In honor of Nurses Week, Dr. Renee Thompson takes a heartfelt detour from the usual Coffee Break episodes to deliver a special message to nurses everywhere. Renee reflects on why we chose nursing in the first place – not for convenience, but for compassion, courage, and heart.
She shares powerful stories from her keynote, Celebrate Nurses: Human by Birth – Hero by Choice, including a beautiful reminder about finding the good – and beauty – in others, even on the hard days.
Tune in for a celebration of nursing, laughter about how nurses’ lives differ from other professions, encouragement to reconnect with your "why," and inspiration to keep finding the beauty around you – and in yourself.
May 7, 2025
Whether it's the civil rights movement, marriage equality or even seatbelt laws, community organizing is how change happens in America. In this encore episode, Dr. Tony Iton shares a masterclass in how social, political and economic power shape health outcomes and how to meaningfully shift those dynamics when it matters most. Tony argues that reinvigorating democracy at the community and local level is where we should be doubling down. This episode was impactful when it was first released but is even more relevant and timely now.We discuss:The ABC’s of health for all: agency, belonging and social contractsHow California communities applied this framework to dramatically change school climate and reduce suspensionsThe role of narrative in shaping policy choices towards belonging or exclusionTony digs into why power matters in health:“We're talking about essentially community-level power, what we refer to as community agency, and we basically theorized that if we could build social, political and economic power in a critical mass of people in 14 low-income communities that have documented health disparities, that we could improve the health status of those populations over a 10-year period… We weren't thinking that there was something that we needed to do to people. In other words, it wasn't like increasing access to healthcare or, you know, enhancing the quality of public health education. This was fundamentally about unleashing the power of communities to [determine how resources are distributed].“Relevant LinksRead about our UC Berkeley School of Public Health Social Impact Fellows (Tony included)Learn more about the California EndowmentVisit Dr. Tony Iton’s websiteRead Dr. Tony Iton’s “Understanding How Health Happens – Your Zip Code is More Important Than Your Genetic Code” by Dr. Tony Iton, MD, JD, MPH and Robert K. Ross, MD.Order “Advocacy for Public Health Policy Change: An Urgent Imperative” which is co-authored by Dr. Tony ItonAbout Our GuestDr. Tony Iton is a Social Impact Fellow and lecturer at UC Berkeley School of Public Health. He was the Senior Vice President of Programs & Partnerships at The California Endowment from October 2009 to June 2024.Prior to his appointment at The Endowment, Iton served from 2003 as both the director and County Health Officer for the Alameda County Public Health Department. In that role, he oversaw the creation of an innovative public health practice designed to eliminate health disparities by tackling the root causes of poor health that limit quality of life and lifespan in many of California's low-income communities.Iton also served for three years as director of Health and Human Services and School Medical Advisor for the City of Stamford, Connecticut. Concurrent to that, he also served as a physician in internal medicine for Stamford Hospital's HIV Clinic. In addition, Iton served for five years as a primary care physician for the San Francisco Department of Public Health.Iton's varied career also includes past service as a staff attorney...
May 7, 2025
From Nurse to Health Tech Founder: Sergey Vasilenko on Predictive Scheduling, Nurse Burnout, and Healthcare Access
In this episode of Nurse Rosa’s INsights, host Rosa Hart interviews Sergey Vasilenko, a former bedside nurse who became a health tech entrepreneur and co-founder of In-House Health—a startup using predictive scheduling technology to combat nursing shortages and reduce nurse burnout.
Sergey shares how his clinical background shaped his path into healthcare innovation and why transferable skills from nursing are critical in building tech solutions that actually work for frontline professionals. Rosa and Sergey explore the urgent need for preventive healthcare strategies, the rising importance of mental health awareness in nursing, and how mobile healthcare units can bridge gaps in healthcare access for underserved communities.
They also discuss how strategic healthcare funding can support nurse-led solutions and improve patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

Nurses have valuable skills that translate into effective health tech leadership.

Predictive scheduling platforms like In-House Health help solve the nurse staffing crisis.

Supporting nurses’ mental health is essential to reduce burnout and improve retention.

Investing in preventive care lowers long-term healthcare costs.

Mobile health clinics expand access to care in rural and underserved areas.

Nurse-led innovations are key to driving equity and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Clinical insight is a powerful tool in developing technology for better patient care.

