Mavericks in Healthcare: Chronicles of Innovation

What if pediatric care were designed around families first — not systems, incentives, or billing complexity? In this episode, Chris Johnson, Founder & CEO of Bluebird Kids Health, joins Mavericks in Healthcare to unpack how value‑based care can transform pediatric outcomes while making care more affordable, accessible, and sustainable — even for the most complex populations. Chris shares why pediatrics has historically lagged behind adult care in value‑based models, what it truly takes to serve Medicaid populations at scale, and how Bluebird is rethinking everything from clinic design to care teams to better support children, families, and clinicians alike. Drawing on lessons from scaling prior value‑based care organizations, he breaks down what healthcare leaders often underestimate when building for equity, trust, and long‑term impact. The conversation also explores the role of technology and AI in simplifying care delivery — not adding burden — and how thoughtful, human‑centered design can improve experience while driving measurable outcomes and cost savings. This episode offers a practical, real‑world blueprint for health system leaders, payers, and innovators focused on improving pediatric care delivery without compromising quality, access, or clinician well‑being. If you're interested in the future of value‑based care, pediatric innovation, or building healthcare models that truly work for families, this is a must‑listen.

Healthcare is undergoing profound transformation, and few leaders have had a closer view of that evolution than Kelly Hancock, Executive Vice President, Chief Caregiver Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at Cleveland Clinic. With more than 30 years of experience—from bedside nursing to executive leadership—Kelly reflects on the moments that shaped her purpose and the mission-driven culture she champions today. In this episode, Kelly unpacks the most critical issues impacting healthcare right now: workforce shortages, caregiver burnout, retention, resilience, and the shifting expectations of today's clinical workforce. She highlights innovative programs like peer support networks, holistic wellbeing initiatives, and apprenticeship pathways that are redefining how health systems attract, support, and grow talent. Looking ahead, Kelly explores the role of emerging technologies—including AI, predictive analytics, and clinical command centers—in enhancing operations while preserving human-centered care. Her insights offer a clear, grounded vision for what the future of caregiving should look like—and how leaders can build stronger, more connected teams in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Dr. Eric Bricker, an internal-medicine physician and entrepreneur behind AHealthcareZ and Compass, breaks down how incentives and finance shape care. He discusses why healthcare feels opaque, the damage from misaligned insurance and billing, and how transparency, stronger primary care, and smarter tech can shift the system. Short, vivid explanations cut through complexity and point to where change matters most.

Technology and AI are reshaping the future of medical imaging and patient care. In this episode, hosts Asher Perzigian and Ajay Mody speak with Elan Adler, Founder and CEO of OneImaging, about how AI-driven diagnostics are improving accuracy, access, and affordability in radiology. Elan shares how OneImaging was founded to address the cost and complexity that hold back vital care, and how their platform brings clarity, connection, and care back to medical imaging. The conversation covers OneImaging's innovative approach to orchestrating imaging appointments nationwide, steering patients to the right scan, at the right site, for the right price. Listeners will learn how OneImaging leverages real-time AI decision support, seamless image sharing, and frictionless onboarding to make diagnostics affordable, accessible, and personal. Key topics include the impact of automation on healthcare workflows, the importance of transparency and patient choice, and the role of accreditation and advanced equipment in ensuring high-quality care. The episode also explores industry trends like direct-pay models and value-based care, offering insights for professionals and patients navigating a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, hosts Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian welcome Journey's CEO, Andrew Zimmerman, and Managing Director, David Taglione, for a conversation on how the intersection of design, storytelling, and technology is redefining the patient experience. They explore the creation of immersive and adaptive environments, showing how digital innovation—from AI to virtual simulations—can make care settings more engaging and responsive. Andy and David share their philosophy of starting with a compelling story and collaborating across disciplines to challenge traditional approaches. They highlight how integrating technology with human-centered design can foster connection, reduce anxiety, and turn routine moments into memorable experiences. Listeners will discover practical ideas for leveraging creativity and technology to enhance care environments, understand why experience design is essential for innovation, and be inspired by new possibilities for the future of patient experience.

Join Steve Wolin, CEO of Gravie, a health benefits innovator specializing in ICHRA, as he discusses transforming healthcare for small and mid-sized businesses. He explains Gravie's defined-contribution model and level-funded plans that enhance affordability. Steve highlights the impressive member impact of the Comfort plan, offering zero-cost primary care. He also addresses challenges in small-business adoption and shares insights on how Gravie's service-driven approach differentiates it in the market, ultimately advocating for consumer control in healthcare.

In this episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, Adam Dole, Co-Founder and COO of Bento, reveals how his team is using technology and human-centered design to tackle food insecurity and chronic disease. He explains how Bento's curated grocery delivery, health coaching, and data-driven engagement are helping vulnerable populations access better nutrition and improve their health outcomes. Adam also shares the importance of integrating social determinants of health and building strong partnerships to create lasting change. Listeners will gain insights into the role of AI and tech in scaling impact, the challenges and opportunities in Medicaid innovation, and the future of food as medicine and personalized care. The conversation highlights how breaking down silos and restoring dignity are essential for advancing community health, and why compassionate, scalable solutions are needed to address the most pressing issues in healthcare today.

In this episode, Ajay Mody and Asher Perzigian sit down with Sangeeta Bardhan Cook, Chief Innovation Officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center and SVP of Commercialization Strategy and Business Development at Temple Health. Together, they explore how to close the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world patient care, using scientific expertise and strategic leadership to drive innovation in oncology and diagnostics. The conversation dives into how hospitals and research institutions are collaborating with startups and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate new ideas. Topics include scalable therapies, precision diagnostics, and the thoughtful application of AI—from early-stage research to clinical use cases like MRI interpretation and protein folding. Listeners will also gain insight into the collaborative spirit of academic medicine, the complexities of commercialization, and the importance of nurturing early-stage innovation despite market pressures. This episode offers a compelling look at how curiosity, collaboration, and strategic thinking are reshaping the future of healthcare.

In this episode, Dr. Matt Lundgren—physician, researcher, and Chief Scientific Officer at Microsoft Health & Life Sciences—shares how generative AI is transforming healthcare. From ambient documentation tools like Dragon Copilot to breakthroughs in multimodal model training, he explores how innovation is closing the gap between possibility and practice. Dr. Lundgren discusses how AI is streamlining workflows, reducing burnout, and improving care. He highlights the need to better process non-textual data like imaging and genomics, and stresses the importance of accessible AI education and ethical deployment. Whether you're a clinician, technologist, or healthcare leader, this episode offers a grounded yet visionary look at the future of healthcare.

In this special episode of Mavericks in Healthcare, we sit down with Mark Sevco, an executive in transition, as he embarks on a new chapter as President and CEO of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), part of Highmark Health. With decades of leadership experience across major health systems like UPMC and Sutter Health, Mark shares his vision, strategy, and mindset as he returns to his hometown of Pittsburgh to lead a transformative journey in healthcare. This episode offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal career transition—we catch Mark just as he steps away from his role as COO at Sutter Health and begins his new chapter at AHN. He shares his 30-60-90 day plan, emphasizes the power of listening and learning, and outlines his commitment to fostering a culture of operational excellence and coordinated care. Then, 90 days later, we reconnect to hear how that plan unfolded. Mark reflects on the early wins, the cultural shifts underway, and how he's leveraging AI, data, and technology to drive value-based care and population health. He also shares insights on leadership, team building, and the bold vision behind Highmark's Living Health Model. Whether you're a healthcare leader, an innovator, or simply passionate about the future of care, this episode explores the intersection of culture, strategy, innovation, and purpose.