Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast

CGFNS International Inc.
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the "Care Anywhere Podcast: The Global Health Workforce Podcast." Our series delves into the dynamic world of global health workforce development. Join us as we engage with subject matter experts, thought leaders, and practitioners in insightful discussions on the evolving practices, addressing workforce shortages, and meeting the global demand for healthcare talent. Explore the critical intersections shaping the future of healthcare worldwide with us.

  1. Language as a SuperPower: Upskilling a Globally Mobile Workforce | Katie Brown | EP 25

    May 25 ·  Video

    Language as a SuperPower: Upskilling a Globally Mobile Workforce | Katie Brown | EP 25

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims sits down with Katie Brown, founder and chief education officer at EnGen, to explore how English language mastery can unlock opportunity for internationally trained healthcare professionals. Together, they discuss why language proficiency is about far more than passing exams—it directly impacts patient care, workplace confidence, career mobility, and successful integration into a new community. Katie shares how EnGen’s personalized, occupation-specific approach helps multilingual healthcare workers build the practical communication skills needed both inside and outside the workplace. From preparing for NCLEX and English proficiency exams to navigating patient conversations, workplace collaboration, banking, insurance, and daily life in a new country, EnGen focuses on teaching language in real-world context rather than through traditional one-size-fits-all instruction. The conversation highlights the critical role communication plays in healthcare delivery, particularly in high-stress patient care settings where trust, understanding, and clarity are essential. Lea and Katie also discuss how multilingual professionals strengthen healthcare systems by improving access, reducing communication barriers, and helping organizations better serve diverse patient populations. Another key focus of the episode is confidence. Katie explains how language barriers and cultural adjustment challenges can leave even highly skilled professionals feeling uncertain, despite years of clinical expertise. Through adaptive learning, personalized support, and practical application, EnGen helps learners gain the confidence needed to thrive professionally and personally. The episode also explores the untapped potential of internationally trained healthcare workers already living in English-speaking countries but working below their qualifications due to language barriers or limited support. Katie emphasizes that with targeted language upskilling, these professionals can accelerate into meaningful clinical roles while helping address critical workforce shortages worldwide. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how language learning can empower healthcare professionals, strengthen patient care, support family integration, and expand global workforce mobility. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    32 min
  2. Verified Once, Trusted Everywhere: Verifiable Digital Credentials | Dan Giurescu | EP 24

    May 7 ·  Video

    Verified Once, Trusted Everywhere: Verifiable Digital Credentials | Dan Giurescu | EP 24

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims explores the future of digital identity and workforce mobility in healthcare with Dan Giurescu, CEO and cofounder of Credivera. Together, they examine how the healthcare industry is transitioning from outdated paper-based credentialing systems to secure, verifiable digital credentials that can transform how professionals move, work, and build trust across borders. Dan shares how the evolution of professional credentials mirrors the broader digital transformation happening across society. From physical diplomas and static PDFs to cryptographically secure digital credentials, the conversation highlights how modern verification systems are designed to be portable, interoperable, and tamper-proof. These advancements allow healthcare professionals to securely carry proof of their education, licensure, certifications, and work experience in a way that can be instantly trusted by employers and institutions worldwide. Throughout the episode, Dan explains the importance of creating a trusted digital ecosystem that empowers professionals rather than restricting them. By connecting verified credentials to a secure digital identity, healthcare workers gain greater agency over their careers and mobility. Leah and Dan discuss how these systems reduce fraud, eliminate inconsistencies caused by outdated verification processes, and help ensure that qualified professionals can move more efficiently across states and international borders. A key focus of the discussion is the growing challenge of workforce shortages and onboarding delays within healthcare systems. Dan outlines how traditional credential verification can take weeks—or even months—before clinicians are approved to begin work. Through Credivera’s partnership with TruMerit, digital credentialing solutions are helping healthcare organizations dramatically reduce administrative bottlenecks while improving trust and patient safety. Faster verification means qualified professionals can get to the bedside more quickly, helping health systems respond more effectively to workforce demands. Leah and Dan also explore the broader implications of interoperability and open standards in digital identity technology. Rather than locking professionals into one system or platform, verifiable credentials are designed to remain portable throughout a worker’s career journey. This flexibility creates a more connected and globally accessible workforce while allowing healthcare professionals to maintain ownership and control of their credentials. Another important theme throughout the conversation is trust. Dan emphasizes that digital identity is not simply about technology—it is about validating the hard work, experience, and expertise healthcare professionals have earned throughout their careers. By creating systems that are secure, transparent, and universally recognized, organizations can strengthen confidence across employers, regulators, and patients alike. Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of how digital identity and verifiable credentials are reshaping the future of healthcare workforce mobility. Dan’s insights demonstrate how technology can remove barriers, accelerate career opportunities, and build a more efficient and trusted global healthcare ecosystem. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    54 min
  3. The Power of Story: Shaping Hearts and Minds through Documentary Films | Carolyn Jones & Lisa Frank | EP 23