Whether you're a nurse, health tech founder, or healthcare leader, this episode offers real-world insights on how to bridge the gap between clinical care and innovation.
Connect with Sergey:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-vasilenko/
Learn more about In-House Health:
https://www.inhouse.health/

Follow Rosa Hart on your favorite social media platform @NurseRosaSpeaks
For more podcasts hosted by Rosa Hart, tune in to Stronger After Stroke, Aging Like A Pro, and The Lou Review.
May 7, 2025
Today on HITea With Grace, I was honored to be invited to attend the PointClickCare Summit and interview Cheryl Field in person—a dynamic nurse informaticist and health IT leader making waves in the space. We dive into a rich conversation about the intersection of AI, nursing, and clinical workflows—straight from someone who’s walking the walk in healthcare innovation.
Cheryl shares how her career path led her to PointClickCare and offers sharp insights on:
The biggest challenges in integrating AI into clinical workflows—without disrupting patient care.
How AI can enhance rather than replace nursing expertise, especially in documentation, monitoring, and decision support.
The critical role nurse informaticists play in fighting algorithmic bias and ensuring equity in healthcare technology.
How to reduce—not increase—cognitive overload through thoughtful AI implementation.
Best practices for aligning AI adoption with nursing values and patient-centered care.
We also get personal—Cheryl opens up about how she works best, navigates life’s challenges, and shares empowering advice for women in health IT.
And of course, we spill a little tea! Cheryl shows off her mug of choice and the story behind it, keeping things cozy and real. Plot twist, she gifted me some delicious tea as a thank you for the interview!
Don’t miss this one—tune in now to be inspired by Cheryl’s wisdom and warmth.
May 6, 2025
In this episode of Get Real, Jim sits down with Oriana Kraft, the Founder of ORI. She is transforming women's healthcare through data-driven solutions and employer partnerships. After discovering alarming gaps in medical education and clinical research, Oriana turned her thesis project into a global movement dedicated to translating women's health research into practical care solutions. The conversation examines the economic costs of overlooking women's health issues in the workplace, the systemic barriers that prevent adequate care, and how employers can create more supportive environments while improving their bottom line. Oriana offers many innovative approaches that could finally close the gender health gap.
What You'll Learn:
How a staggering 70% of female employees lose 1-5 workdays monthly due to women's health issues, and the $3,000 per woman cost to employers who don't address these needs
The economic and structural factors driving healthcare inequality
Practical strategies employers can implement to create stigma-free environments for women's health discussions while improving productivity and retention
How AI and data-driven approaches are revolutionizing women's healthcare design, creating opportunities for better diagnosis, treatment, and workplace support systems
May 5, 2025
Host Justin Barnes recorded live at HIMSS25 in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for the next few weeks to hear all his guests.This week his guests are Michael Kirchhoff, Chief Innovation Officer, Patient Safety Officer at Cooper University Health Care, and Ashwini Davison, MD, CMIO - Oncology at Amazon Web Services (AWS).
May 5, 2025
Overview:
We explore the deep-rooted structural inequities that have shaped health outcomes for Pacific Islander communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we unpack how colonialism, racism, erasure, and the lack of culturally appropriate healthcare have contributed to disproportionate impacts, and we highlight the vital role of community-led solutions and culturally safe spaces in healing. We discuss the limitations of the cultural competency model, the importance of recognizing power dynamics, and the essential need for physicians and healthcare systems to center trust, relationship-building, and self-determination for marginalized communities.
Key Topics:
Colonialism and Pacific Islander Identity
Carceral System's Impact on Public Health
Health Equity and COVID-19 Inequities
Pacific Islanders Facing Bias Stereotypes
Understanding Implicit Bias and Ignorance
Amplifying Voices for Cultural Safety
Cultural Hubs for Community Care
Current Partnership w/ Joseph:
Oceania Northwest
Next Step:
Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/
Support Our Mission: Non-clinicians, explore exclusive content and contribute to our collective journey.
Be an Active Participant: Go beyond listening. Shape our narrative by co-creating episodes with us.
Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
May 1, 2025
Today on Amplify Nursing, we talk with Dr. J. Margo Brooks Carthon, Professor of Nursing, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Brooks Carthon is the new Director of the Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing. With a longstanding commitment to health equity and a research background rooted in historical methods, Dr. Brooks Carthon brings bold, innovative vision to the Center.
In this episode she talks with us about the importance of history in shaping contemporary health policy and practice, advocating for its integration into nursing education and innovation. Her goals include expanding digital access to the Center’s archives, amplifying underrepresented voices in nursing history, and positioning the Bates Center as a collaborative hub for both historical scholarship and forward-looking transformation in health care.
Under her leadership, the Bates Center aims to not only preserve the past but actively shape the future of nursing and population health through research, education, and policy.
April 30, 2025
When it comes to workplace violence in healthcare, there are so many factors outside our control – but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Austin, Vice President of Hospital Workplace Violence at KLA Risk Consulting, to talk about the real, tangible ways healthcare leaders can reduce injuries and protect their teams. We unpack the biggest gaps in hospital workplace violence prevention – from under-involving frontline staff to one-size-fits-all training – and explore how leaders can make small, smart shifts to get big results.
If you’ve ever wondered how to truly involve your employees, what effective training actually looks like, or how to spot and de-escalate agitation before it turns violent, this is the episode for you.
April 30, 2025
CME professionals, medical writers, educators, and researchers - what would you do if PubMed suddenly became less accessible? You depend on this critical resource daily to find evidence-based information that powers your work. But recent funding uncertainties at the NIH have raised questions about its future.
You need consistent, reliable access to quality biomedical research to meet deadlines and maintain credibility, but navigating alternatives can feel overwhelming. Where would you even begin if your go-to resource is compromised?
Today's episode is your insurance policy. My conversation with medical librarian Rachel Wedeward MLIS, AHIP reveals not only why PubMed matters, but also provides you with practical alternatives, including a downloadable resource sheet, and evaluation strategies to ensure you'll never be left without the research you need - no matter what happens.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The remarkable infrastructure behind PubMed's indexing system that makes it an indispensable tool for organizing and accessing biomedical research
A comprehensive overview of complementary resources, including European PubMed Central and specialized databases that can enhance your research approach
Practical wisdom for evaluating evidence quality
Listen now to expand your research toolkit with expert knowledge that will help you confidently navigate the evolving landscape of medical information resources.
Connect with Rachel
Website
LinkedIn

