In this episode, Dave Self talks with Jesse Arnoldson—founder of Value Care Group—about what it really takes to make value-based care work for independent practices. Drawing on his decade at MedMan and deep roots in rural Idaho, Jesse explains how small clinics can join forces to negotiate better contracts, improve patient outcomes, and stay independent in an increasingly consolidated healthcare market. From shared savings models to medical home initiatives, he offers a candid view of what’s broken, what’s working, and how grassroots collaboration can reshape the future of primary care.
Before AI became a buzzword, Chris Bowen was already thinking about privacy, data protection, and the human side of technology. Founder and Chief Information Security Officer of ClearData, he joins Dave Self to talk about his unconventional path from politics to healthcare—and why the future of artificial intelligence still depends on getting the basics right.
From Alaska roots to Olympic-level athletics, and now leading a federally qualified health center in rural Idaho, Medvalista Amber “AJ” Jordan’s path has been anything but linear. In this episode of Megaphone, the CEO of Desert Sage Health explains why her north star is “taking care of the people who take care of the people,” how her team is innovating with one of the nation’s first permanent drive-through clinics, and the unique challenges of delivering care in rural communities.
What does servant leadership look like in practice? Jeremy Blanchard, MD—Chief Medical Officer at North Mississippi Health Services—shares how his personal journey shaped his approach to leadership, culture, and accountability in rural healthcare. He reflects on building ICU teams from scratch, leading through crisis, and the role of vulnerability, listening, and trust in transforming systems from within. (36min)
What do a rural hospital, the U.S. Army, and a small Idaho town have in common? For Jim Trounson, they’re all part of the path that led to Medvale. In this episode of MEGAPHONE, he reflects on the people, ideas, and moments that shaped the way forward—from early lessons in leadership to pioneering physician group management, and eventually designing a healthcare community rooted in trust and connection. More than a retrospective, this is the backstory of how a lifetime of work turned into a little town called Medvale.
How do you build stronger teams in a high-pressure healthcare system? In this episode of MEGAPHONE, Medvalista Jeff Stewart, MD—physician, mediator, and co-founder of Resolved Conflict—shares why conflict is one of the most avoided topics in healthcare, and what happens when we start teaching physicians how to manage it. He talks about the cultural patterns of avoidance, the impact of early leadership experiences, and how conflict competence can improve collaboration, trust, and wellbeing. Drawing on decades of clinical and administrative leadership, Jeff makes the case for bringing these skills into the heart of healthcare training.
For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
How do you stand out in a noisy healthcare landscape? In this episode of Megaphone, Saul Marquez—founder and CEO of Outcomes Rocket—shares how intentional marketing, AI strategy, and real human connection can drive meaningful growth in healthcare. He talks about how his podcast became a business, why brand clarity matters, and how Outcomes Rocket supports large organizations through innovation, acceleration, growth, and what he calls “super connection.” With 2,000 interviews behind him, Saul also reflects on the power of showing up—and what it really takes to scale with purpose.
Missed follow-ups can cost lives, yet many systems still rely on manual processes. In this episode of Megaphone, Angela Adams, CEO of Inflo Health, explains how her team is helping health systems automate follow-up workflows to close care gaps, improve safety, and reduce liability—without adding staff. Drawing on her background in critical care, legal medicine, and startups, she shares why scalable systems matter and what sets Inflo apart. With a goal of reaching 2.8 million lives in five years, Angela offers a clear vision of what it takes to protect patients at scale.
Integrated care is reshaping healthcare, yet many systems remain fragmented. In this episode of Megaphone, Dr. Edward McEachern, Chief Medical Officer at St. Luke’s Health System, examines how better coordination between providers, improved data-sharing, and aligned incentives can drive efficiency and enhance patient outcomes. He breaks down the key barriers to integration, from siloed electronic health records to outdated payment models, and explores solutions that make care more connected. With deep experience in health system leadership, Dr. McEachern shares insights on what it takes to build a seamless, patient-centered healthcare ecosystem.
