In this episode of The Missing Piece, host April Reed sits down with IT leader Steve Howard to explore how technology leadership goes far beyond systems, networks, and infrastructure. 

Steve shares his unconventional journey into IT, how his background in psychology shaped his leadership style, and why building strong teams is the foundation of successful technology organizations. 

From supporting healthcare systems to navigating complex technical environments, this conversation highlights a powerful truth: the best technology leaders understand people first. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• How Steve Howard transitioned from psychology into IT leadership

• Why people skills matter just as much as technical skills in IT

• The challenges of leading teams in complex, high-stakes environments  • Building strong processes and developing technical talent 

Whether you're in healthcare IT, technology leadership, or simply interested in how great teams are built, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, service, and purpose. 

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping healthcare, technology, and innovation. 

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• Subscribe for weekly episodes:  ⁠https://hubs.li/Q03RJW4g0⁠
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• Sponsored by EHR Concepts - ⁠ https://ehrconcepts.com/⁠
• Learnista -   ⁠https://learnista.com/⁠

⁠#ITLeadership #HealthcareIT #LeadershipPodcast #TechLeadership #HealthcareTechnology #LeadershipDevelopment #DigitalHealth #ITManagement #TheMissingPiecePodcast #HealthcareInnovation

Dr. Feldman shares his journey into medicine, his years in academic leadership at NYU Langone Medical Center, and the moment he realized something important was missing in the way rare conditions were being treated.

Today, he focuses on highly specialized orthopedic care, working with patients from across the United States and around the world. In this conversation, he discusses the importance of deep expertise, the challenges of diagnosing rare conditions, and what it takes to truly make a difference in patients’ lives.

This episode also explores the role of mentorship, the value of specialized centers of excellence, and the lessons Dr. Feldman has learned after decades of treating some of the most complex orthopedic cases.

If you’re interested in healthcare innovation, rare diseases, orthopedic surgery, or the human side of medicine, this conversation offers a thoughtful look into the dedication required to transform patient care.

Follow & Connect

-Dr. David Feldman - LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-s-feldman-md/⁠

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#MissingPiecePodcast #OrthopedicSurgery #RareDiseases #RareConditions #SpineSurgery #HipDysplasia #Scoliosis #HealthcarePodcast #MedicalInnovation #PatientStories #HealthcareLeadership #MedicineWithPurpose #DoctorsWhoInspire #HealthcareEducation #PaleyInstitute

In this episode of The Missing Piece, April Reed sits down with Teresa Harbour, Chief Operating Officer at the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP), to discuss the #1 deficiency impacting home health and hospice agencies today—and what it means for patient care nationwide.

From her beginnings as a 21-year-old hospice nurse singing Christmas carols for patients in their final days to leading accreditation efforts across the country, Teresa shares powerful lessons on quality, compliance, and the future of care.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The most common compliance gap agencies face
• Why individualized plans of care continue to be missed
• How the 4Ms Framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) is improving outcomes
• How age-friendly care reduced deficiencies from 33% to 6%
• The role of AI in hospice and home health
• Why more healthcare is moving into the home

If you care about quality, compliance, operational excellence, or the future of home-based healthcare, this conversation is for you.

Resources from CHAP:

• CHAP
• Age-Friendly Care Accreditation Program
• Age-Friendly Care Flyer

Follow the conversation:

• Subscribe for weekly episodes: The Missing Piece Podcast
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Sponsored by:

• EHR Concepts
• Learnista

Listen and subscribe for more conversations on healthcare leadership and innovation.

#HomeHealth #HospiceCare #HealthcareLeadership #AgeFriendlyCare #HealthcareCompliance #AIinHealthcare #NursingLeadership #CareAtHome #HealthcareInnovation

They burn out because they can’t care for patients the way they want to. 

In this episode of The Missing Piece, April Reed sits down with Joshua Todd, Vice President of Operations at DPI Anesthesia, to talk about what it truly takes to scale healthcare operations without losing the heart of patient care. 

We discuss: 

• The real drivers of healthcare burnout

• Operational inefficiencies inside hospitals

• Revenue cycle realities and financial sustainability

• How AI can support (not replace) providers

• What true leadership looks like in high-pressure environments 

Joshua shares practical examples of reducing opioid utilization, improving operational efficiency, and leading teams without micromanaging — all while keeping patient care at the center. 

If you’re a healthcare executive, clinician, operator, or aspiring leader, this conversation will resonate. 

Follow the conversation:

Subscribe for weekly episodes:⁠⁠ https://hubs.li/Q03RJW4g0  ⁠⁠

Follow April on LinkedIn:⁠⁠  / april-reed-82259711   ⁠⁠

Sponsored by EHR Concepts - ⁠⁠https://ehrconcepts.com⁠⁠  

Learnista - ⁠⁠https://learnista.com/⁠⁠

Listen and subscribe for more conversations on healthcare leadership and innovation. 

#HealthcareLeadership #HealthcareOperations #AIinHealthcare #HealthcareBurnout #LeadershipDevelopment #HealthcareInnovation #RevenueCycleManagement #HealthcarePodcast

In this episode of The Missing Peace, host April Reed speaks with Dr. Qays Munir, board-trained psychiatrist and Medical Director at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates. 

Dr. Munir shares his unexpected journey from leaving Boston University to completing medical school in Pakistan, matching into residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, and stepping into a leadership role within a large outpatient behavioral health practice. 

This conversation covers: 

• Dr. Munir’s unconventional path into medicine and psychiatry  • Lessons from addiction and outpatient mental health training

• What high-quality mental health care should prioritize today

• The importance of therapeutic alliance in patient outcomes

• Boston Neurobehavioral Associates’ inclusive insurance philosophy

• Real-world uses of AI in psychiatry and practice operations

• Leadership challenges when scaling a clinical organization  • Advice for future physicians and mental health leaders 

Whether you’re a medical student, clinician, healthcare leader, or simply interested in behavioral health, this episode offers grounded insight into modern psychiatry, technology, and persistence in a demanding field. 

Follow the conversation:  

Subscribe for weekly episodes:⁠ https://hubs.li/Q03RJW4g0 

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Learnista - ⁠https://learnista.com/⁠  

If this conversation inspired you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone in healthcare or technology who needs to hear it.  

#Psychiatry #MentalHealthCare #BehavioralHealth #HealthcareLeadership #TherapeuticAlliance #AIinHealthcare #ClinicalWorkflows #MedicalDirector #OutpatientCare #PhysicianJourney

Episode Highlights

• From Bedside to Leadership: Patrick shares his unconventional journey into nursing informatics, beginning in emergency departments and evolving into enterprise-wide informatics leadership.
• More Than Just Technology: Informatics is ultimately about supporting nurses, improving workflows, and enabling better clinical decision-making through data.
• Translating IT and Clinical Worlds: Patrick discusses the persistent disconnect between IT and clinical staff, highlighting why informatics professionals are essential translators between the two.
• Optimizing the EHR: Insights into the challenges nurses face with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), the importance of thoughtful system design and training, and how informatics improves outcomes for both clinicians and patients.
• Informatics in Senior & Post-Acute Care: A look at the growing importance of this specialty in senior living, where technology adoption has traditionally lagged behind acute care.
• The Future of Healthcare Tech & AI: Patrick shares his perspective on the future, including the responsible use of AI to support preventative care, such as identifying early indicators of fall risk.

This conversation highlights the vital importance of collaboration, education, and clinician-led technology in creating better systems of care—and why nursing informatics is a key piece of healthcare’s future.

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• EHR Concepts – ehrconcepts.com
• Learnista – learnista.com

If this conversation inspired you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone in healthcare or technology who needs to hear it!

#ClinicalInformatics #NursingInformatics #HealthcareInformatics #HealthcareIT #EHR #EHRTraining #HealthcareLeadership #NursingLeadership #HealthcareTechnology #HealthcareSystems #ClinicalWorkflow #InformaticsNursing #NurseInformaticist #AIinHealthcare #Telehealth #SeniorLiving #HealthcareEducation #HealthcarePodcast #TheMissingPiecePodcast

In this episode of The Missing Piece, April Reed sits down with Jason Stradley, a four-time Chief Information Security Officer and current CISO at Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network.

Jason shares his unconventional path into cybersecurity, the lessons he learned through failure, and why the strongest security programs are built on people, process, and operational awareness—not just tools.

Drawing on experience across consulting, startups, and healthcare nonprofits, Jason explains how leaders can turn cyber risk into action, align security with business priorities, and build resilient programs that support critical healthcare operations.

In this episode:
• Jason’s journey to becoming a CISO
• Cybersecurity leadership in healthcare
• The importance of process over technology
• Cyber risk, patient safety, and operations
• AI, phishing, and emerging threats
• Building a strong security culture
• Communicating risk to leadership

Who should listen:
Healthcare executives, board members, CIOs, CISOs, IT leaders, risk and compliance professionals, and anyone interested in healthcare cybersecurity and innovation.

Subscribe for weekly episodes: https://hubs.li/Q03RJW4g0

Follow April on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-reed-82259711/

Sponsored by:
EHR Concepts – https://ehrconcepts.com
Learnista – https://learnista.com

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone in healthcare or technology.

#CybersecurityLeadership #HealthcareCybersecurity #CISO #HealthcareIT #CyberRisk #CyberResilience #InformationSecurity #SecurityCulture #HealthcareLeadership #HealthcareInnovation

Dr. Gil shares her journey into eating disorder treatment, her work supporting adolescents and adults, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. She breaks down how evidence-based therapies like CBT-E, multidisciplinary care teams, and relational trust form the foundation of effective treatment — not just symptom management. 

The conversation also explores one of today’s most pressing questions: Can AI replace therapy? 

Dr. Gil offers a nuanced, honest perspective on how AI can sometimes help people take a first step toward care — while also explaining why true healing still requires human connection, presence, and collaboration. 

If you or someone you love is navigating an eating disorder, mental health challenges, or feeling unsure where to begin, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and real resources to help you take that next step. 

Topics covered: 

• Eating disorder recovery & holistic treatment 

• Why multidisciplinary care saves lives 

• AI in mental health: benefits vs. risks 

• Identity, isolation, and healing 

• How to find help (even if you’re not near Duke) 

Resources mentioned:  National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): ⁠https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org⁠

You are not alone — and help is closer than you think. 

#TheMissingPiecePodcast #MentalHealthMatters #EatingDisorderRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychologyPodcast #DukeHealth #TherapyWorks #AIinHealthcare #HolisticHealing #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalWellbeing #HealthcareLeadership #EvidenceBasedCare #HumanConnection

In this episode of The Missing Piece Podcast, April Reed sits down with Dr. David Saintsing, emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, and CEO of Ikigai Health Institute, to explore what modern medicine can—and should—look like.

After more than 25 years on the front lines of emergency care, Dr. Saintsing recognized a troubling reality: heart attacks, strokes, and chronic diseases rarely happen suddenly. They develop quietly over decades. The challenge isn't a lack of caring physicians—it's a healthcare system designed to treat illness rather than detect risk early and prevent disease before it begins.

In this conversation, Dr. Saintsing discusses:

• Why reactive "sick care" often misses the risks that matter most
• The genetic and metabolic blind spots traditional checkups can overlook
• What longevity medicine looks like in practice
• How Ikigai serves as a clinical framework, not just a philosophy
• The growing role of AI and wearable technology in proactive health
• The leadership challenge of balancing control and trust while building a company

Dr. Saintsing also shares his personal wake-up call as both physician and patient, and explains why extending health span—not just lifespan—is becoming increasingly important for leaders, clinicians, and individuals alike.

This episode is for healthcare professionals, founders, executives, and anyone who has ever been told, "You're fine," while knowing something felt off.

Because the future of medicine isn't just about living longer. It's about living well—with intention.

Connect with Dr. Saintsing:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-saintsing-md/

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#Longevity #PreventiveMedicine #HealthcareLeadership #ExecutiveHealth #Ikigai #AIinHealthcare #Wearables #ChronicDisease #FutureOfMedicine #TheMissingPiecePodcast #HealthSpan #ProactiveHealth #Entrepreneurship #PhysicianLeadership #Wellness

Together, April and Dr. Neal explore: 

• How food access, cost, and education shape health outcomes 

• What physicians must unlearn about obesity and prevention 

• How AI is already improving documentation, access, and care coordination 

• What it means to truly partner with patients over time 

• How community transforms behavior change 

• The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

Subscribe for more conversations uncovering what healthcare is missing and how to fix it. 

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#TheMissingPiecePodcast #DrAmyNeal #ReimaginingHealth #PreventiveCare #HealthcareReimagined #PhysicianLeadership #PatientEmpowerment #Wellness2026 #CommunityHealth

Artificial intelligence has been in healthcare longer than most people realize — but only now are we seeing its true potential.

In this episode of The Missing Piece Podcast, host April Reed sits down with Nick Yaitsky, Chief AI Officer and a leading voice in healthcare digital transformation, to unpack what it really takes to turn AI ambition into measurable impact.

Together, they explore:

-Why AI is a productivity tool — not a replacement for clinicians

-The biggest mistakes healthcare organizations make when adopting AI -How to automate “digital paper” workflows that drain time and energy

-Where healthcare leaders can find the fastest, lowest-risk AI wins

-The future of transparent, ambient, and predictive healthcare technology

-How trust — not technology — determines AI adoption

Connect with Nick:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickyaitsky/⁠

Follow the conversation:

Subscribe for weekly episodes: ⁠https://hubs.li/Q03RJW4g0 ⁠

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#HealthcareAI #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #AIinHealthcare #PhysicianBurnout #HealthTech #HealthcareLeadership #Interoperability #PatientCare #FutureOfHealthcare

With nearly two decades of experience modernizing infrastructures, leading high-performing teams, and delivering millions in organizational value, George reveals the missing pieces that hold healthcare organizations back — and how to fix them. 

Together, we dive into: 
-The REAL reasons healthcare systems struggle with technology and adoption 
-How standardized workflows can unlock massive efficiency and reduce burnout 
-The truth about AI in healthcare: opportunity, risk, and what leaders must do now 
-Why training is one of the most overlooked strategic levers in organizational success 
-The rise of the vCIO / Field CTO and why outside counsel is becoming essential 
-How leaders and students can stay relevant in the AI era by being curious and courageous. 

Whether you're a healthcare executive, IT leader, clinician, or rising professional, this episode will help you rethink the future of healthcare, leadership, and innovation. 

 Key Takeaways 
• Standardization isn’t optional — it’s the foundation for scalable growth 
• AI is not just hype; it's the next major revolution in operational efficiency 
• Training is the missing link between technology potential and actual outcomes 
• Every organization needs governance, guardrails, and a strategic AI roadmap 
• Being curious and courageous is the fastest way to thrive in a changing world 
• Leaders cannot do it alone — external perspective is becoming a strategic necessity 

Connect with George LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-adair-mba-3478549/

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If this conversation inspired you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone in healthcare or technology who needs to hear it.

#TheMissingPiecePodcast #HealthcareIT #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #HealthTech #HealthcareLeadership #HealthcareTraining #EMR #EHR #FutureOfHealthcare #HospitalTechnology #LeadershipPodcast #TechInHealthcare #ClinicalWorkflows #HealthcareTransformation

In this episode of The Missing Peace Podcast, April sits down with Dr. Lisa Fort — Assistant Chief Medical Information Officer, System Chief Officer over Ochsner’s Virtual Care Center, Senior Emergency Medicine Physician, and leader in digital innovation.

From Hurricane Katrina to AI-powered virtual care, her story reveals where healthcare is headed next. You’ll learn:

-Her powerful origin story from small-town Louisiana to emergency medicine

-How Hurricane Katrina shaped her mission and passion for patient care

-Why AI is restoring trust between clinicians and technology

-What virtual nursing, virtual EDs, and ambient intelligence mean for patient care

-How EHRs and informatics transformed healthcare — and what comes next

-The real impact AI will have on care delivery in the next 12 months

-How she leads technology adoption, training, and quality improvement across teams

-The biggest problems in healthcare she’s solving next

Whether you're a healthcare leader, clinician, technologist, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the transformations happening right now.

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April on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-reed-82259711/

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#emergencymedicine #HealthcareInnovation #VirtualCare #DigitalHealth #ClinicalInformatics #ArtificialIntelligence #EHR #OchsnerHealth #FutureOfHealthcare #HealthcareLeadership

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a healthcare professional, or someone supporting aging parents, this episode offers clarity, direction, and insight into one of the fastest-growing industries of 2025. 

🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• How Mark transitioned from investment banking into senior care 

• Why the demand for senior care is exploding in 2025 and beyond 

• The role Senior Care Authority plays as a “quarterback” for families 

• Why emotional intelligence matters more than certifications 

• How to build a successful senior care franchise 

• The real impact of AI in caregiving (and what it can’t replace) 

• The biggest challenges facing families and caregivers today 

• Mark’s leadership lessons and advice for future senior care entrepreneurs 

💡 "You can’t replace real people making a real impact." 

📍 Chapters 

00:00 — Introduction to Senior Care with Mark Molnar  01:13 — Mark’s Journey and His Father’s Story  06:33 — Understanding Senior Care Authority  09:30 — Why Senior Care Demand Is Rising  12:22 — Training & Empowering Franchisees  16:47 — Challenges in Today’s Senior Care Landscape  21:55 — The Role of AI in Caregiving  26:32 — Future Vision of Senior Care Authority  28:27 — Operational Excellence in Franchising  33:25 — Final Thoughts & Leadership Insights 

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#TheMissingPiecePodcast #MarkMolnar #AprilReed #SeniorCareAuthority #SeniorCare #CaregivingSupport #HealthcareLeadership #FranchisingBusiness #AgingParents #DigitalTransformation #AIinHealthcare #SeniorLiving #HealthcareInnovation #CaregivingJourney #SeniorCareIndustry

Whether you’re a healthcare leader, a tech professional, or someone curious about the future of digital transformation, this episode is packed with insight, clarity, and direction.

🎙️What You’ll Learn in this episode:

-How Shane transitioned from clinical care into healthcare IT leadership

-Why relationships are the foundation of successful digital transformation

-How to turn IT from a “department of no” into a strategic partner

-The mindset needed to build a culture of learning and adaptability

-What it means to balance innovation with day-to-day operational excellence

-How AI is reshaping the future of healthcare IT

-Today’s biggest cybersecurity challenges

-Shane’s personal leadership lessons and advice for future leaders

💡 "Learning is a constant evolution."

📍Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Shane Pilcher's Journey

02:51 – The Importance of Relationships in Healthcare IT

05:17 – Transforming IT from a Department of No to a Team Player

07:48 – Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Adaptation

10:15 – Balancing Innovation and Operational Excellence

12:58 – Celebrating Patient Success and Impactful Leadership

15:18 – The Future of Healthcare IT and AI

18:08 – Cybersecurity Challenges in Rapidly Evolving Technology

20:26 – Personal Growth and Leadership Development

23:01 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Leaders

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#TheMissingPiecePodcast #ShanePilcher #AprilReed #HealthcareLeadershipStories #PurposeDrivenLeadership #HealthcareIT #DigitalTransformation #HealthTech #HospitalLeadership #HealthcareInnovation #CybersecurityInHealthcare #AIFuture #HealthcareAI #CIOLeadership

🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How AI is reshaping podcasting and healthcare operations

- Why mentorship is key to leadership growth

- The importance of training and communication in successful transformation

- How understanding the “why” behind processes can boost engagement and compliance

- What healthcare leaders should focus on to prepare for the future of healthcare

💡 “Transforming healthcare requires more than technology—it requires people who care.”

📍 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI in Podcasting

03:01 The Missing Piece Podcast Concept

05:53 Wayne Gillis: A Journey in Healthcare

08:57 Leadership and Mentorship in Healthcare

11:49 Transforming Healthcare Organizations

14:51 The Role of Training in Healthcare

18:02 The Future of Healthcare and AI

20:53 Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Leaders

🔗 Follow the conversation: Subscribe for weekly episodes: ⁠https://hubs.li/Q03RJW4g0⁠

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EHR Concepts - ⁠https://ehrconcepts.com⁠

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#HealthcareLeadership #AIPodcast #TheMissingPiece #EHRConcepts #FutureOfHealthcare #TrainingAndDevelopment #Mentorship #HealthcareTransformation #WayneGillis #AprilReed