Resources
PubMed
The essential biomedical database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A critical starting point for CME writers and medical educators to access peer-reviewed research.
European PubMed Central
A free database of biomedical and life sciences research literature from Europe. A strong alternative to PubMed.
Grey Literature Sources
Sometimes the best insights aren’t found in journals. Examples of trusted grey literature repositories include:
Kaiser Family Foundation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Find guides on Rachel's website
Alex's Sharable Evidence Bank (>70 sources)
April 30, 2025
Host Justin Barnes recorded live at HIMSS25 in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for the next few weeks to hear all his guests.This week his guests are Tony Nunes, Senior Manager, Healthcare & Life Sciences at AMD, and Leigh Burchell, Vice President, Policy & Public Affairs at Altera Digital Health.
April 29, 2025
In this Heartline Echo Episode, I revisit a powerful conversation with Drs. Maryanna Barrett and Maria Paasch, two innovative OB-GYNs who have transformed their practice by integrating functional medicine. Their journey from traditional obstetrics and gynecology to a more holistic approach offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance patient care and rediscover their passion for medicine.
Our discussion explores the essence of functional medicine, challenging the conventional "collection of body parts" approach to healthcare. We delve into how this integrative method looks at the body as an interconnected system, seeking root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Key insights from our conversation include:
The definition and principles of functional medicine
How functional medicine complements conventional approaches
The importance of addressing the mind-body connection in patient care
Strategies for incorporating functional medicine into traditional medical practices
Discover how to:
Recognize and respond to signs of professional burnout
Align your medical practice with your personal values
Navigate career transitions in healthcare
Cultivate a unique contribution to medicine that reflects your passions and strengths
This episode offers a candid look at the challenges and rewards of charting a new course in medicine. Drs. Barrett and Paasch share their experiences of overcoming fears, redefining success, and finding greater fulfillment in their work.
"Recognize that that feeling isn't because your schedule's too full, you've worked too many days in a row. That feeling is probably telling you that what you're doing is in conflict with your value."
This conversation provides inspiration and practical advice for healthcare professionals who feel constrained by conventional systems or are searching for ways to better serve their patients. It's a call to action for physicians to reclaim their role as leaders in healthcare and pursue innovative approaches that align with their values.
Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo in medicine and offers a vision for a more integrated, patient-centered approach to healthcare. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your medical journey, this episode will inspire you to listen to your heart and pursue a path that truly resonates with your calling in medicine.
Connect with Drs. Barrett and Paasch:
MyManaWellness.com and Hormone Harmony Facebook Group

Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare!
Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals.

Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching.
Stay connected and keep making a difference:

Subscribe to the Heartline newsletter for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system.

