader for multiple organizations? Many critical access hospitals don’t have a CIO, but really need one. How’s the fractional CIO work for a hospital that can’t get a full CIO? What’s one of your biggest challenges as an IT leader? Where are places where IT doesn’t scale, but you also may have workforce shortages? How do you deal with that challenge? What advice would you give to other CIOs or aspiring CIOs out there? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! Listen to the Latest Episodes

    27 min

  4. FEB 9

    Implementing Oracle with Michael Archuleta

    For the 108th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Michael Archuleta, CIO at Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics, to talk about their decision to select and implement Oracle! Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics recently changed their EHR, so we kick this episode off by discussing the process they went through to select a new EHR. Then we talk about the key things that led them to their decision to go with Oracle Health and their new Oracle Health Clinical AI Agent. Next, we discuss whether IT or clinical was the driving desire for AI. We then dive deeper into what implementing Oracle looks like by discussing the timeline and what Archuleta is doing to ensure it’s a success. Moving outside of the EHR, we discuss the other areas Archuleta is working on or keeping an eye on and why. Next, Archuleta gives his input on different critical access hospital IT efforts that others may not appreciate. Lastly, Archuleta passes along the best piece of advice he’s been given in his career. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: You recently decided to change EHRs, tell me about the process you went through to select a new EHR. What were some of the key things that led you to choose to go with Oracle Health and their new Oracle Health Clinical AI Agent? Who drove the desire for AI, IT or clinical? What does the timeline for implementation of Oracle look like, and what are some of the things you’re doing to make sure it’s a success? Outside of the EHR, what other areas are you working on or are keeping an eye on, and why? What’s something about critical access hospital IT efforts that others may not appreciate? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! Listen to the Latest Episodes

    23 min

  5. JAN 26

    Sutter Sync with Richard Milani

    For the 107th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Richard Milani, MD, Chief Clinical Innovation Officer at Sutter Health, to talk about Sutter Sync! We kick this episode off with Milani explaining what exactly Sutter Sync is. Then we talk about what went into the decision-making process to do their own device with direct connection to Epic, rather than using the other available devices/RPM vendors on the market. We also get into why they chose to start with high blood pressure and pregnancy. Next, Milani shares where he sees Sutter Sync going next after high blood pressure and pregnancy, as well as if they are exploring other devices. We then move on to Artificial Intelligence usage at Sutter Health. First, we talk about how they are leveraging AI in areas like radiology. Next, we discuss their AI use with diabetes and blindness, and what they are doing there. Lastly, we end this episode with Milani passing along the best piece of advice he’s been given in his career. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: What is your recently announced Sutter Sync? Why did you decide to do your own device with direct connection to Epic rather than using one of the other devices/RPM vendors on the market? Why did you decide to start with high blood pressure and pregnancy? Where do you see Sutter Sync going next after high blood pressure and pregnancy? Are you exploring other devices? How are you leveraging AI in areas like radiology? How about your use of AI with diabetes and blindness? What are you doing there? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! Listen to the Latest Episodes

    20 min

  6. JAN 12

    State Health Departments with Scott Martin

    For the 106th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Scott Martin, CIO at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, to talk about working at a state health department! We kick this episode off by talking about the unique aspects of working at a state health department. Next, Martin shares how he approaches leadership of things like strategy and execution as a CIO. Then we discuss how he and his organization take an agile/lean approach to the work they do. We then get into the AI projects that Martin is currently working on, and he’s the most excited about. Next, we transition into data to talk about what health data we think is going to be the most valuable, as well as what data Martin wishes he had. Lastly, we conclude this episode with Martin sharing the best piece of advice he’s been given in his career. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: What are some of the unique aspects of working at a state health department? How do you approach leadership as a CIO when it comes to things like strategy and execution? How do you and your organization take an agile/lean approach to the work you do? What are some of the AI projects you’re working on and that you’re most excited about? What health data do you think is going to be most valuable, and what data do you wish you had? What was the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! Listen to the Latest Episodes

