AVBCC Value-Based Voices

Rachael

The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care’s (AVBCC) podcast series addresses the ever-evolving landscape of value related to cancer care in the United States. Our goal is to foster informed dialogue, promote transparency, and empower all players to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of cancer care with clarity and confidence.

  1. 3d ago

    AI at the Point of Care: Inside OpenEvidence's Approach to Smarter Clinical Decisions

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare, but what does that look like in the day-to-day practice of oncology? In this episode of AVBCC's Value-Based Voices, host Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies, and AVBCC Board Member, sits down with Samyukta Mullangi, MD, MBA, Medical Oncologist at Tennessee Oncology and Vice President of Clinical Strategy at OpenEvidence, to discuss how AI-powered clinical decision support tools are helping clinicians navigate an increasingly complex evidence landscape.  View a demo of Open Evidence: https://youtu.be/iBOlnjuHQxE Dr. Mullangi explains how OpenEvidence's retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture delivers evidence-based answers grounded in trusted sources such as NCCN Guidelines, ASCO Guidelines, JAMA, and The New England Journal of Medicine. The conversation explores how AI can improve clinical efficiency, support better decision-making, reduce disparities in care, and ultimately give physicians more time to spend with patients.  The episode also tackles important questions about: - medical education - regulatory oversight - payer adoption - physician liability - the future of AI-assisted healthcare Whether you're a clinician, policymaker, payer, researcher, or healthcare innovator, this discussion offers valuable insights into the next generation of cancer care. #Oncology #CancerCare #HealthcareAI #ArtificialIntelligence #ai #ValueBasedCare #ClinicalInnovation #DigitalHealth #OpenEvidence #AVBCC Resources:  - OpenEvidence: https://www.openevidence.com - Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC): https://www.valuebasedcancer.com - National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): https://www.nccn.org - American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): https://www.asco.org - JAMA Network: https://jamanetwork.com - The New England Journal of Medicine: https://www.nejm.org Connect with our Guests: Samyukta Mullangi, MD, MBA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mullangi/ Jayson Slotnik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305/ Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   - View our podcast lineup  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

  2. Sep 1

    From Patient to Person: Redefining Cancer Care at the AVBCC LA Regional Collaborative

    In this episode of Value‑Based Voices, host Deirdre “Dee” Saulet, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer, Jasper Health, and AVBCC Southwest Regional Collaborative Co-Chair, sits down with two extraordinary guests, Kommah "Koko" McDowell, MS, a 21‑year survivor, nationally recognized advocate, and Chief Customer Officer at Tali Health, and Leon Cristobal, MPH, an eight‑year leukemia survivor, and Oncology Sales Consultant, Bayer. Recorded following the AVBCC Regional Collaborative in Los Angeles, this conversation explores what person‑centered care truly looks like in practice—and why the distinction between “patient” and “person” is more than semantics. Koko and Leon share candid reflections on being seen, heard, dismissed, supported, and ultimately cared for by the teams who walked alongside them. Together, they unpack the realities of ageism, cultural bias, caregiver strain, communication gaps, and the emotional weight of diagnosis. They also illuminate the frontline heroes—nurses, navigators, physicians, and access teams—whose humanity shapes the cancer experience. This episode is a call to action for every stakeholder across oncology to design solutions with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to treating people as whole beings. A powerful, deeply human conversation you won’t forget. Resources AVBCC Regional Collaboratives: avbcc.org/regional-collaboratives Association for Value‑Based Cancer Care (AVBCC): avbcc.org City of Hope: cityofhope.org Connect with the Speakers KoKo McDowell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kommahmcdowell/ Leon Cristobal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-cristobal/ Deirdre “Dee” Saulet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdresaulet/ Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   - View our podcast lineup  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

