
In this episode of the Clinicians In Leadership Podcast series, Zach from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy engages in an enlightening discussion with Dr. Julia Flax, a renowned family physician and the Chief Population Health Officer at Cox Health in Springfield, Missouri. Dr. Flax shares her vast experience spanning over 20 years, delving into her clinical and administrative roles, including dealing with the ACA, MACRA, MIPS, and Medicare Advantage plans. She highlights her pivotal work in physician well-being, the challenges of transitioning into leadership roles, and the importance of clinician involvement in administrative decisions. Dr. Flax also discusses the integration of community health needs assessments to align Cox Health's strategic goals with local healthcare needs and the innovative approaches taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, including telehealth and population health initiatives. Finally, she emphasizes the significance of maintaining a growth mindset and continuous learning for effective leadership. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:36 Meet Dr. Julia Flax 01:26 Journey into Leadership 03:45 Physician Well-being Initiatives 10:44 Community Engagement and Population Health 14:56 Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic 19:03 Continuous Learning and Development 21:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts