Newsletter
The Smart Care Team Spotlight

The Smart Care Team Spotlight

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the challenges faced by clinicians are mounting.

All Episodes

Episode #26. Streamlining the Burden: Leveraging Technology for Nursing Efficiency, with Becky Fox, Chief Clinical Information Officer at Intermountain Health

Learning and advocating for patients is essential for nurses to succeed in the changing healthcare landscape.  In this episode, Becky Fox, Chief Clinical Information Officer at Intermountain Health, discusses how nurses can use AI to improve patient care, streamline tasks, and make better decisions. Becky shares her experiences from various roles, highlighting the importance of learning and innovation in healthcare. She underscores the need for collaboration between healthcare systems and tech companies to drive transformation. Intermountain Health, Becky explains, encourages frontline caregivers to share ideas for improvement, fostering a culture of innovation.  Tune in and learn how AI is reshaping the future of nursing and how nurses can leverage technology to enhance patient care!
May 7, 2024

Episode #25. Innovating for Our Little Ones: A Spotlight on Pediatric Healthcare, with Dr. Jane Mericle, Executive Vice President at Nemours Children’s Health

Family-centered care plays a pivotal role in ensuring positive outcomes for pediatric patients. In this episode, Dr. Jane Mericle, Executive Vice President at Nemours Children's Health, shares insights into pediatric care's unique challenges and innovations. Jane emphasizes the importance of understanding children's needs at various developmental stages, family-centered care, and prevention strategies. She discusses the significance of technology in pediatric healthcare, highlighting Nemours' pioneering initiatives like virtual nursing care and interactive monitoring systems. Jane also delves into the evolution of nursing practices, from manual procedures to smart technologies like virtual nursing, which alleviate caregiver burden and enhance patient safety.  Tune in and learn how innovative technologies and collaborative approaches are revolutionizing pediatric healthcare to ensure better outcomes for children and families!
April 23, 2024

Episode #24. Nurturing Excellence: Celebrating the Role of Nursing in High-Performing Hospitals, with Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group

Nurses play a critical role in patient care, and respecting nursing protocols improves patient safety. In this episode, Leah Binder discusses the crucial role of transparency and quality in healthcare and explores the potential of AI in healthcare while cautioning against overreliance and emphasizing the importance of human oversight. Tune in and learn how transparency, quality improvement, and patient engagement are shaping the future of healthcare!
April 9, 2024

Episode #23. Beyond the Bedside: Exploring the Evolution of Nursing in the Digital Age, with Amy McCarthy, Director of Nursing, Women, Infants & Oncology at Texas Health Resources

The advent of virtual nursing can revolutionize patient care by easing nurses' workloads, facilitating administrative tasks, and managing complex patient cases with high acuity levels. In this episode, Amy McCarthy, Director of Nursing, Women, Infants & Oncology at Texas Health Resources, explores the evolving role of nurses beyond the bedside and into diverse sectors such as technology and government. Amy and Molly delve into the transformative potential of technology in nursing and patient care, discussing the concept of virtual nursing and its ability to reduce administrative burdens and support complex cases.  Don't miss this compelling dialogue that promises to inspire and empower our listeners. Stay tuned!
March 26, 2024

Episode #22. Redefining Nursing: Building a Future of Empowerment and Growth, with Dan Weberg, National Executive Director of Nursing Workforce Development and Innovation at Kaiser Permanente

Nurses' active involvement in identifying issues and implementing solutions is crucial for developing technology that genuinely improves patient care. In this episode, Dan Weberg delves into the role of virtual nurses in healthcare and why it's crucial to involve healthcare professionals in the design and implementation of new technologies. Dan and Molly discuss the vital contribution of nurses in problem discovery, solution design, and ensuring a smooth deployment of new systems. Dan emphasizes using machine-generated insights and technology integration to support clinical care teams, particularly in rural settings. Join and delve into these transformative topics with Dan Weberg. Sit back, and let’s reimagine the future of nursing together!
March 12, 2024

Episode #21. Quality, Safety, and Patient Experience: The Core Business of Healthcare, with Barbara Pelletreau, former Patient Safety Officer at CommonSpirit Health

Collaborative leadership and patient-centric solutions are reshaping the landscape of patient safety! In this episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, Barbara Pelletreau discusses the implementation of patient safety initiatives, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices. She highlights the direct correlation between a hospital's financial outcomes and high-quality care, underscoring the transformative potential of technology in healthcare. Tune in to uncover the secrets to transforming patient safety, leadership, and innovation in the healthcare landscape!
February 27, 2024

Episode #20. The Rise of Virtual Nursing: AI, Information, and Evidence, with Betty Jo Rocchio and Tracy Breece, Senior Vice President & System Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Director Nursing Informatics at Mercy

There is a dynamic synergy between nursing expertise and cutting-edge technology that today’s healthcare industry could embrace. In this episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, Tracy Breece and Betty Jo Rocchio discuss the seamless integration of nursing and technology at Mercy, emphasizing the role of analytics in optimizing patient care outcomes. They also outline their future vision, highlighting the integration of generative AI and mobile solutions to redefine nursing roles for continual improvement in healthcare processes.  Listen to this episode and learn how technology is reshaping the frontline experience for healthcare professionals and patients alike!
February 13, 2024

From Concept to Reality: Vanderbilt’s Virtual Nursing Success Story

Collaboration is critical to identifying and prioritizing problems and solutions in healthcare. In this episode, Wendy Kiepek and Jennifer Glenn share insights into the transformative success of Vanderbilt University Hospital's virtual nursing program. Wendy, a healthcare informatics professional, highlights the collaboration between nursing teams and information technology, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in problem-solving. Jennifer, a nurse leader, discusses the challenges faced by Vanderbilt, leading to innovative solutions like adjusting staffing matrices and implementing a virtual nursing initiative in July 2023. Wendy and Jennifer also emphasize the significance of feedback from frontline staff and the expansion of virtual nursing to various disciplines.  Learn how Vanderbilt's virtual nursing program revolutionizes healthcare by putting patients at the center, fostering teamwork, and leveraging technology for better outcomes!
January 30, 2024

Introducing Polarity Intelligence: A Superpower for Leaders in Healthcare

Too often, technology makes caregivers' lives harder, not easier. It's time for smart technology to empower care with a more human touch. In this episode, Michelle Troseth and Tracey Christopherson, co-founders of Missing Logic, focus on the transformative promise of AI and ambient intelligence for healthcare. The dynamic duo, with backgrounds in nursing and respiratory therapy, shares insights from their book, "Polarity Intelligence: The Missing Logic in Leadership." They discuss polarities and interdependent pairs of perspectives while emphasizing the importance of recognizing them in healthcare.  Tune in and learn how adopting a polarity mindset can enhance leadership, improve work culture, and navigate the evolving healthcare landscape!
January 17, 2024

Preserving the Human Connection in an AI Era

Investing in professional development prepares nurses for the digital revolution. In this episode, Dr. David Marshall, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Cedars-Sinai, discusses the transformative impact of technology on healthcare, emphasizing the need for smart solutions that enhance the human touch in caregiving. He explores the integration of robotics and ambient listening technology, demonstrating how these innovations streamline tasks and contribute to a positive patient experience. David also delves into Cedars-Sinai's unique approach to addressing workforce challenges post-COVID-19, focusing on nurse residency programs, professional governance, and strategic investments.  Tune in and learn about Cedars-Sinai's forward-thinking strategies, blending technology with compassionate care to create a smarter healthcare ecosystem!
January 10, 2024

Striking the Right Balance: Nurses, Workload, and Technology

Technology isn't just a shiny object; it's a tool that should augment the unique value of nursing rather than overshadow it. In this episode, Mary Beth Kingston, Executive Vice President, and Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Health, dives deep into the heart of clinical transformation, exploring the multifaceted role of nursing and technology in crafting new care models designed to enhance quality, safety, equity, and clinical outcomes—and all this, while also aiming to reduce costs. Mary Beth shares why nurses must sit at the table when discussing care transformation and how we need to look beyond inpatient care to consider the entire continuum, especially when it comes to home care.  Stay with us as we navigate these topics and more, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-shifting healthcare universe. 
January 3, 2024