  7. 12/15/2025

    Nursing Voices with Marcie Lafido

    For the 105th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Marcie Lafido, MSN, RN-BC, CNS, Chief Nursing Officer at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, to talk about the voices of nurses in healthcare! We kick this episode off by talking about the different workforce challenges nurses and nursing leaders are facing today, and trying to see if we can come up with any solutions for them. Next, we discuss why nurses don’t have a bigger voice in healthcare, despite having the most contact with patients and being some of the most trusted in healthcare. Then we debate what can be done to help make their voices heard. We then take a look at the impact of technology on nursing as Lafido shares the nurse’s perspective on this impact, as well as sharing her personal perspective on the challenges and successes with technology. Next, we share how we see AI impacting nursing and talk about where the trust level in AI is amongst nurses. Lastly, we conclude this episode with Lafido imparting advice to any aspiring nurse leader looking to be the next Chief Nursing Officer. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: What are some of the workforce challenges that nurses and nursing leaders face today? What can be done to address these workforce challenges? Nurses are some of the most trusted in healthcare and have the most contact with patients. Why don’t nurses have a bigger voice in healthcare? What can be done to make their voices heard? What’s the nurse’s perspective on the impact of technology on nursing? Where have you seen challenges and successes with technology? How do you see AI impacting nursing? What’s the trust level of nurses with AI? For an aspiring nurse leader, what advice would you give them if they want to be the next Chief Nursing Officer? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! Listen to the Latest Episodes

  8. 12/01/2025

    Leveraging AI with Madhu Narasimhan

    For the 104th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Madhu Narasimhan, CIO at DaVita, to talk about leveraging AI! We kick this episode off by discussing how being a CIO is different in healthcare than in other industries and what is required to be successful in this high-stakes environment. Next, Narasimhan shares some of the ways that she’s been leveraging AI from an operational perspective. Then, we talk about how AI is being applied for clinical impact. We then get into analyzing how AI can improve quality and whether or not that plays a role in Narasimhan’s vetting process for AI applications.  We shift our focus from AI over to data. With kidney disease, a lot of medical complexities tend to ensue, leaving patients to navigate a fragmented system. We discuss what can be done to help these patients move from this fragmented system to receiving whole-person care. Next, Narasimhan talks about how she is leveraging the rich dataset kidney care has and putting it to work for her patients. Then, Narasimhan shares the best piece of advice she’s been given in her career. Lastly, we conclude this episode as we debate how to balance the operational needs with innovation and living on the edge of discomfort. Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode: How is being a CIO different in healthcare, where the stakes are different than other industries? What’s required from a CIO to be successful in this high-stakes environment? What are some of the ways that you’re leveraging AI from an operational perspective? How about AI being applied for clinical impact? Is looking at how it improves quality how you vet AI applications? Most patients with kidney disease have a lot of medical complexities as they navigate a fragmented system. What can be done to move from fragmentation to whole-person care? Kidney care has one of the richest health datasets. How are you leveraging that dataset and putting it to work for patients? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career? How do you balance the operational needs with innovation and living on the edge of discomfort? Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today. We release a new CIO Podcast every ~2 weeks. You can also subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today podcast on any of the following platforms: NOTE: We’ll be updating the links below as the various podcasting platforms approve the new podcast.  Check back soon to be able to subscribe on your favorite podcast application. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Stitcher Podcast Radio TuneIn Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Thanks for listening to the CIO Podcast on Healthcare IT Today and if you enjoy the content we’re sharing, please rate the podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Along with the popular podcasting platforms above, you can Subscribe to Healthcare IT Today on YouTube.  Plus, all of the audio and video versions will be made available to stream on HealthcareITToday.com. We’d love to hear what you think of the podcast and if there are other healthcare CIO you’d like to see us have on the program. Feel free to share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments of this post with @techguy on Twitter, or privately on our Contact Us page. We appreciate you listening! Listen to the Latest Episodes

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A front row seat to healthcare CIOs helping CIOs. Brought to you by Healthcare IT Today.

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