    Apr 29 ·  Video

    The Power of Story: Shaping Hearts and Minds through Documentary Films | Carolyn Jones & Lisa Frank | EP 23

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims explores the transformative power of storytelling in healthcare through documentary film. She is joined by acclaimed filmmaker Carolyn Jones and creative leader Lisa Frank to discuss how powerful narratives can shape perceptions, influence decision-making, and drive meaningful change across healthcare systems. Carolyn and Lisa share their experiences bringing real stories to life, highlighting the unique role documentary filmmaking plays in elevating authentic human experiences. Through unscripted moments and deeply personal narratives, storytelling becomes more than a creative endeavor—it becomes a tool for empathy, education, and advocacy. Their work demonstrates how film can spotlight the realities of healthcare, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster deeper understanding among audiences. Throughout the conversation, Carolyn and Lisa provide insight into the creative and ethical process behind impactful storytelling. From gaining the trust of participants to responsibly capturing sensitive moments, they emphasize the importance of authenticity, respect, and intentionality. The most compelling stories, they explain, are those that create emotional connection—allowing viewers to see the humanity behind the profession and the people within it. Lea, Carolyn, and Lisa also discuss how storytelling influences behavior and decision-making in healthcare. Stories can inspire patients, inform clinicians, and guide leaders by offering perspectives that data alone cannot convey. By blending narrative with insight, documentary storytelling becomes a powerful way to bridge gaps, challenge assumptions, and encourage more human-centered approaches to care. Another key theme of the episode is the evolving media landscape and the growing demand for authentic content. Carolyn and Lisa explore how documentary-style storytelling helps organizations build trust and communicate complex ideas in a relatable way. In an increasingly digital world, stories that feel real and emotionally resonant stand out—and have the potential to create lasting impact. Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper appreciation for how storytelling can shape hearts and minds. Carolyn and Lisa’s perspectives highlight the critical role of narrative in humanizing healthcare, elevating important conversations, and inspiring progress across the industry. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    51 min
  4. Nightingales Summit: Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Nurses | Arowosegbe Obafemi | EP 22

    Apr 2 ·  Video

    Nightingales Summit: Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Nurses | Arowosegbe Obafemi | EP 22

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims sits down with Nigerian nurse entrepreneur and advocate Obafemi Arowosegbe to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of nursing in Africa. While still a nursing student, Obafemi founded the Nightingale Summit, a growing conference designed to empower nursing students and early-career nurses with leadership skills, professional development opportunities, and a broader vision of what the nursing profession can become. Obafemi shares his personal journey into nursing, including the unconventional path that led him from a different university program into the profession. While navigating the demanding realities of nursing school—heavy coursework, clinical training, and emotional stress—he began documenting his experiences and lessons online. His goal was simple: inspire other nursing students to see their potential, overcome challenges, and approach their careers with intention and confidence. Throughout the conversation, Obafemi reflects on the universal challenges nursing students face, from time management and academic pressure to the emotional impact of clinical placements. He emphasizes the importance of self-care, intentional planning, and reflection as tools that helped him stay grounded during his training. These experiences ultimately fueled his desire to create a platform where nursing students could learn from each other, build community, and prepare for meaningful careers. The Nightingale Summit was born from that vision. What started as a student-led initiative has grown into a multi-institution gathering that connects students with experienced professionals, encourages mentorship, and highlights opportunities beyond traditional bedside roles. Obafemi explains that many nursing students lack access to structured mentorship and career guidance, and the summit aims to close that gap by helping young nurses develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and explore paths in research, advocacy, education, and innovation. Lea and Obafemi also discuss the evolving perception of nursing in Nigeria and across Africa. Historically, the profession has often been viewed as a supporting role rather than a leadership pathway. Obafemi believes that changing this narrative begins with education and visibility—exposing students to leadership, research, and innovation early in their training while showcasing the impact nurses can have beyond clinical care. Another important theme of the conversation is the global mobility of nurses. Many Nigerian nurses pursue careers abroad due to limited opportunities at home, but Obafemi stresses that strengthening the profession locally is just as important. Through writing, mentorship initiatives, and platforms like the Nightingale Summit, he hopes to inspire nurses to see themselves as changemakers capable of shaping healthcare systems both locally and globally. Listeners will come away from this episode inspired by the energy and vision of a new generation of nurse leaders. Obafemi’s story highlights how young professionals can drive meaningful change in their communities by building platforms, fostering mentorship, and expanding what nursing leadership looks like in the 21st century. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    29 min
  5. The Tech-Enabled Hospital of the Future: Implications for Care Delivery | Robin Goldsmith | EP 21