Year End Special Episode: Heard LIVE from the floor of Becker’s

In this special holiday crossover episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, your host, Molly McCarthy, welcomes you to a festive collaboration with Steve Lieber's podcast, Smart From the Start, presented by Care.ai. This episode showcases Steve Lieber's engaging interviews with six prominent health system leaders at the recent Becker's Health IT Conference. Join Steve as he sits down with these healthcare visionaries, delving into the realm of transformative technologies that are reshaping the landscape of modern healthcare. In this insightful episode: Gurmeet Sranen envisions smart hospitals leveraging technology to enhance the overall patient care experience. Bryan Sisk discusses the delicate balance between innovation and practical value, especially concerning the well-being of nurses and patients. Reed Smith focuses on the untapped potential of AI in addressing critical workforce challenges within the healthcare industry. Nick Patel underscores the imperative for AI to drive valuable insights and automation, particularly in managing chronic conditions. Bill Feaster advocates for the intelligent use of AI tools, such as generative AI, to elevate predictive analytics. Arz Raheem proposes ambient technology as a viable solution to alleviate physician burnout. Tune in and immerse yourself in these captivating conversations to discover the transformative possibilities shaping the era of smart hospitals!
December 27, 2023

Nurse Economics 101: Beyond Cost Centers to Value Drivers

Nurses emerge as crucial contributors to designing inclusive solutions that enhance health experiences and outcomes for all. In this episode, Shawna Butler delves into the pivotal role of nurses in revolutionizing healthcare through smart technology. She highlights the positive impact of digitization on patient care coordination and information sharing. She also stresses the necessity for intentional technology to address accessibility and equity issues, particularly for disabled individuals. Shawna believes that the intersection of artificial and ambient intelligence could be a means to alleviate the strain on an overworked healthcare workforce, emphasizing the need to prioritize high-value tasks.  Tune in and learn how nurses are critical players in shaping a healthier, more informed, and confident future for patient care!
December 20, 2023

Innovate for Impact: Why Nurses Are Essential on Founding Teams

New nursing graduates face challenges transitioning from the classroom to the real-world healthcare setting. In this Smart Care Team Spotlight episode, Marion Leary talks about the challenges and opportunities related to nursing education and innovation. She emphasizes closing the gap between nursing education and practical challenges through teaching innovation, involving nurses in healthcare technology, and promoting opportunities for innovative activities. Tune in and learn about the disconnect between theoretical learning and the practical demands of the nursing profession!
December 13, 2023

From Pitfalls to Progress: A Tech Odyssey in Nursing

In this episode, Judy Murphy explores the highs and lows of AI implementation. She delves into the hype around ChatGPT AI and broader AI integration in healthcare, emphasizing the ongoing need for monitoring, validation, and clinician feedback. Tune in to learn how to navigate the dynamic intersection of AI and healthcare for meaningful patient care and outcome improvements!
December 6, 2023

The Role of Nursing in Shaping Future Care Models

From recruitment strategies to positive work environments, nursing leadership drives change. In this episode, Dr. Robyn Begley delves into the challenges of healthcare systems. Robyn mainly explores the overwhelming demands on bedside caregivers and emphasizes the need for tailored approaches given the diverse landscape of healthcare facilities. She also offers recruitment and retention strategies and shares insights into virtual nursing that have improved patient satisfaction and safety outcomes. Tune in and learn how to empower care teams with a human touch through smart technology!
November 29, 2023

Holiday Bonus. The Predictable Jerk: Anticipating Resistance to Change

How are smart hospitals leading the charge in healthcare innovation? Join Molly McCarthy on this festive Smart Care Team Spotlight episode for a unique crossover event with Steve Lieber's podcast, Smart From the Start. In this holiday special, we're thrilled to bring you a captivating episode featuring Steve's esteemed guest, Roberta Schwartz, Chief Innovation Officer at Houston Methodist Hospital. In this episode, Roberta Schwartz explores the concept of smart hospitals and her vision for healthcare innovation. She highlights Houston Methodist Hospital's unique approach, collaborating with external innovators and emphasizing the importance of involving operational teams to drive patient-centric healthcare innovation. Join the conversation and learn how innovation and smart hospitals are reshaping healthcare!
November 22, 2023

Beyond Shiny Objects: Tech with Purpose

In this episode, Dr. Kristi Henderson, CEO of Confluent Health, delves into key moments in the evolution of healthcare technology and stresses the vital role of nurses in shaping, building, and implementing technology, recognizing them as catalysts for meaningful change. Dive into this episode and learn why a sustainable healthcare system is not feasible without technology and the role nurses play in it!
November 15, 2023

Nurses as Innovators: Unlocking the Potential of Frontline Insights

Nurses play a pivotal in driving technological advancements in patient care.  In this episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, Hiyam Nadel talks about the role of nurses in the design, development, and implementation of healthcare technology and innovation. They emphasize the importance of nurse involvement in technology creation and testing, highlighting the significance of empowering nurses as innovators in a collaborative environment. Tune in and learn about the need to integrate nurses into the process to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes!
November 8, 2023

Ctrl+Shift+Nurse: How Virtual Care is Rewriting Healthcare

Imagine a healthcare world where technology doesn't just support clinicians; they lead it. In this episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, Patricia Mook talks about the role of clinicians in driving healthcare technology projects, exemplified by her journey. Patricia shares how she swiftly implemented technology-driven virtual nursing during the pandemic, emphasizing customization and promoting innovation to enhance patient care and nurse satisfaction. Tune in and join this conversation that explores the world of virtual nursing and its potential to transform healthcare!
November 2, 2023

Sifting Through The Noise: The Key Skill For Nurse Executives

In this Smart Care Team Spotlight episode, Eric Wallis, Senior Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer for Henry Ford Health System, shares his insights on the current caregiver workforce crisis post-COVID era. He shares the strategies and opportunities Henry Ford Health System has prioritized to address the workforce shortages and challenges caregivers and hospitals face.  Join us as we explore the innovative solutions and opportunities created by technology in healthcare.
October 26, 2023

Weaving Ambient Intelligence into the Fabric of Care Delivery: Curating Wisdom

In this Smart Care Team Spotlight episode, Molly McCarthy interviews Dr. Eve Cunningham, Group Vice President at Providence, who discusses their groundbreaking work in healthcare innovation. They're leading the way in integrating Ambient Intelligence, AI, and significant language models to enhance patient care. We explore their collaborations, including with Microsoft, and how AI is transforming healthcare. Dr. Cunningham encourages embracing these changes. Discover how Providence uses AI to improve communication and patient safety and meet MedPearl, a game-changing digital assistant. This episode offers insights into the future of healthcare powered by AI, enhancing patient experiences and care quality. Tune into this captivating conversation and explore how AI is seamlessly woven into the fabric of healthcare, enhancing the patient experience and advancing care quality.
October 19, 2023

The Nurse’s Seat at the Table: Shaping the Future of Smart Care Teams

Nurse burnout is at an all-time high, but there's hope on the horizon. In this episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, Rebecca Love talks about how technology and virtual nursing can potentially address issues such as nurse burnout and the changing healthcare landscape. She discusses her role at IntelyCare, SONSIEL, and the pressing issue of nurse burnout exacerbated by technology and workload challenges, stressing the importance of empowering nurses in care coordination. Tune in and discover how technology and virtual nursing are reshaping the future of healthcare.
October 12, 2023

Care Catalysts: Tech’s Impact on Nursing Innovation

What if the future of healthcare involved robots on care teams? In the Smart Care Team Spotlight episode, Bonnie Clipper discusses the transformation of care delivery models in response to ongoing workforce challenges, such as shortages of nurses and other healthcare professionals. She underscores the importance of healthcare organizations embracing technology, smart care teams with potential service robot inclusion, and strategic planning for safer, more efficient patient care. Listen to this episode and discover how healthcare organizations are navigating workforce shortages and transforming care models, all while improving patient outcomes!
October 10, 2023

AI in Healthcare: A Cure for Clinician Burnout

AI goes beyond being an innovative tech tool; it’s also about empowering users. In this episode of the Smart Care Team Spotlight, Tom Lawry talks about how the application of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry can relieve clinicians of repetitive tasks and facilitate a focus on patient care. He emphasizes leadership's vital role in driving AI adoption, exploring innovative applications to enhance patient experiences, and empowering clinicians for more focused patient care and research. Learn how AI can liberate clinicians and change patient care forever!
October 5, 2023

Empowering Clinicians and Patients in the Digital Age

In the latest episode of Smartcare Team Spotlight, Molly McCarthy interviews Jane Sarsohn-Kahn, emphasizing the importance of embracing virtual care and technology in healthcare. They discuss the challenges hospitals face in investing in digital transformation, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jane highlights the need to empower smart care teams, including nurses and other healthcare professionals, with the right technology and data to improve patient outcomes and lower costs. They also touch on the significance of patient education and engagement and the evolving role of technology in healthcare. Jane's practical advice is to develop a strategy that meets patients where they are, embraces virtual care, and involves patients as co-designers in the healthcare journey.
October 3, 2023

Introducing ‘The Smart Care Team Spotlight’ Podcast: Unlocking the Power of AI and Ambient Intelligence in Healthcare

Introducing "Smart Care Team Spotlight" hosted by Molly McCarthy, where healthcare meets innovation! Join us on a transformative journey as we reimagine healthcare, harnessing the power of smart technologies to empower caregivers and enhance patient care. 🎧 Be part of this exciting podcast launch and discover how we can revolutionize healthcare together. Tune in to gain insights from clinical and digital health leaders, explore AI and ambient tech applications, and unlock the potential for self-aware, self-healing care spaces. Don't miss out on the future of healthcare! Subscribe now, and let's shape the future of smart care teams and healthcare facilities together. To learn more go to virtualnursing.com
October 2, 2023

About The Smart Care Team Spotlight

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the challenges faced by clinicians are mounting. Join host Molly McCarthy MBA RN-BC, former US Microsoft CNO, as she leads captivating conversations with today’s health leaders about the game-changing potential of AI and Ambient Intelligence for care teams. Visit virtualnursing.com, your go-to resource for accelerating the transition to smart care teams. Presented by care.ai ®.

Host

Molly McCarthy

Molly McCarthy

Molly K. McCarthy MBA, BSN, RN-BC is the National Director, US Provider Market and the Chief Nursing Officer for Microsoft’s US Health and Life Sciences sector. Molly’s primary focus is business development and strategy for the US Health Industry team that includes supporting and developing solutions such as virtual health, patient engagement, care coordination and analytics. With almost twenty-five years of experience in the healthcare industry, Molly is passionate about uniting technology and clinicians to ensure improved patient safety and outcomes. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University, and began her career as a nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Units. Upon receiving her Master of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco, she combined her clinical and business backgrounds within the medical device and clinical informatics industry. Molly started in a product and market development role at Natus Medical, Inc, in Silicon Valley. She furthered her career in business development roles for the Association for Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), where she was responsible for piloting a benchmark database that extracted data from hospital EHRs in order to provide business intelligence to hospital leadership. Prior to Microsoft, she worked with Philips Healthcare’s Patient Care and Clinical Informatics Divisions, where she orchestrated large enterprise system integrations of patient monitoring networks into hospital EMRs. Molly is an active member of HIMSS and sits on the HIMSS’ CNO/CNIO Nurse Executive Leadership Task Force, and is a member of two Dean’s Advisory Boards for Schools of Nursing in the US. Molly was recently appointed to the National Institute of Nursing Research Board of Directors. Find her on Twitter @MSFTMollyRN and Nurses for Microsoft in Health.