  3. Aug 25

    Red Tape: Real Consequences for Patients with Cancer

    What happens when patients with cancer spend weeks navigating insurance requirements before receiving physician-prescribed care? In our latest episode of Value-Based Voices, Brian Reid, Principal of Reid Strategic and author of the Cost Curve newsletter, and Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies, and AVBCC Board Member, sit down with CancerCare's  Alexandra Zaleta, PhD, VP of Research & Insights, and Kim Czubaruk, JD, VP of Policy, to discuss findings from CancerCare's groundbreaking Red Tape Report. Based on responses from more than 1,200 people affected by cancer, the report sheds light on the very real impact of prior authorization, coverage interruptions, step therapy, and other utilization management practices on patients and families.  Our conversation explores: • The clinical, financial, and emotional impact of treatment delays  • Why patients with employer-sponsored coverage reported some of the greatest administrative burdens  • The growing challenge of "time toxicity" for both patients and caregivers  • Coverage disruptions during active treatment  • Opportunities for employers, providers, policymakers, and advocates to work together on solutions  One theme emerged clearly throughout the discussion: when access barriers delay care, the costs extend far beyond claims data. Patients, caregivers, providers, and employers all feel the impact. Resources: CancerCare: https://www.cancercare.org/ The Red Tape Report: https://www.cancercare.org/redtape Connect with our Guests: Alexandra Zaletta, PhD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-zaleta/ Kim Zubarak, JD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-czubaruk-50532261/ Brian Reid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbreid/ Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305/ #ValueBasedCare #Oncology #CancerCare #HealthcarePolicy #PatientAccess #PriorAuthorization #CancerAdvocacy #HealthBenefits #ValueBasedVoices #CancerCareDelivery Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   - View our podcast lineup  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

  4. Aug 4

    Can the U.S. Keep Its Edge? FDA Policy, China’s Momentum, and the Future of Innovation

    In this follow up conversation, Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies and AVBCC Board Members, and Steve Usdin, Senior Editor, Washington, BioCentury Publications, take a clear eyed look at the future of the FDA and the forces shaping biopharmaceutical innovation. Building on their earlier discussion of FDA history and political dynamics, Steve offers candid insights into how U.S. policy, global competition - particularly with China - and shifting regulatory priorities are influencing the life sciences ecosystem. He explores: - the implications of NIH funding erosion - restrictions on international collaboration - immigration challenges - the growing tension around drug pricing and intellectual property - practical realities companies and investors must navigate in coming months The episode also examines what the FDA can do to strengthen clinical trial efficiency, restore transparency, and rebuild confidence across industry and patient communities. Thoughtful, timely, and grounded in deep policy expertise, this conversation offers listeners a nuanced understanding of where the FDA is headed, and what that means for the future of oncology innovation. If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, catch it here. Resources & Links: BioCentury Publications Operation Trial Blazer Connect with Our Guests: Connect with Steve Usdin  Connect with Jayson Slotnik   Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   - View our podcast lineup  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

  5. Jun 16

    Advancing Cancer Research and Innovation through Collaboration at GCRIS 2026

    We're taking a deep dive into the upcoming Global Cancer Research and Innovation Symposium (GCRIS) in this latest episode of Value-Based Voices. Join GCRIS Scientific Co-chairs Stan Skrzypczak, MS, MBA, Managing Partner, 5 Prime Life Science Consulting, and Nick Sarlis, MD, PhD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer, Cleara Biotech, as they talk with GCRIS Co-chair Matt Vossler, Managing Director, DSG Global, about the groundbreaking science, innovative drug development, and collaborative ecosystems that are reshaping oncology.  Hear about:  - the rise of "biotech 2.0"  - the complexity of bringing new therapies to market - strategies to accelerate drug development cycles and regulatory pathways - what the future holds for researchers and the investors eager to capitalize on emerging science - why GCRIS and its collaborative, unscripted conversations are needed now more than ever Whether you’re in research, investment, or policy, this episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in cancer innovation.  Request your invitation to attend the GCRIS taking place October 5-6, 2026 in New York City: https://avbcc.org/gcris/ ******************************************** Resources & Links • Swim Across America: https://www.swimacrossamerica.org Contact Value-Based Voices - Follow AVBCC on LinkedIn   - View our podcast lineup  - Contact us at info@avbcc.org Thanks for listening!

About

The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care’s (AVBCC) podcast series addresses the ever-evolving landscape of value related to cancer care in the United States. Our goal is to foster informed dialogue, promote transparency, and empower all players to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of cancer care with clarity and confidence.

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