Follow us on social: Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube

Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on Amazon or Ingram.
Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!
April 29, 2025
In this ViVE conference edition of HITea With Grace, I sit down with Nadine Peever, health IT expert, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of technology, care coordination, and women’s health.
Nadine brings both deep professional expertise and lived experience to the table. As someone who’s worked across the healthcare data landscape—and personally navigated the complexities of the system while managing endometriosis—she offers a rare, dual-perspective on why interoperability isn't just a tech problem, it's a patient care problem.
In this episode, we explore:
The biggest current gaps in health information exchange—and what it means for real-world care
The impact of legal and regulatory constraints on data sharing, and how policy can help or hinder progress
How her own journey with endometriosis revealed the serious consequences of fragmented data and delayed diagnoses
Where AI and clinical decision support tools can meaningfully improve care for patients with complex, underdiagnosed conditions like endometriosis
This conversation gets to the heart of how interoperability and innovation can (and must) serve patients, especially those who have historically been overlooked in health system design and data strategies.
Nadine’s voice is a crucial one—grounded in technical knowledge, policy awareness, and the kind of insight only lived experience can offer.
Tune in and follow HITea With Grace for more conversations with women transforming healthcare from the inside out.
April 29, 2025
2025-04-25 Hosts Craig Lipset and Jane Myles were joined by Greg Dombal and Laura DiAngelo (Agency IQ) to discuss the rapidly changing regulatory environment in the US, particularly in the clinical research sector, and its implications for those operating in this highly regulated space. The participants discussed the impact of recent changes such as reductions in force and reorganizations on the industry, and the evolving policies at the FDA, including the concept of an intermediate clinical endpoint and the interpretation and mapping of these concepts. The team also discussed the potential changes in the FDA's organizational structure, its impact on the agency's role in international collaborations, and the need for a balance between safety and efficacy in drug development.Resources:Subscribe to AgencyIQs FDA Today Newsletter hereMegyn Kelly Show with Dr. Martin Makary, new FDA CommissionerYou can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
April 28, 2025
In this episode of At the Core of Care, Dr. Pheobe Askie, MD, MPH, the new medical director at PHMC Health, shares her journey from nursing to medicine and her deep commitment to community-based primary care. With experience in both family and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Askie discusses how her nursing background continues to shape her relational approach to care. She also unpacks the evolving role of community health centers, the importance of continuity in primary care, and the potential impact of Medicaid policy changes on patient access and health outcomes.
Dr. Pheobe Askie is a family and lifestyle medicine physician and the new medical director at PHMC Health, with a background in nursing and a focus on community-based care.
April 28, 2025
Dr. Maria Carney, Chief of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at Northwell Health and co-author of The Aging Revolution, joins us to discuss how we can live not just longer, but better. We explore the distinctions between geriatric, palliative, and hospice care, and why end-of-life planning is a form of empowerment. Dr. Carney offers practical advice for family caregivers, sheds light on Medicare, and highlights the crucial role of connection and purpose in aging well. Whether you're navigating care for a loved one or planning for your own future, this episode
Please visit Beyond the Paper Gown (https://www.beyondthepapergown.com/podcasts) to join our community and to learn more about achieving your optimal health.
SHOW NOTES:
Mitzi Krockover, Founder and CEO, Woman Centered, LLC and Host of Beyond the Paper Gown https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzikrockover/
Maria Torroella Carney, MD, MACP, AGSF https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcarneymd/
The Aging Revolution https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Revolution-Groundbreaking-Geriatric-Medicine/dp/1510778829
April 24, 2025
Some workplace behaviors are annoying but fixable. Others? Downright dangerous – and possibly unchangeable. In this Q&A episode, Dr. Renee Thompson tackles three real-world scenarios submitted by nurse leaders across the country:
A charge nurse whose competence is overshadowed by recurring emotional outbursts.
A team member who falsifies reports, raising red flags about character.
A territorial nurse marking equipment as her own—and even throwing water at a coworker!
How do you know whether someone’s behavior can be coached… or whether it’s time to performance-manage them out? Renee breaks down the difference between skill gaps and character flaws, and gives leaders the language to hold their teams accountable with professionalism and compassion.
If you’re dealing with a disruptive team member, this episode will give you practical tools – and the permission – to protect your team and your culture.
April 23, 2025
California is full of hardworking people—nurses, teachers, delivery drivers, baristas—who keep our communities running. Many of them live paycheck-to-paycheck, making too much to qualify for most government benefits, but not enough to afford the basics. For nearly 2 million Californians, Covered California provides a critical lifeline, offering access to affordable health insurance and now basic needs support. Dr. Monica Soni, Chief Medical Officer of Covered California, joins Claudia to talk about the program’s important and expanding role in the California landscape. We discuss:What the working poor really need: breathing room in their budgets to afford healthy foodOperating a startup within governmentHow collaboration across Covered California, Medi-Cal and CalPERS – which together cover 45% of Californians – will drive faster and more aligned health improvement in CaliforniaMonica’s team uses experiments and user research to shape every aspect of the program:“But I do think in our DNA is this idea of innovation. In-house, we have a research team that does randomized controlled trials. We're committed to hyper transparency. Almost all of our data is released. We stratify it by everything we can think of to really identify where there might be pockets of coverage that aren't there or outcomes that are suboptimal. And we do a lot of deep listening with consumers and with the community to help inform what we do.“Relevant LinksRead more about Covered California’s Innovative Program to Improve Population HealthSee the details on Covered California’s Data and Research toolsAnnouncement of the launch of Covered Californians Population Health InvestmentsMore info on how Covered California uses email nudges for enrollmentAbout Our GuestDr. S. Monica Soni is the Chief Medical Officer, and a Chief Deputy Executive Director at Covered California, leading the organization’s Health Equity and Quality Transformation division. In this capacity she is responsible for health equity, health care strategy, medical policy, and other clinical operations to continuously improve not only the health services provided through Covered California’s contracted health plans, but also California’s delivery system.She is a board-certified internal medicine physician with more than a decade of experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings and continues to see patients. She is an Associate Professor within the UCLA Department of Medicine and the Charles R. Drew University Department of Internal Medicine, where she is committed to residency diversification and pipeline development.Prior to joining Covered California, Dr. Soni served as Associate Chief Medical Officer within Evolent Health focused on the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective specialty care for the over 16 million supported Medicaid lives across the United States. During her time at the organization, she played a critical role in clinical informatics, provider engagement, value-based strategies and innovation. Dr. Soni also served as the Director of Specialty Care for the Los Angeles County Department of Health
April 23, 2025
Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to go from “interested in CME writing” to running a thriving, sustainable business?
In this final episode of the CME Writing Success Blueprint series, I'm tying everything together—because mastering individual skills is only part of the equation. What really creates success is integration. Whether you're transitioning from academia, clinical practice, or general medical writing, you'll walk away with a clear picture of how to turn your curiosity into a high-impact freelance career.
Listen in to learn:
A practical breakdown of the ROADMAP Framework—the 7 pillars for building a CME writing business from the ground up
How to translate your existing skills into profitable client work—even if you’re just getting started
What a thriving CME writing business actually looks like (spoiler: it’s about confidence, consistent income, and creative freedom)