Andrea Rishmawi, co-founder and CEO of One Eighty Collective, explores best practices for attracting and retaining top talent in this Medvale Lyceum. This session dives into why traditional hiring approaches fall short and offers practical strategies for leadership teams to achieve clarity, alignment, and consistency in their recruiting efforts. From redefining roles based on real business needs to designing focused, purpose-driven interview processes, Rishmawi provides actionable insights to help healthcare executives build high-performing teams.
Fertility treatment has transformed countless lives, but access remains a challenge. In this episode of Megaphone, Medvalista David Adamson, MD, reproductive endocrinologist, surgeon, and CEO of ARC Fertility, unpacks the science, policies, and societal shifts shaping fertility medicine. He discusses the barriers that keep treatments out of reach, the role of employers in expanding coverage, and how advancements like IVF have changed reproductive healthcare. With decades of experience and a global perspective, Dr. Adamson explores what’s needed to make fertility care more accessible and effective. For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
Burnout isn’t just about doctors working too hard—it’s about how the system is designed. This episode of Megaphone explores the leadership changes needed to address physician burnout with Medvalista Paul DeChant, MD, physician, author, and leadership expert. He shares how healthcare organizations can redesign workflows, bridge the gap between executives and frontline clinicians, and reduce inefficiencies that fuel burnout. With insights on Lean principles and leadership accountability, Paul offers a perspective on creating a system where doctors can thrive.
For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
This episode of Megaphone explores the future of healthcare education with Joelle Powers, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Boise State University. She shares how universities are adapting to workforce demands through online learning, clinical training, and mental health support, while addressing the growing need for health professionals across disciplines. With insights on industry collaboration and student preparation, Joelle offers a perspective on building a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce.For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
What does it take to truly transform the U.S. healthcare system? In this episode of Megaphone, Dave Self and Tom Ferkovic tackle this complex question, exploring challenges like rebuilding trust, reducing inefficiencies, and fostering innovation. Drawing from his experience, Tom shares how Medvale’s peer-driven community is creating spaces for honest conversations that inspire meaningful change. For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
This episode of Megaphone explores the transformation of healthcare systems through the lens of LifeBridge Health, led by CEO Neil Meltzer. From championing population health to integrating AI and fostering community-focused initiatives, Neil shares how the organization thrives despite being surrounded by larger systems. Highlighting LifeBridge’s culture of "care bravely," he delves into tackling professional burnout, addressing gun violence, and expanding healthcare education. With insights rooted in purpose-driven leadership, Neil offers a compelling vision for innovation and resilience in the dynamic world of healthcare.
For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
Jim Souza, MD, and Katie Schneider, MD, share how St. Luke's Health System has tackled physician burnout through strategic leadership and innovative approaches. Moderated by Paul DeChant, MD, this session highlights the power of aligning organizational priorities with physician well-being. From reducing burnout rates and turnover to fostering a culture of wellness-centered leadership, this discussion offers actionable insights for healthcare organizations striving to improve outcomes for both caregivers and patients.
For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
Dave Self delves into the world of healthcare systems transformation with Ken, CEO of Value Capture. From his journey as a health policy aide to leading a mission-driven organization, the conversation centers on creating “habitual excellence” in healthcare operations. This episode explores how leadership, system integration, and a commitment to frontline engagement can drive lasting improvements in patient care and organizational culture. Ken shares actionable insights for tackling healthcare’s toughest challenges while fostering environments where teams and outcomes thrive.
Dave Self explores the evolving landscape of public health with Dave Jeppesen, former Director of Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare. From leading through the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the complex challenges of today—like behavioral health, rural care access, and the future of Medicaid—Jeppesen shares valuable insights on leadership, communication, and collaboration. This episode highlights the balance between state and federal priorities and the critical role of innovation in building sustainable public health systems.
For more about Medvale, visit www.medvale.com
John Sullivan, MD, reflects on how recognizing opportunities and embracing innovation can shape a meaningful career and life. From his work in medical toxicology to pioneering life-saving tools like the ColdAvenger mask, he shares how blending professional expertise with personal passion leads to impactful outcomes, inspiring others to plan transitions thoughtfully and seize opportunities to make a difference.