    Mar 12 ·  Video

    The Tech-Enabled Hospital of the Future: Implications for Care Delivery | Robin Goldsmith | EP 21

    Gone are the days when a hospital was simply a place where patients received care. Today’s hospitals are rapidly evolving into highly connected ecosystems powered by advanced technology, networked devices, and real-time data. The modern hospital is no longer confined to physical walls—it’s a dynamic digital environment where data flows seamlessly, AI supports clinical decisions, and care can happen anywhere. In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims sits down with Robin Goldsmith, Practice Leader for Healthcare, Insurance, and Life Sciences at Verizon Business, to explore how technology is transforming hospitals today—and what the future holds. Drawing on his experience guiding large-scale healthcare digital transformations, Robin shares what it truly means to build a “tech-enabled hospital.” Lea and Robin discuss how hospitals are laying the digital foundation for AI-driven care. From virtual nursing models and ambient voice technology to computer vision and medical IoT devices, health systems are integrating technologies that enhance clinical workflows and provide real-time insights at the point of care. These tools not only support faster diagnosis and treatment but also improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. At the center of this transformation is connectivity. Hospitals now rely on powerful, resilient networks to support everything from patient monitoring and fall detection to imaging and rapid diagnostics. Robin explains why traditional Wi-Fi alone can’t meet today’s data demands, leading many health systems to adopt private wireless networks like private 5G for greater speed, reliability, and security. The conversation also highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and network resilience as healthcare becomes increasingly digital. And beyond hospital walls, Lea and Robin explore how hospital-at-home programs and remote monitoring are expanding care delivery, enabling clinicians to treat patients wherever they are. Ultimately, technology’s greatest value lies in supporting—not replacing—the human side of healthcare, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on administrative burden. Tune in to the full episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast at TruMerit.org or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.

    45 min
  6. The DAISY Foundation: Impacting Nurse Careers Through Recognition | Deb Zimmermann & Bonnie Barnes | EP 20

    Feb 12 ·  Video

    The DAISY Foundation: Impacting Nurse Careers Through Recognition | Deb Zimmermann & Bonnie Barnes | EP 20

    Recognition is often described as a “nice to have” in healthcare, but on this episode of Care Anywhere, it’s framed as something far more essential. Host Lea Sims sits down with Deb Zimmermann, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer of The DAISY Foundation, and Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, co-founder of the organization, to explore how meaningful recognition can shape nurse careers, strengthen resilience, and sustain the global nursing workforce over time. Bonnie shares the deeply personal story behind the founding of The DAISY Foundation, which began after the loss of her stepson and grew into a global movement honoring extraordinary, compassionate nursing care. What started as a simple act of gratitude has since expanded to more than 7,700 healthcare organizations and nursing schools across 45 countries, giving patients, families, and colleagues a way to recognize the nurses who make a lasting difference in their lives. Deb brings the perspective of both a nurse leader and a former DAISY Award recipient organization, unpacking why recognition is not just emotionally meaningful but strategically vital. She explains how patient- and family-driven recognition reinforces purpose, builds compassion satisfaction, and helps nurses reconnect with why they entered the profession in the first place. Together, Deb and Bonnie highlight research showing that meaningful recognition supports retention, teamwork, engagement, and even long-term career longevity, including nurses who remain at the bedside for decades. The conversation also looks beyond individual impact to the broader global workforce. As nursing shortages persist worldwide, Deb and Bonnie discuss how recognition can serve as a unifying force across cultures, health systems, and borders, reminding nurses everywhere that their work is seen, valued, and essential. From bedside clinicians to educators and leaders, the DAISY model offers a way to elevate nursing at every stage of a career. Listeners will come away with a powerful reminder that gratitude, when made visible and intentional, can be a catalyst for resilience, policy conversations, and a healthier future for the global nursing workforce. Tune in to the full episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast on TruMerit.org or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