Tune in now and take the first step toward building a CME writing business that’s focused, flexible, and truly fulfilling.
→ Join WriteCME Accelerator and build your CME writing business with clarity, confidence, and community.
April 23, 2025
What if the Geek Squad could help your grandma stay healthy at home? Best Buy Health is already making it happen!
Brian Urban, head of Population Health and Commercial Strategy at Best Buy Health opens up a whole new world of options to host Rosa Hart. Together, they dive into how one of America's most iconic retail brands is revolutionizing healthcare for older adults—starting right in their homes.
Brian reveals how Best Buy Health is harnessing the power of technology and the famous Geek Squad to deliver compassionate, in-home care support. From remote monitoring to building trust with culturally diverse communities, Brian breaks down why healthcare must be reimagined through the lens of access, equity, and tech-enabled personalization.
He also shares his unique career path through various sectors of healthcare, offering insights into why population health must move from a buzzword to a foundational strategy—and how communities, nutrition, and early prevention play a critical role in that vision.
And don’t miss their deep dive into this question: If you had a billion-dollar grant to fix healthcare, where would you start?
Key Takeaways:
Best Buy Health is committed to enabling healthcare through smart, compassionate tech solutions.
The aging population is a driving force behind their innovation strategy.
Geek Squad Health agents are being trained to provide in-home health support, not just tech troubleshooting.
Culturally competent care and trust-building are essential for success in underserved communities.
Brian Urban brings a diverse background in healthcare to his work in commercial strategy and population health.
Socioeconomic gaps deeply affect healthcare access—and addressing them is key to true health equity.
Preventative care should begin in infancy, not adulthood.
Access to healthy food and strong community infrastructure are non-negotiables for better health outcomes.
To learn more about Best Buy Health, you can find Brian Urban on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-urban-8416b571/