    37 min
  7. Career Development for Global Pediatric Nurses | Mary Dirks and Julia To Dutka | EP 19

    12/18/2025 ·  Video

    Career Development for Global Pediatric Nurses | Mary Dirks and Julia To Dutka | EP 19

    The Care Anywhere podcast is spotlighting a new global partnership designed to strengthen pediatric nursing education and recognition worldwide. In this episode, host Lea Sims sits down with leaders from TruMerit and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to unpack a new pediatric nursing micro-credential pathway launching in 2026, and why it matters for child health, workforce development, and nurse career mobility across borders. Lea is joined by Mary Dirks, DNP, ELAN Fellow, Director of Global Initiatives at NAPNAP, and Julia To Dutka, EdD, Chief of TruMerit’s Global Health Workforce Development Institute. Together, they break down what a micro-credential is, how it blends structured learning with validated assessment, and why this model is especially important in pediatric nursing, where specialty education and standardized pathways are not widely available in many parts of the world. Mary and Julia explain how the program begins withPediatric Nursing Fundamentals, built around core topics like developmental and behavioral health, family-centered care, health promotion and prevention, digital health, transitional care, and safeguarding children through areas like maltreatment and neglect. They also share how a global network of subject matter experts across dozens of countries is helping shape the content, and how modular assessments will ensure nurses not only complete training, but demonstrate mastery. The conversation also explores the bigger picture: creating benchmarks that can support health systems, educators, and ministries of health, improving confidence and competence for nurses caring for children, and expanding access through affordability strategies like sliding pricing and potential scholarship or grant support. Tune in to the full episode on TruMerit.org/podcast or find Care Anywhere on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

    45 min
  8. From the Bench: How Research Can Help Us Build a Future-Ready Global Healthcare Workforce | Lauren Herckis | EP 18

    11/20/2025 ·  Video

    From the Bench: How Research Can Help Us Build a Future-Ready Global Healthcare Workforce | Lauren Herckis | EP 18

    The Care Anywhere podcast is taking listeners behind the scenes of global health workforce research with a brand-new series: From the Bench. In this kickoff episode, host Lea Sims talks with Dr. Lauren Herckis of TruMerit about how research can move from data to real-world impact — revealing how evidence, collaboration, and curiosity are driving solutions for a stronger, more connected healthcare workforce worldwide. Lea is joined by Dr. Lauren Herckis, Senior Director of the Center for Global Research and Policy at TruMerit, who leads research efforts for the organization’s Global Health Workforce Development Institute. Together, they explore how evidence-based research, data synthesis, and cross-sector collaboration are helping address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today — from workforce shortages and skill mobility to digital readiness and equitable access to care. Dr. Herckis shares her background as an anthropologist and researcher in education, technology, and health systems, explaining how evidence-based practice — a concept that began in medicine — is now transforming global workforce development. She and Lea discuss the importance of synthesizing fragmented regional data, the need for global research partnerships, and how TruMerit’s new institute is creating infrastructure to make healthcare data more actionable for policymakers, educators, and health leaders worldwide. Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how TruMerit is building research capacity to support global health workforce policy and innovation — and how data-driven insights can help us build a more resilient, equitable, and future-ready healthcare ecosystem. Tune in to the full episode on TruMerit.org/podcast or find Care Anywhere on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

    41 min
See All (36)

Trailer

About

Welcome to the "Care Anywhere Podcast: The Global Health Workforce Podcast." Our series delves into the dynamic world of global health workforce development. Join us as we engage with subject matter experts, thought leaders, and practitioners in insightful discussions on the evolving practices, addressing workforce shortages, and meeting the global demand for healthcare talent. Explore the critical intersections shaping the future of healthcare worldwide with us.

Information