Follow Rosa Hart on your favorite social media platform @NurseRosaSpeaks
For more podcasts hosted by Rosa Hart, tune in to Stronger After Stroke, Aging Like A Pro, and The Lou Review.
April 23, 2025
In this Heartline Echo Episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with twin OB-GYN twin sisters, Dr. Maryanna Barrett and Dr. Maria Paasch. Their journey from childhood aspirations to becoming trailblazers in women's health care offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of medicine.
As we explore their story, we uncover the pivotal moments that shaped their career paths, from their father's influence as a surgeon to their unexpected parallel choices in specialization. The sisters' candid reflections on their medical school and residency experiences provide valuable insights for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Key Highlights:
The sisters' intertwined journey through medical education and specialization
Their transition from traditional OB-GYN practice to a more holistic approach
Insights into the challenges faced by modern healthcare practitioners
The importance of following one's heart in medical career choices
Discover How:
Early life experiences can shape a physician's approach to patient care
Staying geographically close to where you trained can benefit early career development
Owning a private practice can open doors to innovative healthcare approaches
Recognizing and addressing career dissatisfaction can lead to transformative changes
This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the human side of medicine, touching on themes of sisterhood, mentorship, and the pursuit of fulfilling careers in healthcare. It's a must-listen for medical students, residents, and established physicians seeking inspiration and guidance in their professional journeys.
"My heart's breaking because...I don't feel like I'm helping her... we just realized that the current system as... I like to refer to it as a medical-industrial complex. It isn't built to allow us to help patients that way."
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional career trajectories in medicine and inspires healthcare professionals to explore new possibilities in their field. Learn how embracing personal values and innovative practices can lead to greater fulfillment and potentially transform patient care for the better.
Stay tuned for part two of this inspiring conversation, where Drs. Barrett and Paasch will delve into their transition to functional medicine and how it has reshaped their approach to patient care.

Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare!
Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals.

Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching.
Stay connected and keep making a difference:

Subscribe to the Heartline newsletter for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system.

Follow us on social: Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube

Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on Amazon or Ingram.
Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!
April 22, 2025
In this special ViVE conference episode of HITea With Grace, I’m joined by my friend and founder of Kepler Team, Olga Muller, a powerhouse in the health tech space helping startups and digital health companies overcome one of their biggest early hurdles: interoperability.
As Founding Partner and CEO of Kepler Team, Olga works directly with early-stage and scaling companies to untangle complex integrations, navigate compliance, and avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of entering the EHR ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building in healthcare—and especially for startups that want to play smart, move fast, and avoid getting sidelined by the unspoken rules of the industry.
We dig into:
The myths vs. realities of working with EHRs and integrating into hospital systems
When to start planning for integrations—and why waiting too long can derail growth
The unique challenges of building at the MVP stage vs. scaling to enterprise
How to tackle compliance without killing innovation (yes, it’s possible)
And what Olga sees as the next big fight in healthcare IT (hint: it might not be what you think)
Olga brings deep operational experience and sharp insight into the nuance of health tech infrastructure. Her advice is clear, actionable, and rooted in hard-won experience helping startups survive and scale in one of the toughest industries out there.
Whether you’re founding a company, scaling one, or just want to understand the hidden dynamics shaping the digital health landscape—this conversation is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.
Follow HITea With Grace for more fearless conversations with the women leading the way in Health IT.
April 22, 2025
Host Justin Barnes recorded live at HIMSS25 in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for the next few weeks to hear all his guests.This week his guests are Michael Zager, CEO at Cirro Bio, Tom Leary, MA, CAE, FHIMSS, Senior Vice President & Head of Government Relations, HIMSS.
April 21, 2025
Civility isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must for creating healthy work environments.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cynthia Clark, Founder of Civility Matters, Professor Emeritus at Boise State University, to unpack the evolving definition of civility in healthcare and beyond. From decades of research and a global concept analysis, Cindy shares what’s changed — and what hasn’t — when it comes to understanding incivility, how perception shapes our experiences at work, and why leadership plays a vital role in setting the tone. We dig into the power of emotional intelligence, co-creating behavioral norms, and Cindy’s model: the Continuum of Workplace Aggression. And yes, we even talk about eye-rolling.
If you’re a healthcare leader trying to figure out how to address disrespectful behaviors, you’ll want to tune in to learn real-world strategies that you can implement today.
April 16, 2025